The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Makinde: I have no preferred candidate for Alaafin

    Makinde: I have no preferred candidate for Alaafin

     Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said he has no preference among candidates for the Alaafin of Oyo stool.

    The governor assured the people that all legal issues relating to the selection will be resolved soon and a successor announced.

    Makinde spoke yesterday through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, while presenting Part II of the Recognised Chieftaincy Certificates to 12 chiefs, who are now lower kings.

    The event held at the Oba Adeyemi Mini Stadium in Ode Aremo, Oyo Town.

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    He said: “I am assuring you that Governor Makinde has no anointed candidate. God Himself, the Almighty knows. The governor never thought it. To him, Oyo, which is the cradle of Yorubaland with the Alaafin, who is the Head of Obas throughout Yoruba land, should have an Oba who befits its historical status.

    “The process for installation of a new Alaafin would have been concluded but for the case instituted at the Appeal Court. I am therefore assuring you that sooner than later, the whole issue will be resolved.”

    And to the elevated Chiefs, the Commissioner said: “The importance of this Chieftaincy is the starting point of elevation to any height. What you are getting today is the beginning of good things that are coming to your domains. By the grace of God, some of you will be elevated to Royal Highnesses.

    “This upgrade not only brings honour to your communities, but also serves as a testament to our government’s continued support of our cultural heritage and traditional institutions.

    “We believe the traditional institution play a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in our communities. As recognised Chiefs, you are expected to work with the local and state government to ensure our communities are safe and secure for all inhabitants. You should not give room to banditry, land grabbing and any form of terrorism in your domains. Congratulations.”

  • INEC will punish corrupt, unethical officers, says Yakubu

    INEC will punish corrupt, unethical officers, says Yakubu

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has said the Commission will not tolerate unethical and corrupt practices from electoral officers. He said whoever does such will face the wrath of the law.

    He spoke at the annual lecture organised by the Electoral Institute (TEI), with the theme ‘Achieving Professionalism among Election Personnel through Effective Training in Preparation for Edo and Ondo off-cycle Governorship Elections’.

    Prof. Yakubu, represented by Chairman of the Board of TEI. Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, noted that the success of any election largely depends on the professionalism and competence of those responsible for conducting it. He added that it is important that ‘personnel conducting the elections are knowledgeable, skilled and well-equipped with relevant competencies to handle the complexities and challenges of the electoral processes.

    According to him, ‘there is the need for high sense of professionalism among election personnel, engendered by effective training because the crucial role they play in upholding the integrity of the democratic processes, cannot be overstressed’.

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    Yakubu also stressed that the manner by which electoral officers discharge their duties and responsibilities affects the degree of confidence voters will have in the process which will impact on their participation and turn out.

    He said: “To ensure credibility and trustworthiness in our elections, and build trust among the electorates, it is imperative that we prioritise the professional development of our election personnel.

    “Consequently, the Commission has always demanded that all election officials be punctual, courteous, polite, and helpful at all times. Voters are the masters and should be treated equally, decently and with utmost respect.

    “Unethical and corrupt practices by election officials will not be tolerated and shall incur severe punishments under the law. For these reasons, all election officials should be guided by a high sense of integrity, impartiality, transparency; professionalism; gender and disability sensitivity and due consideration and support for the elderly, expectant mothers, nursing mothers and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

  • ECOWAS Court rejects Dasuki’s request

    ECOWAS Court rejects Dasuki’s request

    Community Court of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected a suit by former National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Colonel Mohammed Dasuki, to among others, compel Nigeria to release his assets.

    In a June judgment, a three-member panel held it lacked  jurisdiction to hear and determine the case.

    In a statement, Justice Sengu Koroma held, in the lead judgment, that he court did not possess jurisdiction to entertain the case.

    Justice Koroma noted that having assessed claims and texts, it lacks competence to adjudicate the fresh suit.

    The court gave a directive as to the procedure for enforcement of its judgments as enshrined in the Community Law, and the proper party to bring a claim for failure of non-enforcement.

    It proceeded to dismiss the fresh suit without awarding cost.

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    Other members of the panel were Justice Edward Amoako Asante (who presided) and Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves.

    Dasuki had, in the fresh case, prayed the court to compel Nigeria to comply with and implement the court’s earlier  judgment delivered on October 4, 2016, in a fundamental rights enforcement suit ECW/CCJ/JUD/23/16.

    The ex-NSA claimed he obtained a judgment from ECOWAS Court on October 4, 2016, declaring his arrest and detention unlawful and a violation of his rights under African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

    He said the court should  order release of his property with N15,000,000 damages.

