Datasets:

saheedniyi

/

naijaweb

like 31

October 29, 2022 by The Nation CBN, NMfB sweep debtors’ accounts to recover loans •Offer restructuring window to defaulters The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in conjunction with the NIRSAL Microfinance Bank, (NMFB) has started recovering their loans from Nigerians. Yesterday, many Nigerians started receiving debit alerts from their phones by mid-afternoon. The buzz was all over the place that the NMFB had started recovering facilities granted to Nigerians under the Targeted Credit Facility (TCF) and the Agric, Small and Medium Enterprise Scheme (AGSMEIS). Although the recovery exercise had been in the offing for a while following threats by the CBN and NMFB, many beneficiaries of the loan were shocked at the sums harvested from their accounts. The beneficiaries of the COVID-19 TCF and AGSMEIS facilities had their accounts placed on Global Standing Instruction (GSI). The Global Standing Instruction (“GSI”) is a mandate authorising the recovery of due loan obligations from any and all deposit accounts maintained by a defaulting borrower with other banks other than the creditor bank. One of the beneficiaries of the facilities, Mr. Kuma, cried out saying, “Why are they sweeping everything in people’s account?” Ms Elizabeth Christopher said her children’s bank account was swept clean with only a balance of N657.14 left their account, with a note saying “GSI Recovery”. Also targeted for loan recovery are defaulters of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), some of whom have already had their accounts debited. In August 2022, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) authorised NIRSAL Microfinance Bank to recover N5,840,450,992.08 non-performing loans from eight agric businesses who got loans under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP). The Anchor Borrowers’ Programme is intended to create a linkage between anchor companies involved in processing and small holder farmers (SHFs) of the required key agricultural commodities. Under the TCF Household programme, 639,197 individuals received credit facilities valued at N258,167,332,386.38 while the SME component of the facility witnessed 112,921 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) receiving loans valued at N112,203,609,105.94. TCF Household beneficiaries received as little as N250,000 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to buy food and sustain themselves. Many beneficiaries lost their jobs and many more are still unemployed. Mr. Philip Yila, Director Development Finance Department of the CBN, during the post Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), had vowed that “every single person who has taken that loan is going to pay. We have their BVN. In fact, we have started implementing the Global Standing Instruction (GSI)”. “We will continue to poll the account in the bank that they lent to or whichever bank that they have account. Anytime we see money in that account, we will recover it.” A source at the NIRSAL MFB (NMFB) told The Nation yesterday that defaulting beneficiaries of the facilities can walk into NMfB branches to restructure their loans. The restructuring, the source said, will involve agreeing with the bank on when to start repayment and the amount affected debtors can afford to repay at agreed but convenient time.

https://thenationonlineng.net/cbn-nmfb-sweep-debtors-accounts-to-recover-

en

…Okwukwu’s faction elects Chidi Ibeh ..Umahi, Iwuanyanwu, Wabara, Anya,Obi of Onitsha, others in Owerri …Uzodimma, Umahi, Nwodo, Igariwey chart way forward for Ndigbo …Any election after January 9, illegal —Ozobu By Clifford Ndujihe, Chinonso Alozie, & Ugochukwu Alaribe AFTER weeks of controversies, former Nigeria Ambassador to the United States, Professor George Obiozor, yesterday, emerged as the new President -General of Ohanaeze , succeeding John Nnia Nwodo. Obiozor won the election conducted by the election committee led by Gary Enwo Igariwey, set up by Nwodo. The election was held at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri. After Goddy Uwazurike and Eze Chukwuyere Nwebo stepped down, Obiozor polled an unassailable 304 votes to beat two other contenders- Uju Okoro (three votes), and Valentine Oparaocha (15 votes) For the position of the Deputy Vice President, Obi Nwali was returned unopposed while Okey Egbuche emerged as secretary-general just as Beatrice Eze emerged unopposed as treasurer. Other executive members are Batholomew Okere (financial secretary), and Alex Ogbonna (national publicity secretary. However, the Obiozor team has a parallel exco to contend with in the battle for the soul of the Igbo apex organisation. On Saturday, a former commissioner in Imo State, Engr, Chidi Ibeh, MFR. was reportedly elected in Enugu as President-General in the election organised by the Prince Richard Ozobu-led election committee raised by the former embattled Secretary-General, Uche Okwukwu, who incidentally was elected deputy president general. Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro emerged as secretary general. Ozobu reportedly told reporters that the election was held in Enugu in compliance with COVID-19 protocols. Umahi, Iwuanyanwu, Wabara, Anya, Obi of Onitsha, others storm Owerri The Ohanaeze election in Owerri attracted a host of Igbo leaders. Apart from Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is the host governor, also in attendance was Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, leading Igbo politicians as well as religious leaders. Among them were Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu; Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige; Nnia Nwodo; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe; Emmanuel Iwuanyawu; Minister of state for Mines and Development, Uche Ogah; former Governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim; Senator Osita Izunaso; former Deputy Governor of Anambra State,Emeka Sibeudu; Archbishop of Anglican Diocese of Enugu State, Chukwuma Okoh; Senator Andy Ubah; and former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro. There were also former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator Sam Egwu; Senator Ben Obi; Chekwas Okorie, former Senate President, Chief Adolphus Wabara, elder statesmen, Professor Anya O Anya and Chief Guy Ikokwu. Uzodimma, Umahi, Nwodo, Igariwey speak Welcoming the delegates, Governor Uzodimma said: “I am here to welcome the Igbo people who have come to elect new leadership of Igbo. I thank the governors of the Igboland. I am happy because I can see a new order. “I am here because the Igbo have been challenged that they cannot work together and now we have to get it right. In all, I speak prophetically, that today is a day for the change. The only reason we have been behind is because the spirit of togetherness is lacking. We have to go back to our root and know what to do. In Imo state, we have done something that will provide a smooth transition.” Adding his voice, Governor Umahi said: “Let me first thank God Almighty for today’s event. I also commend Igbo leaders for making this event happen today. I commend the outgoing President-General of Ohanaeze, Chief Nnia Nwodo. “Whatever is the outcome of the election process the governors of the South-East will stand by it. I advice those who will emerge winners and losers that we are one. “Those who will emerge victorious, you have a very big task of educating our people especially working for the oneness and unity of Nigeria. “My dear brother, Hope Uzodimma, the love I have for you is the level of love you have shown for Ndigbo. We, the governors of the South-East are one. We the South-East leaders will organize a get together for Nwodo, on what he has done for us the Igbo people to show appreciation.” Nwodo said: “I thank you for the opportunity you gave us to serve. Lopsidedness in the appointments in this country have affected the development of the Igbo land, that is why we are championing the restructuring of Nigeria. “We urge the new leadership to continue with the constitutional amendment of the Ohanaeze, and achieve the aim of improving the organisation. “I want to say that discordant voices do not mean well for the Igbo. I appeal to our Igbo brothers to sheathe their swords and let us move ala Igbo forward.” On his part, Igariewey, said: “This committee is to save the Igbo Nation and to show the outside world that we are capable of running a credible election.” Any election after January 9, illegal —Ozobu Speaking on the Imo election where Obiozor emerged as Ohanaeze leader, Prince Richard Ozobu, said any election conducted after January 9, 2021 is illegal, null and void. Ozobu, in an interview with Vanguard, said his electoral committee had conducted elections into the various offices in the local, state and national executive committees of Ohanaeze on January 9, in Enugu, and urged Igbo people to support the new executives who emerged from the Enugu election. The Ohanaeze chieftain explained that the tenure of the Chief Nnia Nwodo-led national executive committee expired on the midnight of January 9, 2021, as it was elected on January 10, 2020. He insisted that the Chief Gary Enwo Igariwey led electoral committee set up by Nwodo had no right to conduct any election on January 10, as the tenure of the executive committee who inaugurated it had expired. His words: “The life of an ad-hoc committee can’t go beyond the tenure of the executive committee that set it up. The tenure of Chief Nnia Nwodo led executive committee expired on the midnight of January 9th. They were elected on January 10, 2017. Therefore, it follows that the Gary Enwo Igariwey electoral committee he set up no longer has the right to conduct a lawful election. “Electoral committee is an ad-hoc committee. Any ad-hoc committee set up by Nwodo has expired with his tenure. Those purporting to organize another election can’t legally do so because it is out of time. No valid election can be held in Ohanaeze after the midnight of January 9th. Anybody purporting to organize any election after January 9th is acting illegally according to the law.” Asked about the venue of the election, eminent personalities who attended and whether his committee secured the support of the Governors of the seven Igbo-speaking states, Ozobu said nothing in the constitution of Ohanaeze states that the electoral committee must have the support of the governors; stressing that all the stakeholders including the governors made inputs in the issue of delegates to the election and votes cast in line with the law. “The election was conducted in Enugu and those residing outside the city and in Diaspora participated through zoom. You know we have COVID-19 restrictions and you must not run against the law on COVID-19 on the issue of gathering of about 1,000 people, including Ohanaeze delegates from different states, journalists from far and wide as well as observers at a location. We also observed the zoning of the offices among the component states of Ohanaeze which operates a rotational system. The position of president general went to Imo state; the Secretary General to Abia State, etc.’ Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/01/ohanaeze-obiozor-

en

Reigning Nigeria king of speed, Enoch Adegoke chose the biggest stage in sports, the Olympics to join the exclusive club of sub-10 seconds runners after racing home first in 9.98 seconds in his first round heat to qualify for the 100m semifinal at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics. Adegoke who ran a historic 10.00 seconds last month to win the Nigeria 100m title was under pressure to match the impressive performance of Grace Nwokocha in the women’s 100m after both dominated the Nigerian local athletics circuit like never before and the 21 year old lived up to expectations, beating in the process the fastest man in the world this year and seventh fastest of all-time, USA’s Trayvon Brommel who tops the pre-Games world list with the 9.77 seconds he ran last month in Florida, USA. Also through to the semifinal is Ushoritse Itshekiri who placed third in his first round heat while Nigeria’s third entrant in the event, Divine Oduduru was disqualified for false starting. Adegoke has been drawn against the same athletes he defeated, Brommel, Nigeria-born Qatari, Femi Ogunode and Britain’s Zhana Hughes in the second semifinal heat while Itshekiri will run in the first semifinal and has been drawn against four sprinters who have ducked inside 10 seconds this season led by Canadian, Andre De Grasse. Both Nigerians will be looking to become the next duo that will make the final of the event at the games after Davidson Ezinwa and Olapade Adeniken did in the 1990s. Meanwhile Nwokocha failed to advance to the women’s 100m final after finishing fifth in her semifinal heat with another sub- 11.10 seconds performance, the second in two days. The 20 year old performance has been remarkable after becoming the fastest Nigeria based athlete since Mercy Nku ran 11.04 seconds in 1997 in Benin City. In the 100m hurdles Tobi Amusan ran 12.72 seconds to win her first round heat and keep her hope of becoming the second Nigerian to win a sprint hurdles medal at the Olympics after Glory Alozie won a silver medal in Sydney in 2000. The 24 year old has been drawn to run from lane five in the first semifinal heat at 11.45 am (Nigeria time) on Saturday. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/07/tokyo-2020-adegoke-

en

January 6, 2021 by The Nation Forensic analysts to comb Lekki Toll Gate for 21 days By Robert Egbe The Lagos State Judicial Panel of Enquiry and Restitution for Victims of SARS-related abuses and the Lekki Toll Gate shootings of October 20, on Tuesday said forensic experts have been hired to comb the facility. Judge emeritus Doris Okuwobi stated that the analysts paid for by the Lagos State Government, will examine the scene for 21 days. The Nation gathered from experts that the forensic analysts will, among others, search for evidence of live bullets or shells at the toll gate and adjourning roads. The analysis will also be expected to search for evidence of blood from gunshot wounds. The government, Okuwobi explained, paid a “huge amount” for their services. She said: The forensic analysis will clear a lot of issues in the incident of October 20, 2020. “The desire is that the panel will unearth the truth of what happened. The application by the LCC for permission to have access to the toll gate must, therefore, await the outcome of the forensic examination.” The judge emeritus said the experts would have commenced work but for the inaccessibility to a building where the equipment needed by them were kept. She disclosed that the analysts gained access to the building yesterday. The disclosure followed an application by the operators of the Lekki Toll Gate – Lekki Concession Company (LCC), seeking to regain access to the facility. A counsel for the first set of the #EndSARS protesters, Mr Adesina Ogunlana, had told the panel that its enquiries suggested that it would cost no less than N25million for a forensic analysis of the toll gate. Ogunlana’s clients submitted petitions to the panel alleging that men of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army shot at and killed several #EndSARS protesters at the toll gate last October 20, a claim the Army denied. The protesters had on two occasions’ secured adjournments for the purpose of hiring forensic experts to prove their claim that the army fired live bullets at the scene. The lawyer prayed that the toll gate, which has been in the panel’s custody since it began full sitting last October 27, be not released to the LCC, pending the forensic analysis. Granting his prayer, Justice Okuwobi – for the third time since the panel began sitting – declined LCC’s request to retake possession of the facility. The proceedings were the panel’s 23rd sitting and its first upon resumption from the yuletide break. The panel adjourned till January 29 for a report on the outcome of the analysis. As part of a related proceedings, Reddington Hospital, Lekki submitted medical reports of 30 persons who accessed its services during the #EndSARS protests at the Lekki Toll Gate. The hospital’s attendance at the panel followed a summons issued by the panel upon Ogunlana’s application. Ogunlana’s request was based on the premise that the hospital, among several others in Lagos, “played certain roles to qualify as being part of those who can give relevant and useful information to the Panel for use to it purpose as regards the ‘Lekki shootong”’ The tribunal adjourned till January 30 for examination of the hospital’s witnesses.

https://thenationonlineng.net/forensic-analysts-to-comb-lekki-toll-

en

March 10, 2021 by The Nation Wike, Amaechi trade words over alleged corruption By Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of shielding the Minister of Transport, Chibuike Amaechi, from prosecution for allegedly misappropriating proceeds from the sales of some the state assets. The Governor said it was disingenuous for the Federal Government to commission the rehabilitation of a narrow gauge railway from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri at a time when the rest of the world was building a standard gauge railway. Wike spoke during the inauguration of 6.1km long, 7.3m wide Omuihuechi-Omuoko-Omokiri link Road in Aluu Ikwerre Local Government Area on Wednesday. The Governor said it was appalling that the Federal Government had continued to protect Amaechi from prosecution for his alleged inability to account for $308million from the sales of the state-owned power plant and other critical assets when he was Rivers Governor. Wike noted such protection emboldened the Minister to consistently made efforts to undermine the state government by influencing postings of the Commissioner of Police and General Officer Commanding, the Nigerian Army to Rivers State. He said: “People gave you opportunity. You sold our properties, everything. And people are talking in this state because of the government that says they are fighting corruption and protecting people. “You (Amaechi) sold our property for $308million and kept for us $208,000. That is the kind of people parading themselves in government, for a government that says they are fighting corruption, shame.” But Rivers All Progressives Congress (APC) accused Wike of abusing the immunity clause and asked him to go and prove his case in court. The party’s spokesman, Ogbonna Nwuke, said: “It is not the first time that Wike will come up with such wild allegations. “This man talks before he thinks and believes that because he is a governor and enjoys immunity he can say anything against anyone at any time. “The person he is accusing of corruption had a clear agenda and Rivers people know. He had budgets that people could see. He had projects that went through due process. “But the one who is accusing him of corruption hides the budget of the people from the people. And he has the audacity to get into the public space to open his mouth and close as he likes. “Knowing Wike the way I know him right from the time we were appointed at the same time and we served the same government, the first time the EFCC came to Rivers State under the administration of Governor Rotimi Amaechi it was because of Wike. “If he says hate Amaechi is corruption he should go to court. Is the court also protecting Amaechi from prosecution? He set up the Omereji committee, what did the committee find? Nothing. “Yet he continues to parrot his mouth saying anything he likes. Let him go to court and prove it. He is the Head of the government”.

https://thenationonlineng.net/wike-amaechi-trade-words-over-alleged-

en

October 26, 2022 by The Nation We cannot work for Atiku in Benue, says Ortom Benue Governor Samuel Ortom has declared that it would be difficult for stakeholders to work for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in the State. Atiku, he said, has neither spoken against killings by herdsmen in the State nor shown any support for the victims. He said it would be impossible for Benue voters to back such a candidate or for PDP chieftains to market him in the State. Ortom spoke on Wednesday while addressing Jemgbah Youths Group under the aegis of Jemgbah Youth Support Group JYSG, who came to endorse him for the senate 2023. He said: ” I condemned what Atiku said. He is seeking to be President of Nigeria and not Fulani alone. So, he must not seek to please Fulani alone, he must work with everyone. “From the body language of Atiku in Kaduna, he is telling us now that he will come and continue with the killings, carnage and displacement of Benue people as his Fulani tribe is doing. So, we cannot work for that kind of candidate. “We have been ravaged by flood do you see Atiku visit anyone? The IDPs of 2017. Atiku came here and I suggested to him to visit the camp but he refused. All I did was provide a law to protect my people and have no issue with Fulani a man.” Ortom commended President Muhammadu Buhari for condemning the killings in Gbeji and asked Atiku to borrow a leave from the President, saying that’s how a leader should speak despite political differences. He also demanded a public apology from Atiku for allegedly lying against him. He said at no time did he profile Fulani as killers, saying the killer-herdsmen came from neighbouring countries to wreck havocs in Benue. The Governor said: “I draw the attention of Atiku via a WhatsApp chat over the comment which he profiled me and Atiku apologised. ” I told him (Atiku) to apologise to do it in public because he made the statement against me in public and what he said was unacceptable to me but he refused. ” You cannot undress an elder in public and dress him in the room so he must apologise in public “ He continued: ” I want to put it on record that at no time I told Atiku that some of my people are stealing my cows. He lied against me and it is unbecoming of a presidential candidate to be telling lies.” He added: ” I have not profiled Fulani as bad because it would be illogical fallacy to said all Fulani are bad as I’m working with some Fulani while others are my friends, I have not sent any Fulani away from Benue State. ” But there are Fulani coming from Chad, Niger, and Cameroon to occupy our land, it’s unacceptable and I cannot keep quiet”. He asked Atiku to apologise to Tiv people because he has committed sacrilege against them.

https://thenationonlineng.net/we-cannot-work-for-atiku-in-benue-says-

en

January 5, 2021 by The Nation Fed Govt to disburse N80m to women in Kano, Jigawa By Faith Yahaya, Abuja The Federal Government on Monday revealed that 12,000 women in Kano and Jigawa states will benefit from its ongoing Cash Grant for Rural Women Project. The women are expected to get N20, 000 each. About 8, 000 women in Kano State will benefit from the ongoing project while 4,000 women in Jigawa will benefit from the programme. The beneficiaries, according to the Federal Government, are drawn from the 44 local government areas of Kano State. This was revealed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, during the inaugural ceremony of the project in Kano State. The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Bashir Alkali, stated that the project was introduced last year to sustain the social inclusion agenda of President Buhari’s administration. This is contained in a statement signed by Deputy Director of Information of the ministry, Rhoda Iliya. The minister further explained that the grant is expected to increase income and productive assets of the target beneficiaries. She said: “It is designed to provide a one-off grant to some of the poorest and most vulnerable women in rural and semi-urban areas of the country. “A cash grant of N20, 000 will be disbursed to about 125,000 poor women across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.” She urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the grant to contribute towards improving their living standards. In Jigawa State, over 4,000 women across the 27 local government areas will also benefit from the grant. The minister revealed this while inaugurating the disbursement of the grant in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital. She said: “I have been following your Excellency’s transformational effort and I am confident that with this track record, various projects and programmes implemented by President Buhari’s administration will have the desired impact on lives of the people of Jigawa State.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/fed-govt-to-disburse-n80m-to-women-in-

en

By GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE, BENIN THERE are five Universities operating in Edo state. These are the University of Benin owned by the federal government, Edo State owned Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma and Igbinedion University, Okada near Benin, Benson Idahosa University Benin and Samuel Adegboyega University Ogwa which are privately owned universities. In Uniben, decay is setting in Prof. Tony Afejuku, former Head of Department- English and Literature, radical lecturer, poet, author and former chairman- ASUU UNIBEN Chapter who spoke on the state of infrastructure in the University had this to say, “Our universities are dying and this is what ASUU is fighting for. First, there are no facilities to teach the many students that we are teaching; the classrooms are no classrooms, lecture theatres are no theatres, many of them are too small to accommodate students and needed to be expanded, many of the chairs in the classrooms are broken and no electricity, fans do not work” “In many instances, there are no air conditioners provided for lecturer’s offices as obtained in other parts of the world and as a Professor, I should not teach more than 15 students at a time. I have just returned from abroad and I spoke with some of my colleagues there and they said they never teach more than 35 students in a year to enable them have time for research and teachings. Our colleagues in Nigeria do not go for international conferences yearly unlike our colleagues abroad. So, the lecturers are not being encouraged by the system. If you go to students’ hostels, they have become jungles as a result of the dilapidation there, no good laboratories and candles are being used to conduct experiments. Lack of good accommodation, faculty buildings at AAU, Ekpoma CHAIRMAN of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of AAU, Professor Fred Esumeh who spoke with SATURDAY VANGUARD on the state of infrastructure in the University said, “We deserve a good Auditorium in the University, we need good hostels for the accommodation of our students. We need Faculty buildings because for the 30 years that the University has been in existence, we have only three Faculty buildings, that is, Law, Architecture and Social Sciences”. “We need a Teaching Hospital instead of the MoU with the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital owned by the federal government; a Sports Complex, and Laboratories well equipped. There is a shortage of manpower in the university but we will gradually continue to recruit to meet the National Universities Commission (NUC) minimum standard” However, SATURDAY VANGUARD gathered that a lot is being done in the provision of infrastructure at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma For instance, the TETFUND projects which Prof Cordelia Agbebaku has attracted are: 1. the construction of 3-in-1 300 Capacity Lecture Theatre at Permanent Site, 2. Construction of Faculty of Social Sciences Building Complex at the Permanent Site, 3. Procurement and Supply of 969 Volumes of Books in 26 Subject areas to the University Central Library, 4.Procurement of Brand new Toyota(STD). Bus Ambulance Equipped Medical Facilities at University Health Centre, 5. Procurement of 35 Electronic Library Equipment at Faculty of Clinical Science Library, 6. Procurement of 100KVA/1104C44TA922 at University Central Library, 7. Procurement of Teaching and Research Equipment for the Departments in the College of Medicine, Department of Architecture and Computer Science. Other TETFUND Projects are: 1.Furnishing of the 1000 Capacity Lecture Theatre with Modern theatre seats including reha bilitation of the ceiling and painting at Main Campus, 2. Procurement and installation of Language Laboratory Facilities in the Department of English, Faculty of Arts, 8. Procurement and installation of Furniture and Equipment for the Department of Political Science, 9. Procurement and installation of Furniture, Fittings and Equipment for the Faculty of Law, 10. Procurement of various laboratories works Facilities Equipment for water supply and standby Generators, 11. Construction and Furnishing of Faculty of Arts Office Block and Lecture Halls. What late Prof Festus Iyayi said on the issues Speaking on the state of infrastructure in Nigerian Universities in his last interview with SUNDAY VANGUARD , Late Professor Festus Iyayi said, “ Government set up a committee called the NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE and it went round the Nigerian Universities and what it found was shocking. First, if found that the students – teachers ratio was 1-400 on the average instead of being 1-40. It found out that the classrooms were grossly inadequate and could accommodate only about 30 percent of the number of students that needed to enter those classrooms; they went round and found students standing in their lecture theatres with other students writing on their backs, they found lectures going on under trees in some of the universities, they went to laboratories where they found people using kerosene stoves instead of busen burners to conduct experiments, they found specimens being kept in pure water bottles instead of the appropriate places where such specimens should be kept. They found Chemistry labs without water; they found people doing examinations called theory of practicals and not the practicals and you will imagine what the practical ought to be.” “And when the report was eventually presented to President Goodluck Jonathan at the Federal Executive Council, we understand that Jonathan said that he was embarrassed and did not know that things were all that bad. It was on that basis that they said that this money should be spent. As we speak, the money has not been provided, no intervention has taking place and the academics are tired. We negotiated for three years, 2006-2009, we went on strike in December, 2011 and government apprehended that strike; we signed an MoU in January 2012 and between then and now nothing happened. That is why we are on strike. We are saying, look, rehabilitate the universities. As a reporter you can go around our classrooms and you will see what our classrooms are like. In this era, it is the quality of knowledge that you acquire that will determine the position you occupy in any part of the world. We did this and government did not do anything” “ A Professor came from Bayelsa state recently to the University of Benin, looking for Journals, we went to the Library because we have an e-Library and he could not do anything there because there was no light and for two days, there was no light in the library. If you go round here now, lecturers now have generators for their offices so as to be able to work in their offices, every Department now have two or three generators so as to be able to do their work. Is that what a university should be like? If you go to the students’ hostels, they in sorry state, they live 12 in a room; they are like piggries, like poultries, they now have what they called shut puts, they excrete in polythene bags and throw them through the widows into the fields because there are no toilets. If you come into this building (Faculty building), there are no toilets and if you walked round you will find faeces sometimes in the classrooms because students have no place to use. And it is like that all over Nigerian universities. Academic staff have said enough is enough, we cannot continue to work under these conditions especially when government gave commitment in 2012 that this matter would be addressed and up till now nothing had happened” “And when students leave here, they apply for progammes outside of Nigeria say to the United Kingdom, United States and other countries for their Master Degrees, Phd or other postgraduate programmes and they are told that they cannot be admitted because their degrees are suspect. Shell Company here in Nigeria spent millions of Dollars in re-training graduates, people who have made First Class after they have left the university and when they test them, they found out that they have problems. How can you take an engineer who has not conduct an experiment, all he did was the theory of practical? He does not know how the equipment works. We have said that we cannot continue. If you want a properly educated student population, you have to provide the facilities. That is why ASUU is on strike. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/12/poor-infrastructure-

en

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election Peter Obi says the country needs to tackle the devastating effects of poverty and insecurity in the northern region of Nigeria through agriculture and industrial revolution. Obi said this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau – in Kaduna State – Ambassador Nuhu Bamali as part of his ongoing tour of the North. The LP chieftain lamented that the majority of the vast arable lands in the North are uncultivated while most of the industries in the region have shut down due to lack of political will and inconsistent government economic policies He, however, noted that the current socioeconomic instability in the country requires that all citizens and leaders come together and see how the situation could be salvaged. “The way things are in our country today requires that all of us must get involved in one way or the other. Nigeria has nothing to do with poverty if those of us who are political leaders including my humble self had decided to serve the country Faithfully. Because if we do, Nigeria will have anything to do with poverty. I will always say this anytime I have the opportunity because Nigeria is one of the countries in the world that is blessed with everything that is required,” Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said on Monday. “God created us with a lot of resources, and if those resources are properly put in place, we will pull most poor people out of poverty. Looking at the North, we can make more money from agriculture than we are making from oil. “We have vast uncultivated land in the North which can help pull people out of poverty provide food for Nigeria, provide raw materials for industrialisation, and support export. We need to invest in the North. Insecurity is driven by poverty, the more you pull people out of poverty, the more you reduce Insecurity”.

https://www.channelstv.com/2024/04/08/nigeria-must-invest-heavily-

en

April 27, 2021 by The Nation NERC mulls another electricity tariffs review By John Ofikhenua, Abuja Plans are underway for the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to review tariffs that customers pay to the 11 Distribution Companies (Discos) and to also approve a new capital expenditure (capex) for the energy distributors. The source of discord between the regulator and the DisCos has always been the capital expenditure allowance approved by NERC since the distributors insist that it is too low and has limited their capacity for network expansion. Going by the Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) 2015, the approved average capital expenditure allowance to DisCos remains $12million or roughly N5 billion per DiCco annually. On the other hand, MYTO, is a framework that guides the pricing of electricity in the country and by the rules is supposed to be adjusted twice a year. The commission expressed the readiness for the review on its website yesterday in its notice that it titled “Notice of Minor and Extraordinary Review of Tariffs for Electricity Transmission Distribution Companies”. NERC stated that the latest move was pursuant to the provisions of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) which sets out the methodology and procedures for reviewing electricity tariffs in Nigeria. The notice: “The MYTO provides for minor reviews every six months, major reviews every five years and extraordinary tariff reviews in instances where industry parameters have changed from those used in the operating tariffs to such an extent that a review is urgently required to maintain the viability of the industry”. Further to this, the commission noted that it held series of public hearings and stakeholder consultations in the first quarter of 2020 on the extraordinary tariff review applications of the 11 electricity Discos to consider their respective five-year Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs). NERC, however, said that the evaluation of the Discos’ requests for review of the capital expenditure proposed in their improvement plans could not be concluded for the consideration of the commission during the minor reviews undertaken in 2020. The commission specifically noted that section 21 of the MYTO, 2020 order, provides for consideration of DisCos’ capital expenditure application upon further scrutiny and evaluation of the investment proposals. It explained that the latest notice was issued to inform the general public and industry stakeholders of the commission’s intention to conclude the extraordinary tariff review process for the 11 Discos. In addition, NERC stated that it was also to commence the processes for the July 2021 minor review of MYTO – 2020 to consider changes in inflation, foreign exchange, gas prices, available generation capacity, and capital expenditure. It stressed that this is required to evacuate and distribute the said available generation capacity in accordance with the extant laws and other existing industry rules. The Commission said: “This notice is hereby issued in compliance with the provisions of EPSRA, the business rules of the commission and the regulations on procedures for electricity tariff reviews in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) to solicit for comments from the general public on the proposed reviews. “Stakeholders and the general public are invited to send their comments to the commission within 21 days from the date of this publication.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/nerc-mulls-another-electricity-

en

Members of Boko Haram sect are now to be hunted by military trained dogs with a specially trained squad. Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Azubuike Ihejirika made this known at a workshop on “Enhancing Military Professionalism in the Nigerian Army to Meet Contemporary Challenges,” in Kaduna state, on Tuesday at the One Division of the Nigerian Army. The Army chief noted that the Army would train a special squad in the art of using dogs to fight Boko Haram, a fundamentalist group which has been staging violent insurgency against government and security establishments. “I’m glad to inform you that our second batch of our trainees on the use of dogs in the fight against terrorism have just completed their training and will soon be launched to join you to further make your work easier” the COAS said. While criticizing the failure of the military in engaging the sect members in battle, Ihejiraka urged officers of the Joint Military Task Force combating the fundamentalist group in the North to be “alive to their duties” as he charged the soldiers to consider themselves at war with the sect. All soldiers must be combat ready at all times he said, adding that it is unacceptable for members of the Boko Haram sect to engage troops at checkpoints without much resistance. Ihejirika said, “It is high time for you and your men to be in war mood to be able to deal with the current challenges. Otherwise, how do you explain that troops at checkpoint duty would be attacked by these decadence? And they sometimes do that and get away with it. This is an area you must work on. “As you are out in the field at every point in time, make sure you are either conducting an operation or you are gathering intelligence. You must be doing any of the two at any point in time. If your area is too quiet, you have a reason to get worried.” He also enjoined the need for Commanding Officers to be innovative in tackling the worsening state of insecurity across the country. “We believe that how your troops performance is a direct reflection of the qualities of their Commanding Officers. That is why you are assembled here for the next four days to brainstorm on matters of service interest in order to improve and sharpen your professional skills.” He however, commended the troops for the recent respite in what he called terrorist attacks in the North-West and North-East regions of the country. He also hinted that the Army would inaugurate 14 speed boats to be used in checking militancy in Niger Delta, in a bid to stop what he described as terrorism in the entire country.

