The Kaduna State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing every child resident in the state free primary, secondary and technical/vocational education. An extraordinary meeting of the Kaduna State Executive Council, held on Monday, 7th November 2022, described the provision of free education for the first 12 years of schooling as a legacy achievement of the State Government. The Council meeting, chaired by Malam Nasir El-Rufai, stated that free education is the pillar of the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to human capital development and social mobility for the children of the most vulnerable residents of the state.
With careful implementation since 2015, this policy guarantees every child access to education from the first year of primary school to the completion of the final year of senior secondary school or technical/vocational school. Free education, up to the completion of senior secondary school, reflects the government’s abiding belief in promoting equality of opportunity and expanding access to education as a lever of social mobility. KDSG’s deep conviction that government has an obligation to provide free education up to senior secondary level or its equivalent has been expressed in legal provisions that make it compulsory for every child to go to school for 12 uninterrupted years since the financial obstacle represented by school fees has been removed.
The extraordinary meeting of the Kaduna State Executive Council discussed a memo from the Ministry of Education on sustainable funding for the maintenance of school facilities. The Executive Council stated that the Kaduna State Government will continue to faithfully implement the free senior secondary education policy and to discharge the primary responsibility for its public schools. The Council recalled that in 2015 the government explicitly banned payment of PTA fees and other levies in public schools in order to ensure that the free education policy actually delivers education without burdening parents with hidden fees or levies. Therefore, the Council observed that the circular issued by the Ministry of Education to school principals on collection of nominal fees is not consistent with government policy, and is thus invalid. The circular from the Ministry of Education to the heads of schools, dated 1st November 2022, is therefore rescinded with immediate effect, and all monies that may have been collected should be refunded forthwith.
The State Executive Council has noted that community participation and ownership in the administration of public schools is what led to the creation by law, of School Management Boards and School-Based Management Committees with membership drawn from all concerned stakeholders. Accordingly and noting that some alumni associations, community groups, charities and persons of means may be interested in further supporting particular schools, the Council directed the Ministry of Education to develop a suitable framework to guide school heads, parents, old students’ associations, communities and other donors that may want to contribute to the development of any public school in the State. This framework is necessary in the interest of accountability and transparency. Such a framework will be widely debated by stakeholders and approved by the State Executive Council before subsequent dissemination as an official directive to the Principals and Heads of Schools.
Signed
Muyiwa Adekeye
Special Adviser to the Governor (Media & Communication)
8th November 2022
Remarks by Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State, at the presentation of the state’s Security Reports for the second and third quarters of 2022, held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, on Friday, 4th November 2022
PROTOCOLS
- I wish to welcome once again, our Royal Highnesses, Honourable Minister Lai Mohammed, GOC First and Third Divisions Nigerian Army, AOC Training Command NAF, other senior military, police and para-military officers and indeed, all our guests to the presentation of the Kaduna State Security Incidents Report for the second and third quarters of 2022.
- The reports present detailed data on the persistence of the security challenge in our state. We publish these reports in fulfilment of our obligation to the residents of this state. Citizens have legitimate expectations to be provided with consistently accurate accounts of what is going on and to be updated on the measures being taken to address the security challenge.
- We have just seen the presentation made by Samuel Aruwan, our Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs. In stark terms, it demonstrates the continued severity of the security challenges and the unfortunate toll in killings, kidnappings, injuries and threats to the livelihoods of our people. We regret the pain and losses. We pray for the repose of the souls of those killed, pay tribute to the victims of various crimes and reiterate our solidarity with them.
- The figures show a pattern of reductions in the gravity of security incidents in the second and third quarters of 2022, compared to the first quarter. This is a consequence of the intensification of offensive security operations against the bandits in recent months. We have for years called for a comprehensive and sustained assertion of the prerogatives of the state, through combined air and ground military and police operations. This is the most effective way to protect our people, uphold law and order and enhance the ability of our people to the peaceful pursuit of their livelihoods.
- We thank the Federal Government for finally authorising the launch of these military and police offensives. We commend the military and security forces for their efforts and sacrifices as they work to uproot the criminals. I wish to stress that in this region, this vital mission requires a comprehensive and consistent sweep, across the Northwest and Niger states for sustained success.
- For us, that is the abiding lesson of the security operations that were launched in 2015/2016, as a collaboration between the states in the area and the Federal Government. The initial success that operation recorded in the Kamuku-Kuyambana forest ranges was not consolidated through continuous operations, and the criminal elements were thus able to recover, regroup and resume.
- That lesson and the continued nature of the cross-state operations of these criminals informs the view of the Kaduna State Government that a Theatre Command, similar to the one in place in the North-East, is required. Effective security operations in the seven states of the North-West and Niger State which have continuous and contiguous forest ranges, require this approach.
- We wish to repeat this appeal which we have made in public and in private for many months. A North-West Theatre Command will enable an holistic approach to counter-insurgency operations across the affected states and the enhanced coordination of the resources of the Armed Forces, the Police, the SSS, our respective State Vigilance Services, hunters and other local volunteers to fight the insurgents. It is our opinion that the insurgency in the North-West is not only more serious than what exists now in the North-East, but presents a clear danger to the holding of the 2023 elections and census if not nipped in the bud now.
- On our part, the Kaduna State Government will continue to do everything within the powers of a state to enhance security. We have invested considerable resources and energy in managing security to the extent that the constitution permits a subnational. Our interventions since 2015 include supporting the federal security agencies deployed in our state with vehicles and other logistics, collaborating with other frontline states to fund military operations in the 2015-2016 period and investments in security infrastructure and technology. The lessons learnt in the 2016-2019 period informed our decision to establish the first sub-national Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs at the beginning of our second-term in 2019.
- The mandate of the Ministry is to manage the state government’s relationship with the federal security agencies deployed in the state and to coordinate their activities towards securing our people in an atmosphere of unprecedented challenges. This entails building strong relationships with these agencies. Through the Ministry, the state is deepening intelligence gathering from communities. It also runs the 24-hour Security Operations Room.
- But the extent of interventions in security by the State Government can do is constitutionally limited. The Federal Government has to more vigorously exercise its constitutional powers and urgently spearhead a national effort to strengthen our security forces. The Federal Government has to sustain the effort to promptly address the needs of the the SSS, military and police for modern technology, advanced armaments, equipment and more boots on the ground.
- Let me at this juncture, extend our sincere gratitude to our Emirs and Chiefs for being the leading and influential anchors of peaceful coexistence and intelligence-gathering in our various communities. Our Peace Commissioners and the House of Kaduna Family deserve exceptional recognition and our gratitude for their efforts in peacemaking and peace-building.
- Before I conclude my remarks, let me quickly respond to some of the issues raised by our senior military, police and security officers and the members of the Security Council today:
- Concerns about political thuggery as we approach the elections must be addressed in a proactive manner. We need to profile political actors, map their thugs and bring them to justice immediately.
