The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Jonathan briefs Tinubu on international assignments

    Jonathan briefs Tinubu on international assignments

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday hosted former President Goodluck Jonathan who briefed him on some political developments in West Africa and some other parts of Africa.

    Dr. Jonathan is the Special Envoy of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to Mali.

    The former Nigerian leader said he was at the State House in Abuja to relay to President Tinubu the outcomes of discussions he had with other members of the West African Elders’ Forum, which he chairs.

    “I came to brief the President on the activities of some continental and sub-continental bodies. You know, I am the ECOWAS Mediator for Mali and the Chairman of the West African Elders’ Forum.

    Read Also: VIDEO: Jonathan meets President Tinubu

    “So, there are certain issues bordering on the continent and the sub-region that I discuss with various presidents,” he said.

    Members of Mali’s security forces had, on June 11, cast their ballots ahead of the new constitution referendum slated for June 18.

    The referendum is considered to be a major milestone in the line-up to elections planned for February 2024.

  • Don’t be ‘rubber-stamp’ leaders, Nigerians tell Akpabio, Abbas

    Don’t be ‘rubber-stamp’ leaders, Nigerians tell Akpabio, Abbas

    There was excitement following yesterday’s inauguration of the 10th National Assembly and the election of principal officers. Stakeholders, including governors and groups, have high expectations.

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State hailed the emergence of both Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abass as Senate President and House of Representatives Speaker.

    AbdulRazaq, who is also the chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF),  congratulaed Senator Jibrin Barau and Benjamin Kalu on their elections as Deputy Senate President and Deputy Speaker.

    In a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor said: “The popular choices of the new Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives — as well as their deputies — underscore the confidence that their colleagues reposed in them and their abilities to work in harmony with the other arms of government for the development of our country.

    “We look forward to working with the new leadership on different issues of national interest while wishing them God’s guidance and protection as they lead their colleagues in the 10th National Assembly to champion a vibrant legislative agenda that complements the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other subnational governments across Nigeria.”

    Make good laws, Sanwo-Olu urges

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged members of the 10th National Assembly to surpass the laudable record set by the 9th Assembly. He added that the 10th National Assembly is expected to settle quickly and begin to pass laws and make decisions that will be beneficial to Nigerians.

    He said: “We need to wish them all the very best, pray for them, and hope that this 10th Assembly can do better than the 9th Assembly. “

    ‘Akpabio experienced’

    Edo State’s Governor Godwin Obaseki said the emergence of a former “uncommon” governor of Akwa Ibom State as the 10th President of the Senate is a good development.

    Obaseki, a chieftain of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described Akpabio as the right man for the position at this crucial period in Nigeria.

    He said: “I congratulate Senator Akpabio on his emergence. Senator Akpabio comes with immense experience as a former Governor and Minister, garnering wide-ranging expertise that will benefit the 10th Senate and advance the development of our dear nation.

    “His (Akpabio’s) understanding of the machinery of state will smoothen executive-legislative collaboration, which will enhance good governance and engender sustainable development.”

    Eno: Akwa Ibom joyous

    His Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Pastor Umo Eno said it is a sign of good things to come for Akwa Ibom and Nigeria as a whole.

     Governor Eno who spoke with reporters at the Victor Attah International Airport urged the people of the state to shun party politics and celebrate, adding that the development has linked the state to the government at the centre.

     He said: “We’re very excited. Every Akwa Ibom person today should be thankful to God and be happy because the number three man in this country is from Akwa Ibom. That means development-wise, we can now link our state to the centre and we can collaborate.

    “We congratulate him and I know that it’s a great milestone for Akwa Ibom State and every Akwa Ibomites, across party lines should be happy and thankful to God.”

    Abiodun  expects vibrant legislature

    Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, who personally witnessed the elections both at the Senate and House of Representatives, described the emergence of the new National Assembly leadership as the final fulfilment of the installation of transformational leadership in the country, which began with the election of President Tinubu.

