Security

Nigerian Army Refreshes Officers’ Operational Capabilities

By Web News 634

By Rasheeda Makinde

The Nigerian Army says training and retraining of officers will help in capacity building to enhance performance in carrying out its operational responsibilities.

The General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Division Nigerian Army Ibadan, Major General Bamidele Alabi stated this at opening of a 5-day operations planning cadre 2023 at the Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ojoo, Ibadan 

The General Officer Commanding, 2 Division Ibadan, Major General Bamidele Alabi said the event was an annual event to refresh officers on contemporary operational realities facing the Nigerian army, which includes presentation period and interactive sessions.

He said the program would instill and foster discipline, respect and synergy between the military and other security agencies.

Major General Alabi restated his commitment to transforming towards achieving its constitutional responsibilities within the joint environment.

The GOC stated further that the presence of personnel of sister services and other security agencies at the event was to make training more realistic since most internal security operations were conducted within a joint environment.

He therefore, enjoined all the participants to freely express their opinion and ideas that would aim the achievement of the object of this cadre.

“The cadre will enrich your knowledge through the variety of lectures, presentations and group discussion that would be given by various resource people “

“I advised the participants to make maximum use of his cadre to understand the dynamics of proper synergy, collaboration and sound coordination of operation with sister agencies”

“This is because the cadre is expected to present a practical joint environment that would them to interface with each other.”

Major General Alabi also urged the participants to play their roles respectively in accomplishing the mandated of the Chief of Army Staff.

“This is to be achieved by upholding the command, pillars of leadership, operational effectiveness and administrations in steering the affairs of the Nigerian Army within the 2 division areas of responsibilities”

Declaring the event open, the chief of training Army, Major General Sanni Muhammad said the event became imperative for middle cadre officer on the basic rudiments of operational act and its processes and procedures.
Major General Muhammad who was represented by Brigadier General Ilori Bindul, said the programme would also focus on selected aspects of operations planning to give participants a thorough knowledge of the combat and tactical estimate steps, its purposes and uproot.

He said the program would also focus on selected aspects of operations planning to give participants a thorough knowledge of the combat and tactical estimate steps, its purposes and uproot.

The 5-day program, which started today, ends on Friday.

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Transportation

UAE’s Visa Ban on Nigeria over Following Tinubu/Al Nahyan Parley

By Web News 536

The United Arab Emirates, UAE, on Monday, lifted the visa ban placed against Nigerian travelers after the meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi.

Another landmark agreement at the meeting between the two leaders was the immediate resumption of flight schedules of both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines into and out of Nigeria, without any further delay.

The agreement was made known via a statement issued by the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale.

According to the statement, “As negotiated between the two Heads of State, this immediate restoration of flight activity, through these two airlines and between the two countries, does not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government”.

“In recognition of President Tinubu’s economic development diplomacy drive and proposals today presented by President Tinubu to his counterpart, an agreed framework has been established, which will involve several billions of U.S. dollars worth of new investments into the Nigerian economy across multiple sectors, including defense, agriculture, and others, by the investment arms of the Government of the United Arab Emirates”.

“Additionally, President Tinubu is pleased to have successfully negotiated a joint, new foreign exchange liquidity programme between the two Governments, which will be announced in detail in the coming weeks.”

“In conclusion, the President wishes to commend the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his unalloyed friendship and his determined effort to join hands with him to fully normalize and reset to excellence, the standard of relations between the two important countries.”

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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News

I will run proactive leadership if confirmed- Lagbaja

By Web News 391

Acting Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Christopher Musa, and other Service Chiefs have reiterated their plans to safeguard Nigeria against internal and external aggressors. 

They restated the assurance when they appeared before the House of Representatives in continuation of their screening as substantive Service Chiefs. 

Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Air Staff, Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla, and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiandeye were at the Senate last week where members questioned them on their suitability for the positions.

President Bola Tinubu announced their nominations last month.

While speaking, the acting Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja, told the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee that if confirmed, his leadership of the military would be hinged on people, troops’ welfare, and interagency collaboration, adding that he would run a proactive, adaptive and inclusive leadership if confirmed.

Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Babajimi Benson, noted that, for more than 16 years, Nigeria has witnessed diverse and unprecedented levels of insecurity.

He said that securing the lives and property of Nigerians was a collective task for all arms of government.

Culled/Wale Asake/Taiwo Akinola

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Energy

NNPCL Releases New Petroleum Pump Price

By Web News 1533

The Nigerian National Petroleum Ccompany Limited (NNPCL) has jerked up pump prices of petrol (PMS) by over 200 per cent bringing the price of fuel to between N488 and N557 per litre.
A new pricing template purportedly sent to marketers by the NNPCL management to oil marketers late yesterday, a copy of which was obtained by newsmen, directed that the new price adjustment come into effect from today.

From the new price template, Lagos State has the least price of N488 per litre while Maiduguri and Damaturu have the highest pump prices of N577 per litre.