- Those engaged in propagating injurious falsehood and incitement need to be vigorously prosecuted. The case of the Birnin Gwari lynching and the statement that followed needs to be followed with prosecution and conviction.
- The observation that Ladugga with 24 villages may need a District Head has been brought up from time to time. The Ministry responsible for chieftain you matters should look into this and make recommendations for consideration.
- We urge our community leaders and Royal Highnesses to intensify efforts at identifying informants, black spots for the sale of drugs, and those that destroy critical infrastructure.
- We appeal to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to conclude the Tax Credit arrangement with Dangote Group for the reconstruction of the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highway and Birnin Gwari-Dansadau Roads which were approved by Mr. President since 2019.
- We are grateful to the security agencies, particularly the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, Civil Defence, SSS, our State Vigilance Service, NDLEA and KASTLEA for constant collaboration with our Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs in the hard work of securing the state.
- I am personally grateful to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for affording me opportunities to brief him regularly on the security situation in the state. The prompt attention and action of the Service Chiefs and Inspector-General of Police whenever we reach out for interventions must be placed on record. On behalf of the government and people of Kaduna State, I am grateful for the timely attention we always receive from the Chiefs of Defence, Army and the Air Staff, IGP and DG SSS, whenever I call on them.
- We pray for journey mercies to you all, thank you for your time and God Bless you all. God Bless Kaduna State. God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai
4th November, 2022
OWO AGOG AS GOV AKEREDOLU COMMENCES LATE MUM’S BURIAL WITH ‘AJABUE’
The ancient town of Owo in Ondo State was agog on Wednesday as the burial arrangements for late Lady Evangelist Grace Bosede Akeredolu JP, mother of the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON, commenced with the traditional Ajabue procession round the town.
The traditional procession was led by Governor Akeredolu’s immediate younger brother, Professor Wole Akeredolu, and the last child of the deceased, Mr. Femi Akeredolu.
Decked in uniform Ankara attires, the people of Owo in their hundreds trooped out to join the Ajabue traditional procession which started from the Jacob and Grace family residence in Oke-Ogun, Owo.
The procession, which was held amidst funfair at every junction in Owo, had in attendance the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Engr. Ade Adetimehin; Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale; Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Dare Aragbaiye; Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Raimi Aminu; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Transport, Tobi Ogunleye and Chairman of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Services, Mr Tolu Adegbie.
Others were Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Strategy and Special Duties, Dr. Doyin Odebowale; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo; Special Assistant to the Governor on Natural Resources, Lawal Fatai Olushina; Deputy Chief of Protocol, Mrs Funke Aruna; Special Assistant to the Governor on Domestic,Toyosi and Chairman of Owo local Government, Mr Samuel Adegbegi.
Also in attendance were former Accountant General of the state, Mr Laolu Akindolire; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Pharmacist Folukemi Aladenola; Permanent Secretary, Teaching Service Commission, Mrs Tolu Adeyemi; Traditional chiefs from Ipele under the auspices of Olupele in Council; APC Candidate for Owo constituency 2, Mrs Morenike Witherspoon; Asiwaju Gboyega Adefarati; member of the SUBEB board, Mr. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye; among others.
Speaking after the traditional procession, Prof. Prof. Wole Akeredolu appreciated the people of the town on behalf of the Governor and other siblings.
According to him, the large crowd that participated in the Ajabue dance has clearly shown the love the poeple have for their late mother and the family in general.
“I want to sincerely appreciate Owo poeple for what they have done, for coming out en masse to relate with us, to follow us, to dance with us and to do everything with us concerning our mother,” he said.
Late Lady Evangelist Grace Bosede Akeredolu died on September 15 at the age of 90 years.
The Burial arrangements continue tomorrow with service of songs at St. Matthias Anglican Church, Orogun, Ibadan, and Jacob & Grace Chapel of the All Saints Church, Iddo Eruwa Road, Ibadan by 4pm.
On Friday, November 11, 2022, Commendation Service will be held at St. Anne’s Anglican Church, Molete, Ibadan, by 9am.
It will be followed by Service of Songs at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Imola Street, Owo, by 4pm and later in the evening, the Wake Keep will be held at Jacob & Grace Garden, Opposite Imade College, Oke-Ogun, Owo .
On Saturday, November 12, 2022, the
Burial Service will hold at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Imola Street, Owo, by 10am.
Interment follows immediately after the burial service.
The Reception is at Mydas Hotel and Resort, Ikare Road, Owo.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
November 9, 2022
November 9, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Condemns APC’s Attack on Its Borno Presidential Campaign Rally…Insists Atiku/Okowa Cannot be Stopped
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemns in the strongest terms possible the cowardly violent attack on its Presidential Campaign convoy in Maiduguri, Borno State Capital today, Wednesday, November 9, 2022 by armed thugs sponsored by the disconcerted All Progressives Congress (APC).
The attack on the PDP Presidential campaign train as it made its way into Maiduguri city amidst thunderous cheers by the people further confirms APC’s frustration, bitter envy and disconcertedness over the overwhelming popularity of the PDP and our Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar in Borno State, the North East Zone and across the nation; for which the APC has resorted to violence.
Our Party has information about how agents of certain APC leaders mobilized the thugs with the aim to escalate violence in Maiduguri and prevent the PDP from holding its Presidential Campaign Rally in the State.
Nigerians witnessed with horror how hundreds of APC’s armed thugs stationed at major roundabouts and intersections in the city of Maiduguri unleashed violence on the PDP Presidential Campaign convoy and innocent citizens going about their lawful activities in a gruesome attack that left over 70 persons gravely injured and hospitalized.
This attack is consistent with APC’s habitual resort to violence in the face of rejection by the people as also witnessed in the attack on the PDP’s Presidential Campaign Rally in Kaduna State on October 17, 2022.
APC’s barbaric and anti-social behaviour is contrary to the Peace Accord it signed on September 28, 2022 and constitutes a clear and present danger to democracy, our electoral process and the 2023 general elections.
It is clear that the APC has since become confused, frenetic and chaotic following the daily mass exodus of its key members into the PDP across the nooks and crannies of the State as witnessed at the PDP Presidential Campaign Rally today in Maiduguri in support of Atiku Abubakar and in clear rejection of the APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima.
The PDP commends the brave and courageous people of Borno State for coming out enmasse to resist the APC thugs and ensured the success of the PDP’s Presidential Campaign Rally in support of Atiku Abubakar.
Our Party is not daunted and cannot be deterred by cowardly attacks by the APC as Nigerians are already connected with the PDP’s issue-based campaign in the mission to rescue, rebuild and redirect our nation from the asphyxiating misrule of the APC.
