tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704615258620558872024-03-29T12:03:56.318+01:00Newsmart NigeriaNewsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.comBlogger9373125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-24651331070063400712024-03-29T09:04:00.002+01:002024-03-29T11:23:10.690+01:00Oborevwori inaugurates environmental marshals, supervisors to uphold cleanliness, sustainability in Delta State<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZETIL8vrgfAaNjzNJbTebfwpK5S-QxQ_FxqXIWKy2gUBuoEEe_BksMzPXAZ19DvYN8bGf9_dOu_ydAS_Da26pmR2pKsKMO7D41RR0pXgExR7lMxbnVFp5gKTrOagsQ72a7Ui3FMsaPLzexy4mnHNOywYdHeUrqbki4wSteirAJcZzjkj9_PcNnu50Qg/s1080/13b66927-f2aa-49ec-9381-2cd66c21b603.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZETIL8vrgfAaNjzNJbTebfwpK5S-QxQ_FxqXIWKy2gUBuoEEe_BksMzPXAZ19DvYN8bGf9_dOu_ydAS_Da26pmR2pKsKMO7D41RR0pXgExR7lMxbnVFp5gKTrOagsQ72a7Ui3FMsaPLzexy4mnHNOywYdHeUrqbki4wSteirAJcZzjkj9_PcNnu50Qg/w640-h426/13b66927-f2aa-49ec-9381-2cd66c21b603.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /><a href="#"></a><br />Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, recently led the inauguration of Environmental Marshals and Supervisors, emphasizing the critical need for maintaining cleanliness and ensuring environmental sustainability within the state. <br /><br /><br />The governor delivered this directive during a comprehensive one-day workshop convened for the newly reconstituted Environmental Marshals and Supervisors. The event took place on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Unity Hall, located within the Government House premises in Asaba.<br /><br /><br />Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, the governor charged the marshals to ensure objectivity and spare no one in the fight against dirt and poor sanitation in the state. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">According to him, "The responsibility that you have is a big one. There is a need for you to hit the ground running because the entire state is dirty. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"I know, I have been through your ethics and I have seen all the good things written there, but all what you do outside is the opposite. Instead of enforcing a clean environment, you are manipulating a clean environment; that's what has always happened. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"You must have integrity, and be objective; you must be trusted and must not give wrong directive. There shouldn't be any vendetta. You don't go to your neighbour's compound to deal with them when your own compound is completely dirty. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Your job is not only to place houses on caution or sanctions but to even prevent dirt piling up. So, Mr. Chairman, the bigger responsibility you have is sensitisation. It is better to prevent a thief from stealing than catching the thief. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"If I go through your budget and I have the privilege to look at it, the greatest emphasis I will have will be on sensitisation before we start managing people. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"I want to also believe that you will involve the communities because they have lost it in terms of cleanliness. When we were growing up, if you refused to clean your environment, the community will kill a small fowl there and you will be made to pay; it doesn't happen any more. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"I think that if everybody cleans the drains in front of his house and packs the dirt, you will not find dirt in our environment or neighbourhood. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Any dirt you find in front of any compound, they should be held liable, irrespective of who dumped them. You see people with decent vehicles dropping dirt on the way, that's a very serious offence. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"You should also create awards for performance on cleanliness since you have already grouped the marshals into zones. Let the zones with the best performance be rewarded. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"I hope you take your jobs seriously because there are more interested persons who can replace you if you do not do your jobs properly." </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, at the occasion, said sustainable cleanliness was the responsibility of all stakeholders and tasked the Marshals to work assiduously for the environmental sustainability of the state. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In his welcome remarks, the chairman, State Taskforce on Environment, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu, said the workshop was geared towards providing the needed guidance for the newly recruited Environmental Marshals and Supervisors to be abreast with the rudiments of their job, especially on the field, and in line with the MORE Agenda. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Asiuwhu stated that 18,750 applications were received following advertisement for qualified persons to apply for Environmental Marshals and Supervisors, out of which, he said, 652 persons were shortlisted for further screening, adding that, at the end of the screening exercise, 315 applicants were engaged. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He remarked that the taskforce had expanded its operations for efficiency by creating Ethiope, Sapele, Ughelli and Kwale zones. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The taskforce chairman, among other things, said that truancy, absenteeism, fighting or disrespect for constituted authorities and lateness to work were unacceptable, pointing out that such acts of misconduct would obviously attract sanctions.</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-82158356127149072142024-03-29T08:43:00.003+01:002024-03-29T08:43:36.610+01:00Easter: Arase urges national rebirth and sacrifice for a transformed Nigeria<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yOo7lSgRmQaDRF3jtZjfQ621pkFk0WBNpW1CabagezQTerBORP7S2-RvZF9Z77Vc34cHsqS3eY36GnnY9_G-5Sx6-4wjrGHYZzt0QQX5vueJODf_WLYjWXa8xkr-MoFNjW1OiTk-dVHOCRjGvHo9A7tTYZf0qgn6Ng3_Jts-QUSSBgalR2Qk-5s4jz0/s743/IMG_2128.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="743" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yOo7lSgRmQaDRF3jtZjfQ621pkFk0WBNpW1CabagezQTerBORP7S2-RvZF9Z77Vc34cHsqS3eY36GnnY9_G-5Sx6-4wjrGHYZzt0QQX5vueJODf_WLYjWXa8xkr-MoFNjW1OiTk-dVHOCRjGvHo9A7tTYZf0qgn6Ng3_Jts-QUSSBgalR2Qk-5s4jz0/w640-h516/IMG_2128.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Dr. Solomon Arase </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />As Easter approaches, Dr. Solomon Arase CFR, former Inspector General of Police and current chairman of the Police Service Commission, advocates for a national revival amidst Nigeria's economic and security crises. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Emphasizing the significance of the season when Christians commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Dr. Arase calls for a collective effort towards a renewed Nigeria.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He encourages Christians to seize this moment to intercede for a transformed nation and to actively support the government's resolute actions in safeguarding lives and properties nationwide. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Dr. Arase underscores the need for sacrificial commitment from Christians as a crucial step towards building a better and more secure Nigeria.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">According to the PSC chairman "let's use this time to reflect on what binds us together rather than those things that divide us.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Dr. Arase also called for patriotism and sacrifice just as Christ sacrificed himself for the redemption of mankind. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He enjoined the staff of the Commission and members of the Nigeria Police Force to rededicate themselves to the service of the country, adding that Nigeria is a blessed country that is gradually regaining its glory.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He prayed that this Easter should inspire them to a new beginning of happiness, prosperity and abundance, a press statement signed by </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Ikechukwu Ani, </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Head, Press and Public Relations of the PSC, concluded.</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-81083082692118128792024-03-29T08:23:00.002+01:002024-03-29T08:23:33.219+01:00Miraculous Freedom: Kuriga school children's release sparks joy and calls for unity, CSWN urges release of other captives<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">By Williams Ago, Gombe</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFO2gJZbq52yBwbQfzvR1NPhmhYhXNRfA7pB_9Jh4TcX81H_lFr-Wv8jKEihUH7yTHDK4bQ4qEAxeqg5jGZJMN-TiOjAYwnsyT2gwd8HbdUWM7ieTIuWQ2nILdilgZNDn3407SH1TPYHJQZm6fj9Iu0dPJg50HzwiwIG5Ju0PCsDlpNg5bdeBRN-hgaWY/s480/IMG_2127.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFO2gJZbq52yBwbQfzvR1NPhmhYhXNRfA7pB_9Jh4TcX81H_lFr-Wv8jKEihUH7yTHDK4bQ4qEAxeqg5jGZJMN-TiOjAYwnsyT2gwd8HbdUWM7ieTIuWQ2nILdilgZNDn3407SH1TPYHJQZm6fj9Iu0dPJg50HzwiwIG5Ju0PCsDlpNg5bdeBRN-hgaWY/w640-h360/IMG_2127.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The released school children</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The recent release of 137 children from LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State by armed bandits has been met with jubilation and relief by the Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria (CSWN). </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The children, who were abducted and taken into the forest by armed terrorists on March 7, 2024, have finally regained their freedom after eighteen days, bringing immense joy to their families and the nation.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A press release signed by Reuben Buhari, Research and Press Officer, CSWN, commend the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani for his prompt intervention, but called for more efforts in rescuing other hostages still held by their captors in Borno, Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, and other States.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The organisation also commended the service chiefs who all came together to ensure freedom for these children as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his deliberate determination and assurance that ensured the children regain their freedom. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">CSWN also commended everyone who played a role in contributing to the freedom of the school children.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The statement reads, "More significantly, we still have the 61 people kidnapped in Buda on 12 Match, 2024 and the 87 taken from Kajuru station - both in Kajuru LGA. Others include the 17 kidnapped from Goningora on 28 February 2024. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"The freedom for the 137 school children further highlights the fact that with determination and sincerity the Nigerian government can not only ensure the freedom of others being held against their will but also secure Nigeria for its citizens. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"The CEO of CSWN, Reverend Yunusa Nmadu, further calls on the government at all levels to become more proactive in preventing these types of mass school abductions before they happen.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"It is possible to prevent these types of abduction and save our people from such avoidable experiences. We encourage the government to also work toward securing freedom for those still in captivity," the statement concluded.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-39718801327075529442024-03-29T08:03:00.003+01:002024-03-29T08:03:20.494+01:00Eyiboh honored with 'Outstanding Spokesperson Award<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ABqLlY7Sh9YshfuAYe3TMvfHMX2CzONzuJ2UaVxzQm6XK1hj0vq5jaPbCD4k5zWWBxJxIcsTocsmkLMEQUcp3N-hE1BX51w5FNPFMqsVn_3DewwS7Gt6pcaxhTkc-M7-Z7Ml2k1Sq7UyyA36jYaZ56YXCcKPfby7pziq-_Ev_AUt3Q2Fygho2lkBP2Y/s1280/1666a5b2-dcd7-4fe1-99ea-3c4a24a37e51.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ABqLlY7Sh9YshfuAYe3TMvfHMX2CzONzuJ2UaVxzQm6XK1hj0vq5jaPbCD4k5zWWBxJxIcsTocsmkLMEQUcp3N-hE1BX51w5FNPFMqsVn_3DewwS7Gt6pcaxhTkc-M7-Z7Ml2k1Sq7UyyA36jYaZ56YXCcKPfby7pziq-_Ev_AUt3Q2Fygho2lkBP2Y/w426-h640/1666a5b2-dcd7-4fe1-99ea-3c4a24a37e51.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Eyiboh</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Eseme Eyiboh, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and official spokesperson to the President of the Senate, has been recognized with the prestigious 'Outstanding Spokesperson Award' by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Information.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Eyiboh, a former spokesperson for the House of Representatives and chairman of its Committee on Media and Public Affairs, was chosen for this accolade in acknowledgment of his significant contributions to promoting a positive image not only of the Senate President but also of the Senate as a vital institution of democracy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Jury Sub-Committee of the National Spokespersons Awards, established by the NIPR and the Ministry, singled out Eyiboh for this honor from a pool of spokespersons representing various legislative bodies at both state and national levels in Nigeria.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The ceremony took place at the International Conference Center, Abuja. In the award, Hon Eseme Eyiboh is described as an indomitable non-violent communication expert with deep network and effective practice delivery with clarity in objectives, strategic in framing engagements with his audience. His </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">impact and effectiveness in perception and reputation management is robust.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The letter to the award recipient reads in parts:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"I am excited to </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">inform you that, from the numerous entries, you have been selected as the Outstanding Spokesperson Award - Legislature, </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">in recognition of your work and having satisfied the selection criteria."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"The National Spokespersons Awards is the highest honours celebrating outstanding spokespersons </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">in corporate communications, public affairs, politics, media, advocacy, and other domains in </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Nigeria who have demonstrated outstanding eloquence, integrity, and effectiveness in their roles </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">as spokespeople.