The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • I won’t receive salary as APGA National Chairman – Ezeokenwa

    I won’t receive salary as APGA National Chairman – Ezeokenwa

    THE National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barrister Sylvester Ezeokenwa, has explained why he would not be receiving salary. Ezeokenwa, who disclosed this in Abuja in a chat with reporters, after taken over from Dr. Victor Ike Oye, was until his emergence the Commissioner for Special Duties under Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State as well as the National Legal Adviser of APGA.

    He said that this is due to the promise of the party leadership to key into the demand of Nigerian youths for transformation and generational change, including during the #EndSARS protest, that the youths must be involved in governance and party leadership. The 38 years old Ezeokenwa emerged in Awka, the Anambra State capital, during the party’s elective national convention, where other 30 national working committee (NWC) members were also elected, for the next four years, and the Board of Trustees (BoT) reconstituted.

    Read Also: APGA: Oye convenes NEC meeting despite court order

    He said: “As part of rebranding of APGA, the office of the APGA National Chairman is not a salary paying employment, neither is it a full time job. I am legal practitioner and I have my office and I intent to continue to practice, even as a national chairman of APGA because we must send a message out there that the fact that you are occupying so and so office is not enough.

    “People must see that you are setting that example. If I do nothing on my career, how would I take care of my family and the education of my children? So I am a lawyer and would practice my profession”.

  • Ex-UK Doctor Longe chairs 3rd Yoruba professionals lecture

    Ex-UK Doctor Longe chairs 3rd Yoruba professionals lecture

    The third edition of the annual Democracy Lecture powered by Yoruba Professionals Foundation (YPF) will hold on Monday, June 12. 

    YPF is a Pan-Yoruba Professional group whose objectives are to promote knowledge-based entrepreneurship,  cultural values, smart agriculture and civic education in the Yoruba region of Nigeria.

    According to a statement by the group’s Director of Media and Investment Promotions,  Mr. Sola Fayemi, this year’s edition of the democracy lecture would be chaired by a respected retired UK based Medical Doctor, Gbadebo Lawrence Longe.

    The Lecture, with the THEME: ‘’Building a Prosperous Yoruba Land Through Technology, Medicine, Creativity & Smart Agriculture’’, will be held virtually through the Zoom network.

    Read Also: Yoruba group, industrialist congratulate Tinubu

    Expected Keynote Speakers  are Special Adviser on Agriculture and Agribusiness to the Government of Ekiti State, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade; an International Investment Expert, former Governorship and Senatorial Aspirants and Pioneer Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Mr. Boye Oyewumi and a renowned United Kingdom (UK) based Physiotherapist, Dr. Adekunle Ademola.

    The lecture starts at 7pm West Africa Time.

    “We urge all Yoruba people and friends of Yoruba People within and beyond the shores of Nigeria to connect with us as we brainstorm on how we can innovatively create wealth and prosperity for our people through medicine, sciences, technology, agriculture and creativity”.

  • Imansuangbon joins Labour Party, declares PDP dead in Edo

    Imansuangbon joins Labour Party, declares PDP dead in Edo

    Frank IKPEFAN, Abuja

    EDO politician and educationist, Kenneth Imansuangbon, Friday in Abuja, joined the Labour Party ahead of 2024 Governorship Election in the state.

    Imansuangbon, while being presented with the membership card of the Labour Party declared that the People’s Democratic Party was dead in Edo State.

    He said: “All that I need is a free and fair primary. With that I will get the ticket of the party. By the time I get the ticket, it is over for the PDP and the All Progressives Congress.

    “PDP is dead. I have taken the glory away; the shine. By 2024, the Labour Party will form a government in Edo State.”

    Imansuangbon urged the Labour party to make its primary transparent.

    Assuring Imansuangbon of a level playing field during the primary, Abure said: “It is going to be a level playing field. There are several examples to show. When we did the Anambra primary, it was the best.

    “For Edo and Ondo, I assure you that it will be free and fair. We have made that standard and we will not renege on it. Our party is built on integrity and we will deliver on it. We cannot be seen to be abandoning this principle because expectations are high.”

  • Abia First Lady visits baby factory inmates, assures rehabilitation

    Abia First Lady visits baby factory inmates, assures rehabilitation

    The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti has assured that immediate appropriate action was being taken to rehabilitate the inmates who were rescued from the baby factory located at Umunkpeyi, Nvosi, in Isiala Ngwa South LGA.

    Mrs. Otti gave the assurance when she paid an unscheduled visit to the young girls, who were victims of the baby factory at Madonna College of Health Technology, Olokoro, Umuahia South LGA, where they are being taken care of.

    The wife of the governor, who expressed sadness and disappointment over the incident described it as heartbreaking but said that the government is providing care temporarily for the girls.