The PDP calls on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police to take immediately action to arrest this constant incidence of violence being unleashed by the APC on PDP Campaign activities. It should be noted that a continuing violence by the APC can result in a situation where other parties might be encouraged to resort to self-help.
Once again, we call on President Buhari, as a matter of urgency and consistent with his Oath of Office, to call the members of his party, the APC to order in the interest of the nation, our democracy and the electoral process. Enough is Enough!
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
PDP Guber Candidate, Fubara: You Can’t fight Against ‘Godsent”, You’ll Fail – Obuah
The Director General, Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council, Bro Felix Obuah has advised those opposed to the state governorship candidate, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to disembark because it amounts to fighting a lost battle.
Speaking against the backdrop of Sir Fubara’s court victory over the suit seeking his disqualification from the 2023 general election in the state, Bro. Obuah described the PDP flag bearer as ‘Godsent’.
The immediate past PDP State Chairman, Bro. Obuah reminded such persons that nobody has ever fought anybody destined by God for an assignment and succeeded.
Drawing further insight from the scriptures, Bro Obuah referred to those opposed to the party’s choice for the office of Governor of Rivers State and their prospective counterparts to the divine instruction, “touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm”.
“Whether or not you like it, the party has chosen its candidate and all that is expected of every other partyman is to rally round him and ensure victory for the party. Everybody cannot be governor at the same time and besides, God has His own plans for every individual to be made manifest at the fullness of time,” he counseled.
Bro. Obuah, immediate past Sole Administrator, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) congratulated Sir Siminalayi Fubara over the court victory and assured that God who has started the victory spree will crown it with overall victory during the election proper and celebration to His glory and to the joy of all PDP members in the state.
He also lauded His Excellency, Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike for all his landmark achievements in the state that have raised the bar of governance to an enviable height, making the PDP the choice destination for all political office seekers in the state and assured that his efforts will not be in vain as PDP is poised to continue the winning streak which he has established as a legacy.
Signed
Jerry Needam
Special Adviser On
Media and Publicity
To Bro Felix Obuah,
Director General,
PDP Campaign Council.
November 8, 2022
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: Law firm disowns document
A law firm, Indemnity Partners, has dissociated itself from a document in respect of Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan.
‘’Our attention has been drawn to a letter trending on social media purporting to have been issued from our law firm in respect of our client and her husband’’.
‘The law firm said in a statement signed by B. C. Igwilo SAN that the document was inauthentic and of dubious origin.
‘’ That letter is inauthentic and of dubious origin’’.
The firm urged the discerning public to ignore the document in circulation in its entirety.
‘’We categorically distance ourselves from the purported letter and its alleged contents’’ the statement added.
Below is the full text of the disclaimer
INDEMNITY PARTNERS
LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, NOTARIES PUBLIC
4th November 2022
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
DISCLAIMER
We are solicitors for Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Our attention has been drawn to a letter trending on social media purporting to have been issued from our law firm in respect of our client and her husband.
We categorically distance ourselves from the purported letter and its alleged contents.
That letter is inauthentic and of dubious origin.
Accordingly, we urge the discerning public to ignore it in its entirety.
- C. Igwilo SAN
Indemnity Partners
U.S MIDTERM ELECTIONS: PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES NIGERIAN-AMERICANS ON ELECTION VICTORY
President Muhammadu Buhari extends warmest congratulations to eight Nigerian-Americans on their victory in the U.S. midterm elections.
In Georgia State, Segun Adeyina, Gabe Okoye, Solomon Adesanya, Tish Naghise, and Phil Olaleye won their legislative seats as State Representatives in their Districts.
Similarly, Carol Kazeem won the Pennsylvania State Representative in District 159, Esther Agbaje was re-elected as Minnesota State Representative in District 59B, while Dr. Oye Owolewa was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives (Shadow Representative) in Washington D.C.
In prayerful wishes for a successful tenure in office, President Buhari thanks them for their invaluable support and partnerships, over the years, with groups affiliated with the ideals and objectives of Nigerians in Diaspora associations in the United States.
Restating his unflinching support for every Nigerian excelling at home and abroad, President Buhari believes that compatriots who succeed in good causes are assets to the nation and the continent, noting that their contributions will always be remembered and celebrated.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 9, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES FBN ON 40 YEARS OF CROSS-BORDER BANKING IN THE UK
President Muhammadu Buhari extends warm felicitations to the Board, Management, and Staff of First Bank Nigeria (FBN) for cross-border services in the United Kingdom for 40 years, sharing almost 130 years of banking experience.
President Buhari notes the competence and professionalism that have become the hallmark of FBN over many years, winning and retaining the trust of customers in Nigeria, and beyond, like in the United Kingdom, and successfully consolidating on its benchmark of reliability and professionalism.
As the FBN, United Kingdom celebrates 40 years anniversary, the President believes the strength and buoyancy of any country depend largely on the capacity of the banking sector, extolling the organization for steady rise and expansion, with remarkable awards for transparency, accountability, and reliability.
President Buhari congratulates FBN, the United Kingdom for the milestone, and well-deserved acceptance and credence, urging the bank to further leverage on its strengths to retain the trust and confidence of the banking public.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 8, 2022
We’re ready for APC, Bello in 2023 – Kogi Youths
- Urge Kogi Central PDP candidate not to be distracted
- Vow to retire Kogi APC candidates in 2023
- Say Governor Yahaya Bello afraid of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rising political profile
Youths in Kogi State on Sunday endorsed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate in Kogi Central, Chief Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, as their choice candidate for the February National Assembly election.
‘’’The good people of Kogi Central deserve a better senator with sound understanding and intellectual depth. Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is suitable and capable of leading the way out of the quagmire we find ourselves today’’
They also chided Governor Yahaya Bello and his cronies for misleading Nigerians, embarking on laughable exercise and suicide mission and placing Kogi State both on the map of national and international ridicule.
‘’Governor Yahaya Bello and his cronies are overwhelmed by the rising political profile of Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. They simply want to be mischievous’’
Meeting under the aegis of Ebira Youths Coalition (EYC), the youths described the N10 billion allegations as purely absurd, diversionary and unnecessary distraction.
‘’Nothing will stop Akpoti-Uduaghan from occupying the Kogi Central senatorial seat in 2023’’.
Rising from an emergency working committee meeting held in Okene, Kogi State, the youths vowed to resist to the last drop of their blood any attempt by Bello and APC members to manipulate the 2023 elections’’
‘’Kogi APC is already heading for the rocks occasioned by its parochialism, deceit and betrayal of the people’s mandate. We will not subscribe to anything evil in 2023. The voters are interested in the emergence of an honest, consistent and credible woman as Kogi Central senator in 2023’’
Speaking through its National Director of Information and Orientation, Dr. Ihiampe Jato, the youths condemned the governor for orchestrating a campaign of calumny against Akpoti-Uduaghan, with a view to impugn her integrity and malign the transparency stance of the Kogi Central PDP candidate.
