News From Nigeria
The Supreme Court has fixed the date for the hearing petition of Abubarkar Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election, against President Bola Tinubu’s election.
The apex court fixed Monday, October 23 for the hearing of the case.
The PDP candidate on September 19 filed 35 grounds appeal challenging the verdict of the presidential election petitions which upheld Tinubu’s victory in the election.
The five-member panel headed by Justice Hassan Tsammani on September 6 dismissed the petitions filed by Atiku and his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, for lack of merit.
The former Vice President had also applied to the Supreme Court to file fresh evidence obtained from the Chicago State University against the president.
Atiku has continued to insist that Tinubu’s academic records are fraught with discrepancies and forgery and asked the apex court to kick him out of office.
PRESS RELEASE
NEW HOME, CAR OWNERS EMERGE AS COWLSO ENDS THREE-DAY WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
… Lagos Progress lies in the empowerment, participation of women, says Sanwo-Olu
As the 23rd edition of the National Women’s Conference organized by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), ends today, a new landlady of a 3-bedroom apartment in the Sangotedo area of Lagos State and a brand-new GAC salon car owner, have emerged in the Raffle Draw section of the Conference, among other star prize winners.
The winner of the 3-bedroom apartment at LagosHoms, Sangotedo, Mrs. Adu Oluwatoyin, was announced by Governor Sanwo-Olu after spinning the Raffle Draw Box to pick the winning number, While the winner of a brand-new GAC salon car;
Mrs. Ibitoye Kudirat was announced by the Chairman of COWLSO and the wife of the Governor, Dr. Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu uses the same process.
Aside the above winners, two other participants at the Conference won travel tickets worth N1.5Million and N2.5Million respectively, in addition to other winners of different household items.
Addressing the participants at the closing ceremony of the 2023 edition of the National Women’s Conference (NWC) of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), on Thursday, Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the theme of the Conference, “Unleash Your Potential,” is a reminder that everyone possesses the ability to make a difference, no matter the background or circumstances.
The Governor who congratulated the various Raffle Draw winners, especially the new homeowner who is one of the delegates from Ondo State, said that the emergency of Mrs. Adu as the winner of the three-bedroom apartment shows that the Raffle Draw process was transparent and open.
Sanwo-Olu, represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said that the various women and other individuals who were recognized at the event by COWLSO, are shining examples of what it means to unleash one’s potential, by making us believe that anything is possible with determination, resilience, and a heart full of passion.
“Oluwatimileyin Edwin, Adamson Basirat Oriyomi, and Hajiya Idayaa, we salute your unwavering dedication to the betterment of our society. Your stories and achievements serve as a beacon of hope for all, particularly the young women who aspire to reach greater heights. Your hard work, leadership, and your pursuit of excellence have left an indelible mark on Lagos State and the nation as a whole.
“We did not forget the invaluable contributions of the outstanding men who have received recognition in this conference for their unwavering commitment to the development of Lagos State. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the immediate past Head of Service of Lagos State, and Mr. Ayo Subair, the Executive Chairman of the Lagos Internal Revenue Service, have been champions in ensuring the progress and prosperity of our great state.” Sanwo-Olu stated.
The Governor emphasized that the progress of Lagos State, and indeed any society, is intrinsically tied to the empowerment and participation of its women. ‘It is not a question of if women should have a seat at the table; it is recognizing that they have always been essential to its foundation,’ Sanwo-Olu stated.
He urged the participants at the conference to embrace the spirit of empowerment and the belief that their potential is boundless, either as a professional, a businesswoman, a mother, or a leader, your potential is boundless.
“Let us leave this Conference with the commitment to unleash our potential and be the catalysts for the change that Lagos State and Nigeria needs. Let us continue to work together, irrespective of gender, to build a brighter, more equitable future for all. I wish all of you a safe journey back to your respective destinations.”
In his remarks to close the National Women’s Conference, the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdeulkadir represented by his Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau commended COWLSO for conceptualizing and executing an exceptional conference, noting that this initiative poised towards empowering women, promoting gender equality and fostering the spirit of collaboration among other States is highly commendable.
He noted that all hands must be on deck to confront Gender inequality and other women-related barriers that exist, emphasizing the need for equal opportunities for women in all facets of life. “Prompt action is required to eliminate the various obstacles women face” He added.
The Deputy Governor stressed that the various conversations discussed at the conference will further inspire women and lead to meaningful change and progress in the lives of women across the Federation.
Earlier, the First Lady of Lady State and Chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Dr. (Mrs) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu explained that this year’s conference had witnessed topnotch presentations and in-depth analysis from brilliant minds and industry experts who shared their thoughts and experiences on relevant topics in furtherance of the agenda to ensure that women make the best of their strength and capabilities as pillars in our various homes and society.
She said that the conference has addressed various challenges affecting women in today’s world, expressing confidence that the various conversations at the conference will further inspire women to unleash their potentials and influence the society significantly.
The First Lady advised the women and all participants to effectively utilize the various skills and network garnered at the conference, concluding by appreciating top government functionaries, public and private partners who have collaborated with COWLSO to ensured that the 23RD National Women’s Conference is a success.
NWONAH Olubukonla
Deputy Director, Public Affairs
19 October, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW LEADERSHIP ACROSS THE INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION SECTORS
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of eight ( new Chief Executive Officers for Parastatals and Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation:
(1) National Orientation Agency (NOA) — Director-General / CEO — Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu
(2) Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) — Director-General / CEO — Mr. Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos
(3) Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) — Director-General / CEO — Dr. Muhammed Bulama
(4) National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) — Director-General / CEO — Mr. Charles Ebuebu
(5) Voice of Nigeria (VON) — Director-General / CEO — Mr. Jibrin Baba Ndace
(6) Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) — Director-General / CEO — Dr. Lekan Fadolapo
(7) News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) — Managing Director / CEO — Mr. Ali Muhammed Ali
( Nigerian Press Council (NPC) — Executive Secretary / CEO — Mr. Dili Ezughah
The President tasks the newly entrusted leadership in these important sub-sectors to innovate and create new opportunities for Nigerians to leverage upon through the effective reform of these key institutions of government which function to unify our people, reshape mindsets, and showcase this great nation to the rest of the world.
By these directives of the President, the above listed appointments take immediate effect.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 19, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS WITHDRAWAL OF FERMA CHAIRMANSHIP NOMINATION
President Bola Tinubu has directed the withdrawal of the nomination of Engr. Imam Kashim Imam to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
The President’s withdrawal of the above-mentioned nomination is directed with immediate effect.
All other appointments to the Board and Executive Management team of FERMA are not affected by this directive.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 19, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW NADF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Muhammed Abu Ibrahim to serve as the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).
The President expects the new leadership at the Fund to successfully remove all barriers to efficient access to provisional funding in the sector for proven stakeholders nationwide who will credibly contribute to the Renewed Hope Agenda’s mandate in the attainment of complete self-sufficiency in local food production and eventual surplus export.
By this directive of the President, the above-mentioned appointment takes immediate effect.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 19, 2023
FG to close Third Mainland Bridge from Saturday, October 21, 2023 to Sunday, October 22, 2023 for repairs
The Federal Government on Thursday announced that the Third Mainland Bridge will be close to traffic from Saturday, October 21, 2023 to Sunday, October 22, 2023 for repairs.
The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Engr O. I. Kesha, who made this known in a statement, encouraged motorists to use alternative routes during the period of the palliative works.
Motorists had cried out over the deplorable state of some portions of the bridge which spans over 11.8km. The bridge reported to be the busiest in Nigeria alongside the Eko Bridge and the Carter Bridge connect Victoria Island to the mainland Lagos and has undergone several repairs in recent years.
Reacting, Kesha said the government is currently working on plans to carry out comprehensive repairs of Third Mainland Bridge.
“However, in order to alleviate the pains currently being experienced on the bridge, the Ministry would be carrying out palliative works on the most critically failed sections along the Adeniji bound carriageway on Sunday, 22nd October, 2023 preparatory to the comprehensive repair works,” the statement partly read.
“In view of the foregoing, the motoring public are advised to cooperate with the traffic management officials by obeying and observing all diversions as directed.
“However, motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes where possible during the period of the palliative works as the Adeniji bound of the bridge will be closed to traffic from Saturday ,21st October 2023 to Sunday, 22nd 12midnight.”
Tinubu appoints new NAN MD, others in the Information Ministry
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr Ali Muhammed Ali as the new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
This is contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Thursday in Abuja.
The other new leadership of the departments and agencies in the Ministry of Information and National Orientation are:
(1) National Orientation Agency (NOA) — Director-General /CEO — Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu
(2) Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) — Director-General/CEO — Mr Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos
(3) Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) — Director-General/CEO — Dr Muhammed Bulama
(4) National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) — Director-General/CEO — Mr Charles Ebuebu
(5) Voice of Nigeria (VON) — Director-General / CEO — Mr Jibrin Baba Ndace
(6) Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) — Director-General / CEO — Dr Lekan Fadolapo
(7) Nigerian Press Council (NPC) — Executive Secretary / CEO — Mr Dili Ezughah
The President tasked the new leadership to innovate and create new opportunities for Nigerians to leverage on through the effective reform of these key institutions of government.
He added that these institutions function to unify the people, reshape mindsets, and showcase Nigeria to the rest of the world.
The appointments of the new leadership take immediate effect.
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU, ABIODUN, DANGOTE, OTHERS BID AKINTOLA WILLIAMS FAREWELL
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday joined his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, among other eminent Nigerians, for the funeral service of the first indigenous chartered accountant in Nigeria and elder statesman, Chief Akintola Williams.
The funeral service held at the Shell Hall of the Muson Centre, Onikan by the Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo, Lagos, was also attended by former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; founder of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), captains of industry, bank executives, bishops, priests, family, friends and associates of the deceased both home and abroad.
Speaking at the funeral service, Governor Sanwo-Olu, described the late Williams as an outstanding Nigerian and big Lagosian.