The new NNPCL price template is applicable only to NNPCL retail outlets.

See the template below:

Thenationonline/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Politics

Nigeria’s wealth is for all, not for personal gain – Remi Tinubu

By Web News 1765

The wife of the President-elect, Remi Tinubu, has said the wealth of the country belongs to citizens, saying that her family does not need Nigeria’s money to survive.

She promised that with the help of God and the support of the citizens, the incoming administration would set the nation on the right path.

The wife of the President-elect spoke while representing her husband at the inauguration inter-denominational church service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Sunday.

Mrs Tinubu said, “Nigeria’s wealth is the commonwealth of all. It belongs to everyone. God has blessed my family. We don’t need the wealth of Nigeria to survive but to do the right thing. And I promise you on this altar, that with your help, with the help of God, we will set this nation on the right path.”

According to Mrs Tinubu,   the events that played out during the presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress where her husband emerged winner, showed that God was with the President-elect.

She said, “God has been merciful to us. I can tell you on my own that we never believed this could happen. But thank God for giving us hope, for giving us the resilience to continue in the race of life.

“Asiwaju is 71 and I will be 63. I will be one of the oldest first ladies Nigeria would have. We need the grace of God and we need everyone to do what Nigerians are expecting.

“Today, God has really proved himself as he did on the night of the primaries and put his seal on it. Because, when I saw the votes count to be 1,271, I said God it means you are here.

“I was humbled to my rock bottom.  And to believe that this is the seventh consecutive democratic transition Nigeria will be experiencing shows that this is a time of perfection for Nigeria.

“Perfection in the sense that, in the word of God, I remember for over two years we have been praying in our churches, according to Isaiah 43:18-19, that we should not remember the former things, that God is going to do a new thing. A new thing came and we still kept arguing with God. Who can argue with his maker? No one.

“Today we have heard in Psalm 133:1-3. Except there is unity, lessons cannot flow down. This is the time for Nigerians to come together, for us to be renewed in our hope again.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Politics

President Buhari Makes Farewell Speech to Nigerians

By Web News 604

By Yemisi Owonikoko

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday made farewell speech to Nigerians as he steps out of office for the incoming administration of President-Elect, Bola Tinubu.

His speech, which dwelt on various issues during his terms in office, also highlighted his scorecard.

                                TEXT

FAREWELL SPEECH BY MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 

1. My fellow Nigerian brothers, sisters and friends of Nigeria.

2. I address you today, in my last assignment as a democratically elected President of our great and well-endowed nation, with a deep sense of gratitude to God, a great deal of appreciation to the Nigerian people and a modest sense of fulfilment.

3. Today we mark and celebrate another peaceful transition of power from one elected government to another in our steady march to improve and sustain Nigeria’s democracy.

4. This year we witnessed the most keenly contested Presidential Elections since the first Republic and this demonstrates that our democracy is getting better and more entrenched with each election.

5. We must as a nation improve and sustain gains we make in the electoral process, on an incremental basis for Nigeria to take its rightful place among Nations.

6. Our democracy provides for, allows and encourages seeking redress for perceived injustices, enabling some candidates and political parties that did not agree with the results to go to court.

7. Irrespective of the outcome of the various cases, I urge all parties involved to accept the decision of our courts and join hands to build a better Nigeria.

8. I salute the doggedness and resilience of all the Presidential Candidates and their political parties for believing in our judicial system by taking their grievances with the election results to court.

9. In the course of the campaigns, we had argued and disagreed on how to make Nigeria better but we never disagreed or had any doubts that Nigeria has to be better.

10. As your President, I call on all of us to bring to bear the strength of our individualism, the power of our unity, the convictions of our beliefs to make Nigeria work better and together with one spirit and one purpose.

11. To my brother, friend and fellow worker in the political terrain for the past ten years – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu -, I congratulate you on the realisation of your dream, which was propelled by a burning passion to put Nigeria amongst the leading nations of the world.

12. You have indeed worked for this day and God has crowned your efforts. I have no doubt that your passion for excellence, reliance on competence, fairness in relationships, commitment to equity, loyalty to the country and desire for Nigeria to be globally relevant would come through for you, under God’s guidance, as you lead our country to levels higher that I am leaving.

13. You are the best candidate among all the contestants and Nigerians have chosen well.

14. The last eight years have been an exciting experience in my desire and commitment to see a Nigeria in which public goods and services are available, and accessible within a united, peaceful and secure nation.

15. Fellow Nigerians, on the strength of your overwhelming support for me and my political party, I started this journey with a great deal of promise and expectation from you. I never intended to be just politically correct but to do the correct things that will make meaningful impact on the lives of the common Nigerian.

16. This high expectation was not misplaced because, like the ordinary Nigerian, I had grown tired of watching the country progressively moving away from the path of correctness.

