The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Stakeholders hail Umana’s leadership impact on Niger Delta

    Stakeholders hail Umana’s leadership impact on Niger Delta

    Critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta have hailed the leadership qualities of the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, describing his stint at the ministry as “full of impact in the key areas needed to bring accountability and stability to the Niger Delta Development Commission and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.”

    Led by Prof. Benjamin Okaba, president-general of the Conference of Ethnic Nationalities in the Niger Delta, the all-Niger Delta delegation of leaders, which visited the former minister in his office at the weekend, said they came to express the appreciation of their people to Umana “for his short but very impactful” tenure at the ministry.

    Okaba said the Niger Delta people are grateful to the former minister for the constitution of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and for his style of leadership devoid of undue interference in the affairs of the NDDC.

    Chief Anabs Sara Igbe, chairman of the Critical Stakeholders Executives, who also spoke during the visit, described the relationship between the NDDC and its supervising ministry under the leadership of  Umana as a remarkable departure from the past.

    Igbe extolled Umana’s “understanding and leadership that have made all the difference,” urging leaders of the region to maximise the opportunities which the Ministry of Niger Delta represents because it may not be there forever.”

    Another member of the delegation, Chief Ita Ante, president of Oron National Forum, described Umana as a compassionate man.

    Other members of the delegation included T.K. Ogoriba, chairman of Mosiend Elders Council; Rosebella Jackson, Mosiend member of Mosiend Elders Council; Chief R. F. Thompson, president of NDPFF; Omusuku Charles of MEND; Comrade Kennedy T. West, president of Mosiend; Bishop Victor Thomas, national chaplain; and Marshall Kunoun, vice-chairman of Mosiend Elders Council.

    Umana, who thanked former President Muhammadu Buhari for the positive changes that took place in the NDDC and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, said he was humbled by the kind words from his guests over his contributions as a minister. He explained that at the outset of his assignment as minister, he needed to address a few issues, top of which was the constitution of the board of the NDDC.

    “I knew the commission could not function properly without a board,” he said. “Even the International Oil Companies (IOCs) were not willing to deal with the commission because of the board issue.”

    He said without a board, the commission, which was a creation of the law, could not function according to law.

    Umana said as a deliberate policy, he informed the chief executive of the NDDC that he was in charge of running the commission, and that the minister would only supervise. “For me, there is a difference between supervision and interference,” Umana said.

    He said government needed to put in place and execute a policy of accountability and transparency to bring to an end the rancour in the region.

    He said the interest of the region was of paramount consideration for government, which made it to go ahead with the constitution of the board despite unrelenting pressure to the contrary.

    “This is why I feel sad about the crisis in the board,” Umana said. “Leaders of the region need to advise those causing trouble to follow the law. We have issues but we should not de-market our region.”

    Umana said among the positive developments in the ministry during his tenure was the approval of the 2023 budget, which marked a departure from the previous two years when there were no approved budgets for 2021 and 2022.

    He said another noteworthy development was the publication by the NDDC of a compendium of projects completed by the commission during the Buhari administration as a demonstration of commitment to accountability and transparency.

    He said the compendium was also an opportunity for the commission to tell its story, rather than wait for others to do so in a manner that may not reflect the true facts on the ground.

    The 15-member delegation was made up of representatives from Ogoni Development Forum, Oron National Forum, Mosiend Elders Council, NDNAF, MEND, Niger Delta Youth Awareness and Good Government, NDPFF, among others.

  • NDDC designs scheme to fight restiveness in Niger Delta

    NDDC designs scheme to fight restiveness in Niger Delta

    Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it has developed a scheme to address youth restiveness in the Niger Delta.

    The Executive Director (Projects), Mr. Charles Ogunmola, in a chat in Port Harcourt, said the hope to restore peace to the oil-rich region was in ‘Holistic Opportunities Projects and Engagement’ (aka Project- HOPE).

    Project HOPE was reportedly designed to create a comprehensive potential resources database of the youth population of the Niger Delta, focusing on their needs, qualifications, skills, passion, interests and employment status.

    It is meant to empower youths with legitimate livelihood, in line with their educational directions, qualifications, skills, among others, with a view to giving them the opportunity to attain the desired economic freedom.

    The development is coming after years of unplanned and mismanaged project execution in the region.

    Ogunmola said the NDCC board came prepared with new ideas to focus on youths, initiate and execute the right programmes, and deliver people-oriented projects.

    He said Project- HOPE comprised human capital development and human capital determination. 

