Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has declared curfew in eight Local Government Areas of the State as a result of insecurity, occasioned by gunmen attacks.
In a State wide broadcast made on Wednesday evening enjoined the people of the State to join hands with him to achieve his dream of making Anambra a liveable and prosperous homeland.
Referring to criminal gangs in the broadcast, Governor Soludo said: “The tiny but vicious gangs that have invaded our State and terrorising us are mostly in eight Local Governments in Anambra State and three neighboring Local Governments in Imo State.
“They are in our forests, communities, and houses owned by individuals. They don’t come from the air, and hence are not “unknown” gunmen. They are known. You know them, but are either too scared to speak up or out of indifference. But for how long will you be silent while our people continue to be killed in the most cruel and barbaric manner?
“The security agencies will continue to do their part, but we the people, must proclaim that Enough is Enough and demonstrate full ownership.”
As part of ways to curb the menace, he unveiled more phone numbers to be used by citizens of the State to report suspected cases of crime.
He also added: “With effect from tomorrow, Thursday, 26th May, 2022, a 6pm to 6am curfew is hereby placed on motorcycles (okada), tricycles (keke), and shuttle buses in Aguata, Ihiala, Ekwusigo, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Orumba North and Orumba South Local Governments until further notice.
“Until further notice also, motorcycles, keke and shuttle buses are banned from operating in these Local Governments on Mondays until the Sit-at-Home completely stops. The youths of every community in the zone are hereby enjoined to assist the security agencies in the implementation of this policy and are mandated to seize any such motorcycle or tricycle on the spot.
“Local Vigilantes should report such motorcycles or tricycles (keke) immediately, and they will be confiscated by government and the owner prosecuted. The Okada, Keke, and shuttle bus union leaders must take responsibility to report their members who are involved in criminal activities.
“We shall review this after two weeks, and if members of these unions continue to be involved in criminal activities, the government will have no choice but to either disband the Unions and/or ban them out rightly in the State.”
The Governor said no part of Anambra State shall be used as camps for criminals, and anyone with a gun in a camp will be considered a criminal in Anambra State, and the government and people will work with security agencies to flush them out.
Prof. Soludo added that the State Government shall also revoke and acquire any land found to be harboring criminals, while every community is required to provide information on any part of their land occupied by these criminals as camps, and if the community fails to do so, the government will take over such land.
The Governor said the same applies to any buildings found to be harboring kidnappers and murderers who have laid siege on the State.
Governor Soludo also added that while hotels are to find a way to get the identity of lodgers seeking their accommodation, fuels stations are to install CCTV cameras, and keep their recordings, which will be demanded once demanded by security agencies, during investigation.
Frontline leader of the Peaples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta state, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA, has congratulated Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, for emerging as the flag bearer at the Governorship Primaries the Party held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.
In a his congratulatory message titled, “The Beginning, A New Frontier”, Bashorun Askia said the victory was a proof of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori’s better connection with the people.
He described Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori as a consummate politician, astute and tactical mobiliser, adding that as a front line legislator, he was a popularly accepted grassroots man with humane traits.
He therefore assured the PDP gubernatorial candidate of a full dose dedication and support to delivering on the agenda of protection of the interests of the people, which has been the Speaker’s hallmark.
The message personally signed by Bashorun Askia Ogieh reads:
“On behalf of my political family, Hope Alive, and my entire dedicated followers and ardent believers, I wish to specially salute my bosom friend, political ally, consummate politician, astute and tactical mobiliser and front line legislator, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, Honourable Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, for emerging as the flag bearer at the Governorship Primaries of our great party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.
“We did not anticipate a political earthquake as it happened, we merely set out to ensure that a popularly accepted grassroots man with humane traits emerged as our candidate and the discerning members of our party, the PDP, saw all that in you and have so endorsed you through their votes, to fly our flag to victory in 2023.
“Indeed, this is one sumptuous victory of a landslide character that has demonstrated your immense electoral weight, value and candour. It is the pure testament of your well earned credibility over the years. You have evidenced a proof of better connection with the people and you are inches away from riding gloriously to the number one seat in our dear State, by the grace of God.
“Having successfully navigated the primaries, the task ahead calls for greater commitment and unity from all stakeholders and the entire PDP.
“I urge you to uphold the virtues of humility, kind-heartedness and commitment to the protection of the interests of the people that have been your hallmark.
“Aware of the assignment ahead, rest assured of a full dose dedication on our part to delivering on this agenda to the pride of Delta State.
“Your victory is not only sweet, it is a statement of conviction and an appetiser for better things in the offing.
“Once again, congratulations, my dear Hon. Speaker for this huge victory, our victory.”
SUNNY ODIAKOSE is the MD of Sunny Odiakose Farm located at Emuhu in Ika South Local Government Area. He is an SSCE holder who created job for himself and others through commercial farming. He owns an oil palm processing mill, farms cassava, pineapple and oil palm in commercial quantities. He expanded his piggery when he received support from the Delta State Government through its Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) in the 2019/2020 cycle.
He has done marvelously well by growing government’s input of ten pigs to 68 pigs within one year. He is a farm consultant, a trainer and an employer. He shares his story.
“I am very grateful to the Okowa-led government for the initiative and for making me a beneficiary of YAGEP. It is a real boost to my agricultural investments. The government needs to continue with this laudable programme to help farmers expand their farm enterprises.
“I was given ₦440,000.00 to procure a soar and nine in-pigs and an additional ₦200,000.00 to feed them. Today, the ten pigs have produced 58 pigs, making it a total of 68 within a year and they are expecting again. I have three trainees in piggery section. I am overjoyed! Agriculture is the best”
For some time now, Senator Uzo Kalu has been under crossfire from the political class of his native Igbo extraction, being vehemently berated by his people for “jettisoning” the age-long desire of Ndi Igbo to produce the next president of Nigeria, as he opts for the north-eastern alternative for succour.
To him, the pain, anguish and disappointment associated with the refusal of the political parties to zone the Presidency to the South East can only be ameliorated by the subsequent adoption of the North East as an alternative destination for the nation’s most revered office. This is the true definition of Justice and equity as far as the former governor of Abia state is concerned.
For a man who had in the past, championed the Igbo cause and suffered the loss of established and thriving personal businesses in return, one finds it very awkwardly unusual for him to easily and urgently throw his weight behind a region other than his own.
We can recall that the Senator practically cut his business teeth in the Northeast and had a great youthful experience as a business start-up in the region. Does this have any equivalent resonance with his “strange” decision, surreptitiously enveloped in the garb of Justice, fairness and equity today?
Or is this a mere search for vendetta against the Igbo elites in particular and the general elite club of political power brokers, mongers and pugilists across the nation, who did not give him the chance to be the arrowhead of this ethnic struggle and battle? What about the belief in some quarters that his sudden love for the geopolitical east is a tacit solicitation for a possible vice presidential slot in the APC when the chips are down?
Senator Kalu’s avowed “political realism” was quite noticeable when he stated much earlier in the preamble to the race that he will withdraw his candidacy when the parties refuse to zone the presidency to his region, as this amount to a -no -vacancy signal. His crystal ball became so accurate that he could not outrightly be faulted. Again, could this be traceable to his self declared pan Nigerian disposition as he often boasts of his being the most detribalized Igbo politician alive now?
Is Senator Orji Uzo Kalu’s action or inaction a betrayal of the Igbo course or a tactical individual move for political survival and relevance? Is it a mere vindictive jab at perceived political rivals or a wide ego trip propelled by sterile anger and negative energy? With Nigerian politicians, you never can tell.
Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu has overwhelmingly won the PDP House of Representatives Primary Election for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Delta State.
Rt. Hon. Elumelu on Sunday May 22 was declared the winner of the election by the Chairman of Delta State Electoral Committee, Hon. Solomon Funkekeme having scored 80 votes out of 132 accredited votes for the election conducted at the cenotaph, Asaba.
Elumelu defeated two other contestants, Hon. Princess Pat Ajudua and Mr Banyam who scored 35 and 17 votes respectively.
With the declaration of Elumelu as the winner in the delegate’s election, he becomes the PDP flag bearer for the House of Representatives, Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency for the 2023 general elections.
Speaking with Journalists, Elumelu appreciated God for the success of the election and dedicated his victory to Him while thanking members of his family for their strong support in the past few months.
The Minority leader who was highly elated also paid tribute to the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the roles he played in his emergence as the Aniocha/Oshimili federal constituency candidate.
“I feel very happy; I thank the Almighty God, only Him has done this. Most importantly, I thank my family, they have given me all the support. For this few months, they have lost me because of this election. I give them thanks; I thank my mother for being a wonderful mother,” he said.
“I thank my brothers – Peter, Tony, all of them. Most importantly, I thank my governor, the Ekwueme of the universe. My federal constituency will always stand by you; whatever you ask us to do, we will do.
“Thank you so much for providing the enabling environment for me to come out victorious. Most importantly, let me thank the hierarchy of PDP in Abuja led by the National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, for allowing transparency in all the processes that have happened today, Elumelu stated.
He also commended the delegates for casting their votes for him and said that he will continue to hold them and the party in high esteem.
The minority leader later proceeded from the venue of the event in Asaba to St. Paul’s Catholic Cathedral, Issele-Uku where he attended a special thanksgiving mass in his honour.
The thanksgiving mass, officiated by a team of Catholic Priests, led by Rev.Fr. Stephen Chukwuku was also joined by the Principal Secretary to the State Governor, Mr. Hilary Ibegbulem and some members of Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu Campaign Organization.
Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu was later given a rousing reception by his people in his home town, Onicha-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government area of the State.
Bridget Apodor is a Cosmetologist and a Beauty Therapist. She hails from Bomadi Local Government Area and is a graduate of Economics. She was trained and established by the Delta State Government in Cosmetology under its Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) in the 2015/2016 cycle. As an entrepreneur, she is the Chief Executive Officer of Chevonne Cosmetics and Spa located in Festac Town, Lagos State.
She is fulfilled being self-employed after six years of unemployment. Bridget has over 20 products to her credit. She is an employer and a trainer. She shares her testimony after six years.
“I was jobless for six years, but now, I am a testimony. I have passion for beauty, skin care and make-up. Currently, I have well over 20 products. I focus on fast-selling products and I have good patronage.
“I was inspired by the knowledge acquired during the Entrepreneurship and Business Management Training (EBMT) for trainees as well as the knowledge I received in Lagos. I can say my success is based on knowledge acquired during training. My brand is in high demand both home and abroad.
“From a room business space of ₦150,000.00 per annum, I now occupy a three-bedroom apartment of ₦650,000.00. I have also acquired new equipment such as body steaming machine, body massage machine, facial treatment equipment, big generator and have tastefully furnished the apartment for client’s delight. All these are from the proceeds of the business. No external support.
“I have fully moved into skin treatments, not focusing on products alone. I practise skin treatments like facials, body massage, body steam/scrub/polish, pedicure/manicure, waxing, skin tag removal etc.
“I have trained eight persons and have two staff. My plan is to make Chevonne Cosmetics a household name in the world of beauty therapy”
Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari may have signed the amended Electoral Act. It was allegedly signed at noon today, the 21st of May.