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There was an eruption of ovation and a rush to join him in the podium when Eyiboh was announced as the winner. His acceptance speech on behalf of others brought to the fore his gift of the garb rendered with inexhaustible elocution.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Eyiboh dedicated the award to the President of the Senate - Senator Godswill Akpabio(his boss).</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-48463327951649444432024-03-29T07:32:00.000+01:002024-03-29T07:32:02.618+01:00Obi sounds new alarm on food crisis, expresses deep concern over terror and bandit impact<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWBassBxdTMCheKGbuncI7qbM3gLoLHGTzkSglhfRN92jpZ_EiF3XttgZ-EhkkxuFoFyQcHMhNzmjkgqHXAlxa9tdw3qjr10tRkVq9tC-_EaJrOY6q7AMH2i6QjlMNDKDdlY3V75k-2Dtm1LTsHUfGHSDm6p2eo9WQl33D8q5uBi_suSWP1OYDE1xzl8/s678/IMG_1997.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="678" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWBassBxdTMCheKGbuncI7qbM3gLoLHGTzkSglhfRN92jpZ_EiF3XttgZ-EhkkxuFoFyQcHMhNzmjkgqHXAlxa9tdw3qjr10tRkVq9tC-_EaJrOY6q7AMH2i6QjlMNDKDdlY3V75k-2Dtm1LTsHUfGHSDm6p2eo9WQl33D8q5uBi_suSWP1OYDE1xzl8/w640-h426/IMG_1997.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obi</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 general election has repeatedly warned that Nigeria faces hunger and famine if bandits and terrorists continue to prevent farmers from accessing their farms. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Obi, in response to reports and alerts from international agencies, emphasized the urgent need to address this alarming situation.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Writing on his X handle, the LP standard bearer said "I just read on the daily this morning, about the concerns being expressed by stakeholders in our agriculture sector over the worsening food insecurity in Nigeria.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"I have remained consistent in public voicing out my worries over this growing food crisis, which has even continued to claim the lives of our fellow citizens. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I do believe that the urgency required to address these issues cannot be over-emphasized.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"The report this morning reads, in part, "The number of food-insecure Nigerians increased significantly, from 66.2 million in Q1 2023 to 100 million in Q1 2024 (WFP, 2024), with 18.6 million facing acute hunger and 43.7 million Nigerians showing crisis-level or above crisis-level hunger- coping strategies as of March 2024.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"While the above report gives an understanding of the present and impending food crisis looming large on the nation, the present realities show that we are already in a worse situation than is presented in the report. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"An earlier similar report by Cadre Harmonise stated that about 31.5 million Nigerians are projected to face acute hunger by the June-August of this year. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"What is now very worrisome is that many Nigerians have lost their lives in their quest to find food, reflecting a very acute level of hunger not yet captured in the media. We are gradually descending to the level of the survival of the fittest, where, driven by hunger and a quest for survival, one loses every sense of order to do the unthinkable.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"With the recurrent bandits and terror attacks on farmers, many of them have abandoned their farms. It is reported that in a state like Sokoto, farmers have paid an accumulated sum of N3 billion in ransom to bandits, others pay as high as N100,000 to bandits to gain access to their farmlands. About 165 farmers have reportedly lost their lives to insecurity this year alone. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"It is, therefore, a matter of urgency, for the government to solve the problems of insecurity in the country. This will in turn reduce the problems of food insecurity when farmers safely return to their farms. A New and hunger-free Nigeria is POssible.</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-49585849096828617232024-03-29T07:20:00.003+01:002024-03-29T07:20:25.924+01:00Nigeria's delegation seeks collaboration with WTO for digital, marine economies at IPU assembly<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXpOHxVGYrcP6srpBHluYjwHrZMUVTReLmlucDtC_4vmkUXilphHT5MXbe59LsiSBuDU9YndODN4NzAO1ngReHsNccr7cn9uPCPoVtMFJZWjStdZm84pqwzcSVORz5_5e7pJ_JWHN2xOwlcAPMPMy2FGKY9Wk-uten4gnIBpYgnQL3K6nz_vUaDXOiN0/s1280/542037d8-0437-4860-9e2f-6a71a967a791.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXpOHxVGYrcP6srpBHluYjwHrZMUVTReLmlucDtC_4vmkUXilphHT5MXbe59LsiSBuDU9YndODN4NzAO1ngReHsNccr7cn9uPCPoVtMFJZWjStdZm84pqwzcSVORz5_5e7pJ_JWHN2xOwlcAPMPMy2FGKY9Wk-uten4gnIBpYgnQL3K6nz_vUaDXOiN0/w640-h428/542037d8-0437-4860-9e2f-6a71a967a791.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">WTO Director General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, receives the Nigerian delegation at her office in Geneva</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Nigeria's delegation, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, at the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), has engaged with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to explore collaboration in the realms of digital and marine economies.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">During discussions with the media at the WTO following a visit to WTO Director General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala in Geneva, Switzerland on March 25, 2024, Senator Akpabio emphasized the delegation's purpose of fostering partnerships with the WTO across various economic sectors to enhance the welfare of Nigerians.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">According to him, “we used our attendance at the IPU to pay courtesy visit to one of Nigeria's very costly export to the world, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala; the Director General of the WTO. We came to thank her for the job she is doing for the world and thank her staff for supporting and standing by her to succeed. We, in Nigeria are very proud of her."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"We had discussions on the various developmental programmes of the WTO and we noticed that there were spaces where Nigerians can become major players. We discussed issues affecting trade back home in Nigeria and ways in which the National Assembly can assist in removing barriers, through legislation for the benefit of our people.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"We also talked about issue of regulations concerning digital economic contents, illegal fishing along the coastal states of Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states. How Nigerian women could benefit from the recent program funded by the organization was also discussed. The establishment of a digital trade portal, where-in, all trade information could be accessed by our people, topped our discussion with the WTO.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Akpabio noted that “the deliberations were fruitful and we are confident that with our support in all of these, Nigerians would be the better for it."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In his brief remarks, the deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said, "our best export to the world, took her time to bring us up to speed on the various innovations and initiatives of the WTO and what Africa and Nigeria stand to benefit from. We are going back more refreshed because we have seen a space here for Africa to thrive in business and in trade."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Speaking in the same vein, the WTO chief, described the visit of the Senate president and the deputy Speaker, to her office as "a huge honour. We were able to talk on those things we are doing at the WTO that would help make a material difference for Nigerians. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"We spoke of recent program that we launched in some development program from the standards and trade facilities to help in improving sanitary and vital sanitary standards for some of the crops in Nigeria, so that it helps in diversifying the economy to even fisheries and illegal mining of the waters of Nigeria."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">According to her," a lot of things on the table have already been discussed. I am honoured by this visit and I am home-sick."</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-23737988423135175922024-03-28T20:42:00.000+01:002024-03-28T20:42:02.029+01:00NNPC Ltd stresses vital role of energy access in Nigeria's economic growth<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_NjjFJCkZE6Z9hKX3VHsbTGsl2mhFi_rWQRUmyWYXRpajqK8ccFM5g-0qeux2Dd4xYJaXHqzoyFZG-y83fXLdPhiV7E_bFIN8KHq3b-h_R1qIwDv8RgPz085oP1fpGDLwuPEQy-lPF2SKbbchsxMjZxLWITjEyGLSOeUl2GMA0iNiuYozjTVscqsPnY/s3987/IMG_2119.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2658" data-original-width="3987" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_NjjFJCkZE6Z9hKX3VHsbTGsl2mhFi_rWQRUmyWYXRpajqK8ccFM5g-0qeux2Dd4xYJaXHqzoyFZG-y83fXLdPhiV7E_bFIN8KHq3b-h_R1qIwDv8RgPz085oP1fpGDLwuPEQy-lPF2SKbbchsxMjZxLWITjEyGLSOeUl2GMA0iNiuYozjTVscqsPnY/w640-h426/IMG_2119.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Group CEO, NNPC Ltd., Mr. Mele Kyari receives a plaque in appreciation of his role as the Keynote Speaker during the 2024 edition of Society of Petroleum Engineers Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (SPE OLEF) held in Abuja, on Thursday.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) underscores the crucial significance of closing the energy access disparity to bolster the economic advancement of the nation. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, articulated this stance during a pivotal address on industry operations at the 2024 Society of Petroleum Engineers Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (SPE OLEF) in Abuja. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The event, themed "Stability in the Energy Sector: Integrated Strategies for Infrastructure, Transportation, and Security," took place on Thursday, March 28, 2024. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Kyari highlighted NNPC Ltd's commitment to addressing the energy access gap in Nigeria by focusing on developing essential infrastructure to facilitate the efficient delivery of oil and gas, aiming to drive prosperity and progress for the Nigerian populace.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">"We are committed to developing gas infrastructure across the country," Kyari stated, stressing that the company’s commitment was not just a statutory requirement of the Petroleum Industry Act, but a pledge to ensure energy security beyond fuel supply.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"We are dedicated to investing in critical infrastructure to enhance economic prosperity by supplying gas to the domestic market, targeting at least 8 billion cubic meters," Kyari added.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He listed some of the infrastructural projects being undertaken by the NNPC Ltd to help bridge the energy access gap in Nigeria to include the Obiafu/Obrikom/Oben (OB3) and Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipelines, adding that they are designed to enhance the nation’s gas supply network. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">On the global front, Kyari said NNPC Ltd was working on expanding gas supply to the international market primarily through the NLNG Train 7 project while efforts were also being made to kick off Train 8 as well as the various floating LNG initiatives. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Kyari called for support in leveraging Nigeria's abundant gas resources for economic prosperity, emphasizing the need to bridge access gaps in electricity and clean cooking fuel. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">He assured stakeholders and investors of the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he said is committed to the gas revolution. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Also speaking at the event, chairperson of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council and Head of Asset and Investments Management, NGPIS, Engr. Salahuddeen Tahir, emphasized the critical role of energy in modern society, stating: </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"It's a trigger for essential services such as transportation, heating, electricity generation, medical services, security, banking services, and communication."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Tahir said there was need to develop a diversified and sustainable energy transportation system as a measure for mitigating climate change and enhancing energy security.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">A press release signed by </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Olufemi O. Soneye, </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Chief Corporate Communications Officer of </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">NNPC Ltd explains that t</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">his year’s edition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (SPE OLEF) is the 24th in the series, having debuted in 1991. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The forum, he added, is focused on contributing to Nigeria's oil and gas industry policy development in commemoration of the first commercial oil discovery in Nigeria by Shell D’Arcy at Oloibiri, Bayelsa State in 1956.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"></div> Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-51646610789491146622024-03-28T17:06:00.005+01:002024-03-28T17:06:37.192+01:00MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank partners with Lagos State government for "Ounje Eko" Food Markets payment services<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QULIquo6n2W91wVfMZuq9sAffGsYuhW_EtCODffQ5PbDY6e7iprVxDHqeqRA5hotWU8I07kkf80LULb6arfmLBTYGir4UH5W1mhSKUVNHkBZEoo4dVVve0zpGyWLR8iQzkgSYV7i5bCn865MrvzzRHnJS_QpcWQRBqSAclO2YKw31wuM2MzrLnrr7BY/s1078/IMG_2117.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1078" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QULIquo6n2W91wVfMZuq9sAffGsYuhW_EtCODffQ5PbDY6e7iprVxDHqeqRA5hotWU8I07kkf80LULb6arfmLBTYGir4UH5W1mhSKUVNHkBZEoo4dVVve0zpGyWLR8iQzkgSYV7i5bCn865MrvzzRHnJS_QpcWQRBqSAclO2YKw31wuM2MzrLnrr7BY/w640-h387/IMG_2117.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />In a move to enhance collection and payment services at the Ounje Eko markets throughout Lagos State, the state government has selected MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank Limited (MMPSB), Nigeria's premier payment service bank, as its payment partner for the "Ounje Eko" Food Markets initiative. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This initiative aims to provide relief to residents of the state by offering food price discounts.