https://www.channelstv.com/home/2012/04/11/dogs-to-hunt-for-boko-

en

Abdulsalam … controversial burial BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI Exactly 49 days after burial, the corpse of Mr Ahmad Adekunle Abdulsalam, a member of staff of the College of Education, Oro in Irepodun local government area of Kwara State, who was killed by lightening on September 21,2017, was exhumed, last Tuesday, and mysteriously found still fresh. It was promptly removed from the Christian cemetery and taken to the Muslim cemetery along Yidi Road where it was reburied according to Islamic rites. On that fateful day, Abdulsalam, aged 47, who hailed from Ilesa in Osun State, was said to have dashed out of the Registry Department of the college, where he worked, to get a document in the Examination Office nearby during a down pour when he was struck by lightning and he died instantly. After the death, traditional worshippers in the town were said to have insisted that, in order to avoid mysterious deaths in the victim’s family, his corpse must be buried without removing the clothes he was wearing when the tragedy struck, while also performing some rites. The traditionalists, it was learnt, requested for N100, 000 from the family for the rites, which was promptly paid. Thereafter, the corpse was taken to the Muslim cemetery in Ilorin for burial but was rejected following Abdulsalam’s family’s alleged refusal to allow the dead body undergo prayer and washing in lslamic way. The corpse was then taken to the Christian cemetery at Okeose, Ilorin and buried. But dissatisfied with the unceremonious burial of the victim, on Saturday, Oct 14, almost one month after the death, hundreds of members of the Ilorin Muslim community converged at the Muslim cemetery in the town to observe a funeral prayer in absentia for the deceased. The prayer, which lasted less than ten minutes, was led by a former Grand Khadi of Kwara State, Justice Salihu Olohuntoyin-Mohamned. Mohammed, while speaking at the program, said the prayer was permissible under lslamic injunctions. He said since there were claims that the victim died as a Muslim, there was need to perform the funeral prayer for him in spite of the non-availability of the corpse. Also speaking at the occasion, the Coordinator of llorin Muslim cemetery and a lecturer of lslamic studies at the University of llorin, Dr Abubakar Aliagan, said the prayer was necessary since the deceased died as a Muslim. According to him, efforts to exhume the corpse of Abdulsalam for reburial had proved abortive as nobody could identify his grave at the Okeose Christian cemetery. “We are conducting the funeral prayer without the corpse being exhumed which is purely allowed under lslamic law”. At that point, the llorin Muslim community signalled its readiness to find the corpse for reburial. Briefing Sunday Vanguard later on the decision, Aliagan explained that the corpse was initially rejected for burial at the llorin Muslim cemetery on September 21 following the refusal of traditionalists to allow the dead body undergo prayer and bath in an lslamic way. The university don said the llorin Muslim community, following the decision for reburial, had secured a court order, the approval of the state government and police permit to carry out the exhumation of the corpse. On whether the family of the deceased had been briefed on the decision, he said the family was not part of the arrangement since its members had succumbed to the instructions of traditionalists on earlier burial rites. “We as Muslims have a moral duty to honour our brother who died as a Muslim but we were initially incapacitated when his family and the management of the state College of Education, Oro allowed traditionalists to take over the corpse”, Aliagan said. The corpse was re-buried last Tuesday at the Muslim cemetery, Ilorin. Before the reburial, a huge crowd of Muslims had stormed the Christian cemetery where Abdulsalam’s corpse was exhumed. It was learnt that officials of Kwara State Ministry of Health performed the exhumation of the corpse after pathologists from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital rejected a request to do so. The leader of Islamic clerics in Ilorin, Alhaji Abubakar Aliagan, who led the exercise, was said to have asked his aides to bring sacks, with which to pack the decomposing body, along. But the crowd was shocked when they saw that the remains were still intact. An eye witness said the corpse was immediately wrapped in a white cloth and taken to the Muslim cemetery in Ilorin for reburial. ‘Not a family affair’ Abubakar told the crowd that the reburial was a major triumph for Islam. He dismissed the claim in some quarters that whoever was involved in the reburial of Abdulsalam would die prematurely. The leader of the Muslim clerics, who is also a renowned radio commentator, said the victim died as a Muslim regardless of the circumstance and it behoved on the Muslim community to accord him a befitting burial. His words, “The deceased brother, I didn’t know him and I don’t believe we even met when he was alive. But what concerned us is that we were instructed by the holy Prophet Muhammed that it is incumbent upon Muslims, who survive a deceased, to see him buried according to Islamic rites. It is not a family affair. Once a Muslim dies, it is no longer a family affair. The responsibility rests on the Muslim community that he should be given a befitting burial. “The brother we are talking about died 49 days ago when he was struck by lightning during a downpour and traditionalists were brought in because, according to Yoruba belief, which became the domineering factor during this period, some traditional rituals must be performed on him, which they did. “And we Muslims insisted that he should be buried according to Islamic rites. He was taken to an unknown place where he was buried and since then we have been on it. We must say that we received the cooperation of the police. They gave us the necessary papers for the exhumation. Pathologists at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital rejected our request to carry out the exhumation following which the Kwara State Health Commissioner took the matter up and everybody cooperated. “We had problem identifying the grave where this brother was buried. We appealed to those who initially buried him to show us the place, but our appeal fell on deaf ears. But as God would have it, where he was buried was the Christian cemetery, and what we know Christians for is that they bury their corpses in caskets. “When we went, initially, two weeks ago, for the exhumation, those who were supposed to show us the place were showing the wrong place. So, after we examined about three graves, we found out that the corpses there were buried in caskets, and this particular person we are talking about was not buried in casket. But we knew the area where the burial took place, the only problem is that we could not identify the exact grave and it is not hygienic for someone to be digging all the graves, simply because we wanted to identify a grave of someone who was buried after he was killed by lightning and exhume the body. “As you know that there is Nigerian factor in everything, those who were not ready to show us the exact grave, their belief is that if they pinpointed the grave, there was the likelihood that they too would be struck by lightning and die. They called this ‘akufa’, so they were afraid. None of the members of the family who witnessed the burial cooperated with us. “But as Allah would have it, they showed us the area. So, we went into action and the action produced the exact grave we were looking for. We then alerted those who would exhume it for us. “We wanted to bury him around 7am because we believed the body must have decomposed. But when the corpse was exhumed, we found that the body was fresh and intact. So, we decided to delay the burial till 10am so as to attract more people to come and see and witness that Allah preserved the body of this man despite all the noise surrounding his death. “Initially, there was resistance due to the fact people believe, according to the traditionalists, that they would die. But, according to Islam, we shouldn’t entertain such fear. So, it is that strong faith that we preached to our fellow Muslims. That is how we discovered the grave and we are happy that we met him without the body decomposing, and we did what Islam demanded from us on him”. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/11/cemetery-shocker-body-man-killed-

en

The governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Lagos State, Gbadebo-Rhodes Vivour (GRV) has filed his Notice of Appeal before the Court of Appeal, Lagos challenging the decision of the State Governorship Tribunal which upheld the return of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The notice of appeal, which was settled by one of his lawyers, Olagbade Benson on behalf of 12 others was filed on Saturday, October 7th and has 21 grounds of appeal. The 24-paged document has been served on the counsel to the Respondents, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the governor and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC). Channels TV’s judiciary correspondent, Shola Soyele obtained a copy of the Notice of Appeal which states, “that the Appellant being dissatisfied with the decision of the Governorship Election Tribunal Coram Hon. Justice Arum Igyem Ashom, Hon. Justice Mika’ilu Abdullahi and Hon. Justice Igho Patricia Braimoh delivered on 25th September, hereby appeal to the Court of Appeal… against the whole decision of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal except for the Rulings and findings in favour of the Appellant.” In ground 1, Rhodes-Vivour said that the Tribunal erred in law when it relied on the Court of Appeal’s decision in the petition of Mr. Peter Gregory Obi & Anor. Vs. INEC and Others to strike out the evidence of all his subpoenaed witnesses. In grounds 2 and 3, the appellants sticking with the issue of its subpoenaed witnesses also claimed that the Tribunal erred in law when it held that the three witnesses, PW7, PW8, and PW9 were not witnesses that fall within the category of witnesses that could be subpoenaed and subsequently discountenanced their oral evidence and documents on the premise that they were not listed as witnesses and their sworn statements did not accompany the Petition and documents front-loaded in line with the Electoral Act 2022. In grounds 4 & 5, Rhodes-Vivour contended that the Tribunal erred in law when it held that the burden of proof of the specific Oath of Allegiance subscribed to by the Deputy Governor as well as the evidence of his renounced citizenship rests on the Appellant and that exhibits placed before the tribunal on this issue were deemed abandoned. Other grounds of the petition touched on the failure of the Tribunal to disqualify Sanwo-Olu and his deputy having found that Hamzat is a naturalized United States of America citizen who made a declaration of allegiance to that country, as well as the failure of the Tribunal to strike out the Final Written Address of both respondents which was allegedly filed in contravention of the provisions of Paragraphs 5(a), 5 (c) and 5(d) of the Election Judicial Proceedings Practice Directions 2022.

https://www.channelstv.com/2023/10/11/rhodes-vivour-files-21-grounds-of-

en

The meeting between the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, and protesting Nigerian students, on Monday, ended in deadlock as the minister walked out on them. The students had earlier occupied the gate of the National Assembly demanding the lingering strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) must be resolved. ‘ASUU Must Go! Open the gate!’ the students chanted as they headed from the Unity Fountain to the gate of the National Assembly. They were however stopped by security operatives at the NASS gate. NANS National president, Sunday Asefon who led the students said the police officers are meant to join the protesting students because they have children in schools who are currently at home, due to the strike. He insisted that education is a right of every Nigerian youth and the ASUU members need to resolve their disagreement with the Federal Government so students can go back to the classrooms. “We are not here to fight. We are here to meet the Minister of Education,” Asefo said as the students stood at the gate of the NASS complex. Representatives of the students were later allowed in and a meeting was held with the Education Minister. The meeting however ended with no resolution as the Minister of Education walked out on the students.

https://www.channelstv.com/2022/02/28/breaking-education-minister-

en

Boko Haram fighters ambushed and wounded five Nigerien soldiers who were protecting a key agricultural site near the Nigeria border, local authorities said Wednesday. The site is one of two in Niger’s southeastern Diffa region created to boost rice and wheat production and generate more than 12,000 jobs, according to the agriculture ministry. Diffa governor General Mahamadou Ibrahim Bagadoma said on national television that the soldiers were ambushed “by Boko Haram elements” as they headed to a newly created post to secure the agricultural development programme in Lada. “We are determined to continue this (cultivation) work in the interest of the people,” the general said. At the end of last month, Niger’s military regime, which came to power in a July 26 coup, launched work to develop the two agricultural sites. The project is estimated to cost more than two billion CFA francs ($3.2 million). “Job creation should reduce unemployment with the possibility of stopping the massive recruitment of young people by Boko Haram,” a former local elected official told AFP. The work at Lada should also protect residents from flooding caused by high water levels of the Komadougou Yobe River, which forms the border with Nigeria. Attacks by Boko Haram — a jihadist group originating in Nigeria — spilled over into Niger in 2015 and jeopardise production of Diffa’s main resources: peppers and fishing. The attacks also hinder the completion of vital projects such as schools, clinics and drinking water wells. Diffa, one of the country’s most deprived regions, is home to 300,000 Nigerian refugees and internally displaced people, who fled the violence of Boko Haram and its dissident branch, the Islamic State West Africa Province, or ISWAP. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/04/boko-haram-

en

By Henry Umoru & Gift Chapi Odekina, Abuja President Bola Tinubu has presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N27.5 trillion before a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The appropriation bill was christened the “Budget of Renewed Hope.” President Tinubu entered the Chamber of the House of Representatives at 11.13 a.m. The National Anthem was recited upon his arrival. The President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Godswill Akpabio, called the House to order at 11.15 a.m. Akpabio began the reading of the welcome address at 11.20 a.m. Ahead of today’s budget presentation three weeks ago, Tinubu forwarded to both chambers the 2024–2026 MTEF and Fiscal Strategy Paper. In the paper, N26.1 trillion was proposed as the total expenditure profile for the 2024 fiscal year. The Senate, through its Committee on Finance, after two weeks of interactive sessions with heads of ministries, departments, and agencies on revenue and expenditure projections made for them, approved the MTEF. However, it was later adjusted to N27.5 trillion, which is being presented today. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/11/breaking-tinubu-arrives-nass-to-

en

26th May, 2023 The Supreme Court has throw out the suit filed by PDP challenging the alleged double nomination of vice-president elect, Kashim Shettima. Loyalists of the President-elect Bola Tinubu had feared that any ruling against Shettima may affect May 29 inauguration. However, the Supreme Court, in its ruling on Friday, agreed with the lower courts that the PDP lacks the locus Standi to institute the case. Justice Adamu Jauro said the PDP acted as meddlesome Interloper and a busy body as it is an internal affair of the APC. The judge then awarded a sum of Two Million Naira against the PDP even as the suit was dismissed for lacking in merit. The PDP, in the suit filed on July 28, 2022, had claimed that Shettima’s nomination as Tinubu’s running mate was in breach of the provisions of sections 29(1), 33, 35, and 84(1)(2) of the electoral act, 2022. The party argued that Shettima’s nomination to contest the position of vice-president and Borno central senatorial seat — at the same time — contravened the law. The PDP, which sought an order disqualifying the APC, Tinubu, and Shettima from contesting the presidential election, also sought an order nullifying their candidacies. However, Inyang Ekwo, the trial judge at the court of appeal, dismissed the suit on the grounds that the PDP lacked the locus standi to institute the suit. Not satisfied, the PDP appealed the judgment. Delivering judgment in the appeal, a three-member panel of the court of appeal led by James Abundaga held that the PDP failed to establish that it had locus standi to institute the case. Abundaga described the PDP as a “busybody”, who dabbled into issues that were internal affairs of the APC. “The appellant, having failed to disclose its locus standi, this appeal fails and it is hereby dismissed,” he said. The judge also awarded N5 million cost against the appellant’s lawyer, J. O. Olotu.

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2023/05/26/tinubus-inauguration-certain-as-supreme-

en

Vivo has finally launched the Vivo V15 and V15 PRO with a full-screen display, big RAM and internal storage, great design, super AI triple camera at the rear and a pop-up camera for selfie. VIVO V15 AND V15 PRO DESIGN AND DISPLAY VIVO V15 and V15 PRO is designed to fit into the palm and catch the eyes, and offer a cinematic viewing experience. VIVO V15 and V15 PRO have a spectrum ripple design with a 3D curve back making it look more premium than VIVO NEX. The device has thin bezels to the top, right, left and a small screen chin to the bottom. Both devices are coming into the market in a stylish color gradient; an eye-catching blue and black hues and deluxe black and red. VIVO V15 display occupies up to 87% of the screen, featuring a 6.53” inches IPS LCD display with 2340 x 1080p display resolution resulting in ~395 PPI density, a fifth-generation 2.5D Corning gorilla glass to create a vivid and real-time viewing experience and also protect the display from scratches and dust. V15 PRO features a 6.39” inches Super AMOLED display with a screen to body ratio of 84%, 19.5:9 aspect ratio and 2316 x 1080p resolution resulting in ~404 PPI density. It has a 2.5D glass covering the display to give it that look with a curve edge and this is without display protection. VIVO V15 and V15 PRO CAMERA The devices are camera-centric phones. Both devices are equipped with triple rear camera design which is AI oriented. V15 bags a 28MP primary camera with an f/1.78 large aperture, 1/2.8-inch sensor and a double pixel focusing. The primary camera is accompanied by an 8MP AI wide-angle camera with f/2.2 aperture and a 5MP depth camera for blurring background with f/2.4 aperture. The VIVO V15 PRO sports a 48MP primary lens with F/1.8 wide aperture, plus an 8MP AI wide-angle camera with f/2.2 aperture, and a 5MP depth camera for blurring background with f/2.4 aperture and the night shots on VIVO is awesome with AI. VIVO V15 and V15 PRO front camera are equipped with a 32MP camera lens with features like AI face beauty, AI lightening effects and etc. Talking about the AI main function, well, the AI integrated into the camera software helps shape the body on both devices. The AI body shaping grants the re-shaping of the body parts like the waist, head, shoulders, legs and etc. VIVO V15 and V15 PRO PERFORMANCE AND OS VIVO V15 and V15 PRO are both powered by a powerful processor. V15 is powered by a flagship chipset; the MTK Helio P70 which is also found on the recently launched ELEPHONE U2 with massive specs and a pop-up camera just like the VIVO V15 and V15 PRO. The processor is an Octa-core with a clocked speed of 2.1GHz and is further assisted with a 6GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage for operating the device seamlessly and the internal storage can be further expanded up to 256GB using a memory card. VIVO V15 PRO is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 675AIE octa-core processor which delivers premium performance. We have a 6GB/8GB RAM model of the V15 PRO with 128GB internal memory which can be further expanded using an SD card up to 256GB. Both devices run on Funtouch OS v9.0 based on Android 9.0 Pie and the device is said to receive an update of the Android Q which is coming soon. Now to the power; we have a 4,000mAh non-removable battery capacity with a fast charging technology (Dual engine fast charge tech) on the V15, while the V15 PRO is powered by a 3,700mAh battery capacity with same fast charging tech. why do they have to make the battery of the V15 larger than the V15 PRO is probably a market strategy, fans either go for the camera, processor or for the power, very wise? VIVO V15 is designed with the traditional fingerprint style located at the back, while the V15 PRO features an in-display fingerprint sensor. Both devices are equipped with Bluetooth v5.0 and they support the following connectivity features: OTG, GPS, FM, and Wi-Fi with 2.4GHz/5GHz with 4G LTE. Sensors include: Accelerometer, ambient light sensor, e-compass, gyroscope and fingerprint sensor. VIVO V15 and V15 PRO PRICE IN NIGERIA V15 is sold for 110,000 naira ($315) while the V15 PRO goes for 163,000 naira ($467) which is way too expensive, to be honest. The Elephone U2 has quite the same specs and super in design and camera than the V15, yet it cheaper. Compared the performance of both the devices, and I think Vivo V15 is better than its pro version. The processor of both phones differ in their work and intent is that Snapdragon, used in Vivo V15 pro, is losing its credibility time to time and we have MediaTek Helio P70 which is quite reliable.

https://www.naijatech360.com.ng/vivo-v15-and-v15-pro-specs/

Phones

en

1st December, 2020 By Daniels Ekugo There was tension around Acme Road, Ogba, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria on Tuesday as Boulos Enterprises, sacked over 70 workers and some union members. Boulos is a company assembling Suzuki motorcycles and other products. It was learnt that the company embarked on the sacking spree as a result of biting Coronavirus effect. Family members of some of the sacked workers expressed shock over the sack of their bread winners. According to one of the affected staff: “I am yet to come to terms with the reason why they sacked most of us, including some union members. “This is a very disturbing situation. How do I feed my family during this end of the year? I sincerely do not know what came over them on this mass sack.” Another staff affected by the sack said: “Which pandemic are they talking about? Look, in the next two weeks, Boulos will still employ new staff. That has been their way but what is now disturbing is why this time?” At as press time, affected workers were still hanging around the gate as other members of staff promised to effect a total shutdown of the company, especially their sister company Bel Impex, makers of tissue papers.

https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/12/01/tension-as-boulos-

en

8th January, 2020 The Senior Personal Assistant of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Leke Adeboye has described the US President, Donald Trump as an inspiration. Adeboye commended Trump for his actions even as he described him as an inspiration. His comment is coming at the heels of the growing tension building up between the United States of America and Iran. On his Instagram page, Adeboye wrote: “One of the men of the year 2019, was and is still Donald J Trump. As in the guy is just an inspiration. He is like if you want to be crazy then! Rascality does not have a monopoly. Welcome to 2020, when others were talking about defending Jesus, someone already cut off an ear, Thank God for the person moved, it would have been the whole head. I did not come to talk.” The growing tension between the two countries is as a result of US drone attack which killed a top Iranian army General, Qassem Soleimani. The death of the general has inflamed tensions in the Middle East since Friday after US President gave reasons for his administration. However, Iran had vowed severe retaliation.

https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/01/08/us-vs-iran-donald-

en

The governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, has congratulated Bola Tinubu on his emergence as the president-elect following the conclusion of the 2023 elections. In a statement he personally signed on Tuesday, the governor also congratulated Tinubu’s closest opponents for their courageous and impressive outing. Soludo, who had in the past called for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, also appealed to Tinubu to release the Biafran agitator immediately after inauguration. While commending INEC for the successful completion of the general elections, he noted that “we must seriously continue to reform and strengthen our electoral processes and citizens’ political participation as we march towards a more perfect system”. The governor, who is also the leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), thanked millions of Nigerians who voted for candidates of the party across the entire country. See the full statement below: The 2023 General Elections in Nigeria have come and gone. Elections in Anambra were generally peaceful, and I commend all the participants, the security agencies, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the citizens. While we commend INEC for the successful completion of the general elections, it is important to note that we must seriously continue to reform and strengthen our electoral processes and citizens’ political participation as we march towards a more perfect system. To me, the true heroes of the last elections are the citizens of Nigeria, especially the youths, whose voices will continue to be critical as we collectively strive to build a new Nigeria. Nigeria is the winner, and I am confident that a better future lies ahead of us. Congratulations to all Nigerians! Let me also congratulate the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his election. We congratulate your closest opponents for their courageous and impressive outing. Nigeria needs healing and restructuring, and the fundamental challenges of insecurity and the economy remain humongous. We pledge to collaborate and partner with you and the Federal Government for the development of Anambra state and Nigeria. This is the only country that we call ours and we must make it work. One critical issue that we must draw your urgent attention is the issue of systemic insecurity in the South East. While our efforts with the security agencies are yielding significant results, we believe that sustainable peace and security will be enhanced through wider non-kinetic engagements with all critical stakeholders. In this regard, may I repeat my previous calls and hereby request our President-Elect to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu immediately after swearing-in (that is, if he is not released before then). We need him around the table as an important stakeholder in discussions about healing and sustainable peace in the South East. To our newly elected colleagues (Governors-Elect), we say a big congratulation. Let us work together, especially under the auspices of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) in pursuit of national common good. We also congratulate the elected members of the National and State Assemblies. We also thank millions of Nigerians who voted for candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) across the entire country. We have made modest gains by winning seats at the Senate, House of Representatives and State Assemblies across the country. As we reform and strengthen our party, we will continue to present our social-progressive agenda as the roadmap for the country. As true believers in the potentials of Nigeria, our party will continue to network and collaborate with all like-minded Nigerians and groups to advance the greatness of this country. I want to thank God almighty for His unfailing love and grace upon us. Our gratitude also goes to all the stakeholders in the Anambra project— the hardworking indigenes and residents of Anambra, the church, traditional rulers, ASATU, youths and women organizations, traders, transporters, businessmen and women, professionals, captains of industry, CSOs, etc for their faith and continued support to my government and APGA in the state. You have demonstrated once again that Anambra is truly APGA-land! Despite the heat of the moment, the sophisticated Anambra electorate still delivered an emphatic vote of confidence on us and our party-APGA with an absolute majority in the Anambra State House of Assembly. We will never take your support for granted, and will continue to work every minute of the day to justify your confidence on us. So far, winners have been declared, and those who are dissatisfied with the results have their rights to pursue their grievances through the due process of the law. My own political party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, might challenge several of the results in pursuit of justice. While we will take all necessary legal steps to recover the seats we believe that APGA won especially in Anambra state but were mistakenly called for other parties, we also know that several of the announced “winners” from other parties are “APGA-nized” and are patriotic citizens of the State. We therefore expect a progressive House of Assembly that will partner with us to continue the transformation agenda. I hereby extend my hands of fellowship to the elected members of the State and National Assemblies from other political parties in Anambra State: let us work together for the greatness of our dear state. Elections and partisan politics are over, and we should all now focus 100% of our time on delivering good governance to our people. May Anambra State and Nigeria win always!

https://www.channelstv.com/2023/03/21/soludo-

en

February 14, 2021 by The Nation Allow all Nigerians bear arms, Miyetti Allah tells FG By David Adenuga, Bauchi The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeder’s Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has advised the Federal Government to allow every Nigerian bear firearms to protect themselves considering the security challenges in the country. The association made the call while reacting to a comment by Bauchi Governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed, that herdsmen are only carrying firearms for self- defence. Gov Mohammed had drawn heavy criticism after defending the right of herders to go about with AK-47 to defend themselves against cattle rustlers. Bauchi chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Sadiq Ibrahim Ahmed, told The Nation on Sunday there is nothing wrong with the Governor’s stand since he didn’t say herdsmen should go and cause chaos with it. According to him, since the Federal government can no longer protect citizens, it’s better for every citizen to protect themselves from bandits. He said ”The government has become irresponsible. That is why a Fulani man has become an outcast in his own country. “All his wealth has been crippled to activities of cattle rustlers. What do you expect him to do? “Let everybody protect themselves, let everybody carry arms. You don’t allow few bandits to come and ruin you , kill you, kill your family as few people cannot be terrorizing everybody.” He added: ”Though in a normal situation nobody should be allowed to carry arms except those that are legalised to do so but if the Federal government had taken the responsibility of protecting lives of citizens serious, no one would dare have reason to carry arms. “You need to ask yourself is the government doing enough to protect the lives of herdsmen. “I won’t fault Governor Bala Mohammed for the statement, he is very right. After all he did not say herdsmen should go and cause chaos. “No one faulted Benue Governor, Ortom when he said herdsmen should leave his state. So why are they criticising Bauchi governor?”

https://www.thenationonlineng.net/allow-all-

en

May 4, 2015 by The Nation Nigerian, 15 others win U.S. institute’s fellowship A member of the Editorial Board of The Union, Helen Eni, has been named one of the recipients of the 2015 The Media Project Coaching and Leadership Fellowship Award. In a press statement signed by Caroline Comport, general manager, The Media Project selected 16 international journalists from 13 countries this year. Paul Marshall, the Media Project president, noted that “The journalists selected for this award practice their craft in different situations. Some have broad freedom, while others labour under heavy censorship.” He hoped the recipients would together develop leadership skills that transcend cultures and gain a better understanding of the challenges their colleagues face. The Media Project Coaching and Leadership Fellowship aims to build a global network of journalists dedicated to ethical decision-making and leadership values, those willing to mentor the next generation of journalists. The programme will begin with a weeklong workshop at The Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida, United States where the Fellows would participate in a series of interactive sessions designed to help them recognise universal leadership principles. The statement said the training topics include strategic and critical thinking, emotional intelligence, feedback, intrinsic motivation, conflict resolution, and collaboration. The core training sessions would be led by Jill Geisler, who holds the Bill Plante Chair in Leadership and Media Integrity at Loyola University, Chicago. Geisler, whose leadership mantra is “helping others succeed,” is the author of “Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know”. For 16 years, Geisler guided the leadership and management programmes of the Poynter Institute. The Media Project fellows will also explore the intersection of journalism and faith with nationally syndicated “On Religion” columnist and Media Project Board Member, Terry Mattingly. The fellowship requires participants to make a year-long commitment to explore, hone, and implement their new coaching and leadership skills, as well as agree to mentor two journalists working in their home country. This year’s recipients include Helen Eni, Nigeria; David Blevins, Ireland; Francis Brewer Jr., Liberia; Tito John Burgonio, Philippines; William Bustos, Columbia; Lucy Chattopadhyay, India; Marcos Deles, Philippines; Liu Dong, China; Barbara Hough Roda, United States; Edyth Kambalame, Malawi; Comfort Mussa, Cameroon; Anna Ntemiris, Germany; Daniel Raus, Czech Republic; Beletu Sorsu, Ethiopia; J. Sam Daniel Stalin, India; and Iris Voellnagel, Germany. Since its creation in 2012, forty-seven journalists from 31 countries have completed the fellowship programme.

https://www.google.com.ng/amp/thenationonlineng.net/nigerian-

en

October 9, 2020 by The Nation OAU Vice-Chancellor is not our returning officer – INEC The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied appointing the Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, as the Returning Officer for the Ondo Governorship election, holding on Saturday. Mr. Festus Okoye, INEC’s National Commissioner, and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, denied the story in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja. Okoye said INEC’s attention has been drawn to a press conference addressed by the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Campaign Council and Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde, on Thursday in Akure in which he alleged that the Commission has appointed Ogunbodede as the Returning Officer for the Ondo election. Makinde also alleged that Ogunbodede is a known crony of Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and might not be fair to all in the election, and called for his immediate replacement. But Okoye clarified that INEC’s returning officer for the Ondo governorship election is not from Ondo state or from the OAU. “While the Commission will not be drawn into speculations relating to the performance of its constitutional and statutory functions, it is imperative to set the records straight for the benefit of the people of Ondo State and the integrity of the electoral process. “It is the sole responsibility of the Commission to appoint a Returning Officer for the Ondo Governorship election and does not share this responsibility with any individual, group or political party. “The returning officer appointed by the Commission will report to the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State on the date conveyed in his letter of appointment issued several days ago. “The Commission is firmly focused to conduct a free, fair, and peaceful election and implores all stakeholders to cooperate and play their own part in ensuring a peaceful election and not to engage in unhelpful speculation.” Okoye said that the main concern of the Commission was in to ensure a credible electoral process while the outcome is in the hands of the people of Ondo State.