Meanwhile, there is still so much doubts that he has signed, following claims of the President’s trip to the UAE.
If it is true, this move may have doused the growing tension that has gripped political parties and their members, owning to delay in assenting to the amended Electoral Act.
The amended electoral act has been a bone of contention for a while now, as the House of Representatives, Senate and other politicians have been urging the president to sign it in order to avert crisis.
Recall that a caucus of the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives had urged President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately sign the one item amendment to the Electoral Act 2022 to avert political crisis in the country.
Noting that the issue was affecting pending primaries of the political parties, the caucus urged “President Buhari to note that any further delay in signing the amendment to the Electoral Act to give political parties a sense of direction in the conduct of primaries for the election of candidates for the 2023 general elections has the capacity to derail our entire democratic process and destabilise our dear nation.”
The amendment, according to yet to be assertained claims, was allegedly swiftly done to legally provide a place in the law for statutory delegates of political parties to vote during their congresses and conventions, ahead of the general elections.
Findings by us indicates serious doubts over the alleged signing of the amended electoral law by the President.
Amity between the President Muhammadu Buhari government and the people of Nigeria who he governs is based on trust which is earned from promises made and promises kept. One of such promises by President Buhari to the nation was made on June 24, 2021 when, receiving the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), he unequivocally committed to inaugurate the NDDC Board upon the receipt of the Commission’s Forensic Audit report, which report has been submitted to him since September 2, 2021.
The President said: ‘‘Based on the mismanagement that had previously bedeviled the NDDC, a forensic audit was set up and the result is expected by the end of July, 2021. I want to assure you that as soon as the forensic audit report is submitted and accepted, the NDDC Board will be inaugurated.”
Not only has the President not fulfilled his promise eight months after, which prompted the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to describe the delay in the inauguration of the NDDC Board as a “clear betrayal of trust and display of state insensitivity on Ijaw nation and Niger Delta region,” it further negates this government’s touted commitment to the rule of law.
Sadly, for a government that prides itself for adherence to rule of law, President Buhari’s Government conversely continues to administer the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in flagrant violation of the NDDC Act. As a Commission established in 2000 by an Act of Parliament, the ongoing national embarrassment at NDDC should be of grave concern to President Buhari about his legacy when he leaves office in 2023 and thereby persuade him to put an end to the illegality of further administering NDDC with a Sole Administrator that is not known to the law setting-up the Commission.
While receiving Governors of the constituent states that make-up NDDC in Aso Rock on October 17, 2019, President Buhari said that “I try to follow the Act setting up these institutions especially the NDDC.”
However the reverse has been the case. Since the inauguration of the Buhari Presidency on May 29, 2015, it has serially violated the law setting up NDDC by consistently choosing to administer the Commission through illegal interim managements and sole administrator contraptions that are alien to the law setting up NDDC. In the seven-year tenure of President Buhari, NDDC has only been administered by a substantive Board for two years, between November 2016 and January 2019 when Senator Victor Ndom-Egba was Chairman while Nsima Ekere was the Managing Director.
There is a pattern of illegalities instituted by the current administration to undermine accountability at the NDDC in a way that no other federal agency has been so treated in the last seven years of the Buhari Presidency. In the 15-year history of the NDDC, prior to President Buhari’s coming in 2015, an interim appointment had never been made outside of the law, even when the Governing Boards were dissolved.
Prior to Buhari’s coming to power in 2015, in the absence of a Board duly constituted in line with the NDDC Act, the most senior Civil servant in the NDDC took over as Managing Director in acting capacity for a brief period until a Board was constituted in line with the NDDC Act. The NDDC Act does not permit the appointment of any external persons from outside the Commission to act as Managing Director or Sole Administrator without compliance with the Act which requires nomination by the President and Confirmation by the Senate. This is the same requirement for Ministers of the Federal Republic. The Law does not permit for anyone to be appointed as Acting Minister in any Ministry. If there is no Minister in a Ministry, the most senior civil servant – i.e. the Permanent Secretary holds forth until a Minister is appointed by the President and duly confirmed by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The orderly succession in NDDC was only breached in 2015 by the Buhari Administration when it dissolved the Bassey Henshaw led Board with Dan Abia as Managing Director, and appointed Ibim Semenitari as Sole Administrator, a position she held illegally for over one year. The illegality in NDDC continued in January 2019 when President Buhari dissoved the two-year old Victor Ndoma-Egba led Board and replaced the Board with an Interim Management team led by Professor Nelson Brambaifa. It was not until August of 2019 that the Buhari Presidency ended the illegal Brambaifa interim management team and then, in accordance with the law establishing NDDC forwarded the list of nominees for a 16-member Board to the Senate for confirmation, and then dutifully appointed the most senior civil servant at that time in NDDC, Mrs. Akwaghagha Enyia, as Acting Managing Director pending the Senate confirmation of the President’s nominees as NDDC Board members, which list he forwarded to the Senate on October 18, 2019.
But unfortunately again President Buhari relapsed to its recourse to illegality in administering NDDC, because as the Senate dutifully screened and confirmed the nominees of President Buhari as Board and Management of NDDC on November 5, 2019, this same government has since embarked on another spree of interim managements/sole administrator contraptions, while the Board confirmed by the Senate has been on hold since November 2019.
Since October 2019 this government has appointed two illegal interim management teams led by Joi Nunieh and Professor Keme Pondei, respectively, and presently the Commission is illegally led by a Sole Administrator, Effiong Akwa.
Curiously, whereas the North East Development Commission (NEDC) has been allowed to function with its duly constituted Board in place in line with its NEDC Act thereby ensuring proper corporate governance, accountability, checks and balances and fair representation of its Constituent states, the NDDC on the other hand has been run arbitrarily in the last two and half years by Interim committees/sole administrator in breach of the NDDC Act even after President Buhari had appointed a Board for the NDDC which was duly confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on November 5, 2019, but was asked to be on standby for inauguration after the forensic audit.
Under the illegal interim managements/sole administrator contraptions, the combined two-year budgets for 2019 and 2020, as approved by the National Assembly was N799 Billion. Yet, as pointed out by Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), under the interim management/sole administrator contraptions, “over N600bn payments have been made for emergency contracts; over 1,000 persons have been allegedly employed in the NDDC between January and July, 2020 without due process; the 2020 budget was passed in December and N400bn was voted for the NDDC but the commission had spent over N190bn before the budget was passed, thereby violating the Procurement Act.”
It is also important to recall the Senate probe of NDDC in June/July of 2020 which revealed how the NDDC Interim Management Committee (IMC) blew N81.5 billion in just a couple of months on fictitious contracts, frivolities, and in breach of extant financial and public procurement laws. The Senate therefore passed a resolution recommending that the IMC should refund the sum of N4.923 Billion to the Federation Account, and that the IMC should be disbanded, while the substantive board should be inaugurated to manage the Commission in accordance with the law.
At the November 2021 protest by the Association of Contractors of the Niger Delta Development Commission (ACNDDC) who picketed the NDDC Head office in Port Harcourt, Chairman of ACNDDC, Joe Adia stated that “presently huge monies come into the Commission every month and the next thing we hear is that the money is finished. Who are you paying? Give us a record of the people you are paying. How can you pay N800 million each for so-called desilting jobs and yet contractors being owed N5 million you have refused to pay?”
Also, earlier in the year, the media was awash with the doubly-restated scandal involving the illegal sole administrator contraption in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). According to some national newspapers, and many online platforms, in a story entitled “NDDC: IYC Alleges Illegal N20bn Payment To Ghost Contractors Over Phantom Job,” published on February 18, 2022, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) alleged that illegal N20bn payment was made to ghost contractors over phantom jobs.
In the reports, IYC alleged that the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, “in connivance with some persons, paid the sum of N20 billion to ghost contractors for phony distilling contracts purportedly awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).”
The council further alleged that “information at its disposal showed that the signatures of a former acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Professor Nelson Brambaifa, and the commission’s former executive director (projects), Samuel Ajogbe, were allegedly forged to carry out the sleazy process.”
A spokesman for the IYC, Ebilade Ekerefe, who spoke in Yenagoa alleged that the “phantom NDDC contractors were paid in tranches of between N300 million and N400 million in the last three months, amounting to N20 billion.” He urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to launch an investigation into the alleged huge payment to the ghost contractors.
He said, “They should investigate the financial transaction of the commission in the months under review. We have also discovered that out of the N20billion paid out illegally by the NDDC, 60 per cent is going to Abuja through the Bureau de Change while he (Akpabio) has failed to pay the genuine contractors that have finished the projects awarded by the commission.”
The Buhari administration, by its numerous illegal actions in the NDDC in the last two and half years has been de-marketing the APC in the Niger Delta region. In an article, “NDDC: Buhari’s Legacy of Illegality and Contempt,” by Godspower Tamunosusi, published in a national daily on December 13, 2021 and in many other national newspapers, he stated that “Niger Deltans are very upset with the disdainful manner the region has been treated.” He also noted that there is increasing anger against the APC in the Niger Delta region “as a result of the very poor, biased, illegal and provocative actions of the Federal Government in the handling of matters concerning the NDDC and the Niger Delta region.”
Also, earlier in the year, The Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM) vowed not to back the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 elections following the delay of President Muhammadu Buhari to inaugurate a substantive board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The spokesman of NRDM, Jonathan Okwa, who disclosed this after its meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State said following the prolonged delay of President Buhari to give the Niger Delta people what is rightfully theirs, in accordance with the law, the NDDC Act, the group would ensure the mobilisation of the people of Niger Delta region to vote against the APC in the 2023 presidential and general elections if the board is not inaugurated.
Against the relentless legitimate demands of stakeholders, it is in President Buhari’s best interest to keep good legacy by abiding to the law establishing NDDC. An Ijaw group, the Ijaw Interest Advocates (IIA), also known as Izanzan Intellectual Camp, in a statement signed by its leader, Arerebo Salaco Yerinmene Snr had earlier advised that “The Presidency and the President’s family should remember to keep good legacies even after office. The government’s flagrant disobedience of the laws guiding the establishment of an agency created to develop an impoverished region is unacceptable. We are again appealing to President Buhari to save the Niger Delta Development Commission by inaugurating the substantive board.”
President Buhari can no longer pretend that the unholy alliances amongst some serving and recently disengaged principal officers of the Federal Government to ignite uncontrollable crisis is not known to it. President Buhari must now rise to the occasion to save the Niger Delta region from the sorry state of those who have deliberately decided to exacerbate the palpable tension in the region. He should therefore heed the call of Niger Delta leaders, governors, youths, women, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders, comply with the law setting up NDDC, and also fulfill his own promise of June 24, 2021, and inaugurate the board to manage the Commission for the benefit of the people of the nine Niger Delta states.
*Chief Tonye Ogbogbula is National President, Niger Delta Elders’ Forum
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe has denied giving any direction to Igbos residing in the North to leave in their best interests.
Several reports on social media over the weekend claimed that the renowned Monarch had ordered Igbos in the north to leave because of the protests and turmoil in Sokoto State.