    Read Also: NASS Leadership: Gov. Sanwo-Olu congratulates Akpabio, Jibrin

    In a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr. Waheed Adesina, the governor said the emergence of both Akpabio and Abbas as the leaders of the 10th National Assembly was in line with the decision of the APC, adding that it was a testament to the confidence reposed in them by the party and their colleagues to steer the ship of the legislative arm of government.

    He added that Akpabio’s emergence represents a round peg in a round hole because he has a wealth of knowledge to deploy in managing the affairs of the Senate having been a governor and a minister.

    On Abbas, the governor said the new House of Representatives Speaker has garnered the requisite legislative knowledge for a smooth working relationship with the executive.

    He said that the combination of Akpabio and Abbas will help President Tinubu in his agenda to transform the country.

    Inuwa: they’ll deliver

    Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya described the newly-elected four presiding officers as courageous, visionary and loyal party men, who possess sterling leadership qualities to lead a united and cohesive parliament that would work for the progress of the country.

    He said the new leaders have kept faith with the APC over the years and are capable of engendering a harmonious working relationship between the executive and the legislature in the overall interest of the nation.

    Yahaya who is also the chairman of the Northern States’ Governors’ Forum, expressed optimism that the 10th National Assembly would cooperate and work closely with the Tinubu-led executive, the judiciary and other tiers of government in the task of moving the country to economic growth and prosperity anchored on “Renewed Hope”.

    Governors open to collaboration

    The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) said the emergence of Godswill Akpabio as Senate President and Tajudeen Abass as the Speaker of the House of Reps is a sign of good things to come for the administration of President Tinubu.

     In a statement, its chairman, Gov. AbdulRazaq said: “The popular choices of the new Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as their deputies, underscored the confidence that their colleagues reposed in them and their abilities to work in harmony with the other arms of government for the development of our country.

     “We look forward to working with the new leadership on different issues of national interest. We wish them God’s guidance and protection as they lead their colleagues in the 10th National Assembly to champion a vibrant legislative agenda that complements the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Tinubu and other subnational governments across Nigeria.”

    Keyamo: expect

    uncommon laws

    Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, said Nigerians should expect some uncommon moments of legislation, with the emergence of Senator Akpabio as Senate president.

    Keyamo in a congratulatory message on his Twitter page wrote: “Huge congratulations to the uncommon Governor, Senator, Minister (GSM) and now Senate President with whom I had an excellent relationship in the Ministry of Niger-Delta Affairs in the last dispensation.

    “Expect some uncommon moments at the National Assembly with the brand new Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio.”

    Obasa to Akpabio, Abbas: see office as sacred

    Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa urged Akpabio and Abbas to see the offices entrusted to them as sacred.

    Obasa said: “To have been selected by such overwhelming majorities by their peers is a wonderful honour and a clear demonstration of the implicit confidence reposed in them as leaders and legislators.

    “The offices these leaders have been entrusted with are sacred and must not be toyed with.

    “Their emergence as leaders of the 10th National Assembly comes at a crucial time in our nation’s history. As we celebrate 24 years of uninterrupted democracy.

    “It comes on our national democracy day of June 12, we look backwards to recognise the sacrifices and valour of our heroes past. We also look forward with hope for the future of our nation and our democracy.

    “Their election in a free, fair and transparent manner is, therefore, a further demonstration of the fact that our democracy is functioning well.

    Obasa, therefore, urged the National Assembly leaders to do all within their powers to not only nurture and deepen the institutions of the parliament but also our promising democracy.

    A member of the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Olorogun Bernard Okumagba enjoined Akpabio to ensure a “robust legislative agenda that will support the Nigerian ideal” of President Bola Tinubu.

    He described his emergence as an achievement for the nation’s Southsouth as the Senate has, for the first time since 1999, chosen a Senator from the region.

    Emenike satisfied with choices

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State in the just concluded general election, High Chief Ikechi Emenike said he was satisfied with the emergence of these “fine crop of leaders for the nation’s hallowed chambers of legislative business”.

    In a statement, he said: “I have no doubt that with these intelligent and patriotic lawmakers leading the National Assembly, there I’ll be harmony and synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government for the overall growth and prosperity of the nation.”

