The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has set up Diaspora Desks at all international airports in the country to allow Nigerians returning to the country during the forthcoming Yuletide to have a seamless passport processing service.

A statement on Monday by the spokesman of the Service, Anthony Akuneme said the Comptroller General Immigration Service, Mr. Isah Idris has “directed the immediate setting up of Diaspora Desks in all the nation’s International airports in order to have a seamless passport process for all Nigerians coming home this yuletide period and may be desirous of processing their passports.”

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

According to Akuneme; the CGIS has affirmed the commitment of the Service to continue rendering effective and efficient service delivery to all Nigerians both at home and abroad, as well as non-Nigerians who are desirous of using any of the service windows.

The spokesman recalled that this fast track passport process for this yuletide season commenced few weeks ago with the opening of passport offices on Saturday and will continue until 31st January 2023.

Nigeria Ambassador to Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde, John Usanga has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address the economic challenges facing the region with equal vigor expended on addressing political upheavals.

The envoy said the only way to take the region out of the economic woods is when continuous, concentrated attentions are given to improving the economy of West Africa, insisting that this was necessary if the the sub-region is to to benefit from its huge resources.

Usanga gave this advice while appearing on NTA Diplomatic programme via zoom.

He also said that the recent agreement signed between the leaders of Guinea Bissau and Nigeria is already yielding fruit, while pointing out that Guinea Bissau has become a beautiful investment bride in the subregion that needed to be courted.

He however regretted that the economic ties between Guinea Bissau and Nigeria is at a low ebb.

The envoy stressed that 96 percent of Nigerians doing business in Guinea Bissau are in the informal sector, mostly people trading in articles, spare parts and textile materials.

He said: “My drive is anchored on the fact that within the ECOWAS region itself, it is very easy to mobilise for the defence of democracy and stability through mobilisation of military forces and if we could easily do that we could also duplicate that on the economic front.”

“It is time to begin to jointly direct attention to the economy while we also work to maintain public stability. our action plan is a direct interface of entrepreneurs from both the public and private sectors forging a common goal,” he added.

He however said on his part, he has commenced move to change the narratives of the economic ties between the two countries by vigorously pursuing a much more meaningful and mutually beneficial economic relations.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance , APGA, Delta state will on Wednesday, December 14, 2023 unveil and inaugurate its Campaign Council at the Orchid Hotel at 10:am in Asaba, the Delta State Capital.

This was contained in a Press Release made available to newsmen by its Campaign Media Director/ Spokesperson, Great Ogboru Campaign Organisation, Zik Zulu Okafor.

The Statement stated that the Gubernatorial candidate of the party, Olorogun Great Ogboru will at the ceremony present his manifesto tagged the ” Jubilee Agenda” to Deltans.

According Okafor, the manifesto will herald victory and celebrations by Deltans in 2023 as it encapsulates his hope inspiring transformative programmes that will lead to the emancipation of the people from acute misgovernance, manipulation and exploitation that have been their ordeal since 1999.

The Media Director says the APGA Gubernatorial manifesto seeks to empower the youth, eradicate poverty and defeat hunger, attract revolutionary development in the rural communities through an uncommon partnership between LGAs and State Government Agencies, reinvention of education , healthcare and wellbeing of the people towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

He noted that the party is poised for a big win in the state in the forthcoming 2023 elections as it is
brimming with palpable confidence.

The Campaign Media Director noted that the party will also unveil Its Campaign Council made up of highly experienced and venerated members of the political class, technocracy organised private sector and scholars among others.

The statement also maintained that the campaign team has the inclusion of
men and women ready to offer sacrificial services towards untainted electoral victory and attainment of good governance in Delta state.

All members of the State Campaign Council, Local Government Areas Campaign Council, Ward Coordinators and Ward Chairmen are to be in attendance.

The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council has expressed its deep and profound gratitude to His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, describing him as a rare statesman, with a heart of gold and a generational leader, whose contributions to the development of Delta State and contributions towards the strengthening and deepening of our democracy, will remain indelible in the annals of our State and National chronicles.

This commendation was contained in a Press Release dated 12TH DECEMBER, 2022 by Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, Deputy Director,
Media and Publicity Committee,
Delta State PDP Campaign Council, in recognition and appreciation of the decision of the former Governor, not only in graciously hosting the Delta South PDP, Stakeholders Meeting at his residence, but in his unequivocal pledge and promise to throw his considerable political weight, and immense personal support, behind the ambitions of all PDP Candidates in the forthcoming 2023 elections, especially Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who is the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the PDP.