According to our correspondent the demonstration in Sokoto was sparked by the death and burning of Deborah Samuel, a female student at the Shehu Shagari College of Education, for supposed blasphemy.
Protesters flocked to the streets on Saturday to demand the release of those detained in connection with the murder, trashing churches and other structures in the process.
The Monarch denied encouraging citizens of South-East background to leave the North and return home in a statement delivered by his Chief of Staff, Chinyelugo Anionwu on Tuesday.
He dismissed claims that he issued the instruction as false and unfounded, urging Nigerians to disregard them.
“The attention of Imeobi Onicha Palace has been drawn to a statement that His Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Agbogidi, Obi of Onitsha, has called on every Igbo living in the North to come back home immediately.
“The statement that has gone viral on social media is fake and should be discountenanced,” the statement stated.
Facts have emerged that former Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State left well over fourteen billion naira (N14bn) cash for his successor, and not between three hundred million and four hundred million naira (N300m-N440m) reported in the media shortly after he left office on March 17.
Documents from both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning show that the Anambra State government had as at March 17 twelve billion, nine hundred and two million nine hundred and nineteen thousand three hundred and forty three naira (N12,902,919,343 plus two hundred thousand one hundred dollars ($200,100) in Fidelity Bank alone and nine hundred and forty one million two hundred and ten thousand one hundred and forty one naira (N941,210,141) in eight other banks, bringing the total amount in naira in all the banks to thirteen billion, eight hundred and forty four million one hundred and twenty nine thousand four hundred and eighty four naira(N13,844,129,484).
If the $200,100 in the domiciliary account is converted at the Central Bank of Nigeria exchange rate of N415.69 to a dollar, the naira value will be eighty three million one hundred and seventy nine thousand give hundred and sixty nine naira (N83,179,569m) and if the autonomous market rate of N590 to one dollar is used, it will be one hundred and eighteen million and fifty nine thousand naira (N118,059m).
Media reports that only between N300m and N400m was left in the banks apparently emanated from a television interview which the new Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, granted. But government sources are not blaming him for the figures.
“Prof. Soludo, a highly respected Economics Professor and a celebrated former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, spoke based on figures from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning”, according to the government sources who asked not to named in the press.
“None of the Ministries should have provided the new Governor the figures without obtaining accurate data from the financial institutions, even if they were under pressure of beating the deadline.”
A breakdown of the 39-page report of the state of the government finance as of the date of the handover shows that the highest amounts in the Fidelity Bank accounts are two billion seven hundred and twenty nine million three hundred and fifty six thousand one hundred and fifty two naira (N2,729,356,152) in account number 5090741452 designated the Nigeria Erosion & Watershed Management Project and two billion three hundred and forty three million eighty nine thousand nine hundred and fifty one naira (N2,343,089,951) in account number 5030125119 which belongs to the Anambra State Government Bridging Facility.
The government has 57 accounts with Fidelity Bank used by various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) as well as for various projects, programmes and routine issues.
The highest amounts in the other banks are Two hundred and ninety four million six hundred and thirteen thousand three hundred and sixty one naira (N294,613,361) in Access Bank with account number 0038860332 named Payment Account; seventy five million one hundred and forty eight thousand seven hundred and six naira (N75,148,706) for security kept in account number 1014105695 with Zenith Bank; one hundred and thirty nine million six hundred and eighty nine thousand four hundred and seventy four naira (N139,689,474) in UBA with account number 1014848347 for Pension Administration; eighty three million eight hundred and forty six thousand nine hundred and sixty one naira (N83,846,961) in FCMB account number 0881190015 named IGR Consolidated; and sixty seven million four hundred and seventy thousand six hundred and twenty five naira (N67,470,625) in Ecobank with account number 4662027660 also named IGR Consolidated.
The Obiano administration, noted Mr. Macaulay Atasie, the Chief Executive of Nextzon Business Services in Lagos which served the government as the leading economic consultant for eight years, would have left far more cash for the new government but for such capital intensive projects as the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport, the International Convention Centre and the Awka City Stadium which were completed on the eve of Obiano’s departure, apart from 13 long bridges. “These are critical projects,” he said.
He recalled that BudgIt, an influential civic organization which applies technology to promote transparency and accountability based in Lagos and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, ranked Anambra and Rivers to have the best financial health of all 36 States in the country in 2020 and the next year rated Rivers, Ebonyi and Anambra States to be the best.
The Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Ifeatu Onejeme, had yet to respond to the request for his response to the discrepancies between the earlier reported figures about the amount the Obiano administration left for the Soludo government and the amount found in the new documents from his Ministry.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has urged Government to declare criminals terrorising Anambra State and the entire South-East under the name of “unknown gunmen” as terrorists.
The party said the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, security agencies, the people of the State and sundry authorities should treat such criminal elements without pity.
The party described the people hailing the actions of the hoodlums as “naive and senseless”.
The National Coordinator, APGA Media Warriors’ Forum, Chief Chinedu Obigwe who stated this on Wednesday at a press briefing in Awka in the State, said it would be detrimental if the criminals were allowed to succeed in destroying the security architecture of the area.
Chief Obigwe, who was apparently angered by the threat of the hoodlums that they would attack no fewer than10 Local Government Headquarters in the State as well as their warning to the State Governor on Monday in an alleged letter circulated by them, urged the people of the State to cooperate with Prof. Soludo in his security initiative of “If you see something, say something” so as to curb insecurity in the State.
He said, “There is nothing like unknown gunmen because the perpetrators of the evil acts are human beings that live among us.
“If we cooperate with the government through the provision of intelligence report to our security agents on how to get these gunmen that masquerade as unknown gunmen, the mayhem they are unleashing in our beloved State will be a thing of the past.
“The undeniable truth is that the so-called unknown gunmen are terrorists and should be treated as terrorists without mercy. Some of our people hailing them are doing that out of naivety because if they succeed in destroying our security architecture, we are finished.”
While urging the people of the State not to leave security in the hands of the government alone, Chief Obigwe, said, “The gunmen that listed 10 councils for attacks in Anambra State should know that they have signed their death warrants because an adage says, “monkey will go market one day and the monkey will not come back.”
“We are of the firm opinion that security is everybody’s business and not something that will be left for the government to be handled alone.Most importantly, we have to be security conscious and watch what happens around us very carefully. Perpetrators of crime use evil minded people around us to carry out their evil activities. When it comes to security of lives and properties, nobody can actually be trusted.
“Even some evil-minded security officials are complicit in the evil activities of these criminals and that is the reason we must be careful always.
“Our governor is doing his best to secure our lives and properties but we must support all he is doing as patriotic citizens.
“Let’s join hands with the government to nip the evil activities of the unknown gunmen terrorists in the bud in our state,” he stated.
The Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Red Cross Society has appealed to those behind Boko Haram, banditry in the North and South West and gunmen in South East, South-South regions of Nigeria to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue with the federal government and other relevant stakeholders for the sake of God and humanity.
Prof. Peter Katchy, Chairman of NRCS, Anambra Chapter, made the call in his address at the 2022 World Red Cross Day held at the State Headquarters in Awka on Sunday.
He urged well-to-do Nigerians to strive toward putting smiles on the faces of those who are victims of the situation to reflect the theme of this year’s celebration “Be Human Kind To Achieve Truce And Peace.”
According to the Chairman, “there is no safe place in Nigeria. I think the government of Nigeria under President Mohammadu Buhari, is too slow in handling the security challenges facing the Country. And the parents of these deadly hoodlums are not also helping the situation.
“As humans, we all know that these people causing unrest in our dear Country Nigeria come from a home and their parents know what their children are up to in the society. So, for the situation to come to an end, the parents’ and community roles must come to play.
“The present security situation is a clear threat to National peace as conflicts and violence are forcing millions to leave their homes and seek safety elsewhere as internally displaced persons (IDP) in very difficult situations,” Prof. Katchy added.
The Chairman blamed the crisis on hatred, animosity, political competition, and economic deprivation between groups, regretting that youths and able bodied adult were targets of recruitment for violent clashes.
Prof. Katchy called for more volunteer donors of blood to grow the Nation’s blood bank to enable emergency to respond to victims on need at any given time.
Our correspondent reports that the Red Cross Society in Anambra State, as part of the celebration of the day, hounored some media practitioners for their contributions to healthy mass education and mobilisation against insecurity.
He said that the efforts of the society to provide services and support to the public would not have gained much awareness if not for the committed reportage of the media personnel in the State.
Our correspondent reports that some of the media awardees included our correspondent, Chief Sunny Azuka David; Mr. Gabriel Okpalaeze, Acting Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service, (ABS); Chief Chukwujekwu Ilozue, Chairman Correspondents ‘Chapel of Nigerian Union oof Journalist, Anambra chapter, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Mr. Okpalaeze said the task of ensuring a peaceful atmosphere was for everyone and assured that media would continue to partner developmental process of the society.
He also reassured the that media would continue to make themselves available and disseminate the right information that would promote peace and harmony over any misunderstanding and crisis amongst citizens.
Sylvester Okwuejenti was trained and established in Fish Production in the Delta State Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) in the 2017/2018 cycle. He hails from Ndokwa West Local Government Area and has a Bachelor Degree in Agriculture.
With his initial start-up of three tarpaulin fish tanks, 2,000 juveniles, 145 bags of feeds among other technical support, Sylvester has distinguished himself by growing his enterprise to enviable heights. He is a consultant, an employer, a trainer, a trailblazer and the CEO of Sly-Jen Farms located in Okpanam. Four years after, he shares his testimony.
“After my first production cycle at the YAGEP Fish Farm Cluster at Ibusa, I started afresh on a private land which I now own in Okpanam. I currently have 14 fish ponds- six concrete ponds and eight tarpaulin tanks- stocked with 6, 500 fish in various sizes. I sell fish all year round on monthly basis. When the weather is conducive, I hatch and brood my fingerlings myself.
“I have diversified to snail and crop farming; I own an orchard of diverse fruits. I sell the fruits to power my generators. From my earnings, I went for facility training in Lagos on building technology which offered me another platform to increase my streams of income.
“I have trained 17 persons who are established in fish business and at present I have two trainees. I have one employee. Apart from being married, I am now a landlord. YAGEP offered me the platform to excel.”
The recent call for the suspension of international competition as claimed to have emanated from the presidency remains doubtful. This call has generated a lot of concern from basketball lovers as to why government would sanction such a great federation at the golden height of the game in Nigeria. Basketball lovers are yet to come to terms with this knowing that the president, Muhammad Buhari is a lover of sport may not have given such directives, especially looking at the enviable records of Ahmadu Musa kida.
The question is who is witch-hunting Ahmadu Musa Kida? Stakeholders and the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF raised concern at the weekend over the crises rocking the association. They were particular on why certain government officials are inducing vested interest in the activities of the association and the election held recently.
The decision to suspend Basketball competition international may have some social and political implications on this country. The participation of our country at international level has the opportunity to provide our teaming youth with employment opportunity, endorsement, recreation, national pride and a sense of belonging more especially when other segments of sports are not performing.
