The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Mbu to Ayade: don’t reappoint underperformers

    Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Mbu Joseph Mbu has advised Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade against reappointing commissioners who did not perform well.

    Mbu, who spoke in Calabar, appealed to groups protesting perceived poor governance by Ayade to sheath their swords. He promised to lead street protests against the governor should there be no improvement in governance in his second term.

    He said: “It is the fundamental right of citizens to stage peaceful protests against bad governance, as long as the police are put on notice. Also the groups must have the right motives and not be agents of frustrated opposition elements.

    “Taking all variables into consideration, I will be the one calling for, and leading protest against the governor if his performance index does not improve. He was elected by the people to improve their lives; therefore, there will be no reasonable excuse to present a failure report card. That will amount to betraying their trust.

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    “I think he should go for seasoned hands who will help him deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. He should refrain from reappointing those whose performance did not measure up.”

    Asked if there were things he would have done differently as a policeman, Mbu answered in the negative, stressing he had no regret for serving his fatherland with loyalty and diligence.

    “I do not have any regret for any action I took while in service. I was loyal to my fatherland and to my commander-in-chief, and I expect every serving officer to do same; they should be professional and shun politics. I do not have any political leanings to date; I am not a card-carrying member of any political party. I served Nigeria diligently and I am happy I did, without apologies to anyone,” Mbu added.

  • ‘U.S, others can’t help Africa develop’

    An International Professor of Political Science, Eghosa Osaghae, has said America and other developed countries cannot formulate policies to genuinely develop Africa.

    He said “if we don’t de-colonise our right to autonomy and self-determination, Nigeria will never develop.”

    Eghosa spoke at this year’s International Conference of the Faculty of Business and Communication Study at  The Polytechnic in Ibadan, Oyo State. The theme of the conference is: “Technology, Security and Socio-economic Development in Africa.”

    He said: “Before our contact with Europe, Africa had its own self determined part of development and that is the trajectory African society pursued, but the story changed as soon as Africa started to have contact with Europe.”

    Eghosa said decolonisation was a precondition to the problem of development in Africa, adding that it was about human beings and human progress “because development is absolute security of human beings and a right of individuals.”

    He said development was a process that people must own themselves and decide on what they want, noting that it was not a process someone could undertake on behalf of others.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu assures Lagosians of improved security of lives, property

    Said he: “In order for development to be meaningful in this part of the world, the system must be decolonised, because our current trajectory of development is done within the framework of colonialism and globalisation. We should insist on our own right to do what we want.

    “We emulate the developed countries, but unfortunately, we don’t copy well. The notion of real development is not what can serve our purpose. Development is a process of bridging the gap between the developed world and undeveloped countries.

    “If we refuse to decolonise our right to autonomy and self-determination, Nigeria will never develop. Colonialism has made us consumers, not producers. We can only do it ourselves, nobody can do it for us.”

    Rector of The Polytechnic Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi noted that the theme of the conference could not have been appropriate at any time than now, adding that it was not all encompassing, and relevant, considering the myriads of security and socio-economic problems  in Africa.

    “This institution is renowned and reputed for excellence in technical education and research. One of the indelible traditional academic values of this institution is the annual hosting of national and international conference by different faculties. We are …committed to the promotion of technical education through purposeful, problem solving and result oriented academic research.”

    He said the gathering of intellectuals and seasoned academics would proffer a solution to the security and socio-economic challenges confronting African countries.

    Dean of Faculty of Business and Communication Studies Mr Femi Ipadeola said the theme would address key areas of development challenges because it was borne out of pertinent need to address problems across African countries hampering growth and development.

    “The need for development in the areas of technology, security and economy in Africa cannot be overemphasised because there is need for continuous research in these areas so that Africa can occupy her rightful position in the world. African researcher should deliberately carry out research with the sole aim of solving identified security and socio-economic problems, as well as driving technological advancements.”

  • 265 get crane operation certification

    Equipment training centre, Equilog, has trained 265 on how to operate cranes since 2017, it was learnt.

    The company’s Managing Partner Mr Aaron Iyama said Equilog would reduce unemployment, noting that the trainees were solution providers in techinical services.

    Iyama spoke at the firm’s graduation and award of certificates to 15 trainees, who completed a professional crane operations & safety training programme.

    He noted that the programme was in two categories: crane operators and non-crane operators not properly trained on safefty culture, as well as those with no proper certification

    “The trainees undergo two to three months of intensive training, where we put them through the dynamics of crane operations; they learn about crane stability, potential hazards in lifting operations and safety, as well as factors that affect lift operations.