He said: “At 104, how well would you describe a man that God first blessed with a long life and for a very long time, good health, and he had shown leadership at all levels? He was an outstanding Nigerian; a man who took his professional colleagues to enviable level worldwide.
“He was also a lover of God, a churchgoer, and a man who built the altar of a church. He had all of the pillars to tick as a good man. We can only wish the family all the very best.
“To the country, we have lost an outstanding Nigerian and for us in Lagos, we lost a big Lagosian. We will continue to have memories of the hospitable life that he lived. I will miss him personally. I believe he lived a good life.”
Also speaking, Governor Abiodun said the footprint of the late Akintola Williams will remain in the sand of time for many years because of what he stood for during his lifetime.
He said: “Baba (Akintola Williams) was an exceptional Nigerian because the Almighty God granted him the grace to live up to 104 years old. I am not sure we know many Nigerians that lived that long.
“He was a man after God’s heart. He was a big philanthropist and a lover of music. He was a man whose footprint will remain in the sand of time for many years for all that he stood for.
“On behalf of the government and the entire people of Ogun State and my family, we commiserate, congratulate and celebrate with the members of Baba’s immediate family and friends, the government and people of Lagos State, and of course Nigeria at large. We pray that God Almighty will grant the family and well-wishers the heart to bear the colossal loss.”
In his sermon, the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Makinde, urged family, friends and associates to immortalise the deceased by supporting the Akintola Williams Centenary Building Project of the Church.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
19 OCTOBER 2023
JULIUS BERGER PROJECTS: “We are looking forward to a successful partnership, great achievement and the commencement of a new era to the benefit of the people of Delta state.”
– Julius Berger MD, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter as Delta State Government and construction leader sign contract for construction of multiple flyover projects in Effurun, Warri.
Delta State Government and frontline engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, on Wednesday, signed a N78 billion contract for the construction of flyovers, cloverleaf and road expansion projects in Effurun and Warri metropolis of the state.
At the historic event, the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori said the choice of Julius Berger was informed not only by their excellent record but also by their experience in road construction, particularly in riverine terrains. Governor Oborevwori said the signing ceremony was a culmination of days and months of critical planning and deft negotiations and a major step forward in his administration’s plan to start an infrastructural revolution that would change the face of Warri and environs. “Today’s event is the high point of months of vigorous planning, meetings, reviews and tough negotiations. I am pleased that we have reached a point of agreement,” he said.
Continuing, the Governor said, “…it is pertinent to know that this is the first time in Delta State that we are engaging Julius Berger Plc in construction jobs. They have been in Delta, they worked in NPA, but this is the first time the state government is engaging them for construction projects. “On behalf of the government and the people of Delta state, I want to express my deep appreciation to Julius Berger PLC, the Ministries of Works (Highway and Urban roads), Justice, Finance and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for the countless energy invested in the process.”
The Governor said the choice of Julius Berger was informed not only by their excellent performance records but also by their experience in road construction in riverine terrains. He tasked the contractor to deliver the projects within 27 months. “We have seen what they have done in other states with topography like Warri and we are confident that they will replicate the same feat here.”
Governor Oborevwori added that upon completion, these projects will not only change the face of Warri and its environs, but also ease the traffic congestion in the area and alleviate the hardship faced by commuters.
On the good multiplier effect and positive collateral benefits of the projects to Deltans, Oborevwori said, “…it is often the case with road construction projects, there will be direct employment benefits for our people, especially, engineers, artisans and even food vendors. Transporters and so many others in the construction value chain also stand to benefit.”
The contracts include road expansion of a section of DSC/NPA Expressway, including a Cloverleaf Interchange at the existing Effurun flyover, alongside two pedestrian bridges, Flyover bridges at Enerhen junction to Marine Gate, DSC roundabout and PTI junction.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, and the Honourable Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, signed on behalf of the State Government, while the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Lars Richter, and the Regional Manager, Engr Friedrich Wieser, signed for the construction giant.
While thanking Delta State Government for giving the company the opportunity to deliver on the projects, Julius Berger Managing Director commended Governor Oborevwori for the vision and foresight in a huge investment and for the commencement of a new era for the people of the state. “We commend the Delta State Government for these projects, and we are honoured to be the chosen technical partners for the delivery of this vision. We are also looking forward to a successful partnership, a great achievement of the vision and the commencement of a new era to the benefit of the people of Delta state,” he said.
The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Omamuzo Erebe, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr Fred Edafioghor, witnessed the signing.
The Julius Berger team to the event in Asaba led by the Managing Director also included the company’s Regional Manager, South-south/South-east operations, Dr. Fiedrich Wieser, the Head of Contract management, Barrister (Mrs) Omonigho Brown, the Head of Media Relations, Prince Moses Duku, Esq; and Security Manager, Ferdinand Ugbomeh.
On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu sends warm greetings to former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), on his 89th birthday, and celebrates the elder statesman whose visionary leadership has shaped major milestones in Nigeria’s history.
The President extols General Gowon for institutionalizing the peace process in Nigeria with lasting legacies, such as laying the foundation for Nigeria’s federation through the creation of states; fostering cohesion, encouraging inter-ethnic warmth and understanding by establishing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and sustaining the pillars of harmony between Nigerians with the National Prayer Movement, which continues to inspire neighbourliness and a high degree of patriotism.
“His love and passion for Nigeria, as well as his determination to see into manifestation the unique gifts and combined strengths of all Nigerians, irrespective of faith, tribe or any other difference, remains a pace-setting attribute of leadership that all present and future Nigerian leaders must emulate,” the President says.
President Tinubu affirms that the courage, passion, and wisdom that General Gowon has consistently exuded from his youth, being Nigeria’s youngest leader at 32, has kept him steadfast and relevant at 89, as he continues to provide counsel to leaders, within and outside of the country, all while enjoying every measure of God’s amazing grace in enduring strength and health.
The President joins the wife of the former Head of State, his family members, and many friends in celebration.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU KICKS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF $100 MILLION LAGOS FILM CITY PROJECT
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, laid the first foundation block for the development of Lagos Film City — an ecosystem of creative cinematography, tourism, leisure, entertainment and learning.
The project, being sited on 100-hectares in Ejinrin town in Epe Division, is a legacy infrastructure initiated by the Sanwo-Olu administration to harness local talent and creativity to create new economic opportunities for talented youngsters in culture and entertainment industries.
The State Government sealed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with entertainment investors facilitated by Del-York Group to develop the one-stop campus for learning, film production, post-production, visual effects, and other ancillary services that support the filmmaking process.
Ogidi Studios and EbonyLife Cinema are among the indigenous entertainment partners that would work on the project to bring the Governor’s vision to reality.
Ejinrin, a coastal boundary town, literally became a beehive during the groundbreaking held at the site of the $100 million project.
Roll call of Nollywood veterans and notable theater practitioners that attended the ceremony included Alhaji Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello; Prince Jide Kosoko, Tade Ogidan, Prof. Sola Fosudo, Adewale Elesho, Saheed Balogun, Kunle Afolayan, and Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe among others. There were movie directors and young filmmakers.
The event also had in attendance traditional rulers and members of the diplomatic community, who expressed their excitement seeing Lagos launching a world-class infrastructure to tap into the global entertainment market.
Sanwo-Olu said the occasion marked a significant milestone in his administration’s journey to creating a thriving film industry in Lagos that would have a global appeal, while contributing to the economic growth and cultural development of the State.
The Governor said: “Today, we embark on a journey that will redefine the landscape of the film industry in Lagos. As we break the ground for this $100million project covering a land area of 100 hectares and which will be executed through PPP model, we are laying the foundation for a creative hub that will serve as a catalyst for innovation, talent discovery, and storytelling excellence. This is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the arts and supporting the dreams of aspiring filmmakers, actors, and technicians.
“It is our strong belief that the film industry has the power to transcend boundaries and bring people together. It has the ability to inspire, entertain, and educate. Through the magic of cinema, we can showcase the rich cultural heritage of Lagos, while telling stories that reflect our shared experiences, and amplify the voices of our diverse communities. This film city will serve as a canvas for these stories, providing a platform for our talented artists to shine on both local and global stages.”
When delivered, Sanwo-Olu said there would be no need for filmmakers to take their creative contents out of the country for final production of their works. He stressed that all required infrastructure and equipment needed to produce a globally accepted cinema production would be available in the Film City.
The Governor appealed to residents of the host community to support the project, noting that the Film City would turn around fallow assets of the town to create wealth for its inhabitants.
Through the project, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos would tap into the global entertainment GDP and create job opportunities for young cinematographers, while stimulating economic growth and attracting more foreign investment into the sector.
“The Film City is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about the people who will walk through its doors and breathe life into its spaces. It is about the dreams that will be realised, stories that will be told, and impacts that will be made. Our creative community is the beating heart of this film city, and we are committed to providing them with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. This is an ecosystem that will nurture creativity, foster collaboration and empower artists to push their craft beyond the local boundaries,” the Governor said.
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, noted that the idea to embark on the Film City project was initiated during the Governor’s transition period in 2019, adding that the project required committed investors and partners to bring it to life.
She said the commencement of the project’s construction further testified to the commitment of the Sanwo-Olu administration to invest in the infrastructure, and create an enabling environment for the creative economy to thrive in Lagos.
“By the time the Lagos Film City comes on board, the spiral-effect on Lagos profile as a tourist destination of choice would be appreciated beyond the entertainment sector,” the Commissioner said.
Founder of Del-York Group, Linus Idahosa, said allocation of private equity to investors in the project development underscored the Governor’s understanding of key partnerships required to deliver the vision and enhance growth in the creative sector.
He said: “This idea of strategic collaboration between the Government and stakeholders is what it takes to push the country forward. The future of this country will be determined by the creative energy we are about to harness through the Film City project.”
