Professionals in the engineering field have been advised to up their game by proffering solutions to the challenges facing the profession, including housing deficits in the country.
Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, gave the advice at the 29th Founders’ Day Celebration of the Ikeja, Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the commissioning of the Engineering Resource Centre named in his honour, held at Ralph Alabi Engineering Centre, Ogba, Lagos, on Monday January 31, 2022.
He said: “I will urge engineers, in spite of the giant strides they have made, not to relent in their efforts at human development and progress in order to live up to the billing as merchants of applied knowledge. The best research and innovations will still take engineers to convert to reality.
“One major challenge of an urban centre like Lagos is housing shortage. According to the latest estimate, Lagos has 2.5 million housing deficits. This creates other problems of health, the environment and security.
“The overcrowding and high population density in some areas is a ticking time bomb in epidemics and pandemics of the future. Engineers should begin to design and construct low-cost houses that use less concrete and blocks and can be produced at very fast rate in order to decongest and restore sanity to these areas,” the Minister stated.
Speaking further on the role of professionals in setting minimum standards for development in the country, Ogbeni Aregbesola stated that professional bodies should put themselves in the position to ensure that the government is getting value for money on projects and that the public feel their impact on the way government conducts its business, so they can gain the respect and admiration of the public.
“More than anything, engineers and professionals in general, should re-horn their sense of role and responsibility to the society in a developing economy like ours. On roads, for instance, engineers and other professionals should come up on an annual basis the requirements and the cost of constructing different categories of roads in the different regions of the country.
“This will prevent just anyone from coming up with arbitrary figures that aid corruption and deplete public resources. Such template should be available on any public works. We need to entrench a culture of government officials and contractors being conscious that they are being watched and scrutinised and that they will be held accountable.
“Unless these professional bodies put themselves in the position to ensure that the government is getting value for money on projects and the public feel their impact on the way government conducts its business, they will find it difficult to gain the respect and admiration of the public and will be seen as part of the scams going on. In the developed world, it is these professional bodies that keep society in check and prevent people from going astray. Nigerian engineers therefore should be involved in the entrenchment of values – of works and service to the community,” Ogbeni Aregbesola stated.
The Minister also challenged engineers in the country to come up with creative ideas to provide energy and reduce the cost of electricity and petroleum products in the country.
“One other major national challenge is energy – for homes, vehicles and industrial uses. We have had enough talk on the energy deficits and challenges. Engineers should now take the lead. There should be new approaches to providing cheaper and affordable alternative sources of energy and conversion of our machines, vehicles and appliances to function with these innovations.
“When I visited Egypt some 10 to 15 years ago, I found out that most of their taxis were very old vehicles, none of them caused toxic pollution on the roads. That society as at then had perfected the use of gas to power their vehicles with the use of simple engineering equipment.
“I am therefore using this occasion to challenge our engineers to come up with very creative ideas to help the country reduce its cost of subsidising petroleum for Nigerians,” the Minister requested.
Speaking at the event, chairman of the occasion, Engr. T.S.G. Wudil, who is also the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, celebrated and appreciated the Ikeja Branch of the NSE for the visionary project, stating that when last he visited in 2015, many meaningful projects and contributions have been made to the Society by the branch.
“Since I came here in 2015, the branch has continued to grow and contribute to the professional development of Engineers in Nigeria.
“I can promise you that the national body will continue to support the growth of the branches and especially the Ikeja branch for its commitment to ensuring the professional development of her members,” the President stated.
Also speaking at the event, the special guest of honour, Dr. Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, stated that he supported the project to ensure the growth of the Engineering profession.
“I personally supported this project to help bridge the gap between the classroom and the practising field. I’m sure with the opening of this building, the Rauf Aregbesola Engineering Resource Centre, the centre will help advance the cause of the Engineering profession in Nigeria,” Dr. Afolabi stated.
Also at the event were: former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Lasun Yusuf; Chairman of the SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi; former Commissioner for Education in the State of Osun, Engr. Kola-Omotunde Young; Special Adviser to the Minister, Hon. Bola Ilori; Deputy President of the NSE, Engr. Mrs. Oguntala, FNSE; Chairman of the Nigeria Mechanical Engineers, Engr. Funmi Akingbagbohun, FNSE; the oldest living Past Chairman of the NSE, Ikeja Branch, Engr Francis Oguamanam, current Ikeja Branch Chairman of the NSE and Chief Host, Engr. Olutosin Ogunmola amongst other special guests.
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Hearkening to calls by the Sokoto state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state on Monday agreed to begin a nationwide consultation on the desirability or otherwise of him pursuing a bid for the Presidency under the auspices of the PDP.
Gov. Tambuwal who recalled that the trajectory of his political career has shown a consistent struggle for democratic astuteness, also pointed out that he has never ventured into any political striving without seeking the approval and blessing of the people of his state as well as constituency.
He, therefore, concurred to start a nationwide consultation process that will enable him decide whether to throw his heart in the ring or not.
He said: “I have listened to our party leaders, women and youths on the call that I should initiate and begin the process of consultations with a view of running and contesting for the President of Nigeria under the banner of our great party,”
Thereafter, he proffered that he would launch the deliberations in earnest and announce what feedback he gets.
Going down memory lane, Gov. Tambuwal recalled that “the voices of wisdom, conscience and advices from our leaders reflecting, anchoring and leveraging on some part of my (political) history,” was accurate.”
He narrated that: “when members of the House of Representatives of the 7th Assembly approached with their desire for me to constest for the position of Speaker, I gave them certain conditions, one of which was that I have leaders – late President Shehu Shagari, former Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and two others in (Sokoto) state.
“I told them to go to my state and consult with these leaders. If they bless your initiative, I will accept your proposal and contest for the Speaker.
“When they came to Sokoto, President Shehu Shagari of blessed memory admonished them that: ‘if you are putting our son forward as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, your efforts must not be sectional or religious,’ “ he stressed, pointing to the direction of current political pursuits which thrust, he notes, must be based on a genuine effort to produce a President for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians.
Muhammad Bello is Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the Governor of Sokoto State.
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The Federal Government has revealed plan to launch the National Strategy Plan on Combatting Illegal Wildlife and Forest Crime in the country.
Addressing a press conference on Monday in Abuja, the Minister of State for Environment, Chief Sharon Ikeazor said the country has recently developed the National Strategy Plan on Combatting Illegal Wildlife and Forest Crime in Nigeria in collaboration with the UNODC.
She revealed that this is due to be launched on the 3rd of March, noting that this strategy document will facilitate the implementation of our policies and initiative aimed at protecting, restoring and promoting the sustainable use of our biodiversity.
She said: “The National Park Services has been in collaboration with NESREA, other relevant agencies like the Nigerian Customs Service to check illegal trafficking and trade in endangered species of wildlife in Nigeria and have made considerable success with seizures. Sensitization campaigns against illegal wildlife are being carried out across the country.”
Ikeazor disclosed that: “We are commencing the Implementation of the National Biosecurity Policy and Action Plan 2022-2026, to guarantee a functional biosecurity system using the one-health approach to minimizing the risks of biological threats to the biodiversity and to humans.”
She said: “Protecting, restoring and sustainably managing Nigeria’s ecosystems could provide more than a third of our climate change mitigation solutions.”
She promised that: “The Federal Ministry of Environment will continue to strive in achieving the set mandates despite all challenges while repositioning her agencies for effective implementation of policies, regulations and projects.”
The Minister disclosed that in the area of afforestation, the national afforestation programme under the green bond project has successfully forested 6,191,363 hectares of land through the green bond project implemented by; Forest Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), National NAGGW, Department of Desertification, land degradation and drought management, National Parks Service (NPS), NGOs, State Governments, Private planters and international stakeholders.
She said: “In addition, a total of 6,550,056 seedlings, were raised, distributed to state governments and institutions and planted by Forest Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Federal Department of Forestry, Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) and tree restoration and planting company in 2020 under the forestry trust fund initiative.”
She noted that: “The most significant action taken towards playing our role in climate change mitigation and adaptation is the signing of the Climate change bill into law by Mr President, in November 2021.”
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From the most part of March 2020 to date, I have observed that Borno’s governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, abandons the executive red chair, and desk in his main office at the Government House in Maiduguri.
So far, Prof has left that elegant ‘seat of power’ largely idled for nearly two years.
On Thursday, May 30, 2019, Professor Zulum, for the first time, sat on that powerful red seat, flanked by two Nigerian flags in the elegant office of the governor. He continued to sit on the same red seat whenever he was at his office.
Suddenly, around March 2020, the Professor began to neglect that red seat of power. But why?
By his nature, Professor Zulum is exceedingly a workaholic, an extraordinary goal-getter and he is very time-conscious. It is difficult to hold a 15-minute dialogue without Prof unconsciously talking about one project, programme or policy.The governor’s mind and office are always about work.
While Zulum was using the red chair, he often had to move back and forth between the cosy red seat and a green conference table surrounded by nine chairs at the centre of his office. He prefers to hold meetings on the conference table rather than surrounded around the red seat.
Ahead of every work day, Prof would line up a number of individuals or groups of persons he either invited or gave appointments. For each person or group, he would allocate time, and always conscious of the time he sets. When anyone arrives, Prof would start with a brief salutation and go straight to the point, aiming to conclude individual sessions within five to 10 minutes and offering slightly more time for groups, depending on the issue in focus. Severally, the governor would host commissioners with heads of establishments under their supervisions and technical officials relating to particular projects around the green conference table. Perhaps, because Prof is too time-conscious, the speed with which he hosts meetings and deals with all kinds of issues, makes it less necessary for him to shift from the green conference table back the red ‘seat of power’. With time, Prof unconsciously stopped alternating between the red ‘seat of power’ and the green conference table. It is now nearly two years since Professor Zulum has only been operating from that green conference table, at the expense of the red ‘seat of power’.
I beg your pardon, I think from March 2020 to date, Professor Zulum did sit on the red ‘seat of power’, about 10 to 15 times, and in most instances, he was video recorded for state-widebroadcasts in the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic back in 2020, ahead of the June 12 democracy days in 2020 and 2021, and over some serious issues of public concerns.
Aside those momentous occasions, the red ‘seat of power’ stayed empty. Prof continues to operate from the green conference table whenever he is at the office.
But is there a potential message in Professor Zulum’s‘addiction’ to his office’s conference table rather than the red seat?
In her 2019 research article on the ‘psychology of conference tables’ published by Science of People.com, a behavioural scientist, Vanessa Van Edwards, infers that conference tables convey meanings of serious business and each seat, from that of the boss, to every seat around the conference table, conveysa particular meaning. She implies that anyone walking towards a conference table is bound to develop the mentality of becoming work-focused and less of sociality, whichdefinitely fit into the very nature of Prof Zulum.
As a Professor, who writes and reads a lot of research articles, Zulum apparently realized that seating around a conference table, rather than on the red ‘seat of power’ sends a message to everyone coming into the governor’s office – it’s nothing but work.
Of course, Professor Zulum’s operation from a conference table does not mean that other governors and chief executives who use their official ‘seats of power’ are not dedicated orefficient. It is a matter of style! After all, Zulum himself is far more addicted to working in the field, an attribute from his engineering training, a professor at that discipline.
And as I once wrote, Zulum is an early riser. His work clock begins from 6 am and ends between 11 pm and 12midnight.
Most times, he would send invitations at night to assemble government officials who head organs of particular sectors, particularly education, healthcare and humanitarian services. The officials converge between 6am and 7am next day at the government house. Prof would then appear, often driving himself, to lead a small convoy of two or three private vehicles. At that point, officials who may have fallen short of meeting project targets after being funded may then start praying that the Prof does not visit their projects’ sites. Perhaps, the Prof, as a strict religious adherent, offers counter-prayers earlier at dawn before he sets out. So, he ends up heading straight to the sites that the officials do not want him to visit. Zulum detests poor performances and he rewards productivity so fast, and so well.
I should also hint that Prof has a number of trusted youths that he regularly assigns to obtain corroborative footages and photographs on work progresses, to compare with whatever reports he gets from officials in charge of projects and programmes. No matter how much Zulum trusts any official, the Professor rarely relies entirely on a single source of information. Consistently, he demands corroborative evidences from different sources and his style makes falsehoods less likely to come his way.
Regularly, Prof Zulum argues that keen monitoring and evaluation is one of the key enablers of the successes in private sectors when compared with public sectors. Zulum often cites that some workers earn more in public sectors but less dedicated compared to private workers with less pay, duelargely to strict monitoring and evaluation in private sectors.
In the meantime, Zulum had in his 2022 budget address,announced a critical plan to introduce a new system of effective monitoring and evaluation in Borno’s public institutions, starting with schools, hospitals and water services.
Certainly, Zulum’s regular monitoring keep heads of public institutions on their toes, especially when they know that the governor can show up at oddest hours. More so, Professor Zulum does not appear to enjoy relaxing in the office, a(subconscious) attitude that has left largely empty, the governor’s red ‘seat of power’.
Isa Gusau is a Special Adviser and spokesman to Governor Zulum.
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It is becoming increasingly difficult to understand the nuances of the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, especially in recent times.
The much acclaimed and widely proclaimed defender of the Yoruba nation is gradually indulging in the antithetical ethos, detrimental to the spirit of its foundational objectives and goals.
Her recent campaign for the power shift to the South East when capable people from her traditional extraction has signified interest to run for the presidency, speaks volumes of her pursuit of a personal vendetta than her love for equity, fairness and justice.
This is not to say that the South East does not deserve it, though. It is long overdue even when Afenifere compromised and threw her weight behind Obasanjo second term bid, which saw to the defeat of all AD states except Lagos state, in 2003.
So, one can truly appreciate and understand the angle from which the fractionalised socio-cultural organisation is coming when they declared that, not ceding the nation’s Presidency to the south East amounts to a “gang-up”.
There is no denying the fact that the raging factional wars within the Afenifere family, championed by Pa Ayo Adebanjo on one hand and the erstwhile governor of Ogun state, Chief Segun Osoba, is still on.
This has led to the divisions and the watering down of an hitherto strong force and voice of the Yoruba nation, such that personal sentiments are erroneously been mistaken for the collective position of the embattled group.
Politics is a game of numbers fraught with negotiations, compromises, alignment and realignment. The Igbo nation understand this and thus do not need Afenifere to remind them of their perennial pain. They must not make a mountain out of a mole hill.
Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
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The People’s Republic of China has promised to deepen cooperation with Nigeria to overcome major challenges of the country and to enhance development especially in the face of COVID-19.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun gave the promise in Abuja on Thursday during the commemoration of the 2022 Chinese New Year celebration tagged “The year of the Tiger”.
Cui said that as China marks its new year, and also in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic going down, it is a great opportunity to assist African countries, especially Nigeria in new areas.
He said: “The year of Tiger is really very important for China I do believe that in the year 2022, after the COVID pandemic we will embark on new cooperation.
“I just laid out that we have five strategic goals and also we have five prioritized areas within infrastructure, ICT, industry, investments, imports, exports.
“So I do believe that in the year 2022, China is working hard on building our second goal and during this process, it is very important for two countries to work together.”
He added that: “For Nigeria it is also very important and it is good for both countries to try to utilize the atmosphere of Tiger year.
“That means we will have ambition, we will have bravery, we will have strength, not only defeating the difficulties of the COVID-19 but will embark on deeper, broadened cooperation.”
Cui said that during the last Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in November 2021 in Senegal, Presidnet Xi Jinping pledged to scale up Chinese interventions in Africa in nine major sectors.
“President laid out the initiatives between China and Africa the most important thing that we have nine programs.
He noted that: “The first is about health, the second is poverty alleviation, the third is trade promotion, the fourth is about investment, the fifth is about green development, the sixth is about economy, seventh agriculture.
“The eight is about people-to-people communication the ninth is about security. And of paramount importance is that we have to focus of security.”
He said: “I want to share with you that the Chinese law enforcement is working with the Nigeria side, but how can we create a favorable condition to attract investment, this is of paramount importance.”
Cui however said as the 14th Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, he is working vigorously to ensure implementations in the above listed areas of priorities.
Dr Ifeoma Anyanwutaku, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture while congratulating the government and people of China on the event of their New Year’s celebration, said: “Based on the great diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China in the past 50 years, Nigeria has witnessed renewed impetus for cultural understanding between both countries.
She said: “Significant days such as the Chinese New Year celebration which is also known as the Lunar New Year therefore remains very important to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I wish to reiterate the commitments of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to forge better cultural relations with the People’s Republic of China.”