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    “We have successfully trained 265 people since we started the training in April 2017; we have 10 operators we have trained at a mining company in Kogi State, we also have three of our trainees working with us. The graduating students are the fifth batch,” Iyama said.

    He assured prospective trainees that the centre’s certificate was internationally recognised.

    Iyama added: “Equilog is in partnership with HARDHAT training U.S, Canada and presents professional crane training programme, Occupation Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), accredited certification.”

    Mr Cyril Ossai, another partner, said the training was basically a bridge between oil and gas.

    Ossai said research had shown that “it is now easier to enter into the construction and oil & gas industry via your skill proficiency than your certificate.

    A Customs officer, Mr Adetumi Haastrup, one of the graduates, said the training gave him another chance to serve.

    “I have served the country for 35 years… and now I will be serving the private sector… With all the certifications in training and competence, the sky is the limit even at any age,” the 58-year-old said.

  • Council disburses cash, land, buses to market women, artisans

    The Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government of Lagos State, Mr. Wasiu Adeshina, has distributed empowerment items to market women, artisans and transporters to mark his two years in office.

    Adeshina, while giving account of his stewardship, said the empowerment was to assist beneficiaries to expand their capital base and develop and upgrade their businesses as well as assist loyal party members.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on July 3, the chairman won Root Watch magazine’s “Best Roads/Rural Integration Executive Chairman’’ award in Abuja.

    “Today, we thank God that we all are witnessing the second anniversary of this administration in Ikorodu Local Government.

    “This occasion will be marked with the unveiling of the Branded-Micro Bus Empowerment Scheme, which will serve as empowerment to the people of Ikorodu.

    “This scheme is organised under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) between Sterling Bank, Ikorodu council and Micro Bus Company.

    Read Also: Monarchs, others unveil 2019 Asa festival in Ikorodu

    “I wish to announce that 12 party members will be compensated with one hectare of land to be shared among them.

    “Also, 15 traders will be given goods with cash …’’ Adeshina said.

    The chairman listed some of his achievements: environmental and waste management services, agriculture, rural and social development.

    Adeshina said his administration embraced partnership with community development through training with N-Power, N-Agro and primary health care.

    He said his government achieved much in internal neonatal and child health, education and library service, works and housing, infrastructure, among others.

    The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, hailed the chairman, urging him to do more.

    Shotobi said the empowerment had impacted lives  positively, asking beneficiaries to use the money well.

    The monarch hailed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the work at Isawo area of Ikorodu.

    “The achievement speaks volume; what they call “Ikorodu Oga’’ is being manifested … everybody is happy with performances of the chairman …’’ Shotobi said.

    Mr Babajimi Benson, lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, advised the chairman to create a better synergy with the state for greater goals.

    Benson, who chairs the House Committee on Defence, urged the council to rehabilitate more roads.

    “The reward of good job is to do more; I think the chairman has done well, I am impressed,’’ Benson said.

    Mr Olorunfunmi Bashorun, ex-Secretary to Lagos State Government, called on residents to support the administration, irrespective of party affiliation.

  • Marriage counsellors ‘should’ establish peaceful society

    Marriage counsellors have been urged to work hard to establish a peaceful society by reducing casualties of broken homes.

    The advice was given at the graduation of M-Solution Consulting’s July Diet of Marriage Counsellors’ Course.

    Guest speaker Associate Professor of Counselling Psychology at Lagos State University (LASU) in Ojo Dr. Airat Sulaimon told the graduates to develop themselves and keep up with trends to make their job easier.

    “You have to develop yourselves and put what you have learnt into practise. You are needed in the community for marital counselling and premarital counselling. The expectations of individuals going into marriages are high and when they come back disappointed, the seed of marital discord is being sown already.

    “It is our job to reduce the effect of divorce and broken homes. This will eventually reduce the effect on the children,” she said.

    Sulaimon urged the students to go into the world and increase their efforts in marital and premarital counselling.

    Special guest at the event, Ustadh Jami’ Tirmidhi stressed the importance of putting acquired knowledge into practise.

    Read Also: Fed Govt to tackle proliferation of marriage certificates

    He said: “People need counselling. About 40 per cent of pupils in secondary schools are from broken homes. The knowledge you learnt, you must rationalise it.

    “There are many cases to deal with; incompatibility, family planning, infertility and others are issues you will  meet. Patience is key and we must relate well with clients.”

    A graduating student, Habeebah Ibrahim, a civil servant with Lagos State, hailed the training.

