KENYA High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Wilfred Machage has denied the involvement of his home government in the extradition of leader of disbanded Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu’s family had earlier made an allegation that the IPOB leader was extradited from Kenya through the aid of Kenya government.
Addressing a press conference on Friday in Abuja, the Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Wilfred Machage said: “I want to address this allegation by denying that Kenya was involved in the alleged arrest in Kenya and extradition to Nigeria of Mr. Kanu. To us therefore these allegations are fictional, imaginary and deliberately concerted to fuel antagonistic feelings among certain section of the Nigerian people.”
He added that: “I want to challenge anyone with facts relating to this alleged arrest in Kenya to present those facts. This includes when, where, how and who was particularly involved in the alleged arrest.”
He said the government and people of Kenya are also disturbed, dismayed and astonished by the unfortunate statement on this alleged arrest in Kenya which was carried in one of the national dailies.
He added: “The Government of Kenya is particularly appealed by the spurious, derogatory and libelous mention of our dear President on this matter as has been reported.”
“I, as the High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, wish to categorically emphasize that our two countriesKenya and Nigeria have and continues to enjoy cordial diplomatic relations with both the Federal Government of Nigeria and its great accommodating and amiable citizens,” Machage said.
He noted that Kenya is committed to sustaining the historical bond of friendship between the two countries and further cement diplomatic relations with the view of ensuring beneficial relations.
He urged that Kenya should not be dragged into the issue as she has no question to answer but rather that the citizens of Nigeria should approach the Nigerian government for explanation of where Kanu was arrested from.
MANAGING Director/CEO of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh FCNA, CrFA, has commended the Rector of Niger Delta University, Irri Campus, His Grace, Archbishop (Dr.) C.A.O. Apena, for his foresight and initiative for bringing education closer to the people in Isokoland and beyond.
He stated this as Chairman at the maiden matriculation ceremony of Niger Delta University, Irri Campus, on Thursday, July 1, 2021, where he was represented by his Executive Assistant, Mrs. Dick-Duvwarovwo Anthonette.
According to him, “For every flourishing and viable society, education is key, without which society becomes rudderless and lawless. For me, every opportunity presented to be part of enhancing the education sector within my means is grabbed with both hands.
“I am elated to be called upon to chair the maiden matriculation ceremony of the Niger Delta University, Irri Campus. It is an honour that I do not take lightly. I am humbled by this privilege.
“Permit me to immediately commend and thank the Rector, His Grace, Archbishop (Dr.) C.A.O. Apena, for his foresight and initiative for bringing education closer to our people in Isokoland and beyond. For every flourishing and viable society, education is key, without which society becomes rudderless and lawless. For me, every opportunity presented to be part of enhancing the education sector within my means is grabbed with both hands.
“There is no better time to state this than now. I have been worried that our languages, especially the Isoko language, are going into extinction. On my part, I have sponsored the publication of Isoko books for primary and secondary schools (from JSS to SS) which have been approved for study by the Ministry of Education, and also encouraging Isoko Language teachers in primary and secondary schools by paying them stipends.
“This is a plea. The Niger Delta University may consider introducing Isoko Language Course in its Linguistics Department to help sustain our indigenous languages.
“I will therefore make a clarion call to our sons and daughters who are well positioned to come on board to sponsor programmes and projects in this citadel of learning that is poised to shape the character and scholarship of our children.
“To the matriculating students, please be aware that education comes before wealth. You are privileged today to have been admitted to this prestigious institution. Your focus should therefore be strictly on your education. To achieve educational success, you must strive to shun all forms of social vices.
“I know there is a high and still growing level of unemployment among our well educated young men and women. To some people, this is enough motivation to opt for the path to quick fix in the quest for wealth. You must not fall to this temptation.
“One of the prime reasons for the stunted growth in Nigeria is the disjointed nature of our federation which has stifled the potential of states to be more creative and entrepreneurial in harnessing their resources. You must take interest in how our country is run and be part of the dialogue towards building a more perfect federation that provides the ambience for the younger generation to actualise their dream.
“Drugs should be your enemy at all times. Don’t use your internet access for criminal activities that could truncate your education prematurely. Betting is addictive, please don’t use the little money your parents are able to give you on betting games. It can ruin your education.
“I advise you to imitate the paths of your lecturers, following their footsteps and embracing self-discipline, so that you may achieve your ultimate goal of graduating with flying colours. Eschew all forms of mediocrity and aim to shoot for the moon so that even if you miss it, you may land among the stars.
“I am confident that the Niger Delta University will mold your character such that when you graduate, you will contribute meaningfully to the growth of our country while dominating excellently in your various fields. I congratulate your parents for striving to bring you to this stage of your lives. May their labours not be in vain. Amen.
“I wish all the students the best of God’s blessings and good tidings.”
ANIUCHI IFEANYI ERNEST is one of the GEEP beneficiaries with IMC Oil Palm Plantations, Nsukwa. He hails from Ndokwa East Local Government Area and is an Agricultural Economics graduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He also has a National Diploma Certificate in Agricultural Technology from the then Delta State College of Agriculture, Ozoro. Ifeanyi is currently the Out-grower Manager in the company. He has gained experience over the years through trainings and practical supervision of IMC plantation. He is a seasoned oil palm farmer, oil farm plantation consultant and manager, married and is concluding a masters degree programme in International Agribusiness and Food Chain Management in Lead City University, Ibadan. He shares his success story:
“In 2016, it was announced that all Deltans who studied Agriculture should submit their details to the newly created Job Creation Bureau. I took advantage of the opportunity and was later invited for an interview in an oil palm estate where I was trained in the oil palm plantation business and employed to work as a Plantation Development Supervisor in IMC Oil Palm Plantations Limited.
“My experience in the oil palm plantation business has been memorable. At first, I was completely naive in that enterprise of agriculture. After a month with the oil palm company, I was trained by different international experts in oil palm namely Solidaridad West Africa and Ghana Sumatra all from Ghana, and also had series of internal training by expatriates in the company.
“Thereafter, my interest in the industry was aroused and I started developing myself on the job. I learned Best Management Practices (BMP) in oil palm production and management. These include modern technologies in planting of oil palm, harvesting, pruning, circle weeding, slashing, types of chemical herbicides and fungicides, three R’s of fertilizer application (right time, right place, right quantity and right type of fertilizer). I learned about general field management such as how to manage the field workers, right time and seasons to carry out some particular operations in the field. I also learnt how to make presentations such as daily, weekly, monthly and annual reports, effective use of computer and Excel sheets for reporting. Others are training on bee-keeping for pollination and the use of the E-prod software for out-grower farmer’s data entries. Indeed, it has been an inexhaustible list experience in the business of oil palm plantation and management.
“Two years later, I was promoted to management position in April, 2019 where I was saddled with the responsibility of an Out-grower Manager. Out-grower is an integral department of the company where we reach out to all small holder oil palm farmers as off-taker of their produce by providing ready market for them. We also provide the farmers with quality Tenera seedlings, technical advice and other inputs just to help the farmers grow in their oil palm business. This responsibility as the Outgrower Manager is quite challenging, but at the same time it has also given me a lifetime experience in agricultural extension service delivery and general management.
“Talking about the benefits and impact of GEEP, it is a life changing programme. My life has changed because I am now a successful consultant in the field of oil palm business. I have been able to register my consultancy business name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and I comfortably run my consultancy firm side by side without any conflict of interest with my company. I have also acquired a large expanse of land which I am developing into an oil palm plantation. I am confident that I have built a lasting career in the industry.
“In 2018, I got married to my beautiful wife. I want to conclude by saying that there is no better profession than agriculture. I plead with the Smart Governor to expand the scope of GEEP by enrolling more Deltans into the programme.
MANAGING Director/CEO of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Odio Bashorun Askia Ogieh FCNA, CrFA, has eulogized one of Isoko foremost elder statesman and peace builder, Major-Gen. (Chief) Paul Ufuoma Omu, as he clocks 81 years.
The DESOPADEC boss, in a letter of felicitation tagged “81 Garlands For The People’s General” described the celebrant as a father and mentor, whose wisdom and guidance will usher a greater level of peace and unity in Isoko nation and Nigeria.
“An astute administrator, foremost elder statesman and peace builder, Major-Gen. (Chief) Paul Ufuoma Omu stands out like a beacon among the distinguished crop of nation builders that sacrificed their finest years for the larger society.
“Today, this magnificent leader, father and mentor clocks 81 years, an amazing grace and blessing from the Most High. My family and I are immensely happy to join the legion of his admirers and followers to wish this great national leader a happy birthday.
“Having devoted so much of his resources, strength and goodwill for the development and progress of our people, it is only fitting that the Almighty God continues to shower you with long life in excellent health.
“On behalf of my family and political associates, I heartily felicitate with Major-General (Chief) Paul Ufuoma Omu, my father and mentor on this wonderful occasion.
“Othuke of Isokoland, I pray this new milestone at this time our country earnestly needs the wisdom and guidance from you will usher a greater level of peace and unity in Isoko nation and Nigeria.
AMIDST the settling smoke of crossfire and the simmering waters of hate, vexation, rant, threat, abuse and wanton provocation in the Southeast between the government and IPOB agitators, the recent arrest and repatriation of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu provides the best opportunity to address the numerous issues without the need to fire any more gunshot henceforth.
Whether we agree or not, the vexed method of approach by the two sides has led to the death of too many innocent souls and any move by anyone that seems to suggests the continuation of such senseless hostility in whatever guise will not augur well for the general well-being of Nigeria as a multi-ethnic nation.
This is not the time to roll out the drums to gloat the assumed ‘vanquished’ when the challenge at hand is yet to be fundamentally and exhaustively addressed. Rather if anything, this is the time to dialogue with Mazi Kanu and the elders of the region and all similar vexations within our complex enclave, to at least, officially understand the real issues and also to create a window to resolve them.
Whether Mazi Kanu called Nigeria a Zoological garden or not, the fact remains that “that garden” still encompasses his ancestral home up until now as far as Nigeria’s territorial integrity is concerned.
Even when the SouthEast ( Was it really the entire southeast?) was ridiculously referred to as a little dot, it is on record that that dot produced some of the early foremost intelligent nationalists that spoke, “the Queen’s English” that delivered to us political independence from the British till date.
On the part of the Federal government, the painful alternative of the proverbial stick has been used so far, this is the time to apply the carrot and the break, while applying wisdom and dexterity to amicably resolve the issues at stake.
Whether we like it or not, Mazi Kanu symbolizes the secret desire of the vast population of the youth of the southeast region; but seeking for Justice in a way that may lead us to more injustice and throw the nation into chaos was the unenviable snag that brought MNK to where he found himself right now.
In all, there has to be a point of convergence between the burning desire, anger and aspirations of a people and those whose responsibility it is to ensure that such aspirations are addressed within the confines of a known or agreed law for the benefit and mutual security of all.
Enough of unnecessary ethnic colouration of a problem that threatens the very fabric of our existence: let Democracy have a breathing space to articulate and express her divergent views. And let these views be harmlessly expressed by all without the threat of violence or the use of force by one party against the other. This is what true democracy is all about.
*Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
THE Managing Director/CEO of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, has expressed sadness and shock over the sudden death of Hon. Kenneth Ogba, Member representing Isoko South Constituency I in the Delta State of Assembly.
In a statement personally signed by him and made available to Blank NEWS Online, the DESOPADEC chieftain lamented that, “I was in a numb, dazed state when the unthinkable, painful and sad news reached me that my very close confidant, friend and junior brother, Honourable Kenneth Ogba, Member representing Isoko South Constituency I in the Delta State of Assembly, passed on suddenly, few hours after we parted ways at Oleh.