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The people of Chibok local government area of Borno State have decried the neglect of their area by the government, which has left them vulnerable to Boko Haram attacks.
Chibok got famous when on April 14, 2014 Boko Haram invaded a school in their community, abducting over 270 schoolgirls.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, Kibaku Area Development Association (KADA), an association of people from Chibok local government area of Borno State, lamented that since the break out of insurgency attacks over a decade ago, their area had been attacked over 72 times, with over 407 persons killed.
The group also lamented that over 332 persons have been abducted in the council, over 20 churches burnt, unquantifiable houses and businesses burnt, vehicles stolen and grains barns burnt or destroyed by the terrorist group.
The group, which was led to the press conference by the National President of KADA, Dauda Iliya said: “We are on behalf of the entire Chibok Community, using this medium to once again call on President Muhammadu Buhari to rescue Chibok Community, an ethnic nationality, from total annihilation by the Boko Haram Terrorists. This is because since the mass abduction of our 276 daughters in April, 2014, wherein 57 escaped (on their own) we still have 110 of them still unaccounted for.
“The parents and the Community have continued to be subjected to persistent and sustained attacks, killings, abductions, maiming, arsons and other myriads of criminality without adequate government protection. Chibok has been for all intents and purposes abandoned to its own devices by all layers of government in Nigeria.
“Right from late 2012 up to this time, the statistics of the state of damage and destruction of lives and property inflicted on the Community presents a worrisome and pathetic picture.”
They alleged that: “From late 2018 to date, the frequency of attacks and level of destruction have escalated and are simply alarming. Just this year (2022) alone, Kautikari (second largest town in Chibok area) was attacked on January 14 with five girls abducted, three persons killed, many houses and churches burnt, etc. In sustaining their carnage, Piyemi, another big town in Chibok area, was attacked on January 20 with 19 persons (mostly girls) abducted and one person, the Vigilante leader, beheaded!”
They added that: “The town was practically razed down and virtually all the recently harvested agricultural produce completely burnt down and/or looted. Chibok is predominantly an agrarian community and the whole year’s harvests have been lost to these sustained and targeted attacks posing serious food security concerns in the community.
“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians and Mr. President in particular, to rise up to the occasion and urgently save our people from total annihilation and starvation.”
They asked government to synergize with security forces in confronting the menace so as to end the sustained carnage on the people of Chibok and facilitate the return of the remaining 110 daughters abducted in 2014 and numerous others subsequently abducted at different times; for the immediate setting up of IDP Camps in Chibok town and provide Chibok with skills acquisition centre so as to avoid imminent hunger/starvation.
They also requested the federal government to order deployment of more military personnel as well as better arms to Chibok to halt the continuous attacks on the community and plead with Borno State Governor to do more in organizing and helping the people of the area in securing the state in general and Chibok in particular from attacks.
They condoled the Nigerian Army for the loss of gallant soldiers including the very brave Brigadier General B. K. Zirkushu who lost their lives in Askira protecting the people against the invading terrorists on November 13, 2021.
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The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, has felicitated with the Monarch of Issele-uku kingdom in Aniocha North Local government area, Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Nduka, on the occasion of his birthday and 5th coronation anniversary on the throne .
Elumelu in a statement on Saturday said that Obi Nduka has remained one of the Royal Fathers who has brought standard and dignity to the traditional institution, not only in Delta state, but Nigeria as a whole.
Elumelu commended the king for his charisma and intellectual capacity that he brought to bear in his reign on the throne of the ancient kingdom of Issele-uku, saying that his royal impact has translated to peace, progress and prosperity of the people of the kingdom.
“You have remained humble, empathic to the plight of oligbo people, principled, focused, God fearing ruler and an epitome of royalty with high regards. Your actions, since your ascension to the throne has helped in no small measure, in promoting the cherish dignity that our traditional institution is known for and we are indeed very proud of you.
“Your Royal Majesty, on behalf of the entire Elumelu family, the people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Delta State and Nigeria in general, I sincerely felicitate with you on this auspicious occasion of your birthday and 5th anniversary on the throne of your forefathers,” the Minority Leader said.
While praying God to bless, sustain and give the Monarch divine health and many more momentous reign on the throne of his forefathers, Elumelu also congratulated him on his appointment into the Delta State Traditional Rules Council and said that it is another opportunity for the young and highly regarded king, to do more for the upliftment of the traditional institution in the State.
Elumelu who represents Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, in the same vain, congratulated the other Royal Fathers from his constituency, appointed into the State Traditional Rules Council, and appreciated the State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the appointments.
He urged the Monarchs to join hands together with their counterparts in the Council to sustain the existing peace in the State in consonance with the Stronger Delta mantra of the State Governor.
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The Commissioner for Works (Urban and Highways), Mr Noel Omodon, has assured that the construction of the 10.43km Boji-Boji/Otolokpo and Umunede/Owa-Alero Roads in Ika North East Local Government Area will be completed and delivered to the State Government in October 2022.
Mr Omodon who gave the assurance yesterday while inspecting the projects, explained that the essence of the roads was to open up all the agrarian communities in that corridor for easy transportation of agricultural produce to the urban markets.
The works commissioner expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace with which the projects are being handled, even as he urged the contracting firms handling the projects to take full advantage of the dry season to expedite action on the roads.
While reiterating government’s desire to completie all ongoing projects before the administration winds down, advised contractors handling projects in his ministry to maintain standards and specifications.
Earlier, the Site Engineer for Messrs Sharpstone Nig Ltd, the contracting firm handling the Boji Boji-Otolokpo Road, Engr John Okonobe, explained that the 10.43km road was awarded in March 202, adding that the first layer of earth works have been completed on the total length of the road.
According to him, the only challenge faced by the construction firm was insufficient length of drains due to some critical sections of the road where drains are needed to discharge into the borrow pit.
Engr Okonobe however said that an additional three borrow pits have been acquired where the other drains would be discharged into, having exhausted the first three borrow pits.
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Governor Ifeanyi Okowa (Ekwueme), has finally cleared the air on how his successor will emerge in 2023. In case you missed it, the great Ekwueme himself gave the clarification, during the mega rally held at the cenotaph to welcome the avalanche of top members and chieftains of the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, on Saturday, January 22nd, 2022,
This is an excerpt of what Governor Okowa said: “We are one family in PDP; we cannot fight and we will never fight; at the appropriate time, it will be well with us. But, one thing I have always promised and I still promise today is that there will always be free and fair primaries; so, there is no room to fight.
“There is no room to quarrel, let us work together as one family that we are and ensure that PDP stays continuously as a family.”
There you have it, from the Governor’s mouth himself, clearing the air on how the next Governorship candidate and indeed all the candidates for the other National and State Assemblies positions, will emerge from their respective primaries, in the PDP.
Of course, the Movement for Stronger Delta, MSD, is quite confident and there’s no doubt whatsoever, that anyone who picks the ticket to contest as a PDP Candidate in any election in the State, is as good as winning that election, for the simple reason that the PDP is and has always been the most loved, the most united, the most organized and obviously the best-prepared party for any election in the State.
Just as Governor Okowa himself declared at the rally: “We are advising those who want to run in other political parties not to waste their time and money because there is no space for them in Delta. We work as a family with the love of God, but in the other parties, they are always fighting themselves,” the governor said.
Amazingly, since the Governor cleared the air on how his successor will emerge in the PDP and subsequently as the next Governor of Delta State, by the Grace of God, all those naysayers, negative propagandists, rumour mongers, ethnic jingoists and all those trying to use devious methods to blackmail the governor to announce their names, and who had earlier gone to town to spread all manner of tales and fables about Okowa fighting some people and supporting other people, have suddenly become very mute and quiet.
Now that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has laid to rest, the wild speculations and allegations on how his successor will emerge, “their eyes don clear” and they have now withdrawn into their empty shells, apparently shocked by the clarity, transparency, and simplicity of the process which, funny enough, has been the one and the most recognized way such matters have been decided in the PDP, right from time.
The point to be made now is the fact that whether President Muhammadu Buhari assents to the Electoral Bill or not, the existing status quo, which gives political parties the option of using either the direct or indirect method to conduct their primaries, has been maintained and retained.
Even in the event of consensus, which is the third stipulated method, it still behooves a responsible political party to conduct a transparent primaries, where the consensus candidate will be endorsed either by the votes of the accredited delegates or by the entire membership of the party.
Deltans will recall that Governor Okowa was the only member of the PDP who picked the gubernatorial form in the PDP, for the 2019 Guber primaries and was successfully screened in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to participate in the primary election.
The primary was properly conducted and Mrs. Uzo Nwandu, Chairman of the PDP Delta State gubernatorial primary elections, declared Governor Okowa winner with a score of 3, 252 votes, in a poll that had 3, 278 accredited delegates from different local government areas of the State and 26 invalid votes.
Before him also, Chief James Ibori emerged from well conducted guber primaries for the 1999 and 2003 elections; Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan went through rigorous, keenly contested primaries especially the one in 2007 and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa himself, after the 2007 primaries also faced a robust and fiercely fought primary election, which was even televised live, in his 2011 Senatorial bid. So, free, fair and transparent primaries, which everyone can see, have always been the way for the PDP.
It is on record however that most political parties have always adopted the indirect method for their primaries which, by its very nature, is a delegates election and it will therefore not be out of place to advise all those aspiring to become Governor of Delta State in 2023, to start preparing themselves for any of the methods which the PDP would eventually adopt for its primaries.
History has shown that the delegates election is quite interesting and exciting because anybody who is not even a politician or an elected or appointed political office holder, but who is well prepared and has done his/her homework properly, also has a very fantastic chance of carrying the day at the polls.
In the 2015 PDP primaries, for instance, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was then a Senator and the Senate Committee Chairman on Health, had scored 406 votes to come out tops and Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, who was then the ex-Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, had polled 185 to come out third.
But, Mr. David Edevbie, whose only remarkable political credential is arguably his appointment as a Commissioner in the Delta State Exco, “miraculously” polled a whooping 299 votes, apparently enjoying the support of some powerful interests, to come out second and defeat some very core and notable politicians, amongst the 18 aspirants that contested the primary election. In the end, the process was adjudged to be free, fair, and very transparent.
Indeed, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s leadership and guidance of the PDP, since he assumed Office as Delta Governor, has been hallmarked by his unflinching insistence and commitment to ensure that the people, especially at the grassroots, must be allowed to determine who will be their representatives at all levels, because power belongs to the people.
He has instilled this excellent philosophy in the elective processes of the PDP, thus making the party one big, happy family and the result is that virtually all the candidates who have emerged as PDP Flagbearers, have gone on to enjoy landslide victories in all the elections conducted under his watch, because of the overwhelming support they have enjoyed from the entire membership of the party in their various Zones and Constituencies.
The former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, was to sum up Governor Okowa’s leadership of the party, during the Asaba mega rally, with these choice words: “I thank you [Okowa] for the job you are doing in Delta State and at the national level for the benefit of Nigerians. I most especially thank you for what I am seeing here today because you have done very well in Delta State and I cannot be more proud that you are our Governor today.
“You are leading us very well and it is our duty, and we are all committed to saying that you will finish very strong and at the end of the day we will all gather to thank God for you. From what I can see here you have provided an atmosphere for a free and fair contest and you have provided an atmosphere for people’s aspirations to be heard without intimidation whatsoever.
“Of a truth, this was the philosophy behind the formation of this great party when I said in 1998 that democracy is about opening up the space and environment for everybody to aspire to whatever he or she believes in and I thank you for continuing with that vision. I want to thank you on behalf of the teeming members of our party and pray that God will continue to guide you as you lead us in the years ahead,’’ Ibori said.
And so, now that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has cleared the air on how his successor will emerge, the onus rests on all serious, honest, capable and responsible aspirants, to start preparing for the primaries to come, no matter the method the party will adopt.
The PDP and Governor Okowa (Ekwueme) will always provide a free and fair atmosphere for its primaries and for any member of the party to pursue and fulfill their ambitions, so that the best man/woman will emerge and consolidate on the visionary mandate of building a #StrongerDelta for Deltans in 2023.
That, as we have always declared, is the SIMPLE Agenda.
Signed: MOVEMENT FOR STRONGER DELTA (MSD)
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EMMANUEL UCHE is our STEPreneur for the week. He hails from Aniocha North Local Government Area and holds a BSC in Medical Biochemistry from the University of Benin. He got enrolled in the Delta State Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) in the 2016/2017 Cycle as a way out of unemployment and has no regrets about his decision.
Trained and established in Electrical Installation and Repairs, he is the CEO of Marvict Electrical Store, Issele-Uku. He is efficient and knowledgeable in his line of enterprise. He has installed electricity in over 60 buildings. He is a resource person and a trainer with the State Government’s Rural Youth Skills Acquisition (RYSA.) Hear him,
“I have trained 34 persons and currently have 7 trainees from RYSA in my centre. I have featured in a number of exhibitions, and was part of the team of electricians that installed electricity in the venue for the 2017 Job Creation Product Exhibition.
“Consistency, availability and customer care are the hallmark for any successful business. I have taken electrical installation to the next level by going for re-training in Transformer Installation and Repair at Obosi in Anambra State, which has enhanced my marketability and increased the quality of clients attracted to me. “I have two employees and have achieved a lot for himself and my family in the past five years. I have a flourishing electrical shop; have bought a car and am building a house.”
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President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed support for the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, wishing Nigerian athletes participating in games success.
The President in a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser (Media & Publicity), Femi Adesina read: “On behalf of all Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari wishes Nigerian athletes participating in the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games success at the competition.”
The statement further read that: “President Buhari trusts that Nigerian athletes participating in different events will excel at the competition, surpassing the previous record in PyeongChang, South Korea, in 2018, when the nation competed for the first time.
“Recognising that the Olympic Games is a platform for closer friendship and cooperation between countries, the Nigerian leader sincerely hopes that all athletes, in the pursuit of their Olympic dream, would promote the core values of the Games: excellence, friendship and respect.
“The President congratulates China on hosting the Winter Olympics, lauding Beijing for making history as the first “dual Olympic city” in the world’s Olympic history, having hosted the Summer Olympics in 2008.”
The statement added that: “As a friendly and brotherly country to Nigeria, President Buhari affirms the support of the Nigerian government and its people to China.
“He believes that with China’s rich experience in organising international events, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, with the slogan “Together for a Shared Future”, will be delivered as a splendid, exceptional and extraordinary Olympic event for the world.”
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Africans Rising for Justice, Peace & Dignity has identified growing discontentment with elected leaders as the cause of growing coup d’etat in Africa
The comment came after the military take-over of government in Burkina Faso, which increase the country where democratically elected government was forcefully removed to five in the last one year as Guinea, Sudan, Mali and Chad had earlier witnessed coup d’etat.
Africans Rising for Justice, Peace and Dignity, a Pan-African social movement of over 30,000 members working to foster an Africa-wide solidarity and unity of purpose of the peoples of Africa, in a statement on Wednesday, while condemning the coup by armed forces in Burkina Faso, said: “We know the military takeover is a manifestation of citizens’ frustrations with the country’s leadership, but a coup is never a long-term solution for peace.”
The Movement said: “As we have seen across the continent, a coup d’etat is often a symptom of a people and a country that feel their constitutional governments are unable to bring promised development and stability.
“Such is the case in Burkina Faso, where years of protests have been held by activists and concerned citizens calling out their government’s inability to protect them from terrorist attacks, which have resulted in over 2000 deaths since 2016 and the displacement of more than 1.5 million Burkinabes in the past decade.”
Africans Rising Movement Co-Coordinator, Muhammed Lamin Saidykhan, in the statement was quoted to have said: “The people of Burkina Faso are tired of living under the threat of violence and they demand a political leadership that can effectively defend their human right to safe and secure living,” adding that: “As a Pan-African movement of the people, Africans Rising fully supports their rights to a peaceful existence and a stable democratic government.”
The Movement however called on military leaders for the safe release of President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré from detention, stating that: “We strongly urge the Junta to engage in a peaceful resolution to the recent mutiny and to hand over civilian rule as immediately as possible. During this time, the military must respect all the freedoms granted to Burkinabes, including the freedoms of movement and expression.”
The Movement added that: “We call on international bodies like ECOWAS and the African Union to take measures to ensure the safety and well-being of Burkina Faso’s citizens and protected during this critical moment. International human rights organizations, like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, must be vigilant observers of the events developing in the country so that any issues of injustice can be addressed by the appropriate authorities.
“Africans Rising hopes to see a prompt return to civilian leadership in Burkina Faso. It is with the people that our our movement stands.”