They praised Akpoti-Uduaghan for her peaceful disposition and gentility.
‘’Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will make Kogi Central a more salubrious clime. She will promote an environment safe for life and the growth of business’’
They also applauded her for bringing smiles on the faces of Kogi people.
‘’Kogi Central is about to be emancipated from anti-development forces’’
They urged the electorate to come out and vote in February and March, 2023.
‘’We are waiting for the National Assembly election. We know Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will win. The people will vote for PDP’’
They also urged Nigerians to ignore fake stories sponsored by Kogi APC lepers in Abuja and Lokoja.
‘’We need a vibrant and well-focused senator who has the interest of the district at heart; a woman who is academically sound and administratively skillful; a very deft master strategist who doesn’t talk with both sides of mouth; a woman who will deliver the dividend of democracy to the wonderful people of Kogi Central’’
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s popularity, strength threat to Bello, Kogi APC leaders, says PDP Chieftain
- Accuses APC of making Kogi State torture, kidnapping and killing chambers
- Urges Buhari to call Yahaya Bello to order
- Calls Safiu Governor Yahaya Bello’s loyalist
- Says PDP ready to take campaign against violence in Kogi State to Europe and America
- Insists on adequate security
A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi, Chief Otenyiete Otuhuo, said the popularity and strength of the party’s senatorial candidate in Kogi Central had thrown Governor Yahaya Bello and other All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in the state into panic mode.
‘’What they are seeing is the beginning of PDP’s victory in 2023. APC should be ready to move out of Kogi State. We do not want war. It is time that the APC realized that it has failed Kogi State people politically’’
He also condemned APC leaders for making Kogi State some sort of torture, kidnapping and killing chambers.
Okene Local Government Chairman, Hon Abdulrazak Yusuf, a few days ago gave one week notice to PDP in the local government area to vacate its party secretariat. Safiu, a loyalist of Governor Yahaya Bello and a man on the pay roll of Abdulkarim Asuku, Chief of Staff to Bello, was abducted for dumping the ruling party in the state.
In a statement in Lokoja, the PDP leader accused Bello and other top government functionaries of employing all kinds of tactics and blackmail to harass and intimidate members of the opposition.
Particularly Ohuhuo criticised Bello for his undemocratic conduct and breach of the peace in Kogi State.
He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call Yahaya Bello to order.
‘’Despotism and flagrant abuse of power represent the basic fabric from which the Yahaya Bello led APC administration is woven today. Something should be done to curtail the excesses of Kogi government officials and military personnel in the state’’
He also urged the police to arrest Kogi State APC officials for crimes against humanity.
‘’Kogi APC officials have steadily kidnapped, harassed and beaten individuals that have been critical of Yahaya Bello’s policies’’
The PDP stalwart commended Bello for exposing APC tactics to Kogi electorate, who now fully understand how the party wants to execute its 2023 political plan in the state.
‘’Governor Yahaya Bello and his co-travellers are not intelligent enough. Rather than face PDP squarely, they are looking for cheap distractions. Their efforts to cause more divisions and confusion among Kogi people are becoming new sources of strength and urgency to dislodge them in 2023’’.
The statement underscored rallies and seminars held by different groups to condemn thuggery and violence in Kogi State.
He also praised Kogi people for creating and sustaining a culture of resistance.
‘’Our people are eager to take the crusade to Europe and America. That is the next option if they continue to harass, intimidate, kidnap and kill members of the opposition’’
ASUU: Paying lecturers half salaries unlawful, SERAP tells Buhari
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “direct the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, and the acting Accountant General of the Federation, Sylva Okolieaboh to immediately reverse the apparently illegal deductions from the salaries of members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for October 2022.”
SERAP is also urging him to “direct Mr Ngige and Mr Okolieaboh to pay ASUU members full salaries for the duration of their strike action.”
The Federal Government recently allegedly paid half-salaries to members of ASUU for the month of October, 2022. Some professors reportedly received salaries ranging from N71,000 to N121,000 for October.
In the open letter dated 5 November, 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Paying half salaries to ASUU members solely for exercising their human rights is patently unlawful and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and international standards.”
SERAP said, “The alleged deductions from the salaries of ASUU members also amount to punishing them for exercising their right to strike.”
The letter, read in part: “The deductions are illegal and disproportionate. The deductions may also be construed as a deliberate attempt to take away the right to strike, and to make ASUU a lame duck.”
“The right to strike implies the right of workers not to be punished for striking. ASUU members do not therefore forfeit their salaries because they exercise their right to strike.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our requests in the public interest.”
“Illegal deductions from the salaries of ASUU members may also violate the right to work, and to respect of the dignity inherent in a human being.”
“The deductions are also incompatible with the prohibition of all forms of exploitation and degradation of man particularly cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment and treatment.”
“The deductions also implicitly violate the right of members of ASUU to an adequate standard of living for themselves and their families, including to the continuous improvement of living conditions.”
“Strikes are an essential means available to workers and their organizations to protect their interests.”
“The right to strike is an intrinsic element of the right of association recognized under the Nigerian Constitution, ILO conventions, and human rights treaties to which the country is a state party.”
“Indeed, the right to strike and that of entitlement to full pay for days of strike are essential elements of trade union rights.”
“Paying ASUU members or any workers half salaries solely for lawfully and peacefully exercising their right to strike constitutes an impermissible restriction on the right to freedom of association including the right to strike, which is an essential element in the principle of collective bargaining.”
“The application of any purported ‘no work, no pay’ rule to deduct from the salaries of ASUU members would be clearly inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution and international standards.”
“The right to strike is a keystone of modern industrial society. No society which lacks that right can be democratic. Any society which seeks to become democratic must secure that right.”
“The ILO Committee on Freedom of Association has stated that the imposition of sanctions for strike action is not conducive to harmonious labour relations.”
“According to the Resolution concerning the Abolition of Anti-Trade Union Legislation in the States Members of the International Labour Organisation, member states including Nigeria must ‘ensure the effective and unrestricted exercise of trade union rights, including the right to strike by workers.’”
“Another ILO resolution, titled, ‘Resolution Concerning Trade Union Rights and their Relation to Civil Liberties’ called for action in a number of ways ‘with a view to ensuring full and universal respect for trade union rights including the right to strike in their broadest sense.’”
“Protecting fundamental human rights including the right to strike is not simply about States fulfilling their legal obligations. It is also about them creating democratic and equitable societies that are sustainable in the long run.”
“Without protecting a right to strike, freedom of association, in particular the right to organize activities for the purpose of promoting and protecting workers’ interests, cannot be fully realized.”
“Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution; and the country’s international obligations including under the International Labour Organization [ILO] Conventions, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.”
“SERAP notes that ASUU recently suspended its eight months industrial action following interventions from the Court of Appeal, which upheld an earlier decision from the National Industrial Court NIC.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
6/11/2022
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
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North-Central leaders express surprise, unhappiness on Kogi government terrorism statement
- Move against APC
- Endorse Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Top leaders of the North Central zone on Friday urged the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo to desist from a campaign of calumny, hate and deception.
‘’Such empty posturing cannot fool the good people of Kogi State. The Commissioner for Information and Communication is talking rubbish. He knows the real terrorist in the state’’
The highly respected leaders also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the Yahaya Bello led All Progressives Congress (APC) government to avoid continuous illegal approach to governance and public issues as it is now becoming a stigma on the ruling party and the Kogi State Government.
‘’We want to use this opportunity to inform Mr. President and the wonderful people of Kogi State that the terrorism statements by the Commissioner for Information and other officials of the Kogi State government are all lies’’
In a statement issued at the weekend in Abuja by the Chairman, Congress of Concerned North Central Leaders (CCNCL), Alhaji Mohammed Suleiman, the leaders noted the frivolity, ignorance and mischief that informed the commissioner’s recent statement.
The commissioner for information embarked upon this latest charade in a vain attempt to deflect attention from the woeful performance of Yahaya Bello.
They condemned the Kogi State government’s skirmish against the opposition, the draconian rulership of Yahaya Bello and the havoc done to the North Central zone by holding down one of the great prospects of the Middle Belt region.
‘’We condemn in strong terms the kidnapping of opposition members in Kogi State. We see this as a very bad trend for the state. We enjoin President Mohammadu Buhari to unravel the people behind this criminal act as the public opinion and petitions lay this at the door step of some powerful members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State.
Principally, the leaders carpeted the APC for abandoning Kogi youths to the ogre of unemployment.
They listed misery, poverty, violence, economic mismanagement and human destruction as key achievements of the APC administration in Kogi State.
‘’What is Governor Yahaya Bello’s performance? He has performed disgracefully. The Yahaya Bello led APC government is oppressive, ugly and blight in the heart of the North Central. Kogi State is now rated highly in the halls of infamy’’
They urged Kogi voters to reject tired souls and con-men whose only motivation is self-enrichment at the expense of the suffering masses.
They also urged the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Kogi Central Senatorial district, Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, not to be intimidated over the 2023 senatorial race.
‘’Kogi Central needs a senator who can find solutions to the district’s enormous economic, social and political problems. Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has the integrity, dynamism, courage and vision to address problems and take the senatorial district to the Promised Land’’
PRESS RELEASE
BUHARI LISTS GAINS, EXPECTATIONS AS NIGERIA-CAMEROON BORDER BRIDGE AND JOINT BORDER POST IS COMMISSIONED
- “We have delivered”, says Fashola, Nigeria’s Works and Housing Minister
- As Presidents Buhari, Biya say the Border Bridge and Joint Border Post will enhance trade and fight against terrorism in the region
- You must act in the most professional manner as well as in line with global best practice -Buhari to officials manning Joint Border Post
- Jubilation galore as border communities of the two countries roll out drums to celebrate the event
President Muhammadu Buhari has in Ikom, Cross River State, commissioned the Nigeria-Cameroon Border Bridge and Joint Border Post listing the gains and expectations of the two countries to include boost in trade and efforts of the two countries to combat terrorism.
President Buhari, who performed the ceremony jointly with his Camerounian counterpart, Paul Biya, spoke as Nigeria’s Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN took a holistic view of the projects and declared to the large audience that attended the event, “We have delivered”.
The President also said the commissioning of the 1.5 metre Bridge and Post, funded by the two governments, as well as the African Development Bank (AfDB), would increase the volume of trade and commerce between the two countries.
Represented at the occasion by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada, the President told the audience of top officials and members of the border communities as well as security agencies at the venue, “The government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria expects that this Joint Border Bridge and Post will enhance security patrol and cooperation in this part of our border with the Republic of Cameroon”.
“While we have confidence that this project will accomplish its set target, it is also our hope that it will complement the current efforts of the Federal Republics of Nigeria and Cameroon to combat the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism in our region”, the President declared adding that the activities of violent extremists have become a major challenge to the development of the sub regions.
According to him, “This menace has continued to threaten our economies and the maximization of the potentials of our countries as well as cause political upheavals and menace in our region. Hence it is our hope that the commissioning of this project will accelerate the efforts of our gallant security personnel who are already doing very well in securing our territories”.
Expressing delight that the project would enhance the volume of economic activities in regions particularly as well as facilitate the movement of goods and services within the countries along the Corridor, President Buhari said it would also serve as a critical link between the countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and those of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).
Describing the completion and commissioning of the project as timely, President Buhari declared, “Therefore, we expect that the commissioning of this Joint Border Bridge and Post will not only strengthen the already existing cordial relationship between Nigeria and Cameroon but will enhance cooperation between ECOWAS and ECCAS countries”.
“We also pray this project will enhance interconnectivity of our people and communities and also increase the standards and reduce the barrier to interregional trade and strengthen border security”, he said adding that it would certainly “deepen inextricably the fraternal and cultural bond already existing between Nigerians and Camerounians living along the border communities”.
President Buhari said the project, which, according to him, “is part of the ongoing Nigeria-Cameroon Multinational Highway Transport Facilitation Programme”, would remain a visible testimony to the continuing cooperation and good neighbourliness between Nigeria and Cameroon as well as regional economic communities.
“This Bridge and the Joint Border Post are proof that when African regions work with African institutions of standard, critical developmental projects can be achieved in record time”, the President said expressing delight that both Nigerians and Cameroonians living in the border areas have remained jubilant since the completion of the Bridge and Joint Border Post.
According to him, “Such excitement symbolizes the resolve of our people and governments to remain connected in spite of our seemingly artificial boundaries”.
Commending the government and people of Cameroon for their cooperation and support towards the completion of the project, the President also thanked the funding partners, particularly the African Development bank (AfDB), for their role in financing the project adding that under the leadership of Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, “the Bank has become by all standards a beacon of support in all matter relating to Africa’s development efforts to ensure the timely completion of this project”.
Conscious of the diplomatic importance of the project to both countries, Buhari declared, “Let me also underscore that in order to maximize the benefits of this project, Nigerian and Cameroonian officials who will be saddled with the responsibility of manning the border posts in particular must act in the most professional manner as well as in line with global best practice with effect from today”.
In his own remarks, his Cameroonian counterpart, President Paul Biya, said the Bridge and Post facilities are expected to help increase trade and strengthen cooperation between countries of the ECOWAS and those of the ECCAS in general, and between Cameroon and Nigeria in particular.