The statement reads: “Your Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan (Asamaigor), the Delta State PDP family is deeply, profoundly, and eternally grateful to you for the sterling leadership and inspiring statesmanship you displayed, when you hosted the Delta South PDP leaders and stakeholders at your residence, to kickstart our Ward-to-Ward campaigns in the Senatorial zone, on Monday, November 14, 2022.

“We were pleasantly surprised to witness once again, your great candour, symbolic charisma, and that natural aura of commanding presence and authority which comes so effortlessly to you, as you rolled back the years and held your party members spellbound, with that admirable interaction which contributed greatly in building and consolidating the image and reputation of the PDP into the formidable force we achieved, with you as the leader of our party.

“Your legendary generousity was again showcased magnificently, as you not only graciously hosted the Delta South PDP family at your residence and even offered the facility to the Party to utilize for its subsequent activities whenever the need arises, you equally calmed our nerves and uncertainties with the unequivocal and reassuring assurances that you have thrown your considerable political weight and pledged your “full chest” support to all our candidates, especially His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who is your successor and now the Vice-Presidential candidate of the PDP, in the forthcoming 2023 elections.

“As though these powerful statements and actions were not loud enough, you graciously embraced our Governorship candidate Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori at the meeting of the Federal Government College, Warri Old Students Association (FEGOCOWOSA) in Effurun, and in your legendary peaceful disposition and display of politics without bitterness, you followed up that ‘neutral ground’ meeting in Effurun by going to visit Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori at his residence in Osubi, accompanied by key stakeholders and candidates from Delta South and Central Senatorial zones, in your entourage.

“In addition, you recently hosted party leaders and stakeholders from Burutu Local Government Area at your residence in Warri, and your very central involvement and robust participation during our Ward-to-Ward Campaigns in the Delta South Senatorial zone, coupled with your consistent charge and admonition for all party members and indeed Deltans, to embrace His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the Vice-Presidential candidate of the PDP as a collective Delta project because he is one of our own, have all been much more than we could ever have asked for, demanded and even hoped for from you.

“No pledge could be greater, no assurance sweeter and no support more motivational than the immense and inspiring import of your comments and commitment, in your rightful, incontestable status as one of the great leaders of our party, and with the formidable team of candidates we have assembled for the State and National Assemblies, complemented by our own Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, “Ekwueme”, poised for the Vice-Presidency and surely heading to Aso Rock, the cause of achieving overwhelming landslide victories for the PDP at all levels, in the 2023 elections is already in the bag; a “fait accompli”.

“There are absolutely no doubts, from now henceforth, that your support and commitment will serve as a tremendous boost of encouragement and fillip to all our teeming party members, both loyalists, and contestants, to embrace the remaining campaigns with greater zeal and vigour in the knowledge that, with our leaders like you championing the party, our victory is fully guaranteed.

“We thank you most sincerely for this unparalleled vote of confidence, which has reinforced our trust and faith in the party to deliver and we are truly blessed to have a rare statesman and leader like you with a beautiful heart of gold, the genuine spirit of forgiveness and the unwavering conviction of a true peacemaker, in your concerted quest to ensure that peace and harmony reigns in the PDP.

“Thank you, Your Excellency, for being the great leader you are and will always be. By hosting and bringing the PDP family in Delta South together, you have shocked our detractors into confused speechlessness, truncated their temporary, unfounded glee over a non-existent disenchantment within our party, and proven with a resounding master stroke, that PDP is Delta and Delta is still and will continue to be PDP. It can only get better and brighter from now on.

“We salute you, the one and only Asamaigor! Agberendiden!!”

PDP! Power to the People.

The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) otherwise known as Pyrates Confraternity has called for the re-engineering of Nigerian foreign missions fir optimal performance.

The body, in Abuja on Friday listed some of the factors responsible for the underperformance to include inadequate budgetary provision, corruption, low competence among Nigerian diplomatic staff, inadequate staff strength, the politicisation of foreign service, the appointment of non-professionals or political diplomats and lack of synergy between the diplomatic missions and the headquarters, among others.

In a research document unveiled in Abuja and titled ‘State of Nigerian Embassies and Consulates,’ NAS said the issue of Nigerian embassies has continued to be a source of concern to Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora, and equally friends of Nigeria who are embarrassed by all manners of stories about the situation and services at the embassies.

In the executive summary, the association further said it decided to commission a study to determine the actual condition of the embassies and consulates through the #OurVotesCount initiative.

It said the method of study involved site visitation to the embassies and consulates, desktop review and analysis of 358 respondents from a cross-sectional survey.