“I am pained and in torment because of the near perfect, excellent relationship he had with me, during which time I had first hand knowledge of the enormous impact he made on the people. He was a bridge builder who bonded across all divides. He was so good at it that he knew no boundaries, he bonded with the old, the young, the poor, the indigent and the rich. And he was a giver, a philanthropist per excellence who always casually relieved others of their pains. I can attest.
“Kenneth was a crowd-puller from when he was young. He was a self-made person in terms of the name and popularity that he enjoyed, a strong grassroots mobiliser. A key player in the grassroots, he bonded across board. Yes, Presido was my political soulmate who believed in me and demonstrated his trust in me in ways that make me cry now that he has left me.
“My last moments with him was at a thanksgiving service at Irri, the same day that he died. We were both at the thanksgiving service by Apostle Oki and he was dancing to the glory of God. Little did I know that was going to be his last moment before God. That was his last assignment he did before God. I take solace in the scriptures (Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2) knowing that he served God well. But even as we cannot question the will of God, a good man, Kenneth died too early, too young. Like a candle in the wind.
“I know that no human being is perfect and Kenneth may not have been perfect. I therefore beseech the Almighty God to forgive all his sins and trespasses and accept his kind and generous soul in His bosom.
“I pray that the Almighty God grant his wife, children and the family the grace and fortitude to bear this huge loss.
“May the soul of my friend and brother rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael EKOKOROWE:
Women and Men in their numbers from nine host communities of Isoko South, Isoko North and Ndokwa East local government area of Delta State, has staged a peaceful protest against Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), over unpaid six months surveillance security slots and gave 21 days ultimatum to shut down oil facilities, at Irri flow station, Isoko South local government area.
The protesters while chanting songs of marginalization and deprivation, blocked the road and entrance gate of the company with erected canopy and displayed placards with the inscription from each community as we the people of Okpe – Isoko protest to Nigeria Agip Oil Company for non – payment of 6 months salaries on the surveillance jobs given to the community”.
The angry protesters from Irri, Idheze Orie and OKpe – Isoko in Isoko South and North and Ibrede, Asemuku, Abalagada, Beneku in Ndokwa East local government area, besieged the company’s gate, throw debris into the company premises, and demanded for the payment of the 6 months Agip surveillance security salaries.
Speaking to newsmen, hon. Marcus Idike, chairman Idheze community and chairman of the nine aggrieved host’s communities on surveillance issues stated that on the 22nd December 2020, the Nigeria Agip Oil Company management terminated contractors work on surveillance security and gave it to hosts communities to protect their facilities, just as the information was passed to various communities.
Idike further stated that the company agreed to pay each person employed to protect pipeline / flow line, wellhead location and manifold in various hosts communities forty thousand Naira (N40,000.00) monthly, adding that the work commenced on 1st of January 2021, with a mandate to protect the company’s facilities.
He maintained that the management of Nigeria Agip Oil Company requested for individual names from various communities for payment, but waited from January to February 2021, and wrote a reminder letter of payment, even as the company requested for four person signatories from the host communities.
Idike noted that the company sent Mou to the various communities, requesting signatories before payment, but the Mou was rejected as it does not reflect what Nigeria Agip oil firm agreed with the host’s communities during 21st and 22nd of December 2020 meeting, adding that no more contractors just as the Mou did not give detailed explanation of numbers of slots from various host communities over pipeline / flow line, wellhead and manifold facilities.
He maintained that the MoU never reflected direct payment of N40, 000.00 monthly salaries to workers and date of payment for each month’s salary was not stated.
Idike warned that with effect from 29th of June 2021, all surveillance workers employed to protect the company’s facilities stands withrawn, adding that no servicing company will be allowed to work in any wellhead or pipeline / flow line.
Idike stressed that the agreement reached on 22nd of December 2020, must not be changed by any contractor, adding that after three weeks, if the salaries are not paid, the hosts communities will shut down all facilities of Nigeria Agip Oil Company, emphasizing that it will no longer be peaceful.
For his part, the Community Development Committee secretary of Abalagada community, Ndokwa East local government area, Hon. Innocuous Obi said, Nigeria Agip oil company has taken the hosts communities magnanimity for granted.
He noted that Mr. Stanley Umukoro, manager security department, Mr. West Biobele, security department and Mr. Julius Attah, stakeholders management department that represented the company has failed the people.
He added that the company’s representative promised not to engage contractors, even as the surveillance work has been handed over to members of various hosts communities. He stressed that the Mou presented was rejected by host’s communities because the people were sidelined and marginalized.
He stated that Nigeria Agip Oil Company has undermined hosts communities and requested for immediate payment of the over 80 slots salaries according to wellhead, pipeline / flow line and manifold surveillance security work.
UNITED Kingdom has announced new funds to combat terror in Lake Chad Basin following the growth of terrorism on the African continent.
Specifically in the new funding plan, United Kingdom will support efforts to combat terror in the Lake Chad Basin region, including £12.6 million this financial year to support Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, all affected by the receding lake and subsequent by act of terrorism by Boko Haram/ISWA.
The UK Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab decried the growing threat of Daesh-linked groups in Africa, including so-called Islamic State West Africa.
At a meeting at a meeting of the Global Coalition against Daesh in Rome on Monday, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “Two years since Daesh’s territorial defeat in Iraq and Syria, the threat of Daesh and its hateful ideology has not gone away. Worryingly it continues to grow in Africa which is why we must work with our Coalition partners to fight its poisonous propaganda on all fronts.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with our African partners to tackle the growing threat from Daesh-linked groups across Africa, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin.”
The Foreign Secretary, according to a statement signed by the Policy and Communications Manager, British High Commission in Nigeria, Elva Lynch-Bathgate, on Monday announced new UK funding to fight the growing threat of terrorism in West Africa.
At a meeting of the Global Coalition against Daesh in Rome, Dominic Raab committed £12.6m this financial year to support efforts to counter the group in the Lake Chad Basin, which covers North East Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.
According to the statement, the funds will be used to support regional forces to counter the Daesh threat, encourage fighters to leave the group, and support the stabilisation of areas for local communities, improving community security and restoring essential infrastructure and basic services, through support to the regional stabilisation facility.
According to the statement, foreign ministers from more than 45 countries are met on Monday to discuss deepening cooperation to combat Daesh and its affiliate terrorist groups, including emerging threats across the African continent.
The statement said UK is funding a new Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) programme for the Lake Chad Basin region of West Africa, where Daesh’s affiliate, known as Islamic State West Africa (ISWA), is responsible for significant violence, noting that this new regional fund replaces the previous North East Nigeria CSSF fund.
The statement further revealed that will support regional military efforts to counter Daesh and other groups, as well as efforts to safely demobilise suspected low-level members of terrorist groups.
“The UK Government continues to work with Nigeria to respond to the drivers of the conflict, through a comprehensive package of security support and supporting a civilian-led process for stabilisation. The UK is also providing humanitarian assistance to respond to the lifesaving needs of people affected by the conflict,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing has said: “The UK remains absolutely committed to the lasting defeat of Daesh and affiliates such as Islamic State West Africa.”
She said: “I welcome this announcement of new funding which will enable us to continue to support the efforts of our Nigerian and other regional partners. Together we will tackle this pressing threat and address the longer-term drivers of conflict.”
The statement recalled that Daesh recently released a new speech by its spokesman, the first since October 2020. The spokesman congratulated affiliates for their attacks, including in West Africa. Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin regularly issues propaganda boasting horrific violence against both civilian and military targets.
It is expected that with the funding announced on Monday such propaganda will be coun
Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA): By Albert OGRAKA: FRONTLINE Communications expert, journalist and former Delta State Commissioner for Information, His Excellency, Mr. Oma Djebah, Nigeria’s Ambas…
FRONTLINE Communications expert, journalist and former Delta State Commissioner for Information, His Excellency, Mr. Oma Djebah, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand , was on June 25th 2021 received by the Director–General of the Department of Protocol, Mr. Chittipat Tongprasroeth, at the Host’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present the Copie d’Usage of his Letters of Credence.
Oma Djebah was appointed as a non-career diplomat by President Muhammadu Buhari and was lawfully confirmed by the National Assembly.
DELTA State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has said that separation of power, checks and balances were imperative for good governance in a presidential system of government.
Okowa stated this in a keynote address he delivered at the 2021 Second Quarter meeting of Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria at Asaba, on Saturday.
He stated that the relationship between the executive and legislature should be governed by trust, mutual respect and deference, with each bearing in mind the tenets of separation of powers as required in the presidential system of government.
The governor remarked that the executive and legislative arms in a presidential system of government, had critical roles to play in promoting good governance, ensuring political stability and fostering sustainable economic growth.
According to him, the first step to building sustainable partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government for effective service delivery is for both organs of government to work with the consciousness that separation of power is imperative for good governance.
“Each must realise that the principle of checks and balances as constitutionally provided for, is to prevent abuse of power, which, if allowed to fester, will ultimately circumvent the rights and will of the governed.
“It is exigent that both see themselves as complementary partners working towards the same goal, which is the development of the State for the greater good of all.
“Trouble looms when the executive arrogates to itself the power to do as it wills or the legislature takes undue advantage of its oversight function to twist the arms of the executive for selfish ends.
“Where the relationship is characterized by mutual distrust, suspicion, friction and conflict, it leads to crisis and failure of the government to deliver on its policies and programmes.
“However, where both arms see themselves as partners and understand the spirit and letter of the principles of the separation of powers, the inevitable outcome is effective policy formulation and implementation, which leads to excellent service delivery,” he said.
Okowa urged the legislature to take its oversight function very seriously and ensure that the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) deliver on government’s policies and programmes.
He called for appropriate consultations between the executive and legislature in matters relating to politics and policy formulation.
He attributed the success of his administration in the last six years to the warm relationship between the administration and the legislature which had been one of respect, cooperation and trust.
In his remarks earlier, Chairman, Conference of Speakers, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Suleiman, had said that Delta was one of the few states in Nigeria used as a reference point on the issue of autonomy for state legislatures and the judiciary.
He said that the two months strike by Judicial and Parliamentary workers wouldn’t have been necessary if other states had shown the same support as Delta did.
“We acknowledge the massive development in Delta and this couldn’t have been possible without the support of the state legislature.
Welcoming the speakers to the conference, Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly and Deputy Chairman of the Conference, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, said that in the comity of states, Delta enjoyed relative peace, in spite of insecurity pervading parts of the country “because we are a praying state’’.
“We must give thanks to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the steps he took to secure the state,’’ he stated.
Oborevwori said that participants at the conference would discuss issues bothering the nation and proffer solutions for peace, order and good governance in the country.
He said that the Delta House of Assembly had been enjoying autonomy since 2019 and called for further strengthening of the executive-legislature relations in the country.
IT is often said that when one is consistently nostalgic and desirous of the past, it is indicative of the fact that nothing is exciting about the present.
Yet, this is where we found ourselves most often in Nigeria, where our sociopolitical and economic lives are crying for the good times of yesteryears. We long for the good old days when the Naira played the landlord to the Dollar; where the nonexistent middle class of today bridged the gap between the rich and the poor.
Our old teachers and parents told us beautiful stories about the cheapness and the affordability of material things in the days of the Shillings and Pounds.
Until the death of innocence, children could play amongst their excited neighbours without the fear of child theft or molestation while adults could embark on long journeys by roads through the rainforests in the south to the Sahel Savannah in the north without the fear of being kidnapped or killed by today’s daredevil killer herdsmen and bandits.
It is quite antithetical that this feeling of nostalgia for our past with an unending desire to live in it again if given the opportunity, is eating deep into our psyche such that we have ignorantly forgotten our political history and therefore, wallow in the fallacy of deceit and misinformation.
Why would a nation desires her past and prefers to speak glowingly about the good old days than her present and the future?