President Biya, who was represented by the Cameroonian Minister of Public Works, Mr. Emmanuel Nganou Njoumessi, said the direct beneficiaries of the programme “are the transport services users, as well as the 11million inhabitants (3m in Cameroon and 8m in Nigeria) in the programme area representing 7% of the total population of the two countries”, adding that the programme would reduce overall transport cost and improve the living conditions of the populations living along the road.
The President said the Programme for the transport facilitation of the Bamenda-Enugu road Corridor was conceived by the founding fathers as a confidence building measure to strengthen relations between Nigeria and Cameroon following the strained relations arising as a result of the Bakassi Peninsula issue.
He explained further that the 443 kilometre long Bamenda-Enugu Corridor comprises the Cameroon Bamenda-Mfum-Ekok Road sections, the Nigerian road sections of 240 kilometres, the bridge over the Munaya River in Cameroon and the border bridge of 230 metres Mfum-Ekok Bridge over the Cross River.
Delivering his welcome address earlier, Nigeria’s Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, while expressing delight that the project has been delivered according to the scheduled time, declared “We have delivered. I can say with pride that our job has been done for the benefit of the people of Nigeria and Cameroun which the bridge connects.”
Also commending the vision of the founding fathers in conceiving the project, the Minister acknowledged with gratitude the roles played by the funding partners, the Ministry’s Engineers and Directors as well as the host communities of Nigeria and Cameroon.
“The most important thing about this project is that the Bridge not only connects Nigeria and Cameroon but it begins a journey of a Trans-Africa connection. The Nigeria/Cameroon Multinational Highway from Enugu in Nigeria to Bamenda in Cameroun is also part of the Dakar-Lagos-Mombasa-Kenya Trans-African Highway and this is the significance of this project”, the Minister said.
In an interview, the Clan Chief of the host community, Ajassor, His Royal Highness Anthony Ntui Etta II, who represented the Paramount Ruler of the Town, expressed gratitude to the governments of Nigeria and Cameroon for their commitment to the execution and completion of the projects adding, “The Ajassor Clan are indeed very happy and grateful for the project”.
He added, “The significant of this project cannot be overemphasized as it will strengthen the already existing bond of affinity and further boost trans-border commercial activities between our communities with our kith and kin of Ekok border community in Cameroon and even beyond”.
The colourful ceremony carried out on the 1.5 metre Bridge and at the new Border Post was witnessed by top officials of both countries and representatives of ECOWAS and ECCAS as well as the funding partners, the AfDB, the European Union (EU), who also delivered goodwill messages, and other stakeholders like the Hon. Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, his Ministry of Power counterpart, Hon. Goddy Jedy Agba as well as Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Professor Sandy Onor.
The ceremony was spiced by traditional dancers from the host communities of both countries.
HAKEEM BELLO
SPECIAL ADVISER,
COMMUNICATIONS
TO THE HON. MINISTER
5TH NOVEMBER, 2022
Kogi Elders Decry Yahaya Bello’s performance
- Condemn abduction of Safiu, brother to Bello’s Chief of Staff
- Back PDP in 2023
- Task Buhari, security chiefs, others on kidnapping, political assassination
Top leaders of Kogi State on Thursday accused Governor Yahaya Bello of turning the domestic lives of the people upside down.
They also described the governor as a despot, symbol of oppression and erratic character.
In a statement in Lokoja, the leaders urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address the spate of kidnapping in Kogi State.
The statement issued by the Chairman of Kogi Indigenous Forum (KIF), Alhaji Mohammed Suleiman, accused the ruling party of abducting members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Safiu, stepbrother of Abdulkarim Asuku, the Chief of Staff to Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, was abducted on Monday
Particularly, the notable leaders accused the ruling party of hatching a destructive plan, orchestrating violence and deliberating using hit squads to destabilize the opposition in the state.
They described the Kogi State governor as a desperate and confused person who has no value for human life.
‘’Governor Yahaya Bello enjoys seeing the people in misery’’
The Igala, Ebira, Okun, Bassa Nge, Kakanda, Bassa-Komo and Oworo leaders underscored violence, terror and feelings of hatred against the opposition.
The eminent leaders blamed Bello for failing to address the state’s pressing needs.
They called on the electorate to vote out APC in the 2023 elections.
‘’PDP will break the back of APC. It will beat the ruling party, others in the 2023 elections’’
The group of respected leaders in the state scolded Bello for putting APC in an extremely difficult position.
‘’APC members in Kogi State are living in cloud-cuckoo land. Humiliation and embarrassment await Kogi APC 2023’’.
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU PREACHES UNITY, TOGETHERNESS, AS NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF CULTURES KICKS OFF IN LAGOS
- ‘We’re ready to Showcase Tourism, Export Creative Ideas to Global Market’ – Governor
Lagos State, on Wednesday, became the convergence of Nigeria’s diversity and cultures. The State literally turned the centre stage for the exhibition of local customs, arts and traditions in what appeared to be the largest cultural carnival in the country.
An array of elegantly dressed troupes from 29 states of the federation kept the guests’ attention hooked to flamboyantly rehearsed pageantry, flaunting the nation’s rich cultural heritage in the full glare of local and international audience.
The contingents are participants in the week-long festival tagged “EKO-NAFEST 2022”. The 35th National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) is being organised by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC).
Top Government officials, foreign envoys, traditional rulers, cultural ambassadors, NGOs, and schoolchildren made the roll call of guests at the festival’s opening ceremony held Mobolaji Johnson Pavilion, Onikan.
Lagos became the fourth time host of NAFEST, a cultural fiesta initiated in 1970 to foster national integration, strengthen understanding and unity among diverse ethnic groups and promote the peaceful co-existence.
The event will feature various competitions and non-competitive activities, including excursion trips to various tourist sites in the host city.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu declared the fiesta opened, charging the participants and audience to exhibit “true spirit of Lagos”, which he explained to be the State’s “accommodating nature” towards visitors.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos Government accepted the event’s hosting right in demonstration of its love for cultural advancement and promotion of togetherness.
As melting pot of culture and hub of commerce, the Governor said Lagos would continue to export the nation’s rich heritage and entertainment to the global market, thereby attracting foreign investment into the local creative and entertainment sector.
He said: “Lagos State Government is proud to be hosting NAFEST for the fourth time, having hosted the first edition in 1970. The foundational objectives of the festival is in line with our administration’s goals for the promotion of entertainment and tourism, which are a key pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda. We are deliberate about promoting every aspect of tourism, arts and culture, which is why we make it a practice to support, partner and collaborate in activities that would further strengthen our cultural heritage and promote our unity in diversity.