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–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael J. EKOKORUWE:
Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has commended Chief Edwin Uzor, Special Adviser to the Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, for the state peace advocacy and capacity building workshop and assured of government continuos support towards the success of the programme.
Governor Okowa gave the commendation at Ika federal constituency, during the peace advocacy workshop held at the 500 – capacity lecture hall, University of Delta, Owa-Oyibo campus, Delta State.
Okowa, represented by Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, Chief of Staff Government House said, since inception of the office of the Special Adviser on peace building and conflict resolution was created, the narrative of the department has changed for good.
He stated that without peace and security, there cannot be development, emphasizing that Delta State has been relatively peaceful and doing well, compared to some states in Nigeria. The governor commended traditional rulers, the clergy and stakeholders for their role in peace and security of the state.
Okowa urged traditional rulers to always assist the government to communicate government programmes and policies to the people as they are nearer, just as he urged Chief Edwin Uzor to take the peace advocacy to more communities and streets of Delta State.
Speaking during the workshop, Chief Uzor said, efforts are made to identify communities where there is threat to peace and nip such crisis on the bud, adding that petitions received are resolved so that such issues do no escalate into intra or inter community unrest.
He noted that communities must have peace and live in peace, which according to him, is essential for all forms of infrastructural development as crisis and hostile behaviour brings about underdevelopment, disunity and poverty.
Uzor enjoined traditional rulers, community leaders, opinion leaders, women and the youth to be proactive and handle crisis in their communities, adding that the purpose of the workshop is to develop the skill and ability of community stakeholders to identify and address symptoms of conflicts and deal decisively with their root causes before they escalate into violence.
For his part, the chairman of the workshop for Ika federal constituency, Chief Festus Okubor said, “No Nation or society can grow without peace, emphasizing that Delta State under Governor Okowa has experienced peace as never before and commended Chief Uzor for the peace initiatives in Delta State. He urged stakeholders to deepen the peace in their various communities.
Traditional rulers from Ika federal constituency who presented goodwill messages commended Governor Okowa and Chief Uzor for the peace advocacy workshop, noting that Governor Okowa has achieved because of the peace in Delta state, adding that the crisis experienced in some parts of Nigeria is the absence of peace and urged government to put more efforts in sustaining the existing peace.
The peace advocacy workshop had the theme; “Peace for All; More Gains, Zero Pains”, just as three lectures were delivered by Dr. David Oba, Department Of Science National Open University of Nigeria, who spoke on “Communal Crisis and Hostile Behaviours; Victims and Pains”, and Uwomano Ben Okpevra Ph.D, Delta State University Abraka who spoke on “Fostering Harmonious Peaceful Co-existence in the community; A veritable tool for Economic Transformation”, while Amb. Mrs. Caroline Usikpedo – Oliseowe, Special Assistant to Governor Okowa on Youth Development who spoke on “The Role of Youths in Facilitating Enabling Environment for a Harmonious Working Synergy between Host Communities and Investors”.
In attendance were the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Charles Aniagwu, traditional rulers and clergy from Ika nation, Special Assistants, Executive Assistants, Special Advisers to Governor Okowa on Peace Building And Conflict Resolution, selected stakeholders from Ika federal constituency among others.
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–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael J. EKOKORUWE:
The governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has urged the youths of the state to avoid violent elections during the coming 2023 electionairing campaigns, resist the actors of “I must win” and use peace as slogan and watch-word towards enduring peace in Delta State.
Governor Okowa made the statement during the peace advocacy workshop, organised by the office of the Special Adviser to the governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution on the theme; “Peace for All: More Gains, Zero Pains”, for Warri Federal constituency, held at Unity Hall, Delta State Government House Annex, Warri.
Governor Okowa represented by the Hon. Commissioner Bureau for Special Duties, Mr. Johnbull Edema urged stakeholders, traditional rulers and community leaders to engage the people for the need of peace and how to live in peace and harmony, noting that the peace advocacy workshop was timely towards a peaceful environment and communities.
Speaking at the peace advocacy workshop, the Special Adviser to Governor Okowa on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor, stated that the event was for selected stakeholders in search for enduring peace in communities for sustainable development, adding that “peace creates atmosphere for happiness communal living, mutual trust and steady human, economic and political development”.
Uzor enjoined the people to “bring an end to communal crisis and hostile behaviour and create an atmosphere of peace where the gains are many and the pains are absent”, and commended governor Okowa that has sustained a peaceful disposition in ensuring that Delta State remains peaceful and investment friendly.
He added that Okowa is committed to peace, security and the disire to bringing prosperity through the various policies and programmes initiated under the S.M.A.R.T Agenda to build a stronger Delta.
Uzor urged the people to eliminate hostile behaviours that are socially and economically devastating and attract back old business investments that has relocated and encourage new investors to come, noting that the mission of the special adviser to the governor on peace building and conflict resolution is to contribute to the peace and security of the state.
For his part, the Executive Chairman of Warri South local government area and chairman of the workshop for Warri Federal constituency, Hon. Michael Tidi Ph.D, commended Governor Okowa for approving the workshop in Warri South Federal constituency, noting that the peace and capacity building are panancia for economic development that we must continously build open.
Tidi noted that peace must be close to justice, adding that most of the violent conflict occur as a result of aggrieved youths being avoided for a long period of time, either by the people or government refusal to take necessary action in resolving the crisis.
He added that the workshop was to develop peace building and community advocacy towards the development of respective communities.
The chairman noted that nothing good comes from violence, as it slows than development and urged the people to put their differences outside and embrace peaceful co-existence.
The peace advocacy workshop goodwill messages was delivered by the representative of HRM Ogieme Atuwase 111, Olu of Warri, Warri kingdom and other traditional rulers from Warri South federal constituency, just as 3 lectures on “Communal Crisis and Hostile Behaviors; Victims and Pains”, “Fostering Harmonious Peaceful Co-existence in the Community; A veritable tool for Economic Transformation”, and “The Role of Youths in facilitating Enabling Environment for harmonious Working Synergy between Host Communities and Invsettors” were delivered by erudite scholars from the academia, peace ambassadors and practitioners.
In attendance was senior special advisers, special advisers, executive assistants and special assistants to Governor Okowa on peace building and conflict resolution, traditional rulers and community representatives from Warri South federal constituency.
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–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Albert OGRAKA/Prosper ETENE:
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, Isoko South local Government Area of Delta State, Odio Obaro Godspower, has advised the DC-23, to put its house together ahead of the 2023 governorship elections.
Odio Obaro, gave the advice while speaking on behalf of the leaders and stakeholders of Isoko South Local Government Area, when the Delta Central 2023 (DC-23) lobby group paid them consultative visit at James Otobo Ekpre hall, Isoko South Secretariat on Sunday 23rd January, 2022.
He said said, “The field appears to be overcrowded by your people; your children are overcrowding the field. We advise you to unite the political class in your district and also prune down your aspirants for easy primary election.
“The Urhobos and Isokos are one; Isoko is closer to us than any other tribe. The governorship of Delta state has been rotated round; it has gone to Delta South, Delta North and Delta Central. We want it to come back to where we started.
“We have been one like you have seen; from time we have been one, and it’s not in our era that we are going to have a separation. We only do hope like an English man said, one good turn deserves another.
“We want Delta Central to stand by their word of supporting Isoko and Delta South Senatorial District in 2031. On this note, I want to personally request Isoko South Political Leaders to stand behind Urhobo, because it is the turn of Delta Central. However, remember us when it is the turn of Delta South to produce the governor in 2031.
“We want to also let you know that our Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, has done very well in the overall development of the state. We urge you to support him to finish strong.”
Earlier, the National Chairman of DC-23, Senator (Chief) Ighoyota Amori, stated that the body was a lobby group made up of card carrying members of the PDP in the Delta Central Senatorial District to lobby support for the governorship seat for the district in 2023.
He noted that the DC-23 was not different from the G-3 of the Delta South Senatorial District that was formed to drive the process of election of immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, and the Anioma Agenda that was formed in 2014 to propel the process of election of the current governor of the state, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa.
in attendance were, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, Chief Solomon Ogba, Chief Ross Uredi, Hon. Johnson Erijo, Hon. Mrs Blessing Uzoge, Hon. High Chief Ferguson Onwo, Hon. Ovuakpoye Evivie, Hon. Churchill Amagada, Hon. Bino Obuwomano, Chief Joe Arausi, Chief Onojerame Benjamin, Hon. Orezi Esievo.
Other are Hon. Benjamin Efekodo, Barr. Rev. Godwin Adolor, Hon. Joseph Orogun, High Chief Lawrence Eduje, Sir Ayodele Othihiwa, Hon Chief James Obeuwou, Mr. Obuke Ogbodu, Prince Abugo Akpotareghe, Barr. Mike Edegware, Chief Kingsley Obeidhoko, Hon Chief Evans Ogba, Mrs. Mary Erijo, Chief Prosper Edo, Chief Brooklyn Essi.
Also present were Prince Sam Ogrih, Hon. Pius Emamowho, Pst. Mike Akpobire, Hon. Philo Apena, Mr. Fred Edore, Chief Joel Urhobo, Hon. Arova Othuke, Joseph Onos Ejabulor, Mr. Fred Udueme, Chief Patrick Egbuwoku, Chief Goodnews Obiodeh, Obi Eneruvie, Mr. Alfred Igule, Louis Agbidi, Kelly Aruno Owajutome, Afor Ogbolor and Chief Egbaoghene Ugolo among others.
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–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA)- From Michael EKOKORUWE:
Chief Paul Oletu Eriri, a former University don was last Friday installed the 15th Odio-Ologbo of Emede Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Performing the inauguration at his Uruovo residence in Emede, Chief Efe Calaber, the Orhioba-Edio of Emede kingdom stated that the installation was in fulfillment of the age long tradition guiding the Edio Council in Emede. He stated that the new Odio-Ologbo met all the requirements prior to the installation and that it is his duty now to preside over all meetings of the Edio and other related activities to be handled by the council.
Speaking to reporters after his installation, Chief Eriri, a former United Nations Consultant stated that his emergence is the accomplishment of destiny because, right from when he was a young boy, his late father had not only named him ‘Oletu’, meaning leader or traditional head, but had also enlisted him into the “Ukoro” which is like being registered in the league of the Edio institution.
Chief Eriri stated that as a former lecturer at the University of Lagos, a trained Economist and widely travelled technocrat, he will bring his wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of his duty as Odio-Ologbo. He maintained that hitherto, he has been a champion of peace and development hence he was unanimously selected to head the Emede peace community that interfaced with the IDU and other stake holders in resolving the then lingering boundary dispute between Emede and Igbide last year.
The new Odio-Ologbo then enjoined the youths to stay away from cultism, Yahoo and other antisocial vices and rather strive to get quality education or acquire skills in any tangible vocation so as to earn legitimate income and be self reliant.
While commending Governor Okowa for the new University in Ozoro, Chief Eriri appealed to the State Governor to magnanimously add a teaching Hospital to the university so as to provide a tertiary health facility for the people of the area.
Similarly, Chief Eriri called on Governor Okowa to do everything possible to put the Emede craft center into optimum use to engage and empower the many unskilled youths in the area.
On power supply, Chief Eriri who also is a one time member of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) appealed to President Mohammadu Buhari to refix the electricity matrix of the country to ensure constant power supply particularly in the Niger Delta to ensure that the very energetic and enterprising youths in the region are progressively engaged to subsequently stem criminality.
Chief Eriri who was one time Managing Director of the defunct Public Finance Plc and Arewa Mortgage bank charged all Isoko People to exhibit love, tolerance and extend hand of fellowship to each other and amongst the different clans so as to upscale the development drive across the critical sectors of education, health, trade and commerce.
While affirming that his duties as Odio-Ologbo do not conflict with that of the Ovie, Chief Eriri maintained that the Ovie of Emede is the gazette authority and traditional head of the Clan while he is a cultural compliment that should regularly interface with the palace to ensure peace and sustainable development of Emede.
The installation ceremony was witnessed by several dignitaries from and outside Emede and Isoko land including High Chief Iduh Amadhe, former IDU President General, Chief Okorovwile Ugwedho, the second Odio of Emede, Chief Ejoor Ighele, Chief Sympathy Odhe and a host of others.
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–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA)- From Our CORRESPONDENT:
Borno State government has set up a committee to investigate the incident of the slitting of the throat of Jubril Sadi Mato, a student of Elkanemi College of Islamic Theology, Maiduguri.
Jubril, who is presently on admission at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), was said to have refused to go on an errand by a senior student that subsequently took him to a lonely place within the school where he allegedly did the damage and left him for death.
In a letter of appointment of the investigate Committee, members are given seven days to unravel the circumstances behind the ugly incident.
The letter which was signed by Borno State Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Mohammed Abatcha, gave the names of members to include representatives of the Department of State Security (DSS); the Nigeria Police; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Director Quality Assurance of Borno State Ministry of Education.
The letter addressed to Alhaji Saddiq Kadafur, the Borno Ministry of Education’s Ministerial Secretary which was appointed to act as Chairman of the Committee, read: “Sequel to the recent unfortunate incident involving Jubril Said Mato, a student of Elkanemi College of Islamic Theology, Maiduguri, the Ministry of Education therefore constitutes a 5-man Committee with you as the Chairman to investigate and arrive at the remove causes of the incident and arrive at the remote causes of the incident and suggest ways to curtail its re-occurrence in the future.”
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–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA)- From Our CORRESPONDENT:
The Nigerian Immigration Service has announced a major shake-up in its senior staff with the redeployment of six Assistant Comptrollers General and 26 Comptrollers.
The approval for the redeployment was communicated in a statement released to journalists on Saturday signed by on behalf of the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration Isah Idris by the spokesman of the Service, Amos Okpu.
The statement said the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration has approved a major senior staff shake-up involving six Assistant Comptrollers General and 26 Comptrollers.
The statement said In the posting order with reference number NIS/ADM/4422/V/832/16 and dated 21st January 2022, the senior officers were moved across commands and formations within the country as follows:
The Assistant Comptroller General and Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone “F” Ibadan, ACG DE Amahian has been moved to the Planning Research and Statistics (PRS) at the Service Headquarters while ACG LE Oemi-Ockiya formerly in PRS, proceeds to Ibadan as the new Zonal Coordinator;
The Assistant Comptroller General in charge Investigation and Compliance, ACG AO Esekhagbe moves to the Migration Directorate while ACG UA Auna who before now was the Principal Staff Officer to the Ag. Comptroller General is deployed to the Investigation and Compliance Directorate;
The Assistant Comptroller General in charge of General Services at the Service Headquarters, ACG OG Osisanya fdc, proceeds to Lagos as the new Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘A’ while ACG EI Inok formerly the Zonal Coordinator of Zone ‘H’ Makurdi has been moved to the Service Headquarters to be in charge of Budget.
Some of the Comptrollers deployed include the following;
The current Lagos State Command Comptroller, AB Aliyu fsi has been moved to the Service Headquarters as the Principal Staff Officer to the Acting Comptroller General while Comptroller Bagiwa Mani formerly of Kaduna State Command will take over as the Lagos State Command Comptroller;
Comptroller K Nandap formerly in charge of Plateau State Command is now the Comptroller of Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja while Comptroller Chris Nomhwaange replaces her as the new Comptroller of Plateau State Command;
Also deployed are Comptrollers YU Galma formerly in Zone ‘B’ Kaduna and NI Eneregbu of HRM Service Headquarters, who have now been moved to head Seme Border Command and Mfun Border Command respectively.
Meanwhile, Comptroller ES Fagbamigbe moves to Idi-Iroko Border Command while Comptroller G Bello of Kano State Command moves to Katsina State to swap with Comptroller Muazu Abdulrazaq who now moves to Kano State Command.
The Acting Comptroller General, while noting that the posting is with immediate effect, enjoined the officers to deepen their contributions to the ongoing reform efforts in the Service at their various commands and formations.
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The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has restated his resolve towards ensuring unhindered and proactive representation of the People of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.
Elumelu said he will continue to exert himself in the service of the people, stressing that he count it a destiny and divine calling representing the Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Presenting his score card in a town hall meeting with critical stakeholders of the Federal Constituency on Thursday January 20, 2022 at the banquet hall of the Orchid Hotels and event Center, Asaba, Elumelu who represents the Constituency in the House of Representatives, affirmed that his representation has brought about added value to the living standard of the people.
While commending the people for their unwavering support and unceasing confidence reposed in him which he noted have continued to be expressed in his successive elections as well as in his activities in the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader expressed his immense appreciation to the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, describing him as an exceptional and visionary leader whose inspiration, support and untiring encouragement has been a solid pedestal for his successful attainment, activities and representation of his people in the House of Representatives.