One of the very important persuasion that informed today’s discourse is the blind desire for us to go back to the 1961 Republican constitution with a claim that it was the best of all having introduced us to regionalism, as it were.
Every lover of regionalism and the Republican constitution must not forget that that constitution like many others, derives from the Authur Richards constitution of 1946 ( as amended) which arguably is the most undemocratic of them all.
This constitution was single-handedly written by Arthur Richards, the governor-general, sent to the British house of commons for approval and presented to the legislative council in Lagos for endorsement with the three regional commissioners nodding their heads in approval.
How the failure of regionalism and the republican constitution led to the first military coup d’etat in Nigeria, the reason why the British gave us regions backed with a formal document called the Republican Constitution and the need to think forward and not backward as a nation, is the thrust of my next discussion.
Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
CHIWEIKE NWANKWO hails from Oshimili North Local Government Area. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical and Vocational Education from the Delta State University, Abraka; enrolled into the Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme of the Delta State Government in the 2015/2016 Cycle, the pioneer set and was trained in Fish Production. Six years after establishment, he has distinguished himself by growing his enterprise beyond expectation.
He is the CEO of Chiwinkx Farms, Asaba; the Head of Trainers, Chiwinkxfarms Beyond Fish Academy; the Guest Speaker, United Nations Migration Project 2021; a Guest Panellist, Niger Delta Beyond Oil Summit and the State Consultant, NIRSAL Strategic Business Support Services Project 2021 and an employer.
With a wide range of clients all over the country and overseas, he is developing the agricultural value chain by processing fish, snail and meat. He has acquired a vast expanse of land to be used as his permanent site. Much more, he got married about four years ago and is blessed with two lovely children. No doubt, Chiweike can be described as one of the Delta State Job and Wealth Creation Bureau star ambassadors.
He shares his success story, “I graduated in 2010 but was unemployed till I was given hope by the Delta State Government through the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP).
“After the training which lasted for three months, I was given a starter pack with the following components- 3 concrete ponds at Delta State Agricultural Rural Development Agency (DARDA) at Ibusa, 2,000 fingerlings, 145 bags of fish feeds and a monthly stipend of #10,000 for 3 months. I also received a smoking kiln from the state government.
“Currently, I have 13 ponds and had a stock of 33,000 fish some months back. I process fish to add value, to control price and to prevent wastages. In addition, I grow some brooder stock for fish hatchery. The highest number of fish hatched was 36,000 fries. I have quality fingerlings and juveniles for sale. I offtake birds from poultry farmers and package for sale. In December, 2016, I acquired a plot of land measuring 300 feet by 320 feet for expansion from the proceeds of my fish farm. To crown it all, I started as a single man, now I am a married man with two male children.
“It is not enough to begin a business, but knowing the intricacies involved in such a business. Basically, I plough back my profit. By ploughing back my profit, I have been able to grow my business. I have faced lots of challenges, yet I continue to push on.
“Apart from producing fresh cat fish, I have 7 additional products such as smoked fish, crayfish, blended catfish, chicken, snail, fish fillets and fish oil. I have an outlet, “Fish House,” for the sale of my products located along Ibusa Road, adjacent Kwale Park, Asaba. I also can be contacted at 07034550022; facebook.com/chiwinkxfarms/; https://wa.me/message/KYTGMNXJIVQLA1; instgram.com/chiwinkxfarms/
“I have offered free training to 60 persons including corps members and trained over 40 persons for a fee. I have 6 employees on my payroll and 3 casual staff. I am a farm consultant to 7 agencies. I have helped to establish fish farms for 13 clients and the reward has been very attractive. I have attended 16 training programmes and seminars in the past six years.
“I no longer need a government job. I advise youth entrepreneurs to possess the willingness to grow gradually, stay focused and consistent. With creativity and innovation, they will soar higher and higher.
THE Nigerian Army has just been alerted to a submission by Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi when he featured on ARISE TV Morning Show on Wednesday, 23 June 2021 alleging that the Nigerian Military is colluding with marauding bandits who have been responsible for various crimes and atrocities against Nigerians and the Nigerian state.
A statement issued on Wednesday, 23 June 2021 to Blank NEWS Online by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu says:
“The Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to state that contrary to Sheik Gumi’s claims, the NA remains a bonafide symbol of national unity that has conducted its constitutional responsibilities in the most professional manner in line with global best practices of adherence to the rules of engagement and protection of the fundamental human rights of the citizenry.
“The sweeping allegation peddled by the scholar is not only sad and unfortunate, but a calculated attempt to denigrate the Nigerian military and undermine the sacrifices of our patriotic troops, who are working tirelessly to restore peace and stability across the country. It is essential to remind ourselves that these same military, being accused of connivance, are the ones who recently put their lives on the line to rescue abductees of the Government Secondary School, Birnin Yawuri from kidnappers.
“While the NA will not attempt to excuse the possibility of black sheep amongst its fold, it must be stated unambiguously that it will not condone any form of sabotage or aiding and assisting the enemy by any personnel, as provisions for dealing decisively with such acts are crystallised in Section 45 (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A 20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
“It must also be pointed out, that while the military is very much receptive to constructive criticism, it should not be perceived as a gateway for derogatory comments that have the potential to embolden criminals. It is also necessary to reiterate that patriotism must be taken to a trajectory where subversive conversations on the state are brought to the barest minimum.
“Opinion leaders are enjoined to demonstrate patriotism in building the peace, rather than being agents of distabilization, thereby aggravating the current security challenges facing the nation.
“The NA wishes to reassure law abiding citizens, that troops will continue to conduct themselves professionally in consonance with the code of conduct guiding our operations in all combat engagements, in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and global best practice. Citizens are enjoined to continue to support military operations by providing useful information to defence and security agencies and together we shall rid our society of these criminal elements.
ONE of the most sensitive issues of discourse in Nigeria today is the security challenges in the South East. It is sensitive not because of the geographical location but the people, the enterprising and resilient Igbo people.
There are two opposing perspectives to the issue and two opposing feelings therefrom. One is the perceived marginalisation of the Igbo people right from the end of the Nigerian civil war, which has been seriously aggravated till now.
This is often hinged on the palpable fact that the Presidency has eluded them since the dawn of our developing Democracy. The solution to this, as generally perceived, is the cry for a commensurate inclusion by the zoning of the Presidency to the SouthEast and or the appointment of their people to key positions of government et cetera.
The additional perspective is the outright desire and call for secession which is arguably brought about by the skewed federalism that disfavours them and the age-long Biafra question. This is ably powered by the separatist group which is presently at loggerhead with the Federal authorities. While the first perspective elicits a feeling of Nigerianess and opens the door for negotiations, the other creates a feeling of liberation, freedom and much-desired emancipation from the strangulating clasp of the Nigerian state.
It is against this backdrop that the recent outright denial and declaration of lack of support for the separatists by the political leaders of the Southeast, needs to be re-examined once again. Even the highly revered social cultural organisation, the Ohaneze, toe the line of these political leaders. Why?
There are those who have equally said that these politicians and cultural leaders do not represent true leadership of the region. Whether this is scientifically true or borne out of vengeful impulse, is yet to be seen.
Why would the leadership denies the “wishes and aspirations” of the people or why should a people equally reject the legitimacy of her leadership over the slightest “provocation”?
If the “elders” chose the path of peace and dialogue over that of possible violence, war and its attendant consequences, does that amounts to cowardice and betrayal as being insinuated in some quarters?
Also, if the people say that condescending to dialogue tantamount to living a perpetual life of political subjugation and marginalisation and therefore required to go their separate ways, could they be wrong? This is the knotty scenario the average Southeasterner finds himself today. May the voice of reason prevail.
Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
AS the world celebrate the 2021 World Sickle cell day, wife of Delta State Governor and founder O5 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa has advocated that patients with Sickle Cell Anaemia deserve adequate care, devoid of stigmatism.
Dame Okowa, who gave the charge on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at the Delta State Sickle cell Referral Centre, Asaba Specialist Hospital Asaba, stated that the disorder is not a death sentence but an opportunity for people to express their love for God and humanit
She enjoined all stakeholders to engage in sensitizing the public on the need to know their genotype.
“My heart desire is to see a community, state and country that has no Sickle Cell Anaemia. We have a project that in the next 10 years, there will be no case of sickle cell.
“Ignorance is no longer as excuse, the team has a mission to care for sickle patients and we have 15 existing sickle cell clinics. The Specialist Hospital is a referral centre”, just as she commended donors for their partnerships.
“I encourage you all to show love to one another especially those with sickle cell disorder. What you can do for those young boys and girls, do it”.
Staff of the State Contributory Health Commission, were on ground to register them into the scheme for medical attention.
Mr. Martins Abebe representing Rolex Emameyam Foundation presented a cheque of N150, 000 to the wife of the state governor in support of the Sickle cell patients.
Also, the Director-General of the Initiative, Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas, received some drugs donation from Pharm. (Dr.) Evangeline Enaike, Chairman, Association of Lady’s Pharmacist, Delta State chapter.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, ministry of health, Ejiro Oghenegha, called for the need to raise awareness of the disorder while Dr. Florin Ovaje spoke on the need for the warriors to stay healthy by eating balance diet, drinking between 2-4 litres of water daily.
“Avoid extreme temperature, excessive exercise” while Okolie Gift Chukwudumebi and Imobisa Blessing, shared their life experiences.”
The permanent secretary further said that due to the activities of the 05 Initiative, over 3,000 sickle cell disorder patients had benefited through the provision of free drugs for patients, created awareness and sensitization on sickle cell disorder, supplied medical equipment in sickle cell disorder clinics in Delta State.
According to him, the centre in Asaba was one of the best and most equipped Sickle Cell Referral Centers in the country, adding that it was aimed at bringing succour to sufferers of this disorder.
“So we are here with you and ready to go any length with you because what you have started in Asaba must be sustained to check degradation of the environment.” –Founder of Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE), Chief Newton Jibunoh (Desert Warrior).
DELTA State Government has expressed the determination to partner with Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE) Africa in order to sustain the strives of combating environmental degradation in the state.
The state government made the observation while marking 2021 World Desertification and Drought Day with the flag-off of tree planting exercise in Asaba,
The Governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Festus Agas, symbolically planted a tree at the garden, saying it would act as a tonic to Deltans to key into the need for a greener environment.
“This is a collaborative effort between FADE and the agency ,what we are doing here today is very important for the future of our state.
“The main objective of FADE is to fight against desert encroachment, and over the years, it has become a platform where environmental problems are looked into and solutions proffered.
“Six years ago we came with SMART agenda, the T represents transformed environment through urban renewal. This agency was the first we established, and in this past two years, even our worst critics will agree with me that Asaba is wearing a new look.
“We have the privilege of coming to this little garden today, and I know there are other gardens in Asaba, you will agree that the environment has been transformed, it is better than what it was.
“This effort would act as a tonic to Deltans to key into the need for a greener environment. One of the greatest global challenges is climate change.
“The effect of climate change have been highlighted, and as a state, we will come up with policies and programmes to ensure a sustainable greener environment in Delta,” he stated.
Director General of Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Mrs. Amaechi Mrakpor had said it was the desire of the agency for residents to live according to nature’s prescription.
“We want people to take cognisance of the fact that nature and environment is all about life. We want people to take ownership of the environment.
“If everyone of us, irrespective of age, begin one person at a time, to make effort to change the environment, then off course the environment will take it’s proper shape,” she said.
She commended Jibunoh for his passion for the preservation of the environment, noting that the octogenarian was unrelenting in his push to prevent desert encroachment despite his age.