Elejinrin of Ejinrin, Oba Rafiu Balogun, said the occasion marked a new dawn for the natives, describing the Film City as the “first modern project” to be brought to the town, decades after the colonial masters left.
“Talents and endowment deposited in Ejinrin can now be enhanced for national development,” the monarch said, thanking the Governor for siting the project in the town.
Popular movie star, Femi Adebayo, who spoke on behalf of Nollywood, said the project represented the collective enthusiasm of theatre practitioners and creative community, stressing that the infrastructure would elevate professionalism in cinematography and entertainment.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
18 OCTOBER 2023
At Third Belt and Road Initiative Forum: China Commits To Refinancing, Completing Abuja-Kano, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri Railways
**As President Jinping pledges more investments in Nigeria’s power generation*
In what could best be described as a major milestone for Nigeria at the ongoing Belt and Road Initiative Forum (BRI) in Beijing, China has committed to refinancing and completing the Abuja-Kano and Port- Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects.
President of Peoples Republic of China, Xi Jinping, made the pledge today while responding to requests made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who, was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, at a bilateral meeting with the Chinese leader in Beijing.
It would be recalled that since the launch of the projects, China is yet to release funds for the two major railway projects in Nigeria largely due to cutbacks and commitments.
China had agreed to provide 85 per cent financing for the construction of the Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects, while Nigeria which had the duty of paying the balance 15% paid its part of the funding from inception of the project through appropriations.
The crucial infrastructure also termed a legacy project has the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation as the contractors named to execute the project.
The Chinese President who was visibly elated to receive the Nigerian delegation led by Vice President Shettima at the Peoples Building in China, pledged increased investment in Nigeria’s power generation and digital economy called for the protection of Chinese nationals working in Nigeria, saying he would, in turn, ensure that the Nigeria-China bilateral relation is stronger than before.
President Jinping promised that China will enhance political support and build cooperations in all fields, just as he appreciated Nigeria’s support of one China Policy.
Pledging to further deepen practical cooperations, the Chinese leader threw his weight of support behind the Renewed Hope Manifesto of President Bola Tinubu and his 8-point economic agenda adding that China will support Nigeria’s exports, especially as it relates to peanuts and others, even as the China – Africa talent initiative remains key in its cooperation with Nigeria.
In the area of security, President Jinping promised continued crackdown on terrorists, assuring categorically that China is committed to peace in the Sahel region, more so that its long-standing military trainings and MoUs on joint exercises remain sacrosanct.
Noting that China is committed to peace, President Jinping said, “Like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated recently at the last United Nations General Assembly, Africa does not need to run away. Africa holds the key to the World. We support Nigeria to play key roles in international relations and upholding allies’ commitments.
“Mr Vice President, you spoke about upscaling and further upgrading of our strategic relationship, and I totally agree with you. Nigeria is developing with big potentials. I totally agree with you. Our foreign Ambassadors can stay and work out this upgrading”.
Speaking earlier, Vice President Shettima who delivered the well-wishes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the rail projects as very vital to the President and people of Nigeria, saying it remained a legacy project that would further open up the nation’s economy, create jobs and boost trade and investments across the country.
The vice President said President Tinubu remains committed to a stronger Nigeria – China tie, addng that it was laddened with respect, non-political interference and mutual international cooperations.
“Our relationship commenced about 50 years ago, precisely in 1971 and it has been upgraded to a comprehensive partnership but we crave your indulgence, Your Excellency, to further upgrade this relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership because of the importance we attach to our relationship with China.
“When we met in South Africa at the China Plus 1 summit I was very honest and upright with you. Beyond the infrastructural support we are getting; why we love, cherish and respect China is that you treat us with respect and dignity. You don’t dictate to us who our friends are. We don’t forget our friends. China stood by us through thick and thin from the post-colonial struggles for independence in Zimbabwe, Angola, Mozambique, the struggle for the emancipation of our people in Southern Africa; China stood shoulder to shoulder with the African continent, we thus appreciate your friendship,” VP Kashim submitted.
President Jinping had before his audience with Vice President Kashim Shettima formally declared the Forum which had numerous heads of states and top government officials open.
Nigeria Will Leverage On Ties With China To Improve Digital Space, Says VP Shettima
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima today said Nigeria will leverage its relationship with China to adopt programmes that will improve the country’s digital space, among other benefits.
Sen. Shettima also assured member countries of the Belt and Road Initiative of Nigeria’s readiness to “collaborate with the group and other emerging markets to bring about a positive shift in the growth and development of global economies.”
The Vice President stated these in his keynote address themed, “Digital Economy As A New Source Of Growth”, delivered during the High-Level Forum at the onging 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, China.
The Vice President who spoke on Nigeria’s efforts at leveraging collaborations with partners to deploy technology in addressing some of its challenges, noted: “We are keen on using the instrumentality of the existing robust Nigeria-China bilateral relations to maximally key into projects under the platform of the Digital Silk Road for the improvement of our digital space.”
Speaking about Nigeria’s efforts in leveraging the digital space to create jobs and diversify the economy, Sen. Shettima said, “Nigeria has recorded a number of achievements including a digitalized public service, developed banking and e-payment systems, electoral reforms through the introduction of the electronic registration of voters and e-transmission of votes, thus creating ripple effects of job creation and human capacity building opportunities for our teeming youth population.”
Continuing, the VP said, “We have recently unveiled the new strategic blueprint, accelerating our collective prosperity through technical, as part of the Federal Government’s initiative to accelerate the diversification of the Nigerian economy by enhancing productivity in critical sectors through technological innovation.”
He added: “Through this strategic blue print, the Federal Government aims to achieve three key objectives namely: Accelerate the growth of Nigeria as a global technical talent hub and net exporter of talent. One of the goals of this talent hub is to train three million early to mid-career technical talents throughout the next four years (2022-2027); Deepen and accelerate’its position in global research in key technology areas; and Raise the complexity and dynamics of Nigeria’s economy by significantly increasing the level of digital literacy across the country.”
The Vice President also spoke about Nigeria’s broadband penetration rate from 50 to 70 per cent by the end of 2025 and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s domestic card scheme code named “Afri Go” to rival foreign cards like Master and Visa cards, and stregthen the national payment system.
The Vice President was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu; Minister of Transportation, Mr Saidu Alkali; Ambassador of Nigeria to China, Baba Ahmad Jidda and others.
*Stanley Nkwocha*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications*
*(Office of the Vice President)*
*18th October, 2023*
ECA and Transsion Sign Agreement to Foster and Accelerate Digital Transformation in Africa
Beijing, 18 Oct 2023, (ECA) – The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Shenzhen Transsion Holdings Co., Ltd. (Transsion) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster and accelerate digital transformation in Africa.
The partnership is founded on the complementary expertise and strengths of both parties, with a primary focus on fostering collaboration in research and analytical studies. The shared goal of the two institutions is to provide valuable insights and policy recommendations in key areas of the digital ecosystem in Africa, including e-commerce, fintech, digital payments, financial inclusion, digital trade, and more. Both organizations intend to harness the power of emerging technologies, big data, innovative tools and platforms to achieve these objectives.
Acting Director of the Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resource Management Division at ECA Nassim Oulmane appreciated Transsion’s pivotal role in enhancing access to affordable and high-quality digital technology for African citizens and commended Transsion’s proactive involvement with various stakeholders, including ECA, in driving Africa’s digital transformation forward.
“This partnership can yield meaningful and impactful results in addressing digital challenges and bridging the digital divide on the African continent,” Mr. Oulmane remarked.
Africa is currently the continent with the lowest level of connectivity in the world, where 60% of its population remains offline. The ECA is dedicated to bridging digital divides by promoting infrastructure development and affordability, digital policy formulation, and fostering digital skills.
Harnessing Africa’s potential to embrace digital development and achieve the SDGs and Agenda 2063 requires that Africa’s youth, which will represent almost half of global youth by 2030, is ready for a digital future and the 4th Industrial Revolution.
Founder and Chair of Transsion, Mr. George Zhu Zhaojiang, said: “We are pleased to be ECA’s collaborator and technical partner. We will give full play to Transsion’s technical expertise, as well as Transsion Innovation Hub’s investment capabilities and strategic resources, to jointly empower the development of Africa’s digital economy, and help build new momentum for growth in the African economy.
Mr. Zhu Zhaojiang further added that through Transsion’s data platform DataSparkle, the company will also provide data analytics support for Internet access and digital development in Africa.
Senate appoints Oyelola Yisa Ashiru , Nwebonyi Onyeka as Deputy Leader and Deputy Chief Whip
The Senate on Wednesday appointed Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru of the All Progressives Congress representing Kwara South as its new Deputy Leader of the Senate.
The Senate also appointed Senator Nwebonyi Onyeka as the new Deputy Chief Whip.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the new appointments at plenary.
Ashiru, who was hitherto the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate was elevated to the position of deputy leader of the Senate which became vacant, following the appointment of Senator Dave Umahi as Minister of Works by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Senate also confirmed the nominations of Mr. Ola Olukoyede, Halima Shehu and Muhammd Hammajoda.
President Bola Tinubu had nominated Olukoyede as the chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Shehu as the national coordinator, National Social Investment Programme Agency, and Muhammd Hammajoda as the new secretary of the nation’s anti-graft agency.
The appointees were confirmed in the upper chamber on Wednesday, October 18.
The request for confirmation by Tinubu was conveyed in a letter sent to the Senate and read during Tuesday’s plenary session by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau.
Meanwhile, the former senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, Elisha Abbo, has apologised over his allegation that Senate President Godswill Akpabio plotted his removal by the Court of Appeal.
Abbo tendered his apology while speaking in an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday.
He said, “I have to say with all sense of humility and responsibility that the press release we issued yesterday was premature and based on the available information at our disposal.
“As of today, we have discovered a lot of things, and yesterday night, I had a discussion with the Senate President, and I am convinced that he is not involved.