17. To ensure that our democracy remains resilient and our elected representatives remain accountable to the people, I am leaving behind an electoral process which guarantees that votes count, results are credible, elections are fair and transparent and the influence of money in politics reduced to the barest minimum. And Nigerians can elect leaders of their choice.

18. We are already seeing the outcome of this process as it provided an even playing field where persons without any political God-Father or access to money defeated other well-resourced candidates.

19. The Nigerian economy has become more resilient due to the various strategies put in place to ensure that our economy remained afloat during cases of global economic downturns.

20. You would all recall the supply chain disruptions and economic downturn that the world witnessed between 2020 and 2022 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The deftness of our response to the pandemic still remains a global best practice.

21. Furthermore, we increased the ability of the poor and rural Nigerians to earn a living, provided more food for millions in our villages and gave our women opportunities to earn a living.

22. Young men and women in urban centres were also supported to put their skills into productive use. Our administration also provided an enabling environment for the private sector to engage in businesses for which their return on investments is guaranteed.

23. The private sector proved a strong partner in our drive to build a resilient and sustainable economy as evidenced by the growing number of turn-key projects in various sectors of the economy.

24. In the course of revamping the economy, we made some difficult choices, most of which yielded the desired results. Some of the measures led to temporary pain and suffering for which I sincerely apologised to my fellow countrymen, but the measures were taken for the over-all good of the country.

25. Mindful of the need to ensure adequate infrastructure to drive economic growth, we completed age-long projects and processes notably amongst which are the Petroleum Industry Act, completion of some power projects, completion of the second Niger bridge and various important roads linking cities and states.

26. Our battle to ensure that all Nigerians live in a safe and secure environment has achieved considerable results. As I complete my term in office, we have been able to reduce the incidences of banditry, terrorism, armed robbery and other criminal activities considerably.

27. To sustain the gains made so far, I call on all Nigerians to be more vigilant and support the security agencies by ensuring that our values defined by being your brothers’ keeper govern our actions.

28. Up-till now, I still grieve for our children still in captivity, mourn with parents, friends and relatives of all those that lost loved ones in the days of the senseless brigandage and carnage. For all those under unlawful captivity our Security Agencies are working round the clock to secure their release unharmed.

29. Fellow Nigerians, you know how dear the desire in my heart is, to rid the country of corrupt practices that had consistently diminished our efforts to be a great country.

30. I did pursue this commitment relentlessly, in spite of the expected push back. I am happy that considerable progress had been made in repatriating huge sums of money back to the country and also taken over properties illegally acquired from our common wealth.

31. To improve service delivery, we began the implementation of a number of reforms aimed at producing an Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible and Citizen-oriented (EPIC) Federal Civil Service and the results are beginning to show.

32. On the international scene, Nigeria’s influence continues to grow as exemplified by notable Nigerians occupying headship and leadership positions in renowned global bodies.

33. Our democracy is built on and continues to thrive on the principles of separation of powers. The leadership and members of the National Assembly deserve my appreciation for their patriotism which did not detract from their roles as a check to the executive arm.

34. I also want to use this opportunity to express my appreciation to a good number of Nigerians who provided their support and encouragement to help me navigate the exciting journey in moving Nigeria forward.

35. I cannot and will not forget the millions who prayed for me during my illness in my first term of office. I am constantly praying for you and for Nigeria to thrive in peace.

36. As I retire home to Daura, Katsina State, I feel fulfilled that we have started the Nigeria Re-Birth by taking the initial critical steps and I am convinced the in-coming administration will quicken the pace of this walk to see a Nigeria that fulfils its destiny to be a great nation.

37. I am confident that I am leaving office with Nigeria better in 2023 than in 2015.

38. I thank you all. And may God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

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Politics

I Won’t Betray your Trust, Tinubu Tells Nigerians

By Web News 1247

The President-elect Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, in Abuja, said he will not disappoint the trust conferred upon him by the President Muhammadu Buhari (and millions of Nigerians.

He also affirmed that he understands the magnitude of the honour conferred upon him and the corresponding task ahead.

Tinubu made the promise in his acceptance speech after he was conferred with the National Honour of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

“I understand the magnitude of the honour conferred on me today and the task ahead. Nigerians deserve no less.

“You (Buhari) have charted the course and I shall not disappoint you,” he said.

Thursday’s conferment makes Tinubu the 16th person to hold the GCFR Honour.

Those before him are Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Shehu Shagari, Olusegun Obasanjo, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Ibrahim Babangida, Ernest Shonekan, Sani Abacha, Moshood Abiola, Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.

Others who have been conferred with the title include British Monarch Queen Elizabeth II, South Africa’s Nelson Mandela and former Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi.

Buhari also conferred vice president-elect Kashim Shettima. with the honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.

Earlier, he handed three key transition documents to the president-elect in line with Executive Order 14 mandating the transition council to issue handover notes containing, amongst other things, proposed policy direction to the incoming administration.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Foreign

UK Places Nigeria on Red List for Health Workers’ Recruitment

By Web News 493

The United Kingdom has placed Nigeria on the red list of countries that should not be actively targeted for recruitment by health and social care employers.