https://thenationonlineng.net/oau-vice-chancellor-is-not-our-returning-

en

February 1, 2023 by Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja Buhari not aware of anyone in Villa working against Tinubu – FG The Federal Government has said the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is officially unaware of elements within the Presidency, which Kaduna Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i, accused of working to sabotage the winning chances of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). El-Rufa’i, during a television interview on Wednesday, alleged plots by some unnamed elements within the Presidency, to make sure the APC candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, loses on February 25. However, the Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed, while reacting to a question raised by State House Correspondents on the allegation, said the government, a product of the ruling APC, was unaware of the plot described by El-Rufa’i, saying that what the government is determined to achieve is a free, fair and credible election. According to him, Buhari is primarily concerned with seeing the elections being credible, not tilted in favour of any particular candidate or against anyone. “One thing I can assure you is that no matter who, this administration is focused and determined to ensure a free and fair election and I think in this administration, the most important person is Mr. President and I think he has shown by words and by deeds that he’s committed to a free, fair and credible election. “Fair, free and credible election actually means not favouring anybody or disadvantaging anybody and everywhere he goes, he makes that very clear, even as recently as Friday, when he was in Daura, he said the same thing. “So, if there’s anybody who’s working against any candidate, we don’t know officially,” he stated.

https://thenationonlineng.net/buhari-not-aware-of-anyone-in-villa-

en

February 8, 2021 by The Nation Alleged N702m fraud: Okupe has no personal house in Abuja, witness tells court Bamidele Salam, a defence witness (DW4), on Monday, said Dr Doyin Okupe, former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, does not have a personal house in Abuja. Salam told Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, while testifying in the ongoing money laundering trial filed against Okupe and two others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The witness, who is currently a lawmaker representing Ede North, South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun, was the head of the media to Okupe. Salam, who said he was placed on N300, 000 monthly salary while being led in evidence by Joe Gadzama, SAN, counsel to Okupe, also explained that he worked between Dec. 3, 2012 and May 2015. Salam said he neither laundered any money on Okupe’s behalf nor was he aware that his boss engaged in any money laundering act at the time of working with him. “As far as I know, Dr Okupe did not have any personal house in Abuja. “I never laundered any money for him and he never laundered money to my best knowledge. “He is upright and we never found him wanting as our boss,” he said. The witness, who stated further that he was not aware of any petition against the defendant on any matter, said EFCC or any other body had never invited him (Salam) on account of his stewardship as the head of the media to Okupe. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okupe is facing a 59-count charge bordering on money laundering and criminal breach of trust to the tune of N702 million. While Okupe is the 1st defendant, Value Trust Investment Ltd and Abraham Telecoms Ltd are 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively in the suit. The witness said during the period of his employment, the media office had relationship with scores of local and international media houses, including online platforms. “We also have dealings with media influencers to promote the image of the president,” he said. He said the office usually organised weekly press conference which, at times, happened twice a week to inform the public about some activities of the government. The witness said Okupe’s office often paid for the flight tickets and hotel accommodation of journalists who came outside Abuja to attend the press conference. He told the court that the invited journalists were given honorarium and that such payment did not go with receipts. Salam, who disagreed that the defunct Federalist Newspaper was a private limited company, said it was a publication of the Office of the SSA to the President on Public Affairs to project the activities of the then government. He said a programme on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) called The Insight was paid for by Okupe’s office contrary to the insinuation that it was part of the corporate social responsibility of the TV station. According to him, we do engage consultants very often on pressing issues and those consultants were paid for by Dr Okupe. He said Okupe paid for all these services through the money he got from the then Office of the National Security Adviser to the President headed by rtd. Col. Sambo Dasuki. Salam, who said Deji Adeyanju, among others, also worked in the office as media influencers and were duly paid by the office, said to the best of his knowledge; none of the workers in the office was owed any salary. He said no fewer than 30 people worked under Okupe at the time. “There were two persons who are special assistants to the president working with Dr Okupe but junior to him in hierarchy. “We have Research and Documentation, Media, Public Relations and Admin Units in that office. And under the Media Unit, about five people worked with me,” he said. The witness admitted that N10 million was paid on a monthly basis from Dasuki’s office to the SSA on Public Affairs’ office for logistics and others. According to the witness, the money was being paid cash. He said though he was aware that Okupe was on a monthly salary being paid through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, he did not know how much he was paid. After cross examination, Justice Ojukwu fixed March 5, April 26 and April 27 for continuation of trial.

https://thenationonlineng.net/alleged-n702m-fraud-okupe-has-no-personal-house-

en

August 13, 2020 by The Nation Igbo group moves to raise N500B for 2023 presidency project By Sunny Nwankwo, Umuahia An Igbo group; World Igbo People’s Assembly (WIPAS), has declared its intention to raise the sum of five hundred billion naira towards the achievement of the 2023 Nigeria Presidency of Igbo Extraction project. Spokesman of the group Chief Emeka Nwachukwu in a release said that it was long overdue for the Igbos to produce a president of Nigeria. Nwachukwu who stated that the project is cost intensive, however, expressed hope that Ndigbo and Nigerians of good conscience all over the world would contribute to fund the project as they begin consultation of Igbo leaders and Nigerians across the world. He told Nigerians to put their searchlight on Igbo land and look for candidates that will salvage Nigeria who are in quantum. Read Also: 2023 presidency: Fresh hurdles before Ndigbo Nwachukwu noted that the WIPAS team would soon meet those it described as “who is who” in Nigeria in that regard congratulating Gen Yakubu Gowon, Gen IBB, Gen Ishola Williams , Chief E K Clark, Alh Balarabe Musa, Chief Ebenezar Babatope , Mallam El Rufai, Buba Galadima, Tanko Yakassai and many other Nigeria statesmen that are now disposed to the realization of the Nigeria Presidency of Igbo Extraction in 2023. In his reaction the spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Chuks Ibegbu noted that the group concern is the restructuring of Nigeria, but however supported an Igbo to succeed President Buhari in 2023. He noted that anything done to leapfrog the project is in order, but everything should be done transparently and with due process. Ibegbu asked the federal and state governments to be cautious when unlocking the nation and insist on obedience to all health and sanitation rules by Nigerians to avoid unintended effects.

https://thenationonlineng.net/igbo-group-moves-to-

en

By Kingsley Omonobi The Nigerian Navy has postponed its recruitment exercise initially slated for tomorrow, as the force plans to work out a new digital approach in handling the huge volume of applications received with over 300,000 candidates applied for limited slot of 3,000. The postponement, according to the Nigerian Navy, is necessitated to ensure a well-planned and hitch-free recruitment. This is coming on the heels of warnings of ex-service men by the Military Pensions Board (MPB) of the discovery of a fake website known as mpbnigeria.com. A statement from Naval Headquarters on the postponement, signed by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe said: “The aptitude test for applicants of the 2016 Nigerian Navy Recruitment initially scheduled to hold nationwide on Saturday, April 9, 2016, has been postponed. “The exercise will now hold on Saturday, May 14, 2016, at all the designated centers nationwide as earlier planned. “The shift in date is necessitated by the desire of the Nigerian Navy to ensure a well-planned and hitch-free recruitment. “Therefore, the Nigerian Navy regrets any inconveniences the postponement will cause to parents and candidates. “More so the general public is hereby informed that there is ‘NO’ extension of date for submission of online application forms. The submission of online application forms ended Friday, April 1, 2016.” Meanwhile, the Military Pensions Board (MPB) has alerted the nation, particularly ex-servicemen of the discovery of and existence of a fake website known as mpbnigeria.com. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/04/300000-jostle-3000-naval-jobs-agency-

en

October 2, 2023 by Nduka Chiejina, Abuja The $1.1tr all-time high FAAC cash The increasing funds distributed monthly during FAAC meetings should translate into an improved quality of life for Nigerians. Simultaneously, state governments should boost economic activities within their regions to expand their revenue sources These are happy days for state governments in Nigeria. Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decisions to put an end to fuel subsidy payments and unify the foreign exchange regimes, disbursement from the federation account has shot up from an average of N700 billion a month during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari to over N900 billion a month. June revenue shared in July was N907.054 billion; July revenue shared in August was N966.110 billion while August revenue disbursed in September was a never-before witnessed N1.1 trillion. The removal of fuel subsidy, unification of exchange rates, and increased disbursements to beneficiaries by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) since June 2023 are interconnected and can impact each other in various ways. Fuel subsidy removal refers to the discontinuation of government subsidies on fuel. In Nigeria, fuel subsidy removal means that the government will no longer bear the cost difference between the actual market price and the subsidised price of fuel. This measure was to cut costs and reduce fiscal deficits. During his national broadcast on July 31, President Tinubu explained the rationale for the policy measures his administration has taken. “For several years, I have consistently maintained the position that the fuel subsidy had to go. This once beneficial measure had outlived its usefulness. The subsidy cost us trillions of Naira yearly. Such a vast sum of money would have been better spent on public transportation, healthcare, schools, housing and even national security. Instead, it was being funnelled into the deep pockets and lavish bank accounts of a select group of individuals. “This group had amassed so much wealth and power that they became a serious threat to the fairness of our economy and the integrity of our democratic governance. To be blunt, Nigeria could never become the society it was intended to be as long as such small, powerful yet unelected groups hold enormous influence over our political economy and the institutions that govern it. The whims of the few should never hold dominant sway over the hopes and aspirations of the many. If we are to be a democracy, the people and not the power of money must be sovereign. “The preceding administration saw this looming danger as well. Indeed, it made no provision in the 2023 Appropriations for subsidy after June this year. Removal of this once helpful device that had transformed into a millstone around the country’s neck had become inevitable. Also, the multiple exchange rate system that had been established became nothing but a highway of currency speculation. It diverted money that should have been used to create jobs, build factories and businesses for millions of people. Our national wealth was doled on favourable terms to a handful of people who have been made filthy rich simply by moving money from one hand to another. This too was extremely unfair. “It also compounded the threat that the illicit and mass accumulation of money posed to the future of our democratic system and its economy. I had promised to reform the economy for the long-term good by fighting the major imbalances that had plagued our economy. Ending the subsidy and the preferential exchange rate system were key to this fight. This fight is to define the fate and future of our nation. Much is in the balance. Thus, the defects in our economy immensely profited a tiny elite, the elite of the elite you might call them. As we moved to fight the flaws in the economy, the people who grow rich from them, predictably, will fight back through every means necessary.” Removing fuel subsidies has, therefore, freed up a significant amount of funds that were previously allocated for subsidy payments. These funds are now being reallocated or disbursed to other sectors or beneficiaries, potentially leading to increased disbursements from FAAC to the three tiers of government. These increased disbursements can be utilised for public projects, social welfare programmes, infrastructure development, or other areas. Prior to the unification, Nigeria had multiple exchange rates (official, parallel market, etc.) causing distortions and challenges in the economy. Unification involves merging these rates into a single exchange rate to create stability, promote efficiency as well as positively impact government revenue. Previously, Nigeria calculated its oil revenue using the official exchange rate of N460 to $1; however, with the naira now floating at N770 to $1, the country is expected to generate nearly double the revenue from the sale of crude oil. As a result, the new foreign exchange policy will bolster revenue for state, federal, and local governments. By increasing the factor price from N460 to over N700 for every $1 earned, there will be a substantial rise in oil earnings, even with no change in production output. This translates to approximately N300 more per $1 earned, multiplied by the 1.6 million barrels of crude oil produced per day. In consequence, this amounts to a substantial sum of money. With a unified exchange rate regime, the government can capture more revenue from oil exports and other sources. This increased revenue can subsequently lead to higher disbursements from FAAC to the beneficiaries. In other words, the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates has created savings, increased government revenue, and made more funds available for disbursements to beneficiaries by FAAC from the federation account. However, the actual impact of the increased disbursements depends on various factors, including the effectiveness of revenue management, economic conditions, and government policies. The increased disbursements by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to the three tiers of government would have several implications for the Nigerian economy and the states. Impacts of greater allocations The injection of such a large sum of money into the economy can act as a stimulus by boosting economic activities across various sectors. This can lead to increased consumer spending, investment, and job creation. The allocation provides financial relief for state governments that heavily rely on federal allocations to fund their budgets. Many states in Nigeria depend significantly on these monthly allocations to meet their financial obligations, including payment of salaries, infrastructure development, and service delivery. The funds disbursed can be utilised by state governments to finance critical infrastructure projects and social programmes, thus contributing to the development of the states. This can include investments in road construction, healthcare, education, and other public services. Some states have accumulated substantial debts, causing debt servicing to be a significant burden. The allocated funds can help states with high debt burdens to repay or service these debts, improving their fiscal position and reducing financial strain. The disbursement can have a positive impact on the living conditions and well-being of citizens through improved infrastructure, provision of public services, and opportunities for employment and income generation. For the states, having a larger share of the FAAC allocation can reduce their dependence on other sources of revenue, such as taxes or borrowing which can lead to more stable financial management. However, it’s important to note that the amount allocated may not always meet the full financial needs of the states. There can be disparities in the allocation, and in some cases, it might not be sufficient to cover all budgetary requirements, leading to potential financial challenges. The allocation also plays a role in state economic planning. States need to consider these funds when devising their budget and economic development strategies. The allocation from FAAC has a significant impact on the economy and state governments. It provides crucial funding for government operations and can influence economic growth, but it also highlights the importance of effective financial management and planning at both the federal and state levels. It is important to note that the reliance on monthly federal allocations leaves many states vulnerable to fluctuations in oil revenue, as Nigeria still depends on oil exports. Also, the effective utilization of these funds by states is crucial to maximize their impact on economic development and social welfare. It is essential for states to prioritize transparency, accountability, and prudent financial management to ensure the funds are efficiently utilized and properly accounted for. Professor Uche Uwaleke, Director, Institute of Capital Market Studies, Nasarawa State University Keffi, argued that “naira devaluation following unification of exchange rates means more naira from crude oil sales to the federation account. It contributes to fuelling inflation. During my time as Finance Commissioner a few years’ ago, the average inflow into the federation account was about N600 billion. Today, FAAC is sharing over N1 trillion. This development is impacting negatively on prices of goods and services and on the exchange rate as much of it is used to chase scarce forex. “The new Fx regime will definitely see a rise in FAAC allocation. Also, another advantage is that there will be increase in naira in terms of dollar denominated assets held by state governments. The way forward is to ring-fence the bulk of this exchange gain in an account meant for capital projects.” Mr Gbolade Idakolo, Managing Director/CEO SD&D Capital Management Limited, believes that “the floating of the naira and subsidy stoppage has boosted the revenue accruing to the Federal government which has also increased the amount shared in FAAC. This increase has been witnessed right from the month of June and it will continue if the government fine-tunes its revenue strategies. This means that the federal government now has more revenue to share across the three tiers of government and meet loan obligations. The most important expectation from Nigerians is that this increased revenue should be used wisely for the overall benefit of the people.” On his part, Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) Mohammed Bello Shehu when reacting to the news of fuel subsidy removal in a statement said that “the cessation of under-recovery payments would eliminate the uncertainty surrounding the subsidy regime. It will free up funds for the execution of critical national development and human capital enhancement projects such as the provision of an affordable transport system, investment in the education sector, improvement in health care, and infrastructural development.” On its part, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has overtime cautioned against unmitigated release of funds into the system which it argued could cause an increase in domestic prices (inflation) in the short to medium term. It mentioned two key developments that are likely to contribute to this upward pressure: the recent deregulation of petrol prices and the transition to a unified and market-determined exchange rate. The CBN believes that the policy environment and how it affects domestic prices will require closer collaboration between it and the fiscal authority. In other words, the central bank and the government need to work together to address the impacts of these developments on the economy and manage any resultant inflationary pressures. At the last Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting address, former Acting Governor of the CBN Folashodun Shonubi, said “key developments that would likely sustain upward pressure on domestic prices, in the short to medium term, are the recent deregulation of petrol price and the transition to a unified and market-determined exchange rate. The unfolding dynamics in the policy environment and the resultant pass-through to domestic prices would thus require greater collaboration between the Bank and the fiscal authority.” In other words Wale Edun (Coordinating Minister for the Economy) and Yemi Cardoso (CBN Governor) will have to come together to forge a common alliance of political and economic understanding for the well-being of the country.

https://thenationonlineng.net/the-

en

Our most painful moments are also our most important. Rather than run from pain, we need to identify it, accept it, and learn how to use it to better ourselves. Our images of learning are filled with positive thoughts about how we learn from others. We read memoirs from the titans of industry, op-ed pieces from thought leaders, and gobble up the latest letters from CEOs in an attempt to absorb as much knowledge as we can. But it may surprise you that we’re missing one of the most obvious sources of learning: ourselves. Pain is something we all try to avoid, both instinctively and consciously. However, if we want to achieve great things in life, we need to change our relationship with pain. Ray Dalio, the longtime leader of Bridgewater, the largest hedge fund in the world, argues in his book Principles that pain “is a signal that you need to find solutions so you can progress.” Only by exploring it and reflecting on it can we start to learn and evolve. There is an adage that states, “if you’re not failing, then you’re not really pushing the limits of what’s possible.” Sometimes when we push ourselves, we fall, and sometimes we break through. When we fall, the key is to reflect on our failures. However, doing that in the moment is often a very painful process that goes against human nature. Our painful moments are important moments. When we confront something painful, we are left with a choice: accept an ugly and painful truth or embrace a beautiful delusion. Many of us opt for the latter, and it slows our progress. We’ve known about our tendency to prefer delusion for a long time. We’ve watched others make mistakes and fail to learn from them. They are blind to the mistakes that are so clear to us. They run from the pain that could be the source of learning. They become comfortable operating without pain. They become comfortable protecting the version of themselves that existed yesterday, not the version of themselves that’s better than they were yesterday. Rather than running from pain, we need to identify it, accept it, and learn how to use it to better ourselves. In order for us to adapt, we need to learn from uncomfortable moments. We need to value a tough-love approach, where people show us what we’re missing and help us improve. You have a choice: You can prefer that the people around you fail to point out your blind spots, or you can prefer that they do. If you want them to, it’s going to be uncomfortable. It’s going to be awkward. It’s going to hurt. Embracing this approach, however, means that you will learn faster and go further. It’s a great example of “first-order negative, subsequent positive.” This means the first step is the hardest and it hurts, but after that, you reap the benefits. Of course, many of us prefer to tell ourselves that we have no weaknesses. That the world is wrong and we are right. We hide our weaknesses not only from others but also from ourselves. Being open about weaknesses means being open about who we are in the moment. It doesn’t mean that’s who we are forever. But we can’t improve what we can’t see. Many of the people I talk to on the podcast have endured setbacks that seemed catastrophic at the time. Dalio, for instance, punched his boss in the face. Annie Duke lost millions. Countless others have been divorced, fired, or otherwise in a position where they felt unable to go on. I’ve been there too. It’s in these moments, however, that a meaningful part of life happens. Life is about what you do in the painful moments; the choices you make and the path you choose. The easy road is staying the same, avoiding pain and ignoring your flaws. The hard road is embracing the pain, examining your mistakes, and shining a light on your blind spots. This is the path to seeing reality and leaving your self-made bubble behind. The people who have succeeded in life have learned to embrace pain and not be afraid to fall. They’ve learned from their failures and used them to make themselves better. Embracing pain is not easy but it is a choice that can lead to personal growth and success. Don’t be afraid to confront your painful moments, be open about your weaknesses and strive to improve yourself, it’s the only way to truly achieve greatness in life.

https://fs.blog/2018/06/pain-reflection/

en

14th November, 2022 By Hussaina Yakubu An ex-Commissioner for Women Affairs is among over 12,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP who dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna state on Sunday. The decampees were received at a rally in Giwa town by the Kaduna APC gubernatorial candidate for 2023 election, Sen. Uba Sani/ Addressing the decampees, Sani noted that APC is growing stronger and had the edge over opposition parties in the state ahead of the 2023 election. Sani, assured them of equal status and rights like every other member of the party. “In APC, there is no discrimination; those who joined today are of the same status as those who joined when the party was formed.” “We are one and a united family,” he said, and he advised the electorate to vote for all the APC candidates in the 2023 elections. “You should vote for Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the presidential election, vote for Muhammad Sani Abdullahi as senator representing Kaduna Central, and vote for Jibrin Zubairu as member representing Giwa/Birnin Gwari Federal Constituency.” “Vote for me during the governorship election; elect Umar Auwal Bijimi and Adamu Mohammed Shika to represent Birnin Gwari West and East at the state House of Assembly, respectively,” he said. Meanwhile, the governorship candidate promised to be fair to all, develop all parts of Kaduna State, and consolidate the achievements of Gov. Nasir El-Rufai’s administration.

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2022/11/14/ex-commissioner-more-than-12000-others-

en

December 13, 2023 by Adedamola Ogunbewon Fubara has erased Rivers history with Assembly demolition, says lawmaker Enemi Alabo George, one of the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed concern that the demolition of the House of Assembly complex by the state government has resulted in the loss of important historical information, records, and archives. Alabo-George, the Chairman of the House Committee on Informational, described Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s government’s action as the height of irresponsibility and stated that there was no need to destroy the entire complex when the explosion that rocked the complex only affected the hallowed chamber. He bemoaned the fact that staff and legislators were not permitted to remove their personal belongings and documentation before the destruction started. In an interview on Channels TV on Wednesday afternoon, he said: “I came to Abuja for a meeting yesterday (Tuesday) and I was supposed to go back to Port Harcourt this morning when I heard the news. It’s a sad, unfortunate, and interesting day to be alive; that we would wake up to see many years of hard work, history and works of our forebears and predecessors brought down in one fell swoop. “Our documents, files, archives, and the entire signature of the Rivers State House of Assembly, built from the fourth Assembly till date, were brought down for nothing. But I think history will judge everyone. I’m not talking about personal items and stuff we had in our offices. “When I came here (to the Assembly), I learnt the job through documents, files, and archives I saw in the library and other things. Everything that represents the history and image of the House of Assembly from the first Assembly to date has just been brought down, and it’s something very difficult to explain. I’m as shocked as people are.” When asked why he didn’t buy the state government’s explanation that the building’s structural integrity was compromised following the explosion that shook the area a few weeks prior, Alabo-George responded, “The Rivers State House of Assembly building, before it was brought down today, was the best House of Assembly building in Nigeria. It was the finest and the best planned. “The fire happened in the hallowed chamber of the House of Assembly, and that was why we moved to another auditorium. The complex is massive, but everyone knows what the issues are. “If you want to demolish the official building that houses the House of Assembly, you would give notices, allow us to move out our stuff, and documents, and the House has to approve it. The executive cannot move in one day to demolish the House of Assembly without the approval of the House and let us plan where to move to. “You don’t wake up one day and lead bulldozers into the complex and bring it down with everything inside. It is difficult to explain; because of one man’s ego. This is the height of recklessness and lawlessness.” He said Martin Amaewhule remained the Speaker of the Assembly, backed by a subsisting court order, and that nothing had changed. “He remains the speaker and whatever that (ex parte order) was is void. The court allows the Assembly to carry out our functions unfettered and unhindered. So, all that has been done is void.” He explained further that it was laughable that their seats were declared vacant by the Speaker, Edison Ehie, who is recognized by Tuesday’s court order. He stated: “It’s funny. We have the constitution and everything we have done was in accordance with the dictates of the constitution. Section 109 (1)(g) is clear, that if there is a division in my party, I can move to another party, and that is what we have done. Whatever those four people, the Speaker inclusive, do does not have the legal power. So, it’s not an issue and we are not bothered.” He said even though Wike remained their mentor and leader, he had no hand in their defection to the APC. He promised that the Assembly would not submit to the executive branch’s suppression.

https://thenationonlineng.net/fubara-has-

en

April 29, 2022 by The Nation BREAKING: PDP disqualifies two presidential aspirants The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disqualified two of the 17 presidential aspirants seeking its ticket to contest the 2023 election. The two disqualified aspirants are to forfeit the N40 million each of them paid for the expression of interest and nomination forms. The chairman of the presidential screening committee, Senator David Mark, announced the disqualification of the two aspirants on Friday evening. Mark however declined a request by journalists to reveal the identities of the affected aspirants and the reason(s) for their disqualification. When asked if the screening committee made any recommendation to the party to refund the N80 million nomination fees paid by the aspirants, Mark said: “Why should the party refund the money?”

https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-pdp-disqualifies-two-

en

23rd February, 2012 President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has congratulated Christians in Nigeria as they begin the observance of Lent. As the dominant feature of the 40-day period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday is constant prayers, penitence, fasting and self-denial, President Jonathan has urged Christians in Nigeria to pray fervently this Lent for greater peace, security and progress in the country. The President also urged the Christian community to reflect deeply during the period on the virtues and ideals of human existence exemplified by the ministry of Jesus Christ on earth. He called on Christians to commit themselves to making those virtues including brotherly love, tolerance, humility, service to others, honesty, fairness and equity more manifest in their daily lives. President Jonathan prayed that God Almighty will answer the prayers of all Nigerians and bless the country with continued unity and rapid development.

http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/02/23/as-lent-begins-jonathan-prays-

en

By Yetunde Arebi Ahead of the October 1, 2022 release date, publishers of Nigeria’s premier biographical compendium on thought leaders, “Portraits of Patriots: 100 Nigeria’s Foremost Thought Leaders”, have released the names of the 100 men and women who made the prestigious list. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Governor Peter Obi, business mogul Aliko Dangote, and the Continental Overseer of RCCG, Africa 2, Pastor Ezekiel A. Odeyemi lead the pack of those profiled. Read also: 4 Nigerians bag Queen’s young leaders awards Others are Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed; AfDB president, Dr Akinwunmi Adeshina, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Bishop Oyedepo, Pastor Kumuyi, Governor Zulum, and Bishop Kukah. Curiously, the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and the APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not make the list. According to the Editors, Kammonke Abam and Tammie Edet Kammonke, the foremost consideration in determining possible listees for “Portraits of Patriots: 100 Nigeria’s Thought Leaders“ is the extent of an individual’s inspirational value. Such inspirational value is judged by their level of patriotism, nationalism, and commitment to nation-building, defined by how much they put Nigeria first. “These are people who, by their actions, put Nigeria above personal and sectional considerations. They are committed to the greatness of the country and are working towards ensuring that the country becomes what its founding fathers envisioned it to be”, they added. They said, “the book profiles true Nigerian heroes and heroines, who have as a collective defined a vivid portraiture of the Nigerian story through their lives” This, according to them, is against the often disingenuous and stereotypical reportage in some sections of the western media that portrays Nigeria and indeed, Africa as a den of crime, wars, hunger and poverty. “We have tons of Nigerians who are daily sacrificing in their corners either as thought leaders in the areas of business, public service, civil society, faith, among others towards building a united, prosperous and indivisible country”. This prestigious listing, according to them, will be annual, as their contribution to curating the contemporary history of Nigeria. The editors noted that the greatness of a nation is not just measured by population and natural resources but also by the zest of patriotism of its citizens, the ability to harness, and selflessly deploy that spirit of patriotism to the best advantage of the country In the words of the editors, “tons of Nigerian leaders are quietly working day and night, sacrificially deploying their personal goodwill to ensuring the development, unity and progress of our great country, Nigeria”. “Most of these leaders are unsung because they avoid the klieg lights that come with the media yet their contributions to the overall development of our dear country are very impactful”, the editors noted. It is some of these leaders we have fished out from their relatively obscure corners for the purpose of acknowledging their selfless contributions to building a virile and united country that we will all be proud of”, Abam and Kammonke said “We are conscious of the fact that any biographical list generates conversation energy of who should or shouldn’t be included. This is therefore not unexpected for this work”, the editors said “We have tried within human limits to profile the best in our estimation. We want to acknowledge that ten times the number of people listed in this edition deserve to be so acknowledged. However, our listing has put a bar of 100 for the purpose of getting the best of the best. Those who are not listed in this edition are not necessarily not good enough”, they said. The compendium will be sold on Amazon and directly by the publishers on-demand basis. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/09/osinbajo-wike-obi-adeboye-others-make-

en

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar on Monday said that the Federal Government of Nigeria developed the nation’s economic nerve centre, Lagos. The Adamawa-born politician also said the All Progressives Congress (APC) lied that its presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu built Lagos after the nation’s return to democracy in 1999. Atiku, who spoke at the PDP presidential rally at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, warned the people of the state against returning APC to power at the federal and state levels, saying “a single family has ruled the state for 23 years”. Addressing a crowd of PDP supporters decked up in party paraphernalia, the former Vice-President said, “53 years ago when I came to Lagos in 1969, there was only one Carter Bridge built by the Europeans, no Second Mainland Bridge, no Third Mainland Bridge, no Tafawa Balewa Square, that was when I came to Lagos, all of you were not born then. “Now, I want to tell you, this is a fact, you can go and check: the Federal Government built the Second Mainland Bridge, the Federal Government rebuilt the Old Carter Bridge, the Federal Government built the Third Mainland Bridge, rebuilt Agege Motor Road, rebuilt Ikorodu Road, all the major roads connecting Island and Mainland.” He said the Alliance for Democracy (AD), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the APC governments in Lagos since 1999 lied about developing the state. “The AD, ACN and APC governments have been telling you lies that they developed Lagos, they did not develop Lagos at all, na lie; they are lying to you,” he said. Atiku urged Lagosians to free themselves from the control of the Tinubu family by voting in the PDP governorship candidate in Lagos, Olajide Adediran better known as Jandor. “Therefore, it is time for you, the people of Lagos to liberate yourselves from a family’s government to a people’s government that is going to be led by Jandor,” he said. Atiku further promised to restructure Nigeria along the lines of fiscal federalism as well as privatise the country’s refineries. He was at the rally with his running mate and Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa; PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu; Governors Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), amongst others. Atiku is in the 2023 presidential race alongside top contenders including Tinubu and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