    Emenike, who was the Abia State Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council, implored the leadership of the National Assembly to get to work immediately and make Nigerians feel the positive impact of their quality legislation.   

    Umana sets agenda

    The immediate past Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, described the development as a judicious choice.

     Umana said Akpabio’s election was an expression of the appreciation of the APC for the contributions of the South-South geopolitical zone to the fortunes of the party in various ways, particularly during the last election cycle.

    He also described Senator Akpabio’s election as a national acknowledgement of the significant contributions of the South-South to the economic and political development of the country, pointing out that Senator Akpabio as Senate President represents a big boost to the Akwa Ibom brand in the comity of states of the federation.

    Read Also: It’s time to work for Nigerians, says Speaker Abbas

    Umana advised Senator Akpabio to again do Akwa Ibom State and its people proud by using his exalted office to promote good governance that is noted for politics of inclusion, fairness and equity for all.

    A political pressure group, the Niger Delta Rights Advocates (NDRA) said members of the 10th House of Representatives have done well by electing the best pair, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Okezie Kalu, as Speaker and Deputy Speaker as their principal officers.

    According to the National Coordinator, NDRA, Bright Ngolo, Abass and Kalu sponsored 74 and 43 bills in the 9th Assembly.

    Ngolo said their leadership would crystallise a true people’s parliament adding that the events that led to their emergence would mark the beginning of the end of lacklustre leadership bereft of deep consultations and respect.

    Giadom expectant

    The National Vice Chairman (Southsouth), of the APC, Chief Victor Giadom said Akpabio is an experienced and detribalised leader and that he will not disappoint Nigerians.

    He pleaded with all the senators and members of the House of Representatives to eschew extreme political partisanship and support Akpabio and other elected officials, whom he described as excellent performers, in order to reposition the giant of Africa.

    PANDEF welcomes balance

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum, (PANDEF) welcomed the outcome of the election, adding that “it has provided some degree of balance” in the Federal Government.

    PANDEF, in a congratulatory statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ken Robinson, expressed confidence that Akpabio “with his wealth of experience, and knowledge of the dynamics of the polity, will provide the desired leadership and candour in directing the affairs of the Senate, and indeed, the National Assembly, to the utmost benefit of the people of Nigeria.”

    The foremost Niger Delta group thanked President Tinubu and the APC for their firm resolve on the zoning of the Senate presidency to the South-South, and for following through on it.

    The forum, however, frowned on the attempt by some groups and individuals to foist an “all-Muslim” leadership on the country. The kinsmen of Akpabio, under the auspices of Ntipe Ibibio Unity Mission, also hailed the former governor’s victory.

    Its convener, Okon Mkpafit, in a statement, said Senator Akpabio’s victory was divinely arranged and there is no doubt that he will not bring his experience into this new position.

     The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) equally congratulated Akpabio and Abass on their emergence as the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively.

    Its chairman, Isaac Abrak, described their emergence as significant milestones in the collective journey towards inclusiveness, unity, and progress in Nigeria.

    A member of the House of Representatives, Joshua Gana (PDP-Niger) said the 10th Assembly will not be a ‘rubber stamp’ legislature for the executive.

    He said: “No, it will not be a rubber stamp, the name does not even exist; if you look at the rich crop of people that have been elected, you will know that Nigerians have selected their own leaders.”

    Gana expects pro-people laws

    Former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, said Nigerians will expect rapid development from the 10th Assembly.

    “We expect them to cooperate with the executive so we move forward rapidly into genuine development,” he said.

    CNPP: don’t be rubber stamps

    Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) urged the new leadership of the 10th National Assembly to prioritise the overall interest of Nigeria and Nigerians in their decisions.

    Secretary-General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, said in a statement that while the party may be supreme, national interest outweighs party interest.