He stressed the critical importance of the Town Hall Meeting and said it afforded him another opportunity to further report to the leaders and constituents as well as showcase some achievements, including his bills and motions, constituency projects, empowerment programmes and budget inputs for the wellbeing of the people, within the period of June 2019 to date.
The renowned Federal Lawmaker chronicled his Journey to the 9th National Assembly and affirmed that it has been turbulent and challenging, yet most inspiring, eventful and rewarding.
“Despite the daunting challenges, I have always been strengthened by the confidence reposed on me by my people across the four local government areas of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency as demonstrated in the overwhelming 84,615 votes they gave to me to dust the APC’s 11,086 votes. Such solidarity cannot be taken for granted and again I say, Thank you. Daalu Shiññé.
“These demonstrations of love by my constituents as well as the fatherly support of our dear Governor, His Execellency Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa have led to the success stories of my attainments and legislative activities in the House of Representatives as well as the numerous constituency projects and programmes,” the Minority leader stated.
While showcasing these achievements, Elumelu listed over Forty-Four Bills and Motions to his credit, that has direct bearing to the lives of the People.
“Under our constitution, one of the major roles of a legislator is the sponsoring of bill and motions for the benefit of his constituent and the nation in general. Within the period under review, I have become reputed as one of the most prolific sponsors of people-oriented bills and motions in the 9th Assembly.
“There is no week in session that I do not present a motion or bill that have direct impact on the wellbeing and development of our people in particular and Nigerians at large. This is apart from bills and motion co-sponsored with other members,” he said.
The bills and motions listed included; A bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide for the alteration of first schedule section (3) part 1 State of the Federation, to provide for the creation of Anioma State and other related matters,
Background Information on a Bill for An Act to establish Federal University Of Technology, Asaba, Delta State for the purpose of providing quality technical education and other related matters,
Need to investigate Messrs Ninno Engineering Nig Ltd, Petrogas Specialist Services Ltd and Quintus investment Co. Nig Ltd for abandoning the constructions of Onicha-Uku/Idumuje-Unor road, Onicha-Uku/Idumu-Ogo roads and Onicha-Uku Civic Centre Projects,
Restoration of Aniocha South Constituency 1, and Motion in support for Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) amongst numerous others.
Elumelu confirmed that the concern of the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives is to ensure the signing of the Electoral bill without restrain by the President, hence the reason for accepting to amend the bill to accommodate indirect primaries, even as he affirmed the participation of Aniocha North State Constituency 2 and Aniocha South State Constituency 1 in the 2023 General elections.
Highlighting his constituency projects, the Minority Leader showcased twenty-Nine significant projects, across the Federal Constituency, completed and ongoing, which he facilitated through his representation.
They include;
1. Provision of 820 stands of solar street lights distributed across communities in the four Local Government Areas in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.
2. Construction of new staff quarters and clinic for the Department of State Services (DSS) Asaba
3. Renovation of DSS Office and Premises in Issele Uku
4. Constructions of Bishop Dibie Road in Agbor
5. Construction of the Onicha-uku-Idumuje-Unor Road
6. Construction of Ogboli Road Ibusa Drainage project
7. FMC Annex Onicha Uku road
8. Rehabilitation of Government Hospital, Onicha Olona,
9. Construction of Vocational Centre in Oshimili South Local Government Council premises
10. Construction of Civic Center, Ibusa.
11. Construction of ICT Center, Ogwashi Uku
12. Construction of Civic Centre, Ogwashi Uku
13. Construction of Town Hall, Ewulu
14. Construction of Town Hall, Ejeme
15. Construction of Civic Centre, Ubulu Uku
16. Construction of Vocational Centre, Ubulu Unor
17. Construction of Town Hall, Obior
18. Construction of Town Hall, Ubulu Okiti
19. Construction of ICT Center, Akukwu Igbo
20. Construction of ICT Center, Obomkpa
21. Construction of Town Hall, Ugbodu.
22. Construction of Civic Center Obomkpa
23. The palaces at Obomkpa and Idumuje Unor
24. Town hall, Ezi
25. Town Hall, Idumuje Ugboko
26. Town Hall, Nsukwa
27. Town Hall, Ukwunzu
28. Civic Center, Issele-Mkpitime
29. On-going renovation work on Police B Division, Asaba
The Minority Leader, who painstakingly explained in great details his stewardship to political leaders and stakeholders in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, also highlighted what he has done in the area of strategic empowerment of the people of the area, saying that he has strived and executed several empowerment programmes for hundreds of beneficiaries across the Federal Constituency that included;
1. Employment of over 150 Personal Assistants (PAs) on youth and women matters
2. Distribution of 107 tricycles, 148 motorcycle, 111 electricity generating sets, 90 deep freezers to worth over worth over N300 million to 456 beneficiaries drawn from various wards across the four local government areas in the Federal constituency.
3. Facilitation of job placements for over 50 beneficiaries in major Federal Government Ministries, Agencies and Departments,
4. Facilitated CBN Special loan for 346 beneficiaries,
5. Facilitated Npower program for 251 persons,
6. Facilitated Conditional Cash transfer scheme for 337 persons,
7. Facilitated a Federal Ministry of Water Resources empowerment programme for 79 beneficiaries,
8. Facilitated Household feeding programme for 335 beneficiaries
9. Facilitated a Ministry of Humanitarian and Poverty alleviation scheme for 30 beneficiaries,
10. Sponsored a two-day capacity training programme for 200 youths and women in cassava and rice production, after which starter packs were given to them at the end of the training,
11. Sponsored a four-day capacity training programme in Abuja, for our newly elected and inaugurated Chairmen and their Vice, alongside the newly elected 80 councilors in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.
12. Rehabilitated flood victims in Oko
13. Provision of Covid 19 Palliatives including 600 bags of rice, 750 bags of beans, 500 bags of Garri 600 bags of onions, 500 cartons of tin tomatoes, as well as 500 cartons of groundnut oil worth over N45 million distributed across the 4 LGAs.
Elumelu revealed that 2021 empowerment programme for the people of the Federal Constituency is being packaged where over 650 million Naira will be expended, assuring that in a couple of weeks it will be ready and once a convenient date is secured with the State Governor, it will be announced.
The highly loved and regarded Federal Lawmaker, also at the Town hall meeting disclosed and showcased his efforts in securing budgetary provisions for development and empowerment projects for the benefit of the people as well as zonal interventionist efforts for 2022, 2021 and 2020 to include the following:
2022 Budget Inputs:
1. Construction and equipping of 10 Town Halls in Aniocha-Oshimili Federal Constituency
2. Supply of hilux for Civil Defence, Police, Vigilantes and DSS in Aniocha-Oshimili Federal Constituency
3. Supply of tricycles in Aniocha-Oshimili Federal Constituency-
4. Supply of motorcycles, fridges and generating sets in Aniocha-Oshimili Federal Constituency
5. Training for farmers in Aniocha-Oshimili Federal Constituency –
6. Renovation of Court of Appeal, Asaba Division.
7. Provision of staff bus and vehicles Court of Appeal, Asaba Division.
8. Training of Justices of The Court of Appeal, Asaba Division-
9. Completion of Community Civic Center/ Hall in Igbodo Ika North East Local Govt Area Delta State
10. Provision of Solar Powered Boreholes in Idumu Idogo and Idumu Obi Quarters Akumazi Umuocha Ika North East Delta
11. Provision of Solar Powered Borehole in Oza Nogogo Ika South Local Government Area of Delta.
12. Perimeter fencing, 50kva gen set, purchase of computers, land survey and building of admin block. Biodec Ubulu-Uku
13. Construction of Ogwuashi Uku Resort Centre for Farmers
14. Training of farmers in Aniocha-Oshimili
15. Completion of Onicha-Uku/Idumuje Unor Farm Road
16. Idumu Ogo/Onicha Uku Farm Roads
17. Otulu And Isele Azagba Town Halls
18. Provision of Electricity to Nsukwa, Ewulu, Isheagu, Olloh, Olodo, Abah Unor, Adonte, Umute, Ukwu Oba, St. Pius Grammar School, Onicha Ugbo
19. Training of Youths in Ebu
20. Training of Youths in Onicha Olona
21. Erosion Control of NYSC Camp Road, Isele-Uku
22. Construction of Civic Center at Ibarapa East/Ido Fed Constituency.
23. Construction and Equipping of Ubulu-Uku Town Hall
24. Supply of Armored Pf-Ekun for Delta Command (DSS), Supply of Utility Vehicles and Renovation/Rehabilitation of Aniocha South, Oshimili South and Oshimili North DSS LGA Office
25. Construction of Skill Acquisition Centre and Youth Empowerment at Rumuodara Community, Obio/Akpor LGA
26. Construction and equipping of Town Hall Otuo Community Iyeu Quarters, Owan East Local Government Edo State
27. Capacity Building on Basic ICT Development Programs for Youths and Women in Amaimo Ikeduru LGA in Imo State
28. Construction of Solar Powered Borehole in Ethiope East and Ethiope West LGA
29. Construction of Mgbudunkwu Road (1km) Portharcourt Rivers State-
30. Youth And Women Empowerment in Gamawa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State
31. Provision of Empowerment Items for Women and Youths in Isiala Ngwa North/South Federal Constituency of Abia State.
Zonal Intervention Projects:
1. Construction And Equipping of Asaba Massacre Monument for Farmers
2. Construction And Equipping of Three (3) ICT Centres for Agriculture in Aniocha-Oshimili Federal Constituency
3. Construction and Supply of Passenger Boats in Waterline Area in Aniocha-Oshimili Federal Constituency
4. Construction And Equipping of Landing Bay at Oko Ogbele, Oko Anala, Asaba and Odifu in Aniocha-Oshimili Federal Constituency
2021 Budget Input:
1. Supply of fridges to some selected woman in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Delta State
2. Supply of tricycles to some youths in Aniocha/Oshimil Constituency, Delta State
3. Supply of generators to some youths and women in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Delta State
4. Solar streets light in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Delta State
5. Supply of face masks and sanitizers in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Delta State
6. Skills acquisition in Oko Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Delta State
7. Construction of hybrid all-in-one solar lights in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Delta State
8. Training of youths in farm products in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Delta State
9. Training of youths in Onicha Olona
10. Training of women for farming in Ebu
11. Construction of 2 duplex at Onicha Olona And Obamkpa
12. Renovation and land scaping of DSS Office, Delta State
13. Supply of tricycles and motocycles in Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency, Abia State
14. Provision and installation of solar lights at Kontagora, Wushimishi, Mariga And Mashegu Federal Constituency, Niger State
15. Construction of Ikuemola Secretariat Road, Igbokoda Ilaje
16. Supply of empowerment materials in Ife Federal Constituency, Osun State
17. Empowerment items for youths and women In Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State
18. Tractors, harvesters and buckets for agric support to displace young farmers in various commuinities in Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, Plateau State
19. Construction of 2 nos motorized boreholes for Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency Of Oyo State
20. Community hall in Erin-Ijesa, Erin-Oke, Apoti, Dagbaja-Eti Oni in Oriade Local Government, Osun State
21. Provision of educational support/grants to students of tetiary and non-tetiary institutions in Ezinihitte, Mbaise, Imo State
22. Ongoing electrification of Tyoutsa, Konshisha LGA
23. Construction of basketball pitch in Bizza, Madagali And Gulak In Madagali/Michika Federal Constituency, Adamawa State
24. Empowerment programme for traders and artisans in Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal Constituency Of Osun State
25. Installation of motorised borehole In Ezira And Nanka, Orumba North/South Federal Constuency
26. Equipping and completion at FMC Asaba Annex Onicha-Uku, Delta State
27. Rehibilitation of police station in Aniocha/Oshimili, Delta State
28. Construction of ten town hall building projects in various location in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Delta State
29. Rehabilitation of Asaba High Court destroyed by EndSars
30. Solar street lights in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Delta State
2020 budget input:
1. Light up community (all-in-one) solar street light with lithiumuin battery 6000 lumens with PIR at Aniocha South South, Federal Constituency, Delta State
2. Light up community (all-in-one) solar street light with lithiumion battery 6000 lumens with PIR at Oshimili North, Federal Constituency, Delta State
3. Light up community (all-in-one) solar street light with lithiumion battery 6000 lumens with PIR at Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili South, Oshimili North Federal Constituency, Delta State
4. Provision of solar streetlights with specification of 60w high efficiency monor panel life PO4 battery JRB solar Europe standard in selected locations in Mariga, Niger State.
5. Strategic employment for women and youths: training on agricultural produce for Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili South, Oshimili North Federal Constituency, Delta State.
6. Strategic employment for women: supply of deep freezers to women At Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili Men, Oshimili North, Federal Constituency, Delta State.
7. Empowerment/skill acquisition for women and youths in Wushishi, Niger State.
8. Provision of solar streetlights with specification of 60w high efficiency monor panel life P04 battery JRB solar Europe standard in selected locations in Bida, Niger State.
9. Light up community (all-in-one) solar street light with lithiumion battery 6000 lumens with PIR at Aniocha North, Federal Constituency, Delta State
10. Construction of Town Halls in 6 communities Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili South, Oshimili North Fedral Constituency, Delta State.
11. Supply of tricycle (keke) to Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili South, Oshimili North Federal Constituency, Delta State
12. Supply of generators to Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili South, Oshimili North Federal Constituency, Delta State.
13. Construction of ICT training centre with 500 seating capacity to Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili South, Oshimili North Federal Constituency, Delta State.
14. Supply of operational utility vehicle to Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili South, Oshimili North Federal Constituency, Delta State.
15. Supply of operational utility vehicle to Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili South, Oshimili North Federal Constituency, Delta State.
16. Light up community (all-in-one) solar street with lithiumion battery 3000/5000 lumens with PIR Kontagora, Wushishi, Mariga, Mashegu Federal Constituency, Niger State
17. Supply of motorcycle to Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili South, Oshimili North Federal Constituency, Delta State.
18. Supply and installation of solar powered street light at Ezi Town Aniocha North LGA, Delta State
19. Provision of fish cages at the Ogwashi-Uku Multi Purpose Dam, Delta State
20. Issele-uku erosion control Aniocha LGA Delta State
21. Illah-Ebu Irregation Project
22. Provision of water for Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha North LGA Delta State
23. Equipping of storey block of 3 theatre suites (theatre lights, anaesthetic machines and ventilators)
24. Construction of a 2 storey maternity complex Ezi Town Aniocha North LGA
25. Renovation and landscaping of DSS Office Delta State
26. Strategic empowerment and poverty alleviation for women and youths: supply of tricycles and motorcycles at Mikang, Qua’an-Pan, Shendam Federal Constituecy, Plateau State
27. Construction of drainage of Housing Mgbundukwu Road, mile 2, Diobu, Port Harcourt
28. Construction of town hall in Alera Village Ifelodun Local Govt Area, Kwara State
29. Provision of solar street lights and solar mini grids in Esan West, Esan Central Federal Constituency Edo State
Zonal Intervention Projects:
30. Construction equipping provision of electricity at FMC Asaba Annex Onicha-Uku, Delta State
31. Construction and equipping of 4 selected civic centres at Aniocha/Oshmili Federal Constituency, Delta State
32. Construction of 3 town hall building projects in various location in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Delta State.
33. Supply of motorcycles and tricycles at Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Delta State
34. Construction and quipping of vocational training centers at Asaba.
Elumelu revealed that among items in the budget that has been approved by the President included the construction of Ebu-Illah road, construction of Asaba Massacre Museum to be constructed by Julius Beggar, construction and Supply of Passenger Boats and the Construction and Equipping of Oko leading bay with a capacity for over 40 persons with a total cost of Three Point Six Billion Naira (N3.6 billion)
He said that approval has also been given for the continuous training and empowering of Farmers in the Federal Constituency, noting that the Focus is on Delta after Oil, even as he affirmed that Onich-Uku-Idumuje-Uno road completion with internal roads has also been approved with over Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N250,00 million) appropriated.
“We have indeed come a long way. Despite the successes recorded in the period under review, there is no resting on the oars. I have already mapped out strategies for accelerated implementation of project in the 2022 budgetary inputs as well as series of empowerment programmes which will be announced in due course. With the continued support of all of us, the future is even brighter,” Elumelu assured.