https://www.channelstv.com/2022/12/05/its-a-lie-fg-developed-lagos-not-

en

By Luminous Jannamike, Abuja AHEAD of the 2023 elections, the Northern Christian Youth Initiative (NYCI) has condemned the activities of politicians using religion under any guise as the basis for their political rallies and electioneering campaigns The group condemned the attacks by the former speaker of the house of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, and the erstwhile secretary to the government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal, on the same-faith ticket decision of the All Progressives Congress, APC. It would be recalled that Dogara and Lawal, who are APC chieftains and some Church leaders had argued against the emergence of two Muslims as the party’s flag bearers for the 2023 polls, saying it was against religious balancing But the Northern Christian Youths argued that the overemphasis on the ruling party’s choice of standard bearers of the same faith at the expense of other critical issues by the duo of Dogara and Lawal could plunge the country into a religious war. NCYI’s Convener, Hon. Mike Msuaan Msuaan, in a statement on Friday night, insisted the both men were staunch supporters of the candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said, “As a matter of fact, Babachir Lawal authored very damaging write ups against the Vice president of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo ;himself a Christian and a presidential aspirant in the APC primary that produced Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Babachir Lawal, demeaned his fellow Christian, in support of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is a Muslim. Hon. Dogara was also a known supporter of Tinubu. “We did not find Both Hon. Yakubu Dogara and Babachir Lawal canvassing votes for any Christian candidate during the APC primary. We expect the duo who have become accidental defenders of the Christian faith to have stood for either, Prof Osibanjo or Hon. Rotimi Ameachi who where also top presidential contender during the party primary “We expect that people who have held such exalted positions like those held by Hon. Dogara and Babachir Lawal in the past would be cautious in sowing seeds of division, be it religious, ethnic or regional. Hon. Dogara was not elected as a member of the house of Representatives and subsequently the speaker of the house of Representatives on the basis of his faith, neither was Babachir Lawal appointed SGF because of his region. They both found themselves in the office to uphold the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “A school of thought has it that both Dogara and Babachir nursed intentions of becoming vice presidential candidates to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and worked for his emergence. Their inability to to secure such endorsement is touted as the singular selfish reason they have become very bitter and are moving around sowing seeds of division. “The resort to divisive machinations in the manner Hon. Dogara and Babachir have resorted to, after losing out in the consideration for the vice presidency are unbecoming of statesmen who have risen to such exalted positions of leadership in the country they intend to destroy now is condemnable. “Hon. Dogara has won elections in a nearly Muslim-dominated constituency. The electorates did not vote for him on the basis of his religious inclination, or consideration, nor were they voting him to represent any religious group at the National Assembly. “The build-up to 2023 general and the contending interests will no doubt generate tension in the country on its own. Leaders like the former speaker of the house of Representatives and the SGF who should champion the vanguard for peaceful, free and credible elections must not embark on voyages to heat up the polity in the name of settling political goals.” The group, therefore, cautioned the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN and Christians generally to be weary of the sudden defence and interest politicians like Hon. Dogara and Babachir Lawal seem to have for the defence of Christianity when in reality they supported a Muslim candidate to emerge as the presidential candidate of the APC. “The country is facing economic challenges, security issues such as Kidnappings, banditry, Boko Haram, herders and farmers crisis are issues that we must urgently address as a matter of national emergency. This is the time to look for leaders who have the competence to tackle these problems and unite the country. “NCYI completely condemns the activities of Dogara and Babachir as capable of causing religious war and endangering northern Christians,” the statement added. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/09/2023-youre-beating-drums-

en

4th October, 2023 By Ebere Agozie/Pauline Ochai The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has said vitriolic attacks being regularly heaped on the judiciary cannot override or supersede the Constitution of the country which judges apply in deciding each case. Ariwoola said this on Wednesday in Abuja while swearing in another batch of the 23 Judges for the Federal High Court. He charged the judges to always apply constitutional provisions in deciding cases that may be assigned to them. He said that several vitriolic attacks are regularly heaped on the judiciary; but that it is crystal clear that public opinion, no matter how serious or weighty it might be, cannot override or supersede the Constitution of the country in which judges apply in deciding each case. “Judicial officers owe their conscience and the generality of the Nigerian masses: particularly those who are looking up to them, the great responsibility of good moral rectitude and acceptable conduct to uphold and consolidate the trust reposed in them. “By virtue of the oath you have just taken, you have, automatically assumed new status and responsibilities in life. “A new blank page in the book of life has just been opened for you and as it is with public office, especially the judiciary, you are completely opened to daily public scrutiny. “The pen is right there in your hand to write whatever you desire to be the content of the new page that is now openly displayed in the public domain. “Like I always say, even though judicial officers are not spirits or superhuman, yet, so much impossible things are expected from them by the society. He warned that the bench is neither for the indolent, the greedy nor those with dubious character, who can easily fall for a plate of porridge offered by desperate litigants. “I heartily rejoice with you on this very important and sensitive appointment; but at the same time, I sincerely sympathise with you for the landmines that are already laying on your paths in the course of your adjudication, especially if your conscience is at variance with your conduct. “You must, at all times, rise above temptations and trials that might obstruct or even halt your rise to the pinnacle of your career. “We are all humans, no doubt, but you display the humanism in you by doing those extraordinary things that people would ordinarily conclude that you cannot do. “That is what separates those with integrity and passion for success from those with low pedigree and dysfunctional moral compass”, he added. He said appointments to the bench were not an appointment to wealth, vainglory, dishonest disposition or ostentatious lifestyle through corrupt acquaintances. “Whatever wrongdoing that emanates from any form of indiscretion and abuse of office, will, in like manner, be used to conscientize, chastise and thoroughly sanitize the same conscience that you may have refused to listen to. “The searchlight of the National Judicial Council beams brightly on all judicial officers across the country. The NJC should never, either by omission or commission, be mistaken for a toothless Bulldog. “It can bark fiercely and as well bite deeply and aggressively, too. “Our radar is sophisticated enough to detect every form of corruption and wrongdoing by Judicial officers; and we will not waste a moment in taking the necessary action to fish out the bad eggs”. He said that the remoteness of their locations of adjudication can never blur NJC’s sight on them. “We have put in place the right machinery to capture and document your conduct. “So, be careful and take heed, or else, you may end up regretting ever being appointed a judicial officer, although, we don’t wish you such, anyway. “The entire letters and words of the oath you have just taken, must reside in a prime place of your heart and be generously applied in your adjudications. “This is a bond that you should engrave in your heart and be well guided by it while adjudicating in all matters that come before you”. He admonished them to be impartial, fair to all, and apply justice in all your undertakings. “The times that we are in, are quite perilous, so we need judicial officers who are calculative, honest, objective and dispassionate in all ramifications. “Thus, your appointments to the bench at this crucial period of our national history are not by accident but by divine ordination”, the CJN said.

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2023/10/04/public-opinion-attacks-on-judges-cant-

en

August 12, 2021 by The Nation Kaduna/NLC face off: Panel urges govt to pay disengaged workers By Frank Ikpefan, Abuja The payment of all entitlements to the workers disengaged by the Kaduna State government formed the plank of recommendations from the 10-man Bipartite Committee that looked into industrial dispute in the Northwest state. The panel set up by the Federal Government to resolve the face-off between the Kaduna State government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) submitted its recommended yesterday. It recommended that the disengaged staff of the Local Government, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Primary Health Care Board and all those not paid, should be paid appropriate benefits. Also recommended to be paid their due benefits are staff of the Kaduna State Development Company who were disengaged between 2017 and last year. On July 10, the federal government inaugurated a 10-member committee to resolve the dispute between NLC and Kaduna State Government following the decision of the former to embark on a one-week warning strike. The protest by the NCL was over alleged anti-Labour practices and sack of its members by the Governor Nasir El-Rufai-led administration. The Committee, which was chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. Peter Tarfa, submitted its interim report yesterday to Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Chris Ngige. Tarfa said: “There is also need for consultation between the Government and Labour in line with the prescription of the Labour Act and other relevant Labour statutes. “There is need for mutual respect and confidence building between the social partners, especially on issues of collective bargaining.” He further stressed the need to bridge the communication gap between the government and union leaders, which the panel observed triggered strike.” In terms of victimisation, tarfa said his committee recommended the re-issuance of letters to to override all the queries answered by nurses, who participated in the strike. The Labour minister said the dispute could have been worse but for federal intervention, recalling that there has been no love lost between the Kaduna government and the NLC since the sack of teachers in 2017. Ngige said: “It is the same matter we are handling. It is crystallising. In that one, teachers without requisite qualification were teaching children. We said no. We agreed on what should be done and it was done. “I advised labour to tell their members to get the required qualification to ensure quality education and it was done. In this case, it was redundancy.” He described the submission of the report as a new dawn and a very important landmark in the history of his ministry. The minister said the need to halt the government/Labour crisis to prevent possible conflagration and spread into other Northwest states informed the federal intervention. Ngige said: “Just like President Buhari said, Kaduna is the home of retired Generals, former Ministers, Police Chiefs, retired Permanent Secretaries and who is who in old Northern Region, just like Enugu is for the old Eastern Region and Ibadan for the Western Region. “The President said we should do everything to arrest the situation in Kaduna. It has not been easy for me and the Permanent Secretary. “We were on our phones talking to the NLC and Kaduna State Government. We are happy that it has been brought under control. It could have been worse.” Ngige thanked members of the committee, pointing out that it would have been made a bipartite committee of the state and the NLC, but the members decided to make permanent secretary the their chairman. The minister said: “I listened to the report presented by the Chairman. You kept to the original terms of reference you were given during the inauguration of the committee three weeks ago. That helps the work and the employees and their leaders seeing what has been done, will know that there is no victimisation as alleged. You have shown transparency. “Somebody cannot be working without the necessary certification. Somebody who is not a nurse and is found in a hospital must go. “People who have disciplinary matters of fraud and misappropriation of funds, you have the right to disengage them under the omnibus of redundancy. “If as government, you are spending all your money on personnel, it does not make sense. That money is for everybody in the state. It is for social, educational and capital infrastructure. I am satisfied.” NLC Deputy President and panel’s Co-Deputy Chairman Najeem Usman Yasin thanked Ngige and Tarfa, expressing the hope for implementation of the recommendations. Secretary to the Kaduna State Government Balarabe Abbas Lawal also thanked the minister for his intervention, reassuring that they came with the sole aim of finding a lasting peace in the state.

https://thenationonlineng.net/kaduna-nlc-face-off-panel-urges-govt-to-

en

May 17, 2020 by The Nation Woman poisons her husband to death, chops off his manhood Linus Oota, Lafia - Accuses victim of dating her best friend - Says I poisoned his meal and watched him die painfully - He lived dangerously –Victim’s uncle An eight-year-old marriage has ended on a tragic note in Zumbagwe, a remote community in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. Thirty-three-year-old Janet Ekpe poisoned her husband for allegedly dating her best friend and watched him die slowly and painfully. Besides allegedly dating her best friend, Janet also accused her husband, Sunday Ekpe, of starving her of sex while satisfying her friend with same. Janet recalled that she had got used to having marathon sex with Ekpe since they got married only for him to slow down after her second child and later withdrew completely. She said she grew tired of her husband giving excuses night after night as to why he was no longer able to deliver in bed and even telling her on occasions to fantasize about the good old times in order to satisfy her sexual urge. Matters came to a head when Janet realised that her husband had fallen in love with her best friend who happened to be a widow. She came to the conclusion that her husband no longer had time for her because his attention had shifted to her friend. She reasoned that the best way to deal with the situation was to terminate Ekpe’s life so that she would live a life devoid of psychological trauma. Hence she did not only kill Ekpe, she also ensured that she chopped off his manhood, perhaps to forestall the possibility of her randy husband engaging another woman in an affair in the world beyond! ‘Why I killed him, chopped off his manhood’ In her confessional statement, Janet said she did not know that her late husband was dating her best friend until about three years ago. She said: “We were married for eight years with two children. It was three years ago I discovered that my husband had fallen in love with my best friend, a widow, and had been dating her. “Since then, he stopped sleeping with me; he began to starve me sexually while satisfying my best friend. “When we got married eight years ago, sex seemed to be the only thing on my husband’s mind. He was always in the mood. “We would make love three or four times before morning, and when he woke up, he would be ready to continue. “There were days he skipped work and we would spend the whole day making love. “We had sex in the bathroom, in the kitchen and anywhere it caught our fancy in the house. “I became used to constant sex through him and also became the envy of my close friends, including my best friend who he later fell in love with. “Whenever we shared stories of our exploits in bed, my friends felt I had the best man and jokingly begged me to allow them to have my husband just for a day because their husbands could not satisfy them in bed. “But shortly after we had our two kids, I began to notice his disinterest in sex with me and his performance level began to drop. “While we were having sex on a regular basis before, it came down to two times in a week and later became so bad that we could stay for three or four months without making love. “Initially, I was not bothered because I felt that he would come around it after the babies were weaned. But I was wrong. He began to starve me of sex for months on end. “It got to the point that I would be begging him to sleep with me but he would rebuff my requests. “At times, he would tell me I should relive the moments we had sex every day and wallow in that fantasy. “When I pestered him further, he told me he was no more interested in sex as he had had enough to last him a lifetime. “He even told me that sex is not food and that if I felt so sex starved, I should get a man to satisfy me. “I reported the matter to our church and the pastor summoned him, but he could not convince our pastor. “I reported the matter to his parents in the village and some of his relations around, but he ignored their invitation. The final straw “Within this period, my husband started keeping late night, which was very unusual of him. “Unknown to me, my best friend, Hellen, who is a widow, started keeping distance with me, while some of my friends started hinting that she and my husband were dating. “I watched the way they acted and how happy he always seemed in her presence. “I monitored them closely and caught them five times in a drinking joint in new Nyanyan. “When I confronted him about it, he said I was being silly; so I decided to believe the whole story. “The worst was the day I saw a text message from Hellen in my husband’s phone, thanking him for giving him the best sexual satisfaction ever in her life the previous day. “I was devastated. I felt sick and angry. “I was hurt that my own husband could do this to me. “I went back to our pastor but my husband turned down the pastor’s invitation and even stopped attending church. “At this point, he stopped coming back home most times and resorted to sleeping in hotels with Hellen. “I felt like a single mum and it upset me. I confronted Hellen and told her she was hurting me and that their relationship was getting stronger while they were not taking my feelings into consideration. “I could not stand the thought of them being so close. “I used to love and trust my husband but he turned me into something I never knew I could become: a murderer. I killed him. I poisoned him and watched him die in our bedroom, painfully. “I mixed a deadly, colourless, tasteless and odourless substance in his meal and drinking water which destroyed his intestines immediately. “He cried and struggled uncontrollably after taking the meal. He gave up after an hour and I used a sharp blade and knife to chop off his penis, place it on his chest as evidence of what killed him. “If your penis is the one that is giving you the audacity to have feelings for my best friend and refusing to listen to the advice of your parents and even your pastor, it is better to cut it off. “Mr Sunday (Ekpe), a cheating, filthy, lying bastard, ought to die for me to live. I deserve to live because I am human and have blood flowing in my veins. “These foolish men, you give them everything, yet they choose to fool around and play with your intelligence. “I had monitored him closely and tolerated him for long and his end has come.” Ekpe lived dangerously, says uncle Mr Adakole Onoja, an uncle of Ekpe, told our correspondent that the deceased man was not Godly in his affairs with Hellen. He said: “When his wife reported the matter to me, I invited him to my house and told him the implications of his actions. “You cannot completely starve your young wife of sex and resort to dating her best friend. “Many people, including his parents in the village, his pastor and his close friends, interfered in the issue but he turned a deaf ear to them. “Maybe that was how he was destined to end his life. “His wife’s action may not be right, but she is a human being too.” All the efforts made by our correspondent to reach Hellen on the phone yielded no result as her phone was repeatedly said to have been switched off. Visits made to her hairdressing salon also yielded no fruit as the salon was locked up.

https://thenationonlineng.net/woman-poisons-her-husband-to-death-chops-

en

February 21, 2021 by The Nation Atiku supports proposed privatisation of refineries, assets By Samuel Oamen Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has supported decision by the Federal Government to privatise some of its assets. The assets include refineries, the International Conference Centre in Abuja, Yola Electricity Distribution Company, Zungeru Hydro Power, Tafawa Belewa Square, among others. A total of N493.4bn is expected to be earned from the sale of the assets which were classified under energy assets, industries and communication department as well as development institutions and natural resources. In a statement titled ‘Privatisation of Refineries and Other Assets: Better Late Than Never,’ Atiku however demanded transparency in the process. He expressed delight that the privatisation of public assets which he once championed and was scorned for by the All Progressives Congress-led administration is now being embraced by the same administration. He said: “For decades, I have championed the privatisation of our economy and full deregulation of our oil and gas sector, amongst other sectors, for greater service delivery and efficiency. “As chairman of the National Council on Privatisation, I advanced these policies which saw our economy achieve 6% GDP growth and created jobs for the masses of our people and amass the national wealth that enabled us exit the debt trap, and secure our financial independence. “Even though my ideas were scorned by the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government over the years, I am nevertheless most fulfilled that an administration that once failed to see the wisdom in these sound economic policies, is now facing reality and has now embraced reason, by announcing the privatisation of our refineries and other assets, which have not always prospered under public management. “It is always better late than never. And I commend the Federal Government for coming on board. I urge that the privatisation process be as transparent as possible, as that is the only way to ensure that Nigeria reaps the greatest economic benefits from this policy. “It was never about me. My interest has always been the peace, prosperity and progress of Nigeria, and I am happy to share these ideas, and others, with the government of the day, for the betterment of our nation and its people.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/atiku-supports-proposed-

en

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Innocent Barikor as the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA). Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja. The President also approved the appointment of Prince Ebitimi Amgbare as the Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority (NDRBDA). Barikor is an academic, politician and a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 2011 to 2015, while Prince Amgbare is a retired naval officer and former commissioner in Bayelsa. He said that the President expected that the new heads of these important agencies to discharge their duties with utmost fidelity to the nation. Ngelale also stated that the President called on the new appointees to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and excellent service to the people of Nigeria. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/04/tinubu-appoints-barikor-amgbare-as-

en

Nigerian Olympic Football Team, arriving Manaus, on Thursday. By LAWANI MIKAIRU Delta Airlines has come to the rescue of Nigeria’s football Dream Team by providing a dedicated charter flight to fly the team from Atlanta to Manaus in Brazil less than 24 hours before their crucial Rio Olympics football game opening match against Japan. Confirming this development, Delta Airlines Nigeria Public Relation consultant, Mr Muhammed Abdullahi said “thanks to a tab temporarily picked up by Delta Air Lines for the charter flight, the stranded team is expected to land in Brazil at 2pm local time which gives the team just enough time to clear customs and stretch before kickoff at 9pm.” He further disclosed that “the Nigeria Dream team flew to Manaus in the special Delta charter flight usually used for the National Basketball Association, flight 757-200 (VIP NBA Aircraft) to operate the flight, after obtaining NBAs permission to operate the aircraft for the mission.” Commenting on the airlifting, Delta Airlines spokesman Anthony Black “This is a special occasion, not only because it’s the Olympics, but also, exactly 20 years ago, on this day, the Nigerian football team needed a miracle to beat Argentina to win the gold medal in Atlanta at the Olympics. Today, we are happy to help them with another miracle.” Confirming the development, Samson Siasia, the coach of the Nigerian team said “The team is flying down on a charter that takes sports teams to their destinations. This makes the players happy. The players will have more leg room and they will be able to sleep on their way to Manaus.” Recall that the Nigeria U23 football team representing the country in the current Olympics in Brazil have been stranded in United States of America, USA, where they had their training camp preparing for the tournament. The Sport Minister, Mr Solomon Dalung claimed he was not consulted before the coach of the team decided to take his camping to USA. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/08/how-delta-air-rescued-dream-team-

en

16th October, 2021 By Chijioke Okoronkwo Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has received the Queen’s Baton for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Along with sports minister Sunday Dare, Osinbajo welcomed the baton at the State House on Saturday, on behalf of President Buhari. Habu Gumel, President, Commonwealth Games Nigeria, received the baton at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and handed it to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, who presented it to Osinbajo. Osinbajo reminded the Commonwealth of its strong bond of brotherhood. “This is a much loved tradition which precedes every Commonwealth Games; a baton carrying Her Majesty’s message of goodwill to the Commonwealth goes on a 90,000 mile, 72 country journey to end at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. “As the relay goes from one Commonwealth member country to another, in its journey across several continents, the two billion strong population of the Commonwealth are reminded of the strong bonds of brotherhood and friendship that bind us, across these continents, nations, races, tongues and faiths. “This joyful event will end at this time in Birmingham, the city that will host the games in 2022. “Nigerian athletes will join their brothers and sisters at the games, as we have done at several occasions of the games since we first attended in 1950, when Joshua Majekodumi won our first medal, in the high jump event; ”Since then, our athletes have won no less than 236 medals at the games! We are set to do much better in Birmingham,’’ he said. Osinbajo commended the relay team for their cheerfulness and dedication to the tour covering thousands of miles, and the organising committees for all their hard work in seamlessly delivering the relay event. He also lauded the athletes, who would bring excitement and thrill to millions at the festival of sport and culture. Sports minister Dare described the event as another remarkable milestone of the Commonwealth Games Federation which signified peace, unity and love among the comity of nations. He said it was exciting to be associated with the iconic event of hosting the Queen’s Baton relay being the very first African country to do so. The minister said it was the equivalent of the Olympic torch relay. Gumel, on his part, said that the baton, on tour of Africa, was launched from Buckingham Palace earlier in the month by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth 11, the Patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation. He said the baton would return to the UK on July 28, 2022, for the opening ceremony of the games.

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2021/10/16/osinbajo-

en

December 20, 2020 by The Nation JUST IN: DG NIPSS Professor Habu Galadima dies By Kolade Adeyemi, Jos The Director General National Institute of Policy and strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, Professor Habu Shuiabu Galadima is dead. In a statement signed by Brid Gen CFJ Udaya(rtd), Secretary/Director of Administration, NIPSS, said, “on behalf of the board of Governors, Management and staff of the National Institute, we regret to announce the sudden demise of the Director General/CEO of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies NIPSS, Prof Habu Shuaibu Galadima which occurred this morning 20th December, 2020 after a brief illness.” He will be buried according to Islamic rites.

https://thenationonlineng.net/just-in-dg-nipss-professor-habu-galadima-

en

Abia State Governor Alex Otti Worried by the reluctance of youths to participate in the on-going police recruitment exercise, Abia State Government, has directed all 17 Mayors, traditional rulers and President Generals of various communities in the state, to quickly embark on mass mobilisation of their youths to fill the state’s quota. Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu, in a statement issued Friday, regretted that the state’s allocation “in the ongoing police recruitment exercise has been grossly underutilized.” The statement further read: “Regrettably too, about 700 candidates invited for interview in the ongoing recruitment exercise are yet to show up . “To this end, the Executive Governor of Abia state, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, has directed all Local Government Mayors, Chairmen of Traditional Rulers Councils and their members in all the LGAs, President Generals of Town Unions, and Community leaders to immediately mobilize their youths for this very important exercise to ensure that the state’s quota is filled. “The Governor further directed all those who have been invited for the interview as a matter of urgency, to appear for the exercise. Abia cannot be left out in the scheme of any aspect of Nigeria’s socio-political and economic life. “All invited candidates who are yet to show up for the recruitment exercise for one reason or the other should approach the office of the Hon Commissioner for information and Culture for further clarifications. Call or text to 09067409284 or 08029968511 “The future belongs to our Youths. In the spirit of the new Abia, our Youths must prepare for their future now!” In a swift reaction, former Chairman of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, Senator Emman Nwaka, commended Gov. Otti for the move. The 3rd Republic Senator condemned the aloofness of Abia youths in recruitment into military and paramilitary agencies. He suggested introduction of little incentives to lure the youths, as well as engagement of retired service men to sensitize the youths on the benefits in the service. He said:”Your Excellency, I welcome your efforts to encourage Abians to fill our quota in the recruitment exercise of the police, army, immigration and the rest of them. The aloofness of our youths is worrisome. “I’m of the belief that some kind of incentives/inducements might help in addition to encouraging those who have retired to embark on local government tours to educate our youths about the benefits of serving and ensuring that we are not sidelined in the scheme of things given the ethno/religious diversity of our country.” Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/01/police-recruitment-apathy-abia-govt-

en

Swimming Pool Construction Swimming pool Construction or installation in 2024 is simply the building of a swimming pool in the required or desired location. The cost of swimming pool construction can be very expensive depending on the type and size of the swimming pool you want to build. Building a swimming pool for commercial purposes is very profitable in Nigeria. You should also know that building a swimming pool for commercial purposes in Nigeria is a big investment. It would cost a lot but it eventually pays off. People are willing to travel from any part of the country just to use any pool of high standards. On the other hand, you can just decide to build something portable in your house to avoid the extra maintenance cost. However, if you want to build a commercial swimming pool, It might be difficult to find reliable information on swimming pool installation. This is nothing to worry about as you will be finding out everything you need to know about swimming pool installation in this write-up. You can be among the first Nigerians to gain the commercial swimming pool market. Meanwhile, you can decide to build one in your house for recreation. Be rest assured that you will be able to install a long-lasting swimming pool in your house. Table of Contents - Swimming Pool Construction - Types of Swimming Pools - Cost of Hiring a Swimming Pool Builder - Lifetime Cost of a Swimming Pool - Benefits of Swimming Pool Construction - How to Cut Swimming Pool Construction Costs - Swimming Builder Repair Near Me Types of Swimming Pools There are four common types of swimming pools in Nigeria. This is a new type of swimming pool and uses the latest swimming pool construction technology. The pool walls are made from a see-through acrylic panel and sometimes the floor. This is usually gorgeous. It can be built in a way that the see-through allows you to see something unusual like deep-sea animals or even at the extension of a tall building so you can see the floor. This is what a lot of people travel to go experience outside Nigeria. The acrylic panel has a glossy appearance and is 4 times stronger than concrete. It also does not shatter like Glass. Acrylic pools are expensive and you should have a budget of over Ten million naira. The acrylic panel itself costs a lot because of its unique beauty and strength. This is why people use it to build pools in seemingly dangerous places to give their customers an amazing experience. It doesn’t have to be something extravagant all the time. It can be a simple swimming pool in a nice house. The Acrylic pool lasts the longest. The concrete pool has all its walls built from concrete. They are the most common type in Nigeria and are very durable as they can be constructed in any soil type. They can also be built in the ground or above the ground. Most of the materials needed for building the concrete pool can be sourced locally. The concrete swimming pool takes two months or more to build. You can choose to design it the way you please as long as you remain within the bounds of physics. The cost of installing the concrete pool is ₦3,000,000 – ₦12,00,000. It can last a lifetime. This type of pool is made from fiberglass which is a reinforced plastic. It can be molded on the site where you want the pool to be or molded outside and transported to the desired location. Due to limits in what patterns can be molded, it cannot assume every shape or design. It is not also as strong as the concrete pool. The best way to install it is on the ground, on land that is firm because it can be deformed by ground movement. The fiberglass pool is not so popular in Nigeria because there are very few companies producing fiberglass. The difference in soil type and topography in Nigeria also discourages people from choosing it. It cost about ₦4,000,000 to build and install. The fiberglass lasts for 10 -20 years. These are prefabricated pools made from steel panels or rubber materials. It can be assembled on flat ground or above the ground and the walls are covered with vinyl lining. The vinyl pool is best suited for short-term use. It can be disassembled and reassembled in a new location. It can last for 10-15years. You should have about ₦3,000,000 if you want to build this kind of pool. Cost of Hiring a Swimming Pool Builder The cost of swimming pool construction is highly dependent on the kind of swimming pool builder you want. The swimming pool builder would be charging you for their work in constructing the pool. Most times, they charge for the whole construction plus their fee. This means that you will just pay them and get the swimming pool you want. In the other case, you would be given a list of materials needed for the swimming pool construction. You have to buy that and also pay their fee. The swimming pool builder fee is ₦300,000 – ₦4,000,000 depending on the kind of pool you want. However, you should seek the opinion of a professional swimming pool builder before deciding to build a pool. They have the necessary knowledge on what kind of pool would suit your environment and the design that will suit your budget. You might end up doing what you want and losing a lot of money. Prices of Different Types of Swimming Pools Type Of Swimming Pool | Price | Acrylic Pool | ₦12,000,000 – ₦60,000,000 | Concrete Pool | ₦3,000,000 – ₦12,000,000 | Fiberglass Pool | ₦1,500,000 – ₦5,000,000 | Vinyl-lined Pool | ₦1,500,000 – ₦3,500,000 | Lifetime Cost of a Swimming Pool It is a known fact that it costs a lot to build a swimming pool. What you might not have considered is the cost of maintaining the swimming pool. The swimming pool is not like a river, there needs to be clean water in it. This means that you would still spend money to keep the pool functional. This takes us to what the lifetime cost of a swimming pool is. It is the cost of maintenance throughout using the swimming pool. This can be calculated based on the amount you are spending to keep the water clean weekly and the amount spent to clean the wall of the pool from time to time. It is very important to know the lifetime cost of a swimming pool because it is not just enough to build one. You have to be able to use it when needed, although many people don’t consider this. You need to consider if you can maintain this swimming pool in the long run. Commercial swimming pool owners, need to know if they can make enough money to keep the pool and also get a profit. This is why the lifetime cost of a swimming pool is important. Factors That Affect the Lifetime Cost of a Swimming Pool - Cleaning maintenance: This is the cost of cleaning a swimming pool to keep the microorganisms that pollute water in check. Cleaning agents are added to a standard pool every week to maintain clean water. You also need a cleaning pump that would work about 8hrs a day to ensure that the chemicals are circulating in the water. This includes the electricity cost for the pump, the cost of the cleaning agent, and the cost of employing someone to monitor and supervise the activities of the pool. All these costs go into just cleaning the water. - Wall Maintenance: Whatever the wall of your pool is made of, it would need to clean. It can be done monthly, twice a month, or every quarter of a year, that depends on how often the pool is used. This would also cost you as the agent for cleaning each type of wall is different and costs differently. The good thing is that you can include this in the contract of the person you are hiring for the cleaning maintenance. This also includes repairing any damage to the wall of the pool due to prolonged usage. Benefits of Swimming Pool Construction - Source of income: Many of the pools that are available to the public in Nigeria are for commercial purposes. If you have a pool, you can also put it for rent to organizations or people that want to swim. - Recreation and relaxation: When you have a pool in your house, you can have fun swimming with friends. Meanwhile, you can also go there to relax. Gently sitting in a pool or by a pool gives this relaxing and soothing feeling. - Pool parties: This is now very popular in Nigeria and you can’t have a pool party without the swimming pool. - Sports competition: Swimming is a sport and there are usually swimming competitions. Most of these swimming competitions are held in the pool. It is only a school that has a swimming pool that can host such competitions. How to Cut Swimming Pool Construction Costs - Bargain: You can always bargain with the swimming pool builders on the price they are charging you. The cost of swimming pool construction can reduce drastically if you bargain properly. - Hire a professional: To avoid spending double the money, look for a professional swimming pool builder. You will get at a long-lasting swimming pool and you won’t spend much on repairs. - Avoid transportation costs: It is good to get a swimming pool builder in your city. This means if you live in Lagos, you should get a swimming pool builder in Lagos. - Choose a simpler design: Don’t choose a design that will cost you too much. If you don’t have the money why not stick with something within your budget? How do we know these prices? Thousands of people ask VisCorner for price quotes every year. We track the prices they get from Swimming Pool Contractors and share them with you.