“The survey was designed to ascertain the experiences and provided perceptions of Nigerians and non Nigerians who use the services at the embassies and consulates. Nigeria currently has 219 missions abroad, but the initial target of the study was 94 embassies and 12 consulates. The following embassies or consulates were informed of the study’s objectives: the Embassy of Nigeria, Washington DC, Consulates in Atlanta, and New York, Embassies of Nigeria in The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, Japan, and Australia. The Nigerian High Commissions in Ottawa, London and Consular Affairs Annex, London; Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg.

According to the report: “The importance of a country’s missions abroad cannot be overemphasised because sometimes, how they are perceived serve as a Measure of the prestige of a nation. Moreover, there is a nexus between a country’s mission, the pursuance of its national interests, and the implementation of its foreign policies. In essence, a nation’s diplomatic mission abroad plays an important role.

“The general perception is that Nigerian missions are not living up to the expectations of Nigerians and foreigners who use the services they provide. This study highlights inadequate budgetary provision, corruption, low competence among Nigerian diplomatic staff, inadequate staff strength, the politicisation of foreign service, the appointment of non-professionals or political diplomats and lack of synergy between the diplomatic missions and the headquarters, as some of the issues hindering the optimal service delivery of the embassies. In addition, the general impression is that the staff show some apathetic attitude towards the plights of Nigerians.”

The National Association of Seadogs however said the situation was not all gloom, insisting: “There are limited instances where embassy staff were reported to have been very professional, friendly, and courteous. There is an enthusiastic Nigerian atmosphere a sound queuing system, observing COVID-19 protocol, timely service, and efficiency in some cases,” but lamented that: “Unfortunately, these situations as observed, were few rather than the norm. The survey respondents’ perceptions about services received showed that only 20 percent of respondents were satisfied with services received at the embassy, 22 percent were neutral, and 58 percent were dissatisfied. The physical infrastructure/presentation of the Nigerian embassy was considered excellent/good by about 7 percent of respondents. In comparison, 66 percent believed the infrastructure/presentation was poor. and 27 percent felt the infrastructure/presentation was average.

“The attitude of the staff was considered satisfactory by approximately only one (1) in every five (5) respondents, while 56 percent believed the attitude of staff was not satisfactory and 25 percent were neutral.

However, about 31 percent of respondents indicated that they have had to pay non-official fees compared to 67 percent that did not pay any non-official fees. The reason for the payment includes expediting passport renewal, securing an appointment, payment to an agent or Nigerian association to facilitate service, and making photocopies at the embassy,” the National Association of Seadogs noted in the report.

In its recommendations, the National Association of Seadogs called for the establishment of a special trust fund for the acquisition, equipment, and maintenance of Nigerian embassies and consulates, with at least 20 percent of revenues generated from consular services domiciled in it. is long overdue.

This, the association stated, will help to reduce the over dependence on the annual national budget.

The association also called for the increment in budgetary allocation towards the acquisition of befitting embassies and consulate buildings and maintenance of existing infrastructure in Nigeria’s foreign missions is imperative and timely.

Amongst others, the research advocated for the removal of the quota system in the employment of embassy and consulate staff, saying that employment in that area should be strictly based on merit.

The leading and foremost civil rights advocacy group; the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has named the Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Drugs Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Buba Marwa the Human Rights Man of the Year for 2022

HURIWA in a statement in lieu of the December 10 International Human Rights Day described Mohammed Buba Marwa as the most influential Nigerian in 2022, adding that he is one person who has officially and personally affected the news and lives more than any other Nigerian from whatever standpoint one looks at it.

“Several polls conducted have shown a clear consensus that Mohammed Buba Marwa is one Nigerian who has personally and officially affected the news and lives of Nigerians the most in recent times, with his very aggressive but human rights-based approach to drug policy.

“In just 24 months, Marwa has not just earned the image of the protagonist of the most topical human rights and developmental issues but as well distinguished himself as a courageous and insightful leader who understands the urgent need to embrace a multi-dimensional and holistic approach that aims to mitigate the harm done by drug use instead of the retrogressive traditional just-say-no-ism of past Chief Executives”, HURIWA noted.

The statement signed by HURIWA’s National Coordinator; Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko further revealed the many areas, NDLEA has been seen to be blazing the trail in drug law enforcement and how the approach adopted by the Marwa-led administration is winning the confidence of Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.

Highlighting the innovative approaches adopted by Marwa, HURIWA defined him as a very focused and assiduous person who plans, asserting that his tenure as Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA), which laid the groundwork for the total overhaul of NDLEA, ensured he arrived at NDLEA with a blueprint.

“Within 24 months, his plans are taking shape and it is obvious to the public that he and his management team are caught in a historic moment and process of rebuilding NDLEA into an institution that will stand the test of time.