He quoted Akpabio as saying to him, “I swear by my mother’s grave that I’m not involved; I don’t even know that you’re in court.”
Abbo further stated, “For a number three citizen to come up to tell me that he has sworn on his mother’s grave, a woman that he loves so much, a woman who brought him up after he lost his father at the age of six, I don’t see a reason why he would lie.”
NDLEA detains 2 wanted drug barons, arrests two others for ingesting 175 wraps of heroin
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have taken into custody two wanted heads of transnational criminal organisations with multi-billion-naira worth of illicit drugs and assets seized from them after weeks of intelligence-led operations across the country and outside Nigeria.
The arrest of the wanted drug lords came on the heels of the interception of consignments of cocaine and heroin buried in the bellies of two traffickers heading to Paris, France and Doha, Qatar by NDLEA officers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja.
Operatives at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos on Tuesday 10th October succeeded in taking into custody, Hakeem Babatunde Salami, the arrowhead of “Tajudeen Babatunde Abioye Transnational Criminal Organization” involved in the illicit trade of several narcotics including Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine, and Ephedrine between Nigeria, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Mozambique, and Europe. He fled Nigeria to South Africa upon the arrest of a member of his syndicate, Suleiman Babatunde Oba at the Lagos airport on August 25 over attempt to export 25.10kgs of ephedrine to South Africa.
Hakeem Babatunde Salami was however smoked out of hiding through partnership with South African authorities and other intelligence and investigative mechanisms. While some of his luxury vehicles have been seized and his home in Surulere Lagos sealed, other members of the cartel already in custody include Suleiman and Godwin Edet Mathew.
In his statement, he claimed he was into the importation of building materials from China to Nigeria and used to sell gold in South Africa before delving into the illicit drug trade about two years ago.
The head of another cartel, Okafor Ikechukwu Williams (aka Jantu) and his wife, Okafor Ifeyinwa Grace were also taken into custody on Thursday 5th October when NDLEA operatives raided their hideout at 9 Awa Street, Ago Palace, Okota area of Lagos where they recovered 27.566 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in a blue box and two sacks, ready for export to Europe and Asia. Their Lexus RX350 marked ABJ 512 AY parked in the house was also seized during the operation. Their arrest followed weeks of intelligence gathering about the activities of the criminal network.
At the Abuja airport, operatives on Friday 6th October arrested a drug trafficker, Nwofor Ejiogu Charles, 45, during the outward clearance of Qatar Airways flight QR 1432 to Doha. After body scan revealed he ingested cocaine, he was placed under observation during which he excreted 75 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.653kgs. At the point of his arrest, Nwofor who was the last passenger to board his flight offered to compromise an NDLEA officer with $3,000 to free him.
The following day, Saturday 7th October, another trafficker, Nwufo Charles Okwudili, 45, was also arrested while attempting to board Lufthansa Airlines flight LH 0595 to Paris, France via Frankfurt, Germany. After being put through body scanner, he was taken into recovery room where he excreted 96 wraps of heroin he ingested with a total weight of 1.413kgs.
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Okene -Lokoja-Abuja expressway on Tuesday 10th October intercepted a commercial bus coming from Lagos to Kano. A search of the bus led to the seizure of Four Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty Thousand US Dollars ($4,880,000), and Fifty-Seven Million Céfa, (CFA57,000,000) suspected to be counterfeits.
In Sokoto, the Federal High Court in the state capital presided over by Justice Ahmad Mahmud has sentenced an acting district head, Alhaji Umar Mohammed (aka Dan Bala) to five and a half years in jail on four count charges of possession and dealing in 436.38kgs cannabis and 7kgs psychotropic drugs brought against him by NDLEA in October 2022. He was convicted and sentenced to two years on each of counts 1 and 2 with an option of N1million fine, and eight months on each of counts 3 and 4 without an option of fine.
Operatives in Edo state on Wednesday 11th October stormed the Orue forest, Owan West LGA where they arrested Happy Akashili, 37, and Solomon Uwesue, 40 in a hut located inside a cannabis farm measuring 2.367308 hectares which was destroyed, with 92kgs already processed skunk recovered, while 49kgs of same substance were also seized at Ogbeturu camp.
The Commands across the country balanced their drug supply reduction operations with War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaigns to schools, markets, worship centres and communities. Some of these include: WADA sensitisation lecture on Drug Use and Mental Health for students of 15 secondary schools in Ibadan metropolis at the University of Ibadan, Oyo state; WADA sensitisation lecture for students of Ascension College, Iworo Imeke, Badagry Lagos; WADA sensitisation lecture at Modern Comprehensive College, Amokwe, Udi LGA, Enugu; WADA sensitisation lecture for students of National Secondary school, Awka; Students of JIBWIS Islamic Science Secondary school, Herwagana, Gombe; students of Government College, Makurdi, Benue; students of Government secondary school (Boys), Kafin Maiyaki, Kano and students of JNI Special Model primary School, Gusau, Zamfara.
While commending the efforts of the NAIA, MMIA, Kogi, Sokoto and Edo Commands of the Agency as well as the Special Operations Unit targeting the drug cartels, for jobs well done in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) assured that officers and men of the Agency will never let down their guards no matter the tricks and distractions orchestrated against it by criminal networks.
Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters Abuja
Sunday 15th October 2023
EFCC arraigns Sunday Simon,( a.k.a Ryan Eggold ) for defrauding an American: Garri Kalish, the sum of $800
The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on October 16, 2023, arraigned one Sunday Simon,( a.k.a Ryan Eggold ) before Justice A.A Isiaka of the Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kaduna, for defrauding an American: Garri Kalish, the sum of $800( Eight Hundred Dollars only).
The offence is contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offence Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
Simon was arraigned on two-count charges bordering on cybercrime.
One of the counts reads: “That you, Sunday Simon(a.k.a Ryan Eggold, male, sometimes in April 2023 in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, did obtain the sum of $800(Eight Hundred United States dollars)from one Garri Kalish, a citizen of the United States of America under the pretence of being into a romantic relationship, a pretence you knew to be false, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offence Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act”.
The suspect pleaded not guilty to the two charges.
In view of his plea, prosecution counsel K. Ogunlade prayed the court for a trial date and the remand of the defendant at the Kaduna Correctional Centre.
Meanwhile, defence counsel, K.S Istifanus, made an oral application for bail which was opposed by Ogunlade.
After listening to both counsels, Justice Isiaka adjourned the matter till October 24, 2023 for hearing of bail application, and thereafter ordered the remand of the defendant at the Kaduna Correctional Centre.
Simon was arrested by operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC at Agwa, Trikania in Kaduna in a sting operation. In the course of investigations, his mobile phone was analysed which revealed different fake Instagram accounts and Facebook accounts where he presented himself as an American actor, Ryan Eggold in his chats with unsuspecting women.
Media & Publicity
October 17, 2023
EFCC ARRESTS UNVIVE TEGWOLO, IMEMESI DANIEL, OJO OSA TOHANMWEN, OLISE GODSPOWER IKENNA, KADIRI ERIC, YAKUBU ALIYU IZEGWIRE, OMOZUAFO COLLINS, ELECT OSAYUWA, DESTINY EWERE, AYODELE EUGENE, ERIC ONWUSIWEKA, OKEKE BENJAMIN, IMANAH DESTINY, KENNETH ANYENIBIE, URIEL OGWUEZI, PRINCE JOSHUA AND IBEJE DANIEL.
Operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 arrested 17 suspected internet fraudsters in Benin City, Edo State.
They were arrested at their hideouts, in different locations, following actionable intelligence on their nefarious activities.
The suspects are Unvive Tegwolo, Imemesi Daniel, Ojo Osa Tohanmwen, Olise Godspower Ikenna, Kadiri Eric, Yakubu Aliyu Izegwire, Omozuafo Collins, Elect Osayuwa, Destiny Ewere, Ayodele Eugene and Eric Onwusiweka.
Others are Okeke Benjamin, Imanah Destiny, Kenneth Anyenibie, Uriel Ogwuezi, Prince Joshua and Ibeje Daniel.
Items recovered from them include different exotic cars, phones and laptops.
They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Media & Publicity
October 17, 2023
Gabriel Ohaohakara gets one year imprisonment for $30,000 crypto investment fraud
Justice O.O. Abike -Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced one Gabriel Ohaohakara to one year imprisonment for $30,000 crypto investment fraud.
The convict perpetrated the scam by creating a fake investment website, britishtradelimited.com, and a telegram channel for the same purpose.
He was jailed on Thursday, October 12, 2023 after pleading guilty to one-count charge bordering on crypto currency fraud, upon being arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The charge reads: “That you, IHEOHAKARA GABRIEL, on or about the 24th November, 2022 in Lagos, within the Judicial Division of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, had in your possession document containing “Crypto Currency Fraud Activity” and other related documents for an online fraudulent activity which you knew to be false.” The offence is contrary to Sections 6, 8 (b) and 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud.
He pleaded “guilty” to the charge when it was read to him.
Following his guilty plea, prosecution counsel, Akhanolu Ikhuoria Godsent, prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordignly.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, October 12, 2023, Justice Abike-Fadipe convicted him and sentenced him to one year imprisonment, with an option of fine of N1,000, 000( One Million Naira only) and 1000 hours of community service.
The Judge also ordered that the iPhone 13 pro max recovered from him be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria, while the sum of $30000 be restituted to the victim.
Ohaohakara’s journey to the Correctional Centre started when he created a fake investment website, britishtradelimited.com, and a telegram channel for the same purpose. Investigation revealed that a syndicate of fraudsters, sometime in August 2021, sent a message on Telegram with the pseudo name, British Trade Limited, to one Adilio Pizzolo, a Brazilian, offering an investment opportunity in British Trade Limited.