    Speaking earlier, the Provost, Madonna College of Health Technology, Olokoro, Rev. Father Dr. Christian Anokwuru narrated how the government brought the inmates to the maternity section of the college of health in order to care for them.

    He disclosed that the girls which are about 20 in number are pregnant while the necessary scanning and test have been conducted on them, adding that one of them has been delivered of her baby.

    He assured that they will be adequately catered for.

    Recall that soldiers attached to the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks; 14Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Ohafia, Ohafia local government area of Abia State on Sunday raided where they rescued 21 heavily pregnant teenagers in Abia State baby factory located at Umunkpeyi in Isiala Ngwa South local government area of the state.

  • Sudan sides agree 24-hour ceasefire from Saturday

    Sudan sides agree 24-hour ceasefire from Saturday

    DUBAI, June 9, 2023 (Reuters/NAN) Saudi Arabia and the U.S. who have been brokering talks in a joint statement said Sudan’s warring sides have agreed on a nationwide ceasefire for 24 hours from 6 a.m. (0400 GMT) on Saturday.

    Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) agreed “they will refrain from prohibited movements, attacks, use of aircraft or drones, aerial bombardment, artillery strikes, reinforcement of positions and resupply of forces.

    Read Also: Sudan army suspends participation in Jeddah ceasefire talks

    “They will also refrain from seeking military advantage during the ceasefire,” the statement read.

    If the parties failed to observe the ceasefire, “facilitators will be compelled to consider adjourning the Jeddah talks”, the U.S. and Saudi joint statement added, referring to negotiations to try to end almost two months of clashes in Sudan.

    “We have provided both parties numerous opportunities to end this senseless war,” the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs said on Twitter.

  • Gombe police parades two for rape, cattle rustling

    Gombe police parades two for rape, cattle rustling

    THE Gombe State Police Command yesterday paraded two suspects arrested for rape and cattle rustling at Funakaye Local Government Area of the state.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Mahid Muazu Abubakar, said the 20-year-old rape suspect, Babangida Isah, allegedly assaulted a five-year-old daughter of Yahaya Isha behind the almajiri school at Bajoga and forcefully raped her.

    “The father of the girl reported the matter to the police, the suspect was arrested and he has voluntarily confessed to the crime.

    Both the suspect and the victim were taken to the hospital for medical examinations; the case will soon be charged to court for prosecution,” Abubakar said.

    Similarly, the police arrested one Sale Kabo, a 30-year-old resident of Bandila village via Gulani LGA, Yobe State, for rustling 21 cows valued at N7 million.

    According to the police, on 6th June 2023, one Jauro Ahmadu, a 75-year-old of Shuwari village via Bajoga Funakaye LGA, reported to the Bajoga Divisional Police Headquarters that his 21 cows valued at 7 million naira had been stolen from his village at night.

    “The Divisional Police Officer detailed his personnel to commence an investigation and they immediately swung into action. After conducting a thorough investigation, the above-named suspect was arrested in connection with the theft which he confessed to.

    “All the stolen cows and other relevant exhibits were recovered. The suspect is currently in police custody and will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded,” he said.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Oqua Etim, while commending the effort of the detectives attached to the Bajoga Police Division, assured the public of the command’s readiness in ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and urged them to report any suspicious activities to the Police in their efforts to maintain peace and order in the community.

  • Omoh Talabi resurfaces with 1908-Sole Empire

    Omoh Talabi resurfaces with 1908-Sole Empire

    FOR veteran showbiz impresario, Omololu Talabi aka Omoh, it is a preparation meeting opportunity!

    Talabi could be said to have been well-prepared for his new role as the Chief Executive Officer of 1908 concept owners of Sole Empire and home to Sole Production, Sole Marketing and Sole Academy.

    For many years, Talabi had worked tirelessly on the entertainment and media scene under the imprint of 1908 concept, where he had executed some of the memorable media and entertainment projects across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

    Talabi has made his impact on the scene with many entertainment and showbiz practitioners acknowledging his abilities and capabilities over the span of two decades.

    Known to have cut his teeth in the industry working under some of the best in the industry including Edi Lawani, and Kwame, Talabi has been a part of many shows, awards ceremonies and concerts.

    Talabi is one of the many showbiz practitioners, who work behind the scenes and embraces invisibility. He’s not one that is cut out for public or media attention, rather, he is focused on surpassing his feats as a marketing expert, show, concert and award producer.

    The experienced stagehand’s experience include The Headies, Olamide In Concert 1 and 2, African International Film Festival amidst many others.

  • Apapa LG chief empowers 200 residents with job tools, start-up capital

    Apapa LG chief empowers 200 residents with job tools, start-up capital

    No fewer than 200 people have graduated from the skills acquisition programme sponsored by the Chairman of Apapa  Local Government Area of Lagos State. Hon. Idowu Adejumoke Sebanjo.