    He said the project is expected to create at least 1,000 jobs in each of the nine states of the region when it comes on full stream.

    The executive director said the jobs would come through securing of sustainable international and local partnership for the establishment of multi-agro processor industries, internship development, training opportunities, chamber of commerce and overall youth engagement statistics, among others.

    Project-HOPE Resource Person Mr. Blessing Fubara said: “The time has come for a serious development model to kick off in the Niger Delta.

    “The Samuel Ogbuku and Charles Ogunmola-led board of the NDDC has brought HOPE to Niger Delta youths, so it’s time for serious business. 

    “Project-HOPE is designed to deploy the first Niger Delta Youth Potential Resources Database System, which focuses on applicants’ qualifications, skills, interests, status and passion identification.”

    He gave insight into areas of job generation potential in each of the nine states: “In Abia State, Project-HOPE will set up a textile village and a commercial vegetable farm/ a processor industry on farm, while a poultry and egg hatchery and a processor on farm will be set up in Akwa Ibom State. 

    “In Bayelsa and Cross Rivers states, the project will see to the development and establishment of plantain/banana plantation and snail farm for export, as well as a processor industry on farm and rice plantation and a processor mill on farm.

    “An automobile village and aqua culture and processor on farm will be set up in Delta State, while Edo State will host a cassava plantation and a processor industry on farm, as well as a furniture village. 

    “Ondo State will enjoy a livestock and diary farm plus a processor industry on farm, while Imo State will accommodate a sugar cane plantation and a processor industry on farm, and Rivers State will host the Tech community, onshore and offshore fish farming plus a processor industry on farm.  

    “Project HOPE has also created other areas of youth engagement such as ‘Niger Delta MAP (Music and Arts Project)’, to encourage the creative industry, and ‘simple money (no collateral and no interest money), among others.”

  • Terry G, Sean Tizzle, Sabinus to join Funbi’s Bus

    Terry G, Sean Tizzle, Sabinus to join Funbi’s Bus

    Talented standup comedian and on-air personality, Oluwafunmibi Olarinde aka Funbi is set to hold the fifth annual edition of his annual gig, ‘Funbi’s Bus.’

    The 2023 edition of the gig is themed ‘Grown Man’ and will be held on June 4 at Eko Conference Centre with performances from Sabinus, Terry G, Sean Tizzle, Crayon, Majeed, Josh2funny, Remote, Odogwu, and Bowjoint.

    Read Also : Why my skits don’t promote nudity – Sabinus

     Sharing the concept of the event, the host said “Funbi’s Bus is my brand and it’s unique, when thinking of rebranding my show name, I had to pick between myself and what everybody could relate to which is a Bus (everyone enters buses home and abroad) and this is my own bus giving happiness, so Funbi’s Bus is a movement. This year’s edition is ‘Grown Man’ because I’m somebody’s father and somebody’s husband now! I have people looking up to me and I have a story to tell about being a Grown Man” he said.

     Revealing why this fifth edition stands out from the previous editions Funbi Funbi said “Over the years, we have changed lives! From people getting married after meeting at the Show to people becoming superstars in the industry… this year we want to bless someone with a plot of land in the new Lagos.”

  • Comment Section will tackle cyberbullying, says director

    Comment Section will tackle cyberbullying, says director

    The spread of hate on social media can be avoided and one should afford others the respect they desire,” these were the words of Jimi Agboola, the director of recently premiered movie, ‘Comment Section.’

    The film according to Agboola tackles the phenomenon of cyberbullying and its effects on cyberbullies and victims of cyberbullying.

    “Comment Section is a relevant and timely film exploring how social media characters are exhibited, the people behind these accounts and the vast reasons that lead to active, constant and in most cases dangerously obsessive participation. It’s a film that addresses while creating a portrait of our society in the modern age, the unique time in which we live in and its influence by social media,” he added.

    Speaking on his role as a lead actor in the movie, Chris Akoh, said: “I got the script for ‘Comment Section’ and as soon as i read it i had an immediate connection to the character Dede because he was/is the protagonist conveying the very important message that this film has for the society we live in today when it comes to social media, the pros/cons that come with certain kinds of upbringing/parenting, vices and the human perception of what is right or wrong based off of real life times and experiences. It’s an exceptional script, cinematically told in the most unconventional way. It was love at first and every sight.”

    Comment section was directed by Jimi Agboola, co-directed by Iyke Osoka and written by Jimeto Onyedika.