This is coming one month after the World Health Organisation listed 55 countries, including Nigeria facing the most pressing health workforce challenges related to Universal Health Coverage.

The United Kingdom Government said Nigeria and other countries on the red list should not be actively targeted for recruitment by health and social care employers unless there was a government-to-government agreement.

According to the information obtained from the website of the UK government titled ‘Code of Practice for the international recruitment of Health and social care personnel in England,’ it said country identification follows the methodology contained in the 10-year review of relevance and effectiveness of the WHO global code of practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel.

“Consistent with the WHO Global Code of Practice principles and articles, and as explicitly called for by the WHO Global Code of Practice 10-year review, the listed countries should be prioritised for health personnel development and health system-related support, provided with safeguards that discourage active international recruitment of health personnel.

“Countries on the list should not be actively targeted for recruitment by health and social care employers, recruitment organisations, agencies, collaborations, or contracting bodies unless there is a government-to-government agreement in place to allow managed recruitment undertaken strictly in compliance with the terms of that agreement.

“Countries on the WHO Health Workforce Support and Safeguards list are graded red in the code. If a government-to-government agreement is put in place between a partner country, which restricts recruiting organisations to the terms of the agreement, the country is added to the amber list.”

The red and amber country list does not, however, prevent individual health and social care personnel resident in countries on the list from making a direct application to health and social care employers, but rather without being targeted by a third party, such as a recruitment organisation, agency or recruitment collaboration.

The amber countries where international recruitment is only permitted in compliance with the terms of the government-to-government agreement are Kenya and Nepal.

It added that active recruitment is permitted from green-graded countries where there is a government-to-government agreement with the UK in place for international health and care workforce recruitment.

“Green-graded countries without a government-to-government agreement with the UK are not published in the code of practice for England.

“The government-to-government agreement may set parameters, implemented by the country of origin, for how UK employers, contracting bodies, recruitment organisations, agencies, and collaborations recruit. These organisations are encouraged to recruit on the terms of the government-to-government agreement.

“The green country list will be updated as new government-to-government agreements are signed with the UK. It is recommended employers, contracting bodies, recruitment organisations, agencies, and collaborations regularly check the list for updates prior to embarking on any recruitment campaign.

“Green-graded countries with a government-to-government agreement for managing international health and care workforce recruitment are India, Malaysia, Philippines, and Sri Lanka,” it added.

PUNCH/Taiwo Akinola

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Religion

Easter Celebration: Muslim Faithful Felicitate Christians

By Web News 605

Nigerian Muslims, under the leadership of the President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, have congratulated Christians on the Easter celebration.

In a statement by NSCIA’s Deputy Secretary General, Salisu Shehu, and addressed to the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Daniel Okoh the NSCIA stated that Easter is a religious landmark that serves as a “springboard for spiritual renewal, religious re-awakening and general rebirth.”

“The Nigerian Muslim Ummah wishes you many happy returns of the seasons. We also wish you and ourselves a renewed commitment to holiness and righteousness to the glory of God and the greatness of our beloved country.

The Council also called for collaboration between NSCIA and CAN to unite to “admonish and discourage Pastors and Imams, from desecrating their pulpits with political partisanship and hate speech.”

“As a people of faith united by our father, Abraham, the recent history of our dear nation and faith communities are being threatened by the machinations of politicians.

These digressions can only be attributed to the handiwork of the devil, whose guile is ultimately weak indeed, Qur’an 4:47. Easter serves as another opportunity to redirect our attention to our shared values and ideals of fasting, love, prayer, penance and cooperation.

According to the President-General of the Council, the 2023 general election, specifically the presidential election, has been very divisive along ethnic and religious lines.

PR/Nafiu Busari

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Lifestyle

Sirika Push for Improved Visa Policy between Nigeria, Qatar

By Web News 675

By Adaku Eneh, Adetutu Adetule

Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has appealed for an improvement in the visa policy of Qatar as restrictions by Nigeria and Qatar were creating difficulties for seamless operations for both countries.

Senator Sirika said it was important for Nigeria and Qatar to maintain a sustainable relationship as Nigeria was yearning for investments and also committed to its policy of ease of doing business with investors.

Sirika said: “Qatar is rich in oil and gas with other areas of investments just as Nigeria equally has infrastructures required for a smooth business operation.”

He explained that the rate of returns on investments in Nigeria is put at 34%, ranking highest in the world with a population of over 200 million people.

The Minister in a statement after a courtesy visit by the Charge d’Affaires of Qatar, Ahmed Mohammed Y.E Al-Hor in Abuja says Quatar’s oil resources and Nigeria’s infrastructural needs required a meeting point for profitable engagements.

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Lifestyle

Diya’s Exit, Loss of Patriot – OBJ

By Web News 480

By Wale Oluokun

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has described the life of the late Lt-General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya as a great success and accomplishment which would be long remembered after him. 