The Town Hall meeting which was organized by the Delta North Senatorial district of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was presided over by the Senatorial Chairman of the Party, Chief Moses Iduh and was attended by leaders and critical stakeholders of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency that included, Chief Nkem Okwuofu, Chief Edwin Uzoh, Chief Chris Agbabu, Chief Isaac Awuzia, Dcn. Chuks Nwaebuni, Chief Mrs Giwa-Amu, Rt. Hon. Pascal Adigwe, Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusoanye, Hon. Pat Ajudua, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, Hon. Autine Chikezie, Hon. Shadrack Rapu, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza and Chief Mrs kawulia Omoko amongst numerous leaders across the Federal Constituency.
Also at the meeting was the Chairmen of the four Local Governments within the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency with their Vice and Leaders of the legislative arms, PDP Chairmen in the Four Local Government areas with their Youth and Women Leaders
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Reading through the piece “As Okowa plays God in deciding who becomes next governor”, By Ekene Ozuagbu, one often wonders whether some people who write stuff and post in the public space are either ignorant Christians who do not read the bible at all or outright heathens who are unaware of the fact that there’s a divine connection between God and leaders
Otherwise, sanctimonious folks like this Ekene Ozuagbu, who quickly jump into the public space to display avoidable lack of knowledge of the relationship between party politics and leadership, would display a bit of common sense and avoid embarrassment, by taking out a little time to research on the arguments they put forward, especially when they want to bring God into the matter, with reckless impunity.
To cut a long story short, the Movement for Stronger Delta wants to state categorically and with full authority and confidence, that the hullabaloo over Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s attempt to play God in the emergence of the next Governor of Delta State, is not only a mischievous joke taken too far, it is sadly a dangerous misinterpretation of what the Governor said in relation to the matter.
For the avoidance of doubt and to set the records straight once again, here’s what Governor Okowa said in relation to 2023, during the Okowa family Thanksgiving service at the Government House Chapel, Asaba, for God’s blessings upon them and the State in 2021 and for greater divine attention on them and the State in 2022.
He said: “We are not stopping people from playing politics….This is a year of politics and as politicians, we cannot avoid it, pray with us, pray for us and pray for the State. Whatever positions we are contesting for, let us seek the face of God because if you genuinely pray, God will reveal His will to you.
“As a man, I will also try to avoid people pushing me to a direction that God is not pleased with because if God has made a choice and we go in the wrong direction, it will not augur well for the State. But one thing is sure, whoever will succeed me must be one who keeps the fire in this altar burning, and God must direct us on the choice of the person.
“I can never take the place of God in deciding who will succeed me; I will pray for God to direct us and not man, so that we don’t go in the wrong direction.”
From the above, there’s no where Governor Ifeanyi Okowa attributed to himself alone, the revelation of who will be the next Governor of the State. It is on record that one man has never determined, foisted, or imposed a Governor on Deltans, in the history of politics in Delta State and Governor Okowa has operated long enough in politics to understand the truism that power belongs to God and the voice of the people is the voice of God.
In fact, it almost happened in 2015, but the people, under God’s unwavering direction, made an alternative choice, which not only balanced the desire for equity to reign, but most importantly, established and ensured the sustainable peace and harmonious coexistence which we are enjoying in Delta State today.
1st Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV) gives us direct instruction on how to relate with our leaders. It reads: “Our leaders need God’s help. All of them. … And so we pray, for God to reveal areas where we have not represented His love to the world around us”. Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is only fulfilling divine injunction by asking Deltans to pray with him in revealing the right choice for Delta State in 2023.
As for the Delta Peoples Vanguard rally on Saturday, January 15, which was held at the Government Field, Agbor, “the very door mouth of the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa”, it is important to remind the likes of Ekene Ozuagbu, that the DPV is a political pressure group made up of distinguished Deltans, just like several other political pressure groups in the State and they have the right and prerogative to organize their rally in any part of Delta State, including Owa Alero.
To further educate Ekene Ozuagbu and his ilk, the DPV has enjoyed a long, very robust, and hugely successful affinity with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, especially since 2014, when Deltans from across the three Senatorial zones and 25 LGAs in the State came together to set up the pressure group for the actualization of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa’s quest to become Governor of Delta State.
So, there’s nothing surprising or unusual to bringing a rally to the door mouth of their principal and the Movement for Stronger Delta is quite at a loss to fathom how such an action by a pressure group acting independently on its own volition, can signal a death knell for Democracy, especially for the PDP. Infact we advise Ekene and his cronies to make haste and form their own pressure group and then proceed to hold a rally at the door mouth of their favoured Candidate. This will no doubt add colour and spice to the political process ahead of 2023.
And in response to those silly insinuations that Governor Okowa is dominating the politics in the PDP, a few choice quotes from the scholar, cerebral thinker, and authority in Leadership matters, John C. Maxwell, who has also been identified and acclaimed as the most popular leadership expert in the world today, will suffice.
A leader is one who knows the way, shows the way and goes all the way”
“Real leadership is being the person others will gladly and confidently follow.” 3.”When the leader lacks confidence, the followers lack commitment.”
“Great leaders always seem to embody two seemingly disparate qualities. They are both highly visionary and highly practical.” and
“If you can’t influence people, then they will not follow you. And if people won’t follow, you are not a leader. That’s the Law of Influence.”
These five quotes appropriately answers all the questions, addresses all the misinformation, and debunks all the innuendos and speculations which Ekene Ozuagbu, has so painstakingly, but with great futility, attempted to present as learned and informed commentary and analysis of a subject he obviously knows nothing about.
Again those who understand the nature and operations of political parties will agree that every responsible political party rallies around its leader who is highly visionary and highly practical, exudes unshakable confidence, and possesses the charismatic mien, acumen, and astute strategic brilliance to lead his party and influence mass followership, just like Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is doing in the PDP today, like previous leaders did in the past.
As a last line, it is quite imperative to remind Deltans that PDP is not the only political party in the State and the Governorship is constitutionally open to all Political Parties to field suitable and qualified candidates from any part of the State.
Of course, it must be said and unapologetically too, that PDP will win any and every election in the State any day, anytime, by virtue of the fact that it is the most peaceful, organized, united best prepared, and very much ready and primed in the pole position to do battle in every election season and cycle.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa understands this perfectly and as the leader of the party, he knows that with prayers and the collective effort of its leaders, elders, stakeholders, and the entire membership, working together in robust and harmonious consensus with Deltans, the PDP as a united family, will once again produce and deliver the anointed choice which God has ordained and the people have endorsed, in 2023.
That is, without any doubts whatsoever, the SIMPLE Agenda.
Signed:
Dr. Festus Bomo Patani National Co-ordinator, MOVEMENT FOR STRONGER DELTA (MSD).
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ILOBA, STEPHEN ONYEKA is one of the pioneer beneficiaries of the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) in the 2015/2016 Cycle. He hails from Aniocha North Local Government Area and studied at the Institute of Management Technology, Enugu where he obtained an HND in Marketing.
After four years of fruitless search for a white-collar job, fate smiled at him through the State Government’s STEP. He was trained and established with starter packs which marked his journey into the world of entrepreneurship and fashion. Currently, he is the CEO of Stephen Africa, an employer and a job creation trainer.
Six years after, Illoba shares his experience of how he has expanded his business, branded his products, began to raise a family, bought a car, acquired a land and grown his enterprise from being just self-employed to training others and becoming an employer of others.
Hear him, “Everything has been good. I had prior knowledge of fashion before I enrolled in the programme. Since establishment, I have expanded from having 2 machines to having fourteen machines, including 4 industrial ones. The patronage is above average. I make both male and female wears as English shirts and trousers, suits, senator suits, native wears, bridals etc. I have trained and graduated over 35 persons out of which 5 were STEP trainees. I have 10 employees. Among his employees is his wife whom he met during his days of training.”
Having expanded his business to Aba in Abia State, 6 of his employees are stationed in Aba. According to him, he controls and manages his business by travelling to Aba every other week, that is, one week in Asaba and the next one in Aba. He hopes to have his major products dominate Africa markets in the next five years. His products are branded Stephen African with an embroidery of Nigerian flag. He is expanding so fast and has been able to organise an international event on fashion.
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–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Sunny A. DAVID/AWKA:
Some correspondents of National Media Organisations in Anambra State were on Thursday barred from covering the inauguration of Prof. Charles Soludo transition committee.
The event which was held at Golden Tulip Hotel, Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area was not attended by Governor Willie Obiano.
The Governor was expected to grace the occasion but was visibly absent, raising a suspicion of possible rift between Soludo and his political godfather.
When contacted, the Anambra State Commissioner For Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C-Don Adinuba responded that he and the Governor were not invited for the programme.
He disclosed that he was not a member of the committee, moreover he has serious businesses in his office.
“The Governor is not there and I am not there. I am not bothered by not being there .I have more serious things to do in the ministry,” Mr. Adinuba said.
Journalists who went to the venue of the event were denied entry into the hall even when they pleaded to be given the opportunity to get their news.
Among the media houses denied entry were Daily Trust, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, New Telegraph, The Guardian, Nigeria Pilot, Leadership, Daily Times among others.
A member of the Soludo Media Team bragged that they are not interested in coverage of National Media, saying “Soludo can govern without the media”.
According to the man, who did not carry a name tag, “Soludo has media influencers to cover his events as they did during the election.”
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An official ceremony to present and launch the 2021-2027 Joint Multiyear Programming Document (DCP) was held in Lomé on January 12, 2022 at the headquarters of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Cooperation.
Adopted on December 16 2021, the Joint Programming Document was developed in an inclusive approach with the European Union, Germany and France. It defines the framework for the interventions of the European partners in support of the efforts of the Government of the Togolese Republic for the next seven years.
Mr. Payadowa Boukpéssi, Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Development of Territories co-chaired this presentation ceremony alongside the Ambassador of the European Union to Togo, Mr. Joaquìn Tasso Vilallonga. Mrs. Sandra Ablamba Johnson, Minister, Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic, Mr. Gilbert Bawara, Minister of Public Service, Mr. Sani Yaya, Minister of Economy and Finance, for the Government of the Togolese Republic, as well as Mrs. Jocelyne Caballero, Ambassador of France and Mr. Matthias Veltin, Ambassador of Germany, took part in this event.
The DCP is in synergy with the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Government Roadmap Togo 2020-2025. Through this strategic document, the European Union and its Member States are committed to strengthening their support to the Togolese Republic in three priority areas
Human development, particularly in terms of socio-economic inclusion and access to basic public services;
Sustainable agribusiness and natural resource management to contribute to job creation and the fight against climate change;
The consolidation of a peaceful and resilient society in Togo through the promotion of security, good governance and decentralization.
The adoption of this document is an important step in strengthening and concretizing cooperation between Togo and its European partners. The Joint Programming Document specifies the approach of the “Team Europe”, composed of the European Union, France and Germany, as well as their respective financial and development institutions, namely the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW). The aim is for the European partners to identify synergies and pool their tools in order to increase efficiency in the framework of this joint programming. An approach welcomed during the visit to Togo, November 24, 2021, high-level officials of “Team Europe”.
The resulting EU actions will be financed by the new instrument entitled “Europe in the World”, which replaces the European Development Fund (EDF). The adoption of the Joint Programming Document 2021-2027 and the implementation of this new financial instrument coincide with the entry into force of the Post-Cotonou Agreement, which strengthens the partnership between Togo and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) on the one hand, and the European Union and its Member States on the other. As part of the first year of implementation of this document, “Team Europe” is committing more than millions 243 of euros, or nearly 160 billion CFA francs, for new projects in the three priority areas mentioned above.
Ambassador Joaquìn Tasso Vilallonga, Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Togo, welcomed the relevance of the axes contained in this Document, which will further strengthen the partnership between the EU and Togo: “The document we have today, after the high-level visit of the “Team Europe” in Lome only a few weeks ago, is the concrete materialization of this commitment of the European Union especially in the field of cooperation and European solidarity with Togo.
The Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Development of Territories thanked the European partners for their support in the development of this document, which is aligned with the priorities of the government.
I would like to reiterate the government’s sincere thanks to the European Commission, Germany and France in particular, for the quality of their cooperation and for their support in implementing development projects and programs for the well-being of the people. The Minister of State stressed on this occasion “the enlightened vision and leadership in the piloting of development actions” of the President of the Republic, H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. He concluded by inviting all actors involved in the implementation of this document to take the necessary steps for the rapid implementation of the projects.
*Source: AETOSWire
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–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Editor’s DESK: Delta Government said it had approved an upward review of contract cost of Ayakoromo Bridge project from N6 billion to N10.5 billion.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, told journalists in Asaba that the review was part of decisions reached at the first State Executive Council meeting in 2022, which was presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Thursday.
Aniagwu explained that the contract for the construction of the bridge which was awarded in 2013 had to be reviewed as a result of present economic realities in the country.
He said that the project was priority to the present administration in the state, adding that it was expected to be completed and inaugurated within the next 15 months.
“The Ayakoromo bridge also came up today and the Exco has approved an upward review of that contract which was awarded in 2013 at the initial cost of about N6 billion.
On the Independent Power Plant (IPP) in Oghara, Aniagwu said that the council gave approval for a programme that would enable the IPP come on stream by bringing in Independent Power Generating Companies under lease to own it.
“We have some turbines and equipment that they (the power generating companies) need to buy. We will bring them in and they will pay us some money from the beginning to some time and they will own the plant thereafter,” he said.
According to him, the state government took the measure because it does not want to engage in outright sale of the power facility where the state may be short-changed.
The commissioner further stated that Exco approved the upgrade of Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) to enable it to beam its signals across the state and to the entire South-South region.
To this end, he said, transmitters and other tools would be provided for the Asaba station and Ubulu-Uku sub-station to enhance the strength of the signal.
“The good one for me is that Exco approved the upgrade of Delta Broadcasting Service. So, in the next six months, we will, as much as possible, provide them with transmitters that would be able to cover the entire state,” Aniagwu stated.
On road infrastructure, he said that approval was given for the construction of Idheze internal roads in Isoko axis, rehabilitation of 5.6km Idere-Ase road in Isoko South, construction of Umuchime-Ogbele road, Ogume in Ndokwa West and construction of Ovie Whiskey Palace Road, Jesse, in Ethiope West.
While saying that the Okpe- Ekuku-Agbor road in Ika South was also approved for construction, the Commissioner disclosed that the Exco approved the rehabilitation and expansion of the Ugbolu – Asaba road as well as the Flood Control measures of Sakpoba Water Board, Oghara and the Ajagbodudu Market road.
“We also approved the rehabilitation of Ugbolu-Asaba road, to enable people easily access the film village coming to fruition soon. The road will also be expanded,” he added.
Aniagwu said that Exco also approved the repudiation of the Udu Harbour Market due to non-performance of the contractor, and that the contract would be re-awarded to a more competent company.
He disclosed that the council approved the appointment of Michael Imoh as the Ovie of Aviara in Isoko South, adding that Solomon Usoro Onyesom was endorsed as the Okpala-Uku of Ashaka Kingdom in Ndokwa East.
The Commissioner also announced that the government gave approval for the amendment of the declaration to the throne of Uvwie Kingdom regarding succession to the throne, even as he said that a 500-seater auditorium was approved for construction at the Delta State University, Abraka.
On his part, the Commissioner for Urban Renewal, Chief Arthur Akpovwowo, said approval was given for the transfer of the Department of Town Planning and Urban Development Board from Ministry of Lands to the Ministry of Urban Renewal.
Akpovwowo disclosed that approval had been given for the ministry to work at Ekuku-Agbor in Ika South, Ovu in Ethiope East and Akugbene in Bomadi Local Government Areas, and assured that the ministry would ensure that illegal activities in town planning and development were put to a halt.
He sued for the support of all in correcting the ills bedevilling town planning and development in the state.
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–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA)- From Our CORRESPONDENT:
The United States and Nigeria have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that launches a Cultural Property Agreement between both nations.
U.S. Ambassador, Mary Beth Leonard and Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed signed the agreement on Thursday at a ceremony attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama and U.S. Embassy representatives.
In Nigeria, cultural property continues to be subject to the threat of pillage, destruction, and loss due to excavation, criminal activity, natural disasters, and subsistence digging. The agreement will facilitate continued cooperation with Nigerian law enforcement agencies and support efforts to identify, intercept, repatriate, and protect cultural property and related heritage.
The agreement will also promote the exchange of archaeological materials for scientific, cultural, and educational purposes with the aim of increasing public awareness for Nigerian cultural heritage.
A statement by the U.S. Embassy said: “This agreement will enhance our already strong cooperation to preserve and maintain Nigerian cultural landmarks and sites through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). Over the past decade, the United States has partnered with the Nigerian government and state institutions to fund projects totaling over a million dollars including the $125,000 AFCP grant awarded in November 2021 to digitally survey and document the Busanyin Shrine located within the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove.