  • UK’s PM denies resignation reports

    UK’s PM denies resignation reports

    British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, said he is not quitting ahead of the election amid continued fallout over his early departure from D-Day commemoration.

    Sunak vowed to carry on “till the last day of this campaign” as he sought to dampen reports he might resign ahead of polling day on July 4.

    Criticism of his early exit from the 80th anniversary of Normandy landings dogged the prime minister over the weekend when he kept a low profile and avoided reporters.

    He was campaigning yesterday, where he said he would not stop “fighting for the future of our country.”

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    Asked if resigning had crossed his mind, Sunak told broadcasters during a visit to Dog and Bacon pub in Horsham: “No, of course not.

    “I’m energised about the vision we’re putting forward for the country.

    “This campaign is not even halfway through yet, and I’m finding an enormous amount of support for policies we’re putting on the table.”

    On the rumours, he told reporters: “People are gonna say what they’re gonna say.”

    “There are people who want to write me off, write this off, say this campaign or the election is a foregone conclusion.”

    Sunak added: “The reality is I’m not going to stop going, I’m not going to stop fighting for people’s votes, I’m not going to stop fighting for future of our country.”

    He also struck a conciliatory tone over his D-Day departure, telling reporters he “absolutely didn’t mean to cause anyone any hurt or upset.”

    “I just hope people can find it in their hearts to forgive me and look at actions that I have taken as a prime minister to support our armed forces witincrease in defence spending.

    “I also have a minister focused on veterans affairs, making sure this is the best country in the world to be a veteran,” he added.

  • Aircraft with Malawi’s vice missing

    Aircraft with Malawi’s vice missing

    Aircraft carrying Malawi’s Vice-President, Saulos Chilima, and nine others is missing, the president’s office said in a statement.

     The Malawi Defence Force aircraft “went off radar” after it left the capital, Lilongwe, yesterday morning, it added.

    The president ordered a search and rescue after aviation officials were unable to contact the aircraft.

    It was supposed to land at Mzuzu International Airport, in the country’s north, just after 10:00 local time (11:00 BST).

    Other passengers include Chilima’s wife, Mary, and a officials from the vice-president’s United Transformation Movement (UTM) party.

    After being told by Defence Force’s Commander, President, Lazarus Chakwera, cancelled his flight to the Bahamas.

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    “The public will be updated on the situation as facts are established,” the office said.

    Reason for the aircraft’s disappearance is not yet known, General Valentino Phiri told Chakwera. Moses Kunkuyu, Malawi’s Information minister, told BBC efforts to find the aircraft are “intensive”.

    Chilima was on his way to attend the funeral of former minister, Ralph Kasambara, who died three days ago.

    Prior to his political career, he held key roles in multinational firms; Unilever and Coca Cola.

    Chilima, aged 51, has been vice-president of the southern African country since 2014.

    He is married with two children.

  • APGA: We’ll continue to hold APC govt to account

    APGA: We’ll continue to hold APC govt to account

    All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) National Chairman, Sly Ezeokenwa, has restated the party’s commitment to constructive opposition.

    He said APGA would speak for the people and advocate positive change.

    The chair noted that the party’s opposition helps to hold the All Progressives Congress (APC) government to account.

    At a briefing in Awka to mark his first year, Ezeokenwa said changes were needed in security, economy, governance and electoral reforms.

    He said: “Under my leadership, APGA has led as a constructive opposition party, advocating positive change.

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    ‘‘APGA has been a beacon of hope, offering a vision for a better Nigeria and a fierce determination to see it realised.

    “Our constructive opposition has held APC accountable and inspired citizens to demand a more prosperous, secure and equitable future.”

    Listing his other achievement, including digitisation of party membership, he announced launch of a app for registration and digital membership cards.

    “Under my inclusive leadership, APGA has become the first political party in Nigeria to implement complete digitisation of its membership…’’

  • Nigerian chef to break Guinness record in barbecue marathon

    Nigerian chef to break Guinness record in barbecue marathon

    Accountant/ chef, Faderera Akinsowon, is set to become Guinness World Record holder in Grill-A-Thon barbecue for 82 hours.

    He  will begin his attempt at 1 am Saturday at Eric Kayser Restaurant, Lagos.

    To break the record, he said he would grill for over 81 hours in public, adhering to rules by Guinness World Records.

    Longest barbecue marathon is 80 hours and was achieved by Jan Greeff (United States and South Africa) in 2014.

    “I plan to grill for more than 82 hours, using charcoal as modern grilling machines are not permitted. The event will be open to the public, and I’ll have a medical certificate to ensure quality and safety of the food,” he said.

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    Speaking on his inspiration behind this, he said: “Motivation is an inner drive that pushes you beyond expectations. I’ve always believed nothing is impossible. Though I was studied accounting, I found my true calling in restaurant business. Learning to grill from my grandfather in Ondo town ignited my passion for barbecue.”

