The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Challenges before Bande as UN prepares for 75th anniversary

    All eyes will be on Nigeria as from today as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, takes charge of the global body as the president of its General Assembly (UNGA).

    The Muhammad-Bande presidency, which is coming 30 years after this country’s first, presents Nigeria and Africa a unique opportunity to ensure the implementation of the existing mandates for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

    It is noteworthy that the Bande’s tenure will also witness the direction of the global body as it marks its 75th year anniversary next year.

    Bande is a Nigerian political scientist, administrator and career diplomat. Muhammad-Bande was born on 7 December 1957 in the town of Zagga in present-day Kebbi State. He attended Ahmadu Bello University for undergraduate studies, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 1979 before proceeding to Boston University, where he graduated with a Master of Arts in Political Science in 1981.

    He was the permanent representative of Nigeria to the United Nations and served as the Vice President of the General Assembly during its 71st session in September 2016.

    A year from now, on June 26, 2020, the international community will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter.

    May be months before the anniversary, the global body will hammer out a forward-looking and unifying declaration that captures member states’ commitment to multilateralism, global peace and global hunger.

    The anniversary may invariably put the UN in a state of reflection, giving it a chance to assess achievements, renew commitments, strengthen its systems and mechanisms for global governance and peace.

    Read Also: FG applauds emergence of Nigerian Bande as 74th UNGA President

    The UN missed the boat during its 50th anniversary, in 1995, compelling Secretary-General Kofi Annan to push for the adoption of several new goals, including one aimed at improved peace-building, 10 years later.

    The outgoing UN General Assembly President María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, a former Ecuadorian ambassador to the UN, said recently that the 75th anniversary of the creation of the institution is a time for reflection as well as celebration.

    In a remark, she said the anniversary offers both “opportunities” and “serious challenges.” Espinosa said the UN is more vital than ever in a time of rising nationalism and extremism.

    “We sometimes speak of this moment as ‘a crossroads’ – where things could go either way,” she said. “But it feels more and more like a tipping point – as though we are on the brink of irreparable damage to our rules-based international system.”

    Espinosa warned that as these forces rise, public confidence in the UN is declining. “We are seeing a growing disconnect between people, governments and institutions,” she said.

    She said the world “badly needs an effective United Nations,” and that in addition to challenges of poverty and conflict, rapid shifts in technology and the present threat of climate change means “there is virtually no challenge – or opportunity – that does not require cooperation between nations.”

    Espinosa must be speaking the minds of many the world over as the world body refuses to change the membership of the Security Council to reflect new power blocs.

    Analysts believe that the UN should be a body that prevents conflicts and not the one that tackles crises – even though the world cannot exist without conflicts.  This is more so with the money being spent on peacekeeping all over the world and the number of casualties being suffered by countries contributing troops.

    The Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN was elected President of the 74th session of the General Assembly by acclamation on Tuesday, June 4, to serve the one-year role with a strong mandate from his home government, that nominated him, endorsed by the Group of African States and adopted unanimously by the member-states.

    Bande’s mandates particularly will be focusing on peace and security, poverty eradication, zero hunger, quality education, climate action and inclusion.

    Meanwhile, the Federal Government has dispatched a three-man team to witness Bande’s assumption of office.

    The ceremony will take place at the UN New York headquarters, United States of America, today and tomorrow, ahead of the high-level week of the UNGA when leaders of the nations of the world take turns to address the General Assembly.

    However, the world is watching the fruits Bande’s tenure will bear.

     

  • Redeemer’s Varsity graduates 379

    The Redeemer’s University, Ede in Osun State at the weekend graduated 379 students at its 11th convocation.

    Speaking at the event held on the university campus in Ede, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo advised youths to face the future with hope, saying they should not to allow the nation’s challenges to overwhelm them.

    Represented by the acting Chairman, Board of Trustees of the university, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the vice-president urged the graduating students to be focused and face challenges.

    Read Also: Madonna Varsity marks 16th convocation as 38 Students bag first class

    He admonished them not to join the bandwagon of pessimists, “who complain daily about the nation’s challenges rather than face the challenges and succeed in life.”

    Osinbajo said the world itself is full of distractions “capable of luring those who are not focused away from attaining their goals,” adding that the serious minded ones will take advantage of a lot of opportunities that abound in the country.

  • Oyetola hailed on rehabilitation of Iwo-Osogbo road

    As skeletal rehabilitation work on the Iwo Osogbo road has begun, the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, has praised Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola for fulfilling his campaign promises to the people of Osun West.