“For the next seven days, delegates from the states across the federation will be showcasing and celebrating our country’s cultural heterogeneity. As headquarters of entertainment and foremost commercial nerve centre of Africa, Lagos will continue to represent our country globally in creativity, music, films and culture. As a State, we are committed to supporting local talents and help them to export their creative ideas to the global market where they can exchange them for values.”
Sanwo-Olu re-echoed the need to use the cultural platform to engender peaceful co-existence and promote unity. He told the cultural troupes to eschew issues that that promote division and stoke tension.
As 2023 general elections draw close, the Governor urged the participants to use the opportunity to support leaders that would leverage the multi-cultural heritage and language to unify the country and bring back the spirit of togetherness among all citizens.
Rather than allowing differences in language and culture to divide them, Sanwo-Olu told participants to see the diversity as resources to be developed for collective advantage.
He said: “We are in the campaign season as our nation’s general elections has been scheduled to hold within the first quarter of next year. As political office holders continue to engage the electorate at this period, it is important to re-echo the message of unity and peaceful co-existence which NAFEST platform provides.
While we celebrate the Nigerian heritage and cultural diversity here today, my clarion call is that we take this an opportunity to elect leaders who will recognize and take advantage of our rich, multi-cultural heritage and language to unify us as a people and as a nation which was the intention of our founding fathers.”
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, advised the cultural to use the opportunity of the festival to explore the tourism sites in different parts of Lagos, especially the waterway transportation system being developed by the State Government.
She said peaceful co-existence remained the catalyst for national development, urging the delegates to engage in dialogue and activities that would guarantee the peace throughout the period of the event.
NCAC Director General, Otunba Segun Runsewe, expressed appreciation of the Council to Gov. Sanwo-Olu and members of the Local Organising Committee for putting necessary facilities and logistic arrangements in place for the hosting of the event.
He said: The contents of EKO-NAFEST 2022 have been deliberately drawn to reflect and resonate the importance of peace across our nation. The event also emphasises the need to mobilise our collective conscience to fully embrace our diversity in the interest of progress and prosperity.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
09 NOVEMBER 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU MEETS 36 FINALISTS, AS JAKANDE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY TAKES OFF
…30 selected fellows to start programme January
All is set for the inaugural session of Lateef Jakande Leadership and Fellowship Academy to take off, with the presentation of 36 finalists shortlisted for the programme to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the State House, Alausa, on Tuesday.
The meeting with the Governor formally ended the rigorous application process, which received over 3,000 applications across the country. The finalists will be prune to pave the way for the first cohort of 30 trainees, who will be admitted to start the fellowship next January.
Sanwo-Olu instituted the Leadership Academy to immortalise the first civilian Lagos Governor, the late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, who governed the State between 1979 and 1983.
The Academy was initiated with the objective to train and nurture young leaders with the right values and leadership skills to build institutions across sectors and make lasting impact on the society.
The finalists consisted mainly of youths from diverse backgrounds and sectors.
Sanwo-Olu, who had personal interaction with all the shortlisted candidates, said the initiative focused on leveraging education and mentoring to raise a new set of leaders that would sustain the values and legacy of the late Jakande in public governance.
Education, the Governor said, was one of the most iconic programmes of the Jakande administration, stressing that the best way to honour the late ex-Governor was to revive his most impactful legacy.
He said: “This Leadership Academy, for me, is part of my donation and legacy to give back not just to Lagos, but the entire country. The worth of a leader is not just being a leader, but how many future leaders he can raise. We created this fellowship to be a national project. The late Alhaji Lateef Jakande only governed Lagos for four years, but he made lasting impression on all the citizens and his name is etched on the minds of everyone.
“When the thought about setting up the Academy came, we said to ourselves we didn’t want to name another street or estate after Jakande, because his name has had a lot of that. We thought about establishing an institution that will sustain and project the values for which the late Jakande was known. We seek to raise young leaders that will take up the baton of leadership in years ahead and the only way we can do that is to be intentional and be deliberate in scouting for brilliant young people who are best in their own areas.”
Sanwo-Olu said the fellowship participation was intentionally limited to the age bracket that had opportunities for future leadership. This, he said, was to ensure seamless transferring of leadership baton to young people and create a better future for them.
The Governor emphasised the fellowship would promote diversity and balance gender inclusion, noting that the objective was not to leave anyone behind in equipping young people with leadership qualities that would transform them to change makers.
He said: “I believe all the shortlisted candidates have all it takes to make the change they desire to see. All we need to do is to help you build your capacity and push out the skills in you. If all these skills are harnessed, there will be nobody that will not learn from the other. This is our intention.
“I’ve listened to the stories and seen the passion you all have brought into this. Given the detailed selection we have done, I believe we are on the right track to achieve the goals of this initiative. I can imagine the output we will be coming up with one year down the line. Not only will you be ready to change the world, I believe you will be ready to take over the world.”
Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle, said the process through which the finalists were picked was competitive and thorough, noting that the fellows would be taken through rigorous training that would expose them to the procedures of public governance and administration.
She said the selected fellows would also have international exposure in the course of the training.
Some of them told the Governor their intentions for applying for the fellowship during personal interaction.
Miss Alexis Ogechukwu Ogba said she looked forward to imbibing values that would enable her raise her impacts in the health sector.
Hakeem Alausa, a young civil servant, hoped he would be able to build my capacity in policy development and implementation.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
09 NOVEMBER 2022
PRESS RELEASE
BOOST IN TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE FOR KANO, JIGAWA AS FG APPROVES DUALIZATION, RECONSTRUCTION OF SECTION TWO OF KANO-HADEJIA ROAD
- Over 350 jobs expected as dualization/reconstruction work begins on the Section II of the 82 km single and dual carriageways
- The road will open up settlements within the project vicinity and provide access for the evacuation of goods and services, says Fashola
In pursuance of its objective of improving transportation infrastructure across the six geopolitical zones of the country, the Federal Government has approved the dualization and reconstruction of the Kano-Kwannar-Danja-Hadejia Road traversing Kano and Jigawa States in the North West Zone of the country.
The approval given by the Federal Executive Council covers the 82-kilometre Road, which is a composition of both single and dual carriageways of two and four lanes respectively as Section II, comprising 58 KM single carriageway and 24 KM dualized carriageway length with the dualized section located in Kano City.
The FEC approval which was sequel to a memorandum dated October 31, 2022, and presented to it by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, covers the Section of the road which begins at Yankaba Roundabout located in Kano City, traversing through Gunduwawa, Jogana, Gezawa, Guruma, Kagadama, Kawo, Gabasawa, Unguwan Ari, Limawa and terminates at Tsalle Village linking both Kano and Jigawa States.
Stating the reasons for seeking the approval for the contract worth N94.14 billion, Fashola, said the road when completed would open up settlements within the project vicinity and provide access for the evacuation of goods and services adding that the socio-economic life of the host communities would also be enhanced.