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">MoneyMaster PSB, in a statement released in Lagos, announced its role in managing payment collections across 57 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state as part of the program. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The initiative, launched on Sunday, March 17, 2024, addresses the challenges posed by escalating food prices in the country and covers all five divisions of Lagos State.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">To facilitate collection and payment services of the programme, the statement explained that MoneyMaster will deploy its cutting-edge payment solution which is expected to facilitate seamless payment and reconciliation, thus ensuring smooth shopping experience for Lagosians who will be patronizing the markets. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"The appointment of MMPSB is a testament to the quality of payment solutions that the bank deploys to its growing business partners in private and public sectors,” the statement concluded.</span></div><br /> Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-49742446171195630172024-03-28T16:39:00.004+01:002024-03-28T16:47:00.569+01:00Former Nigerian lawmaker, Cairo Ojougboh's burial arrangements announced<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLq1mdhGa1HszTQLaRfs6QFhrpNx_lSgoNYdT5C3U4_PK_RBWtd8vpk83lQ0eZK3qp9hDj0yeMVzA6JPnVHAvy0wdVPEdqba8Y075G1DQ5ODLv_1-aAo_CYPWfwHJ1O7AUcA7WpEaoIriZY0Bu5PA7ceXnnBfKjN5dD5u-JuGQ2FMsR7_oBVees6nYUc4/s640/IMG_2115.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLq1mdhGa1HszTQLaRfs6QFhrpNx_lSgoNYdT5C3U4_PK_RBWtd8vpk83lQ0eZK3qp9hDj0yeMVzA6JPnVHAvy0wdVPEdqba8Y075G1DQ5ODLv_1-aAo_CYPWfwHJ1O7AUcA7WpEaoIriZY0Bu5PA7ceXnnBfKjN5dD5u-JuGQ2FMsR7_oBVees6nYUc4/w480-h640/IMG_2115.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;">The late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">The family of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, a distinguished former member of Nigeria's House of Representatives, has officially revealed the funeral plans for their beloved patriarch. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Dr. Ojougboh, who peacefully departed on February 7, 2024, at the age of 64, will be honored with a burial ceremony on Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Ojougboh Family Compound in Agbor, Delta State. The interment proceedings are scheduled to commence immediately following a Funeral Mass, which is slated to begin at 10:00 a.m. at the St. John The Baptist Catholic Church situated along Old Lagos/Asaba Road in Agbor, Delta State. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Following the solemn service, a reception will be held on the same day at the Open Ground, located opposite the Central Hospital in Agbor.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Reception will take place the same day at the Open Ground, Opposite Central Hospital, Agbor.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">According to a statement signed by the family to the effect, the late Ojougboh was an illustrious son of Delta State. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Part of text of the statement reads: “He was a grassroots politician who has contributed immensely to the development of Delta State and the nation at large. He was a prominent, fearless and outspoken politician without prejudice to tribe or tongue. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“Ojougboh was conscientious, amiable, accessible and generous to all who came across him and was committed to serving the public interest and improving the lives of citizens.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“Other lined-up burial activities that will precede the interment are Requiem Mass on Thursday, April 16, 2024 by 4:00p.m.at the Church for The Assumption, Asokoro, Abuja and Vigil Mass on Thursday, April 18, 2024 by 4:00 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, Alihame, Agbor, Delta State.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“The Christian Wake will take place on Thursday, April 18, 2024 between 6:00p.m. and 10:00p.m. at the Ojougboh Family Compound, Alihame, Agbor, Delta State.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“The burial activities shall be capped with a Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday April 21, 2024at All Saints Catholic Church, Alihame, Agbor, Delta State by9:00a.m.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“Late Cairo Ojougboh represented Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007 and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“He was also a former Executive Director Project of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“We extend our sincere gratitude to everybody for their show of love and support at this trying time.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-69721208322774379552024-03-28T16:05:00.010+01:002024-03-28T16:15:27.655+01:00‘Ijele’ faces charges for threats and cyberbullying against Evangelist Ebuka Obi<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2r_g2O2VWocv_MiSUFhk0GIlXW-8L1ESmHaRuOWtcZouOB_MQBaomAVOO3_MBHPB_2g-Q-QrhDDH0Un1vkgs-2Clv1qgoiNupYxNwLn_Gvbw1d-6UAEvknBnu2ljw-i7oNJnyt58HIpeE-8hy1khlTQfKJuwIXrstESYJOSrc0HSiQnCTDb4YB6f7U0/s700/IMG_2112.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="700" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2r_g2O2VWocv_MiSUFhk0GIlXW-8L1ESmHaRuOWtcZouOB_MQBaomAVOO3_MBHPB_2g-Q-QrhDDH0Un1vkgs-2Clv1qgoiNupYxNwLn_Gvbw1d-6UAEvknBnu2ljw-i7oNJnyt58HIpeE-8hy1khlTQfKJuwIXrstESYJOSrc0HSiQnCTDb4YB6f7U0/w640-h366/IMG_2112.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;">Evangelist Ebuka Obi</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, known as Ijele, is currently facing serious charges related to threats made on social media. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The accusations include threat to life, cyberstalking, and cyberbullying. These charges stem from a post where Ofoegbu allegedly threatened to harm Evangelist Ebuka Obi, the founder of Zion Prayer Movement. Ofoegbu stands accused of making unsubstantiated claims and threats, including the explicit threat to kill Ebuka Obi and decapitate him. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Additionally, he purportedly threatened to harm any law enforcement officer who tries to apprehend him. These actions have led to legal consequences and a serious situation for Ofoegbu.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He is currently being remanded in prison custody pending his trial in court, but the Evangelist Ebuka team said his detention, </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">contrary to social media reports, has nothing to do with his accusing the Evangelist of performing fake miracles. According to police sources, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ofoegbu,</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> is instead, being remanded by the court on terrorism charges, they reminded</span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And here is the post allegedly made by Ofoegbu: “That criminal Ebuka Obi of Zion, if I don’t kill you and cut off your head, let trailer kill me on the road and your family will not even save you.” </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Referring to any policeman who comes to his house to arrest him, Ofoegbu who appeared in military camouflage, was also said to have boasted: “Any mumu policemen who dare to come to my house to arrest me, they will shoot and shoot, before my own bullet will finish, I have people who will join me in shooting and we’ll fight to finish“.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In another post, Ofoegbu allegedly carried a placard on which he wrote “Evangelist Ebuka Obi is a criminal and liar” and tagged all the miracles in Zion as deceits, urging the police to arrest him for turning his religious institution into a business enterprise. “Arrangee Master Ebuka Obi, your scam is coming to an end”, he said in the video.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Zion legal team is said to have petitioned the IGP on the threat to the life of Evangelist Ebuka Obi as well as defamation of character. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Subsequently, they disclosed, the police in Abuja invited Ofoegbu to their station for an alleged case of criminal intimidation, threat to life, cyberstalking, and cyberbullying. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-9209236555789912572024-03-28T15:15:00.004+01:002024-03-28T15:27:36.109+01:00Arase Walking the Talk at PSC: A promise looking good<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8dtMlwmaZFLwptH27T-wQrxdRVJhLU6CRcsbUlXiFdsurN_0-c1ZSKZabLFgr29mvVxeBgNdkufgde6PROCqeV_0jv4-jogpQLaIR5qlf5O7Putgo9AWX4jTYHXdICGphxKMYuyoSgne_7vpvzloK5Lr6PW4aTJ7OK8i_WV9LGymze6b9dGCOWqb73E/s968/b65162dc-a74c-4d14-be2b-9c21c70d1a37.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8dtMlwmaZFLwptH27T-wQrxdRVJhLU6CRcsbUlXiFdsurN_0-c1ZSKZabLFgr29mvVxeBgNdkufgde6PROCqeV_0jv4-jogpQLaIR5qlf5O7Putgo9AWX4jTYHXdICGphxKMYuyoSgne_7vpvzloK5Lr6PW4aTJ7OK8i_WV9LGymze6b9dGCOWqb73E/w428-h640/b65162dc-a74c-4d14-be2b-9c21c70d1a37.jpeg" width="428" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Arase</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">BY Ikechukwu Ani</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It was a colourful gathering at the second edition of the Police Service Commission end of year Party and Awards Ceremony which held at the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission on Tuesday, 19th December 2023. It was a celebration of excellence and a testament of the making of a new and forward looking PSC, a statutory Federal Government Agency charged with the responsibilities of appointment, promotion, dismissal and disciplinary control of Members of the Nigeria Police Force (except the Inspector General of Police). For one, the Commission had something to celebrate and this celebration attracted galaxy of eminent Nigerians, who came in their numbers. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Commission mid last year formally relocated to its corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, an imposing edifice that took the uncanny determination of Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, the 18th Inspector General of Police, who was barely two weeks in office as the 5th chairman of the Commission, to see to reality. It was clear 12 years after the construction of the building began during the tenure of Parry Osayande, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police as chairman. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">On Friday 29th of this month, March 2024, Dr. Arase would be one year old on the saddle and within this short period, the story of the Commission has since changed for the better, a Commission that now leads the way attracting a lot of goodwill and defining the road map for a new and vibrant policing sector in the country. From a neglected and abused orphan, the Commission has been rejuvenated to play its constitutional roles of appointment, promotion and discipline of the work force of the Nigeria Police Force and has also continued to attract the attention of all Nigerians and non Nigerians of goodwill.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Dr. Arase had captured the mood in the Commission in his welcome address at the end of year ceremony and Awards night. He noted “without sounding immodest, permit me to say that within these nine months of being at the helm of affairs of the Commission, the story of the Commission is different, quite different; contrastingly different; positively contrasting to the inglorious past in the life of the Commission. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He continued; “Today over 130 staff of the Commission have been trained both locally and internationally. Retreat for management Staff was successfully organized and held in Benin, Edo State. For the first time in the life of the Commission, its Directors were admitted into executive and strategic Management Courses in prestigious national institutions like National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), National Defence College (NDC) and Institute of Security Studies (ISS).”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">According to Dr. Arase, the Commission “is now always in the news and obviously for the right reasons, adding that the relationship between the Commission and Nigeria Police Force is now cordial with both Institutions respecting the constitutional boundaries and powers of each other. This according to him was achieved based on trust-building mechanisms employed through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation, geared towards the enhancement of the overall interest of our national security."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">At one year in office, Arase gives thanks to God. According to him "there is no vision that any man has that is not from God and we give Him all the glory for what we have achieved. “I will not say we have reached the peak or reached the Eldorado but I think from now, we have been able to put the Commission on auto pilot that with or without me the Commission will just work seamlessly and that was the purpose.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He continued “we have faced a lot of challenges, scarcity of funds, so no matter how you think you want to drive the process, once there is no fund, you are slowed down drastically but we thank God that we have been able to have people who are keying into our vision like the road leading to our corporate office in Jabi, which was part of the things the FCT minister graciously reconstructed and gave to us. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“You will now see that the ambience of the Commission has taken up a new look and we have been able to make sure that our corporate office has the semblance of a home outside of home, we have a sick bay which we have been able to emplace, we have a creche which is also up and running. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“I am a gender sensitive person, so I want the women who are here who have children to be able to have that confidence that they are coming to work and are able to get the work done without distraction.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"My own take about the Commission is that the Human Resources Department must have the capacity to train the staff in such a way that if we are talking about PSC, you can boast and say we have the best materials you can think of, people who can think critically and be able to develop policies for the Nigeria Police Force. The recruitment, yes, the promotion, yes, discipline, yes, these are the main things but it is more than that.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Dr. Arase continued; "If you look at what oversight and accountability of civilian oversight of the Police is in other jurisdictions, you will discover that we have not gotten there. But luckily, last year, despite there was no funds, we were able to train close to about 130 staff without a dime from the Commission. Now we have been able to secure two slots at the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS). I am also looking at the Institute of Security Studies too to see how we can have two participants. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"I think going forward we should have some consideration for setting funds aside for training, most of the trainings we have done have been courtesy of UNDP, UNODC, ICRC (Red Cross) etc. We also had this online programme with a South African University. And now in about three weeks or two, people will be leaving for Japan and we are also thinking that we should be able to get about twenty slots for our staff to go to South Korea. I am more of a trainer, any place I have worked, I had used training to change the narrative and outlook of the establishment.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Dr. Arase admits that the journey so far has not been easy, but “we have remained undaunted in our efforts to change the narrative about the Commission and reposition it towards greater efficiency and effectiveness in delivering on its mandate. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Within a space of one year Arase has ensured the training and retraining of Staff (both locally and internationally) with over 200 already trained. He deployed his extensive national and international contacts to give the Commission the opportunities to access these trainings hitherto unknown in the Commission. He also saw to the establishment of Compliance Monitoring Unit (CMU) to oversight the Police Complaints Unit; establishment of a sick bay in the office and prompt dispensation of disciplinary issues against Police officers. His leadership has increased visibility of the Commission's activities across the nation through regular and reliable media outreach; successful conduct of the ongoing recruitment exercise in conjunction with the Nigeria Police, including restoration of harmonious working relationship between the Commission and the Nigeria Police Force.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It is obvious that the Commission has positioned itself to make a success of its constitutional mandate. Dr. Arase came into the life of the Commission with a big dream and promise. He has restored the self worth of the staff and brought credibility to its operations. The ongoing recruitment of Nigerian youths into the constable cadre of the Nigeria Police Force has been painstaking and without hitches. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The setting up of a Police Recruitment Board comprising all the relevant agencies in the Police Sector (Police Service Commission, Nigeria Police Force, Ministry of Police Affairs, Federal Character Commission, Police Trust Fund and Police Colleges) has not only conferred credibility to the exercise but brought inclusiveness. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It is obvious that at the end of the day Nigerians will be happy to have a Police Force ready and equipped to secure our fatherland. Dr. Arase is obviously walking the talk and it is becoming a promise looking good. Nigeria and Nigerians will be better for it. Although Dr. Arase says this is just a tip of the ice bag.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">~Ikechukwu Ani, </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Spokesman to the Police Service Commission, wrote from Abuja</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-25099301026854507782024-03-28T07:01:00.003+01:002024-03-28T07:01:48.364+01:00Dangote's Generosity Shines: 80,000 bags of rice donated as palliatives to support Lagos residents<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>….Sanwo-Olu affirms Dangote's focus on Nigerians' well-being over profits</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxsnkP4dAD9mQhCSrwBty-NjPvuERGHj-rJi86OPfiRWnEL3heL_Vb_u3pO0yIElPc50rhTAIS94fSJOLz4Ar8LdX425stgTMYhshhLLkJKMYLTCiMfGyhyTXYoqQdhbXOcp8LRGcIWXWsrgVYLJudD7oWnjUN70sErOHRyHhYvIJGw3sXrX7F6GxlFA/s4332/IMG_2110.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2577" data-original-width="4332" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxsnkP4dAD9mQhCSrwBty-NjPvuERGHj-rJi86OPfiRWnEL3heL_Vb_u3pO0yIElPc50rhTAIS94fSJOLz4Ar8LdX425stgTMYhshhLLkJKMYLTCiMfGyhyTXYoqQdhbXOcp8LRGcIWXWsrgVYLJudD7oWnjUN70sErOHRyHhYvIJGw3sXrX7F6GxlFA/w640-h380/IMG_2110.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Photo shows L-R: Non-executive director, Dangote Industries Limited, Emmanual Ikazoboh; Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya; Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; MD/CEO, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Chairman, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Aliko Dangote; Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Dangote Industries Limited, Fatima Aliko Dangote; Lagos State Chairman House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Emmanuel Olotu; Trustee, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Hajara Adeola; and chairman, Geregu Power Plc, Femi Otedola during the Lagos flag-off of Aliko Dangote Foundation National Food Intervention Programme in Lagos on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has commenced the distribution of 80,000 10kg bags of rice to support the vulnerable population in Lagos state. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group and chairman of the foundation, highlighted that this initiative is part of a larger effort to distribute over one million 10kg bags of rice to reach one million vulnerable individuals across the 774 local government areas in Nigeria</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Speaking at the flag off in Alausa, Dangote, said the distribution of the 80,000 bags of 10kg rice is another demonstration of the foundation’s commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of humanity.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Noting that the distribution of the rice is in addition to the daily distribution of 12,500 loaves of bread in Lagos, Dangote stressed that with the initiative, the foundation aspires to ameliorate some of the burdens faced by vulnerable communities across Lagos State.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In his remarks, Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, applauded the many initiatives of Dangote to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians, while praising him for showing compassion to the needy in the society.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Sanwo-Olu said the gesture of distribution of 80,000 bags of 10kg rice shows that the leadership of the foundation prioritizes the welfare of the people beyond the pursuit of profit and accumulation of wealth.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Governor said: “Aliko Dangote is a Nigerian that has chosen to be different. You have choices but you have made the right one, which is caring for the vulnerable. I appreciate Mr. Aliko Dangote for extending his kind gestures to the people at the bottom of the pyramid and we are grateful for supporting us in government. There is a lot of global disruption in different parts of the world, and it is a tough time to be in a position of leadership,” he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">While encouraging other wealthy Nigerians to emulate Dangote, the governor said the distribution of the rice would support the initiative of the state in addressing the effects of the economic hardship.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Justifying the food intervention in Lagos, Dangote said: “While our traditional Ramadan food distribution has been focused on the Muslim community, we recognize that the current circumstances where a significant proportion of Nigerians across the nation are experiencing severe hardship due to the prevailing high prices of food, require that we broaden our program to cover communities of all faiths. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“This is why we are extending the Ramadan initiative to cover all the thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory as a testament to our commitment to supporting our communities in line with our core values and the spirit of the Holy Month of Ramadan," he said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The CEO of the ADF, Zouera Youssoufou, said the foundation is partnering credible NGOs, civil societies, religious bodies among others to ensure the donations go to the most vulnerable in Lagos State.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">She said the foundation is guided by a vision of empowering Africans to achieve their self-actualization and full potential as it believes that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“In times of hardship, it is imperative that we stand together as one nation, one community, extending a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in their time of need as we have done with our female empowerment programme in Lagos State which targeted 40,000 (Forty thousand) disadvantaged women,” she added.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Group Executive Director Commercial Operations at Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Fatima Aliko-Dangote, noted that the flag off in Lagos is a follow-up to the 120,000 bags distributed in Kano on Saturday, and said the intervention is targeted to reach the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"We have been doing this for a while but we didn’t publicize it because our chairman believes this is between him and God but this year we decided to publicize it so that we can encourage and inspire others to do so.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“There are many other things the Dangote foundation is also doing. We are also serving 2,500 loaves of breads all over Lagos, daily. We started this in 2020 during COVID-19. Also in our hometown in Kano, we have been doing breakfast, lunch and dinner for the past 35 years. The foundation has invested in many things. Years back, we gave women some money to be able to invest in their businesses," she said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Speaking further, Dangote noted that Lagos state holds a special place in the hearts of the Group, hosting two of its major investments - Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Plant.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He disclosed that the Dangote Group is also working on the nutrition agenda and has made significant strides in food fortification, investing in iodized salt and vitamin A fortified sugar. He stressed that the Group actively promotes food fortification within the Nigerian food industry and is exploring fortification methods for staples like rice and wheat and bouillon cubes to help ensure improved nutrition nationwide.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“At the heart of the Aliko Dangote Foundation lies a deep-seated belief in the importance of nutrition in human capital development. We understand that access to nutritious food is not only a basic human right but also a critical determinant of good health and well-being. By providing these modest bags of rice to those in need, we are not only looking to alleviate immediate hunger, but also investing in the long-term health and prosperity of our communities,” he added.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">While commending Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu, as a governor with a penchant for overcoming adversity and enormous capacity in handling emergencies, Dangote urged other well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations to emulate the efforts to support the less privileged in the communities, especially during Ramadan, which is a time of self-reflection, empathy, and charity.</span></div> Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-29521405194464173422024-03-28T03:46:00.003+01:002024-03-28T03:46:48.762+01:00NNPC denies rumors of fuel price adjustment, reaffirms commitment to supply sufficiency<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZ7f38L2c932JX2DetYy9zMxhN8GmSb2UBysiiDSqlLEaJOi5djCPj14HaBf-WRFEP3fYw18iO9m7h-V5dCTyZeuyOE2OYTw069US0EqdTNOknXqh67q6uOtHM-Osf54J4fCnRW9WDNkTqq_18BUzzY1QAdf8LcRnF2I5uHEK8FGJchil0wY5YINLYgI/s742/IMG_2107.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="742" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZ7f38L2c932JX2DetYy9zMxhN8GmSb2UBysiiDSqlLEaJOi5djCPj14HaBf-WRFEP3fYw18iO9m7h-V5dCTyZeuyOE2OYTw069US0EqdTNOknXqh67q6uOtHM-Osf54J4fCnRW9WDNkTqq_18BUzzY1QAdf8LcRnF2I5uHEK8FGJchil0wY5YINLYgI/w640-h356/IMG_2107.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has refuted speculations circulating on social media regarding a purported adjustment in the pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel). </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In a statement signed by the NNPCL spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, the company clarified that reports of price adjustments are unfounded and urged Nigerians to dismiss them entirely. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> statement emphasizes that </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">NNPCL is dedication to maintaining the current sufficiency in petroleum products across all its retail stations nationwide. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The company's stance aims to reassure the public of the stability and reliability of fuel supply at its retail outlets, dispelling any misinformation regarding price adjustments.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(232, 232, 230); color: #e8e8e6; font-family: __fkGroteskNeue_a82850, __fkGroteskNeue_Fallback_a82850, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16.639999px;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">This clarification comes amidst rumors suggesting a decrease in petrol prices and an increase in diesel prices, which the NNPC has firmly denied.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Text of the Press Statement reads:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“The NNPC Limited wishes to clarify rumours suggesting a price adjustment for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) at its retail stations nationwide. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“The company asserts that these reports are false and urges Nigerians to disregard them entirely. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“NNPC Ltd reaffirms its commitment to sustaining the current sufficiency in petroleum products supply across all its retail stations in the country.