Author: The Nation

The Federal Character Commission (FCC) does not recruit staff for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government, its Chairman Dr. Muheeba Dankaka said yesterday.

Dankaka said reports to the contrary were false.

She told journalists in Abuja that the clarification followed wrong impressions given to the public about the FCC’s functions.

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Dankaka said: “We’re not a recruiting agency. We don’t recruit staff for MDAs of the Federal Government. People should know this. There are wrong impression created in the public about our functions.

“Many are made to believe erroneously that we recruit staff for the MDAs. We don’t do this.

“Our primary function is to monitor the MDAs and ensure that they maintain the principle of federal character in their recruitment exercises.

“We’re to ensure that the MDAs play to rule and ensure that no side, religion or ethnic group is unduly favoured in recruitment exercises. That’s our primary function.”

Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Lagos. Onilude Olusegun Adeniran, has opened a Primary Health Centre at Boekoh in Badagry.

Onilude lauded Sen. Adeola Olamilekan Solomon for facilitating the project.

 ”It’s fulfilling that this project was completed. I have to proactively improvise so that we will not lose this project because we had dug a foundation in and pulled down some sections of the old structure before we were informed that we cannot erect a story building close to the correctional centre.

“ The contractor gave me an ultimatum or else, he would take the project elsewhere. I have to run to the families that owned the land where the new structure is erected. 

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“I also want to use this opportunity to thank the Sovi family for their understanding and sacrifice. 

“The PHC is equipped to provide quality healthcare services for 24 hours and I want to encourage our people to make optimum usage of the facility,” he said.

Senator Solomon said that Onilude’s dogedness was what brought the health centre to Badagry, while adding that the health facility is just one of five or six he was able to facilitate in his eight-year tenure as Senator for Lagos West.

House of Representatives member Dr. Samuel Adedayo has emphasised the need for the 10th National Assembly to pass bills that will promote healthcare system and welfare  of women, the aged and youths.

Adedayo, who represents Apapa Constituency, Lagos State, also stressed the need for government to specially cater for the welfare of citizens living close to ports across the country.

He said they should be given compensation  like those living in oil-producing areas and the Northeast region.

The lawmaker, a medical doctor and former chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Council, spoke in Lagos at a ceremony marking his inauguration as a federal legislator.

He lamented that health facilities across the country were suffering from drug and medical equipment shortage.

Adedayo promised to initiate bills that will address these deficiencies in the health sector.

The lawmaker hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resolve to ensure adequate inclusion of youths in his administration.

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However, he added that the aged, especially those above 70 years old, must be given reasonable consideration by the government by providing them with stipends and giving them a sense of belonging. 

Adedayo said: “My responsibility is three-legged; number one is legislation to facilitate laws that will enhance the living condition of my constituents and also have oversight functions, to make sure that the people’s money are well spent.

 “Like I said earlier, anybody that is above the age of 70, Nigeria should be able to given them financial support on a monthly basis, no matter how small it is. It doesn’t matter whether their children are taking care of them or not.

“Also, a man is not better than a woman and vice versa. Each gender is equal and should be given equal opportunities and rights. I pledge to support any bill or motion on gender inclusion. There is nothing like a man is greater than a woman. I believe that nobody should be discriminated against,” he said.

“APAPA has ports, there are communities that have ports all over the country, I think those communities should come together and get something from the government, something like a commission that was set up for the people living in the Northeast and oil- producing areas. Same way, there should be a commission that takes care of those living around the ports areas across the country.

“Also, I come from an area that has a lot of slums, therefore, government has to set up a committee or programme to alleviate the sufferings of the people. Slums is not peculiar to Apapa-Iganmu, it’s all over the countries and I think something has to be done in this regard,” he added.

MANAGING Partners of The Plug, leading talent management, events curation and culture firm, has hailed Afrobeats as a thriving genre, which continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

  In an interview, they expressed their belief in the long-term global relevance of Afrobeats.

 Asa Asika, Abiodun ‘Bizzle’ Osikoya, and Tobi Mohammed (Alhaji Popping), all of The Plug, highlighted the genre’s popularity, its ability to captivate audiences, and cultural relevance in the industry.

Bizzle, known for his understanding of the music industry, emphasised Afrobeats’ long-lasting impact.

“Afrobeats can never die. Nigerians don’t give up,” he affirmed. “Do you think we will get to a level where Burna Boy, Wizkid, or Davido won’t have anyone come out to see them or attend their shows in America? We will keep building and grinding so those things don’t stop. What needs to happen is we educate our industry because that is one of the things that can halt our trajectory.”

Asa highlighted the global reach and resilience of Afrobeats, saying: “There are 54 countries in Africa. How many countries are there in Europe? If nobody in the world cares about Afrobeats again, we are fine. There are artists in the United States that are only relevant in Texas, and they are good. It’s nice to go to Times Square and see the face of Olamide, and see Tiwa selling out shows in Brixton. One thing that helps us is that Africans, particularly Nigerians, are all over the world.”

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Afrobeats has experienced a remarkable rise to global prominence. Emerging from the diverse sounds of the continent, this vibrant genre has captivated audiences with its beats, rich melodies, and infectious energy.

The ability of Afrobeats to blend traditional African sounds with contemporary elements created a unique and appealing musical experience. Artists like Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Rema, Tems, Victony, and CKay are in the forefront, garnering recognition on international platforms, topping global charts, collaborating with renowned artists, and gracing major stages around the world.

Tobi stressed the genre’s ability to adapt and evolve as a significant factor to its sustained relevance.