It was revealed that the just concluded election of the association was witnessed by FIBA and won by a candidate but the government is saying it has suspended the election for two years. This decision has generated a lot of pressure within and outside the NBBF. It was opined that any time Nigeria wants to return to competitive international basketball that is when FIBA will punish the association into catastrophes.
Recently I observed that the Nigerian factor may be playing out again in the ongoing crises in the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF. It supposes that NBBF should be the highest place of value and respect for achievers especially people like Ahmadu Kida who distinguished himself in terms of administration and development of the association since he came onboard as its President in 2017.
Kida is not only an achiever but a great player in the records of the history of achievers in the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF). It could be recalled that he had maintained the message of his declaration when he was elected the President of the Federation with the achievements of D’Tigress, D’Tigers and the junior basketball teams in the African scene, which has continued to serve as a reference to FIBA that the board is ready to grow dunking game in the country.
Recall that after just a few months of assuming office, Kida’s administration has taken the national teams that included home based players to big heights in the continent, just as it has also settled rifts and lifted the indefinite sanctions imposed on some clubs, coaches and players for participating in ‘illegal’ leagues by the board in 2015.
Kida’s achievements were tailored towards changing the old narrative and bringing new ideas which has continued to take NBBF to glory. The board under Ahmadu Kida worked hard to transform basketball in Nigeria. Today, D’Tigers and D’Tigress are the best teams in Africa in their respective categories. Within a short time frame, he raised a team that dominated Africa through sacrifices, hard work and making the resources available to ensure these feet were achieved.
The NBBF President has demonstrated doggedness in the face of many challenges. Despite the odds, he led Nigeria into hosting 2 of the 4 World Cup Windows and it is gratifying that as a result of this Nigerians saw topflight international Basketball and our Nigerian Stars playing at home after a long time.American top rated players like Dinwiddie declared to naturalise to Nigerians in a wish to play for the country. In the 2018 Womens World Cup, D’Tigress beat Turkey, Argentina, and Greece before falling to Team USA in the Quarter Finals after a close first half. Under his watch, Nigeria’s Women participated in and won three (3) Women Afrobasket Competitions in Mali, Senegal and most recently Cameroon in 2017, 2019 and 2021 respectively. At the 2018 Women World Cup in Spain, Nigeria set an African record reaching the Quarterfinals, the first by an African Women Team in World Basketball history.
Counting on Kida’s achievements, Nigeria’s Men had participated in the 2017 Men’s Afro Basket after just 2 weeks of camping and won a silver medal, beating highly rated teams like Cote D’Ivoire, Mali, Cameroon, and Senegal. The team also participated in the 2019 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers and after 4 rounds of matches became the 1st country across the globe to qualify for the World Cup in China.
The extra incentive is that he ensured that the Men’s Team used the opportunity of the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China, for which our National Team also qualified as No. 1 in Africa, as our route to qualifying directly for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Kida ensured that his board operated and led with the best interest of the game. He ensures that decisions taken by the board are such that it takes the overall interest of the stakeholders as well as looking at the future of the game and association in Nigeria.
Despite these achievements, the turn of events in the association is becoming an eye soar. And many continued to ask the question, who is then witch-hunting Ahmadu Musa Kida?
Recently, the Ministry wrote to Kida to postpone the Elective Congress to give way for a reconciliation committee to try and reconcile an imaginary crisis that did not exist in the Federation. Kida told them that he had no powers to alter congress decisions and so called an extraordinary congress to address the demand of the Ministry that was totally uncalled for in the first place.
The Ministry tried all manner of dirty and disgraceful pushes to get Kida indicted or implicated in one mess or the other but Kida always came out clean. It was not still clear who they wanted to reconcile to and all their bidding for reconciliation. The reconciliation committee finished their expedition and the facts they laid before the Ministry was startling, as it completely took sides with all that the NBBF told the Ministry. When the Ministry exhausted their fishing expedition to find fault with the Kids Board and found nothing, they were forced to direct Kida, in writing, to go ahead and hold congress on the last day that FIBA gave.
Kida and his Board promptly directed the Secretariat to write to the congress convening the elective congress in Benin, as approved by the congress. However, in utter disregard to the power of the Congress, the Secretary General exerted her powers as a ministry staff and took a unilateral decision to convene the elective congress in Abuja, despite the directive of the Honourable Minister that the congress should go ahead and hold in Benin.
The NBBF Congress members started calling Kida and threatened him with impeachment for flaunting their approval. Kida apologized, stepped in and decided to call the congress to Benin as approved. 28 states came to Benin with the apologies and exception of some states. The congress in Benin had a near capacity as quorum was over reached.
The Honourable Minister directed Kida that they must invite the Secretary General to attend the elective congress, which she was supposed to have organized. Kida personally invited her and copied the Honourable Minister. Kida informed her that she has a vital role to play at the congress, but she refused to show up and gave no excuse
In line with the provisions of the statutes and the powers of the congress, the congress voted unanimously to appoint a secretary for the elective congress in the absence of the secretary and was reflected in the minutes of the minute. The elective congress was one of the best in recent times and they followed the provisions of the constitution strictly.
While NOC sent a representative, Engr Tikkon, the table tennis president, to the elective congress. He called Kida to tell Kida that he had arrived Benin for the elections as directed by the NOC President, Engr Habu Gummel, and Kida welcomed him. However, he also failed to show up at the venue of the elections as an observer and gave personal reasons.
All the elective proceedings were streamed live and FIBA officials were watching from the comfort of their offices with rapt attention. Their appointed observer later told the NBBF that FIBA scored the process 100%. However, while the Benin congress was going on, the Secretary General was busy opening the stadium for a beer Parlors meeting. She invited some former and retired basketball players and hired people from area 10 to make a mockery of our sports democratic process.
Unfortunately, the Minister who should know better also falls for their games by calling the tea party organized by the Secretary General who is not a Congress member in another election. Perhaps acting on their ministerial powers to frustrate Kida and his board, the Ministry should have acted in decorum. And if they don’t want to work with Kida and his board, the Ministry pays them all their money and let them go.
Kida has been the one heavily funding the activities of the NBBF to the value of very huge sums, they only refunded a fraction of his monies, yet, they see him as a villain. He only occasionally visited the Ministry for briefing, as he feels he does not need to be in theirs faces in order for them to do their jobs, since he has a functional secretariat.
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Mohammadu Buhari shoul be celebrating Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida and asking him to improve on the enviable records the NBBF has achieved, and correct the impression that his government will kill the hope of the steaming youth who aspire for excellence in their chosen paths including sports men and women.
Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation-Worldwide (NIDOWW) has decried the murder of Miss Debrorah Samuel, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto over alleged blasphemy and subsequent protest that has led to destruction of property.
Coordinating Chairman of NIDOWW, a conglomerate of Nigerian Diasporas in Americas, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa, Gary Unamadu during a telephone interview with journalists on Wednesday, lamented that not just the killing of Deborah but the subsequent protest that greeted the action has destructive impact on the nation and it’s economy and adverse effect on drive for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Unamadu said: “We condemn in the strongest terms the gruesome murder of Miss Deborah for alleged blasphemy.
“We decry the maiming and destruction of properties being perpetrated in Sokoto “by hoodlums” in the name of protest against the arrest of the culprits of Deborah’s murder.
“This barbaric action and religious intolerance are unacceptable in this age and time; it is time Federal Government stopped impunity associated with this bestial culture of self-help, as culprits are seldom punished.”
He added that: “It behooves on the law enforcement agencies to speedily expose those who instigated and perpetrated the despicable killing of Deborah and bring them to justice.
“While, we, in the diaspora are promoting Nigeria and toiling to bring direct investment into the country, some unscrupulous individuals hide under the cloak of religion to carry-out gruesome acts.
“This brings the country to high security risk and disrepute, making it unsuitable for foreign investment.”
Unamadu urged government to take urgent steps to stem the worrisome trend in already unsuitable investment climate of the country, due to insecurity and social disorder.
NIDOWW continental leadership comprise Gary Unamadu, Coordinating Chair/Chairman NIDO-Oceania, Dr Ezekiel Macham, Chairman NIDO-Americas, Prof. Emenike Ejiogu, Chairman NIDO-Asia.
Dr Bashir Obasekola, Chairman NIDO-Europe, Dr Chikelu Kingsman, Chairman NIDO-Africa and Obed Monago, Chairman Emeritus of NIDO-Americas.
The Secretary – General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), Mr Georges Chikoti has said until when Africa begins to tap, harness and exploit the huge human and capital resources of its Diaspora more constructively, there may be slow growth and development of the continent.
Chikoti expressed this when he led a seven-man delegation to the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.
Chikoti whose visit centered on plans to host an upcoming Diaspora Convention, added that Africa has the largest amount of Diaspora and the number of Africans migrating is on the increase.
According to a statement by Gabriel Odu of the Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of the NIDCOM, the Secretary General and his team plan to create opportunities for Africans to return home and not only to invest, but to participate in sports and politics hence the importance of the 6th Region of the African Union.
Odu said Chikoti who was excited with the enviable records set by NIDCOM, added that, “the more we give Nigerians in the Diaspora attention, the more we get better results from them.”
Dabiri-Erewa, commended the Secretary General’s efforts OACPS and his entire team for enlisting NIDCOM in the post-Convention activites for African Diaspora Day. She stated that there will be a more robust engagement with OACPS and communication will be established to build up a proper Conference.
The NIDCOM boss stated further that the 2nd and 3rd generation Nigerians in the Diaspora are even more curious and desirous in giving back to their homeland, an opportunity that should not be missed.
Activities at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja was disrupted on Monday, as some party supporters stormed the office to protest the purported disqualification of Prince Taribo Williams from the forthcoming party primary.
Taribo, who has purchase the nomination and expression of interest form to contest the FCT Senatorial seat on the platform of the party but was disqualified at the party screening and his attempt to get the appeal committee of the party to set aside the disqualification has yielded no result.
Even his efforts to get to get to talk to delegates to vote for him at primaries as he believed the disqualification would upturn at the court as met stiff wall as a strong member of the party has been alleged to have been going round wards in FCT threatening executives with suspension should they be seen with him.
Spokesman for the protesters, Mr. Henry Edward, told journalists at the PDP headquarters that the said a Senatorial aspirant (name withheld), was trying to muscle everyone else out of the race by denying them access to delegates.
Edward said: “Against the party’s belief in fairness, equity and justice; the party at the state level has placed an embargo on the 62 political wards and the six area councils of the FCT prohibiting party executives and delegates from having any interface with Prince Taribo Williams. As we speak right now, statutory delegates.”
He said the party should revisit the disqualification of Williams, threatening that they would be left with no option but to seek redress in court if the National Working Committee does not intervene.
Speaking on his purported disqualification, Willams described it as unjust.
Williams who said he had contested the same seat on the platform of the National Democratic Party in 2007, said he was disqualified by the party for failure to present his educational certificates after he has presented an affidavit showing that he lost them during the Jos crisis of 1999.
He said despite the assurance from the appeal panel of the party, which told him there was no reason for his disqualification, he was yet been denied, as the party failed to reverse the said action ahead of the party primary.