“One of the approaches adopted by Marwa is the collaboration with the Nigerian movie industry in the drug war. In his view, millions of young people watching Nigerian movies, even as they admire star actors, will be easily sensitised on the dangers of drug abuse through didactic stories.

“To achieve this, NDLEA opted for the United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking to release engaging flicks that will aid their work. For the second year in a row, NDLEA has celebrated the UN Special Day with new movies.

“Again, the seizure of a massive crack cocaine haul in September, which was described by the spokesperson of the Agency as “the biggest singular cocaine seizure in the history of Nigeria’s premier anti-narcotic agency,” tells volumes about the new life Marwa has breathed into the agency.

“Also, the arrest, detention, and ongoing prosecution of the highly decorated policeman; DCP Abba Kyari, who seemingly lived a secret life of serial criminality while allegedly fighting crime is the defining initiative of NDLEA under the former military governor’s watch”, HURIWA said.

Continuing, HURIWA informed that Marwa’s NDLEA is making a strong overall impact beyond high-profile cases. A fact-finding mission by HURIWA revealed that 19,341 drug traffickers were arrested between January 2021 and September 31, 2022, in addition to securing 3,111 convictions, and seized 5,451,000kg of illicit drugs within the same period.

More so, cash and drugs worth N420 billion were forfeited to the agency, while cannabis farms of 714 hectares were destroyed within the period under review, just as the group added that the agency is prosecuting over 3,232 cases in court and has also counseled and rehabilitated 12,326 drug addicts within the same time frame.

No doubt, in a country where issues are profoundly politicized and achievements of public officers viewed with distrust and x-rayed for ulterior motives, HURIWA stated that Marwa has proven to be an exception.

“Nigerians both home and in the diaspora from all walks of life, across political divides, from different religious leanings, and of diverse ethnicities, are in one accord in their appraisal of him, his reforms, leadership, and transformation of NDLEA – a testament to the Nigerian dream.

“Discussions about him invariably always narrow down to the question of what makes Marwa tick as a leader. But more than that, he has been revealed as the ideal 21st-century leader who irrespective of extenuating factors, has shown noticeable commitment to democratic ideals and issues of development

“Beyond this, Marwa has continued to advance a pragmatic approach to giving the NDLEA workforce improved work conditions. So far, there have been promotions, payment of allowances, and other constructive developments that give hope to the Agency’s staff.

“Many pundits and the media have termed his tenure so far as different in the annals of the Agency. Within 24 months, his plans are taking shape and it is obvious to the public that he and his management team are caught in a historic moment and process of rebuilding NDLEA into an institution that will stand the test of time”, HURIWA further explained.

Therefore, HURIWA acknowledged that 23 years after leaving the military in his mid-forties, Mohammed Buba Marwa is back in the headlines in a very different role from combatting armed robbery or addressing food contamination to making a high-profile impact in a prominent public position in the nation’s drugs fighting agency – Thus Human Rights Man of The Year for 2022

While informing that the award investiture will be done at a later date before the year ends, HURIWA calls for all stakeholders to support the commitment and will of the Marwa-led administration in helping the Agency continue rising to the challenge of its mandate in eliminating the cultivation, processing, manufacturing, sale, trafficking, and use of illicit drugs and psychotropic substances.

The National National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has explained the reason for organising in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) the first ever Presidential Town Hall on Human Rights to mark the International Human Rights Day.

Speaking at the Second United Nations – Government of Nigeria Human Rights Dialogue in Abuja, the Chairperson of the Governing Council, National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman said she was happy thankful to the UN Resident Coordinator and the entire UN Country Team for believing in this partnership with Nigeria and National Human Rights Commission to host this year’s dialogue.

She said: “I am delighted to note that the Human Rights Dialogue which started last year as an initiative of the UN Resident Coordinator’s office representing the UN System and the National Human Rights Commission representing the Government of Nigeria has entered its second year and is poised to become a major convening of policy makers and development partners, shaping the face of partnerships and commitments in the field of human rights in Nigeria.”

She noted that: “This Human Rights Dialogue is coming on the heels of the recently released Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index survey by the National Bureau of Statistics indicating that despite efforts by Government, we are failing in fulfilling most human rights and development obligations that are essential for survival.”

She also said: “The Human Rights Dialogue also follows the recent signing of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework between the Government of Nigeria and the United Nations. It is my hope that cooperation framework serves as a vehicle to advance partnership to work together for the realisation of all human rights – civil, political, economic, social and cultural for all Nigerians as human rights is integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and there can never be development without human rights.”