“We need a whole lot of re-orientation to sustain this garden; and I believe that is what Jibunoh is doing with us. At 84, this has remained Jibunoh’s passion, it is about his life,” she added.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Founder of Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE), Chief Newton Jibunoh (Desert Warrior) said his passion to preserve the environment through nurturing of trees almost broke his home.
He said a lot of grazing lands in the North have been lost to desertification while African countries had lost 30 percent of its land mass to the Sahara desert.
According to him, I embarked on this journey over forty years ago because of the likely catastrophe that the desert was going to impose on all the countries that bordered the Sahara desert.
“I was young at 29 and I didn’t have the voice and the money but I thank the Press who started publishing some of my findings and reports.
“When United Nations decided to create a convention to combat desertification we contributed to the convention and today every June 17 is set out to commemorate the way to combat the desert from taking us over.
“The reason why herdsmen are coming everywhere down the South is because the desert has taken over completely the grazing fields in the North.
“I saw the transformation that is taking place in Asaba and I decided to partner with the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency to further develop a green environment for the capital city.
“So we are here with you and ready to go any length with you because what you have started in Asaba must be sustained to check degradation of the environment.”
Chairman House Committee on Environment Hon. Emmanuel Sinebe, Chairman Oshimili South Local Government Council Hon. Kelvin Ezenyili and Commissioner Designate Mr Charles Aniagwu also planted trees at the ceremony.
As the battle for a place among the athletes at the Olympic trials continues today, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has assured Nigerians of a better outing at the Olympic Games holding next month, in Tokyo Japan.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engr. Nebeolisa Anako gave the assurance on Sunday at the Sports Complex of the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, venue of the Athletics Trials for the Olympic qualification.
According to him, the trials is part of the local camping, an initiative of the Ministry to enhance performance of the athletes and also a platform to select the best athletes that will represent the country at the Games.
“So far some athletes have qualified from the trials and some records broken. With the results seen so far, combined with those from the last National festival, we are hopeful that the athletes are going to perform better than the previous Olympics” he said
Speaking further, the Permanent Secretary disclosed that local camping of athletes has commenced and will continue till the time of departure to Japan.
Engr. Nebeolisa stated further that there are arrangements for more camping of the athletes so as to keep them in top shape before the begining of the Games.
A serving officer of one of the law enforcement agencies, Popoola Abayomi has been arrested in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital for selling assorted illicit drugs to students of a federal university and cultists in the state.
A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Femi Babafemi said the drug dealer who is serving in the Lagos state Command of the security agency was arrested on Wednesday 15th June, 2021 after days of surveillance on his wife’s shop used as his sales point in Camp area of Abeokuta.
One of his salesmen, a motorcycle rider known as Ogah was trailed to the location at about 8pm and arrested with six pinches of Colorado weighing 1.17grams before Popoola who has been on the NDLEA’s watch list was nabbed with different illicit drugs including codeine -17 bottles; cannabis -22.26 grammes; tramadol 230 -98 grammes; 61 tablets of flunitrazepam -23.72 grammes; 113 tablets of molly -48.16 grammes and sex drops -43.92grams.
According to Babafemi, after the arrest of the two suspects, some student union officials of the institution blocked the NDLEA team with their official vehicle, but the narcotic agents were able to however restrained themselves and after hours of standoff succeeded in moving the suspects to custody.
In another development, one Adelodun Kamaldeen has been arrested by operatives of the Oyo state Command of the NDLEA at General Area, Ilorin, Kwara State following the interception of a parcel containing cocaine and heroin that weighed 10.5 grammes and 4.8 grammes respectively on 13th June.
Babafemi said on the following day, two ladies; Mary Peter, 40, and Mercy Oladele, 39, were arrested at Total Garden, Ibadan when NDLEA operatives acting on a tip-off, intercepted their commercial micra car.
The two women were arrested with seven bags of cannabis weighing 77.23 kilogrammes brought in from Ogbese, Ondo State, to supply a man they simply identified as Alhaji.
He said the two women disclosed that they had earlier supplied the same Alhaji two bags before coming with the seven bags they were caught with.
Babafemi said yet in another clampdown on Friday 18th June, operatives of the Oyo state Command acting on intelligence also raided the residence of one Alhaji Faruq at Elebu area, Akala expressway, Oluyole LGA, Ibadan, where they recovered 43 ampoules of methylphenidate.
In Kaduna state, a drug trafficker, Segun Abraham was arrested at Panteka area of the north west state on 17th June with 211.500kg of skunk heading to Kano state.
Meanwhile, a Nigerian returning from Pakistan, Ezenyeche Kingsley Ebuka has been arrested by NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airpirt, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos with five pellets of heroin weighing 250 grammes discovered in his anus.
The suspect had arrived the ‘D’ arrival hall of the airport on 14th June on Turkish airline flight from Pakistan with the illicit drug inserted in his anus. He however failed to beat the eagle eyes of narcotic officers during inward clearance of passengers on the flight.
The Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa has commended the Ogun, Oyo, Kaduna and the MMIA Commands of the Agency for sustaining the offensive action against illicit drug trafficking and the cartels running it.
He however warned that the NDLEA will not spare any law enforcement agent hiding under the privilege of his uniform to engage in narcotic criminal business.
He said. “Those who think they can sabotage ongoing efforts to rid Nigeria of the menace of illicit drug trafficking and abuse hiding behind the façade of their uniforms should better think twice because they’ll have NDLEA to contend with. We’ll not only arrest and expose them but we’ll equally prosecute them and seize all assets acquired through the proceeds of their criminal act.”
THE Federal Government has inaugurated the Board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) after the successful conduct of the elections to fill executive position of the association saddled with the control of the nation’s exploit in the track and field events.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare who inaugurated the newly elected Board members at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja, on Tuesday, called on them to avoid the pitfall of the past, by following the constitution and ensuring that stakeholders are carried along in order to ensure the federation records more podium appearances in sporting activities.
Dare, who stated that the election was a new dawn for Track and Field in Nigeria as exemplified by the way the election was conducted, strictly in accordance with the 2017 Constitution of the Federation as recommended by both World Athletics and Confederation of African Athletics, shows that a new seed of hope has evolved for the good of sports development in the country.
He stated further that, the AFN Board is the legitimately constituted and recognized body duly elected by the Congress of the AFN and recognized by the Federal Government of Nigeria and by extension the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. He therefore urged the Board to operate within the tenets of their Constitution as recognized by Government under which sports is been governed. Stressing that, no Federation is autonomous, as all the 38 Federations operate under the guidelines of Government.
The Minister, while assuring that Government would continue to partner with both continental and intercontinental bodies, charged with the development of athletics in other to encourage and improve the young and talented youths of the country, called on the Board not to compromise the welfare of athletes.
He expressed delight that under his watch as Minister of Youth and Sports Development, “the Sports Federation have been fulfilling our expectations of them and the AFN in the last 18 Months has risen up to the challenges occasioned by the crisis that engulfed it since September 2017”.
He explained that, Government recognizes the place of their Constitutions and their operationalization which must respect the laws of Nigeria.
“Our laws are clear and it is upon the laws of Nigeria that the Ministry governs the Sports Sector. Like I said earlier, this is a new dawn for athletics and we shall duly inform your parent body, World Athletics pursuant to articles 7.5 and 9.1. (e) of 2019 World Athletics Constitution that Chief Tonobok Okowa has been elected by the AFN Congress to lead as President is the recognized governing body for the Sport in Nigeria by the Nigerian Government” .
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Nebolisa Anako assured the Board of the Ministry’s support to ensure the full development of sporting activities and youth empowerment in line with the policy thrust of the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration.
He enjoined the AFN Board members to roll up their sleeves and put the country on the path of success.
The newly elected AFN President, Chief Tonobok Ojuru Okowa assured that the AFN Board will hit the ground running to ensure effective performance of Nigerian athletes, not just at the Olympic but also to make Nigeria take its rightful place in Africa and the world at large. ‘’We will achieve this by putting in place a good welfare package for the athletes that will enhance their performance and ensure Nigerian athletes come back with medals at Tokyo to do the nation proud’’, he said.
The newly inaugurated 12-board members of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria are expected to serve for the period of four years, effective from the day of inauguration. Their names are as follows:
1 Chief Tonobok Ojuru Okowa President 2 Gadzama Tafida Wadzani 1st Vice President 3 Mrs Rosa Collins Okah 2nd Vice President 4 Amb. Manta Haruna Mohammed Member 5 Hon.Yusuf Liman Dahiru Member 6 Mr. Victor Okorie Member 7 Mr. Solomon Alao Member 8 SC Onikeku Samuel Member 9 Technical/Coaches Rep Member 10 Prof. Emmanuel Ojeme Member 11 Mrs Maria Wophil Member 12 Mr. Henry Okorie
IN a seismic bid to oust the twelve year reign of the former Isreali Prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, a coalition of Parties of strange bedfellows was necessary and required.
With a collective desire to change the tiring status quo, these eight political parties with deferring ideological leanings broker an unprecedented understanding to edge out the controversial Netanyahu who had on two occasions, had inconclusive elections that has brought the centre- right wing hawks to disrepute.
Netanyahu, popularly referred to by his admirers as ” King Bibi” was dangerously becoming a waiting trouble within the local political landscape.
His divisive 12 year successive reign, saw to the emergence of intra party wrangling and witch hunting that culminates into real and imagined accusations of corruption levelled against him by the opposition.
On Sunday, with a razor- thin margin of 60 to 59 votes, the Knesset legislature nailed the coffin of the rule of the youngest emerging but longest serving Prime- Minister of all time in Isreal.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s defeat arguably, is Iran’s delight. This owes substantially to the fact that Netanyahu has openly sworn to ensure that Iran does not develop nor possess nuclear weapons in his time. But this may soon be short lived as the incoming Prime minister, Naftali Bennett is not likely to sing a different tone.
The emergence of Bennett is seen in some circles as a mere continuation of his erstwhile boss’ hardline disposition. Naftali Bennett is not new to the murky waters of Isreali divisive politics and aggressively belligerent foreign policy posturing within her immediate surroundings.
To him, the land from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean sea, which includes Gaza, is an habitable right of every Jewish Isreali. As a former Defence minister, his ” shoot to Kill” order of yore still resonates among its victims and has formed a negative aura around him.
Bennett’s new found political friends include those he had earlier openly sworn never to dine with, even with a long spoon. But in politics, nothing is permanent except personal interests and convenience. Today, he’s in cahoots with Isreal’s opposition leader and former minister of Finance and head of the Centrist- Yesh Atid Party , Yair Lapid.
Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to come back. How he will get this done considering his dwindling reputation, age and daunting corruption charges staring at him in the face, remains a matter of conjecture. At 71, kindly join me to wish Benjamin Netanyahu success in other future endeavours.
Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
AMBASSADOR of United Arab Emirate to Nigeria, Fahad Al-Taffaq has called on Nigerian government to continue to empower more women and protect the girl child.
Speaking at the UAE Women Empowerment Webinar in Friday, Al-Taffaq said: “Women and the Girl child continue to play critical roles in nation building and I encourage all relevant stakeholders including governments of both our countries, and NGOs to continue to do more to empower more women and protect the girl child globally.”
He said in line with UAE government’s efforts to empower women and protect the girl child, in 2019, the Embassy in Abuja, in collaboration with Sharjah Charity International; a UAE-based Charity organization and the Ministry of Foreign affairs and international Cooperation in Abu Dhabi, inaugurated a women empowerment initiative that provided vocational training for 100 Nigerian women.
He noted that the programme provided a platform for women’s social development and sustainability that allowed them acquire valuable skills aimed at promoting self-reliance, employment creation and poverty alleviation amongst women in the society.
The Ambassador said UAE upholds the value of women, and has made concerted efforts to empower women by continuously creating an enabling environment for them in the nation building and considering them a key partner for socioeconomic, political and cultural development.