     •By Bisi Olaniyi (Southsouth Bureau Chief); Bassey Anthony, Uyo; Oyebola Owolabi, Lagos; Sola Shittu, Gombe; Elo Edremoda, Warri; Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt; Juliana Agbo and Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

  • Struggle for control of minerals-rich locations fuelling insecurity in Niger, says Bago

    Struggle for control of minerals-rich locations fuelling insecurity in Niger, says Bago

    • •‘Govt working on harnessing resources, lands for people’s good’

    Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago yesterday linked the insecurity in his state to the struggle by unauthorised persons to grab the rich mineral resources scattered across the state.

    Bago, who addressed reporters at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also said his administration would ensure that the state harnesses its huge mineral deposits in the interest of the people.

    The governor was answering questions on the security situation in the state, saying a working relationship had been established with agencies in the effort to restore peace and security to all parts of the state to enable the people fully return to their major occupation –agricultural

    Bago said he was at the Villa to reiterate his commitment to President Tinubu’s success in office as well as congratulate him on the successful election of the National Assembly leadership.

    The governor said his administration would work through the state’s Ministry of Mining to take advantage of the state’s mineral endowment.

    “We are endowed as a state with a lot of mineral deposits and it is not only related to the insecurity issues. Most of the places where you see this banditry are places where you have lithium or gold. So, a lot of these activities are kind of associated to why the banditry is springing up.

    Read Also: Kaduna: Insecurity tops Sani’s immediate challenges

    “However, yes, we will harness our mineral potential. We don’t intend to come to Abuja every month to collect Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) or Joint Account Committee (JAC) or whatever you call it. As a state, we have to put all the things in order so that we can harness these potentials.

    “Now, the state also has an SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle), the State Mining Corporation, where we’re hoping to have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or synergy with other mining companies so that we can harness that potential. I assure you that in the next one year, we will come out tops.

    “If you’ll agree with me, Niger State has a lot of ungoverned spaces. We are agrarian, and our strength is in agriculture. So, we intend to cultivate most of our ungoverned land.

    “We have a lot of body of water across the state. We want to encourage irrigation farming. That is why we are collaborating with Mr. President to ensure that the agricultural potential of Niger State is tapped very well.

    “So, we will harness them. However, in the interim, we were working with security agencies in making sure that we curb this menace and, by the grace of God, we will come out tops,” he said.

  • Houses of Assembly elect new Speakers, deputy Speakers, others

    Houses of Assembly elect new Speakers, deputy Speakers, others

    • •Enugu, Ebonyi, Niger, Zamfara, Cross River, Kaduna, Kwara inaugurate principal officers

    Many houses of assembly across the country yesterday elected and inaugurated their principal officers.

    The Enugu State House of Assembly elected its eighth Speaker and Deputy Speaker to pilot the affairs of the house for the next four years.

    The lawmaker representing Udi North, Uche Ugwu, was elected Speaker while the lawmaker representing Igbo-Etiti West, Ezenta Ezeani, was elected the Deputy Speaker.

    Ugwu, who is the immediate past Deputy Speaker, was elected the eighth Speaker following his nomination by the  lawmaker representing Nkanu West, Iloabuchi Aniagu, and seconded by Chukwudi Nwankwo, representing Awgu South.

     In Ebonyi State, the lawmaker representing Ikwo South, Moses Odunwa, was elected Speaker of the seventh Assembly.

    Odunwa is a two-term lawmaker.

    He was nominated by the member representing Edda West, Nkemka Okoro Onuma, and seconded by Abiri Godwin Abiri, representing Izzi West.

    There were no other nominations when the Clerk called for further nomination for the position of Speaker.

    Odunwa was sworn-in by the Clerk and decorated by the Sergeant at Arm.

    Also, Chinedu Onah, representing Ohaukwu South, was elected Deputy Speaker.

     Ogba Celestine, representing Onicha East, nominated Onah and was seconded by Friday Ogbuewu, representing Ezza South.

    Immediate past Deputy Speaker of the sixth Assembly, Kingsley Ikoro (Afikpo West), was unanimously elected Leader of the House while Joseph Ununu (Abakaliki South) was elected Deputy Leader.