    In a statement by him, Oba Akanbi, who hoped that full work would start after the rainy season, said he was not disappointed by the governor’s disposition to the people of Iwo and its environ.

    Describing the governor as a God-fearing politician and a unique administrator, the Oluwo said through the road, the people of Osun State, particularly those from Osun West, will be able to improve “our bilateral economic interaction with neighbouring states.”

    Read Also: Oyetola has acquitted himself well, says Oluwo

    He said the people of Iwo and adjoining communities appreciated the governor’s understanding of the socio-economic importance of the road and the contribution of the people of the area to the economy of Osun State by the time the road is put back in good shape.

    He assured the governor of continued support of his subjects to his administration, saying: “Collectively we have resolved to ensure success of your government.”

    The monarch advised the people to pay their tax regularly to enable the government play its statutory roles.

    He said: “The governor is a man of God for opening the major road to Osun West Senatorial District as pledged during his campaign at my palace. I pray for more divine strength for our governor to fulfil other promises to the good people of the state.”

  • Police warn against illegal assembly as NANS ‘relocates’ to Ekiti

    The administrative machinery of the National Association of Nigerians Students (NANS) will relocate to Ado-Ekiti in response to the killing of two students of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti ((FUOYE), its National Secretary, Comrade Yusuf Farouk, has said.

    The students last Tuesday protested in Oye-Ekiti over incessant power outage in the community, leading to an attack on the convoy of the governor’s wife, Erelu Fayemi, while on an empowerment and advocacy tour to engage with women in the local government.

    They were said to have engaged the security operatives detailed with the governor’s wife in a clash.

    Two persons were killed and several others injured. Over a dozen of vehicles were vandalised by the students.

    In a statement signed and issued by Farouk, NANS called on affiliate unions, elected and active members of the organisation in Kogi, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun states to mobilise in solidarity with FUOYE students.

    Read Also: FUOYE killings: NANS arrives Ekiti

    According to the statement, the students’ body national secretariat will be relocated to Ado-Ekiti on Sunday with a meeting fixed for FUOYE SUG executives and NANS/JCC Ekiti leadership and stakeholders.

    The two-day showdown will end with a world press conference and proceeded by mother of all procession to the Government House on Tuesday.

    The mapped out plan by the secretariat is to visit the school management, families of the deceased students, traditional rulers of each community, injured students at the hospital, Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Ekiti State Government, Department of State Security Service and the Police command.

    The statement said: “The national secretariat notified all affiliate unions, elected and active members of the organisation in Kogi, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun to mobilise in solidarity with the oppressed students of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.

    “Kindly note that in mourning the departed comrades and seeking justice on their behalf, no unruly attitude will be tolerated.”

    The Ekiti State Police Command has warned that students should desist from unlawful assembly that can worsen the insecurity situation.

    In a statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday by its spokesman DSP Caleb Ikechukwu, the police said it has discovered through intelligence gathering that a group under the auspices of  ‘ex-graduates’ , who are not currently students of any higher institution, are moving into the state with the sole aim of fomenting and precipitating trouble over the FUOYE crisis.

    “However, the police command is using this medium to warn anyone or group of person(s) against any unlawful assembly with an intent to cause breach of the peace.

    “The command has the constitutional mandate to maintain law and order and also to stop or advice any gathering which it thinks may lead to the break of law and order.

    “Furthermore, the police command shall deal decisively with anyone or group who takes the law into their hands. Such a person will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly, no matter how highly placed.”

  • Tribunal upholds PDP assembly members’ seats in Oyo

    The House of Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Ibadan on Sunday upheld the elections of two People’s Democratic Party (PDP) assembly members in Oyo State.

    The three-man tribunal led by Justice D. M. Igyuse upheld the elections of Hon Olasunkanmi Babalola (PDP-Egbeda State Constituency) and Hon. Akeem Adeshina (PDP- Iwajowa State Constituency).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the duo were dragged before the tribunal by their All Progressives Congress (APC) opponents in the election to challenge their emergence.

    Babalola, the Deputy Majority leader of the assembly, was dragged to the tribunal by Olalekan Usman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Adeshina was challenged at the tribunal by Johnson Eroyalesun.

    The tribunal dismissed the separate petitions on account that the petitioners could neither prove nor establish their claims of irregularities in the election.

    Babalola, who expressed joy after the judgment, said the outcome would further strengthen him in representing his constituents well.