While still awaiting a positive reaction from the party, Willaims however said he has placed his lawyers on notice for necessary action within next 48 hours. He said: “I feel robbed of my right to represent the good people of the FCT, Abuja at the Senate. I will take the case up at the court if I am not allow to run.”
“I have consulted with my lawyers and we are given the party 48 hours to reverse the early decision, failure of which we will take them to court.”
Speaking on his aspiration, Willaims said, “My passion to run now more than ever is because of the hypocrisy of the incumbent Senator representing FCT who has been unable to deliver the democratic dividends to all and sundry in the constituency.
” Due to his tribal, sentimental and regional politics, FCT has lost a great deal, this is the place for all Nigerians to live freely, play politics freely and serve the people living in the FCT with decorum and respect.
” One of my greatest agitation in the FCT is decentralization of AMAC from the Sit of the President of Nigeria. Abuja is created to reflect the real image of Nigeria where tribal, ethnicity or religion does not hold any relevance.
Abuja is a city that promotes unity, oneness and freedom for all Nigerians to aspire to live, to contest, to serve Nigeria in any capacity both in politics or in business. And as an aspirant I have investments in FCT that is over N16 billion, spanning projects fr road construction, real estate and hotel acquisitions in the FCT since 2006 till date. So I have enough investments to motivate me to protect and safeguard investments, and promote development in the other area councils aside AMAC to realize the yearning of the people of FCT for FCT State. “
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has strongly condemned the killing of Deborah Samuel, a second year student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto for alleged blasphemy.
The Governing Council of the Commission while reacting to the killing in Sunday in a statement, said that there is no law, either secular or religious in a democratic society, anywhere in the world that justifies the killing of any person without due process of the law.
The Governing Council of the Commission, urged all persons to exercise tolerance over religious matters, while tasking the relevant authorities particularly the Police to thoroughly investigate and prosecute the culprits who have been reportedly arrested as well as put necessary mechanisms in place to effect the arrest of every other person allegedly involved in the gruesome murder, with a view to bringing all perpetrators to book and preventing future occurrence.
It stated that the consequence of inaction now by the law enforcement agencies could lead to a recurrence In the near future.
According to the statement: “The Commission used the opportunity to condemn all acts of religious extremism in the country and appeals to all parties in this matter as well as the concerned public to remain calm even in the face of this provocative and dastardly act, while awaiting the report of the Police investigation into the incident, adding that two wrongs cannot make a right.”
The Council also expressed it’s heartfelt condolences to the family of the late victim, Deborah and other families who had lost their loved ones under similar conditions, assuring them that the Commission will work with relevant bodies to ensure that justice is served in such cases.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment has launched the Stockholm +50 national consultation meetings in Nigeria, to address nature, promote clean recovery from COVID-19 and proffer solutions to environmental challenges.
The meeting is aimed at providing in-person and virtual platforms for ideas, insights, and innovation that aligns with national priorities ahead of the high-level meeting in Stockholm later in the year.
Speaking at the launch on Thursday, the UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative Programmes, Mr. Lealem Dinku, disclosed that habitats, and ecosystems such as forests and grasslands are being converted at very high rates for natural resource extraction which must be addressed all over the country.
He said: “By destroying nature, we are destroying the web of life that supports our existence on Earth. We must stop undermining our own future and be more responsible for a sustainable and healthy planet.
50 years is a good time to take stock of our actions on, for and against humankind’s survival.”
Dinku said to get involved in tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis, “collective and individual action must respond with urgency to the rapidly closing window to adapt to a changing environment and secure a healthy planet and prosperity for all.”
He added that: “Business-as-usual poses severe threats to our well-being, prosperity, and future. On this note, I will like to call on all major stakeholder groups, including Government, women, youth, older persons, academia, persons with disabilities, indigenous people, school children and local communities, as well as other representatives from civil society and the private sector to engage and contribute to the discussions at the national levels which will contribute to a global approach at addressing environmental challenges when the world meets in June at Stockholm, Sweden.”
Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, said the dialogue was apt due to the environmental challenges experienced on the continent.
She said: “As you may be aware the objective of this national consultation is to stimulate on inclusive whole society and, whole of government dialogue on the main themes of Stockholm +50 as they relate to our country. The National dialogue will no doubt provide us with a platform where shared global vision, on how to achieve a healthy planet and prosperity for all of while accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral Environment Agreements through an inclusive green recovery are achieved”.
Ikeazor, however called on UNDP for more support, noting that UNDP’s activities in the Environment Sector in Nigeria is a classical definition of the good balance needed to get the sector working effectively towards supporting the development aspiration of the country for the wellbeing of all and the generation unborn.
She said: “Just like the iconic Oliver Twist who is always asking for more, the Ministry will further be looking to UNDP to support an elaborate process of developing a National Environmental Action Plan for an integrated and holistic approach to the management of the country’s environmental challenges, a process that will include a comprehensive update of all environmental policies in the country.
Civil rights activist and 2023 gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Shehu Sani, has expressed grave concern on the heightened insecurity situation in Nigeria.
The former Kaduna Central senator in the 8th National Assembly was guest speaker at a two-day seminar/workshop on “Good Governance and Democratic Sustainability Vis-a-Vis Electoral Process,” organised by the Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Delta State Council, on Thursday, May 12, 2022 in Asaba,, Delta State capital.
He blamed the gross insecurity situation in the country on the All Progressives Congress, APC-led Federal Government, alleging that they have failed in the fight against insecurity despite spending a huge amount, totalling N4.2 trillion on defence and security in the last seven years, under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to him, “We spent $1 billion to purchase Tucano jets and this has not stopped kidnapping, banditry and terrorism in the country.
“The terrorists are only armed with motorcycles and AK-47 rifles, yet we keep pumping billions of dollars into security and defence without achieving results.
While despising the continued wastage of monies on security, he lamented that kidnappers use Nigerian registered numbers to call relatives for ransom with no trace of anyone or arrest.
“This is a country that in the last seven years has spent N 4.2trillion for defence and security and the government has not been able to stop kidnapping.”
“Kidnappers call the family of their victims and tell them to bring the money, using Nigeria SIM cards and nobody is traced or arrested. So you ask yourself; all this idea of linking SIM to National Identity Number (NIN) is just nonsense.”
“The people are not even asking to be lifted out of poverty but to secure their lives while they manage their poverty.”
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Asaba Correspondent Chapel, Comrade Dominic Adewole, indicated that the success of 2023 election is hinged on the keen adherence to the provisions of the new Electoral Act by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, and political players, particular the contestants and the electorate.
Comrade Adewole noted that the sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy beyond 2023 depends on the effective implementation of the Electoral Act, adding that with the new Act, there is the rising optimism that the irregularities and electoral malfeasance usually associated with elections in the country would be reduced to the barest minimum, if not completely eradicated.
The ceremony which was declared open by the Delta state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, was represented by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, who urged Nigerians to be active participants in the political process in order to entrench good governance and democratic sustainability in the country’s polity.
The governor in his good will message lauded all journalists in the state, especially members of the Asaba Correspondents chapel for their unflinching support to the Okowa-led government, through their reportage.
”For us as a government, we are pleased with the chapel and all other members. All the success recorded was because you stood with us and are still standing with us to enable us enjoy the peace we are experiencing together.”
The epoch making event was attended by the state Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ), Comrade Mike Ikeogu, the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Ari, represented by his Deputy, the guest lecturer from the University of Port-Harcourt, Professor Goodwin Okon, personally from the military and other security agents, including a myriad of journalists, political appointees, mass communication students of tertiery institutions, amongst others.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to selected beneficiaries.
AWELE MERCY EBENUWA enrolled in the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) in the 2017/2018 cycle as an OND holder. She hails from Oshimili South Local Government Area. Through the STEP training and establishment in Catering and Confectionery, Mercy is out of the labour market and now the CEO of Awilla Treat, Asaba. Apart from training other youths, she has grown her enterprise to qualify as a job creation trainer. She feels fulfilled working for herself. Her story:
“The training I received from STEP took me out of the labour market. The orientation and personal effectiveness training (OPET) and the entrepreneurship and business management training (EBMT) were extraordinarily rich. They exposed me to record-keeping, good customer care and business management.
“Catering and confectionery are rewarding and lucrative. My business is growing as my products and services are in high demand. I have bought more equipment. So far, I have trained fourteen persons- ten from STEP and four persons privately. I have two employees.
“I am now self-reliant. From the proceeds of my business, I have bought a plot of land. I got married last year. I feel fulfilled working for myself”
ALIBO EMEZIE FELIX is the CEO of JamesWhite Ventures and hails from Oshimili South Local Government Area. He has a B.Sc. in Peace and Conflict Resolution. He enrolled in the Delta State Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) in the 2017/2018 cycle. He is growing his business and has diversified to Crop Production. He affirmed he was able to tackle his challenges because he is meaningfully engaged in YAGEP. Hear him.
“Fish business is good business, but capital intensive due to the high cost of fish feeds. I currently have 2,000 fish. It is a business that that gives one adequate time to engage in other businesses. I am a transporter, a registered tricycle rider.
“I am happy to be a beneficiary of YAGEP. I produce cassava and yam. I got married from the proceeds from my farm and I was able to overcome life threatening family challenges through it. I want to say that the programme should be sustained to employ more youths and to give support to youths in agribusiness.”
The gruesome and barbaric murder of Deborah Emmanuel, a student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto on Thursday by her fellow students speak volumes of the backwardness, zealotry and religious intolerance bedevilling our nation, especially in Northern Nigeria.
Deborah’s offence was an alleged uncomplimentary remark about Prophet Muhammed (SAW) in a class WhatsApp group of supposedly enlightened people in an academic environment like a College of Education. This is unthinkable, bestial and barbaric.
How many of us still remember Christianah Oluwatoyin Oluwasesin, a secondary school teacher who was murdered by her students in Gandu, Gombe state on 21, March 2007?
While supervising an Islamic religious knowledge examination, a student was said to have attempted to enter the exam hall with some textbooks, including a copy of the Koran. Mrs Oluwasesin seized the books and threw them outside the hall. Her students, who accused her of sacrilege by her action killed and cut her into pieces. I’m not sure if she ever got Justice.
Gabriel Akaluka, an Igbo businessman was equally beheaded in Kano by nine Wahabist fundamentalists in 1995 for allegedly desecrating the pages of the Koran and his bodiless head, paraded on the streets of Kano.
When are we going to do away with callousness and bestiality under the guise of extreme religiosity that has no respect for life that only God can give? Why must one fight for a creator who gave life freely to mankind by cutting the same life short to please the giver? Why is this so common in Northern Nigeria than in any other part of the country with the same religion, religious distribution and demographics?
When will religious zealotry and bigotry end in this part of the country given the fact that it is often being joyfully perpetrated by the young and the supposedly educated leaders of tomorrow? What explanation can we give to the bereaved parents of late Christianah that will make them forgive a nation that deceived them with a secular status in words but not in deeds? What is truly wrong with us?
Let the government of Sokoto state and the federal government go beyond the normal rhetoric and theatrics to uncover and punish those heartless religious fundamentalists behind this dastardly act. Or else, it will keep reoccurring, especially in the far north of the country. This is a national shame. Christiana Emmanuel must be served Justice.
Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
More than 5, 205 persons from four federal constituencies have so far been attended to in the course of the ongoing O5 Initiative sponsored free medical outreach in Delta State.
A total of 736 surgeries were performed, while 3,298 glasses were dispensed, alongside 1,730 eye drugs given to patients.
Wife of the State Governor and founder of O5 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa made this disclosure, while flagging off another five-day free medical outreach at Sapele Central Hospital.
According to her, “I may not be a medical personnel but I am very interested in the health of all Deltans”.
She appreciated those who have partnered with the O5 Initiative, her pet project including the Restore Sight Africa Initiative and the State Ministry of Health for their continuous support.
Dame Okowa, however expressed concern over the state of the economy and how current realities have taken their toll on the health of people.
“We are careful not to sound negative but we know how ‘wonderful’ things are in the country at the moment and that is why we encourage people to be their brother’s keeper.
“It is sad that in this clime, people do not often place value on services that are free.
“We have been to other Federal constituencies within the state, doing free eye surgeries, dispensing glasses and drugs alongside screenings.
“We thus expect that those who have benefitted act as messengers of good news by reaching out to others to come and benefit as well”.
Dame Okowa also revealed that, “We have a functional sickle cell clinic in this hospital and it is quite alarming that some persons do not still know their genotype.
“We have preached the gospel of awareness long enough for people to key in and check thier status so as to curb the issue of sickle cell disorder.”
The coordinator, Restore Sight Africa Initiative, Dr Ernest Ogbedo had, during his remarks confirmed the team’s commitment to attending to the eye care needs of the people.
“We must however emphasize that we came for the voiceless and vulnerable, not the Honourables.
“Due to the nature of our profession, we have travelled far and wide across the nation and the truth is that in the entire Nigeria, no state has received eye care as much as Delta State”.
On his part, the council chairman, Sapele Local Government Area, Hon Eugene Inoaghan, appreciated the wife of the Governor on behalf of the people of the Constituency.
Renowned philanthropist, Ltr. Cdr. Ibrahim Babainna (rtd) has declared his intention to run for the office of Adamawa state Governor on the platform of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).
Ibrahim Babainna made the declaration on Saturday at a capacity filled Fasnet Cinema Hall in Jimeta Yola, the Adamawa state capital in the company of his family, associates, national and state party executives of PRP.
Other aspirants of the party, youth organisations, representatives of traditional rulers, the clergy and teeming supporters were at the declaration.
In his declaration speech Babainna outline his vision for Adamawa state thus:
“My vision of a Greater Adamawa is one where every single productive citizen is gainfully employed in pulling in one direction: the socio-economic prosperity of the state leveraging on speciailisation in agri-business, building a society where indeed, young or old, male or female, regardless of religion or ethnicity, ‘no one is left behind.”
Babainna also promised to focus on agri- business which has the potential of not only properly harnessing Adamawa’s abundant human and natural resources, with a view for it to become the centre around which all our other policies and activities as a state revolve.
With this declaration, Babainna has joined the long list of aspirants aiming to succeed the incumbent governor, Ahmadu Fintiri who is contesting for a second term on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).
The National Coordinator, We2Geda Movement, Honourable Shina Peller, a Nigerian entrepreneur, politician, Industrialist, and a member of the 9th National Assembly, who was in Adamawa state for the declaration called on the youths to mobilise across multi partisan party lines to ensure that a new set of youths with proven track record like Lt. Cdr. Ibrahim Babainna (rtd.) are supported to get elected and bring the required change at all levels of government within the country.
Two pregnant women are among drug traffickers arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos for attempting to import and export illicit drugs through the airport over the last week.
According to a statement on Sunday by the spokesman of NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, the first to be caught by the agency’s dragnet is a Brazilian returnee, Nworie Chikwendu, who was arrested last Tuesday during an inward clearance of passengers on Qatar Airways flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil enroute Doha to Lagos.
Babafemi said during a thorough search of his luggage, two parcels of cocaine were discovered concealed in a pair of brown slippers hidden in his oxblood backpack, and during a further search of the pair of black slippers worn by the suspect also led to the recovery of additional two parcels of cocaine built into the soles of his foot wears, bringing the total to four parcels weighing 800 grammes.
He disclosed that while undergoing preliminary interrogation, Nworie who claimed to be a barber in Sao Paulo, said he came to Nigeria for the burial of his father.
He confessed to trafficking the drugs because his trip was sponsored by his Brazil-based friend who gave him the drug to deliver in Lagos for a fee of N2 million.
The spokesman also said on Wednesday, the following day, NDLEA operatives at the SAHCO export shed of the airport intercepted some cartons of alcoholic drinks suspected to contain illicit drugs.
He disclosed that a freight agent who brought the consignment for export to Dubai, UAE, Shola Ogunrinde was immediately arrested while a follow up operation led to the arrest of a pregnant woman, Mrs. Seun Babatunde, who operates an alcohol joint in Pleasure area of Iyana Ipaja.
He said when the cartons were opened in the presence of the agent and the pregnant woman, seven parcels of cannabis and a sachet of ecstasy drug (MDMA) were found concealed inside cans of Black Bullet alcoholic drinks.
He said in her confession, Babatunde claimed the drugs were being sent to her husband who lives in Dubai.
The second pregnant woman, Mrs. Gloria Asibor was arrested last Thursday while attempting to board a Turkish Airline flight to Bolonia, Spain via Istanbul, Turkey.
According to Babafemi, a search of her luggage containing food items led to the discovery of 300 tablets of 200mg and 225mg high dosage tramadol concealed in crayfish.
Meanwhile, large consignments of psychoactive substances have been intercepted in parts of Northwest, Northeast and North central regions of the country.
In Kaduna, a drug dealer, Obinna Anene a.k.a Young Alhaji was arrested last Friday at Buwaya Kaduna with 50,000 tablets of Diazepam weighing 9 kilogrammes ; 595 tablets of tramadol weighing 318 grammes and 8 tablets of co-codamol weighing 6 grammes.
On the same day, a trafficker, Alhaji Modu Yahaya was caught with 26.5 kilogrammes cannabis in Damaturu, Yobe state while travelling in a commercial vehicle from Abuja to Maiduguri, Borno state.
Babafemi also disclosed that at least, nine drug dealers were arrested by operatives in Lagos last Thursday during raids in black spots in Mushin Olosha and Akala as well as Langbasa and Ikota in Ajah area of the state with different quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis and skuchies
He said arrested are Kehinde Ilori; Osho Nurudeen; Kamarudeen Isiaka; Kazeem Ishola; Afeez Adebolade; Oguntana Aduragbemi; Chuks Alowai; Mrs. Bola Kazeem and Kehinde Ogunleye.
In Plateau State, NDLEA operatives on Saturday intercepted a truck carrying 673.3 kilogrammes cannabis along Bassa/Rukuba Barracks road in Jos while the driver and his assistant fled into the bush, and in other parts of the state capital, two dealers; Manga Emmanuel and Yusuf Usman were arrested with 34 pinches of cocaine and 400 grammes of cannabis at old airport and Rikkos respectively.
Speaking on the latest clampdown, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA, Kaduna, Yobe, Lagos and Plateau Commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures.
He however charged them and those in other commands across the country to sustain the heat on drug cartels as well as balance their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.
SENGE PERE is a beneficiary of the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) in the 2016/2017 cycle. He was trained and established in Decoration and Event Management. He hails from Patani Local Government Area. Pere Senge is the CEO of Senge Perez Concept in Patani.
Five years after establishment, the business has grown remarkably. He has acquired additional equipment and materials to boost his enterprise, and to make his services attractive to his rising clientele profile. He is basically into rental services and decoration.
“I have covered lots of ceremonies. I have trained three persons and currently have three trainees who assist me to execute my jobs. Being a beneficiary of STEP has improved my finances by 100% because I know where I am coming from.
I have acquired more material and equipment to attract more patronage. I have learnt that one needs patience to grow a business. Everyone needs a skill and it is rewarding if one persists. I appreciate Governor Okowa for taking me off the street to become a boss of my own. Now, I can fend for myself and for my family.”
The coveted efforts being made by the Loyalists of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the House of Representatives to Force the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Dr Godwin Emefeiele to immediately tender his resignation over his Presidential ambition to pave the way for the former Lagos State Governor has hit the rock.
It was gathered that the loyalists being led by the Speaker, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila had perfected the plan to pass a resolution at the emergency plenary session earlier summoned for Monday May 9 that CBN had abused his office by purchasing the Presidential nomination form under the APC while still in office and as such should tender his resignation failure which the President should sack.
According to findings, when the alleged plan came to the knowledge of the lawmakers loyal to the CBN boss across the political parties, they reportedly regrouped and marshalled plans to counter the move and resolved to sack all the APC principal officers for supporting such action.
According to our source, ” we received a notice of an emergency plenary session, we were made to believe that the session was to discuss the crisis in the Nation’s Aviation sector, we supported the idea but only for those championing the Presidential ambition of Bola Tinubu to go and work on another agenda which is to force the CBN governor out of office immediately because of his perceived Presidential ambition, this is not a Banana Republic.
” The latest information is that the lawmakers that are against the move have gone back to the drawing board to counter the ignoble move, the entire Principal officers of the ruling party will be impeached immediately and they will have to explain to the whole Nigerians and the entire World how they padded the last National budget , we have the facts and figures of what we are saying.”
Further findings revealed that when the move of the loyal lawmakers to the the CBN boss got to the Speaker, he has no choice rather than to cancel the emergency plenary session where the Aviation matter would have been discussed and the resignation matter would have been raised.
It was gathered that following this development, the speaker quickly resolved that the crisis in the Aviation sector should be handled by the Leadership of the house involving all the leaders of the Political Parties in the house.
Consequently, the Speaker reportedly directed the Clerk to the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria to issue an official statement for the cancellation of the emergency plenary earlier slated for Monday.
In the statement, the Clerk said that the leadership of the House of Representatives has cancelled the proposed emergency plenary session scheduled to hold on Monday, 9th May, 2022 over the lingering crisis over hike in the price of Aviation fuel otherwise called Jet-A.
The memo dated May 8, 2022 reads, ‘I am directed to inform all Hon Members, staff, media and the general public that the House hereby cancels the Emergency Plenary Session earlier scheduled for tomorrow 9th May, 2022.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has dissolved the state executive council.
The dissolution, which is with immediate effect, was contained in a statement signed by the permanent secretary, administration and general services, Danjuma Ali on behalf of Secretary to the State Government and made available to journalists by the Governor’s spokespersons.
The members were directed to handover affairs to permanent secretaries in their ministries.
According to the statement the dissolution is to create enabling environment for interested members of the Exco to legally participate in forthcoming primaries and congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Zulum, according to the statement, expressed deepest appreciation to members of the executive council for unquantifiable contributions while they held offices and wishes them the best of luck in future endeavours.
Following an alleged controversial religious activity in Ekiti State; Ekiti State Police Command clears the air, calls for calm.