  • We’re open to collaboration with entertainment industries, Oghayore

    We’re open to collaboration with entertainment industries, Oghayore

    The Chairman Mayore Beauty, Silver Oghayore is optimistic that the firm’s launch into the Nigerian market would be highly welcomed by the Nigerian movie industry.

    Oghayore noted that Nollywood and the music industry are involved in the use of cosmetics in movies and music videos.

    He made this affirmation at a pre-launch media parley recently in Lagos.

    He also noted that though both entertainment industries have become a force to reckon with globally, the make up/makeover aspects still need better products like Mayore to compliment its standard and also save cost of buying beauty products.

    “It’s a great opportunity for us. We have a product that the market needs as much as we want to be in it. I’m willing to invest in my words today, I have an impression that when both industries test our products they won’t have a lot of choice but do rely on Mayore,” said Oghayore

    “The quality of our products, the sustainability of our products and the natural nature of our products will convince them. We’ve seen movies where makeups are fading, you’re not going to have that kind of problem with Mayore products. You will be investing a lot less for superior quality products. So I think they will welcome us as long as we will welcome partnership and collaboration with them.”

  • Gov Sani retains Kaduna SSG, El-Rufai’s aides

    Gov Sani retains Kaduna SSG, El-Rufai’s aides

    Kaduna Governor Senator Uba Sani has retained Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Balarabe Lawal Abbas.

    He also appointed former Immigration Comptroller, Sani Liman as Chief of Staff.

    Sani, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mohammed Lawal Shehu, also retained the services of other senior members of the Nasir El-Rufai administration to provide the link between the two administrations.

    Among those retained are; Muhammad Hafiz Bayero, who will serve as Senior Advisor Counsellor to the Governor while Barrister James Atung Kanyip and Chris Umar have been appointed Deputy Chiefs of Staff to the Governor and Dr. Shehu Usman Muhammad and Bulus Banquo Audu were appointed as Counsellors to the Governor.

    Read Also : Gov Sani Bello presides over APC CECPC meeting

    The statement added Lawal was retained in view of his vast experience in governance to assist in the smooth take-off of the administration.

    Other appointed officials include: “Prof. Bello Ayuba, Principal Private Secretary; Hafsah Aminu Ashiru , Private Secretary to the Deputy Governor; Naja’atu Garba Ahmed, Senior Special Assistant (Governor’s Office); Dr. John Danfulani – Senior Special Assistant (Research & Documentation); Shuaibu Isah Gimi, Senior Special Assistant (Strategic Communication); Nasiru Abdulkadir, Senior Special Assistant (Print Media); Dahiru Ahmed, Senior Special Assistant (Electronic Media); Samuel Mock Kure, Senior Special Assistant (Public Affairs) and Manassah Turaki Peter, Senior Special Assistant (Public Communication, Deputy Governor’s Office) among others.

  • Kano Gov makes first appointments

    Kano Gov makes first appointments

    Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has appointed the former Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

    He also appointed Shehu Wada Sagagi as the Chief of Staff while Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa is Chief Press Secretary (CPS).

    The Governor also appointed Farouq Kurawa as his Principal Private Secretary (PPS) while Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo is the Chief Protocol Officer.

    Read Also : VIDEO: Kano Gov Abba Kabir Yusuf refuses to sit on Ganduje’s official chair

    He dissolved the State Pilgrims Welfare Board and appointed new members with Alhaji Yusuf Lawan as the new chairman. Alhaji Laminu Rabi’u is the new Executive Secretary.

    Other new members of the Pilgrims Board include Shiek Abbas Abubakar Daneji , Shiek Shehi Shehi Maihula, Amb. Munir Lawan- Member, Shiek Isma’il Mangu, Hajia Aishatu Munir Matawalle and Dr. Sani Ashir.

    They are to take over affairs of the board for the 2023 Hajj operation.

  • Prof. Fatokun is new CAN General Secretary

    Prof. Fatokun is new CAN General Secretary

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has appointed Professor Samson Adetunji Fatokun as its new General Secretary.

    CAN said the appointment followed the retirement of Barr. Joseph Daramola, who has served as its General Secretary for 11 years.

    A statement by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh reads: “It is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Professor Samson Adetunji Fatokun as the new General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    “This appointment follows the retirement of Barr. Joseph Daramola, who has served our organization with distinction in the past 11 years.

    Read Also : Nigeria needs a decisive President like Tinubu – CAN

    “Professor Fatokun is a distinguished scholar and professor of Christian Religious Studies at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. He brings to this position a wealth of experience in church leadership and administration, as well as a deep commitment to the Christian faith.