She however said: “As we approach the 2023 General Elections, the National Human Rights Commission is working with various partners to advocate for issue-based campaigns anchored on the realisation of human rights and an electoral process that is peaceful and guarantees the right to participation of political parties and electorates.

“I cannot emphasise enough about the unique joint mandates of the United Nations and the Commission to serve as independent voices and gate keepers in ensuring that human rights are integrated and sustained in the process leading to the election and even beyond by supporting the next administration to continue to place human rights as a major priority on it political, social and economic agendas.

“It is following this that the both the Commission and the United Nations are proud to be collaborating to organise the first ever Presidential Town Hall on Human Rights to mark the International Human Rights Day.”

Suleiman said: “I therefore welcome the programme of this year’s dialogue as the beginning of an agenda-focusing consultation and discussions aimed at defining a human rights-based agenda for Nigeria. I want to thank all our speakers who have made their valuable time and expertise available to us today.”

She noted that the second edition of the Human Rights Dialogue has been convened in order to appraise the implementation of the outcome document of the first UN-Government of Nigeria human rights dialogue; evaluate the current state of human rights in Nigeria in the light of the upcoming 2023 General Elections and to discuss Human Rights priorities for Nigeria for 2023 and Beyond.”

The Minister of Women Affairs, Madame Pauline Tallen in her message tasked everyone to place priority on the issues of women and children.

She insisted that the issues of women should be given thought to always and by everyone.

The United Nations (UN) has said it takes all to fight corruption to a standstill with the states, government officials, civil servants, law enforcement officers, media representatives, the private sector, civil society, academia, the public and youth all having a role to play in ending the scourge.

The was it’s message during the occasion of the 2022 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) celebrated in Abuja.

The 2022 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) seeks to highlight the crucial link between anti-corruption and peace, security, and development, and at its core is the notion that tackling this crime is the right and responsibility of everyone, and that only through cooperation and the involvement of each and every person and institution can we overcome the negative impact of this crime.

A statement by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on Friday said: “States, government officials, civil servants, law enforcement officers, media representatives, the private sector, civil society, academia, the public and youth alike all have a role to play in this.”

According to the statement the 2022 IACD also marks the start of our efforts to mark the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which is reflected by the theme of this year’s international day, “UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World Against Corruption”.

The statement said: “Over the next year, culminating with IACD 2023, together with partners worldwide, we will be reflecting on a world made better thanks to the collective push afforded by the Convention and, crucially, what gaps remain to ensure this is a truly strong mechanism for the years ahead.

“On this day, as well as beyond as we mark 20 years of UNCAC, join us as we continue to unite the world against corruption.”

The statement lamented that corruption is a major impediment to peace, security and development. “From education to the environment, from business to sports, from gender equality to access to justice, and more – corruption undermines all areas of society’s development.”

The statement recalled that in 2003, the world came together to adopt a landmark agreement – the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). Since then, 188 parties have committed to the Convention’s anti-corruption obligations, showing near-universal recognition of the importance of good governance, accountability, and political commitment.

While also recalling that Nigeria ratified the Convention in 2004 and has been reviewed twice since the Conference of State Parties to the Convention established the Implementation Review Mechanism in 2009., it revealed that the UNODC Country Office in Nigeria, in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, has prepared a report which takes stock of Nigeria’s follow up to the 2014 and 2019 UNCAC implementation reviews. The full report will be presented on 14 December at an event at the UN house in Abuja.

The statement added that: “The world today faces some of its greatest challenges in many generations – challenges which threaten prosperity and stability for people across the globe, including in Nigeria. As we move towards the twentieth anniversary of UNCAC in October 2023, this Convention and the values it promotes are more important than ever.”

The federal government through the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE) on Thursday stressed the need for synergy among actors and stakeholders in the peace-building, early warning, and early response sectors.

Speaking during the inaugural summit and technical workshop of the Concord Initiative, the Director General of OSPRE, Chris Ngwodo, lamented the gap between civil society actors and state actors. “If both parties form synergy, there would be better results in the Peacebuilding and early warning and early response sector,” he said

Ngwodo said synergy is what is required at this time, hence this concord initiative aims at pulling together stakeholders in this sector to coordinate efforts, ideas, and resources in the operations across the country.

According to him, the inaugural summit which was organized by OSPRE with the support of GIZ and the European Union would look into bridging three major existing gaps in the sector; “the gap between civil society actors and state actors, the national level and the sub-national level actors and the movement from being more tactically oriented to being more strategically minded”

“There are state actors in the early warning and early response space, we have the national level and the sub-national level actors. So we have organizations that are working in the states and those working in communities. We want to partner with them because we operate at the federal level, we want to partner with them. The third gap we want to close is to move from being more tactically oriented to being more strategically minded. And that means having a long-term approach to peacebuilding in our daily response” Ngwodo explained.