It was further revealed that Pizolo, who later became the victim, had created an account on British Trade Limited as well as an account in a Brazilian bitcoin broker called “Foxbit ” through which he was able to convert Brazilian Reals to bitcoin. Pizolo was made to deposit approximately $30,000 worth of bitcoins to an address provided by the suspect during a live chat that was integrated on the fictitious ‘British Trade Limited’ website.
Media & Publicity
October 16, 2023
Management and staff of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc celebrated the maiden edition of the Company’s Annual Cultural Day Friday amid fanfare with staff, Nigerians and expatriates representing the various tribes in the country.
The event which was celebrated nationwide both in the Head office in Abuja as well as at all the operational regions and sites of the Julius Berger Group,saw staff resplendently dressed in diverse local attires exhibiting the rich culture of the peoples of Nigeria.
In Abuja, the Head of Human Resources Department, Olorunfemi Ojomo kickstarted the event when he welcomed staff members and other guests, encouraging all to savour the significance of the ceremony as a celebration of the rich and diverse culture of the warm and lively Nigerian society.
Other Management staff at the ceremony included the Regional Manager of the company’s Region Central North (RCN) Engr. Oliver Berger, Project Coordinator, Engr. Dr. Ismaila Amodu Mohammed, Head of Human Resources Directorate, Alexander Conford, the Senior Contracts Manager, Barrister (Mrs) Omonigho Brown, the Company’s Chief Risk Officer, Mrs Shakira Mustapha, and a host of other senior and junior as well many expatriate staff of the company.
At the Ijora Lagos Office of Region West of the company, Regional Manager, Commercial, Alexander Bauer and his Technical colleague, Christl Thomas led the staff to the unique celebration of Nigeria culture with Bauer saying that the event is the company’s way of identifying with the rich culture of the people of Nigeria.
He called on the staff to always be proud of their respective cultures as diverse as they are, adding that their diversity generates interests that strengthen, unify and galvanise them together as one big family. The Day, he said, even as he added that the Day is now in the company’s Calendar planned to be an annual event following the successful inauguration.
Christl Thomas, the Regional Manager (Technical) who dressed up at the event as a proud representative of the South-eastern Igbo tribe, did not mince words in saying that, “…today we all stand up to represent each Nigerian tribe as possible. We are harnessing our cultural diversity by dressing in any Nigerian tribal dress and tasting local delicacies including soups and other foods. We are celebrating our maiden Cultural Day. It marks the celebration of our cultural diversity here in Nigeria and we hope to reap all the benefits that derive from such values that will enhance the operational efficiency of all staff.“
In preparing for the event, the Human Resource Department in underscoring the seriousness that Management attached to the event had informed the workers that only employees whose jobs require the use of PPEs or wearing of uniforms were exempted. Thus, all other personnel joyfully participated as one happy corporate family in their diverse and colourful Nigerian traditional attires at the clearly exciting event.
The Abuja and Ijora Lagos events as well as at other sites like Uyo, Akwa Ibom State were marked by visits to the designated booths for photo sessions and posting on social media handles with hashtags #HarnessingOurDiversity ~JBNCulturalDay; #CelebratingJBDiversity, fashion show on blue carpet amidst more photo sessions and presentations from a few cultural dances.
Traditional foods from all sections of the country were on display and later served to staff and guests as refreshments.
4 October 2023
BET Hip Hop Awards 2023 to honour Kiernan “AKA” Forbes with Global Visionary Award posthumously
Press Assets*
The 2023 “BET Hip Hop Awards” is set to commemorate the late Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes with the prestigious Global Visionary Award, recognizing his profound impact on the global Hip-Hop landscape.
Accepting the award on his behalf during a pre-recorded special during the International airings of the show are AKA’s family, Lynn & Tony Forbes, who stated, “This is a bittersweet moment for us as a family. Kiernan lived for music and gave his all to creating a legacy that has outlived him. Thank you BET for bestowing such a rightful honour to Kiernan. He would have accepted this award with pride. We are humbled to receive and acknowledge this honour on his behalf, especially for Kairo, who gets to witness her father’s legacy live on.”
Monde Twala, Senior Vice President & GM Paramount Africa & Lead BET International, commented on the significance of the award and AKA’s unparalleled vision and contributions to Hip Hop, saying, “Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes was not just a music icon, he was a visionary. BET is proud to celebrate his innovative spirit and unwavering dedication to his craft which left an indelible mark on the world. We are honoured to recognize his extraordinary contributions with the Global Visionary Award at the 2023 ‘BET Hip Hop Awards’ AKA’s legacy will forever inspire future generations, reminding us that music transcends borders and has the power to unite us all.”
Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy will oversee the annual show with Executive Producer for BET Jamal Noisette, VP, Specials & Music Programming. Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, to serve as Executive Producer of “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2023 along with Jesse Collins Entertainment’s Jeannae Rouzan–Clay and Dionne Harmon.
For more information about “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2023, including the latest news and updates, visit bet.com/hiphopawards.
Join the conversation on social media by logging on to multiple BET social media platforms: On Twitter by using the hashtag #HipHopAwards; follow us @HipHopAwards and @BET; On Facebook by liking the fan page at facebook.com/HipHopAwards.
4 October 2023
Goldberg, Life Beer take center stage as Nigerian Breweries presents ‘The Big Weekend Experience’
Prepare for an explosion of excitement as Nigerian Breweries sets the stage ablaze this September and October with “The Big Weekend Experience” – an extraordinary fusion of beer and music that guarantees an exhilarating spectacle! From September 17th to October 22nd, beer and music lovers from across Nigeria are cordially invited to celebrate life, good music, great company, and the finest brews.
Goldberg and Life Beer will lead the charge, ensuring this event is an experience like no other. But that’s not all; the entire portfolio of top-notch brands like 33 Export, Star, Desperados, Heineken, Zagg, Legend, the newest brand in the teeming portfolio, Goldberg Black and many more, will also be making appearances at the activations, offering a wide array of options to satisfy every consumer.
Under the vibrant Nigerian night sky, some of the nation’s most electrifying music artists, including Skales, Orezi, and May D, will take the stage, promising an energy level that will set hearts racing and rhythms that will be impossible to resist.
Mfon Bassey, National Trade Marketing Manager at Nigerian Breweries Plc, highlighted our unwavering commitment to quality brands and creating thrilling consumer experiences. He declared, “Nigerian Breweries has been synonymous with quality brands and experiences for decades. We’ve pioneered events like Star Trek, Gulder Ultimate Search, Maltina Dance All, and many others that show our dedication to setting the standard. This time, we’re bringing our finest brews to ‘The Big Weekend Experience,’ ensuring that no one is left out.”
Skales, one of the performing artists at the event, shared his personal connection during the press conference. He fondly recalled growing up with his grandmother and mother running a warehouse housing brands from the Nigerian Breweries portfolio. He expressed his joy at being part of the artist lineup for “The Big Weekend Experience.”
According to Ita Bassey, Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc., “The Big Weekend Experience is packed with non-stop entertainment, games, and surprises. It’s more than a party; it’s about creating memorable experiences for our customers. The Big Weekend is our way of thanking our loyal customers for their unwavering support over the years.”
“The Big Weekend Experience” promises music, laughter, and the perfect brews to lift consumers’ spirits nationwide. To stay updated on the dates and outlets closest to you, follow The Big Weekend on social media at @bigweekendexp. This is the event that’s about to take Nigeria by storm, and you won’t want to miss a beat!
5 October 2023
Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Asake, Arya Starr nominated for 2023 MTV EMAs
Burna Boy, Asake, Diamond Platnumz, Libianca, Tyler Icu, Among Top Contenders for Best African Act as Voting Opens
Music’s Biggest Global Celebration Will Broadcast air Live From Paris On Sunday, 5 November, at 20:00 WAT across 150+ countries on MTV (DStv Channel 130) & MTV Base (DSTV Channel 322)
MTV has announced the nominees for 2023 MTV EMAs, with African global stars, Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Asake, Ayra Starr and Aya Nakamura, nominated for the “Best Afrobeat” category. Asake, Burna Boy, Libianca, Diamond Platnumz and Tyler ICU also shine in the “Best African Act” category. The awards will broadcast live on MTV and MTV Base at 20:00 WAT on DStv channels 130 and 322, respectively.
Taylor Swift leads the pack with seven nods, including “Best Artist,” “Best Song” and “Best Video.” Olivia Rodrigo and SZA follow closely with six nominations each, also for “Best Artist,” “Best Song” and “Best Video.” Doja Cat, Måneskin, Miley Cyrus and Nicki Minaj each earned four nominations including “Best Song” and “Best Artist.”
There are twenty-six first-time nominees ahead of music’s biggest global celebration, with three nominations for BTS’ Jung Kook, marking his first MTV EMA nominations as a solo artist. Central Cee, FLO, Ice Spice, PinkPantheress scored three nominations each, while Asake, Coi Leray, Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, NewJeans, Peso Pluma and Reneé Rapp are all nominated twice.
“2023 marks a historic moment for the MTV EMAs as we proudly embrace and celebrate the rich diversity of talent from across the globe. This year’s nominations reflect our commitment to showcasing artists from all corners of the world, highlighting their unique voices and talent. We are thrilled to introduce the ‘Best Afrobeats’ category, a testament to the global impact and influence of this vibrant genre,” says Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Paramount Africa and Lead for BET International.
Paris Nord Villepinte, operated by Viparis, is the official venue for the 2023 MTV EMAs. The spectacular live event is marking its first return to Paris since 1995 with a colorful, immersive MTV EMA wonderland for fans to enjoy.
The 2023 MTV EMAs will broadcast live on MTV in more than 150 countries. The show will also be available in multiple international territories live on Pluto TV and on-demand on Paramount+.
Beginning today, fans can vote for their favorites across categories including “Best Song,” “Best Artist,” “Best Collaboration,” plus new category “Best Afrobeats” at www.mtvema.com until 31 October, at 10:59pm WAT.
The “Biggest Fans” and “Best Group” winners will be voted for at a later date via @MTVEMA on social media.