Chief Obasanjo in a statement remarks that with the demise of Lt. General Diya, the ranks of the nation’s leaders have been depleted.

The former president said the death was a loss of a dedicated and resourceful patriot who served the nation in various capacities as an Army Officer, community leader and legal practitioner.

Chief Obasanjo added that his entire family wished the late Lt. General Diya’s family the comfort and solace sorely needed during this bereavement period and great trial. 

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Politics

PDP Suspends Fayose, Shema, Anyim from Party

By Web News 513

By Victorson Agbenson

The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP has suspended a former Governor of Ekiti state, Mr Ayo Fayose , a former Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema and former Senate President Pius Anyim from the party.


A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Debo Ologunagba says that also suspended for alleged anti-party activities were Professor Dennis Ityavyar from Benue State and Dr Aslam Aliyu from Zamfara State.


The National Working Committee also referred the Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom to the National Disciplinary Committee over his reported involvement in anti-party activities.


In a related development, the PDP has set up a Caretaker Committee for its Katsina State chapter.


The Members of the Caretaker Committee include Dr Abdulrahman Usman; Chairman, Halima Abdulhamid who is Secretary; while the members are Nura Giwa, Haruna Jamila, Lawal Safana , Sanusi Fari, Nura Kurfi amongst others.

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Politics

Fayose Blames Nigeria’s Woes on Politicians

By Web News 626

A former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has blamed stakeholders and politicians for a majority of the problems facing the country currently.

He said this on Thursday while speaking on “The Morning Show” of a TV station in Lagos.

Fayose disclosed that there is a lot wrong with Nigeria, adding that nothing had changed in the country since 1979.

 “When you asked (Muhammadu) Buhari in 2015, If you lose the election, would you concede defeat?’ he said ‘I would win’. He never conceived he would lose.

“I told you the senators, House of Reps members are returning to the National Assembly. The system is sick. Nobody is protecting it.

“Rather than blame the Independent National Electoral Commission, we need to draw a red line like the army. Nothing was wrong in the elections,” he said.

Punch/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Sport

U-20: Gambia Beat South Sudan 5-0, Tunisia also Wins

By Web News 696

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Gambia has thrashed South Sudan in the last quarter final game of the ongoing Under 20 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Egypt.

Gambia scored 5 goals without reply against their opponents to advance to the semi finals of the tournament.

Similarly, Tunisia booked their place in the semi finals after beating Congo 5 – 4 on penalties.

The semi final stage will be played on Monday with Senegal battling Tunisia and Nigeria taking on Gambia.

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Politics

Nigeria Decides: INEC Commences Distribution of Sensitive Materials

By Web News 472

Adenitan Akinola

Ahead of Saturday’s presidential and National Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has commenced the distribution of election-sensitive materials in Osun State.

Earlier, the Commission, led by the Resident Electoral Commission, Dr Mutiu Agboke had collected the materials from the Osogbo branch of the CBN under the watch of security and journalists.

Addressing officials, commercial transporters and representatives of political parties at the INEC headquarters in Osogbo, Dr Agboke said the early deployment of the materials three days before the election was to prevent late arrival to the polling units.

He noted that from INEC offices across the thirty local governments in Osun State, the materials would further be distributed to the registration centres.

The Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner maintained that the early arrival of the materials was enough to assure Nigerians that the election would hold on Saturday.

Dr Agboke said all the required ad-hoc staff for the election had been adequately trained on their duties and responsibilities during the exercise.

In their responses, representatives of some political parties that were present commended the transparent manner the materials were distributed, with a pledge to cooperate with INEC to ensure that the electorate cast their votes without undue influence.

The Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM in Osun State, Mr Simon Adebayo said the early arrival would douse apprehension among Osun residents who were sceptical about the conduct of the election.

Similarly, Prince Bello Adebayo who is the Chairman of the Labour Party in Osun State pleaded with INEC to ensure that nothing technical hinder the free conduct of Saturday’s exercise.

As at the time of filling this report, the sensitive materials were being loaded into the waiting vehicles for onward transfer to the various local governments.

Presently, a total of one million, five hundred and thirty-four thousand, nine hundred and forty-eight voters had collected their Permanent voter cards out of the total one million, nine hundred and fifty-four thousand, eight hundred registered voters in Osun State.

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News

IGP Redeploys Officers

By Web News 544

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Usman  Baba, has ordered the redeployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, DIGs, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, AIGs, and Commissioners of Police, CPs, to Departments, Commands, and Formations in line with his manpower development policy of placing round pegs in round holes.

In a statement signed in Abuja by the Force Headquarters Public Relations Officer, Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

The statement notes that deputy inspector General of Police, DIG Danmallam Mohammed, has been redeployed to the Department of Finance and Administration. 

It states further that some Assistant Inspectors-General of Police has been posted to take up the duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police in charge of some Departments of the Force.