In his remarks, the representative of the European Union, Ruben Alba reiterated the need for the government to collaborate with civil society in the Peacebuilding sector

He said, “We are supporting this Concord initiative because we want to create a platform where all the stakeholders including the government and the civil society can make a concerted effort to fight against insecurity and insurgency facing the country.”

While speaking at the inaugural event, Garba Abari, Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), called on every citizen to participate in building peace and security in the country especially as the 2023 election draws near.

The attention of the Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu Campaign Organization has been drawn to a misleading report published online on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 and credited to the Punch Newspaper, purporting that Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives was chased out of Oko, one of the satellite communities in Oshimili South Local Government Area.

The misleading reports also claimed that and the PDP Campaign train led by the Delta North PDP Senatorial Chairman, Elder Moses Iduh, was equally prevented from entering the Community.

A Press Statement dated on December 8, 2022 and signed by Mr. Eloke Aziekwu, Director Oshimili South Campaign Elumelu Campaign Council, disclosed that:

“This report is totally false and an unpardonable violation of journalism ethos of truth and factuality as it does not in any way reflect the facts of the very successful Ward to Ward Campaign but apparently scripted and smuggled into the media with a view to embarrass the Minority Leader as well as the Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“This is because at no time was the well-received PDP Ward to Ward Campaign in Delta North Senatorial District disrupted or challenged, let alone prevented in Oko by angry youth as claimed in the said publication.

“Also, at no time did any persons, group of persons or youths challenged or stopped the Minority Leader, Rt. Hon Ndudi Elumelu from entering Oko Community or any other community for that matter as purported in the misleading report.

“Contrary to the said report, PDP Ward to Ward Campaign train which had the Minority Leader and other leaders like Senator Ned Nwoko, Bridget Anyafulu and all the PDP candidates in the forthcoming 2023 elections, was excitedly received by the people of the Oko Community, especially the youths, who came out enmasse particularly to cheer and celebrate Hon. Elumelu for his numerous development projects and citizen empowerment in the area.

“To set the records straight, rather than chase Hon. Elumelu away as was mischievously  reported by the Punch Newspaper, the youths of Oko community, through their leader, properly identified as Mr. Chukwudi Okolie, warmly welcome and appreciated the Minority Leader for attracting projects to their Communities and declared their resolve to re-elect him to the National Assembly.

“The community recalled the numerous empowerment schemes and infrastructural projects by Hon. Elumelu, including the 26-point Oko landing bay, initiated and completed by him as part of his constituency project, with 8 brand new 22-seater speed boats to shuttle between Oko and Asaba, which will be commissioned in January 2023.

“The Youth Leader however used the opportunity to call for intervention about the state of a particular road and the issue faulty transformer and urged the campaign train to take their message to the state government.

“Responding, the Delta North PDP Chairman, Elder Moses Iduh explained to the youths that the first contractor who was engaged by the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led, Delta State Government to handle the road project, which was top on the list of infrastructural priorities, disappointed them, causing the State Government to re-award the contract to another contractor, SETRACO and that work had begun on the road.

“On his part, Hon. Elumelu, thanked the people for their support pledged that he in collaboration with Sen. Ned Nwoko and Bridget Anyafulu, will ensure that the contractor on the road delivered and that the faulty transformer will be immediately repaired.

“While we respectfully aknowledge the credibility of Punch Newspapers built over the years, we find it alarming that such misleading narrative could find its way into the pages of a highly reputable media platform as Punch Newspapers. We urge the Management of Punch Newspapers to take immediate action in this direction. 

“This is more so as our Campaign Organization has already established that the reporter, Matthew Ochei, the Asaba Punch Correspondent was not at the venue of the event but apparently fed his platform with script by mischief makers and political opportunists, who are being intimidated with the towering achievements and popularity of Hon. Ndudi Elumelu. 

“The Ndudi Elumelu Campaign Organization therefore demands an unreserved apology and retraction on the publication, as a redress for the damages suffered as a result of the false report.

“Our Campaign Organization also urges the media practitioners to immune themselves from politics as well as always crosscheck the facts before going to press to avoid misleading the public.

“We call on the general public, the good people of Delta State and particularly the people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency to disregard the report as well as to be at alert on such designed to destabilize the state ahead of the 2023 general elections”, the statement concludes.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has donated a Primary Health Centre to persons with disability in Karon Magiji community, Abuja.