The winner of the “Best Video” category will be chosen by MTV.
Fans from 24 regions around the world can also vote for their favorite artists in the “Best Local Act” category.
Tickets for the 2023 MTV EMAs will be on-sale from 19 October via http://www.fnacspectacles.com/.
COMPLETE LIST OF 2023 MTV EMA NOMINEES:
BEST AFROBEATS
Asake
Aya Nakamura
Ayra Starr
Burna Boy
Davido
Rema
BEST AFRICAN ACT
Asake
Burna Boy
Libianca
Tyler ICU
Diamond Platnumz
BEST SONG
Doja Cat – Paint The Town Red
Jung Kook feat. Latto – Seven
Miley Cyrus – Flowers
Olivia Rodrigo – vampire
SZA – Kill Bill
Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
Rema, Selena Gomez – Calm Down
BEST VIDEO
Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion – Bongos
Doja Cat – Paint The Town Red
Little Simz – Gorilla
Miley Cyrus – Flowers
Olivia Rodrigo – vampire
SZA – Kill Bill
Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
BEST ARTIST
Doja Cat
Miley Cyrus
Nicki Minaj
Olivia Rodrigo
SZA
Taylor Swift
BEST COLLABORATION
Central Cee x Dave – Sprinter
David Guetta, Anne-Marie, Coi Leray – Baby Don’t Hurt Me
KAROL G, Shakira – TQG
Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, 21 Savage – Creepin’
PinkPantheress, Ice Spice – Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2
Rema, Selena Gomez – Calm Down
BEST NEW
Coi Leray
FLO
Ice Spice
Peso Pluma
PinkPantheress
Reneé Rapp
BEST POP
Billie Eilish
Dua Lipa
Ed Sheeran
Miley Cyrus
Olivia Rodrigo
Taylor Swift
BEST ROCK
Arctic Monkeys
Foo Fighters
Måneskin
Metallica
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Killers
BEST LATIN
Anitta
Bad Bunny
KAROL G
Peso Pluma
ROSALÍA
Shakira
BEST K-POP
FIFTY FIFTY
Jung Kook
NewJeans
SEVENTEEN
Stray Kids
TOMORROW X TOGETHER
BEST ALTERNATIVE
Blur
Fall Out Boy
Lana Del Rey
Paramore
Thirty Seconds To Mars
YUNGBLUD
BEST ELECTRONIC
Alesso
Calvin Harris
David Guetta
Swedish House Mafia
Peggy Gou
Tiësto
BEST HIP HOP
Cardi B
Central Cee
Lil Wayne
Lil Uzi Vert
Metro Boomin
Nicki Minaj
Travis Scott
BEST R&B
Chlöe
Chris Brown
Steve Lacy
Summer Walker
SZA
Usher
BEST LIVE
Beyoncé
Burna Boy
Ed Sheeran
Måneskin
SZA
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
BEST PUSH
November 2022: Flo Milli
December 2022: Reneé Rapp
January 2023: Sam Ryder
February 2023: Armani White
March 2023: FLETCHER
April 2023: TOMORROW X TOGETHER
May 2023: Ice Spice
June 2023: FLO
July 2023: Lauren Spencer Smith
August 2023: Kaliii
September 2023: GloRilla
October 2023: Benson Boone
BIGGEST FANS
Anitta
Billie Eilish
BLACKPINK
Jung Kook
Nicki Minaj
Olivia Rodrigo
Sabrina Carpenter
Selena Gomez
Taylor Swift
BEST GROUP
aespa
FLO
Jonas Brothers
Måneskin
NewJeans
OneRepublic
SEVENTEEN
TOMORROW X TOGETHER
COMPLETE LIST OF 2023 MTV EMA BEST LOCAL ACT NOMINEES:
BEST ASIA ACT
BE:FIRST
BRIGHT
Moria
Tiara Andini
TREASURE
BEST AUSTRALIAN ACT
Budjerah
G Flip
Kylie Minogue
The Kid LAROI
Troye Sivan
BEST BRASILIAN ACT
Anavitoria
Kevin O Chris
Luisa Sonza
Manu Gavassi
Matue
BEST CANADIAN ACT
Charlotte Cardin
Drake
Jamie Fine
Shania Twain
The Beaches
BEST CARIBBEAN ACT
Eladio Carrion
Mora
Myke Towers
Rauw Alejandro
Young Miko
BEST DUTCH ACT
FLEMMING
Idaly
Kriss Kross Amsterdam
S10
Zoë Tauran
BEST FRENCH ACT
Aime Simone
Aya Nakamura
Bigflo & Oli
Louane
Ninho
Slimane
BEST GERMAN ACT
Apache 207
AYLIVA
Kontra K
Luciano
Nina Chuba
Ski Aggu
BEST HUNGARIAN ACT
ajsa luna
Analog Balaton
Beton.Hofi
Co Lee
Hundred Sins
BEST INDIA ACT
Dee MC
DIVINE
Mali
Tsymyoki
When Chai Met Toast
BEST ITALIAN ACT
Annalisa
Elodie
Lazza
Måneskin
The Kolors
BEST ISRAELI ACT
Anna Zak
Liad Meir
Noa Kirel
Nunu
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Rising security challenges in the country; Senate summons military, other security agencies
The Senate has summoned the military and other security agencies over the rising security challenges in the country.
It also told the security agencies to conduct special operations to dislodge the bandits in the North-West and other parts of Nigeria with similar experiences.
The Red Chamber further resolved to invite the Service Chiefs to brief it in a closed session on steps being taken to mitigate rising insecurity in the country.
Senate resolutions were sequel to its consideration and adoption of a motion at plenary on Thursday.
The motion titled: “Kidnapping of university students in Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 and rising cases of kidnapping for ransom in the North-West geopolitical zone was sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC – Katsina ).
Yar’Adua in his lead debate said he was concerned by the kidnap of five female students of the Federal University Dutsinma in Katsina State by gunmen from their hostel rooms on October 4.
He said a fortnight ago, 24 students of the Federal University of Gusau were also abducted.
According to him, 16 of them have been successfully freed after three days by a rescue operation conducted by security agencies.
He said it was worrisome that kidnapping incidents have thrown the university and academic communities into a panic mood.
He said there was also the case of eight corps members kidnapped by suspected terrorists on their way to the orientation camp in Zamfara State on August 21.
He said, “The corps members were travelling in an Akwa Ibom Transport Company bus from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State, for the one-year mandatory national service, when their vehicle was intercepted by the terrorists.”
He said it was of concern that the frequency of kidnapping for ransom had become almost a daily and weekly occurrence in major towns and communities in the North-West geopolitical zone.
The Senate further urged security agencies to be more proactive and ensure all kidnapped victims in the country including students kidnapped in Katsina, NYSC members kidnapped in Zamfara and students kidnapped from Federal University Gusau, were released.
It urged the Federal Government to address the manpower needs of the police and other security agencies to enable them to tackle the security situations in the country.
It also called on the Federal Government to urgently address unemployment and poverty in the country which it described as twin evils fuelling insecurity in the country.
It directed the Nigeria Police to ensure that the school protection squad demonstrates a clear commitment to protecting schoolchildren and providing a safe environment where students and teachers can engage in teaching and learning without the fear of being attacked or kidnapped.
The Senate further directed its Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure the relevant security agencies comply with its resolutions.
There is confusion Rivers APC, says Ganduje
Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has appealed for patience for the national leadership to reconcile warring factions of the party in Rivers State.
Ganduje said this when he received APC stakeholders from Rivers State on Thursday in Abuja.
He said that Rivers was a very important state in the country because of its oil deposit and large population, describing it as an asset for election to any political party.
“So, you can see why we cannot rubbish the state. Rivers, as a state in politics, is very important. Coincidentally, some of us are conversant with the politics, in Rivers,” he said.
He said that the current crisis in the Rivers State chapter of the party started in 2015.
“Our party in Rivers is highly factionalised, that is the fact about it. Our party in Rivers was killed by litigations, that one is a fact,” Ganduje said.
He thanked those who worked to ensure the party’s electoral success at the poll, saying it was a miracle that it won the presidential election and lost the state to PDP in the 2023 elections.
“There is confusion in the party in Rivers, but we don’t want members to overheat the system, we are focused, we are organised, we work scientifically in politics.
“And therefore, you give us an enabling environment, give us a chance so that we can put a round peg in a round hole, square peg in a square hole, so that we maintain our dignity as a party.
“We have to capitalise on what we have, we have to capitalise on the fact that we have worn the national election in Rivers.
“We are not extracting anything less again, but give us a chance to see how we can have both the state and the national election together,” Ganduje said.
He said that the APC National Committee (NWC) would constitute a leadership that would reconcile the waring factions in the state in the interest of its members.
“But do not overheat the system, overheating the system will bring litigation and then a vicious cycle will come again.
“We don’t want too much analysis because they say too much analysis leads to paralysis.
“So, give us a chance so that we can consult, so that we look at the Constitution of APC and then we wait and see how we can put things in order,” he said.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr Tony Okocha, said the visit was partly to express discomfort of the state stakeholders over the recent visit of a faction of the state chapter to the party’s national secretariat.
“Those who visited are pretenders masquerading as members of Rivers APC.
“This group of persons, we see as watermelon with the characteristic feature of presenting green in the outside but red in the inside.
“They have long abandoned the APC and are disqualified from speaking for Rivers APC in any forum or fora.
“Those persons never supported the party nor are they sincere in their hearts, to be happy that President Bola Tinubu made it to the presidency,” he said.
He added: “The only group in APC Rivers legitimate to seek compensation for the victory of APC and Tinubu in the State, is the one here.
“Please contact us through the leader of the political infantry in Rivers, who is serving in the Federal Cabinet presently.”
Okacha urged the APC national chairman to discountenance any other group that claimed to be APC Rivers stakeholders or individuals, especially those that didn’t support the party at the 2023 general elections.