Similarly, some Senior Police Officers have been posted to also take up the duties of the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of Zonal Police Commands.

They include Sylvester Alabi, AIG Zone 2 Lagos, Akande Kayode, AIG Zone 11 Osogbo, and Abimbola Shokoya as AIG Zone 17 Akure.

The statement says in line with the IGP’s mandate and strategies to strengthen the operational structures of state commands, the Police Boss has equally ordered the provisional posting of the following Commissioners of Police to Commands and they are CP Frank Mba, to Ogun State while CP Idowu Owohunwa was posted to Lagos State.

The IGP has therefore charged the newly posted officers to hit the ground running to ensure the mission, vision, and policy statements of his administration are effectively complied with in the areas of crime-fighting, public cooperation, and safety. 

The police boss who said the posting was with immediate effect also called for support and cooperation from members of the public to enable the newly posted senior officers to perform optimally on their mandate.

PR/Rasheedah Makinde

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Health

Tainted Cough Syrups Kill 300 Children – WHO

By Web News 535

By Oluwaseyi Ajibade/Adetutu Adetule

World Health Organisation, WHO has raised alarm following the death of some 300 children in three countries after consuming contaminated cough syrups.

In a statement, WHO warned all countries to be “on the alert” and prevent the spread of the killer cough syrups into their countries.

According to the statement, the affected children are below the age of five.

“Over the past four months, countries have reported several incidents of over-the-counter cough syrups for children with confirmed or suspected contamination with high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG).

“The cases are from at least seven countries, associated with more than 300 fatalities in three of these countries. Most are young children under the age of five. These contaminants are toxic chemicals used as industrial solvents and antifreeze agents that can be fatal even taken in small amounts, and should never be found in medicines,” the WHO statement said.

The outbreak is predominantly in The Gambia, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan, it said.

According to the statement, WHO demands that member countries urgently detect and remove the contaminated medicines from circulation in the markets, and increase surveillance and diligence within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected.

It called for “immediate notification” to WHO “if these substandard products are discovered” in-country; otherwise, inform the public of the dangers and toxic effects of the substandard medicines at issue.

The statement also enjoined key stakeholders engaged in the medical supply chain to take “immediate and coordinated action”.

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Economy

We will tackle unemployment in Nigeria – Ngige

By Web News 528

The federal government has disclosed, it is planning to launch a labour statistics system where unemployed Nigerians at home and abroad could apply for available jobs.


Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige who made this known to journalists in Abuja, said the move was part of efforts to tackle the high rate of unemployment in Nigeria.


According to the minister, the system will be officially launched in the next one or two months, at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.


“In our electronic labour exchange system, both people who are looking for work and recruiters can enter the system where we merge and match them. We do what is called cross-matching and people are gainfully employed”.

Speaking further, Ngige said his ministry has gotten involved in some international projects with foreign partners, which Nigeria has not hitherto been doing, adding that, for the first time, the American Government was putting up a grant for women and children in Nigeria and Liberia.

Net/Taiwo Akinola

Politics

Retrospect: The Bangs on Nigeria’s Political Landscape

By Web News 843

Usually, any year that precedes an election year is characterized by various memorable events.

2022 is no exception as the year can be termed as the election eve in Nigeria.

In this report, Political Correspondent Oluwakayode Banjo x-rays the major thrilling events in the country’s political landscape in 2022.

Being a year preceding the 2023 General Election, it did not take too long before 2022 began to witness controversies, tensions and thrilling activities in the political sphere.

As early as February, President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2022 into law.

Section 84, sub-section 12 of the Act barred political appointees from voting or contesting at party primaries, hence, some political appointees, who had ambitions for elective positions were left with no option but to resign from their current offices.

In the following month, precisely on the 26th of March, over 7,000 delegates converged on Eagles Square, Abuja, for the All Progressives Congress, APC National Convention where a Serving Senator, Abdullahi Adamu emerged as the National Chairman of the party.

On the 25th of May, the 2019 Vice Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP and Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi dumped the party, barely three days to its Presidential convention.

5 days later, Mr Obi emerged as the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, a development many tagged as the birth of a “third force” in the Nation’s Presidential race.

On the 28th of same month, PDP held its Presidential convention and Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s Presidential Flag bearer, which was greeted with grievances, especially from one of the aspirants and current Rivers State Governor, Nyesome Wike.

After the PDP Presidential convention, Governor Wike led the call for the resignation of Mr Iyiochia Ayu as the party’s National Chairman with claims that both the Presidential Candidate and the National Chairman should not come from the same zone.

In the midst of this controversial tussle in the PDP fold, the Ruling APC staged its own Presidential convention which was also not devoid of controversies, even before the exercise took place on the 8th of June.

Prior to the convention, on the 2nd of June, the now popular slogan “Emi L’okan” hit the political waves when Former Governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in an outburst address at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta, Ogun state, declared that it was his turn to clinch the ticket.