A press statement issued to Blank News Online by Ekiti state police spokesman, ASP Abutu Sunday reads:
The Ekiti State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that it has investigated a cleric of Christ High Commission Ministry, Pastor Noah Abraham, for allegedly collecting money from members of his church on a promise to take them to heaven after rapture in Araromi Ugbeshi-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
This has become necessary to avoid misinformation, unnecessary apprehension and to inform members of the public that the Command is not unaware of the trending controversial activity as necessary steps and actions have been taken.
Based on intelligence report received by the Command on 25/04/2022 concerning the religious activity, the Area Commander, Omuo-Oke led a team of detectives to the church camp at Araromi Ugbeshi-Ekiti. The pastor was subsequently invited to the station for interrogation.
Meanwhile, Pastor Noah Ade Abraham, after thorough investigation, was arraigned accordingly.
The Command pledges to closely monitor any suspicious activity by any person or group of persons across the State to ensure that the lives and properties of innocent citizens are totally protected.
Oleh community in Isoko South local government area of Delta State was shutdown as residents staged a peaceful protest and demanded for the white paper over land dispute between Oleh and Ozoro communities, from Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta State.
Economic and social activities were paralysed as the community women, men and youths in their numbers blocked major roads within Oleh metropolis and Oleh roundabout/Asaba express road, over land dispute and the loss of Oleh 12 indigenes that were gruelsomely murdered on the 16th of October 2020.
The people displayed placards with various inscriptions as “Governor Okowa release the white paper between Oleh and Ozoro to enable the families of the dead bury their son’s and daughter’s”, “Oleh community is tired of crisis between Oleh and Ozoro”, “We do not need more bloodshed between Oleh and Ozoro”, Okowa hear Oleh community cry now”, “the report of the judicial panel of inquiry has been submitted since May 2021”, and “We want to bury our 12 son’s that are still in the motuary”.
Speaking to newsmen, the President General of Oleh community, Chief Believe Alakri said, the report of land dispute between Oleh and Ozoro, killing of the 12 Oleh indigenes submitted to governor Okowa since May 2021 white paper has not been released, adding that both communities are still engaged in land encroachment.
He maintained that same protest was carried out by Ozoro community to avoid further crisis between the two communities. Alakri noted that the dead bodies laying in the motuary must be buried and demanded for justice over the 12 Oleh indigenes that were murdered.
The President General reiterated that the release of the white paper by Governor Okowa will specify where to bury the 12 people, adding that the parents and children of the dead and crying as their bodies are yet to be buried.
“We voted for Governor Okowa and he will not allow us to die in crisis.We need peace in Oleh as people cannot go to their farm because of fear”, Alakri said.
For her part, the women leader of Oleh community, Mrs. Itewor Juliana, commended governor Okowa for setting up the panel of inquiry and report submitted to him.
She appealed to Okowa to release the white paper for peace and justice, adding that Oleh community is tired of war and wants to bury the 12 indigenes of Oleh community still lying in the motuary.
HELEN OWIGHO hails from Isoko South and has an HND in Agricultural Extension Management. She is a product of the 2016/2017 cycle of the Delta State Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP.) She is the CEO of Helen-O Fish Farm Enterprise located in the Fish Farm Cluster at Egbokodo-Itsekiri in Warri South Local Government Area.
In spite of the challenges she encountered in her first year of operation, she is forging on. She is a consultant in fish production and has diversified into stock supply. Four years after, she shares her story.
“I have gained lots of experience in fish production in the past four years. I thank God I am still in business. At a time, I took a cooperative loan to boost my business. Currently, I have four ponds stocked with 3,000 fish. I have stock all year round. It is quite rewarding.
YAGEP made me financially independent. I have diversified into supply of fingerlings, post fingerlings and juveniles to farmers within and outside Delta. The market for fish is there. I sell to major buyers who off-take or to market women.
“YAGEP is an excellent agricultural policy. It is helpful to youths all over Delta State. Kudos to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Successive governments should not only continue with it but should improve on it.”
Facts have emerged on how House of Representatives aspirant for the Isoko Federal Constituency, Bashorun Askia Ogieh and his consultation team were attacked by thugs at Otor-Igho, on Tuesday.
Sources confirmed that the attack was preconceived and executed by the hoodlums who were evidently loyal to some Isoko North PDP politicians, amongst whom were allegedly the Isoko North PDP chairman, Godwin Ogorugba and others.
Sources also revealed that Isoko North PDP chairman, Godwin Ogorugba had hired two groups of thugs stationed at different spots, alleging that Ogorugba had received huge sum of money from one of the aspirants.
Our source who was privy to the alleged plot debunked the involvement of the Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Council, Mr. Christian Iteire, as earlier reported.
According to the source, “Ogorugba arranged two sets of thugs. One, to disrupt Askia while addressing the delegates and party officials. While the other group of thugs was stationed at the Otor-Igho Primary School to attack Askia’s convoy on their way out of the community.”
Another revelation claimed that, “In addition to this, the LGA PDP chairman after the presentation of Bashorun Askia, in what could be seen as partisan preconceived response, went on countering whatever Bashorun had presented.
“He cut short persons who were in support of Bashorun in their speeches, claiming he was expecting others who were coming after Bashorun visit. A total disregard for his visitor and very unfriendly in his response.m,” the source alleged.
Reacting to the attack, the Isoko North PDP chairman, Godwin Ogorugba, denied his involvement in the attack against Ogieh by political thugs in his compound.
He said, “I was very angry, I learnt it was some boys from Emevor, Owhelogbo and Ozoro that were stoning him because they said he didn’t give them money.”
The glowing performances in terms of employment and development of Isoko nation, including the rising profile of Bashorun Askia Ogieh, according to sources had sent jitters into the camps of Jonathan Ukodhiko who is also said to be aspiring for the Isoko federal constituency in the 2023 general elections.
“The only option left for Ukodhiko due to his unacceptability is to create trouble everywhere. I will boldly say that this is not the way to go in responsible politics”, a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain from Isoko South said. Ogieh is also a former Managing Director of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
It could be recalled that Bashorun Askia Ogieh and his entourage during a consultation visit to the Isoko North PDP chairman, Godwin Ogorugba, at Otor-Igho community were attacked by armed political thugs allegedly working for Jonathan Ukodhiko, a fellow aspirant of the same party.
In the attack, two mobile police officers attached to the former DESOPADEC MD, Bashorun Askia and members of his entourage were severely wounded while their vehicles were badly damaged.
No arrest has been made as at the time of filling this report.
Leading House of Representatives aspirant for the Isoko Federal Constituency, Bashorun Askia Ogieh has called for deep sober reflections and prayers as Muslims mark the end of Ramadan fasting.
Bashorun Askia in an Eid-el-Fitri message on Monday, in Uzere enjoined all Muslims to rededicate Nigeria to God as the country faces existential challenges, adding, “The fasting was successful and the spirits of all Muslim faithful were lifted high. And it is without doubt that God answered all supplications and rewarded accordingly.”
The statement reads:
“As the Muslim faithful celebrate the successful completion of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, I heartily felicitate with all faithful for God’s abiding grace that saw them through the sacred exercise. The fasting was successful and the spirits of all Muslim faithful were lifted high. I pray that the lessons of Ramadan; piety, self-denial, prayers and generosity to the poor and needy be rewarded accordingly by the Almighty God.”
“At this time in Nigeria’s existential challenges, I enjoin all Muslims to use the special blessings from God in Ramadan to rededicate our dear country to Him in fervent prayers.
I believe that despite the challenges facing our country, we are undoubtedly a people that are special to God. He continues to harken to our prayers.
“Due to His outstanding love for Nigeria, I urge all Muslims to continuously present the country in prayer to God, knowing that He is always there for us.
“Witnessing another Eid el Fitri is a special privilege from God who has control over the destiny of man and I therefore pray that all may look forward to a much more fulfilling and rewarding future.
PRISCA UGHELLI trained in Fashion Design and Tailoring and was established in the 2017/2018 cycle of the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme as a Brown STEP beneficiary. She hails from Udu Local Government Area. She is a Business Administration graduate, but now the CEO of P & G Fashion Houze, Warri.
Three years after establishment, Prisca has bought four manual sewing machines and trained five persons. Currently, she has three trainees. She has a fashion outlet at Ekete-Inland being managed by one of her graduated trainees. She shares her experience.
“I am enjoying the fashion life. The starter pack was a boost to my shop as it placed me on a higher class above my competitors. It added glamour to my brand as most of them do not have industrial machines and a generator in my area. Any client who comes to my shop feels comfortable doing business with me.
“I have diversified into transportation and foodstuff business. I bought an ‘Okowa bus’ with ₦1.2M, from which the driver remits ₦25,000.00 weekly. I established the foodstuff business with ₦500,000.00. I was able to raise the funds through a cooperative society I belong to and from savings from my fashion business, especially the money realized from the production of facemasks. I am now married and blessed with a child.
“The programme changed my life. I could afford to acquire a skill, but the challenge was how to establish. Job creation bureau made it easier for me. I am a testifier. I am no longer in the labour market. I no longer engage myself in menial jobs. I am now financially independent.”
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Dr. Iyorchia Ayo has applauded the Minority leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu for his outstanding contributions towards human capital development of the people in his Aniocha/Oshimili Federal constituency, saying that Delta State was very lucky to have such an outstanding personality.
Speaking on Friday at the 2021 edition of the Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu’s empowerment programme for the people of his Federal Constituency, held at the Cenotaph, Asaba, Dr. Ayo acknowledged that Elumelu who represents Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives had done well, even as he affirmed that the PDP was very proud of him.
665 constituents were empowered with empowerment items that included; tricycles, motorcycles, high capacity power generating sets, deep freezers and high standard sewing machines, while 300 artisans were empowered with Cash grants of One Hundred Naira to support their vocation.
While urging other representatives to replicate what Elumelu had done in their respective constituencies, the PDP National chairman urged politicians to place high premium on the welfare of citizens, especially the ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, politicians should not forget the ordinary people because without them and the support of the people, they cannot be anything as far as politics is concerned.
“Delta State is very lucky to have such an outstanding personality. Elumelu has done very very well and the PDP is very proud of him.
“If all our representatives across the country do this in their respective constituencies, it will help the party a great deal.
“What Elumelu is doing will enormously support the efforts that our governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, is putting for his people.
“I congratulate him for the concern he has shown to our people. I urge all politicians not to forget the ordinary people because without them and the support of our people, we cannot be anything as far as politics is concerned.
“It is only their support that makes it possible for us to win elections as a party and for us to continue to be the big men that people say we are. You can’t be a big man without a small man.
“Therefore, l will be very happy to campaign for any candidate who show concern for the ordinary people because our party, the PDP, was formed for the people with umbrella as its symbol,” he said.
Ayu thanked the lawmaker for his contributions to PDP, adding ,”I thank you for looking after the ordinary people of the PDP family and l urge everybody who is elected whether as a member of the National Assembly, State House of Assembly or as a councillor; if you cannot help a 100 people, try to help at least one to five persons.”
In his remarks, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa noted that Rt. Hon. Elumelu was doing great wonders in his representation of his constituents, adding that the event was not the first time he was empowering the people in the constituency.