    Nkemka Okoro Onuma (Edda West) was elected Chief Whip while Arinze Lucas (Ishielu South) was elected Deputy Chief Whip.

    Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who was the Speaker of fifth and sixth Assemblies, proclaimed the seventh Assembly before the election of the principal officers.

     In Niger State, the members of the House of Assembly elected a former Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, the Speaker of the 10th Assembly.

    The member representing Gurara Constituency, Mrs. Afiniki Dauda, was elected Deputy Speaker, the first woman to occupy the position.

    Read Also: National Assembly transmits 44 Constitution Review Bills to Houses of Assembly

    Sarkindaji was a consensus candidate who was nominated by the member representing Bida II, Mohammed Haruna, and seconded by the member representing Borgu Constituency, Abdulrahman Gambo.

    The Deputy Speaker was nominated by the member representing Paikoro Constituency, Umar Nasir (APC Paiko) and was seconded by the member representing Rijau Constituency, Bello Bako.

    Also, some protocol officials in the House of Assembly were beaten up by some thugs who were at the Assembly for the inauguration of the new members of the Assembly.

    The protocol officials were in the Assembly as early as 6 a.m to arrange the seats for dignitaries and visitors.

    But when the thugs arrived, they took over the seats allocated for the media and families of the new legislators and invited guests.

    Attempts by the protocol members to preserve the seats for the people they were reserved for earned them the beatings of their lives.

     In Plateau State, Moses Sule, representing Mikang Constituency, was elected Speaker of the 10th Assembly and sworn with Gwottson Fom as the Deputy Speaker.

    In Kano, the member representing Rogo Constituency, Ismail Jibrin Falgore, was elected Speaker of the 10th Assembly.

    Falgore won the seat on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

    Muh’d Bello Butu-Butu, who represents Rimingado/Tofa Constituency, was elected Deputy Speaker.

    Lawan Hussaini, representing Dala Constituency, is the new Majority Leader.

    The legislative officers have been sworn in.

    Also, in Katsina State, Governor Dikko Umar Radda inaugurated the eighth Assembly.

    The Clerk of the House, Lawal Dansuleiman, who performed the ceremony on behalf of the governor, also swore in other members of the House.

    The Assembly elected the member representing Daura Constituency, Nasir Yahya Daura, as Speaker and Abduljalal Haruna Runka was elected Deputy Speaker.

     Shamsuddeen Dabai was elected House Leader; Ibrahim Umar Dikko was elected Chief Whip; Mustapha Yusuf Jibia became Deputy House Leader, while Salisu Rimaye became Deputy Chief Whip.

    In Adamawa State, the House of Assembly elected Bathiya Wesley, representing Hong Constituency, as Speaker and Buba Jijiwa, representing Jada MMbulo Constituency, as the Deputy Speaker.

    Also, the Kaduna State House of Assembly elected the member representing Makera Constituency, Yusuf Liman, as the Speaker.

     He was nominating by Munirat Tanimu, representing Lere East, while Salisu Dan Dada Bala, representing Igabi East, seconded the motion.

    Henry Magaji, representing of Kagarko Constituency, was elected Deputy Speaker.

    Also, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Tukur Bala, representing Bodinga North, was elected Speaker of the 10th Sokoto State House of Assembly unopposed.

    Read Also: ‘Houses of Assembly in Niger Delta should enact Anti-Grazing law’ 

    Kabiru Ibrahim Kware was elected Deputy Speaker.

     APC has 20 among the 30-member Assembly, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has the rest.

     In Delta State, 44-year-old Dennis Guwor (PDP Warri South West) was elected Speaker of the eighth Assembly, following the inauguration of the Assembly by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in Asaba, the state capital.

    Arthur Akpowhowho (PDP Ethiope East) was elected Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.

    The acting Clerk of the House, Mr. Otos Aghoghopia, presided over the election and swearing-in of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

     Also, in Kwara State, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu was yesterday re-elected Speaker.

    He was unanimously elected by the 24-member House.