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Olufemi Soneye </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Chief Corporate Communications Officer </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">NNPC Ltd </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Abuja</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-28143072586517027202024-03-27T22:00:00.003+01:002024-03-27T22:00:49.949+01:00Nigerian Guild of Editors calls for heightened government action on national security <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>*Urges military to speak out on abduction of editor</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>*Advises media against inadvertently given stimulus to terrorists</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>*Commends Gov Mbah's revolutionary projects in Enugu </b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(232, 232, 230); color: #e8e8e6; font-family: __fkGroteskNeue_a82850, __fkGroteskNeue_Fallback_a82850, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16.639999px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBRhMXLsL_2NdD9wfE3h7tHeFHuROfqSOFIE4D6C_yaYvLseZk0Rx_S4hQMIswoMjshwOHN3oFuM52JLKWgBaagmmhF_ye0c9oTGu9TBGNSFfpFd1RjHJ_67RtIX_bvMgSRfmzRHHkcZYyBbBiJ44rBdMWUoolawX0BwWgRsgHPdX0Rov5q4NfDx-TCE/s300/IMG_2106.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBRhMXLsL_2NdD9wfE3h7tHeFHuROfqSOFIE4D6C_yaYvLseZk0Rx_S4hQMIswoMjshwOHN3oFuM52JLKWgBaagmmhF_ye0c9oTGu9TBGNSFfpFd1RjHJ_67RtIX_bvMgSRfmzRHHkcZYyBbBiJ44rBdMWUoolawX0BwWgRsgHPdX0Rov5q4NfDx-TCE/w640-h640/IMG_2106.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called on government authorities at all levels to intensify their efforts in addressing the escalating security challenges across the country, aligning with their constitutional duty to safeguard life and property.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">While noting a decline in the overall security situation within the nation, the professional association of editors and media executives also recognized the government's endeavors to reverse this concerning trajectory.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Highlighting the recent successful release of students from LEA Primary School/Government Secondary School in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State as a positive development, the Guild commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, and security agencies for their collaborative efforts in securing the students' release after enduring three weeks in the hands of kidnappers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In a communique issued and signed by the NGE President, Mr. Eze Anaba, and the General Secretary, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, after its Standing Committee Meeting held in Enugu, last weekend, (March 24 to 25, 2024, the Guild also called on the federal government to speak out on the Editor of FirstNews Newspaper, Segun Olatunji, who was abducted from his Lagos home by some men in military uniform.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Guild, which demanded for the immediate release of the editor, said that any publication by the media, if believed or suspected to be false, should be interrogated and tested through the legal process.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The editors condemned the manner in which the editor was abducted, saying such action had no place in a democracy, especially under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government, which has consistently promised to be guided by the rule of law in all its actions, policies and programmes.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“The media/journalists must be allowed to continue to operate in an atmosphere conducive to the performance of their constitutional duty of holding government accountable to the people.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“Government or security agencies must not be perceived to be doing anything to the contrary, or attempting to stifle the media under a democratic government,” the NGE warned.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Guild described the recent ambush and killing of 17 military personnel on March 14 in Okuama community, Delta State, and the aftermath alleged military’s revenge as disheartening.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It called on the federal government to dig deep into the killing of soldiers in Okuama, and unravel the “real circumstances” in which the incident and its aftermath occurred, with a view to bringing those indicted to book and preventing a recurrence.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">While noting the rising cost of living in the country, which saw Nigeria’s headline inflation rate increase from 29.90 per cent in January to 31.70 per cent in February, the editors attributed the current harsh economic space to the worsening security situation, removal of subsidy on petrol, and the devaluation of the Naira, following the unifying of exchange rates.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The communique added, “The Guild observed measures by the Central Bank of Nigeria to reverse the falling value of the Naira, and urged it to ensure the results are long-term and not temporary.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The professional body also acknowledged initiatives by government at various levels to reduce the hardship in the country - through various palliatives and intervention schemes.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Such measures, it added, should not be beneficial only in the short-term, hoping that government policies, in the long run, will make life easier for the people.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Guild, which commended the mass media for their resilience, amidst the harsh economic realities of the times, called on journalists to continue to perform their responsibilities with a sense of professionalism.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In the face of the nation's security challenges and tough economic ecosystem, the Guild urged journalists to be circumspect, and not sacrifice truthfulness in their reportage.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“The media must continue to carry out their responsibilities with a sense of nationalism, and be careful not to inadvertently give stimulus to terrorists/bandits in their reportage,” the editors added.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The NGE thanked the government of Enugu State for providing an atmosphere conducive for it to hold its Standing Committee Meeting in the state.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It noted the “landmark and revolutionary projects’’ initiated by Governor Peter Mbah, barely one year into his tenure, especially in education, health, provision of potable water, and road infrastructure.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Guild said that the initiatives were promising and urged the governor to see them to fruition and continue in such light.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The professional body had also noted similar initiatives by the Kogi State government, saying government is all about the well-being and security of the people.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It urged government at all levels to equally step up efforts in fulfilling their electoral promises to the people.</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-77823338400854812472024-03-26T22:32:00.000+01:002024-03-26T22:32:00.890+01:00‘Who killed NDLEA Operative Ifeanyi Chiwetalu?’<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht52oV32AAsKsm4v69hBsNufnrMLgcNaIV1aPQonp6Ac9YY6OFeGfjwgZnJoCSlNeQhyphenhyphenxr9pauSWo_V-qj7qhuXgpi6pA7TtE5kPoeDbYNTJc4B8HTFDyyevECsiib2y9Ha6AixiWgLgBqDtVX3d757YjC1l7w8nt0eIptfWNI1ZzQiThL2bUh6uUdruU/s1102/IMG_1972.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1076" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht52oV32AAsKsm4v69hBsNufnrMLgcNaIV1aPQonp6Ac9YY6OFeGfjwgZnJoCSlNeQhyphenhyphenxr9pauSWo_V-qj7qhuXgpi6pA7TtE5kPoeDbYNTJc4B8HTFDyyevECsiib2y9Ha6AixiWgLgBqDtVX3d757YjC1l7w8nt0eIptfWNI1ZzQiThL2bUh6uUdruU/w624-h640/IMG_1972.jpeg" width="624" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">The late SN Ifeanyi Chiwetalu</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />By Our Reporter</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">An operative of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) SN Ifeanyi Chiwetalu, from Mgbagbu-Owa in Enugu State was said to have been murdered in cold blood last penultimate Friday by unknown persons said to be in military uniform while he was on official duty in Bida, Niger State.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">According to reports, Superintendent Chiwetalu was attacked while on official duty manning a check point. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The deceased was said to have flagged down a vehicle for search, but the owner refused to be subjected to such, and he was not let go by the NDLEA team led by Ifeanyi.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Sources said that after a long while the owner of the vehicle accepted to be searched and after nothing incriminating was found on him or the vehicle, he was asked to go, but unknown to them, the man had phoned some hoodlums in military uniforms, who rushed to the place and attacked Ifeanyi, till they killed him.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">According to sources, including family sources, the deceased Chiwetalu was said to have been stabbed severally with a long knife which came out of his rear. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Other sources claimed that he was hit with an iron rod at the back of his head, severing his spinal cord and he gave up the ghost instantly. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">However, it could not be ascertained whether or not other operatives of the Agency, who the late Chiwetalu was leading on the beat, were equally attacked or not.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">But, what is certain is that as at press time, none of those other officers sustained any injury and there was nothing to prove that they defended Chiwetalu while he was being attacked.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The manner of his killing have raised the following questions: Who actually killed Ifeanyi Chiwetalu? Was he the only victim in the attack? What is the identity of the man stopped for a search? What did his junior colleagues do when he was attacked? Did the attackers go scot free? Etc.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">As at filing this report, family sources have confirmed his death, adding "We have sent some people to Minna to bring back his corpse."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The sources confirmed that he was attacked and sever bodily injuries inflicted on him, but added that "it still remains a mystery how our son and brother died.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The spokesman of the NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, as at the time this report was filed, was yet to respond to inquiries or make any post on the NDLEA official X handle, his usual means of communication.</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-5972240044931129062024-03-26T07:34:00.004+01:002024-03-26T07:34:23.887+01:00The man, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, set to become Senegal president and Africa's youngest president<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM34-QyPxWOK5E5d7KNV1QUyGvVKjTd-Oo03vmqDrCzE5LEBFKJnnlJp7A7E4_hJogHUyXqQLs6B_NXqAop7QI8PDWg8O1j7ZeBQpq2NrbZSbXNF7JmplBUZCWZqDLALfE7ZTTQO1B4pfD_KUTlOp4VoQWZ5cIOMwNe3y-lg0ECcIYAmTNmsGc_-fu-4s/s1536/IMG_2099.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1536" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM34-QyPxWOK5E5d7KNV1QUyGvVKjTd-Oo03vmqDrCzE5LEBFKJnnlJp7A7E4_hJogHUyXqQLs6B_NXqAop7QI8PDWg8O1j7ZeBQpq2NrbZSbXNF7JmplBUZCWZqDLALfE7ZTTQO1B4pfD_KUTlOp4VoQWZ5cIOMwNe3y-lg0ECcIYAmTNmsGc_-fu-4s/w640-h360/IMG_2099.webp" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Faye</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Few had heard of him a year ago, and now he is set to become president.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Bassirou Diomaye Faye's extraordinary rise caps a rollercoaster period in Senegalese politics that caught many off-guard.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Months in jail alongside ally and kingmaker Ousmane Sonko ended suddenly, with the pair released the week before the presidential election.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Now Mr Clean, as he's nicknamed, must get to work on the sweeping reforms he has promised. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Methodical" and "modest" are words often used to describe the tax collector, who celebrates his 44th birthday on Monday.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Mr Faye fondly recalls his rural upbringing in Ndiaganiao, where he says he returns every Sunday to work the land.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">His love and respect for village life is matched by his deep distrust of Senegal's elites and establishment politics.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"He's never been a minister and wasn't a statesman so critics question his lack of experience," analyst Alioune Tine tells the BBC.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"But, from Faye's point of view, the insiders who've run the country since 1960 have made some catastrophic failures."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Fighting poverty, injustice and corruption are top of Mr Faye's agenda. While working at the Treasury, he and Mr Sonko created a union taskforce to tackle graft.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Gas, oil, fishing and defence deals must all be negotiated to better serve the Senegalese people, says Mr Faye.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He is ushering in an era of "sovereignty" and "rupture" as opposed to more of the same, he told voters, and that is especially true of ties to France.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Senegal's president-elect says he will drop the much-criticised CFA franc currency, which is pegged to the euro and backed by former colonial power France.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Mr Faye wants to replace it with a new Senegalese, or regional West African, currency, although this will not be easy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"He will have to deal with the reality of the budget to begin with... But I see that he has a lot of ambition," former Prime Minister Aminata Touré, who served under outgoing President Macky Sall, tells the BBC.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Strengthening judicial independence and creating jobs for Senegal's large young population are also key priorities for Mr Faye - neither of which "President Sall paid much attention to and it caught up with him," Ms Touré adds.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">She is not the only political heavyweight to have thrown her support behind the 44-year-old, former President Abdoulaye Wade did the same just two days before Sunday's vote.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It is a remarkable turnaround for Mr Faye who spent the last 11 months in prison on charges of insurrection, and many more years before that in his ally's shadow.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>'Bassirou is me'</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Bassirou Diomaye Faye was announced in February as the so-called "Plan B" candidate, replacing the charismatic opposition firebrand Ousmane Sonko. "I would even say that he has more integrity than me," Mr Sonko said proudly.