    She said: “I will tell people to watch out for us. For me … I have it in mind to create a counselling hub…

    “With the advent of the digital age, people want to chat, express themselves and what is on their minds, but are afraid that whoever they meet will ignore them or blow their cover. I intend to build a virtual counselling hub where they don’t have to see the person they are talking to. Necessary counselling measures and precautions will be given to them as at when due. So I think you should look out for that”.

    Another graduating student, Lawal Nurudeen, having undergone training in the rudiments of marriage counselling, marital conflict as well as benefits of settling disputes, advised the public not to remain silent about  their problems.

    He said: “My advice to people is ‘Don’t seal up’. From the training, I’ve learnt that the only way to enjoy and not to endure marriage is to speak out. Seek help from the counsellor. The marriage is for a balanced community. Meet counsellors, share your thoughts and feelings and let them guide you”.

    An alumna of the institute, Muslimat Apampa, said: “Do not stop, but keep learning. There is a dearth of well-trained counsellors. This is a responsibility and trust on us. Try to read, go for courses, seminars and lectures. It’s a full-time task. Muslims are going through a lot of trauma. Remember, counselling is more preventive than curative”.

  • Indigenes, others remember ruler

    Ikorodu indigenes in Lagos State have celebrated the fifth remembrance of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi.

    Committee and members of the Oba Salaudeen Afolabi Adekoya Oyefusi Foundation were joined by the late monarch’s family and guests at the Royal Castle of Mercy, Oba Oyefusi Avenue, off Lagos Road, Ikorodu.

    The ceremony began with Fidau, after which the foundation’s secretariat was inaugurated by the Chairman of Amen Estate, Mr Babatunde Gbadamosi.

    Guests later moved to Ikorodu General Hospital, where items, including two dozens of plastic chairs, three sets of standing fans and suction machines were donated by the foundation.

    They also visited Lagos State Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for Persons with Disabilities in Ikorodu and donated 10 cartons of noodles, three bags of rice, one bag of beans, a set of computer system, six sets of ceiling fan, a large light-emitting diode television (LED) and a lawn mower, among others.

    Read Also: Indigenes, others remember ruler

    Chairman of the foundation’s Board of Trustees Otunba Adewale Rafiu, who presented items to the beneficiaries, said the foundation had fulfilled what beneficiaries asked for.

    He assured them that the foundation would do more.

    Rafiu said the gestures were in accordance with the legacy of the late monarch.

    “The foundation is meant to empower the needy and create an enabling environment for the poor to acquire skill,” he added.

    Gbadamosi, who chaired the occasion, said the inauguration would make the late monarch to be remembered forever by Ikorodu indigenes and Lagosians.

    He said it would also help sustain his credibility and make his legacy live forever.

    Gbadamosi described the monarch as a man that loved peace and harmony.

    “He showed love to his wife, his children, indigenes of Ikorodu and others …

    “He was a builder of men and women. He built Ikorodu city, which he met as a village. He left behind legacies of progress, security and expansion because no company came to Ikorodu and never became something to be celebrated in the world. It was in his time that a lot of progress that we see now manifested.

    “However, we are struggling at the moment to cope with his exit. The struggle you see in Ikorodu over the four years has been the result of the vacuum created by his absence. We are beginning to realise that the monarch is gone,” he said.

    Wife of the monarch Olori Muyibat said the king was remembered for his prayers.

    “He loved to pray a lot. He could pray for hours, he was a prayer warrior. He was a caring husband; he was the King Solomon of our time. He ruled with wisdom and diplomacy. We have been practising his legacies since he died and they will forever live in our hearts.

    “His love for prayers made us invite the Islamic clerics to pray for him at the palace’s mosque,” she said.

    Ex-Deputy Governor Chief Sinatu Ojikutu described the monarch as a man of dignity, saying he made the Office of Obaship to be reckoned with by the government.

    She described the wife as the most glamorous queen of our time, noting that she stood firmly behind her husband.

    “She is practising what her husband was doing when he was alive and that means that the monarch is still living,” she said”

    Deputy Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government Princess Folashade Oba described the monarch as a true father that stood for the truth.

    “He sacrificed everything to make Ikorodu a peaceful place to live for indigenous people and non-indigenes. The successful and energetic entrepreneurs in Ikorodu will know that something is missing in Ikorodu as they know the part the monarch played…”

    She said his legacies would always be in place through the foundation, adding that he would forever be celebrated and his history would remain from generation to generation.

    The foundation’s Executive Secretary, Prince Wale Oyefusi, said it is designed to empower the indigenes and non-indigenes of Ikorodu.