https://viscorner.com/costs/cost-of-swimming-pool-construction-in-nigeria/

en

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday said First Lady Aisha Buhari has been a worthy partner to the current administration. The Vice President was physically present at a book launch in honour of Mrs. Buhari in Abuja. The book, authored by Hajo Sani, is titled ‘Aisha Buhari – Being Different’. Sani is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs and Administration. In an Instagram post, Prof. Osinbajo associated Mrs. Buhari with the values of courage, integrity and selflessness. “History has shown that it doesn’t matter how many degrees you have or how many titles precede or honours follow your name, or how high the position you hold,” he said. “The rare privilege of public service can only be justified by courage, integrity and selflessness. To these, Aisha Buhari adds being yourself, being different.” The Vice President reviewed the Aisha Buhari book positively. “Hajo Sanni’s book seeks to document the practical work she has done in the past five years, but it begins with a detailed and sensitive chronicle of childhood years and her growth as a woman, wife and mother,” he said. “It also highlights her evolution from a silent supporter of her husband’s political adventures to an active mobilizer and campaigner that played a major role in selling him to the Nigerian electorate. “Then we also read in the book, how as First Lady, she founded the “Future Assured” initiative, promoting the welfare of women, youth and children and driven by the Aisha Buhari Foundation.” Quoting President, Aisha Buhari’s “doting sweetheart”, Prof. Osinbajo said the First Lady has endured “sleepless nights” in addressing many “social concerns.” The book’s public launch was put together by the Office of the First Lady in collaboration with Women and National development, a gender-focused nonprofit. It was chaired by the National leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu while billionaire entrepreneur Mrs. Folorunso Alakija was the Special Guest of Honour.

https://www.channelstv.com/2021/04/08/aisha-

en

July 5, 2022 by The Nation Wike’s camp gives ‘Ayu must go’ condition to back Atiku Stalemate as PDP candidate insists party chair will lead campaign Party bigwigs to lobby Rivers governor for support The festering post-primary crisis of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has not abated. The camp of Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike is seeking the immediate resignation of National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu as a condition for peace. It follows overtures to the aggrieved governor by presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar. However, the presidential candidate insisted that the chairman should remain in office to lead his campaign for next year’s election after which he will quit. To resolve the crisis, party bigwigs are lobbying Wike to embrace reconciliation and support Atiku. To avert losing the swing states, former Senate President Bukola Saraki is leading some party leaders to lobby Wike to support the presidential candidate. Wike and his strategists have, however, insisted on their demand that Ayu must quit. They maintained that Atiku should honour his promise that once the PDP presidential candidate emerges from the North, a Southerner will lead the party. But Atiku’s camp claimed that Ayu can only step aside after the election. Sources said PDP leaders are worried that the party may not be able to win the 2023 poll if it loses swing states like Rivers, Lagos and Kano. It was gathered that Saraki, some ex-governors, former ministers and other leaders are lobbying for Atiku. Read Also: 2023: Wike’s silence unsettles PDP Although Atiku was said to be amenable to reconciliation, the leaders have been worried that it was better to open fresh talks with Wike. They felt it will be dangerous to toy with Wike because of his greater influence on the party and the Southsouth. A source said: “The party is drifting and party leaders are concerned. The National Working Committee (NWC) is divided now. “Some governors, ex-governors, ex-ministers and founding fathers of the party like a former National Security Adviser Gen. Aliyu Gusau, ex-President of the Senate Bukola Saraki, Governors Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Douye Diri and Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, ex-Governors Henry Seriake Dickson, Sule Lamido, Babangida Aliyu, Boni Haruna and others are with Atiku. “But from Wike’s camp, a new set of power brokers is emerging. They include Governors Seyi Makinde and Samuel Ortom, ex-governor Hassan Dankwambo, Ayodele Fayose and Donald Duke, a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), many senators and members of the House of Representatives. “Disturbed by the division, especially threat to PDP chances in swing states like Kano, Lagos and Rivers states, a former President of the Senate, some ex-ministers and leaders of the party are trying to make amend. The former Senate President, now leading lobbying for fresh talks between Atiku and Wike. “In spite of the fact that Wike has made himself incommunicado to Atiku, the ex-Senate President is optimistic that PDP leaders will close ranks.” A source in Wike’s camp gave more insight into why Wike was angry with Atiku. The source said Atiku cannot describe Wike as unfit to be a vice presidential candidate or a liability to his mandate. The source said: “The way the situation is going, Nigerians will soon know the truth. Wike is a committed and loyal party leader. He has been there for PDP when some leaders abandoned it. “Wike was recommended by a committee as vice presidential candidate of the party, but some forces in the party abandoned the report without mutual consultations. “They came up with ridiculous excuses of temperament, ambition and overzealousness. When it comes to certain challenges, Wike is useful. “Yet, it has pleased some leaders of the party to wish him away as nobody. They came up with ridiculous excuses. “Also, what is hurting the Rivers State governor and his strategists is that all mutual decisions agreed with Atiku were not honoured, including the one at their meeting after the presidential primaries. Atiku paid a visit to Wike in Abuja and some issues came up. “The next thing that happened in the party was that the likes of ex-Governor Babangida Aliyu started attacking Wike. The hand was Esau’s, the voice was Jacob’s.” The source added: “Wike is ready to draw the battle lines any moment from now because Atiku’s camp has not been forthcoming, especially on a minimum demand. “It was agreed that once a presidential candidate comes from the North, the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, will step down. “If PDP leaders cannot comply with a minimum threshold, you can imagine what will happen after the party wins the 2023 poll.” A source in Atiku’s camp said: “It is strategically unwise to ask Ayu to step down because Atiku is yet to win the election. Our candidate is committed to North-South unity.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/wikes-camp-

en

…as marketers increase price to N260 By Udeme Akpan, Energy Editor, Obas Esiedesa, Ediri Ejoh, Haruna Aliyu, Charly Agwam, Adeola Badru , Ugochukwu Alaribe, David Odama, Peter Duru, Ibrahim Hassan & Marie-Therese Nanlong Independent oil marketers, weekend, increased the price of petrol by 30 per cent to an average of N260 per litre, from N200 per litre, recorded last week, as massive diversion, arbitrary pricing and pump manipulation persist nationwide. Checks by Vanguard indicated that the shortage, which started in Abuja, the Federal Capital some months ago, has spread to virtually all parts of the country. It showed that the independent marketers, who lift the product from private depots at between N200 and N225 per litre, added different transportation costs and margins, before arriving at the current pump price. The checks also showed that the market was shrouded by many uncertainties, especially as the regulator – Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA – has not published authoritative reports, including data to guide the market. Before the emergence of NMDPRA, through the nation’s Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, market operators had depended on the defunct Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, to guide operations through its regular reports, indicating prices and margins to marketers and transporters. The checks further indicated that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and their major marketers’ counterparts have made efforts to keep the price at about N170 per litre. It also showed that the price of independent marketers remained the highest nationwide, at between N250 and N280 per litre, while the black market price stood between N400 and N450 per litre, depending on location and demand. However, Lagos state recorded the least independent marketers’ price at below N250 per litre, because of proximity to the port, while Taraba state remained the highest at over N260 per litre, apparently because of distance. Our Correspondents, who monitored the situation nationwide, also noted the perpetuation of many irregularities or sharp practices, especially as the NMDPRA officials, empowered by the nation’s Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, to sanction defaulters, were not visible. Consequently, many black marketers were seen openly hawking the product in cans to motorists and other users at exorbitant prices, nationwide, between N300 and N400 per litre. Three days after the Federal Government denied that it plans to hike the pump price of petrol, independent marketers raised their price to N280 per litre. Checks on the petrol situation in Abuja on Saturday morning showed that while NNPC Retail stations maintained a pump price of N179 per litre, the major marketers dispensed at N180 per litre. With most filling stations shut down due to lack of supply, long queues were noticed at the stations selling between N179 to N190 per litre. The government through the NMDPRA had in a statement disclosed that there was no plan to hike the price of petrol. The agency which insisted that the country had 34 days of sufficiency in stock, however, failed to state what the current government-approved price is. The situation that had recorded improvement towards the end of November 2022, in Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Lagos and Ogun States, worsened, weekend, due mainly to many factors, including sharp practices. There were still huge numbers of tankers queueing to lift the product at private depots, thus obstructing motorists, including workers and businessmen that need to move from one place to another in Apapa, Lagos. Checks by Sunday Vanguard revealed that independent marketers have hiked the price of petrol to between N250 and 280 per liter, while hawkers of the product continue to sell at N300 and N400 per litre. Meanwhile, the major marketers that continue to sell at about N170 per litre, experience long queues as many motorists and other users, who have the time, would rather wait than pay higher elsewhere. In an interview with Sunday Vanguard, weekend, the National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chinedu Okoronkwo, said the non-functional tank farms across the country continue to hinder operations. According to him, “But the major area that affects us as Independent marketer is the distribution and we have made several presentations. Before now, we had depots, I mean land depots, both in Kano, Maiduguri, Makurdi, Port- Harcourt, Aba, Enugu, and the rest. “Some of these depots I can tell you for free have not been dispensing products for some time now, the reason being that the level of vandalism going on is no longer allowing NNPC to continue pumping product through those pipelines and the loss is enormous and we agree. But on the other hand, we have Tank Farms that are built by the shoreline of this country such as in Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Oghara, Warri, and Calabar.” However, fuel scarcity, which impacted negatively on residents of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, toward the end of last month, has remained unchanged. Residents expressed frustration, over the weekend, due to the difficulty associated with purchasing the product. Our correspondent, who went around major areas in Ibadan observed that the few stations, belonging to major marketers, recorded long queues while the majority of the petroleum stations owned by independent marketers were selling at higher prices. Specifically, the visit to the stations, including Monatan, Iyana Church, Iwo Road, Sango, Akobo, Total Garden, Bodija, Dugbe, Eleyele, Ologuneru, Sanyo, Soka, and Secretariat Road, also showed that the price of a litre of petrol now goes for between N200 and N300 in many of the independent marketers’ petrol stations. But some sell at between N300, and N350, while others sell at N395, thus causing commercial transport operators, private car owners and others, including welders, barbers, grinders and tailors, without much money, to move from one part of Ibadan to another in search for options in the black, where the price of the product was put at between N300 to N500 per litre. The scarcity has impacted the transport sector as motorists have increased their fares by about 33% to 50% in different parts of the capital city. In Ibadan, from the University of Ibadan main gate to the popular Dugbe market is now N400 or N450 as against the previous rate of N200 while from the University of Ibadan to Agodi Gate Secretariat cost N200 or N250 against the previous N150. Traders, who pay high fares have passed them to consumers in form of high prices as a container of yellow garri that used to be N350, now costs N500 and while white garri now goes for N400 against the previous price of N300. Similarly, five tubers of yam are now N3500 from N2000, while a mudu of rice that was N900 before, now goes for N1500. In an interview with Sunday Vanguard, the Chairman, of IPMAN, Oyo State branch, Mr. Bukola Mutiu, complained about challenges associated with lifting. He said: “We have not loaded a litre out of this Apata depot here in Ibadan, and we are having five deports in the southwest and none of them is working at present so we have to be going to private depots to buy fuel from private depots owners and that we have been buying at exorbitant prices ranging from N220, N212 per litre without truck expenses and to the level of buying at the rate of N220; N222 per litre as at the close of work yesterday. If you add N30 transportation from Lagos to Ibadan and the total cost of transport is N30, meaning that we are getting the fuel to our various stations at over N255 per litre.” The petrol shortage remains a major problem in the South Eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo For instance, Petrol now sells for N250 per a litre against the official pump price of N185 in Aba and other Umuahia cities of Abia state while some of the filling stations sell at N240 and N245. Checks by Sunday Vanguard revealed that ordinarily, the shortage would not have been very severe in Abia because there were still commercial stocks in the state. It showed that some filling stations sell fuel early in the morning and close before 10 am, while the task forces set up on petroleum products by the state government have not yet done enough to check the ugly situation. Consequently, transport fares in both intra and inters- city routes have risen tremendously as a bus driver who plies the Aba –Umuahia route, said they have increased their fares to N800, from N700, while Owerri –Umuahia, now cost N1, 200, from N1500. Similarly, a petroleum marketer in Aba, who pleaded anonymity told Sunday Vanguard said: “We have no option than to sell petrol at N250 because we source from outside the state at N220 – N225, depending on where you are sourcing from. You transport the product to where you need it. The poor state of our roads is a big problem. Most times, our tankers fall on the road and we incur losses. We pay our workers and maintain vehicles and equipment. We operate and sell with a little profit margin.” The situation remains the same in the South South states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers. For instance, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, major oil marketers sell petrol between N180 and N200 per litre, even though they hardly have a steady supply. The independent marketers, who declined to disclose their lifting price, yesterday, were seen selling between N230 and N250 per litre, while black market operators resell between N300 and N500 per litre. However, there was no severe shortage in Rivers and Akwa Ibom State, where independent marketers, currently sell between N230 and N250 per litre. The high cost of the product has impacted transport fares and by extension the prices of food and basic services. The petrol shortage has become a major source of worry in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe. Take Bauchi state as a case, where some major marketers that sell below N200 per litre, did not have commercial stocks. However, independent marketers sell the product at N250 per litre, while the black market operators sell it at N550 per litre. One of the petrol marketers who pleaded anonymity, said: “The problem with us is that we like to tell ourselves lies. Do you know that we buy petrol between N165 to 180 from the sea to sell at N190? After our overhead cost, where is the profit? So, we have to look for ways to make a profit if not we will run out of business. You are talking about NMDPRA, but they know the reality on the ground. When things were fine, who was looking for ways to increase the price of petrol? We have to tell ourselves the truth and go back to the drawing board if we want this scarcity to go away.” Similarly, Indigenes of Taraba state have frowned at the inconsistent price of petrol which has taken a toll on their income. Checks by Sunday Vanguard showed that while some independent marketers of petrol, shut their stations, others with the product sold over N260 per litre, while the price of black marketers stood at N350 per litre. Long queues have re-emerged in many parts of Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara. In Kaduna, motorists have continued to grapple with the fuel situation like in other states of the Federation. Checks revealed that motorists bought at the filling stations belonging to NNPC at N185, but the product was not readily available while major marketers whose price hovered at N250 per litre did not have stocks. Motorists, therefore, relied on the filing stations belonging to independent marketers where they get the product at N260 per litre, compared to the black market, where it was sold at N300 per litre. A motorist, Yusuf Samuel, said to save time and energy, many motorists especially those in business buy from the black market. Similarly, it was also noticed in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, that the fuel scarcity which began in early November 2022 has now slipped through to December. Checks by Vanguard revealed that most of the nearly two hundred filling stations in Birnin Kebbi, currently sell the product at very exorbitant prices. The Kebbi state chairman of IPMAN, Alhaji Dan tilla Jega could not be reached for comments, weekend as all his numbers were switched off. However, the state chairman of NLC, Comrade Umar Halidu Alhassan, said the association was monitoring developments for the purpose of making suggestions to the government and other stakeholders. Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory. In Nasarawa state, marketers have positioned themselves in strategic locations across the 13 Local Areas and other parts of the state, hawking the product. According to the retailers, the situation has made many of their members suspend the sale of the product coupled with their inability to get the required quantity, which has culminated in the emergence of black marketers. Some hawkers were spotted in strategic areas in Lafia, Keffi, Karu Akwanga and some major towns and villages in front of filling stations hawking between N2,000 and N2,500 to motorists. A senior official of IPMAN, Mustapha Usman told our correspondent that the partial scarcity in Nasarawa could be due to product hoarding by tanker owners, who recently increased the price. However, the Nasarawa state Chairman, IPMAN, Alhaji Yusuf Sandaji denied the involvement of marketers in hoarding, adding that, “Marketers will sell when they have the product which also determines the operation of marketers, who want to sell and make a profit.” Also, the shortage has hit Benue state to a appoint where none of the major marketers could boast of commercial stock, except a few Independent Marketers that sell at between N240 and N260 per litre while their black marketer counterparts sold at N400 per litre. The NMDPRA had last Thursday raised hope that the fuel shortage would soon be over, considering the expected arrival of imported products. The Delta Coordinator of NMDPRA, Engr. Victor Ohwodiasa, had raised the hope after an unscheduled inspection visit to some petroleum depots at Ifiekporo Community, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. He had said: “We will ensure that the depots receiving these products lift them out to the end users. By the time we have all the depots wet with PMS and they are lifting regularly, the looming scarcity we are experiencing will disappear. Once we get our daily manifest, we send our men out to make sure those trucks get to their actual locations. “There might be one or two infractions, we have apprehended about two persons for product diversion and they were made to face the full wrath of the law. As a regulatory authority saddled with the responsibility of regulating the Midstream and Downstream of the Oil and Gas sector in Nigeria. We will continue to do what we need to do to ensure that the products are available and adequately and fairly distributed within Delta and neighbouring states.” Sadly, the situation remained unchanged in not only Delta but also in other states. Labour, others caution However, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, have urged the Federal Government to put an end to the fuel shortages in the country. The Presidents of NLC and the TUC said this in a statement, signed by Mr. Ayuba Wabba and Mr. Festus Osifo. The labour leaders stated: “No excuse is good enough to cripple the country. If there are challenges, they should be fixed. We have a government in power to fix challenges not to make excuses. All these have tragic consequences for the Nigerian people and debilitating effects on the health of the economy which itself is not in a good state. We are reliably informed that the shortage is deliberately fostered by players in the downstream sector in other to hike the price far above the government-approved threshold. “It is an added problem when non-state actors begin to arrogate to themselves the power to determine the price of a litre of fuel far above the rate pegged by government in the current subsidy regime. “It is more disturbing that the government is equally demonstrating the high level of culpability in the unwholesome situation by its silence and unwillingness to frontally and publicly address the harrowing experiences in the current situation. No concerned and responsive government will bury its head in the sands like the proverbial Ostrich while the citizens are being brutally exploited. “We are strongly worried that leaving our energy security and sovereignty in the hands of unscrupulous capitalists and their collaborators will further plunge this nation into the economic abyss we are working hard to avoid.” Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/12/petrol-

en

FC Ifeanyi Ubah yesterday abandoned the 2017 Nigeria Professional Football League opener against Kano Pillars in a game played at the Sanni Abacha Stadium in Kano. Pillars took the lead in the first half and it was just about it for the match as FCIU refused to file out three minutes after the restart of the second half in protest over poor officiating. They had scored a goal that was disallowed by the match referee, FIFA-badged Folashade Ajayi from Oyo State. “This is a disgrace,” lamented Pillars coach Kadiri Ikhana. “But we must commend the Kano fans that they did not allow hell to break loose as a result of Ifeanyi Ubah abandoning this game.” Kano Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) Shehu Dikko as well as several NFF executives were all at the game played inside packed Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/01/npfl-

en

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja Asiwaju Bola Tinubu about 10; 36am on Monday took the oath of office as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while Senator Shettima Kashim now assumed office as the Vice President. The oath of office was administered by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola at the Eagle Square, Abuja. The Vice President took his oath of office at 10:28 am after that he was invited to take his seat at the VIP stand.. After the swearing -iin was followed by the lowering of national and defence flag which was folded and handed over to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, who immediately handed it over to Muhammadu Buhari signalling the end of his administration. After the folding of the flag, there was the hoisting of national flag, heralding the beginning of a new administration. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/05/tinubu-now-president-

en

Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped the Area Commander, Suleja Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Mr Isa Rambo, around Kaduna, the PUNCH has reported, quoting a high ranking police source. The source told newsmen that, “He was kidnapped around Kaduna and was on his way to Jos along with his driver when they were attacked and whisked away. The kidnappers have made contact with us and are demanding a ransom of N50m.” Vanguard recalls that the Kaduna high way has been reported for all forms of vices from kidnappings, to banditry and herdsmen menace forcing travellers to opt for alternative means of transportation to avoid the Kaduna Highway. The Police are yet to confirm the report. Vanguard has tried to speak with the spokesperson of the Kaduna Police Command but he is yet to respond to vanguard’s enquiry on the report. Recall that similar event had happened in Delta state when a divisional police officer was kidnapped and a three million naira ransom was reportedly paid but the Police denied any ransom was paid. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/10/gunmen-kidnap-assistant-

en

March 20, 2024 by Adedamola Ogunbewon BREAKING: Service Chiefs, senators in closed-door meeting over soldiers’ killing in Delta The Senate Joint Committee on Army, Navy, Defense, and Air Force committees and the service chiefs on Wednesday, March 20, held a meeting over the recent killing of soldiers in Delta state. The purpose of the hearing was to investigate the horrific deaths of military personnel that occurred last Thursday in the Okuama community of the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. A minute silence was first observed for the souls of the slain soldiers. The joint committee chairman, Ahmed Lawan, said that the investigation hearing will take place behind closed doors due to the delicate nature of the subject. Recall that the Defence Headquarters announced that 17 people died, including the 181 Amphibious Battalion’s commanding officer, two majors, a captain, and 12 battalion members. Lawan said: “I extend my profound condolences to the families of these fallen soldiers, their colleagues, and their loved ones. The military high command is already responding to this incident. The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-service-

en

File: Herdsmen attending to their cows Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have arrested 50 arms-bearing herdsmen. “We arrested 50 illegally armed herdsmen and realised that some of them are into cattle rustling and kidnapping,’’ Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, said on Wednesday in Abuja He made the declaration while presenting licences to private guard operators. “The armed herdsmen were arrested in Ekiti, Borno and Cross River states and in some other parts of the country,’’ he said. Audi added that the arrest of the illegally-armed herdsmen shortly after his assumption of office was an indication of his determination to reposition the corps for optimal delivery on its core mandate. “It is part of our mandate to settle disputes between herdsmen and farmers and to also give some security protection to our agro-allied investments,’’ he said. Audi stressed the need for synergy between security agencies, noting that the nation’s security challenges could only be addressed substantially through intelligence sharing. He charged the private guard operators to ensure valuable contributions to on-going efforts at checking rising insecurity. Lamenting the security challenges, which, he said were asymmetric in nature, he assured that all would be well once relevant stakeholders adopted unity of purpose as their main objective. “The nation is bedevilled with a very serious insecurity crisis, and that is the asymmetric warfare. “If you want to deal decisively with this, you must synergise with all stakeholders in terms of credible intelligence,’’ he stressed. He read the Riot Act to the private guard operators and warned that their licences would be withdrawn if they engaged in unethical practice. Some of the unethical practices, he said, were the adoption of ranks or other accoutrement used by the military or other regular security agencies. Audi enjoined the operators to prioritise the welfare of their guards for optimal results. (NAN) Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/04/breaking-

en

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has reiterated the need to restore peace and put an end to insurgency in the South-East, while echoing calls for the extradition of Finland-based separatist Simon Ekpa over the illegal Monday sit-at-home order. This came a day after the Senate condemned the order under the enforcement of a faction of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), appealing to the Federal Government to collaborate with the Finnish Government to extradite Ekpa to Nigeria for prosecution. Uzodimma’s revealed his position on Friday during a familiarisation visit from the new General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Enugu, Major General Hassan Dada, at the Government House in Owerri, the Imo State capital. “What is topmost in our cases is this popular sit-at-home order. There’s one man called Simon Ekpa somewhere in Finland,” he said. “It is our hope that the security agencies, particularly the military, working with the Federal Government, will be able to either bring Simon Ekpa back to Nigeria to also sit at home with us or be made to face the wrath of the law.” I had the privilege of receiving in audience, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigeria Army, Major General H. T. Dada and his entourage at the State Government House, Owerri. pic.twitter.com/H3AnMr8FcM — Hope Uzodimma (@Hope_Uzodimma1) July 29, 2023 He also spoke on the negative effect of the illegal sit-at-home orders, promising the new GOC and his team his support and that of the people of Imo State. In a similar vein, the governor met with traditional rulers and community leaders at the headquarters of the Traditional Rulers Council in Owerri where he called for their support in stemming the tide of insecurity and supporting the government and security agencies in fighting crime. He urged them to shun any sit-at-home order and go about their lawful businesses. The governor also used the opportunity to disclose the numerous intervention programmes and incentives lined up from the state and federal governments to cushion the economic effects of the fuel subsidy removal. These two important meetings came a few hours after the leader of the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, through his counsel, directed Simon Ekpa to refrain from issuing any sit-at-home order in the South-East under any guise. In his remarks, Major General Dada gave an assurance that all non-state actors would be pursued and all forms of criminality stamped out in the region forthwith. He noted that he had received a marching order from the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, to end insecurity in the South-East without further delay. While emphasising that his team would do all it takes to ensure that peace returns to the South-East, he appealed for the support of the Imo governor and indigenes of the state to achieve this feat.

https://www.channelstv.com/2023/07/29/bring-simon-ekpa-to-nigeria-to-sit-

en

April 27, 2024 by Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt JUST IN: Many roasted, 100 vehicles burnt in Rivers East-West road explosions Not less than 100 vehicles and unknown number of persons have been roasted in multiple explosions that occurred from fuel tankers at the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State. The incident, which reportedly occurred late night Friday left many travelers stranded. It was learnt that a tanker laden with petroleum products exploded and burst into flames that spread to other tankers and many other vehicles trapped in a gridlock. While some said more than 300 vehicles were burnt, others said they counted over 100. Though the number of victims could not be ascertained, but sources said many people trapped in their vehicles were roasting by the inferno. Sources blamed the incident on dangerous driving and the company handling the reconstruction of the Eleme section of the road. The fire was said to have raged for hours but was later put out by many fire service trucks with support from the Indoroma Petrochemical. A source said he heard a deafening sound twice from his residence with voices shouting for help. The source said: “I heard a very loud sound about 20 minutes ago, and people were shouting. “The sound came from the Petro-Chemical company area. So when I came out I saw a tick smoke with fire from a distance.” A resident of Port Harcourt, Segun Owolabi said: “I saw four dead bodies burnt. Some may have been in the bushes because many ran away. I saw a whole stretch of vehicles burnt down, trailer burnt down. “There seems to be a truck carrying substances and it was as if it had collision with another vehicle that may have ignited the fire. Over 20 vehicles burnt down and several people trapped. “There may be more bodies. Oh my God this is a tragedy. A stretch of vehicles burnt”.

https://thenationonlineng.net/just-in-many-roasted-100-vehicles-burnt-in-

en

8th October, 2016 Former Cameroon International Rigobert Song has passed away. Song, one of the most recognizable faces in African soccer died at the age of 40. He suffered a stroke on October 3 and was said to have been making a recovery. News of his death was confirmed on October 7, days after government officials in his homeland had given him the all-clear. Cameron’s health minister, Andre Mama Fouda, had on October 5 said after Song left the hospital where he was taken to for cerebral aneursym, “He leaves conscious. His life is no longer in danger, but he is not out of the woods yet. We hope he gets well soon, and comes back in full form, as we know him to be.” Another report on October 5 said Song had opened his eyes following his coma. Former Cameroon team-mate Samuel Eto’o who earlier tweeted in French: “I wish you courage and a speedy recovery big brother” later tweeted again after hearing the sad news again “sad to hear the demise of my big brother, RIP”. Song played 137 times for his country and had spells with English clubs Liverpool and West Ham. He has been working as a coach for Cameroon’s football federation following his departure as Chad coach.

https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2016/10/08/ex-cameroon-international-rigobert-

en

22nd November, 2022 The Naira on Monday appreciated against the dollar at the Investors and Exporters window, exchanging at N445.38. The figure represents an appreciation of 0.07 percent compared with the N445.67 for which the dollar exchanged at the close of business on Friday. The open indicative rate closed at N444.08 to the dollar on Monday. An exchange rate of N447 to the dollar was the highest rate recorded within the day’s trading before it settled at N445.38. The naira sold for as low as 440 to the dollar within Monday’s trading. A total of 83.57 million dollars was traded at the official Investors and Exporters window on Monday.