    “We are confident that Professor Fatokun will continue to uphold the values and principles of CAN, and work tirelessly to advance the cause of Christianity and promote religious harmony in Nigeria.

    “We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Barr. Joseph Daramola for his dedicated service to CAN. His leadership and contributions have been invaluable, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

    “We pray for Professor Fatokun as he assumes his new role, that God will grant him wisdom, strength, and grace to lead with integrity, promote unity among Christians and advance the cause of Christ in Nigeria. Amen”.

  • I got used to heat, smells in cell after two days – Seun Kuti

    I got used to heat, smells in cell after two days – Seun Kuti

    Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has narrated how he survived in police custody, stating it was difficult on the first day.

    He corrected the impression that he was imprisoned, noting he was rather locked up in a police cell jam-packed with inmates ten times its original capacity.

    Speaking of the heat and stench of the cell, the last son of legendary Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulakpo Kuti, stated it was awful.

    However, he explained after spending two days, he acclimatized to the environment while he gave a brief ‘hearsay’ account of what entailed in Kirikiri maximum prison.

    Read Also : Seun Kuti breaks silence after bail

    “Prison, the first day was difficult in prison. Cell, police cell, I never go prison. Na cell I still dey. Actually, I was in police station, I dey cell, I dey lock up. Dem no remand me for Kirikiri or anything.

    “But I hear say for Kirikiri, they let us out all day. Na night you go inside. But for that police cell, they just keep you locked down, all day, all night.

    “You’re just locked inside this room with no light. Like thirty-something people in a three-man cell.

    The heat ehn! The heat and the smells, o my God! But like after two days, I got used to it. Like, it just became a routine. E come be like routine.”

    The Eygpt 80 band leader was detained on May 15 after he surrendered to the police over alleged assault of an Inspector on the Third Mainland Bridge.

    After eight days in Police custody, Kuti, regained freedom from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, following the perfection of his bail condition on Tuesday, May 23.

  • UPDATED: Court sentences Adedoyin, two staff to death over murder of OAU student

    UPDATED: Court sentences Adedoyin, two staff to death over murder of OAU student

    The owner of Hilton Hotel, Ile-Ife, Dr Rahmon Adedoyin has been sentenced to death by hanging over the murder of a Masters student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Timothy Adegoke.

    Adedoyin, who is a traditional chief of Ile-Ife, was sentenced to death with two of his staff, Adeniyi Aderogba the manager of the hotel and Oyetunde Kazeem (Supervisor).

    Adedoyin and his six staff- Magdalene Chiefuna, Adeniyi Aderogba, Oluwole Lawrence, Oyetunde Kazeem, Adebayo Kunle and Adedeji Adesola- were arraigned on 18 counts bordering on conspiracy, murder, felony, indecent interference of the corpse, alteration, cancellation of receipt and oath-taking to prevent justice.

    Delivering the judgment, Osun Chief Judge Justice Oyebola Ojo discharged and acquitted three of the staff- Magdalene Chiefuna(2nd defendant), Oluwole Lawrence (4th defendant) and Adebayo Kunle(6th defendant).

    Read Also: BREAKING: Court condemns Adedoyin, two staff to death by hanging

    However, Justice Ojo convicted Adedoyin on charges 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 15 and 16 which border on conspiracy to commit murder, murder, unlawful killing, conspiracy to administer extra judicial oath, indecent tempering with the deceased body, tempering with evidence and manufacturing of evidence.

    She also convicted the 3rd and fifth defendants- Adeniyi Aderogba and Oyetunde Kazeem on counts, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8.

    Justice Ojo noted that there was no direct evidence linking the convicts to the killing of Adegoke but circumstantial evidence are compelling and are convicted accordingly.

    She sentenced Adedoyin to ten years jail term on count 1 (conspiracy to commit murder), death by hanging on counts 2 and 3, (murder and unlawful killing of Timothy Adegoke). He was also sentenced to three years jail term on count 7, two years jail term on count 9 and five years each on counts 15 and 16.

    Aderogba and Kazeem were sentenced to ten years jail term on count 1, death by hanging on counts 2 and 3.

    The court pended the sentencing of Adesola (Receptionist) till Wednesday after her counsel and prosecution counsel pleaded with the judge that she should be lenient with her sentencing because Adesola played a pivotal role in unraveling the knotty case.

    She declared Rahman Adedoyin, son of the hotel owner, wanted and ordered INTERPOL to commence a serious manhunt for the accused with a view to arresting him in any part of the world he may be hiding.