    “The foundation is to further in the legacy of the late monarch, which includes affecting lives, supporting education and empowering others. With this foundation, we will be able to continue what the late monarch was known for.”

    “We have donated what is needed to the home and the hospital. This is what the late monarch liked to do, to touch the lives of others and meet the challenging needs in the society,” he said.

    Dr. Taiwo Hassan of the General Hospital, Ikorodu, prayed for financial strength for the foundation and wished the late monarch a blissful paradise and his household long life and prosperity.

    The Principal of Lagos State Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for Persons with Disabilities, Ikorodu, Mrs. Abiola Morayesa, thanked the foundation, saying the late monarch  would never be forgotten for his kind gestures to the less privileged ones.

  • The Sun man Omipidan is Oyetola’s CPS

    Osun State Governor Adeboyega Oyetola has appointed Mr. Ismail Omipidan as his Chief Press Secretary.

    The new CPS, who replaces Mr. Adeniyi Adesina, will oversee the governor’s media matters as the head.

    Adeniyi resigned on mutual consent to take up professional responsibility at The Nation, from where he came as the CPS.

    A statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Wole Oyebamiji, on Tuesday, stated that the appointment takes effect from Monday, August 5.

    Until his appointment, Omipidan, 44, a native of Ila Orangun, was an Assistant Editor, in charge of Politics at The Sun Publishing Limited, Lagos.

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    He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication from the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, and a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.

    Drawing on about 20 years of journalism practice, right from his days in Kaduna Polytechnic, as Editor-in-Chief of a training Magazine, Kadascope, Omipidan, who is also an alumnus of the University of Maiduguri, had worked with The Comet, Weekly Trust, The Week Magazine, The Guardian, The Spectator and The Punch, which was specifically for a four month internship.

    He joined The Sun as a pioneer staff in 2003, as Senior Correspondent, from where he rose through the ranks to the position of an Assistant Editor.

    Omipidan, an active member of the Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ), was at various times acting Secretary, Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ, Borno State; Secretary, SWAN, Borno State; Chairman, Senate Press Corps, National Assembly, Abuja; Treasurer, NUJ, Kaduna State Council; Vice Chairman, NUJ, Kaduna State Council and acting chairman, NUJ, Kaduna State Council.

    The new CPS, who is a guest analyst on TVC’s Journalists Hangout, is married to Hajia Omolola Omipidan and the marriage is blessed with children.

  • Ekiti varsity students protest alleged unlawful arrest of colleagues by EFCC

    Students of the Ekiti State University(EKSU), Ado-Ekiti yesterday took to the street to protest the  alleged harassment and unlawful arrest of their colleagues by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives.

    The students barricaded the institution’s entrance gate, thereby affecting academic activities as most of the lecturers and other staff could not access the campus.

    They appealed to EFCC Acting Chairman Mr. Ibrahim Magu to order his men to stop harassing innocent students under the guise of being involved  in cybercrime.

    The protest, which began at about 8:15a.m. and lasted till 2:30p.m., affected free flow of traffic on the Ado-Ifaki dual carriage way, where the aggrieved students gathered to express their displeasure.

    Those travelling outside the state capital and those coming in through the route were affected by the gridlock created by the students. The travelers had to take alternative routes to their respective destinations.

    Addressing the students, the Director of Welfare, the institution Students’ Union Government, Temitope Aladejare, described the alleged arrest as illegal and unconstitutional.

    Read Also: EFCC arrests 29 suspected internet fraudsters in Oyo

    He added that four of his colleagues were arrested by some policemen on Wednesday.

    “They just came to the hostel in front of the EKSU’s main gate and arrested four of our members. Two of the victims were even naked and they were in their rooms, when they pounced on them.

    “When they came, they introduced themselves as operatives of the EFCC and forcefully bundled the victims into a van and took them to an unknown destination.

    “We are calling on governments to call them to order,” he said.

    EKSU Public Relations Officer Mr. Bode Olofinmuagun said he was not on campus and that he didn’t have first-hand information about the arrest and the protest by the students.

    Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command Caleb Ikechukwu, a DSP, confirmed that arrest were made, which triggered the students to embark on the protest.

    Ikechukwu added that the police swung into action to restore orderliness by ensuring the removal of all blockages on highway for smooth human and vehicular movements.

    “The students protested and they blocked the major highway and prevented commuters from moving in and out of the state capital. This we will never be condoned  because that road is not within  the confine of the university.”

    “They obstructed vehicular movements for hours, but we have been able to remove those blockages and restored peace and order around the school premises,” he said.