    The participants went home with startup kits, equipment, and cash.

    The graduation ceremony which took place at the Council Secretariat, Apapa was attended by the creme-de-la-creme of Apapa politics, who gathered to celebrate and felicitate with the graduating students.

    The council chief congratulated the graduands for their commitment and perseverance in the acquisition of the skills and admonished them to put to use immediately the skills they have acquired, as there is no better time for them to appreciate what they have learned than now stressing that the challenges that follow the removal of fuel subsidy will enable everyone to look inward and develop their inherent gift.

    She wished them success in their chosen vocation and reminded them that they possess unique gifts in them that can only be discovered by being resolute, dogged, and determined.

    Read Also: Group empowers widows, makes case for vulnerable children, women

    She commended the Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) Department for their consistent sustenance of one of her electioneering promises to the people of Apapa LG while she appreciated the management of NIMASA who have decided to re-construct the LG’s Vocational Center and equip it with modern-day equipment. In the same vein, she also appreciated the outgone lawmaker representing Apapa Federal  Constituency at the lower chamber in Abuja, Hon Mufutau Egberongbe for facilitating the construction of Apapa Youth Center at Ladilak Primary School Apapa.

    A former LGA Chairman Alhaji Fatai Sanni in his goodwill message advised the graduands to be up and doing and make judicious use of the working tools given to them such that they too can be employers of labour.

    Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Miss Miracle Peters appreciated the council chairperson and her team for the privilege given to them and also gave kudos to their instructors for the knowledge imparted and promised to be good ambassadors of the local government.

  • Declare your assets now, rights group charges Otti, Ikpeazu

    Declare your assets now, rights group charges Otti, Ikpeazu

    A human rights and advocacy group, Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) Nigeria has mandated the governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti to make public his assets now that he has been sworn-in as the fifth democratically elected governor of the state.

    This is even as the advocacy group has equally called on the  immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to also declare his assets after eight years of being at the saddle.

    FENRAD in a statement signed by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor Executive Director and Femisi Akande Head Legal Team & Litigation reminded Otti and Ikpeazu that the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended mandates both the incumbent and the former governor to make public their assets before being sworn-in and after serving the state as governor respectively.

    In the statement which reads in part, FENRAD recalled that “Prior to the March 18 gubernatorial election in Abia State, as a group focusing on human, environmental rights and anti-corruption, Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development, FENRAD demanded that all gubernatorial aspirants (from all the 18 political parties) make financial disclosure of their assets – asset declaration.”

  • 70 people abducted in Niger, Senator raises the alarm

    70 people abducted in Niger, Senator raises the alarm

    THE Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District in the outgoing 9th National Assembly, Senator Sani Musa, has condemned the heightening insecurity in his constituency.

    Musa, in a statement yesterday, condemned the cold blooded murder of innocent villagers in Paikoro, Shiroro and Rafi local government areas in the constituency.

    He lamented that no fewer than 20 lives had been lost to attacks by bandits while between 50 and 70 villagers had been kidnapped and taken into captivity by their kidnappers, who also destroyed their houses and made away with valuable items including money.

    He also lamented that women and girls were being raped by their captors.

    He added that the villages mostly affected were Kwagana and Kaffinkoro wards in the Paikoro Local Government Area, Sabo Kabula in Munya LGA and Pandogari Ward in Rafi LGA.

    The insecurity in the senatorial district, he said, attained alarming proportion in the last few weeks.

    He said the bandits, by their action, are testing the will and capacities of the Federal and Niger State governments to secure the lives and property of Nigerians.

    He, however, expressed confidence that the President Bola Tinubu’s administration will deal with the criminals ruthlessly in the coming days.

    Read Also: Four more abducted students of Kebbi school regain freedom

    He said the saddest aspect of the saga was that the victims were being subjected to inhuman treatments with some chained together to prevent their escape from their captors.

    In addition, the Senator said the gunmen were demanding various sums of money, ranging from N1.5m to N4m from the beleaguered families of their victims, as ransom.

    He noted with regret that the criminals, after collecting the huge sums of money, still failed to release their captives.

    He said: “They are being kept under the rain and the sun. We are calling on the Federal Government to immediately take steps to rescue those in the custody of the gunmen so that they can begin to live normal lives, especially now that “we are in the rainy season when those kidnapped are supposed to be on their farms doing what they know how best to do to earn a livelihood”.

    Musa also tasked the security agencies to live up to their responsibilities by combing the forests to free those detained there, while also appreciating the efforts of our security agencies.

    He commiserated with the families of the captives, assuring that “very soon their loved ones will regain their freedom”.