    The legislators also unanimously elected Ojo Olayiwola Oyebode, representing Oke-Ogun, as the Deputy Speaker.

     Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq congratulated members of the Assembly on their inauguration.

    “This seamless transition, including the re-election of the Speaker and emergence of Emmanuel Ojo Oyebode as the Deputy Speaker, speaks to the maturity of the lawmakers and their commitment to stability, collective prosperity, and growth of our state.”

     In Ogun State, the inauguration of 10th House of Assembly was cancelled abruptly.

    Many of the members-elect were shocked and disappointed when they showed up at the Assembly complex in Abeokuta only to be told to go back by armed security personnel.

     One of them, Olalekan Adeleye, complained that no letter was issued on the postponement.

    He said: “What is happening here this (yesterday) morning is strange. We were in high spirit, hoping that we will resume here at 9 a.m for our inauguration.

    “To our dismay, we were locked out and we started asking questions. What happened? Someone called my attention to a WhatsApp message purportedly sent by the Clerk of the House that the inauguration had been postponed to June 20.

    “If at all this is going to happen, there are appropriate ways of communication.

    “The notice of this inauguration was sent via a proclamation letter written by the governor that the 10th Assembly would start by June 13.

    “And if there is going to be postponement, such proclamation letter should be withdrawn and followed by another proclamation letter conveying the new date.” 

    A statement obtained by The Nation showed that the Clerk, Deji Adeyemo, regretted the postponement.

    In Jigawa State, Governor Umar Namadi disassociated himself from the non-inauguration of the state’s eighth Assembly.

     He dismissed the speculation that a disagreement between him and the immediate past governor, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, over who to be the speaker was behind the delay in the inauguration.

     Namadi’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Hamisu Mohd, stated this during an interview with The Nation.

     Mohd said: “The governor, Umar Namadi, has allowed the members to choose whoever they wish to lead them

     “Malam Namadi as a governor is ready to work with anybody the legislatures made as the speaker of the house. The governor’s concern is the progress and development the state.”

  • AFCON 2023 Qualifiers: Super Eagles give Finidi, Osimhen rousing welcome

    AFCON 2023 Qualifiers: Super Eagles give Finidi, Osimhen rousing welcome

    It was a case of ‘stand up for the champions’ yesterday at the Super Eagles training venue at the MJ Arena in Lagos as first African to be crowned Serie A top scorer and league winner with Napoli, Victor Osimhen and Assistant coach George Finidi who recently led Enyimba to win the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) were given a rousing welcome for their feats.

    Finidi is making a return to the Eagles after a rumoured exit but he was full of smiles as he joined the team yesterday ahead of the AFCON 2023 Qualifying match against Leone Stars of Sierra Leone this weekend.

    Also, Osimhen who led Napoli to its first league title in the last 30 years while his 26 goals earned him the highest goal scorer in the league, had his first training session with the team.

    Read Also: AFCON 2023: Super Eagles camp bubbles as Ekong, Lookman, Osimhen , others arrive

    The Super Eagles who are expected to depart a chartered flight this weekend to Monrovia, are putting finishing touches to their training ahead of the tie taking place at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia on Sunday, June 18.

    Apart from Osimhen, other players in camp already include captain Ahmed Musa, Adebayo Adeleye, Victor Sochima and Olorunleke Ojo.

    Others in camp include William Troost-Ekong; Calvin Bassey; Kevin Akpoguma; Chidiebube Duru; Oluwasemilogo Ajayi; Kenneth Omeruo; Zaidu Sanusi and Bright Osayi-Samuel while the midfielders in camp are Joseph Ayodele-Aribo; Alex Iwobi; Divine Nwachukwu; Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka.

    The strikers are Moses Simon; Ademola Lookman; Taiwo Awoniyi and Kelechi Iheanacho.

  • School wins quiz competition

    School wins quiz competition

    Gulf Coast School, an Islamic school in Ojota, Lagos, has won a quiz contest organised by the League of Muslim School Proprietors(LEAMSP) Kosofe Zone. The school won in the primary and junior secondary category.