The Minister explained to the Council that the Ministry had earlier on February 21, 2022, requested and obtained from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) the approval and a Certificate of “No Ojection” for the procurement procedure for the contract adding that the BPP granted the approval vide its letter dated April 8, 2022.
Fashola also informed the Council through the Memorandum that Due Diligence/Post Qualification conducted on the company showed that it is capable to execute the contract and is duly registered under the Nigerian law and fully compliant with the Nigerian Local Content Policy.
While itemizing the Scope of work on the road, the Minister said the road would also improve the socio-economic lives of the people within the stretch of the different communities in the project areas adding that the condition of the existing road pavement is characterized by failures such as potholes, loss of shoulder material and alligator cracks with complete loss of pavement structure at the other sections.
The Minister said there was also need to bring the dual carriageway section formerly constructed by the Kano State Government to the Ministry of Works’ standards and specifications, listing some of the construction improvements required on the existing road to include clearing on both sides of the road, provision of natural occurring materials that meet the specification as fill materials and provision of suitable laterite as base.
Other improvement materials required, the Minister stated, include provision of 60mm asphaltic concrete wearing course on carriageway junction and laybys as well as provision of new and replacement of access culverts at major turnings and junctions along the road, among others.
HAKEEM BELLO
SPECIAL ADVISER,
COMMUNICATIONS
TO THE HON. MINISTER
5TH NOVEMBER, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU INAUGURATES MINI HOUSING SCHEME, VOCATIONAL CENTRE IN SURULERE
…LSDPC Regenerates Criminal Hideout, Builds 20-Unit Apartments For Residents
From the dust of a filthy parcel of land emerges the Love Garden – an elegantly designed residential development in Surulere built by the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC).
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, led members of the State cabinet to commission the 20-unit two-bedroom apartments located on Olorogun-Allen Street, Surulere.
The opening of the mini-housing scheme was greeted by spontaneous jubilation in the neighbourhood. Residents, in their number, trooped out to receive and appreciate Governor Sanwo-Olu for transforming what used to be a criminals’ hideout into a cosy residential asset.
The suspended twin three-storey development sits on 2,719.30m square land belonging to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
Besides, the Governor also opened a vocational training centre built by LSDPC on Owolewa Street in Surulere.
Sanwo-Olu said the redevelopment of the abandoned land had not only provided accommodation for residents, noting that a major security threat in the area had also been solved.
The Governor said the transformation further reiterated the commitment of his Government to urban regeneration and infrastructural renewal. He commended the two agencies for the collaboration that led to the development.
“The land on which this project is sited used to be a security liability for residents of this neighbourhood. It was previously a massive school compound before the school was moved out of the site. The land was taken over by people of questionable character, who committed all sorts of atrocities and constituted threats to the residents’ peace. We had a conversation with SUBEB for the conversion of this fallow asset into a living asset.
“Today, the elegantly designed residential edifice is the outcome of the collaboration between LSDPC and SUBEB. We have created an enabling environment for Government agencies to collaborate with the private sector in order to reduce the housing needs of our people. Now, the beneficiaries of this scheme can raise their family in this nice ambience and serene environment. Community members will also live in harmony, as we have eliminated a major threat to their peace.”
Sanwo-Olu said the provision of safe and comfortable housing schemes for the citizens remained a key objective of his Government’s programmes, noting that the intervention had helped his administration to raise standards of living.
He said the State Government remained committed to scaling up access to safe and convenient housing while strengthening partnerships with the private sector to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
More housing projects, the Governor said, will be inaugurated before the end of the year. He charged beneficiaries to maintain the structure and encourage activities that would sustain the investment.
“For residents living in this neighbourhood, this development presents an opportunity to key into the Government’s urban regeneration programme and improve their environment to raise the quality of living. We must join hands to ensure the mega status of Lagos is sustained,” Sanwo-Olu said.
LSDPC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, said the housing scheme was built to reflect simplicity and elegance, while also being complemented with contemporary infrastructure. The apartments, he said, have dedicated uninterrupted power source in addition to being connected to the national grid.
Joseph said the Owolewa Vocational Centre was built by LSDPC as a Corporate Social Responsibility to give back to the Surulere community to further aid the State Government’s efforts at empowering young people with modern skills.
“I salute the maturity and cooperation displayed by the SUBEB management during the period of discussion to change the use of the property and rights to acquire it. Today, the outcome has become a win-win situation for both the LSDPC and SUBEB,” Joseph said.
Facilities in the mini scheme include a security section, water system, expansive car parking space and electricity supply system.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
08 NOVEMBER 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI SALUTES JIM OVIA ON HIS BIRTHDAY, COMMENDS HIS SERVICE TO SOCIETY
President Muhammadu Buhari wishes a Happy 71st birthday to Jim James Ovia CFR, CON, businessman and founder of Zenith Bank, Africa’s largest commercial bank, referring to him as a symbol of service and dedication.
He praised him for his life of service to society.
“Jim Ovia,” according to the President, “is a beloved citizen,” praising him for his visionary accomplishments in business and banking in particular, and “for his efforts to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks as demonstrated by the success of Zenith Bank, which he founded in 1990, as well as his commitment to the welfare of the nation and its people.”
President Buhari commended the banker for identifying with the administration from its inception, and for his support for the reform policies engendered by it.
In wishing Jim Ovia a happy birthday, President Buhari urged him to continue his service to the nation and its people and “to do even more in these tough times.”
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 4, 2022
US Court Releases Certified True Copy Of Judgment For The Forfeiture of $460,000 Belonging To Bola Ahmed Tinubu For Narcotics Trafficking And Money Laundering
It is no longer news that on October 4, 1993, Bola Ahmed Tinubu forfeited $460,000 to the United States Government for his involvement in narcotics trafficking and financial transactions in violation of the U.S laws. This 59-page attested court judgment confirms this.
In the cause of the investigations, representatives from Mobil Oil were interviewed regarding Tinubu’s employment status. The representatives confirmed that Tinubu was indeed employed by Mobil Oil Nigeria Ltd as a Treasurer. This position, however, does not involve the transfer of large amounts of money between banking institutions. Mobil Oil representatives stated that under no circumstances would Tinubu be permitted to retain money belonging to Mobil Oil in accounts bearing Tinubu’s name. Finally, Mobil Oil confirmed that the corporation never had any accounts in banks in southern suburbs of Chicago.
Consequently, the U.S Court ordered that the funds in the amount of $460,000 in the name of Bola Tinubu in account 263226700 held by First Heritage Bank represent proceeds of narcotics trafficking and was involved in financial transactions in violation of U.S laws.
The Court also ordered that First Heritage Bank shall issue a cheque in the amount of $460,000 payable to Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and be forfeited to the United States Government.