Commissioning the facility, Ms Ulla Mueller, Country Representative, UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said that the donation was in commemoration of International Day for People with Disability.

Mueller, who was represented by Ms Erika Goldson, said the UN is ever commitment to carry everyone along in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal of leaving no one behind.

She said: “We are working together with Nigerian government to ensure a disability inclusivity for sustainable Nigeria.”

The UNFPA Country Representative said that they would continue to provide support aimed at engendering quality healthcare for all especially the vulnerable.

Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Chief Tony Ojukwu, commended UNFPA for making healthcare accessible to persons with disability.

Ojukwu, represented by Mr Anthony Yikarebogga, said that the facility would not only restore the confidence of persons with disability but give them access to quality healthcare.

Deputy Director, International Cooperation, FCTA, Mrs Celina Oluwafemi, expressed gratitude to UNFPA for providing the facility to the community.

Emir of Disability Colony, Karon Magiji, Alhaji Mohammed Katsina, expressed profound gratitude to the UNFPA for giving them sense of belonging in terms of accessible healthcare.

Katsina expressed hope that the facility is stepping stone in development of the neighbouring communities. (

The Federal Government has taken strident step on management of plastic waste in the country by inaugurating a Project Steering Committee (PSC) for Promotion of Sustainable Plastics Value Chains through Circular Economy Practices.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi said it is instructive that this is taking off at a time the attention of the global community is focused on negotiating the establishment of a legally binding instrument for the environmentally sound management of plastic throughout their entire lifecycle.

He said: “As you are all aware, misuse of plastic and poor management of its wastes pose danger to human health and the environment as they leach toxic chemical constituents such as endocrine disrupting chemicals which have been linked to infertility, diabetes, prostrate/breast cancer, into foods, drinks and the environment. Also tonnes of improperly disposed plastic wastes litter our streets, clog up drainages in rural and urban areas leading to flooding incidents as experienced in certain parts of the country recently, contaminate the soll affecting farmlands and livestocks, littering the oceans thereby threatening biodiversity and Increase greenhouse gas emissions when burnt indiscriminately.”

The Minister disclosed that it was in response to these challenges that the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with relevant stakeholders took steps to address the plastic issue holistically by adopting circular economy model, stressing that: “In this wise, we have developed the national policies on solid waste and plastic waste management to promote environmental protection, resource and energy efficiency, circular economy practices and enhance the conservation of natural resources through sustainable production and consumption and currently implementing community based waste management projects with emphasis on recycling.”

He said: “It might also interest you to know that the Government of Japan funded a study on available sustainable alternative materials for plastic, innovative packaging and recycling technologies that meet market needs in Africa to reduce plastic leakages to the environment, in Nigeria. The study which was conducted in 2021, implemented by UNIDO in collaboration with the Ministry revealed the following: Low level of recycling activities in the country; Only 45% of waste are collected ‣ 80% of plastic waste goes to dumpsite while only 10% is recycled; Alternative materials to plastics are yet to be introduced in the market and recognition of bioplastics is low, amongst others.”

He noted that: “It is against this backdrop that this project was developed to address these gaps and is being funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNIDO in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment.”

The Minister said: “To kick start the implementation of the project, this multi stakeholder Project Steering Committee was established to provide technical assistance and guidance to the project towards achieving the aims and objectives. Membership of the Committee comprises of representatives from the following organizations: Federal Ministry of Environment (Co-chair); United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) – Co-Chair; The Embassy of Japan in Nigeria – Guest Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment National Environmental Standards, Regulation and Enforcement Agency (NESREA); Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA); Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA); Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA); Waste Management Association of Nigeria (WAMASON).”

In his goodwill message, the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi noted that the Steering Committee is to oversee the Plastic Circular economy project through monitoring the project’s implementation progress, validate its overall direction and the work plan, and assist in mobilizing resources required for project implementation where necessary.

He disclosed that the Plastic Circular economy project was built on the study results conducted in Nigeria, aims to contribute to Nigeria’s inclusive and sustainable industrial development and reduce leakage of plastics to the environment through promotion of Plastic Circular economy principles and practices to be integrated into effective implementation of plastic management and strengthening plastic value chains,

He noted that: “This is the first project in which UNIDO has applied the concept of Plastic Circular economy to support policy implementation on plastic waste management in Nigeria. UNIDO has succeeded in bridging the gap between the diverse actors in Nigeria and Japan, and it is hoped that the knowledge and experience of UNIDO, Japan’s long- time development cooperation partner and the UN’s leading agency in the field of Plastic Circular economy, will be of use in the field of marine plastics.