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2022/11/22/naira-

en

By Emman Ovuakporie ABUJA – WORRIED by the sudden alleged disappearance of 150,000 dollars from the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) to the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) the House of Representatives on Wednesday moved to probe the matter. The House also resolved to summon the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung and Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN officials. This followed a motion under matters of urgent national importance by Rep. Douye Diri (PDP-Bayelsa) during plenary. Moving the motion, Diri noted the reports published on various news outlet where the IAAF reportedly paid the sum of 150,000 dollars to AFN, instead of 15,000 dollars which was its annual grant to member federation for the year 2017. He said, according to the reports, the IAAF accountants later discovered the error and subsequently asked AFN to refund the excess payment, but the money seemed to have disappeared into thin air. “Informed that some board members of the AFN are calling for an emergency congress to look into the scandal and have faulted the sport minister , Solomon Dalung who was said to have set up a committee to probe the circumstances surrounding the missing grant” He expressed worry over allegations that sometime last year, the recipient of the money might have used his private account to collect the money from IAAF. This he said happened, when the sports minister dissolved boards of various sports Federations. The lawmaker further expressed worry that in this era of the operation of Treasury Single Account (TSA) by all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the country, monies can be received and spent so easily, contrary to extant laws. “The image of the country is not only being tarnished by the failure of the AFN to refund the excess payment at the instance of the IAAF,Nigeria also runs the risk of being banned from international competitions.” He also expressed concern about the effect such a ban will have on the youth of the country who see sports as a viable means of livelihood. The motion was unanimously adopted by members when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara. The House therefore, mandated its Committee on Sports to carry out forensic audit on the alleged looting of the excess grant payment and determine steps to be taken to refund the money to the IAAF to prevent Nigeria being banned. The Committee would also determine measures to be put in place, to prevent such infractions in future. The House also resolved to invite the Minister of Youth and Sports, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria and any other connected parties to explain their roles in the matter. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/alleged-disappearance-150k-iaaf-

en

Senator Bello Muhammed’s credentials were scrutinised on Monday during his Senate screening as a ministerial nominee with questions raised about his university admission on secondary school results that included no more than two credits. Muhammed is one of President Bola Tinubu’s 28 initial appointees who had been scheduled for interrogations during a special plenary session in the Red Chamber. One of the questions was posed to the nominee by Senator Allwell Onyesoh of Rivers East, who sought to know how Muhammed was able to advance academically, given his school leaving certificate. “I’ve been looking for your school cert. I saw one. You sat for five subjects with two credits,” Onyesoh said “I don’t know how; I want to imagine that you still have another to bring. If not, I would want you to explain how you got into university with that.” In his response, Muhammed told the chamber he had other secondary school results that he “all passed” which he admittedly did not attach to his CV “because we are talking of secondary school certificate”. “I want to remind the distinguished senator which I know he very much knows that with the qualification of secondary school certificate, as enshrined in the constitution, we can stand for an election up to the presidential election,” the nominee explained. “So, I didn’t bother you with much certificates (sic). But I know those are the qualifications for that.” At this point, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stepped in, noting the distinctions between contesting an election and being nominated to serve as a minister. “You are saying that you chose what to give to the Senate. You chose the qualification to bring before the Senate because of the constitutional provision that a secondary school certificate is what is required to stand for election,” Akpabio said. “You’re not coming to stand for election; you’re coming to be a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So, which are the other certificates you concealed? Which are the other certificates you did not put in your CV?” Muhammed then attempted to explain further, saying his first attempt at the secondary school certificate examination resulted in “two credit passes”. He added that he had “sat for another examination and I have passed but I don’t want to attach another qualification because.” The response prompted rowdiness in the chamber. In an apparent bid to de-escalate the session, the Senate President closed out Muhammed’s screening with a warning to other nominees. He noted that the lawmakers were keen on knowing something “in totality” about the subjects of exercise, “including the number of children they have” and “the number of houses” they had. According to him, Nigerians have a right to know their ministers as does the international community. “So, you don’t choose and pick,” he said. Akpabio concluded by saying the Senate would allow Muhammed some more time to bring the other certificates “to circulate, but not necessarily appealing again before us.”

https://www.channelstv.com/2023/07/31/ministerial-nominee-quizzed-on-how-

en

Why Minna rally was cut short The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential rally in Minna, capital of Niger State, was yesterday cut short to prevent stampede. When the candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, arrived at the rally, the crowd was much and when it was time for him to speak, the crowd began pressing to meet him in excitement. The masters of ceremony repeatedly asked the crowd to move back to avoid the podium from collapsing, but the crowd who pressed on continued as they shouted: “we want Tinubu.” Holding the hands of the Governorship candidate, Umar Bago, and Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, who is contesting for the Niger North Senatorial seat, Tinubu urged the people to support APC candidates in the state. He was prevented from speaking further as the crowd continued to surge, despite the warning from the MC. Tinubu had to leave the venue 18 minutes after his arrival. Tinubu later commissioned his North Central Campaign Office, which was along the Eastern bypass about 10 minutes drive from the Trade Fair Complex where the campaign rally held. Also, in a statement, Campaign Director of Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, said: “A crowd of APC supporters welcomed the presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to Minna on Wednesday, as he arrived for the mega rally. “The cheering crowd was unprecedented, according to journalists at the Trade Fair Complex, venue of the rally. “Tinubu, who held another successful rally in Kaduna on Tuesday, arrived in Minna in the evening of the same day for a series of meetings with APC leaders. “The crowd was so huge that Tinubu spoke briefly to appreciate the supporters and identified the party candidates seeking elective positions. “Contrary to the rumours that he was rushed off stage because of health concerns, Tinubu cut it short to attend to other programmes of the day. “He commended the party supporters for coming out en masse to witness the flag off of the presidential campaign.” Musa donates 100 vehicles, ICT centre to Tinubu campaign Senator Sani Musa ( APC Niger East) donated 100 vehicles and an ICT centre to support the Tinubu presidential campaign. Inaugurating the centre and the vehicles, Tinubu said:”I inaugurate these vehicles and the ICT office for the well being of Nigerians and for the good health of the people of Niger during and after our presidential campaign.” Musa told the APC presidential candidate that all hands are on deck to mobilize eligible voters to massively vote all the party candidates in the forthcoming general election. He described his gesture as a modest contribution towards the victory of APC. He also announced a donation of tricycles to loyal party members. Tinubu was accompanied to the event by the Senate President, Ahmed Lawal Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state, Gov Simon Lalong of Plateau, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa and Atiku Bagudu of kebbi. State and federal Lawmakers also witnessed the unveiling. The Tinubu train also witnessed the inauguration of another presidential campaign office, donated by Alhaji Mohammed Idris, publisher of Blueprint . Idris is also the director of the Directorate of Strategic Communications of the campaign council.

https://thenationonlineng.net/why-minna-rally-was-

en

16th February, 2015 By Simon Ateba Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended the resident pastor of the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim at Agodo-Egbe, Ikotun Lagos, over unlawful attempt to export of 174 kilogrammes of narcotic drugs to South Africa, the agency said on Monday. NDLEA said the suspect, Prophet Michael Raji was arrested following the interception of the drug at the cargo section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) during pre-shipment examination. “Preliminary investigation has indicated that the 60 year old suspect Michael Raji is a suspected top member of a drug syndicate operating in Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa,” NDLEA said. The pastor had three international passports bearing his photographs. “One of the passports bears the name Michael Raji while the other two bear the name Kadigun Fatah Ola. It was equally discovered that the church premises where he ministers also serves as a warehouse for narcotics,” NDLEA said. The seized drugs concealed inside large bags of foodstuff were found to contain 91kg of Methamphetamine and 83kg of Ephedrine with an estimated street value of N609 million. A Mercedes Benz Jeep was also impounded during the operation. NDLEA commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar described the suspect as a smooth operator. “I can tell you that this suspect is a smooth operator but we have uncovered his bag of tricks. The drugs were brought to the airport for export to South Africa where it was detected. Investigation eventually traced the movement of the drugs to his church premises where he was arrested,” Hamza stated. NDLEA quoted the suspect in his statement as saying that he collected the drugs from a friend.

http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2015/02/16/nigerian-

en

Joe Ajaero, NLC President …Insists honouring pact only way to stop looming strike …Urges govt to come clean on any fulfilled agreement …Says propaganda, disinformation heightening restiveness By Victor AhiumaYoung The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has written to the Federal Government, dismissing claims that the government has fulfilled 80 percent of the October 2, 2023 agreement with Organised Labour. NLC in a letter dated February 29, 2024, asked the government to come out clean on any part of the agreement it fully fulfilled, warning that resorting to propaganda and disinformation is heightening restiveness among the citizens. In the letter addressed to the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, NLC’s Acting General Secretary, Ismail Bello, advised the government to between now and March 13, 2024, the deadline to fast-track the process of implementation of the agreement and avoid a looming industrial crisis. Titled “HAS THE GOVERNMENT TRULY IMPLEMENTED THE OCTOBER 2, 2023 AGREEMENT? among others, NLC wrote “We write to bring to your attention our concerns regarding the implementation of the October 2, 2023 agreement. “Your statement, suggesting that the government has fulfilled 80 percent of the said agreement has raised a lot of worries among our members. “As key stakeholders to that agreement, we feel compelled to address this issue as it may mislead the public and undermine the trust that ought to exist between the government and the Nigerian people especially that which ought to exist between us as social partners. “Upon careful examination of the 15 points outlined in the October 2, 2023 agreement, it is evident that most of them have not been fully met. “Furthermore, the few that were supposedly being addressed have been implemented in breach. Allow us to highlight these examples and we would be happy to be contradicted in any of them. “The first item on the Agreement is the N35,000 Wage Award. We hope that you still remember that by the end of January this year, the federal government had only paid just one month of the four months due to workers. It took pressure from us before some additional months were paid this month. However, it still remains in arrears and has caused undue financial strain on affected workers nationwide. “The Port Harcourt Refinery has yet to resume production despite assurances to the contrary. As we write despite the firm pledge that products will start flowing out of that refinery latest December 2023, nothing has happened. If a litre or a truckload of a product has left the refinery to the pumps, Nigerians would be glad to know. “The promised N25,000 cash transfers to 15 million poor households have not materialized rather, all manners of sad tales verging on deep corruption and other mal-feasance have emerged from its management substantiating our earlier fears on the nature of the social register. “Tax waivers for workers, small businesses, and the general public which were supposed to reduce hardship on the populace have not been implemented, further burdening them financially. “Government interference in the internal affairs of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, persists, as evidenced by the continued occupation of the national secretariat by impostors at the behest of the federal government. “The agreement to deposit the agreement as a settlement with the Court remains unfulfilled, contrary to the spirit of the October 2 conversation which was also given vent by the unfortunate utterances of the Attorney General of the federation as to the existence of an injunction. “Promised initiatives such as Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, buses, and conversion kits have yet to materialize, which seriously questions the sincerity of the government’s commitment to faithfully implementing the agreement. “The Agreement that all parties shall henceforth commit to the use of social dialogue in all of our engagements has not been adhered to as the Government has continued to deploy threats, intimidation, harassment, and outright violence against Nigerian workers and trade union leaders. “The National Minimum Wage Committee which was supposed to have been set up immediately after the agreement was delayed till this month(February). This has seriously delayed the work of the Committee and may jeopardise the accomplishment of the April 19 deadline for a new national minimum wage act. “Outstanding Wages and Salaries for Tertiary Education workers in all federally-owned educational institutions are yet to be implemented as agreed. “Many States of the federation including Organised Private Sector businesses are yet to implement the Wage Award as agreed. “Nothing has come out of the agreed Fertilizer initiative as farmers continue to groan under the burden of the scarcity of fertilizer across the nation. “The commitment to providing funds for MSMEs across the nation has not seen the light of the day as the government seems to have abandoned it completely. “We believe that rather than resort to propaganda and disinformation, the Government should focus its energy on speedy implementation and seamless engagement with critical national stakeholders. “We urge you to address these concerns promptly and take concrete steps to fulfill the commitments made by the government in the October 2, 2023 agreement. Transparency and accountability are paramount in building trust between the government and its citizens. “We are hopeful that the Government will utilize the extended ultimatum period to fast-track the process of implementation of the agreement. “This is the only way to avert restiveness within the civil society which we are committed to leading. It is our responsibility and we are determined to continue pursuing this course for the sake of Nigerian people and workers. “We look forward to your using your good office to fast track the resolution of all the remaining issues by ensuring that the government which you represent honours agreements that it has willingly entered into with the NLC. “It is only by fully complying with that agreement that we can all applaud the government and the nation will make progress.” Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/03/nlc-writes-fg-dismisses-claims-

en

August 29, 2019 by The Nation Muslims in Rivers not under attack – Imam Abdulahi A Muslim cleric in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Ustaz Yahaya Imam Abdulahi has assured Muslims leaders that their members are living in peace and going about their normal businesses without fears of molestation in the state. Imam Abdulahi, who is the leader of Bori Central Mosque in Khana local government area of the state, spoke against the backdrop of a video clip circulating in the social media about the alleged demolition of a big mosque in the state and concerns that Muslims in the state are under attack. Speaking with our reporter in Port Harcourt office, he clarified that the issue was being blown out of proportion, even as he urged the state government to meet with leaders of the affect mosque in order to put the matters to rest. “We (Muslim leaders) have been receiving lots of telephone calls from every state because there is a misconception about the issue of mosque demolition. Muslims in Rivers state are not under threat and the state is not hostile to the Muslim community.” “We have over 130 major mosques in Rivers state, not counting the smaller ones in the streets, and I assure the Muslim leaders everywhere that there is no threat (to Muslims),” he added. Speaking further, Imam Abdulahi said the actual demolition of the controversial site of the mosque took place over seven years ago, explaining that the incident affected, not only mosques, bust churches, houses and shops, contrary to what is circulating in the media. “There was an area called Rainbow Community along Trans Amadi area. Five to seven years or so ago the government of Rivers state gave a notice that they need the land. The issue went to court, there was a legal tussle and the state government won. “The state government demolished everything there; churches, mosque, houses and shops.” “After some years again, the Muslim community resident in the area got another land from a local chief for over N11.5m. they built a mosque there – that was after the demolition of the first mosque, which affected all the residents, not only the Muslim community.” “Sometimes again, another demolition took place and they lost this mosque that was about five years ago. They didn’t leave the place, but are praying there every day and every week. It was when the state government went to clear there again that started this.” Abdulahi hinted that the issue was being blown out of proportion because of Governor Nyesom Wike’s utterance on the now abandoned controversial Ruga settlement, but maintained that the governor did not say anything different from what his colleagues in the region said on the issue. “Governor Wike addressed his supporters (on Ruga), assuring them that Rivers is a Christian state and he hasno regret. That is what people are relating to and saying Muslims are under attack or threat. I see the video in circulation which is not connected with the latest matter.” “I am calling the Executive Governor of Rivers state that he should continue to be the leader he his who does things accordingly. If there is a land bought for mosque and the government has interest in it they should replace it with another one.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/muslims-in-rivers-not-under-attack-imam-

en

17th June, 2019 Recently, Nigerians made a record at Howard University, with 46 of them among the 96 graduating medical students.Out of the 27 awards, Nigerians also won 16. Undeniably, the star of the graduating Nigerians was Olumide Olulade, who graduated first in his class in the College of Medicine. As profiled by newsroom.howard.edu, Olulade followed the path to Howard through the example of family members. His brother graduated with a Howard medical degree in 2008. His mother graduated from the Howard University College of Pharmacy in the class of 1977. He plans to pursue a career in interventional radiology. “My mother is the reason I went to medical school. When I finished my Ph.D. and was working as a researcher, she got sick. I realized in that moment that I couldn’t help her at all. It was a turning point. I decided that I wanted to be able to be at the bedside helping people who get sick. I think research is amazing but I realized I wanted to be directly engaged in care.” Urbanintellectuals.com reported that: “Never before at Howard University or any University in the United States has this happened. These Nigerian students completely dominated the ceremony and made history”.

https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2019/06/17/olulade-star-among-nigerian-medical-

en

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, on Monday, declared support for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, over his PDP counterpart, Atiku Abubakar. “I’m a member of the PDP and glad to be a member of the PDP but I am one that is very ‘Obidient’,” Ifaluyi-Isibor said on Channels Television’s breakfast show, Sunrise Daily. Ifaluyi-Isibor, the Director of Mobilisation, Nigeria Diaspora Youth Coalition For Peter Obi, said he is not blinded by party loyalty, adding that he does not need to belong to the Labour Party to support its presidential candidate. The former member of the House of Representatives from Edo Central said Nigerians are tired and frustrated and cannot continue the way things are, saying the All Progressives Congress and government at the centre took the people for granted. Ifaluyi-Isibor noted that Peter Obi is the “poster boy for the revolution” for a new order. ‘Obidient’ is a sobriquet coined and adopted by followers of Obi to show their support for the 2023 presidential ambition of the 61-year-old. Asked whether his action translates to anti-party or not, the Edo-based politician said, “My loyalty is first to my conscience, then to my nation, then to any other engagement which includes the political party. “Being a member of the PDP, I am participating in all the electoral processes and I was more or less the spokesperson of the PDP in 2015 when we had that election. “So, I have been a major player in the PDP but the development of Nigeria, the salvation that Nigeria needs is not vested in a political party any longer. You have people who are members of the PDP, members of the APC, and members of all kinds of political parties who support Mr Peter Obi because it transcends the political parties; we are trying to save our lives and not to save the political parties.” The PDP member said those who say Obi’s support base only exists on social media are afraid. He said though he backed former Vice-President Atiku in the 2019 presidential election, he switched to support Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, for the 2023 presidency because of his track records. “We cannot continuously pretend that all is well and because I am a member of the PDP, then whoever the PDP candidate is, then you must support. That is not how democracy plays out in other developed economies. There are members of the Democrat Party who support Republican candidates and vice-versa. So, it is about the capacity, the competence and the capability of the individuals,” Ifaluyi-Isibor stated. Obi, who was Atiku’s running mate in the last presidential poll, was a PDP presidential aspirant till May 2022 when he dumped the PDP for the Labour Party and subsequently emerged presidential candidate. Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission said campaigns will officially begin on September 28, 2022. Aside from Atiku and Obi, also in the quest for Aso Rock in the February 2023 presidential election, which analysts have described as a three-horse race, is a former Lagos State governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu.

https://www.channelstv.com/2022/09/19/peter-obi-im-pdp-

en

April 19, 2024 by Gbenga Omokhunu | Abuja BREAKING: IGP withdraws policemen attached to ex-Gov Bello The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has withdrawn all police officers attached to embattled former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello. The order for the withdrawal was contained in a police wireless message obtained by The Nation. The document with reference number: “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/ 34 reads: “IG has ordered the withdrawal of all policemen attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. “Acknowledge compliance and treat with utmost importance. Please, above, for your information and strict compliance.” The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has also placed Bello on its watchlist after he evaded arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N80 billion financial crime. The notice to this effect comes a few hours after the EFCC declared the former Governor wanted. Bello is being wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged corrupt practices while in office as Kogi Governor.

https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-igp-withdraws-policemen-attached-to-

en

African disease authorities have detected a new coronavirus variant in a traveller travelling from Tanzania to Angola. The African Centres for Disease Control (CDC) said the variant had about 40 mutations. The head of the CDC, John Nkengasong, said in a news conference on Thursday that it was “certainly a variant of concern.’’ Tracking the variant may prove impossible as Tanzania reveals no data about coronavirus figures. The late president John Magufuli, who died recently resisted moves to combat the coronavirus during his time in power. With little evidence to go on, Nkengasong said that it was difficult to know whether current vaccines would help fight off the new virus mutation. “We don’t yet know if you bring it in contact with neutralising antibodies if that actually translates into activities in knocking it out,’’ he said. Along with many other countries, the continent is heading for a third wave of COVID-19, Nkengasong said. The coronavirus variant first detected in Britain and the one detected in South Africa, have both been recorded in 18 countries across the African continent, according to the CDC. Nkengasong welcomed the fact that one of the vaccine makers, Johnson & Johnson, has agreed to start producing its vaccine in South Africa. The firm had agreed to supply 220 million doses, with an option for 180 million more, the vast majority of which would be made in South Africa. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/04/new-

en

Cape Town is known for its stunning natural beauty, including Table Mountain, white sandy beaches, and rugged coastline. With such a diverse landscape, it’s no surprise that Cape Town offers a wide variety of camping sites and glamping options for visitors to choose from. We will be taking a closer look at the different types of campsites and glamping options available in Cape Town, as well as some of the most popular spots to pitch a tent or set up a glamping pod. Table of Contents Campsites in Cape Town Cape Town has a plethora of campsites to choose from, ranging from basic and rustic to more luxurious options. Here are some of the most popular campsites in and around Cape Town: - Silvermine Nature Reserve Campground: Located in Table Mountain National Park, the Silvermine Nature Reserve Campground is a popular spot for camping and hiking. The campsite offers basic facilities, including flush toilets and hot showers, as well as braai (barbecue) facilities. Address: Table Mountain National Park, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town Phone Number: 021 712 7471 - Miller’s Point Resort: This resort is located near Simon’s Town and offers both camping and self-catering accommodation options. The campsite has hot showers, braai facilities, and access to a small beach. Phone Number: 021 786 1142 - Soetwater Enviro Center: This campsite is located near the seaside town of Kommetjie and is designed for school groups and educational programs. The campsite has basic facilities, including a communal kitchen and braai area, as well as access to nearby beaches and hiking trails. Address: Lighthouse Rd, Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, 7976 Phone Number: 021 783 0242 - Beaverlac: is a popular campsite located in the beautiful Cederberg Mountains of the Western Cape. Known for its stunning scenery, natural rock pools, and hiking trails, it’s a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Address: Porterville, 6810 Phone Number: 022 931 2945 Website: https://www.beaverlac.co.za/ - Goukamma Nature Reserve: Goukamma Nature Reserve is a picturesque destination located in South Africa, ideal for those seeking a camping or hotel experience amidst stunning natural surroundings. With its diverse ecosystems and breathtaking landscapes, the reserve offers an unforgettable retreat for nature enthusiasts. Address: Buffels Bay, Knysna, 6570, South Africa Phone Number: 044 383 0042 Glamping in Cape Town For those looking for a more luxurious camping experience, glamping (glamorous camping) is an increasingly popular option. Here are some of the most popular glamping options in and around Cape Town: - AfriCamps: AfriCamps offers visitors the opportunity to stay in fully furnished, luxury tents in various locations around Cape Town, including the Winelands and Overberg regions. Each tent has a private bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private braai area. - Bontebok Ridge Reserve: This reserve is located in the Overberg region and offers visitors the chance to stay in luxurious safari tents, complete with king-sized beds, private bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens. The reserve also has a communal swimming pool and braai area. - Chalkley’s Treehouse: Located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Chalkley’s Treehouse is a unique glamping experience that allows guests to sleep in a treehouse surrounded by the African bush. The treehouse has a king-sized bed, a bathroom with a hot shower, and a viewing deck overlooking a watering hole. Choosing The Right Campsite or Glamping Option When choosing a campsite or glamping option in Cape Town, there are several factors to consider, including location, facilities, and budget. Here are some tips for choosing the right campsite or glamping option for your needs: - Location: Consider the location of the campsite or glamping option and whether it is close to the attractions you want to visit. Also, consider the natural surroundings and whether the campsite or glamping option offers the type of scenery and wildlife you want to experience. - Facilities: Consider the facilities offered at the campsite or glamping option, including the type of accommodation, bathroom facilities, cooking facilities, and any communal areas or activities available. - Budget: Consider your budget and how much you are willing to spend on accommodation. Basic campsites are generally cheaper than glamping options, but glamping options offer more luxurious amenities. - Availability: Check the availability of the campsite or glamping option, especially during peak travel seasons when accommodation can book up quickly. The Weather While Camping in Cape Town Cape Town’s weather can be unpredictable when camping, so it’s important to come prepared for a range of conditions. The summer months from December to February are generally warm and dry, with temperatures averaging between 20-25°C (68-77°F) during the day and cooler at night. However, there may be occasional heat waves, so it’s important to pack light, breathable clothing and plenty of sunscreen. In the winter months from June to August, temperatures can drop to around 5-10°C (41-50°F) at night, so it’s important to pack warm layers and a good quality sleeping bag. Rain can occur at any time of year, so it’s also a good idea to bring rain gear and waterproof tents. Tips For Camping and Glamping in Cape Town Whether you choose to camp or glamp in Cape Town, there are some tips to keep in mind to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience: - Pack appropriate clothing and gear for the weather and activities you plan to do. Cape Town can have unpredictable weather, so it’s always a good idea to bring layers and rain gear. - Respect the natural surroundings and wildlife. Cape Town is home to a variety of wildlife, including baboons, snakes, and spiders, so it’s important to take appropriate precautions and not disturb the animals. - Follow campsite or glamping rules and regulations, including noise restrictions and fire safety guidelines. - Be prepared for limited or no cellphone and internet service in some areas. - Practice Leave No Trace principles and clean up after yourself to help preserve the natural beauty of Cape Town for future generations. Cape Town offers a wide range of camping and glamping options for visitors looking to experience the natural beauty of the area. From basic campsites with stunning sea views to luxurious glamping options complete with private bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens, there is something for every budget and preference. By considering factors such as location, facilities, and budget, and following tips for camping and glamping in Cape Town, visitors can have a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience in this stunning part of the world. Leave a Reply

https://www.capetourism.com/cape-town-camping-sites-and-glamping/

en

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan By Henry Umoru, Abuja About 31 days to the presidential and National Assembly elections slated for Saturday, February 25, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has said the cost of non-returning lawmakers was too heavy on the country and democracy. Speaking on Wednesday at the end of plenary, the Senate President lamented that many Senators may not return for the 10th Senate in June. He said that the casualties have always been too heavy and too expensive for the nation and for democracy. He on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct free, fair and credible elections, just as he also urged the security agencies to ensure violent-free elections. Lawan said: “The Senate will start its recess from today (Wednesday) and this is to enable Senators participate fully in the campaigns for their return or for their political parties. “The elections of the National Assembly (members) together with that of the President, will take place on the 25th of February, 2023 that we all know. “It is our prayer and hope is that, for those of us who are going to participate in the National Assembly elections in the Senate, God Almighty would be on our side. “This is because we need to have those who would provide institutional memory to be around. “The casualties have always been too heavy and too expensive for our country and for democracy in Nigeria. “That is not to say that Nigerians should not have the way they want to elect their members of the National Assembly. “But it pays to retain parliamentarians if they are doing their job well. “Because it helps the institution or the parliament in building and working for the people and for the country. “We also pray that INEC conducts very free, fair and credible elections. This Senate and indeed the National Assembly has supported INEC to the teeth. “Almost everything that was requested for INEC was approved here in the National Assembly. We expect that INEC will be on top of its game. “When we come back on February 28, three days after the presidential and National Assembly elections, our hope is that we come back here and review the situation that would have taken place. “But we pray that what we review should all be on the positive side. “And for one legislative week, we will be in the chamber to March 1, before we will also go for the gubernatorial and state houses of assembly campaigns and elections of March 11.” Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/01/cost-of-non-returning-lawmakers-

en

The Nigerian consulate in Johannesburg has complained to the South African government after city authorities disconnected the consulate’s electricity supplies over unpaid bills, a government official said Friday. City officials on Wednesday went to the consulate, in an upmarket northern suburb, to cut off supplies over 400,000 rand ($23,300) in outstanding charges, according to a city official. The consulate denied the officials access, describing them in a statement as “an invasion squad”. Supplies were remotely switched off. South Africa’s foreign ministry spokesman Clayson Monyela told AFP Friday that the consulate has “dispatched a diplomatic note to us”. “The matter is being handled through diplomatic channels. We’ll engage all parties involved in order to find an amicable solution,” he said. In a statement, the consulate blasted the city’s action as “in complete violation of… international treaties and conventions, especially the Vienna Convention on consular relations, which guarantees the inviolability of consular premises”. Electricity supplies were reconnected the same day following promises the account would be settled by the end of the month. “We disconnected them on Wednesday during our revenue collection blitz,” city power spokesman Isaac Mangena told AFP. The consul-general visited the city offices after the disconnection and “acknowledged the debt”, and negotiated to settle the arrears by the end of the month, said Mangena. “They made an arrangement to (settle) the account by end of January,” he said. “We are not treating them as a special customer, but like any other,” he said. Residents and businesses owe the city, the country’s financial and commercial hub, more than four billion rand in outstanding bills. South Africa is in the grip of crippling power shortages forcing the power company Eskom to ration supplies.

https://www.channelstv.com/2023/01/20/south-africa-cuts-power-

en

25th September, 2020 The high and mighty of Ideato North and Ideato South of Imo State paid a solidarity visit to Governor Hope Uzodinma on Friday, to pledge their loyalty and at the same time present a list of amenities needed in the area. The surprise was that they also used the occasion to denounce their son, Senator Rochas Okorocha for doing nothing for the people, when he was governor between 2011 and 2019. The Ideato people are lucky though: Uzodinma is also their in-law Led by Chief Tony Ezenna, Chairman of Orange Drugs Limited and key traditional rulers, they said Rochas Okorocha , who was governor for eight years, neglected them and their needs. They expressed confidence that Hope Uzodinma will give them hope and wipe their tears. Ezenna said his people were excited about the emergence of Uzodimma as Governor of Imo State. Addressing the visitors, the Governor explained that God did not make mistakes in bringing him on board the leadership of Imo State, and that what the Ideato Nation were not able to get from past administrations God could use him to actualize it. Uzodimma said he is conversant with their problems as enumerated by them and at such will, after proper government assessment and procedures, tackle the problems head on. He informed the audience that satisfying their yearnings as part of Imo people he would be justifying the confidence reposed in him by them. He specifically commended the lawmakers representing Ideato North and Ideato South in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Arthur Egwim and Hon. Johnson Duru for their positive contributions in the House. He also commended Gloria Uche Mbadiwe, chairman of the Interim Management Committee for Ideato North and Chukwuma Ikeaka, her counterpart in Ideato South. Uzodinma praised their doggedness in the administration of the two Local Governments Areas, which he believes will bring development. The Governor thanked the traditional rulers led by the Chairman of Ideato North and South Council of Ndi Eze, HRH. Eze Gerald Ezeiheakaibeya of Umuma- Isiaku Autonomous Community for their efforts towards peace and progress in their various communities. Governor Uzodimma assured them that his All Progressive Congress (APC) government is working towards making all Imo people happy. Ideato Nation will not be left out, he said. In their written address signed by Chief Ezenna, he described Governor Uzodimma as the “Governor whom we are well pleased,” and congratulated him on his well deserved election. Ezenna thanked Uzodinma for finding some of the Ideato Nation’s sons and daughters worthy to be appointed into various offices in his administration, noting that they have never been so favoured. According to Ezenna, the major reasons for their visit was to relate to him some of their teething problems and needs which they believe the Governor will passionately look into and help them solve. These needs include the bad state of: Orlu-Akokwa to Uga Road which is the major road connecting them as a constituency with the rest of Imo State and the Ntueke-Isiekenesi-Dikenafai Road which they described as a death trap. Also, he informed the Governor that Ideato North and South have been in complete darkness as a result of power outage for about 12 years now, and pleaded with him to extend the on-going power distribution from Egbu to Nwaorieubi via Banana junction to Ideato. Lastly, they asked for the establishment of a functional General Hospital in Ideato to complement the services of Urualla Mission Hospital. The two lawmakers for Ideato North and South pledged their continued support to the programmes and policies of the Governor. The two Chairmen of Ideato North and South appealed to the Governor to passionately look at the request of their people especially as it concerns electricity and come to their aid. On their part, the traditional rulers reassured the Governor of their prayers, continued support and loyalty, and readiness at all times to mobilize Ideato men and women to support his programmes and activities, and appealed with him to critically look at their presentations and save them from the present quagmire they find themselves. Present at the visit were the Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of State Government House, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie and other members of the Imo State Executive Council.