    Few weeks ago, over 40 youths, some of whom were students of higher institutions, were arrested in Ado-Ekiti by EFCC and whisked away to Ibadan, Oyo State for alleged cyber fraud.

  • How Lagos’ll achieve universal health coverage, by Sanwo-Olu

    LAGOS State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening public health research and boosting the capacity of healthcare workers towards achieving the Item 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, spoke at the yearly symposium of the African Forum for Research and Education in Health (AFREhealth), where he assured the audience of his administration’s willingness to pursue actions and policy frameworks that’ll help the state improve on universal health coverage indices.

    The week-long event with the theme: “Strengthening Health Research Education and Service Delivery for Achieving SDGs in Africa”, was held at the Lagos Continental Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The participants comprised health researchers, policymakers and stakeholders are drawn from various African countries and America.

    In a demonstration of his commitment to improve the quality of healthcare in Lagos, the governor said he would be appointing a cabinet-rank official that would constantly monitor the state’s performance in realising SDGs, particularly the Goal 3, which is to ensure universal health coverage and elimination of inequality.

    Read Also: Lagos ’ll partner Fed Govt to decongest prisons, says Sanwo-Olu

    He said: “The theme of this symposium is not only critical and important to my administration’s development agenda, it is also an important topic to us as human beings. I am delighted to listen to the content of lead papers presented, which brought out new ideas on how we can strengthen health coverage. I believe inter-professionalism is also critical in driving the conversation.

    “This discussion can be profound at this point in time when all government leaders are putting SDGs as critical anchor to drive policies in Africa. Lagos takes healthcare as a priority and if Lagos gets it right, Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa will definitely have good indices to showcase to the world.

    “To demonstrate our readiness, I have promised that my cabinet will have a government representative who will be involved in the decision making at the cabinet level and whose responsibility would ensure that Lagos has up-to-date tracking of our progress in SDGs, especially health, education, safe water and environment. We have signed on to deliver all these goals.”

    The Director of Centre for Sustainable Development (CESDEV), University of Ibadan, Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan, in his paper,  said more than two-third of countries in sub-Saharan Africa performed below the benchmark set by the UN for the realisation of the development goal.

  • Akeredolu’s ex-commissioner alleges threat to life

    A FORMER Ondo State Commissioner for Special Duties, Culture and Tourism, Asiwaju Olufemi Adekanmbi, has alleged threats to his life by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Adekanmbi, who spoke with reporters in Abuja on Thursday, said the governor considered him a threat to his 2020 re-election bid.

    But, in a reaction, the governor said Adekanmbi was being mischievous by using his name to seek attention for motives known only to him.

    But, the ex-commissioner insisted that the governor and his agents had hatched a plot to plant a gun and drop a body in his (Adekanmbi’s) Owo country home to arrest him on gun-running and murder charges.

    “The reason behind all these is because of the forthcoming governorship election in which they believe some powerful forces are behind my aspiration.

    Read Also: Akeredolu…Two-and-a-half years later

    “That plans have been perfected to rope me at all cost by dropping a dead body in my house at Owo and thereafter hold me responsible for the killing. Plans have also been perfected to plant incriminating objects like a gun in my house to rope me as a gun-runner.

    “To make the matter worse, I have it on good authority that plans have been perfected to assassinate me by giving N10,000,000 to one of the boys close to me to shoot me at a very close range and make the killing look like accidental discharge to ultimately free my assailant,” Adekanmbi added.

    Adekanmbi, who said he was forced to flee Owo to Abuja as a result of the threat, stated that the governor perceived him a threat to his 2020 re-election bid.

    Incidentally, Akeredolu and Adekanmbi both hailed from Owo, a situation the latter said, has continued to stir suspicion in the governor that he (Adekanmbi) might challenge him at the poll.

    The chieftain of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the governor has been uncomfortable with the various community projects he initiated in Owo in the past few months.

    Stating that he has not made up his mind to contest the governorship election in 2020, Adekanmbi said the governor should be held responsible should any harm befall him.

    Speaking through his Senior Media Assistant, Mr. Ojo Oyewamide, Akeredolu said he had no place for hate and wickedness in his heart.

    Oyewamide added that Akeredolu has been too busy with the process of developing the state to think of doing harm to anybody.

    The governor’s aide said: “But for the deceptive and diversionary reason, mischief, as well as the motive behind the person in question, we would not have bothered granting any element of seriousness to an unstable character as such.

    “We will not dwell into whatever puerile issues he has raised. A man with clean hands does not require extraneous things to seek attention.

    “If it is attention he desires, this should be enough for people of his ilk. Adekanmbi requires no more of response than the fact that the world should ignore him.”