    Read Also: Tribunal labels Akinlade’s petition ‘lazy, hollow’, affirms Abiodun as Ogun gov

    “I feel amazed by the judgment. I don’t have any opponent at all. It is good to challenge so that you can learn how to move forward.

    “I did not allow the case to distract me and I am sure it will make me more focused. It will also help me to know the value of the mandate,” he said.

    He promised to ensure that he fulfils his electioneering promises, thanking the people for standing by him and the mandate.

    Adeshina hailed the judgment delivered by the tribunal, saying he emerged from a free, fair and transparent election.

    “My mandate is ordained by God. I respect my opponent up till this moment as an uncle. I give glory to God and thank my people.

    “They believed in the mandate they gave me and stood by it. I thank them and promise to fulfil my promises during the campaign,” he said.

    Hon. Yusuf Adebisi (PDP- Ibadan South West Constituency II), who was at the tribunal to show solidarity with his colleagues, expressed joy about the judgment.

    Adebisi, who is the Deputy Chief Whip, said the judgment would help them to be more focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to their constituents.

    “Babalola and I are the youngest in the 9th assembly. We share a lot of things in common and have been doing things together.

    “He gets distracted sometimes over this case and thank God he has been vindicated now. We have been doing fine in our legislative duties and will give our best to our constituents,” he said.

  • Makinde urges teachers to begin academic work

    As schools across Oyo State reopen today for the 2019/2020 academic session, the government has urged teachers, especially those in government-owned primary and secondary schools, to begin academic work immediately.

    The directive came from the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Kehinde Sangodoyin, in a statement issued at the weekend.

    Sangodoyin, who urged teachers, support workers and students to ensure they resume promptly, said they must also ensure that nothing prevents academic activities, including teaching and learning, from taking off immediately.

    The commissioner said quality education that will yield best academic performance remains the target of the Governor Seyi Makinde administration, enjoining teachers to work hard by preparing the pupils for excellent performance.

    Read Also: Makinde to launch 20-year development agenda

    He said: “We are using this medium to congratulate our pupils in public and private schools for their resumption on September 16 and call on the teachers to engage them in academic exercises immediately.

    “The current administration is doing all possible best to change the tide for better in achieving the best for the state in the area of students’ academic performance and improvement in national rating of the state in external examinations.

    “To this end, facilities and teacher’s remuneration will be at the forefront of the government reckoning to achieve the lofty goal, while teachers are expected to do their bit to justify government’s strict adherence to providing the best enabling environment for their performance.”

    The foremost academic administrator warned teachers to desist from collecting any money from any parent or student under the guise of collection of levies.

    Shangodoyin appealed to parents to be alive to their responsibilities to make the children become valuable assets to the parents and society in future.

    He said the present administration was working to bring back the glory of education in the state, with a call to schools’ alumni and corporate bodies to support the current trend in the state to make education accessible to all.

  • Surveyors hold 50th anniversary in Ibadan

    Surveyors will on Thursday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, host the major activities marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV).

    A seminar on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and a dinner will hold in the ancient city where the professional body of the surveyors held its first conference in 1969.

    The lead paper of the programme will be delivered by Prof. B. T. Aluko of the Obafemi Awolowo University, according to the Chairman of the National CPD Committee and host of the seminar, Mr. Victor Ayeye.

    According to him, the theme of the seminar, which is ‘The Making and Relevance of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in National Development,’ will examine “the visible contributions of estate surveyors and valuers to national economic development.”

    Read Also: Surveyors urged on urbanisation, slum upgrade

    Ayeye described Ibadan as significant to NIESV because “about 50 years ago, the first national conference of the institution took place there” saying taking the seminar to Ibadan “is a reminder to us of where and how it all started.”

    Ayeye said NIESV National President and Chairman in Council, Sir Rowland Abonta, will host members of the institution, stakeholders in the industry and invited guests, which include Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other top government officials to an anniversary dinner on Friday.

    The National Publicity Secretary of NIESV, Mr. Monday Ahive and Chairman of the Oyo State branch, Mr. Kola Olofa, assured the members and guests of a good time at the programmes.

  • Navy warns personnel against substance abuse, violence

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) at the weekend warned its operatives to keep off hard drugs or any substance that could cloud their sense of judgment.

    They were also warned to shun violence or any act that could smear the image of the Navy.

    Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) Rear Admiral Stanfford Enoch gave the warnings at the weekend after the quarterly 10km route march.