https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/09/25/rochas-okorocha-dumped-by-

en

*He abandoned us for 3 weeks — Widow By Evelyn Usman A father of four was, weekend, found dead inside an empty container which served as shop and an apartment for him and his lover, in Whitesand area of Orile, Lagos. He was said to have slumped during sex with his lover, later discovered to be a pregnant married woman. The woman found with him was immediately rushed to an undisclosed private hospital, as she was said to be gasping for breath when the container was forced open. The deceased, identified simply as Akin, was an agent with a betting company, and had two staking centres at Adunni Plaza and at Badia Industrial Scheme, Ijora. AK, as he was fondly called, was also a merchant in fruits at Orile Iganmu fruit market. Coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, in the area who identified himself as Mr. Orebintin, explained that a sales boy, who resumed work, discovered that the container was locked from within. Orebitin said: “We are still in shock. Nobody knows how it happened. This is not the first time they have been sleeping inside the container. “One of the sales boys drew our attention to the tragedy. He came to open for the day’s sales, but discovered that the door was locked from inside. “After several attempts to open it failed, we assisted him to force the cardboard attached to the roof of the container open. “On entering through the roof, we found Akin stone dead, while the woman was gasping for breath. We had to alert the police from Orile Division, who rushed the woman to a private hospital for treatment.” Meanwhile, when his widow was contacted on phone to rush down to the hospital where her husband was, she was said to have initially refused, accusing him of abandoning her and their children for three weeks. She eventually arrived the hospital only to discover that her husband was dead. Police sources at Orile Division told Vanguard that during inspection of the crime scene, a power generating set was discovered. Upon interrogation, it was said to have been on while the lovers were inside. It was concluded that the lovers may have died after inhaling fumes from the power generating set. At press time, Vanguard learned that the corpse had been released to his family for burial at the deceased’s Sango-Ota residence. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/04/man-dies-during-romp-with-pregnant-lover-inside-container/

Romance

en

President Buhari delivers Keynote address at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa in Amman Jordan on 6th April 2019 President Muhammadu Buhari has tasked university administrators to be frugal and avoid waste of resources. President BuhariBuhari made the call on Saturday at the second convocation of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta. The President, whose address was read by the Minister of State (Education), Prof. Anthony Onwuka, said government would no longer condone corruption in whatsoever guise. “The very scarce resources that are made available must be judiciously utilised to give value to the system. ” We assure the university system that the government is doing everything within the limit of its available resources to ensure the welfare of staff are adequately catered for to enhance productivity,” he said. Buhari challenged FUPRE to be a catalyst for greater innovation and pacesetter for technological revolution in the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry. “The determination by my administration to make our country great in the Oil and Gas sector prompted my assent to the FUPRE Established Act in 2017, to give the university a greater latitude and impetus to excel. ” I am happy that the university is gaining new height under my watch in tandem with its mandate to offer courses of instructions. The courses include Training and research in petroleum technology and allied areas for the production of middle and high level manpower. Buhari also commended the people of the Niger Delta for sustaining peace in the region, noting that the development had encouraged the smooth operation of oil and gas industries in the region. He said that Niger Delta remained critical to advancing the destiny of the nation, adding that the Federal Government would continue to recognise that altruistic position. “Government will, in appreciation, not waiver in its avowed commitment to transform the region through strategic initiatives that will promote quality of life and accelerated development of the region,” he said. Earlier, Prof. Shehu Zuru, Pro-Chancellor of FUPRE, appealed to the government to implement all sections of the University Establishment Act to the letter. Zuru said it would galvanise development, both in capital project and staff welfare, to make the institution a global centre of excellence with capacity to attract the best of expertise. “We strongly appeal to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board and other stakeholders to support the growth and development of the university. “The university is desperately in need of Federal Government’s attention and encouragement to drive the local content and technology transfer agenda that will make the nation great,” he said. The Chancellor of FUPRE, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad, called on the government to urgently start implementation of the Act by way of funding. He said the development would enable the University to truly reflect on its position as the first specialised Petroleum University in Africa and sixth in the world. “The University is pivotal to the attainment of the local content development, especially in the manpower development and innovation in the sector,” he said. The Vice Chancellor of FUPRE, Prof. Akii Ibhadode, urged the government to give the institution relevant tasks in its development plans for execution. Ibhadode, represented by the institution’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Prekeyi Tawari-Fufeyin, said the institution would channel its intellectual resources on the tasks and deliver on them timely. “We request the government to give us relevant tasks in their development plans to execute so that we can contribute to the national development in real terms and at effective cost,” he said. Reports have it that 735 graduands took part in the convocation, comprising 642 with first degree and 93 post-graduate diploma. Highlight of the ceremony was the award of honourary degrees to Dr Ambrosia Orjiakor, Chairman of Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc. Mr Abiola Oyedotun, Managing Director, Banco Serengeti Limited and Mr Ned Nwoko, Managing Partner, Nwoko and Nwoko Solicitors were also conferred degrees. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/04/paternity-fraud-three-out-

en

5th January, 2024 By Patience Omoha A Kabusa Grade I Area Court in Abuja on Friday ordered the remand of a tenant, Chris Okoye, 44, for beating his landlord. The Judge, Malam Abubakar Sadiq, gave the order after listening to the plea of the defendant. The defendant who lives at 2A Niger avenue villa nova, Apo is charged with criminal conspiracy, intimidation, force, assault and causing hurt. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The prosecutor, O.S. Osho had earlier told the court that the landlord, Mr Ochengele Isaac, reported the matter at the Apo Police Station on Jan. 3. He said that the defendant, his two children and Gideon now at large beat up the landlord inflicted injuries on him. Osho said the defendant’s two children and Gideon were now at large. Sadiq adjourned the case until Jan. 16 for hearing.

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2024/01/05/abuja-

en

By Olu Fasan GENERAL Ibrahim Babangida, Nigeria’s former military ruler, is a bundle of contradictions. Known as the evil genius, he did much good and much evil. Yet, in his recent interview with Arise TV ahead of his 80th birthday, Babangida said he had no regrets. He also spoke presumptuously about Nigeria’s unity. But as an architect of Nigeria’s current state, Babangida can’t rewrite history. Take his deeds in power. Truth is, the verdict of history would be mixed, namely: he did good things, but his evil deeds cast dark shadows over his good. Let’s start with Babangida’s good deeds. First, the economy. General Babangida liberalised Nigeria’s economy. His regime was recognised worldwide for its pro-market measures. Babangida told Arise TV: “I believe in free market economy”. He is right: Nigeria can’t succeed as a command-and-control economy. So, I applaud him for being a strong voice for economic liberalism in Nigeria. Furthermore, Babangida was a detribalised leader. Unlike President Buhari, who is only comfortable with his ethnic group and always puts their interests above those of other ethnic nationalities, Babangida was at home anywhere in Nigeria. He understood the dynamics and sensitivities of Nigerians and was overwhelmingly better than Buhari at managing Nigeria’s diversity. Babangida told Arise TV that Nigeria’s next president should have the following qualities: “A person who travels in this country and has a friend virtually everywhere and who knows at least one person he can communicate with; a person who is very versed in the economy, and then a good politician who should be able to talk to Nigerians”. Babangida demonstrated these qualities in power; Buhari utterly lacks them. President Buhari can’t communicate and engage with Nigerians; can’t forge relationships across the country; and can’t build a national consensus on any issue. He’s utterly aloof and removed from Nigerians. By contrast, Babangida sweet-talked Nigerians. He engaged them on whether to take an IMF loan; he engaged them on a political transition programme to return Nigeria to civil rule. He made dialogue and consultation the governing principle of his regime. But here’s the rub. Living up to his reputation as Maradona and Evil Genius, Babangida acted purely for self-interested reasons. At every turn, he deceived and manipulated Nigerians. He pulled wool over their eyes, conducted a presidential election and then arbitrarily annulled it. Even today, Babangida glibly explains away his annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, presumed won by MKO Abiola. “You want me to be honest with you?” Babangida told Ngozi Alaegbu, the Arise TV interviewer. “If it materialised (that is, if Abiola became president), there would have been a coup d’etat which would have been violent”! My reaction was: So what? Abiola eventually died in prison. General Sani Abacha eventual seized power and ran a violent, bloody regime. It’s utterly evil and self-serving to annul a free and fair election because there would be a coup if the winner became president. Except Babangida had a gun to his head and was forced to annul the election, which he denies, he should have handed over to Abiola and let events take their course. History would have judged him differently. Sadly, 28 years after the annulment, the truth is still out there. In 1994, Lt-General Oladipo Diya, then Abacha’s deputy, told a different story. In one interview, Diya said: “The annulment was a disappointment. But General Babangida should be held responsible; he didn’t want to go. I was the eighth or ninth in the hierarchy of the Armed Forces at the time. Babangida won’t say he called the Armed Forces’ officers to discuss the annulment. He only called us after the annulment”. Babangida either annulled the election to cling on to power, which is utterly naïve, or, as President Olusegun Obasanjo says, out of “bad belle”! Whichever, it was an evil deed. Then, there was the evil deed of corruption. In a World Bank book titled Voting for Reform, Professors Jeffrey Herbst and Adebayo Olukoshi wrote: “Under the Babangida regime, unbudgeted expenditure, extrabudgetary accounts and secret accounts became significant”. They argued that the regime created a patron-client network and used “side payments, bribes and patronage” to maintain it. Babangida is right that corruption is worse today than under his regime, but he can’t deny responsibility for hugely corrupting Nigerian politics. All of which brings me to Babangida’s views on Nigeria’s unity. He told Arise TV: “When we were in the military, we talked about certain issues about Nigeria. The unity of Nigeria, as far as we were concerned, was a settled issue; presidentialism was a settled issue”. Asked if “settled” meant non-negotiable, he said yes! He also rejected regionalism. That’s galling. Beyond having the weapons to enforce their will, what gave the military the monopoly of wisdom to decide settled issues for Nigeria? What made them wiser than Nigeria’s founding fathers who negotiated the 1963 Constitution based on parliamentary system, regional autonomy and federal union? Let’s be clear: the First Republic failed because of political intolerance and military adventurism, not because of parliamentarianism or regionalism, which are the preferred systems in most multi-ethnic countries. Now, when did Nigeria’s unity become a settled issue? Babangida said 51 years ago; meaning the Civil War settled it. But if the Civil War settled Nigeria’s unity, why is the military preparing for another war? Recently, the Chief of Army Staff warned secessionists: “We are more equipped now than before the Civil War”. Truth is, Nigeria’s unity can’t be settled by military force, but through a negotiated political and constitutional settlement, as negotiated by Nigeria’s founding fathers. Babangida blamed the tyranny of the political elite for Nigeria’s current mess. But the tyranny of the military elite created Nigeria’s unworkable politico-governance structures. Nigeria must break free from the strictures of the military’s “settled issues” and negotiate an enduring political and constitutional settlement. Nigeria’s unity can’t be settled without restructuring. As for Babangida’s “no regrets”, he should reflect more on his past! Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/08/babangida-says-he-has-no-regrets-but-he-

en

14th January, 2021 By Afusat Agunbide -Oladipo Two pastors in Ilorin, Kwara State, Olumide Peter and Jasulayomi Adetola, are in trouble for allegedly brainwashing their congregation to disown their biological parents and burn their certificates. The Pastors were arraigned at Ilorin Magistrates’ Court, on Thursday for their action where they were charged with criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, wrongful confinement and putting persons in fear of injury in order to commit extortion. The Magistrate, Ibrahim Dasuki, ordered the defendants to be remanded in Oke-Kura Correctional Centre, Ilorin. He, thereafter, adjourned the case till Jan. 28, for further mention. Earlier, Counsel to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Ajide Kehinde, said that two children and four adults, who were reportedly abducted by the pastors, were rescued by the corps. He said that the defendants, who are pastors at Evidence of Christ Fellowship International Church, Agbo-Oba, Ilorin, kicked against Western education, claiming that it was a sin and that any certificate acquired through it was evil. Kehinde said that the pastors had been extorting money from international organisations by sending recorded videos of the children, claiming that they were victims of natural disasters and internally-displaced persons. Kehinde said further investigation revealed that the pastors kicked against Western education, urging its congregation to see it as ungodly. He said that the offences were contrary to Sections 96, 100, 260 and 293 of the Penal Code Law. The counsel prayed the court to remand the defendants on the basis that one of them was still at large. He said that releasing the defendants on bail might jeopardise efforts to carry out proper investigation into the matter. The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2021/01/14/shocker-ilorin-pastors-brainwash-

en

July 16, 2022 by The Nation BREAKING: Osinbajo undergoes surgery Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is to undergo surgery on a leg injury. His spokesman Laolu Akande, in a statement, explained the surgery became necessary because of recurrent pain in the leg from an injury possibly while playing squash. Akande, on his verified Twitter handle, said: ‘’VP Osinabjo is in the hospital today for a surgical procedure on account of a recurrent pain in the leg possibly sustained from an injury while playing squash. His doctors would give an update of the treatment later today.’’

https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-osinbajo-undergoes-

en

The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal filed by an ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi seeking to stop his probe over an alleged N96 billion fraud. In a lead judgment prepared by Justice Amina Augie but read by Justice Adamu Jairo, the apex court dismissed the appeal of Mr Amaechi on grounds that the issue of not being given a fair hearing does not arise as no one is on trial. The move by Rivers State is a panel of enquiry into the alleged fraud. Mr Amaechi had prayed the apex court to prohibit Governor Nyesom Wike from investigating his eight-year tenure as the executive governor of the state. The former governor predicated his opposition to probe on the ground that it was aimed at witch-hunting him, embarrassing him, humiliating him, and to as well disgrace him in view of his political differences with his successor. Governor Wike constituted a seven-man through his counsel and insisted that the Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice George Omereji was to look into how N96b was allegedly withdrawn from the Treasury of the state government and how it was expended. The court also ordered Mister Amaechi to pay the sum of one million Naira to Governor Wike as a cost. With the final decision of the Apex court, Amaechi will be made to appear before the Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice George Omereji to give an account of how N96B was allegedly withdrawn from the Treasury of the state government and how it was expended. The Commission of Inquiry inaugurated by governor Nyesom Wike is to look into the lawful or otherwise of the alleged sales of valuable assets of the state. The listed valuable assets are Omoku Gas Turbine, Afam Gas Turbine, Trans Amadi Gas Turbine, Eleme Gas Turbine, Olympia Hotel, and the award of contract for the execution of the monorail project.

https://www.channelstv.com/2022/05/27/alleged-n96bn-fraud-court-

en

Lagos – The Joe Ajaero-led faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said on Wednesday that labour would not sign any agreement on a new minimum wage, if it was not implementable. Ajaero said this at an interactive session with journalists in Lagos, while explaining the terms his group had reached with the Federal Government following the recent withdrawal of subsidy on petrol. The subsidy withdrawal has resulted in the increase of the cost of petrol from N87 per litre to N145 per litre. According to the NLC factional leader, the ability to pay the proposed new wage is the purpose of any minimum wage agreement, stressing that no labour leader will sign an agreement that cannot be realistic. He said that since his group proposed N90, 000 while the Ayuba Wabba-led group demanded for N56, 000, government had the prerogative to come out with its own position. “If the government comes out with its position, we, the labour movement can crosscheck and counter it, if necessary, before the agreement is signed,’’ Ajaero said. He said that the minimum wage was a proposal based on the economic index, which could force the government to reduce its workforce, if necessary. Ajaero said that there would be a sub-committee that would look into an increase in wages for the manufacturing sector, to enable it to be able to cater for the welfare of employees in the sector. The factional leader also said that only the Board of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) had the prerogative to fix the prices of petroleum products. “Even if Organised Labour and Nigerians were able to compel the government to reduce the N145 Petrol price to N50 per litre, it would have been illegal,’’ he noted. Ajaero, who recalled that the Board of the PPPRA had not been reconstituted for the last four years, however, called for its reconstitution within two weeks. Also speaking, Mr Igwe Achese, President, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), stressed the need for the country to build new refineries. He called on government to ensure that existing refineries were fixed, to enable them perform optimally and pave way to end the importation of petroleum products. According to him, labour will ensure that the N5 trillion palliatives promised by the government are implemented, to alleviate the pains of Nigerians from the withdrawal of subsidy. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/nlc-assures-on-signing-

en

wholesale Hoop Earrings Wholesale Hoop Earrings, high quality and multiple choices at cheap factory prices. Plus, enjoy award-wining customer service for your Hoop Earrings purchase and sourcing. Searching for wholesale Hoop Earrings online? We serve thousands of style Hoop Earrings cheap for wholesale at JewelryBund since 2008. You can easily find all types of high quality Hoop Earrings here. Or feel free to contact us for Hoop Earrings customization/ production inquiries. Start the one-stop wholesale Hoop Earrings procurement for your shops from reliable Hoop Earrings supplier via fast global shipping now and save.

https://www.jewelrybund.com/wholesale/Hoop-Earrings

en

4th October, 2022 Massive crowd at Ndigbo APC town hall meeting for Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga By Adeleye Adeyemi A massive crowd of Ndigbo in Lagos State APC on Tuesday, stormed Ikeja for a town hall meeting in support of Sen. Bola Tinubu, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate and Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the crowd, comprising APC members of Igbo extraction only, converged at the Blue Roof of the Lagos Television (LTV) for the meeting. The group was made up of Ndigbo from the 20 Local Government Areas and the 37 Local.Council Development Areas of the state. It was a carnival of sorts as members of the group were seen in different regalia, dancing to songs while others were singing and chanting songs in praise of Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu. Addressing the gathering, the state Chairman of the APC, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi said that the massive turn out of Igbos in APC for the town hall meeting, the party had reassured the party of their commitment and dedication. “Today is an affirmation to assure the APC that Igbos in Lagos state are for Asiwaju,” the party chairman said. Also speaking, Mr Kolade Alabi, Chairman of Bariga and Conference 57, consisting of 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs in Lagos state, said that the gathering was an attestation that Igbos in APC are solidly behind the party. Alabi who was represented by the Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Mr Sesan Daini said the massive gathering was proof of Igbo support for the APC. “The original Igbo in Lagos state are with APC. “Lagos state has been good to people of other extractions including the Igbos. We have Igbo, Hausa in the state cabinet. Therefore, a vote for APC is a vote for development of all,” he said. He urged them to go to work to rally massive Igbo support for the APC and its candidates. Mr Joe Igbokwe, APC chieftain and Leader of APC Ndigbo in Lagos state said that Tinubu is the best man to rule Nigerian come 2023. Igbokwe said that anyone who had governed Lagos state would effortlessly govern Nigeria. “Lagos is a 24-hour state and so anybody who has been governor in the state will not find it difficult to rule Nigeria.” He challenged other presidential candidates to show their achievements to Nigerians. Igbokwe also said that Ndigbo in Lagos state needed to protect their massive investments in the state as they have so much to gain by supporting Tinubu. He, however, lauded Tinubu for the support he had given to Ndigbo in Lagos state and urged Igbos in the state to not only support Tinubu but to support all APC candidates in the state, including the governor. Igbokwe pledged that the APC would not fail the Igbos. Also speaking, Mr Jude Idumogu a former representative of Oshodi Isolo in the Lagos state House of Assembly, said that Tinubu remained the most experienced of the presidential candidates. He said that Igbos in Lagos state remained part of the party in leadership because they earned their living in the state and as such, must protect it. He appealed to Nigerians to see that among the presidential candidates, that Tinubu remained the best in terms of competence. “Since 2007 that Tinubu left office, he is still relevant in politics and power play in Nigeria because of his sagacity and the best thing we can do is to give him that support.” At the event are: Mr Sunday Ossai, president, Ohaneze Ndigbo in Lagos state, market men, women, professionals and youths of Igbo extraction resident in Lagos.

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2022/10/04/massive-crowd-at-ndigbo-apc-town-

en

July 11, 2014 by The Nation To have stable electricity, vote out PDP – Fashola Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has said the only way the country can have stable electricity is to vote out the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from power in next year’s general election. Fashola, who gave the counsel while marking his 2,600 days in office at an elaborate ceremony held at the Blue Roof of the Lagos Television premises, said electricity crisis in the country is caused by lack of ideas and insincerity of purpose on the part of Federal Government. He said,” Yes I agree with you that it is possible to generate electricity and to make sure that everybody in this country has electricity, we have to do the right thing. But you know what, the only way that you and I will have electricity in this country will be to vote out the PDP. ” In 16 years hundreds of billions of naira have been spent and we cannot switch on electricity and in seven years we have created four plants. It shows that something is missing. So unless you vote for All Progressive Congress it is going to be difficult to have electricity. “They started from vision 2020-20 and I told you then that they were having a nightmare, that there was no vision. “They moved to seven point agenda and now they are transforming.”

http://thenationonlineng.net/new/to-have-stable-electricity-vote-out-pdp-

en

…..adjourns case till Sept 21 for hearing By Ikechukwu Nnochiri, Abuja The Supreme Court, on Wednesday, issued an order of injunction restraining the Federal Government from ceding 17 disputed oil wells located at Akri and Mbede, to Imo state. The apex court ordered FG and its agencies to halt actions pertaining to the alleged plan to cede the oil wells to Imo state, pending the determination of a suit that was brought before it by the Rivers state government. A chamber ruling the court delivered on the matter on Wednesday followed an ex-parte application Rivers State argued through its lawyer, Mr Emmanuel Ukala, SAN. The Supreme Court specifically restrained the Attorney General of the Federation and the Attorney General of Imo state, from taking any further action on the ownership of the disputed 17 oil wells, pending resolution of legal issues surrounding its ownership. It further barred the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and the Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, and the office of the Accountant General of the Federation from approving, implementing, or giving effect in any manner to a letter from RMAFC office, with reference number RMC/O&G/47/1/264, dated July 1, 2021, which cancelled the equal sharing of proceeds from the 17 oil wells by Rivers and Imo states. The apex court subsequently fixed September 21, 2021, for a hearing of the substantive matter. Rivers State had through its Attorney General, dragged the AGF and the Attorney General of Imo state before the Supreme Court, seeking a declaration that the boundary between it and Imo state, as delineated on Nigeria administrative map 10, 11 and 12 editions and other maps bearing similar delineations, are inaccurate, incorrect and do not represent the legitimate and lawful boundaries between Rivers and Imo State. The Plaintiff is further seeking a declaration that as far as Nigeria’s administrative map 10, 11 and 12 editions and other maps bearing similar delineations, relate to the boundaries between Rivers and Imo, the said maps are unlawful and void, cannot be relied on to determine the extent of the territorial governmental jurisdiction of Rivers state and to determine the revenue accruing to Rivers state from the federation account, including the application of the principle of derivation and other revenue allocation principles as contained in the 1999 Constitution. It further applied that the Supreme Court declare that the correct instrument maps and documents to be relied on in determining the boundary between Rivers and Imo state are those used by Plaintiff in delineating the boundary line between Rivers and Imo state. Besides, Plaintiff is also seeking a declaration that all the oil wells within Akri and Mbede communities are wrongly attributed to Imo state and that they are all oil wells within the territory of Rivers state. It maintained that only Rivers State is entitled to receive the full allocation of the distributable revenue from the oil wells on the basis of the 1390 derivation as contained under section 162 of the 1999 constitution. The Plaintiff is urging the court to issue an order of mandatory injunction, directing the AGF to calculate, to its satisfaction, and refund to it all revenue that has been wrongly attributed to or paid to Imo state on account of the limit or extent of their territories, including earnings due to it from revenue derived from Akri and Mbede oil wells. It further wants an order of injunction directing the AGF to withdraw from circulation its administrative map 10,11 and 12th editions and to refrain from relying on any of the said maps for the purpose of determining the boundary between Rivers and Imo state. As well as an order of mandatory injunction directing AGF to produce an administrative map bearing the correct boundary between Rivers and Imo state. Rivers State is equally praying the apex court to award it the sum of N500million as litigation cost. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/07/s-court-restrains-fg-from-ceding-17-oil-

en

November 14, 2022 by The Nation Why I invited Buhari, Obi, others to open Rivers projects – Wike Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike has explained he invited leaders of the opposition parties to inaugurate his projects because it is within his right to choose whoever he pleases to undertake such assignments. Wike asked those, who felt slighted for ignoring them, to also execute projects in their various States and invite him to inaugurate them. The Governor, who spoke on Monday when he led the Emir of Kano, HRH Ado Bayero, to inaugurate the world-class Peter Odili Cancer Diagnostic and Cardiovascular Centre in Port Harcourt, confirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari would be in the State to inaugurate the Port Harcourt Campus of the Nigeria Law School. He said the Presidential candidates of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi and his New Nigeria National Party(NNNP) counterpart Rabiu Kwankwaso as well as a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, would be in the State to open some projects. Wike said: “Those, who are saying why am I not inviting them to inaugurate projects, you invite me to inaugurate in your own place. I have a choice to invite whoever I want to come and inaugurate projects. On Wednesday, Adams Oshiomhole will come. Read Also: Wike, others not keen on truce with Atiku “On Thursday, Peter Obi will come and commission, on Friday President Buhari will commission the Nigerian Law School. On Monday, Kwankwaso will come. If you want to have high blood pressure, it is your business”. Wike explained that he named the project after Odili, because of his service to humanity as a former Governor and a medical practitioner. He said Odili distinguished himself for not abandoning his people and relocating to Abuja to join others, who had developed the habit of forming associations to seek relevance and run around a presidential candidate. He said: “Give me a better reason while I should not name it after Dr. Peter Odili. This is a man who has run one of the best clinics in this State as a medical doctor. This is a man, who has served this state as a governor for eight years. “This is a man, who had refused to join his colleagues in Abuja to form an association of former Governors so that they can be relevant in running around a presidential candidate. He has devoted himself on medical education still serving the people to see how we can train more doctors and other health officers. “Who then is more qualified for this facility to be named after? There are those when they leave office, they don’t bother about service again. That is why we are where we are. People became governors for eight years, senators for 16 years, and nobody cares about home again. “All they do is to live in Abuja and form associations and then begin to hang around the presidential candidate. Instead of them making the presidential candidate win election, they begin to deceive him. But Odili refused to be a party to that. I am very proud and I owe nobody any apology at all. If you are not happy try and be a governor and name anybody you want”.

https://thenationonlineng.net/why-i-invited-buhari-obi-

en

November 19, 2021 by The Nation Buhari backs lawmakers’ position on direct primary By Bolaji Ogundele, Okodili Ndidi, Jide Orintunsin Abuja and Osagie Otabor, Akure Governors lose out President on samepage with us, says Gbajabiamila The move to stop the retention of the direct primary clause in the Electoral Act Bill collapsed yesterday. House of Representatives Speaker said President Muhammadu Buhari is in support of the direct mode of selecting candidates for elections by political parties. Also, the National Assembly disclosed plans to forward the Electoral Act Bill to the President this week for assent. Hailing the parliament for the retention of the clause, some All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains said it will foster greater participation of members in party affairs. There had been a sharp disagreement between the National Assembly and governors over the direct mode. While the Senate and the House of Representatives retained direct primary in the Electoral Act Bill, the governors are insisting on the indirect primary. APC governors under the aegis of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) declined to react to the Speaker’s statement. Read Also: Rumbles over direct primary in APC The Director-General of the Forum, Dr. Salihu Lukman, said APC governors will not react to mere visits by any leader of the National Assembly to the Presidential Villa over the bill. Gbajabiamila, who spoke with State House Correspondents in Abuja after meeting with the President, said Buhari supported direct primary. He described the President as a product of direct primary because of his popularity, adding that he has opened up the political space for the youths to participate. He noted that the indirect primary has not helped the growth of democracy. He assured that the President would sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill into law. Gbajabiamila said: “If I tell you we didn’t discuss the Electoral Act amendment, which is what I am sure you are asking about, if I tell you we didn’t discuss that, I will be lying to you. “We had a very robust discussion and our position is known to the President.” On the position of the National Assembly, Gbajabiamila added: “Are you not aware that the National Assembly has passed the direct primary and electronic transmission of election results? That is the position of the National Assembly. It has passed through both Houses. “We have passed the law. The official position of House of Representatives and the Senate, we are for direct primary. We are for empowering the people at the grassroots level. Let everybody participate in governance. “Democracy is defined as a government of the people, for the people and by the people. ‘People’ is used three times in that definition. And it doesn’t start from general elections. It starts from primaries. So, we have made it very clear abundantly.” Gbajabiamila defended the direct primary, saying: “It (indirect primary) has been like that for a long time and it’s not helping our democracy. It is not growing and deepening our democracy. “We have passed Not Too Young To Run Bill, which the President was very happy to be a part of because he wants to encourage young people. But it’s just a bill on paper. “You pass Not Too Young To Run Bill, but at the same time, you close the space for the young ones for whom you have passed Not Too Young To Run Bill. “You have continued with your indirect primaries. How will the young people get involved? Now, they have a chance with the direct primaries. “You have opened up the space and they can get in and mobilise themselves and if they are popular enough, they win the election. They are not dependent on any godfather”. Gbajabiamila disagreed with Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, who said that direct primary would be too expensive for political parties and the electoral commission to handle. He said: “I have heard that argument about cost. And this is what I have to say: do you put a price tag on democracy? I don’t think you should. “What is too much and what is too little to buy freedom and democracy? I don’t think you should put a price tag on it. So, how much will be okay for him? He should tell us how much will be okay for him.” On the allegation that members of the National Assembly were fighting because they had been edged out by governors, he said: “The indirect primary is easier for me, at least, as far as my constituency is concerned. But, because I don’t want to be selfish, because I want to look at the bigger picture, I will rather go with direct primaries. Let everybody go and vote. If they vote me out, they vote me out. It is as simple as that.” On whether the Bill had been transmitted to the President, the Speaker said: “It’s on the way. You can be sure of that. We get the bill transmitted now that he is back very soon. We are hopeful it will become law and Nigerians will be better for it.” A PDP Senator representing Kaduna South District, Danjuma Laah, drummed support for the direct mode to enhance transparency and strengthen internal democracy. He said the direct primary is the only democratic way of allowing political inclusiveness and direct participation by members to make their choices. In a statement by his media assistant, Victor Matthew, the Senator said: “ The only viable platform that I will like to contest is the PDP which is the most credible alternative in Southern Kaduna, and nobody will impose indirect primaries for our people again. That option is completely ruled out. It is not an issue at all.” Laah said indirect primary will truncate the voice of the people. He added: “I don’t think the people want any indirect primary or any consensus, but the thing is, if you don’t adhere to their desire for an open primary then there will be problems and our chances should be slim by any means possible.” An APC chieftain in Ondo State, Olugbenga Falaiye, said direct primary will produce popular candidates. Falaiye, who is a House of Representatives aspirant in Akure Federal Constituency, described direct primary as a leveller for party members. He told reporters in Akure, capital of Ondo State, that direct primary would eliminate the financial inducement of party delegates. His words: “I am in support of direct primary. Direct primary is good leverage. It is when you are popular that a direct primary can favour you. The indirect primary is being manipulated by money bags. “Even the President cannot singlehandedly fund a direct primary. How many people can you pay? The people have to accept you by voting for you in a direct primary. “Direct primary will make seducing people with money to vote a particular candidate a thing of the past. If the people like a candidate and vote for the candidate, you do not have to give them money to vote during the main election. You have to be popular, you have to be in their mind and they will make you their leader.” A group, the People’s Life Improvement Foundation, said the direct system will give eligible voters the chance to oppose the imposition of candidates by godfathers. In a statement, its President, Chief Precious Elekima, said: “It is very sad to discover that governors are opposed to the window of freedom given by the National Assembly to Nigerians to freely elect their leaders.’’