He said the strategic inclusion of women in national development has yielded unprecedented growth for the UAE, disclosing that as of 2021, the UAE’s Federal Cabinet includes nine women (nearly one third of cabinet members), and this is one of the highest proportions in the Middle East.
He said. “Women empowerment is deeply rooted in the fabric of our nation, our laws reflect gender equality, in this light, in 2018 the UAE approved a law on equal wages and salaries for women and men.
“This covers both the private and public sector, currently 23,000 Emirati businesswomen run projects worth over AED50 billion, (13 billion USD) and occupy 15% of the positions in the boards of chambers of commerce and industry nationwide.”
Also speaking at the webinar, the CEO of Aids for Women, Adolescents and Children International Organisation (AWACIO), Dr. Claudia Okeke said: “Women empowerment and education remains a vital aspect of building homes and communities.”
She disclosed that her NGO has collaborated with the UAE Embassy on many projects to empower women in the country.
THE nation Nigeria, did not begin from June 12 1993; but her elongated dilemma and potpourri of woes can be partly traceable to that hysteric and historic date.
That was the day ethno-religious politics was delt a huge blow, broken and buried: a moslem- moslem ticket was canvassed, projected and adopted to be superior to petty primordial politics of ethnic irredentism, greed and creed.
But this was to be short lived as the mandate was stealthily shoved aside and brazenly so with military brawn and bare face bravado.
General Ibrahim Babangida sure made a mistake. Whether he meant well or not, he sure did make a king size error for not allowing Democracy to take off at least on a ‘shaky’ foundation under his watch. What was in his mind?
It should be recalled that before he arrived at the Abiola- Tofa debacle, he had earlier banned, unban and banned again some categories of “unwanted” politicians that seems to be hanging on his neck like an albatross.
The aspirations of the Shikanfis, Ciromas, and their counterparts in the South were given a boot in the groin as they were intimidated and ran back to their holes.
The Maradona himself had successfully dribbled everybody to the fear of his military constituency as to what he was up to and also to the consternation of the international community. He introduced a two- party behemoth that never saw the light of day and built secretariat for these inorganic parties accross the nation. Such a huge waste of resources.
Stories are rife about Babangida’s reasons for disallowing June 12. Whatever the reason, the great dribble took him face- to-face with the goalkeeper and never knew what to do with the ball; and so he missed the target.
Abiola sure had a good and robust plan for the nation Nigeria. His Hope ’93 campaign team, with a great mouthpiece like Dr Jonathan Zwingina did a great job. On the comic side, I remembered how Abiola was accused of wearing a dress with a horse on it which was the symbol of his Party, the SDP, at a time he was not supposed to be campaigning.
Zwingina went on air and brilliantly defended it by saying that what was on Chief Abiola’s clothes was not a horse but a Unicorn. Those were the days when spokesmen were pleasantly courteous and hilarious. These days, what we have is a bunch of caustic tongues whose consciences have been smeared by a hot iron.
June 12 1993 was a blessing. But it became a huge mistake made by one elephantine monster who came into our political life as a nation, bestriding a Trojan horse and occupying every political space as he looked at everyone with ignominy.
Maybe, just maybe if Abiola was allowed to happen on the Nigeria rudderless ship, by now, we would have been coasting home to victory. The mutual political understanding between the North and the South ( which threw up Abiola in the first place) would have been further enhanced.
What we have today is a deepening fault line and a discordant tune of mutual distrust and acrimony even in the very midst of daunting existential challenges.
Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12 1993 Presidential election has gone to rest. General Ibrahim Babangida, who threw away our chances of Unity back then is ‘ resting’ in his Hilltop mansion in a serene environment within the bandits ravaged state of Niger. Yet, our nation Nigeria has known no peace nor rest ever after. This is indeed, very painful.
Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
AS the 9th Assembly of the House of Representatives marks its second legislative year, Chairmen of Councils in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in Delta State, have paid glowing compliments to the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu for his charismatic representation of the People at the National Assembly.
Hon Ndudi Elumelu, representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, was among those inaugurated into the 9th Assembly of the House of Representatives two years ago, 11 June, 2019 where he was also elected by his colleagues as the Minority Leader of the House.
Since his inauguration in June 2019, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has continued to demonstrate effective and proactive representation to the admiration of his people, not only in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, but also in Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.
This was the position of the four Chairmen of the Local Government Areas that comprise Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency namely: Hon. Innocent Esewezie; Oshimili North, Hon. Kelvin Ezenyili; Oshimili South, Hon. Kevin Okwechime; Aniocha North and Hon. Jude Chukwuwike; Aniocha South.
In assessing Hon. Ndudi Elumelu’s two years representation, the Council bosses spoke highly of his performance and said that he has brought the people closer to the federal level while maintaining a supportive role at his Delta State base.
The Local Government Chairmen who were emphatic in their assessment on behalf of the people, said that the two years representation of the people of Aniocha/Oshimili in the 9th National Assembly by Hon. Elumelu, has been characterized by various forms of human capital and infrastructural development which they noted, have gone a long way in uplifting the standard of living of the people as never seen in the history of representative democracy in the Federal Constituency.
In his assessment, the Executive Chairman of Oshimili North, Hon. Innocent Esewezie said, “The representation of me, Innocent Esewezie and the good people of Aniocha/Oshimili is what I will tag as effective representation, highly effective.
“When we assumed office immediately after our swearing in, he took the whole Aniocha/ Oshimili federal constituency to Abuja and he gave us one of the richest source of information on leadership and ever since we came back from Abuja, I noticed something that the relationship between the councilors, between the legislative arm and the Executive became stronger and now enhanced.
“This was only possible because of the quality of information and knowledge that was implanted in us or inculcated in each and every one of us. Aside that, of recent, he came up, after some other forms of empowerment to the people, with what I also called, one of the best, most transparent, most well organized empowerment programme for the people of Aniocha Oshimili.
“So if you talk about quality representation, mention the name of Rt. Hon Ndudi Godwin Elumelu if you talk about empowerment he is also there. How about accessibility, he is very, very accessible and very, very humble.
“This is a man who has been representing us with a human feeling. You call him on phone, he picks your call. How about his leadership at the National Assembly, for us as the people of Oshimili/Aniocha, we are proud to have him as our representative, we are proud to have him at the House of Representatives,” the Council boss said.
Hon. Esewezie continued: “As chairman of Oshimili North, I will say it anytime any day, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has done his best for us and we are proud of him. And I know that the people of Aniocha/Oshimili are fully with him, because I listen to them, hear the councilors talk and hear the party officers talk and hear the market women talk, I hear a lot of persons with quality testimonies of what Hon. Godwin Ndudi Elumelu is doing for our people, so we are proud of him. Like I said before, his leadership at the National Assemble and the representation of our people is what I tagged very effective, highly effective.
“Aside that, how about his influence, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu is one that anything you need from the National Assembly, just a phone call, you get it. How about his life; his Christian life, he is a tool in the hand of God. So for me he has done well and we will keep supporting him, keep praying for him, and keep wishing him well.
“Our message to him is that he should keep it up, he should keep being himself. A man who has done so well, who is doing so well, you don’t need to advice him to the contrary, all you need to tell such a man is to urge him to continue what he is doing. So for me, he should keep doing what he is doing, just keep being himself, keep being our Godwin Ndudi Elumelu.
“You know they say one good turn deserves another. If the market women, the streets, the boys, the women, party officers, party leaders are saying that we are proud of you, we like the way you think of our interest, like the kind of quality representation you brought to bear in Aniocha/Oshimili federal constituency, then it means that we are asking him to continue what he is doing. So the people should keep supporting him.
“Our prayer, we the people of Aniocha/Oshimili is that God will keep him for us and let God keep enlarging his coast so that he will keep representing us and keep giving us quality dividend of democracy. We are very proud of him,” Hon. Innocent Esewezie concluded.
Also speaking on the representation of the people of Aniocha/Oshimili in the 9th National Assembly for two years, by Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, the Executive Chairman of Oshimili South, Hon. Kelvin Ezenyili said that even though Hon Elumelu has been there before, where he performed credibly well, his representation in the 9th Assembly remains indelible.
“He has done what people who had been there for a long time couldn’t do. He has ensured a lot of collectiveness and bringing the people closer to the federal level.
“Before, it is very difficult for you to see someone representing you in the House of Representatives on a daily basis, but you see the entire event that is happening in the state, he is always there to support us and as well, we must be able to support him anytime he needs our support.
“In his representation of Aniocha/Oshimili, I see him as a front runner in our federal constituency. When I emerged as the executive chairman, alongside the councilors, he invited us to Abuja for a seminal and the seminal has continued to be advantageous to our administration.
“About three weeks ago he funded an empowerment programme and that was one of many, since he commenced his representation of the people in the 9th Assembly of the House of Representatives and from the environment that day, you could see that the people of Aniocha /Oshimili were very happy, joyful, up till this moment, because they have never see or have such an empowerment programme.”
While appreciating him for his quality representation, Hon. Ezenyili urged the Minority Leader not give up on them as Aniocha /Oshimili people, and assured that, “we as the Aniocha people and Oshimili people in particular will always be there for him to support him in every drive and initiative he is taking to uplift the dividend of development and democracy in Aniocha/Oshimili”
Hon. Kelvin Ezenyili described Hon. Elumelu as “indeed our brother, our friend and illustrious son that we will continue to be proud of and urged the people to continue to give him the needed support and cooperation even now and the years to come for the singular fact that he has the people of Aniocha Oshimili at heart and as a people “we should always have him at heart and continue to pray and cooperate with him” even as he thanked the State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for always playing the father figure to the Minority Leader.
Hon. Kevin Okwechime, the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North in his assessment of Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu for this two years in the 9th National Assembly, said that he has performed excellently well ,noting that his representation has been a great source of joy to the entire people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.
“He has done marvelously well. There is no competition about it. Apart from his numerous bills, motions and overwhelming infrastructural projects with direct impact to the life of the common man, scattered all over the various communities in our federal Constituency which, even the blind could see, our Leader and brother, Rt. Hon. Elumelu has remain an empowerment Master with over seven empowerment programmes to his credit. Look at the last empowerment he did, we have never had such in the history of representative democracy in our federal constituency.
“So definitely Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has done wonderfully well to the satisfaction of the people in the last two years in the 9th National Assembly and on behalf of the people of Aniocha/Oshimili and Aniocha North in particular, I wish him all the best and he should continue with his goodwill for the people of our federal constituency. He should continue and let him not relent in giving us quality representation,” Hon. Okwechime said.
He therefore called on the people to be calm and lend their support to the Honourable federal law maker, saying that he just did two years and that a great lot is coming ahead for the people.
On his own, the Executive Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government area, Hon. Jude Chukwuwike, described Hon. Ndudi Elumelu as “a pride of the south south , a pride of the PDP, and a pride of Aniocha /Oshimili Federal Constituency, saying that he has continued to make his people proud by his proactive representation.
“He is doing very well and the way he is carrying out his legislative function and oversight, we wouldn’t have asked for more.
“I want to on behalf of the people of our federal Constituency, especially the people of Aniocha South appreciate must sincerely the Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu. I wish him well as he continues the good work that he is doing. We are very proud of him.
“My message to him is that he is the head of the Minority by his position as the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. He should continue to speak for the voiceless. We know the majority will always have their way, but he should keep doing what he is doing.
“I want to encourage our people to continue to appreciate the good work that he is doing for the obvious fact that he is making us proud. They should be supportive and be patient for the fact that more dividend of democracy will come, more glorious years are ahead for us and we trust that God will continue to use him to do more for the people,” the Aniocha South Council Boss stated.