    The exercise saw over 600 personnel marching from the headquarters at Harbour Road, Apapa to Costain and back to the admiration of elated road users.

    Rear Admiral Enoch, who was represented by NAVTRAC’s Chief Staff Officer (CSO) Rear Admiral Idowu Yusuf said the NN was warning the personnel against drugs because they carry firearms.

    He said the navy was mindful of the doom it would spell for the country if firearm bearing operatives take to substance abuse.

    Read Also: Navy arrests fishing trawlers for ‘illegal’ activities

    The FOC said: “Stay away from bad substances. There are serious repercussions if you are caught.

    “Remember we carry firearms and so, it could spell doom for the nation if a rifle-bearing rating influenced by hard substance opens fire on people.

    “The warning does not mean there is an issue of drug abuse in the navy. The military is orderly and we do not  wait for things to go bad before we take action. We take action in advance to prevent occurrence of such issues.

    “That is why we are doing this exercise. It is often said that the more we sweat in peace time, the less blood we shed in war time.”

    The Nation reports that the quarterly route march, a directive from the naval headquarters, was held simultaneously across all units and formations in the country.

    According to Enoch, the exercise was aimed at enhancing the mental and physical alertness of personnel as well as assuring Nigerians of their preparedness to defend the country.

    He advised the personnel to undertake routine medical checks, just as he emphasised the need for synergy with other security agencies.

    “You must eschew violence. Running away from violence does not make you a coward, it shows maturity,” he said.

    Similarly, the FOC Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Oladele Daji during the command’s march which held inside Navy Town in Ojo said the need for personnel to keep fit cannot be overemohasised giving the current security challenges in the country.

    Rear Admiral Daji,who was represented by the command’s Operations Officer Commodore Livingstone Izu charged the operatives to remain law abiding citizens and maintain improved.

  • Group celebrates Yoruba national Day

    A group, the Grand Council of Yoruba Youths, will on September 23 mark the ninth edition of the Yoruba Youth Leadership Summit, to celebrate the Odu’a role models, under the chairmanship of Chief Reuben Fasoranti, the National Leader of Afenifere.

    The event, which is dedicated to Ayo Fasanmi @ 94, will be conducted in Yoruba language. It holds at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Square, Osogbo, Osun State, by 11am.

    The guest speakers are Oloye Lekan Alabi, Agba Akin Olubadan of lbadanland, Otunba Jumoke Ogunkeyede, (JMK), Chief  Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, lyaloja General of Nigeria and Chief  Yetunde Babajide, lyalode Ojodu, Berger, Lagos State.

    Read Also: I accept to lead Yoruba, says Akintoye

    Special Guest of Honour is Senator Ayo Fasanmi, National Leader, Afenifere Egbe llosiwaju Yoruba, while guests of honour are the executive governors from the Southwest.

    Father and mother of the day are Oladosu Oladipo, the National Coordinator, Nigeria Next Level Forum and Iyalode Alaba Lawson, lyalode of Yorubaland.

    Royal fathers of the Day are Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi lll, the Alaafin of Oyo and Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan Ojaja ll, Ooni of lfe.

    The Chief Host is Osun State Governor  Adegboyega Oyetola.

    A keynote address will be delivered by lba Gani Adams, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.

  • APC leaders drum up support for AbdulRazaq

    All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Kwara State at the weekend drummed up support for the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

    The stalwarts converged on Olooru in Moro Local Government to attend a prayer session organised by AA G13 Support Group.

    APC leader from Kwara North District Senator Ahmed Mohammed urged residents of the council and Kwarans as a whole to be patient with the AbdulRazaq administration.

    Read Also: APC to Kwarans: be patient with AbdulRazaq

    He admonished the people not to relent in praying for the success of the APC-led government.

    Another APC leader from Kwara South and a political associate of

    Governor AbdulRazaq, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, said the governor’s impressive performance in the first 100 days in office had earned him

    accolades and applause.

    Fagbemi, who was at the event to represent the governor, said: “The applause will continue as he will not renege on the good things he has been doing. He is prepared for governance. He has the heart to do good, he will continue to do good. Kwarans will be happier for everything that he will do.”

    Fagbemi, a former chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), hailed the springing up of groups supporting the administration.

    He said: “There is always strength in unity, so we expect that all hands must be on deck to put Kwara forward, except for those that have ulterior motives. We want unity and cooperation of all, so that he can excel.”