Asiwaju Tinubu eventually won the ticket, defeating the likes of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Immediate Past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and many others to emerge as the APC Presidential candidate.

In Oyo state, however, the sitting Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde clinched the party’s ticket to run for a second term, while three-time Senator Teslim Folarin emerged as the Governorship candidate of the APC, a situation which led to the defection of Former Deputy Governor of CBN, Chief Bayo Adelabu and others to the Accord, where he became the Governorship flag bearer.

Also, in the year under review, Governorship elections were conducted in Ekiti and Osun states.

While Mr Biodun Oyebanji emerged as the Governor of Ekiti state, Senator Ademola Adeleke won the Gubernatorial election in Osun state.

On the 31st of July, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC suspended Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, while the collection of the Permanent Voter Cards, PVC, commenced on the 12th of this month.

Still with INEC, at least 8 offices of the commission in some states including Ogun, Osun, Imo, Ebonyi and Enugu were attacked.

Reviewing the year, a Political Scientist at Covenant University, Oya, Ogun state, Dr Moses Duruji said 2022 had truly set the tone for next year’s General elections, stressing that the electorates were optimistic that the elections would produce candidates of their choice.

Similarly, another Political Scientist, Dr Gbade Ojo pinpointed the agitation by the PDP G-5 Governors over the emergence of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the party’s Presidential candidate.

Dr Ojo added that the year 2022 was a critical period in the Nation’s political circle.

Oluwakayode Banjo

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Religion

Xmas: Osun Speaker Urges Nigerians to Pray for Sustainability

By Web News 580 Post a comment

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Right Honorable Timothy Owoeye wants Nigerians to take advantage of the celebration of the birth of Jesus to pray for peace and the sustainability of Nigeria.

Right Honorable Owoeye in a Christmas message by his Media Aide, Mr. Kunle Alabi stressed the need for Christians to reflect and re-dedicate themselves to the teachings of Christ, which were anchored on sacrifice, love, peace and truth. 

The Speaker enjoined Nigerians to always strive to be role models as Christ who lived and died propagating the message of love, peace and true co-existence among mankind.

He noted that at this point of Nigeria, everyone should seek God’s intervention in alleviating the present economic hardship. 

Mojisola Oladele

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Opinion

A Birth that Redefines the Destiny of Mankind

By Web News 1018
By Olaitan Oye-Adeitan

At this season in Bethlehem, a little town of no consequence, something phenomenal took place on a dark, starry and wintry night.

It was a holy night when floods of light swarmed around some shepherds abiding by their sheep by night.

Then came the sonorous voices of the angelic host, heralding the birth of a unique child born of a virgin woman by the name of Mary, and espoused to Joseph from the lineage of David.

The message from the angels was succinct a saviour christened Jesus Christ has been born.

This is the genesis of Christmas.

Nativity Scene

Jesus’ birth, a special gift to men by God, was one that offered hope to humanity hitherto condemned to eternal loss by the grievous fall in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God.

The mood of the heralding angel captured the immeasurable mercy of God offered unto men, even in their sinful state as the angels chorused, glory be to God in the highest and on earth, peace and goodwill to all men.

Undoubtedly, humanity today is in dire need of peace as the world grapples with one turmoil or the other.

In Nigeria for example, citizens currently swim against the tide of insecurity, kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, ritual killings and terrorism with people living in apprehension day and night and uncertain of tomorrow.

God foreseeing the state of things sent Jesus Christ, known as the Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, Counselor, Wonderful and Everlasting father to offer a way out of the turbulence.

The route to this lies in his lifestyle which is an incomparable model for man to follow.

As a shepherd, his leadership example is a beacon to all those in positions of authority today on how to manage and ensure the welfare of people.

Typically, peace is the rallying point of this season and goodwill; hence, Nigerians should do all within their power to promote harmony across religious, political and ethnic divides.

Like Jesus Christ, political leaders should demonstrate goodwill towards the populace by formulating policies that will promote their well-being.

Leaders need to relate with their followers with every sense of humility giving room to criticisms despite their positions, for the birth of Jesus Christ exemplified humility, as he was born in a manger, though King of kings and Lord of lords.

Citizens, on their part, should also complement the efforts of leaders by shunning activities that endanger peace including provocative utterances, the spreading of fake news and all forms of violence.

Religious leaders equally also have a role to play in enthroning peace in society.

There is no denying the fact that they are a leading voice in moulding the opinions and attitudes of their adherents.

As the world celebrates Christmas, it behoves on all and sundry to work together and change the current narrative in the country for the better just as Mahatma Gandhi, a former Prime Minister of India, says, “be the change that you wish to see in the world”.

Merry Christmas!

Olaitan Oye-Adeitan

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Politics

ICP Decries Abysmal Status of Women in Nigerian Politics

By Web News 548

Nigeria has the lowest female participation in politics in Africa, with just 4.1 percent representation in parliament.