“In addition to contributing to environmental conservation, this project is multifaceted and will contribute to economic growth by contributing to solving the problem of unemployment in the coastal areas, which is considered to be the root cause of the piracy problem: and promoting fisheries in the coastal areas by preserving the marine environment in the Gulf of Guinea. Through this project, Japan hopes to contribute to the enhancement of the value of the Gulf of Guinea, the development of the blue economy, and ultimately the prosperity of Nigeria.”

On his part, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Country Representative and Regional Director for West Africa, Mr. Jean Bakole
said: “Plastic litter is a major global environmental problem. Its production was drastically increased by more than twenty-folds between 1964 and 2015, with an annual output of 322 million metric tonnes. This figure is expected to double by 2035 and quadruple by 2050 if no global action is taken.”

He noted that: “Over the years, the mismanagement of plastic waste is not only contaminating the land ecosystem but it is also being released into the marine environment, thereby polluting it and threatening the biodiversity while also negatively impacting the blue economy.

“Mismanaged plastics and ineffective waste management is also a source of GHG emissions. According to the World Bank, plastic waste accounts for 12% of the total amount of municipal solid wastes generated globally, however, only 14% are collected for recycling while only 9% are recycled.”

He said: “As the most populated nation with the largest GDP in the African continent, Nigeria’s plastic waste problem is on the increase, this is based on its increased consumption from 578,000 tonnes of plastics in 2007 to about 1,250,000 tonnes. Therefore, the per capita plastic consumption has grown by 5% annually from 4.0kg to 6.5kg respectively. It is estimated that each citizen would consume about 7.5kg of plastics per year.”

The Court of Appeal Lagos Division has nullified the sale of Intercontinental Hotels, Lagos by Polaris Bank and Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, and ordered a return of the facility to the original owner, the Milan Industries Ltd.
In a unanimous judgment in suit No CA/LAG/CV/476/2021 delivered by three Justices of the Appeal Court: Jimi Olukayode Bada, who read the lead judgment; Muhammad Ibrahim Sirajo and Peter Oyinkenimiemi Affen, the appellate court ruled that Milan Industries Ltd had fully paid the bank the Two Billion Naira (N2Billion) mortgage facility it secured from Polaris Bank before the hotel was taken over and sold by AMCON and the bank.
The bank, which was then known as Skye Bank had put the management of the five-star hotel under the receivership of Mr. Kunle Ogunba, an arrangement that was nullified by a Federal High Court in Lagos. Despite this, the bank went ahead and sold the hotel to another company, 11 PLC, a move that was challenged at the Appeal Court by the lawyers to Milan Industries Ltd, Messrs Ahmed Raji SAN and Tunde Kasunmu of Prof A.B Kasunmu SAN chambers.
It will be recalled that Milan Industries Ltd had taken a facility from Skye Bank to part finance the five-star hotel located in Victoria Island, Lagos and managed by IHG. The Milan Group, has up till 2021 to pay back the facility but in a curious move, the bank obtained an interim order to take over the management of the hotel, an order that was vacated when the suit was struck out by the court on March 20th 2018.
According to the Certified True Copy of the judgment signed and released on Wednesday by the Senior Registrar of the court, A. G. Balogun, the appellate court held that the two issues Milan Industries as Appellant/Cross Respondent was contesting were resolved in its favour. According to the lead judgment by Justice Jimi Bada, “With the resolution of Issues No. 1 and 2 in favour of the Cross Respondent and against the Cross Appellants (Polaris Bank, AMCON and 11 PLC), it is my view that this cross appeal lacks merit and it is hereby dismissed.”
While agreeing with the lead judgment, another member of the appeal court panel, Justice Ibrahim Sirajo stated that “the appellant insisted that it had paid over Two Billion Naira in liquidating the facility and that as at the time the 1st respondent (Polaris Bank) entered into agreement to sell the appellant’s secured asset to the 2nd respondent (AMCON), there was no collaterized and secured asset to sell to the 2nd respondent. It was also the case of the appellant that at the time the 2nd respondent sold the appellant’s Intercontinental Hotel to the 3rd respondent, the appellant had discharged its obligation under the legal mortgage by paying the amount secured by the property.”
To buttress his position, Justice Sirajo ruled that “I adopt his lordship’s reasoning and conclusion in the leading judgment as mine in also allowing the appeal. I abide by all the orders made in the leading judgment including that of the costs.”
While also concurring with the lead judgment by Justice Bada, the third member of the appeal panel, Justice Peter Affen said “the judicial reasoning and conclusions reached on the issues raised accord with mine, and I hereby affirm my agreement with the leading judgment which allowed the main appeal and dismissed the cross appeal. I equally abide by the orders on the costs.”