    The Ondo-born chef said Lagos State would provide emergency services to ensure safety, while  foods prepared would undergo government approval for high standards.

  • President appoints Argungu PSC Chair, Sheidu NPTF boss

    President appoints Argungu PSC Chair, Sheidu NPTF boss

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Hashimu Argungu as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

    The President also appointed Chief Onyemuche Nnamani as the commission’s Secretary and Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Taiwo Lakanu (retd.) as a member of the commission.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, reads: “President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.) as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

    “The President has also approved the appointment of Chief Onyemuche Nnamani as Secretary and DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd.) as member of the commission.

    “The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate.

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    “Other members of the Police Service Commission will be appointed in due course…

    “Furthermore, the President has approved the appointment of Mr. Mohammed Sheidu as the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) with immediate effect.

    “The President expects absolute demonstration of integrity, diligence, and patriotic zeal in the discharge of these important functions for the overall wellbeing of the Nigeria Police and the nation.”

    These appointments are a part of President Tinubu’s efforts to reform and transform the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) into a modern, professional, and accountable institution.

  • Southeast forum hails economist, boardroom guru Uneze at 50

    Southeast forum hails economist, boardroom guru Uneze at 50

    The South East Professional Forum (SEPF) has celebrated distinguished academic, accomplished economist, and boardroom guru, Dr. Eberechukwu Uneze, on his golden jubilee birthday.

    SEPF said Uneze, who clocks 50 today, has made extensive contributions to economics, governance, and public service, making him a prominent figure amongst distinguished Nigerians.

    A statement yesterday by I. K. Ogbonna reads: “The South East Professionals Forum proudly celebrates Dr. Eberechukwu Uneze as he marks his 50th birthday on June 11, 2024. Dr. Uneze’s journey from Imo State University to prestigious global institutions, such as Yale, Columbia, and Oxford, exemplifies the pinnacle of academic and professional excellence. His extensive contributions to economics, governance, and public service have made him a prominent figure in these fields.

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    “Dr. Uneze, who hails from Amakohia Ubi, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, is a paragon of intellectual and professional accomplishments. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Imo State University, a Master’s degree in Economic Management and Policy from the University of Strathclyde, and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Kent.

    “His quest for knowledge extended to executive programmes at top global institutions, including Yale University, School of Management, Columbia Business School, University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management, Oxford University, Saïd Business School, London School of Economics, MIT Sloan School of Management, International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Stanford University, Graduate School of Business, Dartmouth College, Tuck School of Business, University of Michigan, Ross School of Business, Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, INSEAD, France, University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School, University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, London Business School, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Duke University, Sanford School of Public Policy, University of Bologna, Centre for International Development, Laval University, Quebec, Canada.

    “Dr. Uneze’s impressive career spans academia, banking, consultancy, and public service. He began as a Banking Trainee at United Bank for Africa Plc, later serving in significant roles including Director of Research at the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa, Senior Lecturer at Baze University, Board Member at Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), and Non-Executive Director at Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).”

    The forum said the celebrant has provided consultancy services to notable organisations, such as Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and DFID, the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Performance, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Nigeria, National Universities Commission, Nigeria, Nigerian Economic Summit Group.

    SEPF wished Dr. Uneze many years of good health and greater accomplishments.

  • NBTE introduces mandatory skills qualification in polytechnics

    NBTE introduces mandatory skills qualification in polytechnics

    The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has introduced a Mandatory Skills Qualification (MSQ) as a graduation requirement for all newly reviewed National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) curricula.

    The board said the introduction is in line with global trends, especially as skill acquisition, is now central to the training of young Nigerians in polytechnics.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by the board’s Head of Media, Hajiya Fatimah Abubakar, explained that diploma holders would now graduate with a National Skills Qualification (NSQ) or its equivalent, as an additional certification.

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    According to her, this means the MSQ is a requirement for all diploma programmes and must be attained before graduation.

    She described the NSQ as a certification system designed to assess and recognise the skills and competencies of individuals in various fields.

    Abubakar said the certification focuses on vocational skills and is typically obtained through vocational training programmes, apprenticeships, and assessments conducted by approved skill assessment bodies.

    “NSQ aims to bridge the gap between formal education and industry needs by providing individuals with practical skills relevant to the job market.

    “The dual certification of obtaining both an NSQ and an ND in Nigeria offers several benefits, including a comprehensive skill set, increased employability, versatility, professional recognition, and career progression,” she said.

    The agency’s media chief said the dual certification opens doors for career advancement as well as provides a strong foundation for upward mobility and career growth.