According to the governor, it is important that people continue to realise that when you find yourself in privileged position, you must honour people because it is through the votes of the people that we find ourselves in wherever we are as elected officials.
“I thank God for your life. Last year, l spoke glowingly of what you had done; today, it appears to me that you have even surpassed what you did last year; may God continue to empower you.
“There is no doubt that anything that is done to engage every youth, every man or every woman in Delta State and to support them to succeed in life, such a person that does that is helping the government of Delta State to reach out.
“You are aware that we have had several entrepreneurship programmes in Delta State, so anybody who complements that effort is high in our mind and l want to congratulate you with what we have seen here, today,” he said.
Congratulating Hon. Elumelu for his sterling contributions to the growth and development of humanity, Okowa urged the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme to make good use of the items given to them, stressing that they should continue to find a way to reach out to others.
“It does not take only the rich to bless others, in your own very little ways, you can also bless others and bless a fellow party member. It helps us to grow as a people.
“In our individual ways, whether you are a councillor, you are a supervisory councilor, you are a vice chairman, a local government council chairman, you are a member of House of Assembly, you in the National Assembly, you are a governor or deputy governor, wherever you find yourself as an elected official, help somebody and all of us in a privileged appointment should find somebody to help.
“By the time we find one, two, three or four persons to help individually, we would have had a multiplier effect and it will be good for our nation, Nigeria,” the governor added.
Also speaking, the PDP Chairman in the state, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso lauded Elumelu for his contributions to national development as well as his contributions to the socio-economic well-being of his constituents.
Earlier, Elumelu had said that the programme was part of measures to give sense of belonging to men, women and youths of his constituency.
He used the forum to give a score card of his representation in the area of wealth creation, security, health and physical infrastructure.
“You will recall that last year, under the 2020 constituency development and empowerment programme, I delivered across my constituency, very robust infrastructural and human capital development projects including strategic roads and drainage projects, vocational centers, ICT centers and town hall projects in Asaba, Agbor, Idumuje-unor, Onicha-uku, Ibusa, Onicha Olona, Ogwashi-uku, Ewulu, Ubulu Uku, Ubulu-unor, Obior, Ubulu-Okiti, Akukwu-Igbo, Obomkpa, Ugbodu among others.
“This is in addition to the provision of 820 stands of solar lights across the communities in the four Local Government Areas in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, rehabilitation of Government Hospital, Onicha-olona, construction of 20 flats staff quarters as well as clinic for the Department of State Services (DSS), renovation of DSS office and premises in Issele-uku, renovation of Police stations across the four LGA’s in the Federal Constituency and construction of befitting palaces for our revered traditional rulers.
“Further to this is the empowerment of over 2,300 beneficiaries, including through direct employment of over 150 constituents as Personal Assistants (PAs) on youth and women matters, job placements for over 40 beneficiaries in Federal Government ministries, agencies and departments and over 1,375 beneficiaries empowered through various financial interventions.
“This is in addition to the training of 200 youths and women in cassava and rice production, after which starter packs were given to them as well as the 456 beneficiaries of 107 tricycles, 148 motorcycle, 111 electricity generating sets and 90 deep freezers worth over N300 million.
“Mr. Chairman, it may interest you to know that in line with your belief in the deepening of leadership capacity, which you demonstrated upon being sworn in, I sponsored a four-days capacity building workshop in Abuja, for Chairmen and Vice Chairmen as well as 80 Councilors in the four Local Government of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency their election.
“In keeping with my commitment to our people, we are again gathered here today for the formal presentation and distribution of more empowerment items in addition to numerous constituency projects to more communities under the 2021 programme.
“Today, 665 beneficiaries from various wards in our Constituency, will be presented with assorted empowerment items including 211 more deep freezers, 211 more electricity generating sets, 91 more motorbikes, 81 more tricycles and 71 more sewing machines, waiting for formal presentation to beneficiaries.
“I am also delighted to inform you that under the 2021 intervention, various skill acquisition programmes were organized for which 300 beneficiaries will today receive N100,000 cash empowerment to finance their various vocations.
“I also attracted and executed various infrastructural projects for the wellbeing of our people. These include 400 more solar street lights for our communities, construction of more roads, drainages, boreholes, electricity projects and utilitarian townhalls, respectively in various communities including Ugbodu, Idumuje-Ugboko Issele-mkpitime, Nsukwa, Ukwu-nzu, Ezi as well as befitting palaces in Idumuje-unor and Obomkpa.
“This is in addition to the construction of another 28 flats (2 blocks of 14 one-bedroom apartments) for DSS officers, renovation of DSS office/quarters in Aniocha, renovation of Police stations and Police quarter including in Asaba, Isselu-uku, Ogwashi-uku, among others.
“Your Excellencies, you will observe that I deliberately left out the 2022 projects. However, work on most of the projects have reached advanced stages and will be unfolded at the appropriate time. Permit me to state that amongst them is the construction of Asaba Massacre Memorial Centre for which the Asagba of Asaba has graciously provided land as well as the Oko and Asaba Jetty for 8 numbers of 20 passengers boats respectively.
“May I with utmost respect thank our dear Governor Okowa, party leaders, my elders, the youths, women and all stakeholders for their support and encouragement towards my success story as the representative of our people in the National Assembly, particularly as the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.
“I also thank all our leaders and entire people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency for the confidence you have over the years reposed in me. I am grateful for your outpouring of goodwill to me during my consultative tours and particularly your resolve to renew my mandate to continue to represent you in the House of Representatives, come 2023. I do not take this for granted and I will never let you down.
“Permit me to commend the four LGA Party Chairmen (Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili North and Oshimili South), Dame Nkem Okwuofu, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, Hon. Odinigwe Odigie, Hon. Austin Chikezie, Sir Tony Ayaegbunam, Bridget Modebe and a host of others for their commitment, tenacity and resilience in putting this program together.
“Mr. Chairman sir, in Delta under the leadership of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, PDP is alive and we are ready to follow you to rescue and rebuild Nigeria and If I may borrow your word sir ” PDP is back”, Elumelu stated in his speech.
Also at the event was the Former Governor of the State, Chief Onanefe Ibori, Some members of the National working Committee of the PDP, Some members of the National Assembly, Members of the State House of Assembly, Members of the State Executive Council and notable leaders of the party in Delta State.
Wife of Delta State Governor and founder, 05 initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, has formally commissioned the 19th Delta owned sickle cell clinic in the state.
She inaugurated the newly built and equipped clinic at Bomadi General Hospital in Bomadi Local Government Area, during the flag off of the ongoing free grassroot medical outreach for Patani/Bomadi Federal Constituency, where she urged the politicians and elites to ensure that the people benefits from the various health initiatives of government.
While thanking God for the privilege to impact lives, Dame Okowa charged the people to bring those with traces of sickle cell anaemia symptoms to the clinic for early detection and enjoined health personnel to give adequate attention and care to patients in order to justify the huge investment of her 05 Initiative pet project.
The governor’s wife therefore, urged the residents to take ownership of the facility and ensure its adequate maintenance and effective usage.
She however, frowned at the alleged lackadaisical attitude of some medical personnel in the discharge of their duties and warned that the state government is ready to bring to book, medical personnel who deprive vulnerable indigenes of medical care.
“If doctors or nurses do not come to the hospital, report to the appropriate quarters. Put your feet on the ground and ensure that you get the needed medical services. The Governor cannot be everywhere at the same time and so you need to serve as the watchdogs of the government”
She emphasized that a lot of efforts had gone into upgrading existing government hospitals in the state and that it would be disappointing if the facilities are not maintained or the professionals deny the people of the needed care.
The council boss, Hon. William Angadi lauded the efforts of the 05 Initiative, in restoring hope to the hopeless in the state and assured of further council’s support.
Commenting on the commencement of the five-day free eye care outreach, Dame Okowa charged the elites: “Beam your searchlights into your communities, look for everyone with visual impairment and bring them because if after these give days, you still have any blind person in your community, you will be held responsible”.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Mordi Ononye expressed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the activities of the Initiative.
The Coordinator, Restore Sight Africa Initiative Dr Ernest Ogbedo whose initiative is partnering with the O5 Initiative, said plans were also in place to examine the eyes of sickle cell warriors.
In his words, “As those living with sickle cell disorder are being enabled to live longer, it is important we help them stay healthy”.
MERCY OGHALE AKPUKANE has an OND in Business Administration. She hails from Isoko North Local Government Area and is the CEO of Mercy O.G Global Venture. Four years after her higher education, she enrolled in the Delta State Government’s Youth Agricultural and Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) in the 2018/2019 cycle. She is passionate about agriculture and feels fulfilled practicing it. She has diversified into poultry, into agricultural stocks supply and has acquired some tools for personal use. She tells her story.
“I currently have seven fish ponds and 7,000 fish. First and foremost, YAGEP gave me a sense of belonging after four years of unemployment. It gave me the opportunity to associate with others; the joy of leaving home in the morning and having somewhere meaningful to go to.
“YAGEP has given me financial freedom to some extent. I have rented and furnished an apartment where I live and at the same time contribute to the upkeep and education of my siblings. I have acquired a personal pumping machine and scale. I do not need to queue up to harvest my fish. I work according to my own timetable.
“I am a testimony that YAGEP is successful. I feel fulfilled being a YAGEPreneur. I am developing my entrepreneurial skills. I have diversified into poultry. I supply day-old birds, point of lay birds, fish fingerlings, post-fingerlings, juveniles, medication for birds among others.”
Twitter has confirmed that it is selling the platform to billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk in a deal valued at $44 billion.
This development was made known on Monday.
The sale, however, was a dramatic shift for the board, which had earlier plotted to block billionaire Musk from taking the social media network private.
“Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated,” Musk had said in a joint release announcing the takeover.
The Independent Investigation Panel on Human Rights Violations by the defunct SARS and other units of the Nigerian Police Force on Monday issued a warrant of arrest on the Commissioner of Police in charge of legal services at the Force Headquarters, CP Ogbeh Ochogwu.
The warrant was issued in respect of the alleged enforced disappearance and unlawful arrest and detention of John Emeka Alozie by the Force since 25th of June, 2017.
The CP was on several occasions ordered to appear before the panel with the case file of the victim, Alozie but up till date he has not honoured the order of the panel despite adjourning the petitions five times to allow more time for the CP to do the needful.
Apparently angered by the disregard, the Chairman of the panel Justice Suleiman Galadima (rtd.), who issued the arrest warrant on the top police officer, said that the attitude of Ochogwu is unbecoming of a lawyer and officer of the Police Force.
According to the eminent jurist, the only option left for the panel is to issue a warrant of arrest on the CP Legal and mandate the National Human Rights Commission to write to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, LPDC to report the Ochogwu conduct in the matter.
The Chairman noted that the CP has flagrantly and repeatedly disobeyed the order of the panel, having refused to turn in the said case file to enable the panel unravel the truth about the whereabouts of Alozie in accordance with the law.
It would be recalled that the wife of the victim, Alozie had testified that a high court had ordered the Police to release the victim and the ordered was never obeyed till date.
The panel adjourned the petition till 27th of April, 2022 for progress report.