Nigeria will get better when men of integrity and honour drive the affairs of the nation – Peter Obi
LP’S RESPONSE ON THE INVITATION BY ATIKU
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi is presently in the Supreme Court seeking to reclaim his stolen mandate and he is focused on that.
He has been in the vanguard of ensuring a just nation where justice must be the watchword, and he will not stop until Nigeria achieves a leadership it truly deserves.
Obi has pontificated severally on the need for leaders to be good role models and to live a life worthy of emulation. This he has done by publicly putting his credentials in the open for verification. Nigeria will get better when men of integrity and honour drive the affairs of the nation.
We therefore welcome every other interest willing to join us in our pursuit of a nation where justice shall reign.
Obiora Ifoh
LP’s NPS
WHY GMB HAD TO GO, BY BUHARI
Immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, has responded to muted calls by his followers and admirers over the eight years of his leadership that they preferred the old General Muhammadu Buhari (GMB) to President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB).
The General had been military head of state between December 31, 1983 and August 27, 1985, when his administration was removed in a palace coup.
In the 20 months that the regime lasted, Nigerians knew that a new Sheriff was in town. All forms of indiscipline, corruption and malfeasance were promptly dealt with. With his kindred spirit, Major General Babatunde Idiagbon, the unsmiling duo knocked a lot of sense into the heads of their countrymen and women. And we were fast shaping up. Then the move was truncated.
In his second coming 30 years later, as a democratically elected leader, a lot of people still expected the vestiges of GMB, but found a President that was completely transformed, devoid of all totalitarian tendencies. And there were many people who privately whispered to one another. We prefer GMB to PMB.
Was the President aware of those sentiments? “Yes, I was,” he told this writer with a laugh. He added:
“I was in the military, and rose from 2nd Lieutenant to Major General. When I joined partisan politics, the General had to go. I’ve heard people say they prefer General Buhari to President Buhari. But democracy is different from military rule, with its ruthlessness. Now, the system for decision making is different. We had Supreme Military Council then, but now, you have Federal Executive Council, which is constitutionally backed. I try to allow the system to work. I like to be remembered as a President that was constitutionally compliant.”
And truly constitutionally compliant he was.
The details, and more, are in a forthcoming book, ‘Working With Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023).’
Even this writer is looking forward to reading the book soon, as it rolls off the press.
*Adesina was Special Adviser to President Buhari, 2015 to 2023
October 5, 2023
Press Statement
PDP Celebrates Governor Bala Mohammed on Birthday
…Says He is an Outstanding Patriot
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) celebrates the Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, our own dear Senator Bala Mohammed as he marks his birthday today.
Governor Bala Mohammed is a quintessential legislator, highly experienced yet very humble, selfless and compassionate leader, who continues to demonstrate an extraordinary sense of duty and dedication towards the wellbeing and development of Bauchi State and the Nation at large.
Over the years, through his meritorious career in the Federal Civil Service to his excellent performance as Senator of the Federal Republic, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and now two term Governor of Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed has distinguished himself as consummate statesman with exceptional commitment towards the unity, stability and development of our Nation.
Our Party is proud of Governor Bala Mohammed’s massive infrastructural, human capital and citizens empowerment projects with which he has further repositioned Bauchi State as an Oasis of Development in line with the manifesto of the PDP; for which the people of Bauchi State overwhelmingly re-elected him in the 2023 Governorship election.
The PDP also appreciates Governor Bala Mohammed for his untiring roles and contributions with other Party leaders in stabilizing and ensuring the growth of our great Party especially, in his current capacity as the Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum.
On this special day, the PDP family celebrates Governor Bala Mohammed and prays to God to grant him many more years in wisdom and good health in the service of Bauchi State and our dear fatherland.
Congratulations, His Excellency!
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
PRESS RELEASE
‘AFRICAN FILM CITY PROJECT IN EPE TO EXPAND NOLLYWOOD GROWTH’ — SANWO-OLU
Better days are coming for practitioners in the creative sector with the proposed development of African Film City in Epe, Lagos State.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, disclosed that ground breaking for the $100 million project will be done in coming weeks to enhance originality in content creation in Nollywood – Nigeria film industry.
Sanwo-Olu made the announcement at the 12th African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) Press Briefing held at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House in Marina.
The news excited veteran filmmakers, movie producers, Nollywood actors and celebrities who attended the briefing organised at the instance of AFRIFF and its sponsors.
The Governor also disclosed that the State Government would be doubling the capacity building support for talented young industry players to enhance their skills in modern filmmaking. Besides, Sanwo-Olu said the grants being given to creative young talents for the production of short stories will be doubled.
Sanwo-Olu assured the filmmakers of his Government’s commitment to providing resources and time in promoting anything that would put Lagos and the country on the global map.
He said: “We will be doing the groundbreaking for the African Film City before the end of this month. It is a $100 million project to be sited in 100 hectares of land in Epe. Lagos is taking the lead in promoting sustainable growth in creative industry. The first set of studios will be up on the site in the next 24 months after the groundbreaking.
“We are also going to be doubling the State Government’s support for the training of young industry players. We will also double the grants being given to creative young talents for the production of short stories. We have supported over 5,000 people in creative sector with different kinds of capacity building opportunities and film production grants to scale up the numbers in the sector.
“I am excited that the 12th AFRIFF is around the corner to further showcase the original local content to the world. The festival has offered platform for young talents to flourish. I believe this year’s event will be the biggest. We are excited as a Government to be part of it. We believe this is the right thing to do. It is only when we can hold ourselves together and tell our stories that the world will understand our history.”
Sanwo-Olu said there was no better time for all stakeholders to work collaboratively and churn out put quality contents that would confirm the position of the country as a global player in filmmaking, while attracting foreign investment.
The Governor urged the practitioners to use their ingenuity to create Africananised contents that would change the continent’s socio-cultural narrative. This way, he said the world would know Nigeria is ready.
He said: “We should take the world in an ingenious local way that will be original, content-driven and Africanised. I believe the 12th edition of AFRIFF will be a platform to leapfrog all shortcomings we have had. What you did not do yesterday, you have today to correct it because tomorrow is not promised.
“Lagos State Government, by itself, bears all the hallmarks of excellence in all aspects. Excellence starts from everything we can imagine; the creative community sits right in the middle of that. As a Government, we have committed to anything m puts Nigeria on the global map and supports our creative citizens on the world stage.”
Consul General of United States Consulate in Lagos, Mr. Will Stevens, said digital technology had transformed Nigerian film industry over the last decade, stressing that it was time for practitioners to fully benefit from Nollywood.
Given the quality content and advanced production capabilities of African films, the envoy said the second half of the 21st century would be “African moment” to fully expand the growth of its cinema industry.
AFRIFF founder, Chioma Ude, said the film festival would be held next month to celebrate African cinema and promoting original storytelling.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
05 OCTOBER 2023
FCT, ABUJA
OCTOBER 5, 2023
APC PRESS STATEMENT
*YET AGAIN, ATIKU ABUBAKAR BEATS HIS TATTERED DRUM OF SHAME*
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is unfazed by the press conference addressed by former Vice President and Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar earlier today. The press conference lacked purpose and delivered nothing except the pitiful regurgitation of lies, mindless distortions and deliberate falsehood on his infantile obsession with the academic record of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
For several weeks now, Nigerians and the world have watched with incredulity Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s display of utter desperation in his failed bid to become the President of Nigeria.
Earlier today, he put his desperation in overdrive during his press conference where he addressed some of the issues in his appeal at the Supreme Court and bandying unproven charges against the President of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a calculated attempt to shamelessly whip up public sentiments and inordinately pressure the Supreme Court.
We believe Alhaji Atiku Abubakar should have known better than to demonstrate gross contempt of the highest court by making public comments on a matter that he has submitted to the court for adjudication.
The major takeaway from his Yar’Adua Centre show, especially at question time, was that Atiku harbours deep animosity towards Tinubu whom he believes was responsible for his electoral woes in 2007, 2015, 2019 and this year.
In desperation, unbecoming of a statesman who once occupied the second highest office in the land, the PDP candidate in the last election has thrown every decency, decorum, dignity and national respectability out the window on his purposeless judicial voyage of discovery to the United States in search of a magic wand for taking power against the will of the Nigerian electorate loudly expressed in last February’s presidential election.
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar holds the unenviable title of Nigeria’s most prolific election loser and longest running presidential candidate in history, and we see his recent US fishing expedition as the last kick of a roundly rejected presidential aspirant.
While we sympathise with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for spending a lifetime pursuing unrealised dream, we strongly condemn the perfidious road he has taken and the needless negative exposure of Nigeria and the institution of the Presidency in foreign land.
Just for the record, we wish to provide some clarity on the matter of the deposition of Mr. Caleb Westberg, the Registrar of Chicago State University, last Tuesday under oath at the Chicago office of Atiku’s lawyer, Angela Liu, to save unsuspecting Nigerians from barrage of untruths, distortions and campaign of misinformation being dished out by Atiku and his PDP
Mr. Westberg was unmistaken and unambiguous in his deposition as to the fact that President Bola Tinubu graduated with honours from Chicago State University. He also emphatically provided clear answers on all other issues raised which we can sum as follows:
Furthermore, he stated that the ‘F’ on the Southwest college certificate, a feeder institution to CSU, which President Bola Tinubu used to gain admission into CSU was a clerical error which could of course happen. He reiterated that Southwest College was a major feeder source for CSU.
Westberg further deposed that Accounting is a rigorous field of study. Anyone who did not take the requisite courses at the lower levels could not have done well at CSU.
In President Tinubu’s case, he did excellently well at CSU. He graduated with High Honours. That to him point to the fact that the person who attended and graduated from CSU was the same person who went to Southwest College
“He said further that the difference in the date of award on the diploma versus the certified copy is likely the result of human error. The graduation date on the certified copy is typed in manually by a person and can be inaccurate”.