THE Federal Government has declared Monday, 14th June, 2021 as public holiday to mark this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Nigerians on the occasion and urged all citizens to support the present administration in its efforts at ensuring a United and prosperous Nation.
Aregbesola, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaib Belgore said any form of agitation that threatens the unity of the country should be shunned for the good of all.
He said the space known as Nigeria would be a haven of peace, unity and progress if all citizens love his or her neighbour and embrace the spirit of brotherliness.
The Minister said: “As we mark another Democracy Day in the history of our dear country, let us reflect on the efforts of our founding fathers and ensure that Nigeria remains one United and Indivisible Entity.”
He added that: “No development can take place in an acrimonious environment,” noting that: “With the challenges we face in Nigeria today, I see an opportunity for us not to break up or break down but to break open; open up to ourselves in truth so that we may appreciate each other, understand each other, honour each other and live together in peace and prosperity.”
He assured that with the concerted efforts being put in place by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration to secure the lives and property of Nigerians and stabilise the economy, the nation will continue to get better.
Aregbesola said: “There will surely be light at the end of the tunnel,” even as he wishes all Nigerians a happy Democracy Day Celebration.
The June 12, which was the day Chief Moshood Abiola won the 1993 Presidential Election which was subsequently annulled by the military government of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida was declared a public holiday by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari after it was only celebrated by states in South West since 1999 on return to present civilian rule.
This year’s celebration falls on a Saturday, making the federal government to declare Monday, June 14 a public holiday.
THE Joint Minority Caucus of the Senate and the House of Representatives has met over the ban on Twitter by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government and restated its condemnation of the embargo as draconian and unacceptable.
In a Statement jointly signed by the Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and that of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon.Ndudi Elumelu, the Joint Minority Caucus also dismissed threats by the APC-led government to arrest and prosecute Nigerians using twitter and called on Nigerians to go ahead and use their twitter as they would not be contravening any law in Nigeria or any international statute.
“The Joint Minority Caucus recognize the provisions of Article 19 and 20 of the United Nations Charter on Fundamental Human Rights, which Nigeria is a signatory to, as well as provisions of Sections 39 and 36 (12) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and notes that by these provisions no one will be violating any law for using twitter in Nigeria.
“As lawmakers, the Joint Caucus is pained by the anguish Nigerians, especially the youths, who find the use of twitter as a means of livelihood and genuine social interaction, are passing through just because the APC-led Federal Government feels slighted that an individual’s post, was deleted by Twitter for ethic violation.
“The joint caucus therefore call on Nigerians to use various opportunities offered by technology and continue making use of twitter since such does not violate any law in our country.
“It is agonizing that Nigeria and Nigerians have been losing billions of naira on daily basis since the ban on twitter. This is completely unacceptable as it is worsening the already biting economic hardship and frightening unemployment level in the country.
“Moreover, the ban on Twitter in Nigeria appears to be in favour of criminal and terrorist elements, whose activities fester in an environment of suppressed information flow,” the Caucus stated.
The Joint Minority Caucus sympathized with the organized private sector, manufacturing and service providing companies, small and medium enterprises, online businesses owners and other hardworking entrepreneurs across the country, whose genuine business and means of livelihood have been crippled by the unwarranted ban on Twitter by the APC federal government.
The National Assembly Minority Federal Lawmakers, also identified with students, research-based organization, media houses, the organized civil society, faith-based organizations, community groups among others, whose information-based activities have been violently disrupted by the ban.
In the same vein, the Joint Caucus sympathized with regional, states, local government as well as members of the international community, whose genuine and constructive activities have been crippled by the prohibition of twitter in Nigeria, even as they also identified with traditional rulers, who have even found twitter as a means of communicating with the constituents, especially in this era of insecurity in the country.
The Joint Caucus vehemently berated the APC-led government for abandoning its duty of addressing the serious economic and security problems confronting the nation to rather focus on dissipating energy victimizing Nigerians over their disagreement with Twitter for deleting a post by an individual.
The Caucus therefore counseled the Federal Government to swallow its pride, accept its misdoing and go and settle whatever issue it has with Twitter instead of the resort to inflicting pains on Nigerians.
ASABA/Nigeria: Following increasing security threats to lives, property and attack on state facilities in Delta State, the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), has called on the State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, to urgently activate the Delta State Community Security Corps Law, which he signed in July 29, 2020.
The call was made in a 13 paragraph letter sent to the Governor, by the Delta Online Publishers Forum, DOPF on June 8, 2021.
It pointed out that the from the 38 clause bill sent to the State House of Assembly, was debated, and passed by the legislatures on the 20 June 2020, and was signed a month after, even before the official flag-off of the “Operation Delta Hawk”, which its formation has not helped in improving the security of the state, as it is restricted to Asaba, Agbor and Warri.
The Forum pointed out the good disposition of the bill, as it has taken into consideration, the issue of community security operations, as the communities in the state will be directly involved in the activities of security in their domains, with the infusion of the local vigilantes in the programme.
It stated that the delay in its implementation, is defeating the good intention it was created to achieve, especially with the recent Southern Governors decision on Open Grazing, which will need extra efforts from the state Government to implement.
“It’s on record that because of this issue of increasing insecurity in the State, especially with the rampant cases of kidnapping, and clashes between herders and farmers, you found it expedient to send an Executive Bill to the Delta State House of Assembly, known as the Delta State Security Corps Bill, 2020, aimed to establish a community-based security outfit to assist in the maintenance of law and order in the state.
“The Delta State House of Assembly on June 20th, 2020 passed the bill for the establishment of Delta State Community Security Agency into law, and the bill was assented to by Your Excellency, the Governor on July 29, 2020 to become an Act.
“However, a year on, this Act, which we believe was well thought out to assist in enhancing security operations at the grassroots towards combating crime, and complementing other security agencies in the state, is yet to be implemented.
“The Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori during the passage of the bill had commended members for painstakingly working on the proposed law, saying that the 38-clause bill will help promote peace, security, and good governance in the state.
“We note with discomfort that a year after this law was assented to, there has been no move to implement it. What we saw was the formation of “Operation Delta Hawk” with so many funfairs with few operational vans and their operations restricted to Asaba, Agbor, and Warri.
“In calling Your Excellency’s attention to this law, we are asking that in the face of the recent development of new security challenges, you consider the expedient action on the implementation of Delta State Community Security Corps Agency Law 2020.
“This call has become necessary in the face of the Federal Government’s controlled police force and other security agencies’ likely refusal to enforce the Southern Governors’ declaration on ban on open grazing in Southern Nigeria.
“Be reminded that the law for the Delta State Community Security Agency Corps structure is to have members of the corps recruited within the state and possibly some members of the vigilantes as members, with its operational headquarters in Asaba and control by the state commander, the law also made provision for Zonal and local government commanders, which tend to place it as a communal based security formation, backed by law of the state.
“We think that the Delta State Government should show commitment to the security and welfare of Deltans, as a matter of urgency, and set up a committee to start forthwith the implementation of the Delta State Community Security Agency Corps Law.
“We want to believe that this government means well for Deltans when it sponsored this bill that has become law, but we are however taken aback that you are yet to keep the commitment to execute the fundamentals of this law to make it operational.
“Your Excellency, as a responsible organization, we urgently advocate the implementation of this law to curb, the daily pains Deltans, and other Nigerians residing in the state are facing as a result of security challenges, as the law from our understanding seeks to harmonise all the Local Vigilantes in the state, and this could also be the beginning of the process of the State Policing of which you have been a great advocate.
“We are partners in the development of the state, who are daily in the midst of the people, and we see what many go through in achieving their economic needs. As you may be aware, as the Executive Governor and Chief Security Officer of the State, some parts of this State have become prone to criminal elements who have occupied such areas.
“Once again, we request that Your Excellency give urgent consideration to our call for immediate implementation of the law, even as we all await the Executive Bill to the State House of Assembly to give legal backing to the Ban on Open Grazing in the State.”
THE Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has announced the next step for the N_power Batch C Stream One applicants.
In a release, signed by Nneka Ikem Anibeze, the Special Assistant on Media to the minister, the Permanent Secretary Bashir Nura Alkali, revealed that the ministry has commenced the next stage of enrollment with the verification of email addresses by applicants.
Alkali therefore called on shortlisted applicants to check their respective email/ addresses for confirmation and further directives.
He further directed applicants to log into www.nasims.gov.ng to enrol their biometric data.
The Permanent Secretary also advised applicants to contact NPower helplines or email support at support.npower@nasims.gov.ng for other enquiries.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs is charged with the responsibility of implementing National Social Investment Programmes.
SEVEN years after over 200 schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram from it’s hostel, Government Secondary School, Chibok wears a new look with the commissioning major facilities by the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen on Monday, the Director, Press & Public Relations, Mohammed Manga has said.
Tallen, was invited by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, to commission the remodeled school now equipped with classrooms and desks, a computer room, laboratory, among other facilities, and has many books presented to it and a security team put in place.
where she commissioned Government Secondary School, Chibok, where over 200 schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram on
The school, which was vandalized during the Boko Haram attack of April 14, 2014, had full rehabilitation work commencing when Zulum gave approval on November 16, 2020, during an assessment visit.
Since the attack, the school had remained closed while academic activities were taking place at a primary school in Chibok town since 2014.
Zulum offered support to parents of the schoolgirls affected by the 2014 abduction, as he had previously done at different times.
Aside unveiling of the GSS in Chibok, Governor Zulum commissioned 200 low cost houses newly built for the permanent resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) currently residing in temporary camps.
Zulum also commissioned a newly built government lodge to encourage routine visits to Chibok in order to increase direct access of residents to authorities.
Zulum noted that resettlement efforts were being made possible because of some gains recorded by the federal government in the ongoing peace restoration efforts which, he said, was reaffirmed in President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice of an Army Chief from the military’s theatre of operations in Borno State.
Blank NEWS Online can report that there was huge fire outbreak which engulfed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Offices at the Federal Secretariat complex along Okpanam Road in Asaba, Delta State capital.
The NYSC office is located on the 2nd floor of the Federal Secretariat, housing most annex offices of Federal ministries, departments and agencies in the state.
Dependable sources say the offices were completely razed and valuable official documents consumed by the big conflagration.
It took the efforts of the fire service at Asaba Airport to help contain the situation, which allegedly overwhelmed the fire fighting machinery stationed at the complex.
The fire, according to eyewitnesses account started at the early hours of Tuesday while the cause is yet to be ascertained.
Meanwhile, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Olutayo Samuel, has confirmed the incident, adding that the NYSC offices at Federal Secretariat Asaba were completely burnt by the fire.
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael EKOKORUWE:
THE sociocultural organization of Isoko ethnic nationality, Isoko Development Union (I.D.U.) at the weekend, paid commiseration visit to the family of the clan Otota of Olomoro Kingdom, High Chief Stephen O. Akpotu, who passed on recently at Olomoro, Isoko South local government area of Delta State.
While describing the death of High Chief S. O. Akpotu as glorious home call, the patron of Isoko Development Union, High Chief Iduh Amadhe extolled the life and times of the one time President General of Isoko Development Union.
Amadhe urged the children and family members to emulate High Chief Akpotu’s generosity and philanthropic nature, noting that until his death, he was the Grand Patron of Isoko Development Union.
He described High Chief Akpotu as a great historian and an encyclopedia of Isoko proverbs, adding that he was fondly called ‘Akpadede’ as a title in Isoko language.
Amadhe noted that, the burial ceremony of High Chief Akpotu will be for the entire Isoko Nation, and assured the children and family members of support from friends and various organizations.
For his part, the President General of Isoko Development Union, Dr. Christopher Akpotu, while describing the passing on of High Chief Stephen Akpotu as one time President General of Isoko Development Union, noted that his emergence as another ‘Akpotu’ has major significant in the history of Isoko Nation.