“Another major investment consists of the $400,000 AFCP grant for the conservation of the late 14th-Century Sungbo’s Eredo monument, which will use three-dimensional laser scanning technology to generate a precise topographic map covering a thousand square kilometers of the area occupied by the monument.”
Cultural Property Agreements are administered worldwide by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in partnership with other governments desiring enhanced cooperation in that field. These bilateral agreements support U.S. government efforts across different agencies and organizations to protect and preserve cultural heritage in host countries. This includes denying critical financing to organizations that engage in illicit trade of artifacts and other cultural objects of value. The U.S. has signed Cultural Property Agreements with several countries in Africa including Egypt, Libya, Mali, and Morocco.
“Today’s agreement is about learning from the past and about recording through it our partnership to preserve, restore, and protect Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage,” said Ambassador Leonard during her remarks at the ceremony.
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–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA)- From Our CORRESPONDENT:
A Federal High Court in Damaturu, Yobe State has rejected applications seeking for “stay of proceedings” filed by a former Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Abdu Bulama and four others in a N450 million fraud case.
Bulama was re-arraigned on November 8, 2021 alongside a former Commissioner for Integrated and Rural Development in Yobe State, Hon. Mohammed Kadai, Abba Gana Tata, Muhammad Mamu and Hassan Ibn Jaks on a seven count charge of criminal conspiracy and money laundering, following the judgment of the Appeal Court in Gombe State which upheld the argument of the EFCC that the Lower Court erred by discharging and acquitting the defendants following their ‘no case submission’ upon the closure of the prosecution’s case.
The ex-minister allegedly received the N450m from Diezani Alison- Madueke, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, to influence the outcome of the 2015 Presidential election as the Coordinator of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 Re-election Campaign Committee in Yobe State. Kadai was Deputy Coordinator, while the other three defendants were members of the committee.
At the resumed sitting on Tuesday, the defendants through their lawyers, J.J. Usman and U.M. Isah informed the court that they have approached the Supreme Court to set aside the judgment of the appellate court which dismissed their no case submission and ordered a return to the Federal High Court in Yobe State for the continuation of trial.
They argued that it would not be proper for the lower court to proceed on the matter during the pendency of the appeal at the apex court.
Opposing the prayers of the defendants, prosecution counsel, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed told the court that the EFCC is not oblivious of the fact that there is an appeal before the Supreme Court and all processes of the appeal have been received by the prosecution.
However, he said the EFCC is not aware of any order directing the court and the judge to stay proceedings in the case.
Muktar argued that: “Appeal regarding this case at the Supreme Court is obviously different from the matter before this court as it has no correlation.”
Justice Fadima Aminu, in her ruling, said there is no order before the court directing a stay of proceedings and there is no correlation between the appeal before the Supreme Court and the matter before her.
Consequently, she refused the applications of the defendants and ordered for accelerated hearing of the case.
The prosecution then called its first witness, Mohammed Jajere. Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed, PW1, Jajere, a Consultant Engineer told the court how he received the sum of N23, 210, 000.00 from the fourth defendant, Muhammad Mamu, on the 21st of February, 2015, the eve of the 2015 Presidential election day, in order to influence the outcome of the election in Fune local government area of Yobe State.
“I know all the defendants because we belong to the same political party, PDP. At that time, towards the 2015 Presidential election, I was a member of the caretaker committee of the PDP in Yobe State.
“On the eve of the election, I was called on phone by my party leader, Dr. Muhammad Mamu to come and pick up the money meant for my local government which I did in cash and I took the money to Damagun, headquarters of the PDP in Fune local government area where I handed over the money to a 19-member committee which was set up by the local government for the disbursement.
“The 19 member committee disbursed the funds to the 13 wards of the local government and each ward had a minimum of 5-member committee who were vested with the responsibilities of collecting such funds and took the monies to their various wards for disbursement to the 165 polling units across the local government on Election Day.
“Election was conducted the next day and our party lost the election and we all went back home.”
He further testified that, in 2016, he received an invitation from the Maiduguri Command of the EFCC to come and explain his involvement regarding the money he received from the fourth defendant.
“I got a call from the EFCC in the year 2016 to come explain the money I received from my leader, Dr.Muhammad Mamu which I obliged”, PW1 said.
While being cross examined, PW1 told the court that as at the time he received the money in cash, there was no functional bank in Fune local government area due to the insurgency.
He further told the court that he received the money based on the political party’s instructions and the money was not in any way payment for goods or services rendered to the fourth defendant.
He stated that without the money he received, “our party in the local government would not have been able to participate in the election”.
Justice Fadima, having heard the testimonies of the PW1, discharged the witness and adjourned to January 19, 2022 for continuation of trial. 19 January, 2022.
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 the EFCC presented two more witnesses.
Prosecution counsel, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed led in evidence the PW2, Adam Ishaya. a politician and farmer, who revealed to the court how he received the sum of N13, 150, 000.00 (Thirteen Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) from the third defendant, Abba Gana Tata, day to the 2015 Presidential election.
The witness said after he collected the money, he took it to a 12-member committee in Fika local government area of Yobe State for disbursement on the day of the election.
While being cross examined, PW2 told the court that there was no functional bank in Fika local government area as at the time he received the money, adding that the committee could not have disbursed the money to over a thousand people on election day via bank transfer.
He further told the court that part of the money he received was meant for logistics for agents at all polling units in Fika local government area.
The third prosecution witness, Dauda Umar in his testimony, revealed how the first defendant made a cash withdrawal of N450million from Fidelity Bank, Damaturu branch and disbursed the said sum to influence the outcome of the 2015 Presidential election.
PW3 who is an operative of the EFCC, told the court that on 13th of April, 2016, the Maiduguri Command received an ‘intelligence report’ from the Headquarters in Abuja and it was assigned for further investigation.
Dauda said the intelligence report stated that the Commission was investigating a case of money laundering against Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources and investigation revealed that Diezani warehoused $115, 010, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifteen Million, Ten Thousand US Dollars) in Fidelity Bank across the country and the money was to be used for 2015 Presidential election.
PW3 told the court that investigation revealed that the monies were disbursed to politicians, security agencies and INEC officials.
He further testified that during investigation, one Rabiu Bello who was a cash officer with Fidelity Bank, Damaturu branch was invited to the Maiduguri Command of the EFCC for interview and he told the investigating team that he was authorized by his operational manager to release the sum N450million to the first and second defendants; Abdu Bulama and Mohammed Kadai prior to the 2015 Presidential election.
PW3 said: “N83.1million was given to the third defendant, Abba Gana Tata from which N13.1million was given to PW2. “The fourth defendant, Muhammad Mamu received the sum of N73.5million and he gave the PW1, Engr. Mohammed Jajere N23million and N70.4million was given to the fifth defendant, Hassan Ibn Jaks and one Mero Ashi got the sum of N11.9million for disbursement on the 2015 Presidential Election Day.
“Investigation revealed that the balance was shared amongst security agencies and INEC officials in Yobe State”. PW3 told the court that all the defendants were invited to the Maiduguri Command of the EFCC at different times starting with the first to the fifth defendants and N14.2million was recovered in the course of investigation.
“All the defendants were invited at different times and they were interviewed and they all made voluntary confessional statements, admitting they received the said monies as revealed by investigations”, PW3 said.
Prosecution counsel, Ahmed sought to tender the statements of the defendants as evidence before the court but defence counsel objected to the admissibility of the statements on the grounds that they were not made voluntarily.
They prayed the court to order a “trial -within-trial” to determine the voluntariness of statements made by the defendants at the Maiduguri Command of the EFCC.
Justice Aminu, thereafter ordered for a trial-within-trial and adjourned the matter to January 20, February 28 and March 1, 2022 for continuation trial.
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–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA)- From Our CORRESPONDENT:
The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Emmanuelle Bultmann said her country plans to partner with Borno State on development of agriculture, education, and the resettlement of IDPs.
Amb. Bultmann announced this on Wednesday when she paid a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum at the Borno State Liaison office in Abuja.
The Ambassador noted that her country will collaborate with the Government of Borno on Agriculture to boost the means of the livelihoods, particularly for the returning IDPs.
She assured the Governor that the French Government will support Borno’s resettlement plan, stressing living in IDP camps does not give a good life to the displaced persons.
Responding, Governor Zulum expressed appreciation to the Ambassador for all the efforts they have been putting to bring lasting peace in Borno.
On the closure of IDP camps, Zulum said it was in response to the people’s yearning to return to their ancestral homes and pick up the pieces of their lives.
Zulum however pointed out that while the State recognizes and appreciates the works of NGOs and other partners in Borno, the State should take a leading role in determining affairs.
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It was as though, everyone was waiting for him. As soon as Asiwaju Bola Tinubu made his intentions known, every suspected but hidden aspirant in his party and beyond, began to throw their hats into the ring.
So also are his avowed detractors and traducers, who suddenly went back to the dustbin of history, to fetch out what they thought they could effectively weaponise and use against the Jagaban’s age long ambition. But this is typical of politics, politicking and politicians everywhere except that ours is more tilted towards primordial prejudices and personal vendetta than the love for Country.
It is quite interesting and intriguing how the intention of one man to exercise his constitutional rights, is shaking the Nigerian political landscape and the tables of political watchers, pundits and analysts so vigorously. Such is the enormous clout, the raging cloud and emotional momentum that follows Tinubu’s footsteps in recent time.
Those who are in support of his candidature are brandishing his enormous wealth of experience, his political sagacity and perspicacious mind-set coupled with a political structure with a national outlook, as a veritable tool and advantage to turn things around for a nation yawning for help like Nigeria.
They are quick to dismiss a possible interplay of political forces within the APC caucuses, that may likely favour another candidate rather than Bola Tinubu. It is on record that just recently, President Buhari mused about the fact that he has a preferred candidate who he wouldn’t like to reveal yet. Could that candidate be Tinubu? Where then is Tinubu’s chance if truly he is not Buhari’s preferred candidate ?
Can he race against a preferred candidate of the President and come out unscathed from the party primaries? Could Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s rumoured candidacy be weaponised by a centripetal force within the party to spite and divide the Jagaban’s camp when push comes to shove? Can Osinbajo gather enough courage to go against his political Godfather? These are intricate angles of the conversation, begging for answers.
It is against this backdrop that others felt he shouldn’t run for the exalted office but rather remain as the master strategist, Godfather and Kingmaker that he has always been. Issues, too, have been raised about his health and the source of his perceived humongous wealth which gave him such a financial war-chest that can be unmatched in a contest such as the Nigerian presidential race.
All said and done, Tinubu has become more like an albatross on the neck of the powers that be within the APC. To ignore this fact is to play the ostrich. Therefore, to deny him of his age long ambition without a necessary cushioning, horsetrading and soft landings could be detrimental and constitute an existential threat to a highly factionalised party like the APC.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu is truly in the eye of the storm; he’s in the public laboratory for either isolation, acculturation or diagnosis. But the results still lies in the hands and hearts of the people who loves him and appreciate the fact that he has paid his dues and therefore, should be given the chance to take a shot.
Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has formally presented awards to the 10 winners of the 2022 Zayed Sustainability Prize.
The Prize’s Awards Ceremony coincided with the start of the 2022 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). The ceremony was also attended by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum congratulated winners across the five categories reaffirming the Prize’s key role in realising the aspirations of participants to achieve sustainable development within their communities.
This year, the Zayed Sustainability Prize, along with ADSW, joined forces with Expo 2020 Dubai for hosting the ADSW Opening Ceremony and the 13th edition of the Prize’s Awards Ceremony, both of which took place on the morning of Monday, 17th January at the Dubai Exhibition Centre. The event brought thousands of attendees and more than 600 VIPs from around the world together, including heads of state, government ministers, industry leaders and country ambassadors, amongst others. In his remarks on the Awards Ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said: “The UAE continues to make important strides and contributions to advancing the global sustainability agenda to stimulate economic and human sustainable development, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Zayed Sustainability Prize remains at the forefront of these efforts as it continues to set the course for alleviating hardships and improving lives by rewarding impact and innovation through a platform that can reach a much larger number of beneficiaries.”
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid highlighted the support, involvement and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, while underscoring how the hosting of the Awards Ceremony at Expo 2020 Dubai coupled with the recent announcement of the Principles of the 50, which marked the UAE’s Golden Jubilee last month, provide an optimal backdrop to this year’s awards, as all these national efforts share one single goal – to create a more sustainable future for all.”
His Highness continued: “Over the last 14 years, the wise and long-term vision and legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, has ignited the passions of millions of sustainability pioneers the world over, inspiring us to take the Prize to new heights by strengthening and diversifying its offerings to become the all-encompassing award it is today.”
The event was also attended by H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, in addition to various heads of state, ministers, and other senior-level dignitaries from the UAE and abroad, in addition to past winners, and the 2022 finalists.
The US$3 million Prize is the UAE’s pioneering sustainability award that recognises small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profit organisations (NPOs), and global high schools for their innovative, impactful, and inspirational sustainability and humanitarian solutions. Through its 86 former winners, the Prize has transformed the lives of more than 370 million people, across 150 countries, since 2008. In the Health, Food, Energy, and Water categories, each winner receives USD 600,000, while the Global High Schools category has six winners, representing six world regions, with each winner receiving up to USD 100,000.
In terms of the Global High School category, His Highness highlighted the importance of strengthening the youth’s capacity as a driving force for future sustainable development to shape tomorrow’s leaders and effectively empower them to play a larger role in advancing their impact on socio-cultural and economic development, in a rapidly changing world.
On a broader level, His Highness also praised the level of foresight and sophistication that many of the student-led proposals displayed, noting their potential impact on an individual, community and global level.
In the ‘Health’ Category, Argentina’s Mamotest was awarded the Prize for its efforts to increase access to diagnoses and life-saving services in tele-radiology and remote analysis. Mamotest is currently deploying centres that are providing 582,697 beneficiaries affected by breast cancer access to quality healthcare, with plans to scale this to over 1 million people over a period of five years. Mamotest also enjoys robust patient-journey follow up as 87% of women diagnosed within their system could receive lifesaving treatment on time. Furthermore, Mamotest has successfully carried out more than 5,000 diagnoses to date while creating awareness in millions of women.
S4S Technologies from India was the ‘Food’ category winner for its important work in food preservation and dehydration systems. They currently directly impact 35,820 people and the SME plans to scale this to 10 million individuals over the course of five years.
The organisation is committed to empowering rural women and harnessing new technology to reduce food waste and improve income for farmers and is deploying solar-powered technology to help women farmers increase their earnings. As part of its commitment to supporting Gender Equality, backed by economic opportunities, S4S Technologies has provided additional income to 455 women farmers turned micro-entrepreneurs, increasing their profit between 50 to 200%, annually.
In the Energy category, the Bangladesh-based SOLshare created an interconnected microgrid for peer-to-peer energy exchange networks to enable more efficient distribution of electricity across rural communities in the country. The organisation won the 2022 award for its efforts in energy management as it currently benefits a total of 35, 300 people with plans to expand reach to 2 million people in the next five years.
SOLshare is providing more than 1,000 households with access to over 85 MWh of additional clean energy and serves approximately 500 entrepreneurs within their grids, of which 25% are women who experience significant income rises as a result.
Wateroam, an SME from Singapore, secured the ‘Water’ category win for its commitment to tackling the global challenge of contaminated water through portable water filters to serve disaster-hit and rural communities. Wateraom’s safe drinking water solutions are benefitting more than 150,000 people across 38 countries globally with daily access to clean drinking water and has plans to expand its reach to 1 million people over a period of five years.
The Chair of the Jury and former President of the Republic of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, said: “The level of creativity, vision and potential scale outlined by this year’s winners has been truly remarkable and uplifting as the sustainability world looks to the future through a more challenging, yet determined prism. We are confident that all these winners will set the cornerstones for future economic growth and prosperity for vulnerable communities, within and beyond their borders, while also significantly contributing to key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize said: “Following the guidance of the UAE’s wise leadership and the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed, the Prize continues to deliver real, meaningful, and long-term impact to numerous communities around the world. This has earned the Prize a global reputation as a catalyst for change for over a decade, as it has to date, benefited the lives of more than 370 million people.”
H.E Al Jaber added, “The hosting of the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony along with the opening of ADSW at Expo 2020 Dubai reinforces the UAE’s commitment to sustainable and humanitarian development, which characterises the country’s progressive, inclusive model for economic growth.”