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Both men founded the now-disbanded Pastef party, both men are tax collectors, and both men found themselves jailed last year on charges they said were politically motivated.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Sonko is of course the uncontested leader of Pastef - an icon, even... [But] the two have had a [dynamic of] complicity and collusion."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Once upon a time, Mr Faye wanted nothing to do with politics. "It never crossed my mind," he said in 2019 while recalling his childhood.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">One of Mr Faye's heroes is the late Senegalese historian Cheikh Anta Diop - whose work is seen as a precursor to Afrocentrism. Both are seen as left-wing cheerleaders for pan-Africanism.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">As early results came in on Monday showing Mr Faye was set for victory, people in the capital, Dakar, celebrated by honking car horns and singing to loud music.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The reaction from international markets was less jubilant, with Senegal's dollar bonds falling to their lowest level in five months. Reuters news agency reports that investors are concerned Mr Faye's presidency may wind down the country's business-friendly policies.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The election was originally due last month but Mr Sall postponed it just hours before campaigning was set to begin, triggering deadly opposition protests and a democratic crisis.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Most candidates had very little time to prepare once the new election date was set - but Mr Faye had just over a week after being freed from jail.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Despite the shortened campaign period, Senegal's citizens were adamant they would turn out and use their vote, Christopher Fomunyoh - of the National Democratic Institute for international affairs - told BBC Newsday.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Senegal is in the process of confirming that democracies can self-correct and come out stronger and more resilient."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And the true test for Senegal's clean-up guy has only just begun.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br />Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-68514886975924309832024-03-25T20:50:00.003+01:002024-03-25T20:50:40.190+01:00FG to Gumi: ‘Come and tell us what you know about terrorists’ <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjms2h01-xcaKFvpki_2EJzY-zAp546RhfgM5z63XwJi25m-OMQjHjCsp4fIcnf3PoScm78cCLtrrJPOOPyHkokXNUaoztucYlm13edK0kJ6-mMW7TtDZGDEvDlg3ovdoXjlucemYbsmoIw_GfTWaDoNDDqLqV9DmRvmHTIomnZXwzWwTKCw-dkutFD5vA/s739/IMG_2098.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="739" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjms2h01-xcaKFvpki_2EJzY-zAp546RhfgM5z63XwJi25m-OMQjHjCsp4fIcnf3PoScm78cCLtrrJPOOPyHkokXNUaoztucYlm13edK0kJ6-mMW7TtDZGDEvDlg3ovdoXjlucemYbsmoIw_GfTWaDoNDDqLqV9DmRvmHTIomnZXwzWwTKCw-dkutFD5vA/w640-h360/IMG_2098.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Gumi</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Federal Government says Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has been invited by security agencies for questioning over some comments he made on the activities of terrorists.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, who briefed State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday, said nobody is above the law and if found guilty, Gumi will be reprimanded.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“The security agencies are up and doing. Sheikh Gumi or any other person is not above the law. If his suggestions are constructive enough for the security agencies to take, they will take but if they think that he is also making some statements that appeared to be reckless, he will also be reprimanded.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“There is nobody that is above the law in this regard. And I am aware he has been a guest of security agencies to answer questions. When you make remarks that border on our national security, it is incumbent on the security agencies to dig further,” the minister stated.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The minister also insisted that no ransom was paid for the release of all the 137 schoolchildren abducted on March 7, 2024 from the Chikun Local Government Area of the state by marauding terrorists in Kaduna State, adding that the victims secured their freedom through the concerted efforts of security agencies in the country.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The minister said, “President Bola Tinubu is determined to end this cycle of payment of ransom to kidnappers. The government believes that this continues to encourage these kidnappers, these criminal elements to perpetrate this act within the Nigerian nation and it is the official position of government as announced here last week that ransom will not be tolerated. Ransom will not be encouraged, ransom will not be paid by the government.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State had on Sunday, March 24, 2024, said Gumi was not involved in the safe return of abducted Kuriga pupils, though the cleric had offered to negotiate with bandits for the release of the pupils.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The governor had described as speculations, talks in some quarters that ransom was paid, stressing that Gumi was not involved in the rescue of the pupils.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Gumi ran into a fresh crisis with security agencies last week when he said they have no right to declare any Nigerian a terror financier. The cleric had reacted to a recent list by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), declaring his close associate, Kaduna-based publisher, Tukur Mamu, and 14 others as terror sponsors.</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-20201383915072008472024-03-25T20:20:00.003+01:002024-03-25T20:20:36.781+01:00Family of Missing Journalist Cries to Sanwo-Olu: Help save our breadwinner<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDro4lizrqWmyw5INxwfq9mt0xSxIT-a1HGLRLPc1HQk9afBO1gRs6TvsK5iKNIqMamS9lS0RMkCM_T3YldHLhYkkMgXABzqJ7B-MzBd2OkveEBdL0zWcZ8JqgFWzcRqB-NJ7C3KXWcnJQjlHyxk2KylYdP9oUtAFJT3vhfDgUT5m3uw3jHYvBZdo3OGs/s960/IMG_2049.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDro4lizrqWmyw5INxwfq9mt0xSxIT-a1HGLRLPc1HQk9afBO1gRs6TvsK5iKNIqMamS9lS0RMkCM_T3YldHLhYkkMgXABzqJ7B-MzBd2OkveEBdL0zWcZ8JqgFWzcRqB-NJ7C3KXWcnJQjlHyxk2KylYdP9oUtAFJT3vhfDgUT5m3uw3jHYvBZdo3OGs/w480-h640/IMG_2049.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Segun Olatunji </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />By Achiever Peterson </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Twelve days after Lagos journalist, Segun Olatunji, went missing, his family members have written to the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, appealing to him to help in locating their breadwinner.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Olatunji, the editor of FirstNews, was, on March 15, 2023, whisked away by 10 armed men, two of whom were in military uniform to an undisclosed location.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Efforts by his family, friends, and associates to find him had been unsuccessful, leaving them almost despondent. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The family in the Save Our Soul (SOS) letter to the Lagos Chief Executive, pleaded with him to use his authority as the State Chief Security Officer to unravel the mystery of Olatunji's sudden disappearance. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In the letter signed by Mr. Tosin Olatunji, elder brother of the abducted journalist, the family said time may be running out, as every passing day comes with pain for the family and the victim.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He said after writing a similar SOS letter to the President, Bola Tinubu, for his intervention, they found it imperative to also write to the governor since the incident took place in Lagos. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"We have decided to write an SOS letter to the Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanw-Olu. Recall we wrote a similar letter last week to the President and Commnder in Chief of the Armed Forces.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"The reason we decided to write to the governor is because he is the Chief Security Officer of the State, more so, the unfortunate incident took place in his domain. So, we want him to help us. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"It's been a trying moment for us all. We've been on the edge with each passing day not knowing the fate and health condition of our father, brother, and uncle. This is the first time this kind of thing is happening to us as a family. It will be sad to continue to live every day, not knowing what to do."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Publisher of First News, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, while encouraging the family to stay strong, said with God all things are possible, adding that with the ongoing prayer and fasting, "God will show himself mightily and Olatunji will be released."</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-1605019224419529002024-03-25T19:51:00.001+01:002024-03-25T19:51:18.685+01:00Gowon, Gov Mutfwang, Solomon Dalung, Yakubu Dogara, imminent Nigerians join ECWA President in Church dedication<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRC7L0uAZGgGLo3H51J1il-HVUWj504SHVR6z0e3V06L9SnBC-xg3Vth5nF50IwrRPc4XE8avDttmWy_Vyi_AjJI6Q2-nbVDgAQLzgBdj3RY2qyZKwR3bfNJLglwZnFHdCQNCP2RvUpO_IW-ersGMkaeWRHUe-H8Be4_YzJhMjEyjpuMakB3YKqXFUE90/s1050/b48ddc4b-3fd7-4b31-a881-e3c2f99d48b8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1050" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRC7L0uAZGgGLo3H51J1il-HVUWj504SHVR6z0e3V06L9SnBC-xg3Vth5nF50IwrRPc4XE8avDttmWy_Vyi_AjJI6Q2-nbVDgAQLzgBdj3RY2qyZKwR3bfNJLglwZnFHdCQNCP2RvUpO_IW-ersGMkaeWRHUe-H8Be4_YzJhMjEyjpuMakB3YKqXFUE90/w640-h458/b48ddc4b-3fd7-4b31-a881-e3c2f99d48b8.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtecdr9uejkrzFMQVi6nAUEYjHTkWjS7r9ck0nnEjgSZnGVv-oHbBNPhoys3PcC5AmrVqw2SWK-f5aVtiK7EZEe4D_Jp2MI968hQZQtDQm7jmxEKOl5kb8KS90RuVBFy-50zIEyAPLyZ_bXdwTOksff_fBcudpnKnwZw22FQBJ1NP5LyhFQsP8Z80pWVI/s1050/be9f84b5-7b46-4eb3-b0bf-3cf42ad50f95.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1050" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtecdr9uejkrzFMQVi6nAUEYjHTkWjS7r9ck0nnEjgSZnGVv-oHbBNPhoys3PcC5AmrVqw2SWK-f5aVtiK7EZEe4D_Jp2MI968hQZQtDQm7jmxEKOl5kb8KS90RuVBFy-50zIEyAPLyZ_bXdwTOksff_fBcudpnKnwZw22FQBJ1NP5LyhFQsP8Z80pWVI/w640-h458/be9f84b5-7b46-4eb3-b0bf-3cf42ad50f95.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />By Williams Ago, Gombe</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The serene and quiet Kulishin town in Gombe State came to light over the weekend when former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, led some prominent Nigerians to join President of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev Stephen Panya, in dedicating a magnificent Church building.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Other prominent Nigerians who were present at the Church dedication of ECWA Gospel Church Kulishin, Shongom LGA, donated by Jerry Joseph Damara, a philanthropist and politician, were Plateau State governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang; former Ministers Jerry Gana, Solomon Dalung and Dame Pauline Tallen; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and prominent emirs and chiefs led by the Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Muhammadu.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, was represented by his deputy, Manasseh Daniel Jatau.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxRvNXzimripSy8iSQ8idAx3QiAZyMwl8-mbzyXx3LOO0UJWbJrCRESUpdfmixw4GIdOhtm3olgi5_9gl7GbcUcPjtIE8TIwYBch8C39idU_asMmqBqC9J3HPXqDrVO-yhiCFcbf2B6R2EkWgsnf6Z5LWrPe5-ZaBGEUU01FfhOM008EGlbYGWQ0GV4s/s1050/30fef18b-6eb0-4490-86c9-86f5907d8b3a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1050" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxRvNXzimripSy8iSQ8idAx3QiAZyMwl8-mbzyXx3LOO0UJWbJrCRESUpdfmixw4GIdOhtm3olgi5_9gl7GbcUcPjtIE8TIwYBch8C39idU_asMmqBqC9J3HPXqDrVO-yhiCFcbf2B6R2EkWgsnf6Z5LWrPe5-ZaBGEUU01FfhOM008EGlbYGWQ0GV4s/w640-h458/30fef18b-6eb0-4490-86c9-86f5907d8b3a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Dedicating the Church to the glory of God, the ECWA President challenged all sons and daughters of ECWA to emulate Hon. Jerry Joseph Damara by contributing to the growth of the gospel and Church through assisting in the areas of school buildings, clinics and provision of vehicles.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Father of the day and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, said the constructed magnificent Church reminds him of the Temple of King Solomon in the Holy Bible when God promised to hear and answer all praises and prayers offered to Him by his people when offered in the template. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">While praying that God would answer every prayer that will be offered in the newly built Church, General Gowon also prayed that the Church will be a blessings to the people of the area and ECWA family.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, congratulated the people of Shongom and Kaltungo Local Government Areas for having the Church constructed. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He prayed that the presence of God will abide with them and bring His light to shine upon the people of the area, Gombe State and Nigeria at large.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0JS2JFK3pAxPeVeoe_xnciyiK-JewpGWchNrSoIPmfn1DpbjlqQinTvvn_Wmdq3fSG0O4sSB4j0tTck9H5onAGnmgY2wdSbdaGeitnKVOsBwh5ORYtY4BaKmeEU1D_O8UhhZZri1ERGxugcWt6vUVxEnSJbNbdTLx2vpiAUMvXktMahVi4N_Nq0R4rw/s1050/14dbcfd8-cc63-4e9d-8038-b3e87aa3da05.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1050" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0JS2JFK3pAxPeVeoe_xnciyiK-JewpGWchNrSoIPmfn1DpbjlqQinTvvn_Wmdq3fSG0O4sSB4j0tTck9H5onAGnmgY2wdSbdaGeitnKVOsBwh5ORYtY4BaKmeEU1D_O8UhhZZri1ERGxugcWt6vUVxEnSJbNbdTLx2vpiAUMvXktMahVi4N_Nq0R4rw/w640-h458/14dbcfd8-cc63-4e9d-8038-b3e87aa3da05.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In his goodwill message, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State commended Mr. Damara for building a Church where people will come and serve God.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He noted however that God does not live in houses built by men but in the hearts of men, and therefore called on the congregants to dedicate their lives so that God will dwell in them.