He added that the 1st Vice President General of Isoko Development Union, Prince Desmond Ogbaudu from Olomoro kingdom, also heralds good expectations and eventual development of the ethnic nationality, just as High Chief Eta Enahoro and Dr. Christopher Akpotu signed the condolence register on behalf of Isoko Nation.
Responding, Chief Sunny Akpotu, secretary OML 30 Community Development Board, commended high Eta Enahoro, high chief Iduh Amadhe, the president and executive members of I.D.U for the visit, noting that the commiseration visit was show of love from Isoko Nation.
In attendance was high chief Eta Enahoro, the Iyasere of Oyede kingdom, executive members of Isoko Development Union, executive members of Olomoro Community Development Union and Chief John Araka, former editor Daily Times newspaper.
Others are the chairmanship aspirant for Isoko South local government area under the All Progressive Congress, Mrs. Hoplyn Ayu, children and family members of late High Chief Stephen O. Akpotu.
DELTA Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has charged political appointees in the state to shun complacency and redouble their efforts to help his administration to deliver on its promises to Deltans.
Okowa made the call while inaugurating the new Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah and some Special Advisers at Government House, Asaba.
He cautioned appointees against abandoning their duties for politics of 2023, saying getting obsessed with 2023 politics could easily make them to lose track that could lead to negligence and dereliction of duty.
According to him, it is inevitable that politics will be played, but as much as possible, political appointees should endeavour to stick to their responsibilities and get a firm grip of the job at hand.
“At the end of this tenure, we shall all have reason to celebrate the legacy of a Stronger Delta, standing on the tripod of prosperity, peace and progress,” the governor said.
He reiterated the irrevocable commitment of his administration’s determination to finish strong.
Okowa congratulated the new SSG and the Special Advisers on their appointment and stated that Ukah had been an integral part of his administration’s S.M.A.R.T, now Stronger Delta Agenda having served as commissioner in two ministries in the state since the beginning of his administration in 2015.
“He, therefore, brings to the office of the SSG, a working knowledge of our policies and programmes and is well grounded to see to their effective implementation in his current position.
“But beyond that, the new SSG possesses an unpretentious mien, humble outlook, and bubbly personality that I believe will serve him well in this new assignment.
“I have always said that the office of the SSG requires a person who is able to marry policy – where the administration wants to go – and politics – how it mobilizes resources, personnel and the necessary support for the agenda of government.
“The SSG must not only have the capacity and competence to drive the administration’s policies and programmes, he must also be a consensus-builder and adept at managing various persuasions and handling conflicts, internal and external.
“Hence, it is required of any SSG to be broad-minded, accessible and flexible, with a good sense of fairness and justice,” he said, adding that he was proud of the job Ukah did in the two years he spent at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the various committees that he had headed in the six years of his administration.
While expressing optimism that the SSG would continue in the same spirit of sacrifice, hard work and dedication, the governor said “no doubt, the office of the SSG will present a different kind of challenge.
“But I have always been impressed by Ukah’s willingness to learn and ability to adjust quickly to situations. It is, therefore, my expectation that he will justify the confidence reposed on him with this appointment.”
He charged the Special Advisers to discharge their duties in accordance with section 196 (Sub-section 1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“All of you are well acquainted with the key policy thrusts of this administration, hence, I expect you to work with a greater sense of urgency, unflagging enthusiasm, more creativity and innovative strategies to enable us successfully execute our policies and programmes for the greater good of all,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, the SSG, thanked Okowa profusely for the honour done them, and assured that they would not betray the confidence reposed on them.
Those inaugurated along with the SSG were Dr Kingsley Emu, Chief Economic Adviser; Mr Omimi Esquire, Political Adviser; Chief Isaac Anwuzia, Political Adviser; Emmanuel Okoro, Special Adviser; Kelly Penawou, Special Adviser; Chief Andy Asawota, Special Adviser; Chief Edwin Uzor, Special Adviser and Chief Godwin Ogadi, Special Adviser.
DRUGS suspected heading to Boko Haram/Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) enclaves in Borno State have been intercepted by the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lagos.
In the same vein, Operatives of the NDLEA, in the last one week have intercepted 37.3 kilogrammes of hard drugs from being brought into the country or taken out to United Kingdom and Italy through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.
A statement on Saturday by the spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi said a total of 34,950 capsules of Tramadol and Diazepam suspected to be heading to insurgents’ camps in Borno state have been intercepted and seized by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Lagos.
Babafemi said a 25-year-old Mohammed Isah, recruited to move the drugs from Lagos to Borno was arrested on Tuesday 1st June, 2021 at SD Motors park, Agege, Lagos with 12,390 capsules of Tramadol weighing 4.8 kilogrammes and 22,560 tablets of Diazepam with a total weight of 14 kilogrammes, both weights totaling 18.8 kilogrammes.
He said that under interrogation, the suspect who hails from Mandara Mountain, Ashgashia, in Gwoza local government area of Borno State, revealed that he came to Lagos in 2013 and started life with riding commercial motorcycle (Okada), then tricycle (Keke Marwa) and currently drives township bus from Ikeja to Ojota.
According to him, on Friday, 28th May, one Kakali Abubakar who also hails from Mandara Mountain invited him to see him at Ezekiel Street, Ikeja, where he gave him the assignment of transporting the drugs to Maiduguri for a fee of N50,000, which he accepted. He said Kakali advised him to either board a Tanker or Trailer from Lagos to Maiduguri to avoid being caught.
A suggestion which he agreed to, but rather chose to travel in a bus operated by SD Motors from Lagos to Kano and would have taken another vehicle to Maiduguri.
The suspect claims he accepted the offer because of the monetary benefit due to pressure on his finances as his wife and three children displaced by Boko Haram activities are currently in a refugee camp in Maiduguri.
Babafemi said investigations revealed that before Mohammed’s arrest, Kakali the accused owner of the drug had travelled out of Lagos to Maiduguri to await the arrival of the consignment.
Reacting to the clampdown, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Retd) commended the officers and men of the Lagos state Command of the agency for their vigilance and blocking such volume of drugs from getting to Borno state, which is currently the hotbed of insurgents’ activities in the country.
He asked them to remain proactive and committed to the agency’s common goal.
NDLEA intercepts 37.3kg hard drugs at Lagos airport
In a similar development, the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the last one week have intercepted 37.3 kilogrammes of hard drugs from been brought into the country or taken out to United Kingdom and Italy through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.
A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said: “It was another busy week of battle of wits between operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA and drug traffickers who tried to either import into Nigeria or export to the United Kingdom and Italy illicit drugs including cocaine, heroin and cannabis weighing 37.3 kilogrammes ; all of which were intercepted and seized in five different bids while seven persons were arrested.”
He disclosed that the first attempt to bring into Nigeria 76 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.150 kilogrammes was made by Agudozie Ihie on 25th May, 2021, but he was arrested during inward security clearance of passengers on Qatar airline from Kenya, at the E-arrival hall of Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja.
He said at the point of arrest, he was found in possession 36 pellets of cocaine concealed in his pants, and during observation, he excreted additional 40 pellets.
He added that during preliminary interrogation, Ihie confessed to have swallowed the drugs in Nairobi but became pressed during the transit period in Doha and excreted some wraps onboard the aircraft en route Lagos.
Barely two hours after the arrest of Agudozie Ihie for cocaine ingestion, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives at the SAHCO export shed of the Lagos airport also intercepted 4.2 kilogrammes of heroin bound for Italy.
He revealed that two freight forwarders have been arrested in connection to the seizure, adding that during preliminary interview, one of the suspects stated that the consignment belongs to one of his customers based in Italy, and that it was sent to him from Benin, Edo state through a transport company.
Another intercepted was made on the 26th May, 2021, during inward security clearance of passengers on Qatar airline from Doha, according to Babafemi.
He said NDLEA operatives at the E-arrival hall of the airport also arrested one Nnakaihe Ikechukwu (a.k.a Peprah Livinus) with 600 grammes of cocaine, noting that the illicit drug was cleverly concealed inside “Ankara dress buttons.”
He alleged that the suspect who hails from Imo state however fraudulently obtained a Ghanaian passport with the name Peprah Livinus, but suspected to be a member of some of the illicit drug trafficking groups with multiple passports bearing different names in order to evade detection by security agencies.
Babafemi said on the same date, NDLEA operatives at the NAHCO export shed of MMIA intercepted 30.150 kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa heading to Manchester in the United Kingdom via British Airways and arrested one Anyanwu Chika who is a cargo bag stitcher in connection to the bid.
He said the drug was neatly concealed inside 30 pieces of bankus palm nut cream tin (banga soup) after emptying the real content.
He noted that the suspect, in his confessional statement, admitted to have been contracted by one of his customers based in Manchester and had negotiated with him for the sum of N1 million naira but was paid only N700,000.
The NDLEA Spokesman also said that last Thursday, operatives of the agency equally intercepted 11 parcels of heroin weighing 1.2 kilogrammes concealed in eleven packs of Indomie noodles at SAHCO export shed of the Lagos airport. The drug was to go with Ethiopian Airline to Malaysia via Addis-Ababa.
He disclosed that a freight agent and an errand boy for the owner of the exhibit have been arrested in connection to the foiled bid.
Reacting to the latest arrests and seizures at the MMIA, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the Commander, Ahmadu Garba, officers and men of the airport Command for their tenacity and commitment to the mandate of ridding the nation of illicit drugs.
He however charged them to remain unrelenting and always watch out for the disingenuous modes of concealment traffickers employ to beat detection.
UNITED States has condemned the banning of Twitter in Nigeria, stating that it is a violation of Nigerians’ fundamental rights.
The United States, in a statement by it’s Embassy in Nigeria on Saturday said: “Nigeria’s constitution provides for freedom of expression. The Government’s recent #Twitterban undermines Nigerians’ ability to exercise this fundamental freedom and sends a poor message to its citizens, investors and businesses.”
The statement added that: “Banning social media and curbing every citizen’s ability to seek, receive, and impart information undermines fundamental freedoms. As President Biden has stated, our need for individual expression, open public conversation, and accountability has never been greater.
“The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less communication, alongside concerted efforts toward unity, peace, and prosperity. #KeepitOn”
THE Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has condemned, in its entirety, the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria by the Federal Government describing it as a clear violation of freedom of speech and other democratic rights and tenets as provided by the 1999 constitution.
The lawmakers, in a statement by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, on Saturday, described the suspension as “provocative, obnoxious and unjustifiable”.
The caucus holds that the decision of the Federal Government in suspending Twitter “smacks of intolerance, insensitivity and aversion to the views, opinions and aspirations of Nigerian citizens, especially the youths, on matters of state.
“Our caucus rejects this thoughtless decision of the Federal Government which amounts to a clampdown and a direct infringement on the rights of Nigerians to free speech as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“It further shows the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration as one that is unwilling to listen to Nigerians but ready to use any means to suppress and subjugate its citizens.
“The Minority Caucus is further disturbed that the suspension of Twitter in the country came after the social media platform deleted President Muhammadu Buhari’s tweets.
“Such response by the Federal Government has further raised concerns on the APC-led administration’s disturbing rating on issues of political intolerance, abuse of rights and violation of rules in our country.
“The minority caucus cautions that the development is capable of leading to further restiveness among Nigerians and worsen the situation in the country.
“Moreover, this action of the Federal Government, coming at a time the National Assembly is conducting its public hearing towards the amendment of the constitution, may constitute a major setback capable of diminishing public confidence in the exercise as well as other processes genuine efforts by the legislature to strengthen democratic tenets in the country” the lawmakers stated.
THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, (NSCDC) has promoted 19 senior officers that have stagnated on positions for over ten years.