    The competition which also featured debate involved 22 schools in the primary category,while six schools participated in the Junior secondary cadre.

    Pupils of the school who won in the primary category were, Oladejo Fareedah Demilade and
    Adigun Basil Olamide both in Primary 5.
    In the Junior secondary cadre, Ibrahim Mustapha Adebayo and Kadiri Zainab Ayomide both in JSS 3 emerged victors.

    In the debate contest in which the school was was runners-up, Adigun Rukayyah and
    Adefowope Faaizah Adebusola were its representatives.

    The winners were given plaque and gold medals.

    Read Also: Winners emerge in Sing and Win competition

    A statement by the school’s Principal Mr. Jimoh Jamiu noted that the contest was keenly contested with the use of an application known as Kahoot to solve questions to examine the pupil’s accuracy.

    He said he was elated that the school which had been in existence since 2011 came out victorious.

    “In the primary school category 22 schools participated and Gulf Coast emerged as the overall winner of the competition. It was tough using an application known as Kahoot to solve a question to know the accuracy of the students.
    In the junior secondary school category six schools participated and Gulf Coast also won.
    The school has been in existence since 2011 as the most prestigious Islamic school in Ojota, Lagos,” he said.

    The Principal said its pupils are exposed to western and Islamic education and remains
    committed to moulding young minds who can compete with their peers in other institutions and solve societal challenges.

    “The school provides a variety of educational services. It offers western and Islamic education without compromise. With a good and conducive environment for learning, students of this institute are exposed to various examinations and competitions to position them to solve problems in society,” he added.

    On other achievements of the institution, he said: “We won the 2019 Spelling Bee Paracold and we emerged runners-up at JECO Debating Competition,among other awards of academic excellence.”

  • Trump pleads not guilty in classifieds case

    Trump pleads not guilty in classifieds case

    Former United States President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to federal criminal charges that he unlawfully kept national-security documents when he left office and lied to officials who sought to recover them.

    Trump’s plea, entered before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman in a federal court in Miami, sets up a legal battle likely to play out over coming months as he campaigns to win back the presidency in a November 2024 election. Experts say it could be a year or more before a trial takes place.

    Trump was allowed to leave court without conditions or travel restrictions and no cash bond was required. Goodman ruled that Trump was not allowed to communicate with potential witnesses in the case.

    Trump’s former aide Walt Nauta, who is also charged in the case, appeared in court alongside Trump but will not have to enter a plea until June 27 because he does not have a local lawyer.

    He, too, was released without having to post bond and was ordered not to talk to other witnesses.

    Supporters chanted “We love Trump” as his motorcade departed the courthouse at 3:55pm EDT, roughly two hours after it arrived.

    Read Also: Former US President Trump arrested

    It was the second courtroom visit for Trump in recent months. In April, he pleaded not guilty to state charges in New York stemming from a hush-money payment to a woman.

    Trump is the first former president to be charged with federal crimes.

    Authorities had prepared for possible violence, recalling the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, but Miami Mayor Francis Suarez told reporters that there had not been any security problems.

    Trump has repeatedly proclaimed his innocence and accuses Democratic President Joe Biden’s administration of targeting him. He called Special Counsel Jack Smith, who is leading the prosecution, a “Trump hater” on social media yesterday.

    Smith accuses Trump of risking national secrets by taking thousands of sensitive papers with him when he left the White House in January 2021 and storing them in a haphazard manner at his Mar-a-Lago Florida estate and his New Jersey golf club, according to a grand jury indictment released last week.

    Photos included in the indictment show boxes of documents stored on a ballroom stage, in a bathroom and strewn across a storage-room floor.

    Those records included information about the secretive US nuclear programme and potential vulnerabilities in the event of an attack, the indictment said.

    The 37-count indictment alleges Trump lied to officials who tried to get them back.

    The indictment also alleges Trump conspired with Nauta to keep classified documents and hide them from a federal grand jury. Nauta has worked for Trump at the White House and at Mar-a-Lago.