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In his sermon at the dedication service, Rev. Silas Nyako pointed out that God desires that they first dedicate themselves so that He will take control of their lives.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Titled "setting a good example" and taking his text from Hebrews Chapter 13 verse seven and other Biblical references, he charged the congregation to remember the good things the Lord has done to them by coming to appreciate him in return.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He admonished that ways of thanking God for his goodness are numerous, including worship, and imbibing a lifestyle worthy of emulation since people are more prune to copying what you do other than what you say.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Thanking his guests, Jerry Joseph Damara explained how he took the decision to construct the Church. According to him, he was invited to a launching sometime back and the sum total of what was collected amounted to only seven hundred thousand Naira out of twenty five million naira target.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He said, going by what was realised then, it may take the local congregation about 30 years to get the proposed money as such, there and then, he decided on the construction of the Church.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Special prayers for the family was offered by a renowned clergy, Prophet Isa Elbuba, while songs ministration were presented by renown gospel artist, Panam Percy Paul and Solomon Lenge.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-43837450978437087432024-03-25T16:48:00.002+01:002024-03-25T16:48:11.563+01:00Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla escapes from custody –NSA Office<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbha3shyphenhyphen0bLjH615IrKxMOxuBHeqAGrRwkytr0OyrxGiyMMZqKOEh-Q-j2-4DQl1VyS1UJ7pSllykyYChLVmWxYHpzo1RSUJ6JCbIK4tfvof9Q1zkRbwzR6aEl6oow_CaViTbvEGwodbzlX2u6EBeH1bLMfAi4OkhRU43plxQNnxqhFR6M1UeNYlWi0Q/s650/IMG_2093.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="650" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbha3shyphenhyphen0bLjH615IrKxMOxuBHeqAGrRwkytr0OyrxGiyMMZqKOEh-Q-j2-4DQl1VyS1UJ7pSllykyYChLVmWxYHpzo1RSUJ6JCbIK4tfvof9Q1zkRbwzR6aEl6oow_CaViTbvEGwodbzlX2u6EBeH1bLMfAi4OkhRU43plxQNnxqhFR6M1UeNYlWi0Q/w640-h344/IMG_2093.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Nadeem Anjarwalla,</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Nadeem Anjarwalla, an executive of cryptocurrency platform, Binance, has escaped from custody, according to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He is a suspect in the Federal Government’s ongoing probe into Binance activities in Nigeria. But he escaped from custody on Friday, March 23, 2024, the NSA office said in a Monday statement by its spokesman, Zakari Mijinyawa.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“The Office of the National Security Adviser confirms that Nadeem Anjarwalla, a suspect in the ongoing criminal probe into the activities of Binance in Nigeria has escaped from lawful custody on Friday, 22 March 2024,” the NSA Office said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Upon receiving the report, the Office of the NSA took immediate steps, in conjunction with relevant security agencies, MDAs, as well as the international community, to apprehend the suspect.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“Preliminary investigation shows that Mr Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport,” it said.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“The personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Until his escape, Anjarwalla, who holds British and Kenyan citizenship and serves as Binance’s Africa Regional Manager, was facing trial in Nigerian courts.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The suspect escaped while under a 14-day remand order by a court. He was scheduled to appear before it again on April 4, 2024.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">His escape is the latest twist in the ongoing brawl between Nigerian authorities and the cryptocurrency platform. Anjarwalla was one of the Binance chiefs arrested in the wake of the tussle.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Federal Government had in recent months heightened its crackdown on suspected money launderers and currency speculators. A month ago, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said over $26bn was channelled through Binance without a trace.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“In the last one year,” CBN governor Yemi Cardoso said “more than $26 billion have been funnelled through Binance without trace”.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">On Monday, Nigerian authorities also filed tax evasion charges against Binance. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) filed the charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Nigeria’s crackdown on Binance started months after the platform pleaded guilty to money laundering charges against it by the US Department of Justice.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It also agreed to pay $4.3 billion to settle the criminal charges.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Channels tv</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-9002590444326474182024-03-25T14:12:00.003+01:002024-03-25T14:18:35.079+01:00Okuama Killings: Oborevwori cautions traditional rulers against shielding suspects <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk3RDNqtdeEn4NUcADLxcXATEFTWJ9r-ODRr_iRna1_yyJHrhSCp4wprxypJa-CigEzExroom9pXx1elClGPedIhb_-DpkZ5TDIOAlnXg1lXPfZ2_9RpnXKes0JcY8z6r-_NqwSKfF0LejSM5c56onkhRgwJ7jjYpjE-ZRD2lN9qoA8w1OejL_gK2ctY/s720/dd3614f1-8923-4e41-bb10-002d137df3c7.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk3RDNqtdeEn4NUcADLxcXATEFTWJ9r-ODRr_iRna1_yyJHrhSCp4wprxypJa-CigEzExroom9pXx1elClGPedIhb_-DpkZ5TDIOAlnXg1lXPfZ2_9RpnXKes0JcY8z6r-_NqwSKfF0LejSM5c56onkhRgwJ7jjYpjE-ZRD2lN9qoA8w1OejL_gK2ctY/w640-h426/dd3614f1-8923-4e41-bb10-002d137df3c7.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;">Governor Oborevwori (middle and in purple) with the traditional rulers after their meeting </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday, March 21, 2024, cautioned traditional rulers in the state against shielding suspects involved in the killing of four military officers and thirteen soldiers in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Governor Oborevwori gave the warning when he addressed traditional rulers, on the unfortunate incident at the State Traditional Rulers' Council Secretariat in Asaba. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Governor who said that the act was alien to the state, described it as barbaric, inhumane and unacceptable and vowed that those who committed the evil act must be made to face the full wrath of the law. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He said no kingdom should shield the perpetrators of the dastardly act, adding that Delta was governed within the tenets of the rule of law and human decency. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Oborevwori said; "On the 7th of February, we summoned the people of Okoloba and Okuoma communities in Bomadi and Ughelli South Local Government Areas, including the members representing the two constituencies in the State House of Assembly, the council chairmen and their presidents-general where we advised them that a lot has been happening in their area and they signed a peace accord. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"The killing of these Army Officers and soldiers came as a rude shock to us and when this thing happened, I immediately called the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Army Staff because I was in Abuja. I came back and issued a press statement. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"On Monday, I went to Bomadi to meet with all the security chiefs, where we had our security council meeting and I got briefings from the Brigade Commander. In attendance was the G.O.C 6 Division Nigeria Army, Maj Gen Jamil Abdussalam and the JTF Commander, Rear Admiral John Okeke. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"After the meeting, I went to Abuja to meet with Mr. President to brief him on what happened. I also went to see the Chief of Army Staff to discuss with him. I also meet with the National Security Adviser and the Inspector General of Police. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"I felt that it is also proper that I brief you people even though you may be aware. Those people who committed that evil act must face the wrath of the law. No kingdom should shield those criminals because Delta state is governed by the tenets of the law and human decency. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"We cannot tolerate that. It has never happened in this state; to kill one Lt. Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 13 soldiers. We need to fish out those involved. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Do not hide or shield anybody. The Chief of Army Staff and Mr. President have assured me that innocent people will not be victimised; unless you conive with the killers of the soldiers. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"I have briefed you and make sure that you fish them out from your kingdoms. If any traditional ruler shields a criminal, that traditional ruler is inviting trouble. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"We did not bargain for this evil act but for peace, I don't want crisis. I have also received information that two other villages are boiling to fight, they should not fight, we want peace in all our communities. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"What are they fighting for? I have promised you people that I am going to do more for Deltans, so what are they fighting for? All of us are Deltans and we want development. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"For the first time almost two decades, we had peace in Warri in December and people celebrated in peace. Now we have communal crisis, why? </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"I condemn it and it's unacceptable. So please my dear royal fathers let us be on the same page to fish out these people. Don't allow anybody who committed this evil act to come to your kingdoms and bring problem to your community. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Tell us and we will hand them over to security agencies. You should not play politics with this. Don't say that the Army have taken over your village because they cannot just come to your village without getting information. But I assure you people that no innocent person will be victimised. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Tell your people not to encourage crisis because if you do, you cannot come out of it. Some people don't have knowledge of what is happening and they start talking. What I did was to go and brief the Commander in Chief and later granted the State House Correspondents interview."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Responding, chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo, (retd), said that they were on same page with the governor to ensure peace and security in the state. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">While saying that the security of various kingdoms would dovetail to the security of the state and the nation, he called for a judicial panel of enquiry to unravel the immediate and remote cause of the crisis. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In a related development, Governor Oborevwori also briefed the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council where he urged them to talk to the people on the need to maintain peace across state. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He said government would not allow trouble makers to dissuade investors from coming to invest in the state, adding that sustainable peace was needed to attract investors to the state. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Chairman of the council, Professor Sam Oyovbaire, commended the governor for his efforts at ensuring peace and security across the state, stressing that council members support the peace building moves of the governor. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He, therefore, appealed to communities across the state to give peace a chance for the overall growth and development of the state.</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-30216798721640868032024-03-25T13:27:00.004+01:002024-03-25T13:27:55.149+01:00 ‘What Men Want’, goes on stage Easter weekend<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYO0Yk0dNeFGed5iMXN2TO_Nb7sF2IXTyhOEBv-GVYYQfjUw7z9bcBMxAhvHhgxWMNk2fi0zNJWsGI4q2FnVVHoPwbjmt6e0ICRRF6cmtHW-VXwwBp6yLkq8Tvt2ODrS0EDPYyrmYubz__x40qDVa9fINRHukoWUTVNXIxseangxO48ylLEOG8gbsDU5c/s770/IMG_2091.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="770" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYO0Yk0dNeFGed5iMXN2TO_Nb7sF2IXTyhOEBv-GVYYQfjUw7z9bcBMxAhvHhgxWMNk2fi0zNJWsGI4q2FnVVHoPwbjmt6e0ICRRF6cmtHW-VXwwBp6yLkq8Tvt2ODrS0EDPYyrmYubz__x40qDVa9fINRHukoWUTVNXIxseangxO48ylLEOG8gbsDU5c/w640-h466/IMG_2091.webp" width="640" /></a></div><br />Easter weekend beginning from Saturday, March 30 to Easter Sunday, March 31, will be full of fun for Lagosians and theatre lovers around the city as they will experience a breath-taking, rib-cracking and heartwarming satire entitled ‘What Men Want’ at the Main Auditorium of the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">‘What Men Want’ revolves around love, marriage and sacrifice. Ever imagine what a Gen-Z and Millennials co-wife system is like. The play is a satirical comedy that tells the story of two women married to a loving man, a Generation-Xer. The first wife is a Millennial whilst the second and younger wife is an outspoken GenZ. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">As the play unravels the audience get to interrogate the values that make for a good, well lived life; and the age-old question of what a man is seeking in a woman that keeps him exploring amorous relationship with the female folk throughout his life. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The play is produced by Oluwanishola Adenugba for Live Theatre, Lagos, and directed by Austin Onuoha (“Itura” and “AmUnbroken”) and features Motunde Sogunle (‘Mr. Maraconi Web Skits”) and Diana Agbede (‘A True Christmas Story”). What Men Want would move you so get ready to laugh, to cry and be thoroughly entertained.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Organisers of the play said tickets to the show are selling at N7000 for regular, N15000 for VIP and N35000 for Prestige and are available at Pick N'Pay Supermarkets on Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island and on Glover Road, Ikoyi. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The tickets are also available at MedPlus Pharmacy Saka Tinubu, MedPlus Pharmacy Lekki 1, MedPlus Pharmacy Opebi and MedPlus Pharmacy Ikeja, GRA. The tickets can also be purchased online at tix.africa/whatmenwan and <a href="http://ariiyatickets.com/">ariiyatickets.com</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The play is supported by Abbey Mortgage Bank PLC, Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC, Pepsi, Folham OOH, 88.5 UFM, PulseNG, Mediacrush OOH, Smooth 98.1, The Lagos Review and 96.1 Lagos Traffic Radio.