“Afrobeats is not confined to a single sound or style. It evolves and fuses with different genres, creating exciting and innovative rhythms.”

The Plug, renowned for its exceptional talent management, boasts an impressive roster of successful artists including Davido, Oxlade, BOJ, Focalistic, CKay, Victony, King Promise, and Bella Shmurda.

The Plug remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting African talent and establishing more respectability for Afrobeats in global music spheres. Through strategic partnerships, culture-relevant events, and innovative collaborations, The Plug aims to amplify the voices of indigenous artists and contribute to the genre’s continuous growth on the international stage.

European teams queuing up for the signature of Kelechi Iheanacho continue growing as Serie A giant AS Roma have joined Everton in the race to sign the Nigerian ace.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian club who finished runners up in the 2023 Europa League , are interested in both Iheanacho and Patson Daka from the King Power Stadium.

The Nigeria international joined Leicester City for £25 million in 2017 but has only reached double figures in one of his six years at the club, netting five goals in the Premier League last season.

Tribal Football claimed that Everton, Burnley, Nottingham Forest are three of the clubs targeting Iheanacho following his relegation to the Championship. Also Turkish giants Besiktas and Galatasaray are among the teams eyeing the Super Eagles striker.

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The striker’s current contract expires in 2024, meaning Leicester may be forced to offload him this summer to avoid him leaving for free – unless they can tie him down to a new deal.

It is unclear how much interested parties would be willing to pay for Iheanacho, however a move to Rome could be very tempting for the 26-year-old. Jose Mourinho’s side qualified for the Europa League after finishing a point ahead of Juventus last season. Iheanacho looked to be a huge talent during his stint with Manchester City and, at times, proved his worth at Leicester.

However, the forward’s goalscoring record isn’t quite as impressive as it should be and it would be a shock to see him do much better at Goodison Park.

Iheanacho should be nearing his prime, but playing in a team that are struggling for any attacking inspiration is unlikely to help his form improve.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Hassan Abubakar, has approved the redeployment of 98 officers of air rank.

The new appointees include Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), Commandants of Tri-Service Establishments, and Nigerian Air Force (NAF) institutions, according to a statement by NAF spokesperson A. K. Famuyiwa.

The newly appointed senior officers are expected to assume office not later than Monday, July 3, 2023.

The newly reappointed senior officers comprise 52 AVMs and 46 Air Commodores (Air Cdres).

They include a former Commandant of Air Force War College (AWC), AVM Abraham , now the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans (CDPP) at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ); AVM Nkem Aguiyi takes over as the Chief of Defence Transformation and Innovation (CDTI) at the DHQ; and AVM Ahmed Shinkafi becomes the Chief of Defence Space Administration (CDSA).

At the NAF Headquarters (HQ NAF), former Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command (AOC GTC), AVM Sayo Olatunde, is now the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP); AVM Ibikunle Daramola remains the Chief of Communications Information Systems (CCIS); AVM Pius Oahimire is the Chief of Aircraft Engineering (CAcE) at the NAF HQ; while AVM Uchechi Nwagwu takes over as the Chief of Accounts and Budget (CAB).

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AOC Special Operations Command (SOC) Bauchi, AVM Abubakar Abdulkadir is now the Chief of Training and Operations (CTOP); AVM Dominic Danat is the Chief of Logistics (CLOG); AVM Ahmed Bakari is Air Secretary; AVM Michael Onyebashi is the Chief of Standards and Evaluation (COSE), HQ NAF; AVM Idi Sani as Chief of Administration (COA); AVM Anthony Ekpe retains his appointment as the Chief of Medical Services (CMS); while Air Cdre Friday Ogohi is now the Chief of Air Intelligence (CAI),HQ NAF.

The newly appointed commandants include AVM Adeniyi Amesinlola, who now heads the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (AFRC), Oshodi, Lagos; AVM Hassan Alhaji takes charge of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji; AVM Sani Rabe heads the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna; AVM Adebayo Kehinde takes over the command of Air Force War College, Makurdi; while AVM Esen Efanga is Commandant of Air Warfare Centre, Abuja.

Also affected by the latest redeployments are AVM Francis Edosa appointed the AOC Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), Makurdi; AVM Tajudeen Yusuf as AOC Mobility Command (AOC MC), Yenagoa; AVM Eneobong Effiom as AOC SOC, Bauchi; AVM Nnamdi Ananaba is AOC Air Training Command (AOC ATC), Kaduna; AVM Usman Abdullahi is AOC GTC, Enugu; and AVM Abubakar Abdullahi is AOC Logistics Command (AOC LC).

Also, AVM Kabir Umar is now the Group Managing Director of NAF Investments Limited Group of Companies; AVM Sunday Aneke is Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna; AVM Titus Dauda is the College Secretary of the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja; while Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet has been reappointed the Director of Public Relations and Information.

Chairman of Ikosi-isheri Local Council Development Area, Lagos, Princess Samiat Bada, has announced a N1 million donation to Miss Modinat Olowogaba, a first class graduate of the Lagos State University (LASU).

Princess Bada congratulated Miss Olowogaba for graduating with a 4.51 CGPA from the Faculty of Law in LASU.

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She enjoined her not to relent and be more focused.

The council chief placed her on an internship in a law firm and promised to support her Masters’ programme.

“You did not only make your mother, a widow, proud. I am so proud of you and you are a role model to all ladies out there. Ikosi-isheri LCDA is proud of you dear,” she said.