The Executive Director of the International Press Center, IPC Lagos Dr Lanre Arogundade gave the information in Osogbo, during a two-day workshop for female candidates in the Southwest states and Kwara state, organised by the IPC and the European Union Support for Democratic Governance.


Dr Arogundade, who lamented the poor participation of women in politics, pointed out that much needed to be done to stimulate the female gender’s interest in politics.

He said Journalists remained an indispensable stakeholder in ensuring that Nigeria’s democracy is deepened with emphasis on inclusivity, particularly balanced gender participation, hence incorporating Journalists into the workshop to enlighten female candidates.

“Female candidates have a better understanding of engaging the media and engaging in strategic communication; and Female politicians have better knowledge of using social media platforms for effective campaigns created as well as get increased media visibility through special reports, interviews, and media profiling.”

Resource persons at the event urged female politicians to work on their media relations to get improved visibility which would influence the decisions of the voting populace in their favour.

In her presentation, the Chairperson of the National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Oyo State chapter, Mrs Jadesola Ajibola took the participants through the process of relating with the Media, advising them to build their individual capacity and being available at any time they are beckoned for interviews.

The Programme Officer of IPC, Miss Melody Akinjiyan, explained that the centre had embarked on advocacy since 2018 to increase the participation of women in politics.

She said the result of 2018 where ten women emerged victorious in their political careers encouraged them to relaunch the program, hoping that more women would take the opportunity as the 2023 general elections approach.

“We believe that there is room for improvement, which is why we are holding this training. We are not satisfied with the number of women in politics and that is why we are building their capacity to be able to work with the media because we believe that it is the media that can help to push these women into a lifeline to give them possibilities and visibility.

“We want to encourage women to be fully involved in politics that’s why we are holding this training so we can work together with the media because we know media people are stakeholders in politics,” she added.

Some of the participants, including Mrs Bose Oyebode from Osun State, Mrs. Favour Tomomewo from Ondo State and Mrs Fakunle from Ekiti State explained that her participation in the 2018 training boosted their morale and added much value to their electioneering.

Adenitan Akinola

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Politics

Video: Nigeria Go Survive

By Web News 832

Back in the 90s, the name Veno Marioghae was on the lips of every music-loving Nigerian.

Her song, ‘Nigeria Go Survive’ was seen as a rallying call for patriotic Nigerians to rescue what was then perceived as a drowning nation.

Three decades on, hard times still stare Nigerians in the face. Once again one is wont to ask, any possibility of Nigeria coming out of the woods.

Let’s stay optimistic, that Nigeria go survive and move on as the jalopy below.

Culled/Simeon Ugbodovon/Adetutu Adetule

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Communication

NCC Issues Red Alert Over Unauthorized Mobile Applications

By Web News 721

The Nigerian Communications Commission has warned Nigerians to stay away from mobile applications from the ‘Mobile Apps Group’.

According to the commission, the group had been discovered to release apps containing Trojans and adware that were harmful to users and their privacy.

The NCC-CSIRT stated this in an advisory on Tuesday.

It said, “The Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team, ngCERT, has continued to observe and monitor the constant introduction of malicious mobile applications into Google Play Store.

“Mobile apps Group has a history of distributing malware-infected apps through the Google Play store, and the current batch of apps has already been downloaded over a million times.”

It stated that the group’s malicious apps included: Bluetooth Auto Connect; Bluetooth App Sender; Driver: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB; and Mobile transfer: smart switch.

It further disclosed that the malicious activities of these apps were high in probability and potential to do damage.

The NCC-CSIRT disclosed, “The apps will delay the display of ads for up to three days after installation to avoid detection.

“However, once this period has passed, the user is bombarded with advertisements and is directed to malicious phishing websites in the Chrome browser. While the device is idle, the malicious app can open Chrome tabs in the background. Some of the sites it opens may appear to be harmless, but they are pay-per-click pages that generate revenue for the developers when clicked on.”

It explained that the consequences of installing the malicious apps included the user being bombarded with advertisements, theft of sensitive user data, clicking on the ads resulting in the stealth download or installation of additional malware, as well as the user privacy and data being jeopardised.

Punch/Taiwo Akinola

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Sport

Nigeria Wins Bronze in Women’s World Cup

By Web News 764

Flamingoes of Nigeria have won bronze medal at the 2022 World Cup Under-17 in India after beating Germany.

German girls produced one of the best comeback in football history before they eventually lost on penalties.

The Germans came back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 against the Flamingos before they lost 3-2 during the shootouts.

The Flamingos started the encounter on an impressive note, but they had to wait until the 20th minute before netting their first goal through Opeyemi Ajakaye.

Aminat Bello scored the second goal for the Flamingos in the 48th minute before Etim got the third goal in the 63rd minute.

However, Germany pulled one back in the 73rd minute through Jella Veit with Paulina adding the second before Loreen Bender restored parity at the death to take the game into penalties.

Coach Olowookere and his team went into this match against Germany as wounded lions having lost their semifinal game against Colombia .

Amos Ogunrinde