“Thanks to our current roster of 96 winners and their shared commitment to building a better world, communities who were living in the dark have been illuminated through essential solar lighting, millions of children are accessing safe drinking water, hunger and malnutrition are being combatted through sustainable food solutions, and access to life-saving healthcare in remote parts of the world is being optimised.”
The Prize’s Director General concluded his remarks by underscoring the amplified impact and geographic reach that the Prize has achieved through the UAE-driven ‘Beyond2020’ humanitarian initiative. Beyond2020 has been donating critical sustainability solutions developed by past winners and finalists to vulnerable communities in various parts of the world, and in cooperation with several leading Emirati and international partners.
In the Global High Schools category, six schools, each representing a world region, receive an award and high schools submit project proposals to build or augment a solution they developed for their school or local community. The objective of this category, introduced to the Prize in 2012, is to inspire the young people to become pioneers, innovators and sustainability advocates who will contribute to a more sustainable future.
The recipients of the 2022 awards are Instituto Iberia (Dominican Republic), representing The Americas; Liceo Europeo (Spain), representing Europe & Central Asia; Eastern Mediterranean School (Israel), representing the Middle East & North Africa region; Sayidina Abubakar Secondary School (Uganda), representing Sub-Saharan Africa; Hira School (Maldives), representing South Asia, and finally, UWC ISAK (Japan) from the East Asia & Pacific region.
*Source: AETOSWire
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Africa Finance Corporation, Africa’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has raised USD$400 million in a new syndicated loan to support the post-pandemic recovery through critical development of infrastructure.
The three-year facility – the first from AFC since 2018 – was increased from an initial target of USD$300 million as strong interest from investors led to the offering being 2.5 times oversubscribed. The proceeds will facilitate upcoming infrastructure projects that address the continent’s developmental challenges.
“The transaction demonstrates the confidence of banking partners, both old and new, in AFC’s strong credit risk profile and broadening global appeal in the capital markets,” said Banji Fehintola, Senior Director & Treasurer at AFC.
“This loan will be instrumental in working towards plugging the infrastructure gap we are facing on this continent, especially following the damaging effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. We remain committed to partnering with experienced, like-minded organizations to provide sustainable finance for infrastructure development in Africa, while achieving the lowest borrowing costs of any institution on the continent.”
Moody’s recently improved its outlook for AFC’s investment grade credit ratings to ‘stable.’ Its senior unsecured ratings at A3 and short-term issuer ratings at P-2 are the second highest of any institution in Africa. New relationships forged with the diverse pool of international investors behind the syndicated loan will enable flexible financial instruments and further diversification of AFC’s investment portfolio.
Absa Bank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Investment Banking division), Bank of China Limited, London Branch, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, ICBC (London) plc, Mashreq Bank PSC, MUFG Bank Ltd, Nedbank Limited, London Branch, Rand Merchant Bank, a division of FirstRand Bank Limited, London Branch, Standard Chartered Bank and SMBC Bank International plc, acted as Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers (“BMLAs”), whilst Korea Development Bank and Standard Bank of South Africa acted as Mandated Lead Arrangers (“MLAs”). MUFG Bank Ltd and ICBC (London) plc also acted as Facility Agent and Documentation Agent respectively.
*Source: AETOSWire
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The United States has delivered another batch of 3.2 million Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to Nigeria.
This is the latest donation to Nigeria by U.S, which has provided to Nigeria over $130 million of technical and financial support to her COVID-19 response specifically for vaccination roll out and administration, deployment of personnel to support the response, last mile delivery and supply chain logistics, epidemiological and vaccine related COVID-19 surveys and surveillance systems, testing capacity and molecular lab networks, personal protective equipment, and provision of rapid response teams.
A statement on Tuesday by U.S Embassy in Nigeria revealed that Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard visited the National Strategic Warehouse to welcome the latest delivery of U.S.-government donated COVID-19 vaccines, and discussed COVID-19 vaccine storage and distribution with the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr. Faisal Shuaib and his technical and warehouse staff.
The visit of the Ambassador marked the most recent donation of 3.2 million Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines by the United States to Nigeria.
According to the statement, these vaccines have over 6 months of validity before expiration and are being stored at the National Strategic Warehouse for distribution to thousands of COVID-19 vaccination sites nationwide.
During the visit, Ambassador Leonard inspected the vaccine doses and discussed how the agency is maintaining proper ultra-cold storage, insisting that safe and effective vaccines “are our best tool to ending the pandemic.”
The statement added that the latest shipment reflects the United States’ commitment to purchase and donate 1.2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses worldwide, noting that to date, the United States has delivered more than 370 million vaccine doses to over 110 countries. This includes the over 24.7 million U.S-donated doses of COVID-19 vaccines to the Nigerian people, while revealing that all U.S.-donated Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine doses to Nigeria have had an expiration deadline of at least 6 months or more upon receipt to ensure adequate time for use.
The statement said: “Vaccine donations are a part of the U.S. government’s continued partnership with the Government of Nigeria in combating COVID-19. To date, the U.S. government has provided over $130 million of technical and financial support to Nigeria’s COVID-19 response specifically for vaccination roll out and administration, deployment of personnel to support the response, last mile delivery and supply chain logistics, epidemiological and vaccine related COVID-19 surveys and surveillance systems, testing capacity and molecular lab networks, personal protective equipment, and provision of rapid response teams. The U.S. government has also contributed to the training of over 200,000 military and civilian personnel on COVID-19 control measures and maintaining preventive health and social services.”
The U.S. government, meanwhile, urged all Nigerians to go out and get vaccinated to make themselves safe and make use of the donated COVID-19 vaccines, insisting that these actions will strengthen not only the health and well-being of the nation but the overall worldwide response to the pandemic.
It noted that every individual plays a vital role in supporting the global effort needed to stem the spread of COVID-19., promising that the U.S. government will continue its partnership with the Nigerian Ministry of Health and Centre for Disease Control to defeat COVID-19 and deliver life-saving vaccine doses across the country via COVAX.
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Nigeria’s Minister of State for the Environment, Chief Sharon Ikeazor has said the decision of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited to suspend exportation of the cooking gas will not only bring down the price of the commodity but also bring relief to the nation’s forests and the ecosystems.
The Minister who described the decision of the NLNG as courageous, noted that it was patriotic for the company to suspend the exportation of cooking gas while approving 100 per cent domestic supply of the product.
Ikeazor also noted that such a bold initiative was a welcomed development and a step in the right direction that will not only bring down the price of the commodity but also bring relief to our forests and the ecosystems.
The Minister in a statement on Monday by the spokesman of the Ministry, Saghir el Mohammed said “The NLNG should be commended for its sensitivity and responsiveness to the plight of Nigerians.
“For us in the environment sector, this singular decision will not only help in restoring our forests and in addressing some of our climate challenges, but also facilitate the attainment of our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and other aspects of the Paris Agreement.”
Ikeazor recalled that shortly after the increase in the prices of cooking gas in the country, millions of Nigerians could no longer afford the commodity and consequently resorted to firewood and charcoal as alternatives.
According to her, “ the unhealthy development has been so severe on the forest ecosystem that the reserves and even trees outside the forests were not spared”.
The Minister while regretting that cutting the forests for fuel wood and charcoal has been a major cause of deforestation and other climate change challenges, lamented that wood and charcoal smokes contribute to air pollution and other pollutants that produce greenhouse gases.
She said that: “We in the environment sector strongly support and believe that by making gas available and affordable, being the cleanest of the fossil fuels, Nigeria is now set towards cutting down on its carbon emissions drastically, thus play a prominent role during the current energy transition period.”
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COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE PDP GOVERNORS’ FORUM AT THE END OF THEIR MEETING IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE, JANUARY 17, 2022.
The PDP Governors’ Forum held its regular meeting crucial to the sustenance of our Democracy on Monday, 17th January, 2022, at the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt, the first in the new year. The meeting once again reviewed the state of the States, the state of the nation and THE PDP and issued the following Communique:
The PDP Governors congratulated the entire PDP family for conducting a smooth and credible National Convention that led to the emergence of the highly acclaimed Senator Dr. Iyorchia Ayu-led National Executive Committee and commended the new PDP NWC for hitting the ground running with respect to repositioning the PDP into a credible vehicle for RESCUING and REBUILDING Nigeria which has been battered by bad economy, insecurity, unemployment and other social ills by the incompetent and inept APC Administration.
The PDP Governors requested the National Assembly to quickly conclude deliberations on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill either by overriding Mr President’s veto or deleting areas of complaints. The meeting advised that the option of sustaining Mr President’s veto would lead to a quicker resolution and would deny Mr President the opportunity to once again truncate a reformed Electoral jurisprudence for Nigeria. An early concluded Electoral Act is vital for credible elections.
The meeting lamented the continued state of insecurity in the country, the persistent and ceaseless flow of Nigerians’ blood on a daily basis in many parts of Nigeria, the near collapse of the security situation in Nigeria. The strategies to confront terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminals is still a major problem of the APC administration.
The meeting expressed regrets that Mr President is unwilling, from his recent comments discountenancing the proposals for state policing, to participate in reviewing the structural problems of tackling insecurity in Nigeria and urges Mr President to reconsider his position and consider decentralisation and restructuring of the security architecture as the most viable solution, together with proper arming, funding and training requirements for Security Agencies.
The Nigerian Economy has continued to deteriorate and Nigerians have become numb and accustomed to bad economic news as exemplified by the inconsistent and differential exchange rate regime, high interest rates, unsustainable unemployment figures and borrowing spree some of which have not been applied to important projects, and other bad economic indicators. In particular, it is clear that the APC Government is a massive failure when compared with the records of PDP in government. The PDP handed over a $550 billion economy (the largest in Africa), but under APC, Nigeria is the Poverty Capital of the world. In 2015, under PDP, the exchange rate was N198 per Dollar, it is now under APC almost N500 to a Dollar; In 2015, unemployment rate was 7.3% under PDP, it is now 33%, one of the highest in the world under APC; In 2015, the Pump price of Petroleum was N87 per litre, it is now N165 per litre and climbing under APC. Debt Servicing now under APC takes over 98% of the Federal budget. The tales of woe is endless.
The PDP Governors noted that the management of our Oil and Gas resources, the administration of Federation Account remittances have remained opaque, confusing and non – transparent. In addition, the transition to NNPC Ltd under the Petroleum Industry Act has not been properly streamlined to ensure that the interests of all the tiers of Government are protected, consistent with the 1999 Constitution.
The meeting urged eligible Nigerians of all walks of life, particularly the Youths, to register en masse with INEC to exercise their franchise in the 2023 general elections. It further noted that the next election is a very consequential election that should be used to end the dominance of very youth unfriendly APC Government; a government that had the arrogance to deny Nigerian youths of the use of TWITTER, a business friendly tool for the young, for over a year. The youths should empower themselves to determine who leads them.
The PDP Governors congratulated the Chief Host, His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, for the very high standards of hosting and for the great leadership performance he has entrenched in Rivers State.
The PDP Governors wished Nigerians and PDP Members a happy new Year.
In attendance are: Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR- Sokoto State – Chairman Gov. Udom Emmanuel – Akwa Ibom State – Member Gov. Sen. Douye Diri – Bayelsa State – Member Gov. Samuel Ortom -Benue State -Member Gov. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa – Delta State – Member Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi – Enugu State – Member Gov. Nyesom Wike, CON – Rivers State – Member Gov. Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde – Oyo State – Member Gov. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri -Adamawa State -Member Gov. Bala Mohammed -Bauchi State – Member
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–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael EKOKORUWE:
The remains of Prof. Abednego Ekoko, former Delta State Commissioner for Education and one time Sole Administrator of the Delta State University, Abraka, will be laid to rest on Saturday, 12th February, 2022 at his country home, Uzere, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to a statement signed by the first son, Edafe Ekoko and Buless Ekoko for the Families, the late renowned educationist and administrator who was aged 79 will be buried after a funeral service at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church Uzere by 10.00am, while the entertainment of guests after interment will take place at the Uzere Grammar School playground.
The statement also disclosed that before the burial of the elder stateman and politician, other activities have been lined up to spice the passage rites beginning with a symposium/tributes session on Wednesday, 9th February, 2022 at the Faculty of Arts, Site 3, Delta State University, Abraka by 10am.
On Friday, 11thFebruary, 2022, a service of songs and night of tributes will be held in honour of the departed Professor of Military history at his residence, Oturo Quarter in Uzere, Isoko South Local government area starting from 4.00pm.
The statement added that after the interment on Saturday, a thanksgiving and outing service will also hold on Sunday 13th February 2022 at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Uzere.
The late Professor Ekoko who held the titles of Odio-Igho and Oketa of Uzere Kingdom until his death on 6th November 2021, was the Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Boundary Matters and also among the 8 Member Governing Council set up by Governor Okowa last year to oversee the newly established State Universities at Anwai, Agbor and Ozoro.
Professor Abednego Ekoko, one time lecturer at the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna is survived by a wife, six children, a sister and several relations including Edafe Ekoko, Chief Agric Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources Oleh, Engr. Ujerekre Ekoko, Senior Lecturer, Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku and Barr. (Mrs.) Eruvie Esezobo, a USA based attorney.
The other children are Mrs. Erobor Omonode and Miss Erumena Ekoko (both staff of UNIBEN) and lastly Miss Aghogho Ekoko.
Apart from his Academic, Administrative and political prowess, the late professor Abednego, also a boundary expert will be fondly remembered for his deep love for native Christian music which he usually sang with his alto voice at every given opportunity.
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–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Senator Kashim SHETTIMA:
Being a keynote address at Support Group Conference, organised by Support Groups Management Council (SGMC), in honour of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at International Conference Centre, Abuja, on January 17, 2022.
I stand here today honoured by the burden of expectations upon me and, more tellingly, strengthened by the convictions of the patriots with us in this journey to make history. We are brought together by a forest of ideas, but what defines us and sets us apart from other political groups is this collective realisation that the future of this country rests on the choice of a unifying leader; a leader who panders to neither ethnic nor religious agenda, and one who isn’t bound by toxic regional solidarity and yet known for a track record of outstanding leadership. If you look round this country in search of such a noble character, the count easily falls on the subject of this gathering: Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
So much has been said about this political enigma and most of them by hacks with a poor sense of history. The path that led us to Asiwaju didn’t happen by chance. His propensity for sacrificing his comfort to save our democracy has been duly documented across time. When uncertainty loomed over the country during the military era, this was the man who disbursed his resources to fight for the return to this democracy. Even in exile, he provided sanctuaries for fleeing patriots who are still around to testify to his large heart. Our younger compatriots must be in the know of Tinubu’s memories from two decades past—when he was a backbone of the opposition and fiercely antagonized and politically ostracised by the then ruling party, the People’s Democratic Party. He even built the economic foundations of the modern Lagos State at the time the State was isolated by a vindictive federal government.
While Tinubu’s political contemporaries were trading their principles for a place at the table in Abuja during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s era, and throwing their political allies under the bus, he took the risk to build a political alternative to the ruling party and his choices of candidates underlined his political credentials. He became, and has remained, a dependable sanctuary of victims of political witch-hunts. In 2007, he offered his political structure to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to run for President under the Action Congress (AC) banner. Four years later, he made this structure available for Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and this foresight of the Jagaban Borgu would also set the tone of the 2015 general elections. His place as a fulcrum of the All Progressives Congress re-asserted his essence, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude and deserved loyalty for prioritizing principles over personal gains.
Asiwaju’s choices and endorsements of northerners as presidential candidates while others were masterminding ethno-regional solidarity and fuelling socio-cultural affinities readily affirm his pan-Nigerian profile. Where others see divisions to exploit, he sees collaborations. Where others chase an easy route to power, he reminds you of Geoffrey Chaucer’s immortal wisdom—that patience is a conquering virtue. And it’s this patience that has brought us together today, to remember the examples he’s set and the debt we owe him.
The mudslinging that has trailed Asiwaju since his presidential bid took the top spot in the country is a mere acknowledgment of his political track record and inimitable influence on our political scene. The attempts at weaving ridiculous fiction to override the history we’ve all witnessed demonstrate the detractors’ utter desperation and cowardice. One of such is the mischievous fixation on his age and the wild conclusions that he’s physically unsuitable for the Office of the President. This obsession characterizes the thinking of those who have no understanding of Asiwaju’s incredible work ethic.