https://thenationonlineng.net/buhari-backs-lawmakers-position-on-

en

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has told the club he wants to leave after a single season to join Italian champions Juventus, according to reports on Saturday. Sarri has been an uncomfortable fit with fans at Stamford Bridge and despite winning the Europa League this week and finishing third in the Premier League, there is a perception the chain-smoking coach is unwilling to adapt tactics when things go wrong. Sarri has been widely linked with Juventus, who are seeking a successor to Massimiliano Allegri, although sports daily Gazzetta reported Saturday that Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino was also on their radar. Sarri held talks with Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia on Friday and informed her that he wanted to return to his homeland, the reports in Britain and Italy said. Granovskaia, it is said, has promised to talk to club owner Roman Abramovich about his future, but it would seem Chelsea will seek compensation from any suitor. Sarri succeeded Antonio Conte as Chelsea manager last summer after spending three years at Napoli. The 60-year-old enjoyed a tremendous start at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea went unbeaten in 18 games. But Sarri endured consistent criticism from a significant portion of the club’s supporters throughout the campaign and suffered heavy 4-0 and 6-0 defeats at Bournemouth and Manchester City. Chelsea, however, reached the Carabao Cup final, which they lost on penalties to Manchester City, before finishing the season strongly. Sarri claimed the first major trophy of his career when Chelsea beat Arsenal 4-1 in Baku on Wednesday to win the Europa League final, but refused to commit his future to the club, saying: “You know very well that I love the Premier League, the level of the competition, and I am lucky because I am at Chelsea, one of the best teams in the best championship in the world. “So at the moment I am happy, but of course I want to know if the club is happy, if we can improve. “It’s normal I think; I have a discussion with the owner after every season with every club.” Chelsea are facing a transfer ban next season which could restrict their ability to attract a big name coach. The club have been linked with their former midfielder Frank Lampard, now the manager of Championship side Derby, should Sarri leave Stamford Bridge. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/sarri-chelsea-boss-close-to-

en

Interior Minister, Tunji-Ojo The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reiterated the ministry’s determination to begin the full implementation of the new passport policy for the benefit of Nigerians at home and abroad. Tunji-Ojo disclosed this at the 2024 Diaspora Quarterly Virtual-lecture series titled: New Passport Policy/Processes for Nigerians in Diaspora” organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on Tuesday in Abuja. The minister said the ministry was ready to automate passport enrollment via streamlined and efficient processes, adding that the automated passport application process for those in the diaspora is scheduled to begin on March 8, 2024. This, according to him, will begin at four missions, namely: Italy in Europe, Canada in the Americas, South Africa in Africa, and Malaysia in Asia. “Following a month of refining any glitches, we aim to deploy globally by April 8, 2024,” he added. “The ministry has taken bold steps toward the launch of a new passport policy for Nigerians at home and abroad. “This is to decongest existing centres by establishing dedicated passport processing and collection centres in the diaspora and fast-tracking service operations both domestically and internationally, and reducing processing delays in Europe through the enhanced e-passport. “A dedicated team from the ministry has been deployed to the UK to oversee the implementation of the E8-Mandate, emphasising our commitment to delivering tangible results. “We are rolling out enhanced e-passport facilities at selected Nigerian embassies in Europe, thereby positioning Nigeria as a leader in technological innovation within the African continent. “This enhanced e-passport, compliant with all International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, ensures international recognition and security. “It offers Nigerians in the diaspora greater convenience with online application and payment platforms, reduced processing times, and enhanced security features, allowing for travel with peace of mind.” He said although acquiring the Nigerian passport has historically been a cumbersome process, marred by long queues, bureaucratic hurdles, and unnecessary delays, such will soon be thing of the past. He attributed success recorded in the efforts to passport issues under the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu to be in terms of clearance of over 200,000 passport backlogs within three weeks and addressing national crisis and reinstating pride in our identity system. “Furthermore, we’ve spearheaded the deployment of e-Gates at international airports, a significant stride towards streamlining entry and exit processes for Nigerians. “As we speak, the e-Gates have been successfully installed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with an additional 16 E-Gates anticipated for delivery and installation in Lagos next week. “In line with our March deadline, we are diligently working towards establishing a modern control center across all our international airports, including Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.” The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the minister for the success so far recorded withun a very short period particularly in the area of passport regime. “One of the biggest issues is related to the issue of passport. All the time we’ve been bombarded with questions on the issue of passports, and the minister came on board and said the process would be fully-digital. “So, this is a platform to have the Minister of Interior and Mrs Caroline Adepoju, Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service to explain what the process means,” she said. The guest speaker, Mrs Adepoju said the e-passport regime policy would make application processes modern, ensure effectiveness, and efficiency, as well as improve NIS service delivery. This, according to her, is to support the federal government’s policy on single identification depository with the National Identity Management Commission and the prevention of identity theft in relation to travel documents. “The total number of passports issued in 2021 was 1,330,506, in 2022 the total was 1,597,729, which indicates an increase of of 57 per cent, whereas in 2023 the total number of passports issued was 2,141,300, this is a 100 per cent increase. “These data are pointers to the need for this reform, to reduce pressure on our overstretched facilities, manpower and applicants who wait in endless queues in the cold and the heat,” Adepoju said. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/02/fg-determined-to-

en

4th September, 2023 By Jethro Ibileke The National/State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Benin, on Monday dismissed the petition of Senator Francis Alimikhena of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the victory of Senator Adams Oshiomhole of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the 25 February, 2023, Edo North Senatorial District election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had announced the former governor of the state as winner of the election. Not satisfied with the declaration, Alimikhena filed a petition at the Tribunal seeking to upturn the result announced by the electoral umpire, in a suit numbered EPT/ED/SEN/02/2023. Affirming the victory of Senator Oshiomhole, the three-man tribunal headed by Justice O.A. Chuioke, dismissed Senator Alimikhena’s petition for lacking in merit. In a unanimous judgement on behalf of the tribunal chairman, Justice Chuioke, Justice Alero Akeredolu, held that the petitioners failed woefully to proved their case, adding that they cannot rely on weakness or strength of the respondents to prove their cases against Comrade Oshiomhole. Again, Justice Akeredolu held that the petitioners also failed to tender before the tribunal any relevant document to prove a case of non -compliance as contained in their petitions.

https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2023/09/04/edo-north-oshiomhole-floors-

en

WORRIED — Keshi By Abiodun Alade, @biodunpen Coach Stephen Keshi has said that Villarreal CF star, Ikechukwu Uche has declared that he will not play for the Super Eagles unless Keshi and other members of the technical team beg him. In a tweet by the verified twitter handle of the Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles), the gaffer who dropped IK Uche from the team that represented the country in Brazil noted that he invited the player to be part of the team to face Congo and South Africa but he declined, requesting an apology from Keshi. Saturday’s showdown at the U. J. Esuene Stadium is the first of six matches for each of the teams in seven groups of four teams in the qualifying series for the finals scheduled for Morocco early next year. The team will fly to Cape Town on Tuesday to confront South Africa on Wednesday. Nigeria is the current Champions of Africa. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/09/ik-uche-demands-beg-

en

By Omeiza Ajayi, Abuja Ahead of the 2023 Presidential Election, the South West Movement for Osinbajo (SOWEMOVE) has urged governors and traditional rulers in the region to prevail on the former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step down for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in the battle for the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC. The group has consequently begun lobbying governors, traditional rulers, business and political elites in Yorubaland to carefully weigh various options and seriously consider backing Prof. Osinbajo. Presenting a report and copies of several correspondences with Obas and other eminent personalities in the South West to the Director of Operations of The Progressive Project (TPP), Alhaji Aliyu Usman Aliyu in Abuja during the weekend, the group said youths of the region will become arrowheads of efforts towards making Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, successor to President Muhammadu Buhari. In his brief response, Alhaji Aliyu Usman Aliyu explained that the TPP is going to be an umbrella organization for all Nigerian groups at home and abroad who are canvassing for the success of All Progressives Congress (APC) and that of Professor Yemi Osinbajo in the 2023 elections. “Our progressive cause is borne out of conviction and devoid of negative sentiments that becloud politics in most parts of the Third World; we objectively see Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as the best towards sustaining the legacies of President Muhammadu Buhari and moving Nigeria forward,” Alhaji Aliyu said. In the various correspondences sent to Yoruba elites, titled “2023: Appeal to South-West Elders/Leaders” and signed by both its Coordinator, Abioye Akerele and Secretary, Olugbenga Byron, the group stated that Nigeria’s Presidency may elude the South West in 2023 if Prof. Osinbajo is not supported for the presidency. “Not too long after the Moshood Abiola political era, our emphatic strides within the Nigerian power equation is being threatened and today, there are obvious political traps with the potential to dislodge the South West from a vantage point through which we ought to ascend higher, to real power at the centre. “If current realities are not adequately weighed, using the wisdom of elders like you, the South West may play itself out of the power equation in 2023,” the group stated. It added that the dynamics of politics of the 2023 general elections are gradually manifesting in different forms, the group lamented that the South West still appears aloof. The group described Osinbajo as being most excellent while APC leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is described as an outstanding leader who can further advance national interests by endorsing the vice president. “He (Tinubu) is one leader out of many who has been actively involved in the struggle towards making Nigeria work, he is unique in all respects, irrespective of whatever one may think of his political method. “In the light of the above, we, members of the South West Movement for Osinbajo believe that our revered Obas across Yorubaland, the APC Governors in the South West geo-political zone, all Yoruba political elites, business moguls and leaders of thought should now rise to prevail on Asiwaju to invest his political capital in the person of the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, in the overall interest of the Yoruba people. “We cannot afford to keep distracting ourselves with wrong steps and faulty strategy at the risk of neglecting the very core of our geo-political zone’s priority of regaining power at the centre and actualizing further positive impacts for ourselves and the entire federation come 2023. “Today, he sits in vantage position and he is greatly enriched with great purposeful insights into what needs to be done towards achieving lasting change; as the number two in Government, he is the closest to the highly coveted seat. “Prof. Osinbajo has the requisite character, capacity, capability and the intellect to run Nigeria to the satisfaction of the generality of the Nigerian populace. “We therefore call on you and our entire Yoruba leaders not to “siddon look” by watching while some South West politicians take wrong steps in the on-going political calculations; we must not allow a drift that will only take us all to a chaotic spot, only to then begin seeking desperate solutions. “We believe strongly that Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is our sure bet for 2023 in the entire South West and we need Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the principal game changer to support this bid. “For the sustenance of the South West’s political relevance in the Nigerian federation and in the larger interest of all Nigerians, it stands to reason that we stand firmly behind Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s candidature for President come 2023. “As the number two to President Mohammad Buhari, he has demonstrated obvious capacity and capability to re-invent the wheel of progress for national growth and development. “He has won the confidence of Nigerians across various divides by the way and manner he has conducted himself as the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “We therefore plead earnestly that our leaders and elders in the South Western Zone must not allow the conflicting interest of a few to destroy the very bright political chances of our entire region in the 2023 Presidential Elections. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/11/2023-swest-group-lobbies-govs-

en

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has approached the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to contest the declaration of Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as President-elect. The filing was confirmed by a member of the Atiku Legal Team, Silas Joseph Onu, on Tuesday evening. This comes hours after the Labour Party (LP) and its candidate, Mr Peter Obi, had similarly filed a petition at the election petitions tribunal in Abuja, challenging Tinubu’s status as the winner of the February 25, 2023, presidential election. The petition marked: CA/PEPC/03/2023, has INEC; Tinubu; his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, and the APC as the 1st to 4th respondents. The petitioners are praying for the tribunal to declare Tinubu as not duly elected with a majority of the lawful votes cast. They want an order mandating INEC to retrieve the certificate of return issued to the APC candidate and issue a fresh one to Obi. See a copy of Atiku’s petition below:

https://www.channelstv.com/2023/03/21/breaking-atiku-

en

June 30, 2020 by The Nation Aviation restart: FAAN to implement flight spacing at airports By Kelvin Osa Okunbor The Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt. Rabiu Yadudu said the agency would implement flight spacing at all its airports in order to ensure total safety once the airspace is reopened for flight services. This is as he said about 85 to 90 per cent of the agency’s staff had been trained by World Health Organisation (W/H.O) on operational and response time on COVID-19 pandemic, including 100 per cent of its staff at Owerri Airport. Speaking with our correspondent in Lagos over the weekend, Yadudu declared the flight spacing was not to disrupt any of the airline’s schedules, but to ensure total safety of passengers, airline staff and others within the airport environment. According to him, FAAN had informed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) of its plan, which he said would restrict multiple departures of flights from the same terminal at the same time. He said: “We have already told NCAA that we are going to space the flights. No two airlines will depart at the same time from our airports. The spacing is not to make things difficult for the operators, but to protect their staff and other users of our airports. “It is not going to be unnecessary spacing. Like I told them, it is not a slot, but just spacing of flights.” Read Also: FAAN moves headquarters to Abuja On the inadequate space at the General Aviation Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, Yadudu revealed that plans were on to increase its capacity by about 200 per cent with the construction of fabricated materials within the facility. This, he said would be ready very soon. He reiterated the readiness of FAAN to recommencement of activities in the industry, stressing that all staff had been adequately trained to withstand the new order. The FAAN boss maintained that the management followed to the letter all the protocols on Covid-19 pandemic and advisory circular from NCAA, adding that the agency increased its performance by increasing the requirements. Besides, he said FAAN’s staff had been trained by Port Health Services in order to ensure compliance on resumption. He said: “No airport in Nigeria has 100 per cent of its staff trained by W.H.O and Port Health on Covid-19 pandemic, but we achieved that with Owerri Airport. All our staff at Owerri airport are trained 100 per cent with certificates issues. Overall, about 85 to 90 per cent of our staff have been trained and we want to achieve 100 per cent training for all. “At GAT, we have also erected a large canopy for people to stay in incase of rain. We also have sanitisers and equipment to test their temperature at the airport and others in the country. Our tap water has sensors to minimize touch. “We are discussing with some companies to enlarge the GAT with fabricated materials because we don’t have time for concrete work, which may take another five months to complete. The expansion of the GAT will lead to 200 per cent in the hall capacity.” Also, Yadudu disclosed that FAAN was installing transparent shields in front all airline counters operating from its terminal in a bid to minimise physical contacts, adding that wearing of face masks and other protocols by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) would be made compulsory. At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, Yadudu emphasised that FAAN would open two arrival halls for more convenience of passengers

https://thenationonlineng.net/aviation-restart-

en

World Cup winner, Marcos Cafu, is backing the Brazilian signings at Arsenal. Cafu is keen to see how his fellow countrymen Gabriel and Willian have been performing at new club Arsenal. And he believes the two recent recruits share lofty ambitions with the North London side. Cafu, speaking to Laureus.com, said: “Two great players, I am a fan of both Gabriel and Willian. “Willian already stood out in the Brazilian team, in the games he played, and stood out at Chelsea. “Gabriel stood out and continues to impress. I think they are two players who really will perform very well at Arsenal. “They are players who came, not only to add value, they came to win the Premier League.”

https://sportinglife.ng/cafuarsenal-have-signed-two-

en

February 3, 2024 by Our Reporter Disquiet in Nasarawa family as wife catches husband sleeping with mum - Mum: I got hooked becausehe’s a Maradona in bed Trouble is rocking a family in Nasarawa State following claims by a housewife that her husband cheated on her by sleeping with her mother. Doris (surname withheld) said the lid on the secret affair between her 46-year-old husband and her mother was blown open by her six-year-old son. Curiously, Doris’s mother, Madam Cynthia (surname withheld), did not deny the alleged romance between her and her son-in-law when her daughter confronted her with the allegation. Rather, she told her daughter that she was in a relationship with her son-in-law (her daughter’s husband), Joseph, before they got married, and it was the best romance opportunity she had 20 years after she lost her husband. Madam Cynthia said: “My husband died about 20 years ago, and I never found another man of my dream until I met Joseph. “He is a kind and generous gentleman. He is also very strong and very good in bed. “He gave me the most satisfaction I ever had with a man in bed. Because of that, I did not want to lose his company, so I recommended him to you (Doris). “I insisted that he must get married to you so you could have a taste of what he is made of.” Doris, 28, had got married to Joseph, a sales manager with a private company, oblivious of the fact that he and her mother were dating. As it later turned out, it was Madam Cynthia that actually persuaded Joseph to marry her daughter (Doris), who at that time was based in Keffi as a student of Nasarawa State University. Since Doris was not visiting Lafia regularly, she had no idea how intimate her mother and Joseph were. To worsen matters, Doris was not coming to Lafia most times her school was on holiday as she chose to take up some casual jobs in Keffi despite that her mother was running a big restaurant in Lafia where Joseph got to know her. Our correspondent gathered that Joseph’s affair with Madam Cynthia was so discreet that it was difficult for any observer to know what was going on between them. Joseph was said to be in the habit of closing late in the office, after which he would wait for Madam Cynthia at his Lafia apartment after closing her restaurant. The bubble burst on January 18 when Madam Cynthia visited her daughter’s matrimonial home in New Nyanyan, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. Joseph was said to have moved to Nyanyan for the sake of proximity to his wife for whom he had secured a civil service job in Abuja. As it was customary between them, Joseph and his mother-in-law (Cynthia) decided to engage in fresh sessions of romance during the visit. Unfortunately, their six-year-old son ran into them in one of the sessions and later let the cat out of the bag. Distraught Doris, who narrated the incident to a close friend of hers in a recorded telephone voice, said: “I met my husband through my mother in Lafia in 2018. “I had just completed my NYSC (national youth service) and she introduced him to me as someone who was very good and generous, and would never maltreat me. “Looking at Joseph, although he was not too young, he actually appeared gentle and promising. “He would come to my mother’s restaurant every evening after close of work, but I never suspected that he was also going out with my mother. “She actually hid her main reason for linking the two of us together. My mother did not want my husband to get married to another woman basically because of his sexual prowess and kindness. “To my admiration, Joseph actually showed commitment, making sure that all my needs were met even without me asking. “Within a short time, he proved to me that he was actually a good man in addition to what my mother told me. “We eventually got married in 2018, and two years later, we relocated to New Nyanyan because he had secured a civil service job for me in Abuja and also opened a salon for me. “I have three kids and I am presently four months pregnant. “My mother, a very careful woman, had told me after my marriage that she felt fulfilled that I got married to Joseph. “She was always coming on visits, and would always ask whether I was enjoying my marriage. And I truly was enjoying it, because my husband did make life easy for me and my kids. “She was always calling or visiting, and I thought it was because I am her only child. “When I gave birth to my first son, she was very excited and often came to help out with house chores. “She was always taking care of my kids who she loves so much. It was as if she was living together with us. “We live in a three-bedroom apartment, so there was enough space for her to stay for as long as she wanted. “On January 13, my mother came around and it coincided with the time my husband took a week off to rest at home. “It never occurred to me that my husband’s one week rest was tactically planned to coincide with my mother’s coming. “The setting in my matrimonial home was the best for them because of the kids. They took care of the kids while I went to work, but I did not know that they were also taking care of themselves. “My mum loves a particular brand of alcohol while my husband also likes a brand of wine, which he always ensured was in the refrigerator. “So while I was away to work and the kids had gone to school, they kept each other company with their drinks. It never occurred to me that their relationship was beyond mother in-law and son in-law. “On Thursday, January 18, I returned from work and my eldest son came into my room as I was pulling off my dress. “He looked worried and confused, so I asked whether his aunty beat him in school or he was not given food, but he said nothing. “When I prodded him further, he told me that he saw his father and grandmother fighting naked in the visitor’s room and grandma was crying while daddy was on top of her. “I asked how he got to know, and he said that when he returned from school, grandma bathed him and he slept off after eating because he was tired. “He said that when he woke up, he went to check on grandma (Madam Cynthia) in her room and found that she and her father were fighting naked and grandma was crying under him. “Obviously, they did not lock the door. “He said his father ordered him to go out immediately. “Although I was shocked at the revelation, I managed to control my anger and inquire to know more of what went wrong in my absence. “My son’s claims were actually not unexpected because of my mother’s constant visit to us and her unusual closeness to my husband. “They were so close and were always in the sitting room together. “But another thought came into my mind: the two of them had known each other before I came in, and I actually met my husband through my mother. “I walked swiftly across the house and into my mother’s room and asked if there was something going on between her and my husband. “She could not deny the allegation and that caused me to start shedding tears. I just did not know where the tears were coming from. “My mother calmed me down and narrated the story of her relationship with Joseph and why she insisted that I should marry him. “She said she got hooked on my husband because he was very good in bed in addition to his good nature. In fact, he described my husband as a Maradona in bed. “She said that every woman would like such a man and she did not want me to miss out on him because those are the traits that sustain marriages. “She said she would have felt cheated if Danjuma had married another woman, and that was why she persuaded me to marry him. “She actually believed she was doing the best for me. “Yes, the bible says honour thy father and mother, but what do you do with a mother who didn’t even honour her daughter’s wedding vows? “Before I could say anything, she knelt down and said she was sorry I found out about their relationship the way I did, but she was not sorry she got both of us together. “She said I should be grateful for our stable home and healthy children, adding that she did what she did because she was hungry for sex, particularly with Joseph. “My mother confessed that on that particular day, they were together in the parlour when she suddenly grabbed Joseph and dragged him into her room. “She said there was a flurry of actions without words. Unfortunately, my eldest son came in while they were in the thick of action.” Doris further told her friend that she never suspected that there was any relationship between her husband and her mother, wondering how they were able to keep it secret for so many years and now leave her to grapple with the nightmare induced by their sacrilegious act. She said: “I couldn’t send my mother away because the children genuinely love her and she is a good grandmother. “I used to be happy and grateful to her for giving me a husband that understands how to keep a woman. “My husband is indeed very good in bed, and I thank my mother for bringing him into my life. But she should not have insisted on sharing him with me.” She told her friend in the recorded telephone conversation that she has enjoyed life the most since she got married to Joseph. She said: “I like him because he asks me out, opens the door for me, pours me drink, offers me his jacket, kisses me and says good night. So I need to be his wife all the days of my life. “His libido is very active. His weak point is his nipples. Once you suck them, he becomes like a lion ready to devour its prey. “He is someone that can take me on for as long as I want. His sexual prowess is not in doubt. But my mother is not allowing me to enjoy my man alone. “How can my husband be sleeping with me and my mother? It is wrong, shameful and abominable. I am in distress and I don’t know how to handle the matter. “It would have been better for my husband to get a girlfriend than sleep with me and my mum. “It is very shameful and an abomination of the highest order. It is wrong of her and it will be very shameful if people get to know about it. “When I left my mum in her room and went back to my room wondering on how to approach my husband on his return, I’m sure my mother had informed him about my approach to her. “So when he returned to the house, he looked calm and guilt was written all over him. “When I finally asked him about his affair with my mum, he tried to adjourn the discussion to a later date, but I insisted. “He then sat me down and narrated how he had known my mother while I was away in school, and it was through their relationship that my mother nursed the idea of connecting us for marriage. “Having monitored my attitude, she strongly believed that I could give her daughter the desired comfort. So whatever has happened now was not planned. Let me call it a devilish act. “He confirmed to me that the only mistake he made was to have succumbed to the pressure from my mum. He really apologised and pleaded with me not to take it to heart no matter the level of anger. “Although I am still grappling with this nightmare in my life, I have to control my emotions as I don’t want to leave my marriage because of this terrible thing. “I can’t also stop my mum from visiting us. She loves my children and cares so much about them, and I’m her only daughter.” Doris explained that both her husband and her mother regretted what happened, saying that it was not meant to hurt her but was done out of emotions from past memories. “I don’t actually know what to do, though my husband has been begging me to forgive and forget. “My sickness currently is from the mind. I’m so confused. The emotional pains are too much for me to bear.” Her friend has, however, advised her to let go of the matter, forgive and forget. “Please, don’t react angrily. It is not a matter for public consumption. “Don’t let your marriage crash because of this abominable act. “Think of your kids and swallow it because of them,” she said.

https://thenationonlineng.net/disquiet-in-nasarawa-family-as-wife-catches-

en

Super Eagles and Brighton defender, Leon Balogun, has refused to rule out a return to the German Bundesliga. The future of the central defender will be the subject of speculation in the coming weeks as his contract with Brighton runs out at the end of next month. “Germany is my home, I would always think about it,” Balogun said to Kicker. “I’m still fit. Even if I turn 32 in summer, I still have a few years in my legs. I would also like to continue the experience of England, but the bottom line is that it is nowhere like at home.” Balogun spent this on loan with Wigan Athletic. The former Mainz, Werder Bremen and Fortuna Dusseldorf man has enjoyed a new lease of life since moving to the Latics, leading to his recall to the Super Eagles for their postponed Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Balogun also lists Hertha BSC, FC Hertha 03 Zehlendorf, Türkiyemspor Berlin, Hannover 96 and Darmstadt 98 among his previous clubs in Germany.

https://sportinglife.ng/super-eagles-defender-open-to-bundesliga-return/

Sports

en

Motorists and commuters plying the Lagos-Ibadan expressway woke up on Wednesday morning to a huge gridlock which affected traffic outward Lagos. The gridlock was caused by an accident involving two trucks. This was reported to have gone unattended, thereby causing a lot of frustration for road users leaving huge tailback which also spilled into feeder roads to the expressway. The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Segun Ogungbemide in an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday said the gridlock escalated because it took a while to clear the accident scene. “At the moment we are trying to manage the backlog of the gridlock caused as a result of the crash which occurred at the early hours of this morning. “It involved two trucks getting involved in a crash and it took some time before we were able to clear the debris because the engine of the tanker pulled off from the structure and it took us some time to manage the traffic,” Ogungbemide said. The aftermath of the crash generated gridlock both inward and outward Lagos. The FRSC Sector Commander appealed to motorists not to drive against traffic rules due to impatience. He appealed to road users to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic officials. See photos from the gridlock below…

https://www.channelstv.com/2021/07/07/lagos-ibadan-expressway-

en

Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams *Says ACF, Miyetti Allah are jokers By Dapo Akinrefon Speaking against the backdrop of the threats by the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Adams, on Sunday, said his silence over the situation in the South-West doesn’t portray him as a coward, saying his bound by to act accordingly when the time is right. He also described the ACF and MACBAN as jokers. Adams, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, expressed concern about the security situation in the region, stating that threats of attack on the South-West can fuel further crisis in Ibarapa, Oyo and Ondo and will certainly affect the entire nation. The Yoruba leader, however, stated that the situation in the two states truly justified the huge security challenges perpetrated by herders, that had on several occasions kidnapped and killed many Yoruba in their various communities, adding that Yoruba are too well aware of the looming crisis in the country. He maintained that he would not be stampeded into falling into a pre-arranged trap by the political elites. The statement read: “The apex organisation in the North and the herders Association should watch their statements or face the wrath of the Yoruba nation. “By their inciting statements, the North is beating war drums. But we will resist any attempt by the North to turn our region to war zones and no amount of threat will stop us from securing our region from killer-herdsmen. “From my findings, with what is playing out in the last three days, (especially in the social media) it is evident that there are some enemies and political elements, both within and outside our region, using the bravery of Sunday Igboho as a coordinated attempt to soil my name, and also put my efforts in the past 28 years in the struggle to test. “My silence in the last three days doesn’t portray me as a coward, but by virtue of my position as the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, I am bounded by my conscience and conviction to act accordingly when the time is right. “And I must also consult widely before taking any action. “What Igboho said was not even as damaging to the sanctity of the nation than the call for civil war by the ACF and the Miyetti Allah put together. “The killer-herdsmen are the major problem, but sadly the Federal Government remains silent. “There are reports that the Fulani herdsmen have, in the past five years, killed over 300 Yoruba people from different communities, while several other people have been kidnapped with abductors paying several billions as ransom.” Adams, however, warned the North to stay away from any attempt to cause mayhem in the South-West, hence, the situation could degenerate into further chaos that might affect the entire nation. “The Fulani, in their conqueror agenda since 1818, have caused a lot of damages to the South-West. “And it is clear that the South is their target, which is why anybody going against the Fulani herdsmen automatically becomes their enemy,” Gani Adams added. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/01/attack-on-sarkin-fulani-my-silence-not-

en

March 1, 2019 by The Nation Breaking: I’ll be tough in the next four years – Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday warned that he is going to be tough in his governance of the country in the next four years. He gave the warning while receiving members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) who came to congratulate him for winning the 23rd February, 2019 Presidential election. Buhari secured another term of four years by scoring15, 191,847 votes the votes of 11,262,978 scored by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Buhari said that he will intensify efforts in the three areas of security, economy and fighting corruption. Read Also: Buhari appoints new acting Controller General, Federal Fire Service He also disclosed that he campaigned in all the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory to prove to his critics that he was fit. At the brief ceremony that started around 12 noon, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha spoke on behalf of the public service and congratulated the President and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for winning the elections. According to him, the President’s victory was well deserved success as it was a referendum of honesty and sincerity. He said that the public service totally aligns itself to the millions of Nigerians that voted for the President. Apart from the ministers, those in the Council chamber included the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Chief of Staff Abba Kyari and Head of Service, Winifred Oyo-Ita. Congratulatory cards were presented to the President by the Mustapha and Oyo-Ita

http://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-ill-be-tough-in-the-

en