It should now be clear to all Nigerians that despite Atiku’s lies before the Illinois Court that he wanted to use the discoveries in pursuit of his appeal at the Supreme Court, he has rather chosen to use same as an instrument of mischief and blackmail in clear contempt of the highest court of the land.
We want to urge former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to graciously accept his defeat and quietly lick his political wound with some dignity. Nigerians rejected him at the polls, and he cannot get by subterfuge what he failed to get through the ballot box.
Nigerians validly elected President Tinubu to revamp our economy, restore security, create jobs, provide transformative infrastructure, improve electricity supply and enhance the living conditions of the masses.
President Tinubu has undertaken to serve Nigerians and he will not be distracted by a man who has consistently failed to achieve his self-serving and brutal quest to become Nigeria’s president.
Signed:
*Felix Morka, Esq.*
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)
Being text of a press conference by His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar (GCON), Waziri Adamawa, Vice President of Nigeria (1999-2007) and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (2023), at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre on the 5th of October 2023.
Protocol
Gentlemen of the Press, Fellow Citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I consider it important to address and report to you today on issues that define the future of elective government and legitimate leadership in our country.
Political leadership and active citizenship matter because they are ways through which we all work together to build a country that works for all who live in it. Our country is bigger than any of us, and its standing in the world affects the fate of all who come from or live in it. As leaders, it is our duty to advance the well-being of all our people and of the country.
For this purpose, my generation worked hard to return the soldiers to the barracks and to defend the right of the people to elect and establish for ourselves a legitimate government. Our elections are established and governed by law and founded on the constitution from which leadership and government in Nigeria alone derive their legitimacy.
The people look up to us as leaders to respect these rules and, where necessary, to defend them. This is what brings us here.
Today, we are called upon again as a people to uphold and defend the ground rules of elective government in our country. The constitution prescribes the requirements for those who seek the highest elective office in the land.
It should not take months or, indeed, decades, for the institutions concerned to be able to do their work in establishing the credibility of any certificates presented by candidates for public office.
We undertook this journey at great cost and for important reasons. The ground rules for legitimate governance in our country need to be upheld, and the reputation of our country is at stake. That affects everyone, Nigerians everywhere.
I am a democrat by conviction and a citizen of a country that I love. The issues at stake in this case require us once more to re-dedicate ourselves to both the country and our constitution.
Now, we entrust these facts to us all as citizens and as leaders of the institutions charged with interpreting our constitution. I should thank the lawyers both in Nigeria and in the United States, who have assisted us in bringing clarity and definitive answers to these issues that appear to have defied our institutions for nearly a quarter of a century. I also want to extend my gratitude to Nigerian citizens and friends of Nigeria both within and beyond the shores of our country for their patience as we have sought to find the facts and establish the truth.
I wish to pay tribute to the late human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, who inspired us on this path of discovery. Now, he can truly rest in peace in the assurance that what he started about 23 years ago has come to fruition. Gani’s vindication today gives credence to the saying that no matter how fast a lie runs, the truth will someday overtake it.
Former American President Thomas Jefferson once said, “If I had to choose between government without newspapers, and newspapers without government, I wouldn’t hesitate to choose the latter”. From exposing the Watergate scandal and unravelling the dubious certificates of politicians, journalists have maintained eternal vigilance by bridging the gap and stepping in when other arms of government failed.
It is for these reasons that commendation must be given to David Hundeyin, an independent journalist whose extraordinary work and those of many more young people like him has become a source of inspiration. Special thanks must be given to the millions of Nigerian youths and citizen journalists too who continue to put out the truth online even when no one is listening. Indeed, the price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance. They have put the country first in their firm commitment to unravel the truth and hold leaders accountable. This gives me the hope that we have worthy partners in the struggle to reclaim the country we call home.
This quest is not for or about Atiku Abubakar. It is a quest for the enthronement of truth, morality, and accountability in our public affairs. In line with this, therefore, I am calling on all well-meaning Nigerians, leaders of thought, our religious leaders, our traditional leaders, our community leaders, our political leaders, and in particular, Governor Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP and, the leaders of every political party in Nigeria, and, indeed, every single person who loves this country, as I do, and who wishes nothing but the best for the country, as I do, to join me in this campaign to enshrine probity, accountability and the basic principles of justice, morality and uprightness in our country and in our government. This is a task for each and every one of us.
Thank you for listening. May God bless you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Business mogul, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, has congratulated the Group Managing Director of Income Electrix Limited, Engineer Matthew Edevbie on the conferment of a Doctor of Science in Engineering (Honoris Causa) on him by the Michael & Cecilia Ibru University.
‘’Engineer Matthew Edevbie has chosen to fill the role of an active pen flowing with ink’’ Uduaghan stated in Abigborodo, Warri North Local Government.
In a statement on Sunday, Uduaghan said the honorary degree conferred on Edevbie was evidence of his commitment to excellence and uplifting of humanity.
‘’The honorary doctorate is a reflection and confirmation of Matthew Edevbie’s high level of excellence, strong mental effort and social commitment to the international community” Uduaghan who is the Alema of Warri Kingdom and the Chief Executive Officer of Webster Group of Companies said.
The statement underscored excellence in integrity, morality, erudition, relationships, expertise and spiritual fervour.
The prominent chief said Michael & Cecilia Ibru University made a better choice by conferring the honorary doctorate degree on Engineer Edevbie.
‘’I am delighted that Engineer Matthew Edevbie has been recognized by the Michael & Cecilia Ibru University in this way. This is a well-deserved acknowledgement’’.
Edevbie, a seasoned engineer with over 30 years’ experience in various aspects of electrical engineering concept, design, procurement, construction, operations management, maintenance and consulting was given the honour at the university 5th convocation held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.
The internationally distinguished engineering professional attended several prestigious professional courses and workshops including but not limited to: IESE Business School, University of Navarra, Barcelona, Harvard Business School, John. F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Massachusetts, Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania and Lagos Business School.
An astute administrator, people manager, Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Nigerian Institute of Management Consultants is a registered member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Environmental Society,
Edevbie is also an active member of Enterprise Development Services (EDS) of the Lagos Business School.
An aide to former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday reminded Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike the basis needs of the residents of the nation’s capital.
“The basic needs of the residents of the FCT are; affordable healthcare facilities; access to good education facilities, clean sports and recreational centers, affordable transport services system, efficient and workable street light in the city Centre and the suburbs; and finally, security’’ Atiku’s Aide, Bwala Daniel said in a social media post
.
He advised the former Rivers State governor not to create chaos in the city.
‘’You came with a bullish and vendetta spirit venting fire and brimstone about demolition and revocation of titles. Abuja is not Port Harcourt. If you create chaos in the city, you will jeopardize your principal’s interests and he will be forced to sacrifice your job’’ the aide to the People’s Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, said.
‘’ You will learn humility on the job” the legal practitioner added.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS IN TWO AGENCIES AND DIRECTS OUTGOING NIMC DG/CEO TO COMMENCE 90-DAY PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE
President Bola Tinubu directs the commencement of 90-day pre-retirement leave for the Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Abubakar Aziz, with effect from August 24, 2023, leading to his eventual retirement from service on November 24, 2023.
The President approves the appointment of Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote to serve as the Acting Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for a 90-day period, with effect from August 24, 2023, after which, a full term of four years will begin as the substantive NIMC Director-General/CEO, beginning on November 24, 2023.
Furthermore, President Tinubu approved the appointment of Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub to serve as the Director/CEO of the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC).
This follows the recent expiration of tenure of the former DTAC Director/CEO, Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi.
This appointment takes immediate effect.
Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 22, 2023
Tilije appointed Finance Commissioner, Uduaghan gets Girl Child Entrepreneurship, Humanitarian Support Services as Aniagwu, Izeze pick Works
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has approved the assignment of portfolios to newly sworn-in Commissioners in the state.
The approval for the assignment of portfolios was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu on Tuesday evening.
The statement listed the Commissioners and their portfolios as follows:
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
President Bola Tinubu on Monday charged the 45 newly inaugurated Ministers of the Federal Republic to prioritize the interests and welfare of the entire nation and its diverse population, above any regional or state-specific considerations.
Speaking at the inauguration of new members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the State House Conference Centre, the President underscored the immense responsibility the ministers now bear in shaping policies that will significantly influence the lives of hundreds of millions of Nigerians.
“You are not a minister of a particular state, colony, region, or ethnic nationality. You are a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” President Tinubu declared, setting the tone for his directive to the new ministers.
“This is all about the cohesion and work of a great team, and I believe we now have it. It is an honour to be chosen to serve as a minister in the Federal Executive Council, and such a high honour comes with tremendous responsibility. In this moment of abundant promise and peril in equal measure, all of you that have been sworn in have been called to distinguish yourselves. Nigerians are highly expectant of excellence in service delivery, accountability, and transparency,” he said.
The President also reminded the new ministers that they can not disappoint Nigerians, who expect them to serve with integrity, dignity and competence to actualize the Renewed Hope manifesto of the administration—failing which he will not hesitate to take necessary remedial measures.
“As your country honours you today, you must each work to make yourselves worthy in the eyes of God and our entire nation’s people. Your highest obligation is to restore public faith in government so that our people can once again believe that government can be a positive force for transformation and a vehicle for collective progress of all citizens of this great country,” President Tinubu said, while congratulating each of the ministers and welcoming them to “the Administration of Renewed Hope.”
He further affirmed that the newly appointed ministers were selected based on their track records of excellence in both the public and private sectors, noting their effective representation of the rich diversity present within Nigeria.
Expressing his wishes for the success of the cabinet members in the discharge of their duties, the President invoked a metaphor of a journey, in which he is the driver of a vehicle, along with all Nigerians as passengers.
“In this new assignment, we are in this boat together, even if it is a vehicle, I am the driver. The entire nation sits watchful, as you and I navigate this vehicle. We must hold each other responsible. We have to do the job to meet the expectations of all Nigerians. God be with you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 21, 2023