A few days ago, I joined him on a trip to Zamfara state to condole with the people and identify with their realities, and the experience made a nonsense of the propaganda that he’s unfit to run Nigeria. On the eve of the trip, Asiwaju had retired at 6 am, after Subhi prayers, and was already awake and attending to guests by 11 am. We departed for Sokoto around 2 pm and had to traverse the menacing hinterland of that part of the North-West for seven hours from Sokoto to Gusau—where he made a generous donation of N50 million as he had in other places struck by tragedies—and then back to Sokoto. On returning to Abuja by midnight, his schedule was entirely a series of meetings that kept him up till 3 am. Now, excuse my curiosity, how many of us here can match or endure such a demanding schedule? Asiwaju’s alacrity, therefore, has never been a subject of scepticism for those who’ve worked with him, and even his critics are aware of this. If he were half the man in their tales by moonlight, they would’ve long succeeded in subduing him.
The mark of true leadership isn’t the ability to lift a bag of cement. It’s the mental effort to think rationally of solutions designed to redeem one’s people and territorial jurisdiction. This was why leaders like Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States of America, stood out. Roosevelt took power in a country wrecked by the Great Depression of the 1930s and guided its economy through the Second World War, and the quality of his thoughts and ideas made the United States a superpower under his watch. Similarly, the accident that had Kenya’s Mwai Kibaki confined to a wheelchair didn’t disable his ability to produce sound ideas, and Kenyans were sold on his virtue that they chose him as their President over what some would consider a fitter option.
I’m not asking you to tone down critical assessments of your future leaders, but redirect you to see the bigger picture. We are not here to prepare for the Olympics, but an institution that relies on the superiority of ideas to thrive. Asiwaju’s credentials aren’t only appealing, they are proof of the qualities this country needs to redeem its vast potentials and possibilities. We are here to testify to this power of ideas—one that overturned the fortunes of Lagos state and sustained its supremacy as the largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa and kept the opposition alive when it was more profitable to sell out. Those who seek to make us go low hope to present the presidency as a brick-laying exercise. But that’s the work of a machine created by an idea, and who else to guide us towards manufacturing the best ideas to redeem this country?
To derail us at this point is a futile ambition. The conversations we are prepared for aren’t pedestrian obsessions with the mundane, but comparisons of ideas and track records of service to the nation. At the top of our expectations from Nigeria’s next president should be mastery of the dynamics of the modern economy, testified leadership skills and competence, and, very significantly, sensitivity to the complexities of Nigerian sociology. Pause to reflect on the man we are here to celebrate, and what you see is a tested, accomplished, and large-hearted leader who’s invested his resources in building an extensive network of political mentees who’ve risen to the peak of their career.
But in politics, of course, the camps with nothing to sell always choose the mud. We are not going to take the bait. We are going to keep them talking and busy with irrefutable records of Asiwaju’s suitability to lead this country to the promised land. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, for those who’ve been in the system for long understand that some character’s loyalty has a thing in common with a chameleon. What we promise, however, is to make sure that all Nigerians are presented with a side of the Jagaban Bornu other than the fiction and half-truths from political desperadoes clinging to the rigging of a sinking ship. This is why we are here—to build and mobilise a network of believers and volunteers at the grassroots to help us deliver the Nigeria of our dream.
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THE attention of the Movement for Stronger Delta, MSD, has been drawn to a recent publication by a pan-Delta online platform, titled: “DELTA 2023: Okowa, Ibori Fight Dirty Over Successor”, and posted on several social media groups and portals on Sunday, January 16, 2021.
As a conscious and proactive Movement, determined and committed to ensuring a stronger, peaceful, and united Delta, in the run-up to the 2023 elections and beyond, it behoves us to set a few records straight, concerning this publication, as our own way of educating and informing Deltans with accurate, verifiable information on the true position of affairs and also protecting ourselves from misleading misinformation that is capable of heating up the polity and instigating unnecessary and avoidable conflicts, provocations and conflagrations in the State.
The original story was first published with the title: “DELTA 2023: Okowa, Ibori face up on successor…•Gov takes charge but counter-attack looms”, written by Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South and Published in Saturday Vanguard, January 15, 2022.
The online publication in question, copied THE STORY verbatim, and then proceeded, for reasons best known to the publisher, to change the headline from the original, without informing the readers or even acknowledging the source and author of the original story; and this, from every professional standpoint, is a crass and brazen display of unethical journalism, bordering on plagiarism. Journalists must be cautioned to avoid sensationalism and inaccurate reportage intended to deliberately mislead the people, especially when they copy stories from other more seasoned and recognized mainstream publications.
There is a fundamental headline difference between: “Face up” in the original story and “Fight Dirty” in the copied online version, which every journalist worth his salt, especially those knowledgeable enough in the basic use of the English language, which is the major tool and instrument of the profession, should know and apply in their proper contexts.
For the avoidance of doubt and for the purposes of educating the Journalist against future ignorances: “FACE UP: means ‘To confront or deal directly with someone or something previously avoided”, while “FIGHT DIRTY: means, ‘To use every possible way and especially the most treacherous way, to beat someone in a fight’
Translations. “Face Up” literally means ‘to accept the reality that a difficult situation exists and to confront the situation directly and accept responsibility, blame, for whatever outcome emerges. “Fight Dirty” on the other hand literally means ‘to use the worst ways, and not playing by the rules or fighting without honour, to achieve a result.
In other words, it is already common knowledge in Delta State, that the succession process in the State PDP, with its intrigues and entrenched Interests, is likely going to become a difficult situation if it is not properly guided and managed. This, however, is quite a common occurrence in the political landscape especially when elections approach.
Both Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Chief James Ibori, as astute, progressive, and well-experienced leaders of the Delta PDP, understand the situation perfectly and having achieved many successes, both individually and for the party in numerous political battles over the years, have ‘faced up’ to the reality of the situation and pledged, as the original story confirms, to allow the process unfold in accordance with the rules. They have accepted as leaders, to show example, by ‘playing by the rules’ and not ‘fighting dirty’ by any stretch of imagination, so one wonders where the publisher of the online Portal got the information that compelled the change in the title of the original piece.
It is important at this juncture to state unequivocally that Comrade Emma Amaize is a highly respected and much-decorated, multiple award-winning, national, and globally recognized veteran journalist, who has brought great acceptability and prominence to the profession. His credibility is impregnable. He takes no prisoners, kowtows to no interests, and his reports and analysis are grounded, corroborated, and substantiated by impeccable, unimpeachable sources. In fact, without any prejudice at all, he can be described as an Institution of reference in Political Journalism and Niger Delta affairs. You can take whatever he has written to the bank and get abundant credit for its veracity.
His story on the Delta 2023 succession process, from its title to its conclusion, is objective, factual, concise, and verifiable. There’s nowhere in the story that he suggested or even hinted that Ibori and Okowa are ‘fighting dirty’. In fact like the thoroughbred professional, with an excellent mastery of the semantics and morphology of the English language, he has chosen the verb ‘Face up’, which is not only apt in the context but also captures and embraces the collective brinkmanship and attendant auxiliary fallouts that have defined the succession process so far. Young and aspiring Journalists, especially in the largely unregulated online space, can learn quite a lot from the writings of Comrade Emma Amaize.
Finally, we want to state categorically once again, that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Chief James Ibori are not ‘fighting dirty’ over any successor. In fact, the story itself makes that succinctly clear when the writer stated in paragraphs 20 and 21 that: “Thought-provoking, however, is the information corroborated by multiple sources that Governor Okowa had met with the former Governor, Chief James Ibori, to discuss the issue of his successor in 2023.
“Saturday Vanguard learned that Ibori pointed out his favourite candidate (names withheld) to Okowa, but the Governor opposed his choice and voiced his first choice (names also withheld) based on competence. Both men differed but mutually agreed that they would settle the score at the primaries if there was no meeting point before then”. That, fellow Deltans, ladies and gentlemen, is the true position of things. QED.
Political analysts and commentators, as well as compatriot politicians and colleagues, will confirm that if there is one political leader in the country, who has made playing by the rules a sacrosanct and irrevocable principle in his political lexicon and agenda, then that leader is without doubt Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. His political trajectory is replete with impressive examples of his doggedness to ensure that the right thing is done, always.
He does not Fight Dirty, but prefers to deploy superior strategic, astute, and pragmatic political acumen to achieve victories that cannot be overturned. A fine example is the 2011 Delta North Senatorial Primaries where he even had to engage and fund national television networks from his own pocket, to beam the event live to the entire world and avoid any controversies.
Chief James Ibori, on the other hand, is a veteran of many rigorous, successful and victorious political battles. He has the scars to prove it and it is also on record that he sourced and harnessed the skills and exceptional talents of leading political figures in the State like Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Senator James Manager, and a host of others, to work in and within his Executive cabinet, when he was Governor of Delta State. That is why today, he is reverentially hailed and addressed as the ‘Godfather’ of Delta politics. He definitely would not “Fight Dirty” with the same people he has worked together with for years. Only the uninformed or downright mischievous cretins would suggest such a nebulous scenario.
As true and responsible party leaders, they have faced up to the challenge(s) which the 2023 succession process may pose. There is no doubt whatsoever that as the situation unravels, both leaders will once again work together with other party leaders, elders, and stakeholders across the three Senatorial zones and the entrenched interest groups and blocks, in rigorous consultations, dynamic negotiations, and harmonious cooperation, to determine and deliver the best man or woman for Delta State in 2023.
That, in clear terms, is the SIMPLE Agenda.
Signed:
Dr. Festus Bomo Patani National Co-ordinator, MOVEMENT FOR STRONGER DELTA (MSD)
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The year preceeding the general election year in Nigeria is always an interesting one. This is the time when political gladiators, both the serious and the pretenders, jostle for space in their political nests while seeking for attention of the electorates across the nation.
But it is equally very easy to identify and separate the serious from the not-too-serious, the grains from the chaff and the pretenders from the determined.
Some of the key ways to identify a pretender, in Nigeria’s type of party politics is the obvious lack of a grassroot political base and the all important and the much needed financial war-chest to prosecute their visions.
In Nigeria, those who thinks that winning elections is based on eloquence, oratory and polemics often found out that grammar and the use of the Queens English language, does not confuse nor endear the speaker to the average pauperised Nigerian citizen that is ready to vote anymore.
The days of Zikism, laden with sugar coated speeches are over. And so are the days of those who often do not prepare but yet, insist on contesting elections just to fulfill “the clarion call of the people”
Any aspirant that doesn’t have a support base with proven positive antecedents of performance, capacity and an identifiable means of livelihood is a pretender.
In this season, we will yet see more of them. Some have become perennial contenders such that they are no longer taking seriously in the scheme of things. Their posters are almost always ready with myriads of phantom associations of hustlers, masquerading as support groups, ready to do their bidding provided there’s cash to throw around.
Let those who wants to genuinely take us to our eldorado come out with all readiness, seriousness and demonstrable capacity to lead without recourse to primordial prejudices of ethnicity and religion that has kept us bound up until now.
Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
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–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA)- From Our CORRESPONDENT:
The Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi has disbanded the anti-vandal unit of Rivers State Command of the Corps following accusation by Governor Nyesom Wike of River State of their aiding and abetting of vandals and illegal bunkerers to carry out their nefarious activities.
A signed statement on Saturday by the spokesman of the Corps, Olusola Odumosu said the CG has received with shock and dismay, the allegations levelled against the anti vandal unit of Rivers State Command of the Corps by the governor wherein the team was accused of aiding and abetting vandals and illegal bunkerers to carry out criminal activities.
He said: “Worried by this disappointing development, the CG has ordered the suspension of head of the anti vandal team and the disbandment of the unit with immediate effect, pending the outcome of an independent enquiry set up to look into the weighty allegations levelled against the unit by the governor.
The CG said that the extant rules and regulations guiding the NSCDC operations and the general ethics of the service requires complete display of total discipline, integrity, incorruptibility, transparency and accountability on the part of every Corps personnel, hence, the reason for this immediate action.
Audi further directed the Acting DCG in charge of investigation and intelligence to summon all the personnel involved to the National Headquarters, Abuja for further investigation to determine the level of involvement and or culpability with a view to dispensing justice appropriately.
He decried the allegations as not being in tandem with his vision for the Corps, stressing that he will not condone any criminal act or act of compromise by any personnel. He emphasized that a thorough investigation would be conducted to ascertain the veracity of the allegation and roles played by the individuals involved and whoever is found guilty would face necessary disciplinary actions and punishment.
He however assured the Governor Wike of getting to the root of the matter without delay, promising more synergy with the state government towards discharging more effective service delivery to the good people of Rivers state. Reiterating further that his administration has come with a renewed vigour to reposition the service in line with global best practices and will not condone any act of sabotage by any personnel no matter how highly or lowly placed.
He said: “The swift action taken by me is to close any identified gaps in our operations and service to the nation, I will not tolerate any act of indiscipline, compromise or sabotage under any guise; our founding fathers have worked so hard to earn good name for the service as a noble organization and I will not allow a few bad eggs to spoil our name, image, our credibility and integrity. We will investigate those fingered in the allegations and deal decisively with them if found guilty to serve as a deterrent to others.”
Audi emphasized that as the lead agency in the protection of critical national asset and infrastructure, the Corps management would beam more searchlight into that area by reorganizing and reconstituting the anti vandal unit with a view to making it more responsive, transparent and accountable to Nigerians.
“Our moral principles are not negotiable; we are going to rejig the unit and fish out those spoiling the name of the Corps, my fight against vandals, illegal oil bunkerers and those stealing our collective wealth and sabotaging our economy is unflinching and we will redoubled our efforts to whittle down this act of sabotage and bring to justice anyone not in tune with our vision and mission for the service,” he said.
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-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Sunny A. DAVID:
The Indigenous People of Biafra has allayed fears that there will be four days sit-at-home protest in the South-East to mark Nnamdi Kanu appearances to court next week.
In a statement by the Media and Publicity Secretary of the secessionist Group, Mr. Emma Powerful, there would be only one sit at home observance on 18th of January in the area.
The Group said the decision to observe only one stay-at-home for its Leader was in order not to compound the pains of the people of the area.
Before, the statement, there were panic buying in most markets in the area following social media reports that there would be a four-day sit-at-home protest in the South-East next week from Monday to Thursday.
The IPOB statement said, “Following our Leader’s upcoming court proceedings on the 18th, 19th and 20th of January 2022 next week, we wish to remind Biafrans that there will be only sit -at-home on 18th of January, and not 19th and 20th of January. In keeping with our avowed solidarity with our Leader, the entire Biafra land will be on lock down only on January 18 for obvious reasons.
“Biafrans should understand that 19th January is the judgment day in the suit by our Leader against the Federal Government which is pending before an Umuahia High Court. So, there will be no sit-at-home on that day.
“Again, we don’t want to compound the pains of our people, hence, we will limit the sit-at-home to only January 18. Biafrans and residents of Biafra are free to go about their businesses without molestations on 19th and 20th January.
“Anybody found enforcing non-existent Monday sit-at-home on 17th, 19th and 20th is criminal and must treat as such, IPOB Leadership have given order and that order is what signed.
“Everybody must be careful because this waves that is coming will consume many and every principal of IPOB mostly the coordinators must know that it will bounce on their heads if they don’t checkmate the activities of members and call them to order. IPOB is not village or social club where everybody will behave untoward to people like cultists.
“It is on the table and to the knowledge of IPOB leadership how some principal officers were encouraging evils in IPOB without minding the repercussions and consequences but we want to make categorically known to them that it will come back to him or her that encouraged evil against his or her fellow human beings
IPOB added, “For clarity sake, we reiterate that there will be no sit-at-home on January 19th and 20th. Nobody is expected to interfere with either human or vehicular movements in those days under any guise. Any detractor or agent of darkness caught obstructing peoples activities in Biafra land on January 19th and 20th in the name of enforcing sit-at-home will regret his or her actions.
“We realise that some unscrupulous and traitors are trying to create confusion about these days and dishing false information and propaganda trying to create confusion in Biafra land. IPOB never declared sit at home on 19th and 20th of January 2022. Therefore, we want all Biafrans to go to their normal business on these days without fear.
“Anybody issuing order for sit-at-home on 19th and 20th of January is not a member of IPOB. Such persons are working against the interest of our leader and the entire struggle for independence. They should be disregarded.
“For the umpteenth time, IPOB is under one Central command and Control , and doesn’t have parallel or factional leadership. The Directorate of State (DOS) under the command of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is in charge of the global movement of IPOB.Anybody who is not loyal to DOS is an impostor and should be disregarded.
“We expect our people everywhere to adhere to this directive and refuse to be misled by sacked members of IPOB in Europe and America. IPOB remains unshakeable, built and rooted on the rock and will remain so until the freedom for Biafra is fully achieved.”
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