Commandant-General, (CG), of the corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi, during the decoration of the newly promoted officers, said the corps would henceforth ensure that all those who have not been promoted for years, are given their due in order to boost personnel morale and keep the ranks in order.
He said “When i came into office and took a look at the promotion list, I noticed that some people are suppose to be promoted but are not in the list while others who are not due for promotion have lobbied and their names where on the list so I immediately expunged them.
I am making effort to see that all those whose promotions have stagnated for many years get promoted according. Promotion is a privilege that comes from service so you all must reciprocate that through more dedication to service.”
Audi however warned that anyone found involved in any fraudulent activity that contravenes the aims of the corps, will be dealt with according to the law.
He said the era of viewing promotion as a jamboree, has passed and this would also put to an end the idea of “monkey dey work, baboon dey chop”.
“I hope to build a positive culture that will create a very unique identity for the corps within the security architecture of Nigeria.
I will base my decisions on three cardinal principles and that includes improved welfare, fighting fraudulent behaviour and the promotion of personnel as, at and when due,” he said.
In a congratulatory message, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, urged all those promoted to put in their best and see the promotion as a call to greater service to their fatherland.
Represented by Dr. Funsho Alabi, a director in the ministry, Belgore said “promotion is a call to service and we have seen a nimber of promotions across all the agencies under our ministry. This alone, is an indication of dedication by the minister, Rauf Aregbesola.”
Those promoted officers include six personnel who rose from Assistant Controller-Generals, (ACGs), to acting DCGs while 13 others who where promoted to the ranks of commandants after being stagnated for at least 10 years.
FAMILIES of 61 district heads killed by Boko Haram since the outbreak of insurgency in the Northeast in 2009 have received humanitarian intervention from both Victims Support Fund (VSF) and Borno State Government.
The VSF at an occasion, which has the Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Garbai El-Kanemi in attendance, presented economic empowerment packages to some of the 61 families.
The VSF, a public and private funded humanitarian body set up by the Presidency during the Jonathan administration, had after meetings with all the families to identify their livelihood needs, made available, variety of economic, social and educational empowerment items estimated at N61m, from which, each family got materials worth a million Naira.
Speaking at the occasion, Borno State Governor ordered the release of N12.2m as an addition to a need-based intervention of the Victims Support Fund (VSF), to families of 61 district heads killed by Boko Haram.
Speaking as special guest of honour for the intervention ceremony, held on Thursday at the Shehu of Borno’s palace in Maiduguri, Governor Zulum directed the release of N200,000 to each of the 61 families, making up N12.2m the State Government’s contribution.
He said the support was in view of the fact that most of the district heads were killed by insurgents because of their role in intelligence gathering through the mobilization of community members to provide information to security agencies.
The Governor thanked the slain district heads for their sacrifices to the people of Borno.
Earlier in her address, Executive Director of VSF, Prof. Nana Tanko explained that insurgents were in the habit of targeting traditional rulers such as the 61 district heads, in order to break resilience of communities given the fact most residents run to palaces for help in moments of crisis.
She noted that traditional rulers killed by insurgents had served their country and hence their families needed to be supported through an intervention covering education of their children, as well as equipping them with economic tools such as machines and agricultural items that will enable them sustain themselves, explaining that all interventions were based on the needs tabled by each of the 61 benefiting families.
The Executive Director noted that the intervention was on the request of the Shehu of Borno.
Nana also said VSF has been of assistance to victims of different crisis across the State in line with its mandate.
The Shehu of Borno expressed gratitude to the State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum and the Victim Support Fund (VSF) for coming to the aid of families of the slain traditional rulers.
The Shehu also listed all the district heads killed and areas of their jurisdiction.
In his welcome address, commissioner for Local Governments and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai-Mele spoke elaborately on the critical roles played by traditional rulers on many developmental issues, particularly security at the community levels.
Highlight of the event was Governor Zulum’s ceremonial presentation of economic empowerment packages provided by the VSF, to some of the 61 families.
THE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has decried ongoing call for the dismemberment of the country, even as it rolled out planned to fortify the unity of Nigeria.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday on the state of the nation and plans put in place for the success of the forthcoming NUJ Conference scheduled to hold between June 6 and 8 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the National President of the Union, Comrade Chris Isiguzo said: “The Union is perturbed that the national politics is seeking to divide the country and the Media should braced up to unite the country.”
He said terrorism and banditry should also be fought relentlessly and the Media must lead the fight against these evils.
He insisted that the responsibility of government is primarily to protect life and property of its citizens, noting that would however be disastrous to allow citizens to lose confidence in government’s ability to deal with the situation.
He said Nigeria’s ranking as one of the members of club of 10 top kidnapping countries in the world and a leading one in Africa is a source of concern for the NUJ especially as violence in the country has affected millions of Nigerians.
He lamented that hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have so far crossed into neighboring West African countries as refugees, stressing that the situation is daily being aggravated by lack of adequate response from Government.
He equally decried that economic well-being of millions of Nigerians have been affected as agricultural activities have been suspended because of inadequate security, with clear and obvious risk of acute food insecurity in the country.
He said: “The thousands of Internally Displaced Persons especially in the North East and Central Nigeria has reached alarming proportions, even as these displaced Nigerians continue to compete for scarce resources such as water, land and food. There are protection concerns majorly for the vulnerable- women, children and the elderly, while water sanitation and hygiene have become priority needs in the affected areas.”
Isiguzo said the theme of the Conference: “The Media, Insecurity and National Unity” was timely because of the pivotal role of the media as an effective tool for addressing Issues of National Unity and Insecurity.
He said: “While we concede the fact that, the fight against terrorism and banditry are extremely difficult, we believe however that the media can contribute immensely in this regard. There is therefore the need to come together as professionals to look for how Government can be properly guided in creating an enabling environment for free press to thrive and serve as catalyst in influencing the right attitude by all Nigerians. This can minimize or even help in defeating terrorism and banditry in the country.”
He disclosed that the host Governor, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State will officially declare the Conference open while Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu will deliver the keynote address.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed is expected to speak on “Media Against Insecurity: Upholding Ethical Standards”, among other notable Speakers.
NUJ Decries Growing Call for Nigeria Break-Up, Rolls Out Plans for Unity
-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) -From Mike SOGBOLO:
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has decried ongoing call for the dismemberment of the country, even as it rolled out planned to fortify the unity of Nigeria.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday on the state of the nation and plans put in place for the success of the forthcoming NUJ Conference scheduled to hold between June 6 and 8 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the National President of the Union, Comrade Chris Isiguzo said: “The Union is perturbed that the national politics is seeking to divide the country and the Media should braced up to unite the country.”
He said terrorism and banditry should also be fought relentlessly and the Media must lead the fight against these evils.
He insisted that the responsibility of government is primarily to protect life and property of its citizens, noting that would however be disastrous to allow citizens to lose confidence in government’s ability to deal with the situation.
He said Nigeria’s ranking as one of the members of club of 10 top kidnapping countries in the world and a leading one in Africa is a source of concern for the NUJ especially as violence in the country has affected millions of Nigerians.
He lamented that hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have so far crossed into neighboring West African countries as refugees, stressing that the situation is daily being aggravated by lack of adequate response from Government.
He equally decried that economic well-being of millions of Nigerians have been affected as agricultural activities have been suspended because of inadequate security, with clear and obvious risk of acute food insecurity in the country.
He said: “The thousands of Internally Displaced Persons especially in the North East and Central Nigeria has reached alarming proportions, even as these displaced Nigerians continue to compete for scarce resources such as water, land and food. There are protection concerns majorly for the vulnerable- women, children and the elderly, while water sanitation and hygiene have become priority needs in the affected areas.”
Isiguzo said the theme of the Conference: “The Media, Insecurity and National Unity” was timely because of the pivotal role of the media as an effective tool for addressing Issues of National Unity and Insecurity.
He said: “While we concede the fact that, the fight against terrorism and banditry are extremely difficult, we believe however that the media can contribute immensely in this regard. There is therefore the need to come together as professionals to look for how Government can be properly guided in creating an enabling environment for free press to thrive and serve as catalyst in influencing the right attitude by all Nigerians. This can minimize or even help in defeating terrorism and banditry in the country.”
He disclosed that the host Governor, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State will officially declare the Conference open while Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu will deliver the keynote address.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed is expected to speak on “Media Against Insecurity: Upholding Ethical Standards”, among other notable Speakers.
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael J. EKOKORUWE:
Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, admission into full-time undergraduate programmes for the 2020/2021 academic session is in progress and closes its admission of eligible candidates in two weeks time.
The statement by the Registrar, Chief Mrs. R. A. Egborge, indicates that candidates with JAMB score of 160 can be admitted into all programmes of the Institution, except Law that requires score of 170.
She noted that all eligible candidates need not go through the stress of the next JAMB examination and admission problems, adding that the candidates can put an end to the stress by using the last year’s 2020 JAMB scores for admission into Edwin Clark University now before mid June,2021.
She further stated that the only requirements are 5 credits including Mathematics and English, emphasizing that for sciences and social sciences, two other credits in science and social science subjects are required while for Law, a credit in English Literature is required.
The statement added that candidates admitted now before 15th of June 2021, will complete the session with the present 100 level students with additional lectures during the summer season.
The Registrar maintained that programmes offered at Edwin Clark University include 10 different programmes in the Faculty of Humanities, Social and Management Sciences, 8 different programmes in Faculty of Science, 7 programmes in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and 1 programme in the Faculty of Law.
According to Mrs. Egborge, all programmes offered for admission have been accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), stating that the school fees are quite moderate, just as the Institution is a fully residential private University in Nigeria.
For enquiries and contacts, send your information to the following email addresses or call their phone numbers. egborgerosalyn@yahoo.co.uk 08030553506 and 08023501229.
Others are sohebilly@yahoo.com 08023344025 and sportingadol@gail.com 08063626868
MINISTER of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has warned both local and state government levels not to depend on the federal government for fire fighting in their domains.
Speaking at the commissioning of 20 newly procured of fire fighting equipment in Abuja on Tuesday, Aregbesola said fire fighting is under the current list and both state and local governments should not shy away from this responsibility
He said local and state governments should have capacity to fight fire as the Federal Fire Service is only to complement their provision.
He said “local government chairmen must procure equipment to fight fire as well as state governors.”
He said it is until this is done that we can have effective fire fighting in the country.
Aregbesola during the commissioning of 20 newly procure basic life support (BLS) modern ambulance buses, seven firefighting trucks, said: “The state should know that we are only complementing them, they should ensure adequate provision is made for fighting fire and the same provision should be supported at the local government level.”
On the latest procurement, Aregbesola said: “These equipment are part of the N10.4 billion infrastructure upgrade approved by the Federal Executive Council on March 3, comprising of 44 firefighting engines, 15 water tankers, 15 rapid intervention fire engines (not conventional ones) that can go into any nook and cranny to respond to distressed calls and 20 basic life support ambulances.”
The Minister said it is best to prevent fire, noting that: “This begins with buildings design and equipment. A lot of buildings, including public ones and high-rise structures, are not fire preventive and do not have fire fighting facilities. Many homes and vehicles would have been saved if the small mobile fire extinguishers have been handy when fire struck.”
He lamented that: “There is also the superstitious belief that fire incidents usher prosperity. This is callous and dangerous. Some people lost their life investments in fire from which they never recover while human lives lost to fire can never be brought back.”
Also speaking at the occasion which was also used to pull out newly retired senior officers of the FFS, the Controller General, Dr. Liman Ibrahim praised President Muhammadu Buhari for the investment in the nation’s firefighting equipment and development of personnel, insisting that Nigeria has never had it this good.
He said the equipment will be deployed to bring improvement in firefighting across the nation.