  • ITF set to make more youths employable

    ITF set to make more youths employable

    INDUSTRIAL  Training Fund (ITF) has reaffirmed its commitment to empower youths with skills.

    Concerned about youth relocation abroad, ITF said Nigeria must utilise its young population to generate foreign exchange, and called on the Federal Government and stakeholders to unite and bridge the dearth of skill gaps.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of ITF Ikeja Office, Director General, Joseph Ari, said the launch is to ensure it escalates provision of skills to the youth.

    “We are lucky the young forms larger part of the population unlike other parts of the world, but when this young population is not put to positive use, we will be sitting on a time bomb. Time has come for us to work as a team to  equip our young population with the skills for employability and entrepreneurship,” he advised.

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    According to him, over 500,000 young men and women have been empowered with employability skills in five years.

     “Our administration was ushered into office in September 2016, but as at 2021, we were  equipped over 500,000 young men and women with skills and the numbers are going up. ITF is one institution monitoring trainees to see how they are faring.”

    Speaking on the launch, he said it is part of efforts to expand access for more Nigerians to acquire technical skills by providing enabling infrastructure, and enhance efficient  delivery of its services in line with its mandate.

  • Firm’s app ‘connects patients to healthcare providers’

    Firm’s app ‘connects patients to healthcare providers’

    EZZCARE services has launched its app to connect health care seekers with professionals.

    The app, accessed on Apple Appstore and Google Playstore, connects care seekers to healthcare providers, and enables them access quality medical care from  their homes and offices.

    Speaking at the launch in Abuja,  Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Torngee Malu, said: “Ezzycare has over 1,000 doctors subscribed to it All specialties have been covered, from general medicine cardiology, endocrinology, paediatrics, gynaecology, mental health, orthopaedics, urology, and others.

    “Ezzycare has doctors close to you. Click on the app and request urgent care because the app has options of urgent and non-urgent. Within 30 seconds, the first doctor picks your call. Within two minutes, you locate a doctor either for a video consultation, or  one that can come to you, or a doctor you can see at the hospital.

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    “There is provision for laboratory tests. If you want a laboratory test, once you click on the app, it locates all laboratory scientists closest to you. Then you look at the ones offering prices you can afford. You can request drugs on the app, and it can locate the nearest pharmacist.

    “Rest assured those you will meet are certified. For example, we do not accept a doctor on our platform unless he or she has a practising licence from Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).”

    Medical Director of Ezzycare, Dr. Deborah Ojiako, added: “We pride on the fact that for care seekers, we ensure their information is kept confidential. Ezzycare also connects those in rural areas with healthcare professionals.”

  • FUOYE VC, council back student-chef on cook-a-thon

    FUOYE VC, council back student-chef on cook-a-thon

    Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abayomi Fasina, and the Governing Council have backed the Ekiti-born chef and student of the university, Damilola Adeparusi, on her cooking marathon, which began on June 9 at Ilupeju Ekiti.

    Adeparusi, a student of Mass Communication, aims to set a cooking record of 120 hours.

    She has surpassed Hilda Baci’s 100-hour cook-a-thon record at a prepared residence in Oye Local Government.

    Fasina, who visited the chef with council members, hailed her endeavour.

    He said: “Congratulations. l am so excited because one of our students has made us proud. I heard about it three days ago and I was so amazed.

    “The council and management is here to support you to hit that target of a 120-hour cooking. 

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    “As it is now, you are being put on the world map, cooking for 120 hours. And I am glad you set the record straight on your social media handles that the cook-a-thon is not in competition with anybody but a desire orchestrated by the Spirit World Global Mission, a church she is affiliated with.

    “I am equally excited you have put into practice what you have learnt as a student of Mass Communication. I want you to keep it up. We are praying for you so you reach your 120-hour target.”

    Other members of the Vice-Chancellor’s delegation were Council members Sabo Inuwa and Alkali Kolo; Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Prof O.S. Shittu; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof B.T. Opoola and Registrar, Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim.

    Dammy, as she is called by friends, has drawn global attention since she started the cooking endeavour. She is also a songwriter and poet.