</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-54398262291205617052024-03-25T13:08:00.002+01:002024-03-25T13:08:55.882+01:00Police Recruitment: Applicant for medical screening now April 16<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfeUE6NVReK0qzO_J65Q9uCqUKX-Z07Xmge_vxFSmkFYjLGp3vXjktarAxSncwbFroS61N8QE8ny3_NOBfkfOQka0EAt6Axp0UR_ILX2jqjZ1zUnWJYzI4bl8zKQk0ycTQaHkpkoK4nFs4nIv8E89SHvlgUrOHLbB7CZM4lTkKmheyrabuDJMLO7V11g/s968/b65162dc-a74c-4d14-be2b-9c21c70d1a37.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfeUE6NVReK0qzO_J65Q9uCqUKX-Z07Xmge_vxFSmkFYjLGp3vXjktarAxSncwbFroS61N8QE8ny3_NOBfkfOQka0EAt6Axp0UR_ILX2jqjZ1zUnWJYzI4bl8zKQk0ycTQaHkpkoK4nFs4nIv8E89SHvlgUrOHLbB7CZM4lTkKmheyrabuDJMLO7V11g/w428-h640/b65162dc-a74c-4d14-be2b-9c21c70d1a37.jpeg" width="428" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR,</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Due to the ongoing Muslim Ramadan fast and the Christian lenten period, the date for the medical screening/examination for candidates for Police recruitment into the Constable cadre of the Nigeria Police Force has been rescheduled to commence on Tuesday, April 16th 2024 to allow for the conclusion of these religious obligations.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">This development was contained in a press release on </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Sunday, March 24, 2024 and</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">signed by </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Ikechukwu Ani, </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Head, Press and Public Relations unit of the Police Service Commission (PSC).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The release also explained that the screening was expected to last for two weeks and would signal the successful conclusion of the exercise. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“Specialist applicants, who participated in the physical and credentials screening but were not involved in the JAMB conducted computer-based tests will also be subjected to practical tests and medical screening during the period,” the press release explained.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It stated further that the exercises are expected to hold in the 17 zonal command headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force and in Kaduna, Yobe and Zamfara states, which have been accorded special considerations because of the security challenges in those states. Candidates from these states are to do the screening and practical tests in their states of origin, the statement also explained. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Police Colleges situated in States hosting the zonal command headquarters will also provide venues for the exercises, Newsmart also learnt. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Part of the press release reads: “The Police Recruitment Board will contact shortlisted candidates with detailed information on where and when they are expected to arrive venues of their screening. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“Successful candidates from the medical screening will proceed to Police Colleges for their mandatory training. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“The chairman of the Police Service Commission and National Coordinator of the Recruitment Exercise, Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, retired Inspector General of Police, has expressed his happiness that at last the exercise is successfully coming to an end and more "boots ready to be injected into the system to join the battle to sanitize the security space."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“He assured that the new Recruits have been painstakingly selected in the best possible processes that meet international standards and our local and peculiar challenges. "We are meticulously looking for high flyers and committed young Nigerians who will grow to become the bedrock of a new Nigeria security architecture. We are following every step of the recruitment with the required scrutiny and sense of purpose and we believe that as we continue with subsequent recruitments, we will have enough boots on the ground to recover the ungoverned spaces across the nation."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Dr. Arase therefore, commended the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Joint Admission and Martriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, and his management team for the success of the CBT, adding that JAMB has since built a reputation of excellence and reliability in computer based examinations in the country.</span></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-89250629915436818792024-03-24T22:07:00.001+01:002024-03-25T09:37:28.094+01:00Nigeria advocates regional cooperation to safeguard telecommunications infrastructure in West Africa<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuefjMSOzJFykxlDykJUON4a16-B2R2oSyqu1xBA4tyX3iQQSKVrk7afBPVYhqlf2YVM43WxT8cAUYlI7z6T2RIeX-S0YEDvcZulicyX_33eaJpqkmHoOeOB1Q257iyR_2rgo5kAvVo8cKhhbDelUBy5esoC5TzAWf1pLDmPkBVwKS2ZAyQK4RNrAWQF8/s1280/8f05af14-d424-4b77-8596-82814df683a5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuefjMSOzJFykxlDykJUON4a16-B2R2oSyqu1xBA4tyX3iQQSKVrk7afBPVYhqlf2YVM43WxT8cAUYlI7z6T2RIeX-S0YEDvcZulicyX_33eaJpqkmHoOeOB1Q257iyR_2rgo5kAvVo8cKhhbDelUBy5esoC5TzAWf1pLDmPkBVwKS2ZAyQK4RNrAWQF8/w512-h640/8f05af14-d424-4b77-8596-82814df683a5.jpeg" width="512" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />In the wake of recent disruptions caused by undersea cable cuts affecting connectivity across several West African nations, Nigeria is urging a united and collaborative effort within the region to safeguard shared telecommunications infrastructure and enhance connectivity diversification for uninterrupted services.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), emphasized the importance of this approach during his address at the 21st West Africa Telecommunications Regulatory Assembly (WATRA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from March 19th to 22nd, 2024.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Dr. Maida, whose message was delivered at the WATRA AGM by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs of the Commission, Nnenna Ukoha, stated that the recent submarine cable cuts that resulted in nationwide outages on multiple networks in 12 African countries has raised the urgent need for the subregion to establish a mechanism to protect itself from damage to submarine infrastructure and its attendant impact on the subregion. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Maida in a press release signed by Reuben Muoka, director, public affairs of NCC, referred to a report by Cloudflare, an IT service management firm, which indicates that about six countries, including four West African countries, were still suffering from the outages caused by the submarine cable cuts, to buttress the call</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“Securing telecom infrastructure is paramount for fostering Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and enhancing investor confidence in the West African sub-region. The reliability and resilience of telecommunications networks are crucial factors that investors consider when evaluating regional opportunities.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“By ensuring the security of these vital assets, we can attract more investment, spur economic growth, and enhance our competitiveness on the global stage. A secure telecoms infrastructure not only facilitates efficient communication and connectivity but also signals a commitment to safeguarding critical assets essential for business operations. This assurance can significantly boost investor confidence and create a conducive environment for sustainable economic development," he said. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">According to him, "the impact of events like cable cuts highlights the need for a coordinated, multilateral approach to protecting shared infrastructure across our member nations.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Maida therefore, proposed “the urgent need to set up a framework for joint monitoring, risk mitigation, and emergency response procedures for the submarine cables that pass through the sub-regio</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">n.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">“Further to this, we recommend that the WATRA Working Group on Infrastructure expand its mandate to spearhead the development of a comprehensive strategy to safeguard the subregion’s telecommunications networks and associated infrastructure thereby proactively bolstering resilience through improved disaster response protocols to better insulate ourselves from future disruptions.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He advised that the goals of the Working Group would be to strengthen sub-regional infrastructure resilience, promote the diversification of the sub-region’s connectivity, conduct regular capacity assessments, as well as facilitate the designation of telecommunications infrastructure as critical national infrastructure in member countries.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly, was established in 2002 as a common platform for national telecommunication regulatory authorities in 16 member states to promote the adoption of regulations that stimulate investment in telecommunication infrastructure to deliver more affordable, accessible, faster and secure communication services to citizens.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">At the 21st WATRA Annual General Meeting, issues pertaining to accessible and affordable telecommunication services in the sub-region were discussed, including improved consumer protection, quality of service, roaming and conflict resolution for consumers. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">A major highlight of the AGM was the reelection of Nigeria’s Engr. Yusuf Aliyu Aboki, as Executive Secretary, for a second term in a unanimous vote by the member countries. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The EVC of NCC commended Engr. Aboki for his firm, inclusive and visionary leadership, which saw the successful delivery of WATRA’s 2022 — 2025 Strategic Plan, noting that Nigeria and indeed the sub-region was proud of the milestones he has achieved during his first tenure. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He further advised the WATRA Executive Secretary to build on the achievements of his first tenure, through stronger partnerships and deeper collaboration while advancing the interests of the sub-regional body.</span></div> Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770461525862055887.post-74045130622518846602024-03-24T20:37:00.001+01:002024-03-24T20:37:19.318+01:00IPOB urges Defence Headquarters to address Simon Ekpa's activities in South East<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdIa8lLzKZbS3RT7-zqQteeWro75AuxtVviqzVUPXNmP1WM1cgkuDy7F3VVY2OOo_CkU2M238mqUxj6-azBrttC0JjFGdFLmK1EIvlr1GtPaFs8SLBo2hxH1Rr1Rl9JDwfX9-4q0mzHfNYEUfz2K1K2TRaZyHLppGOWL-_Oq7JgcWApRu0t2lWNd-3ac/s739/IMG_2088.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="739" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdIa8lLzKZbS3RT7-zqQteeWro75AuxtVviqzVUPXNmP1WM1cgkuDy7F3VVY2OOo_CkU2M238mqUxj6-azBrttC0JjFGdFLmK1EIvlr1GtPaFs8SLBo2hxH1Rr1Rl9JDwfX9-4q0mzHfNYEUfz2K1K2TRaZyHLppGOWL-_Oq7JgcWApRu0t2lWNd-3ac/w640-h360/IMG_2088.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have urged the Defence Headquarters to focus on addressing the actions of Finland-based legal practitioner, Simon Ekpa, who has been causing unrest in the South East region. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">This call comes in response to the Nigerian Defence Headquarters declaring Mazi Chika Edoziem, the Head of IPOB's Directorate of State, as a wanted individual.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In his response to the declaration also, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, lead counsel for IPOB and its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, said </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">in a statement that he</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> would proceed to court to challenge the declaration.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">He said, "I have been inundated with calls and messages from well meaning Biafrans and individuals, expressing their concerns following the purported declaration of Mazi Chika Edoziem, the Head of the Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a wanted person by the Nigerian Defence Headquarters.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"The Indigenous People of Biafra, which I am its lead counsel, has remained a peaceful global movement, recognised and registered in several countries across the globe; exercising their legitimate rights to self determination, which is a right guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and other international laws and statutes.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Nigerian security agencies are not under any form of illusion about the identity of the chief mastermind of the heinous criminal activities in our land and their foot soldiers. IPOB and my humble self spent months and years shouting on top of our voices vide various publications on the devastating activities of these criminals on our land, and the deliberate attribution of their heinous criminal activities to IPOB. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"The reason for this deliberate attribution of the criminal, murderous and evil activities of Simon Ekpa's led criminal gangs to the IPOB peaceful global movement, is the consequences of today’s declaration. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Those who are in a position to continue making this clarification and denouncing the monstrous activities of Ekpa and his gangs, by also distancing them from peaceful activities of IPOB, but deliberately chose to shirk this compelling responsibility for reasons best known to them, are now faced with the terrible consequences of their secret romance with Ekpa. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"I wish to assure all Ezigbo Umuchineke and Biafrans that there is absolutely no cause for alarm. I believe in the rule of law, and be assured that the legality or otherwise of this misguided pronouncement shall be tested in a law court, because I see no justification whatsoever for such pronouncement as it concerns Mazi Chika Edoziem. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"I urge all Ezigbo Umuchineke to remain peaceful and law abiding as they have always been. Justice must certainly prevail in the end."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>Newsmarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09947342806510739431noreply@blogger.com0