The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

AfDB approves $115m loan to Abia for road rehabilitation, erosion

The Board of Directors, African Development Bank (AfDB), has approved a loan of 115 million dollars to support a major road rehabilitation project in Abia State, Nigeria.

According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), this is contained in a statement issued by the Nigeria Country Department of the bank on Saturday in Abuja.

It said the project would see to the rehabilitation of roads, erosion control infrastructure and preparation of solid waste management facilities in the state capital, Umuahia, and the commercial hub, Aba.

“Financing for the project estimated at a total cost of 263.80 million dollars, will come through an AfDB loan of 100 million dollars.

“A Canada–AfDB Climate Fund (CACF) loan of 15 million dollars; and a 125 million dollars co-financing loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).

“The Abia State government will provide 23.80 million dollars in counterpart funding for compensation to people affected by the project and implementation of a Resettlement Action Plan,”it said.

According to the statement, the project, which is expected to be completed in 2029, has a total of 248.46 km of road.

It said it had 58.03 km of roads in Umuahia and 190.43 km of roads in Aba which would be rehabilitated to asphaltic concrete standards at varying cross sections.

It said :” Erosion sites in Umuahia and Aba will be reinstated as well as preparatory studies undertaken for private sector participation in solid waste management for the two cities.

“The project will also include capacity building, project management and development of social infrastructure.

“This includes the rehabilitation of schools and the provision of sanitation facilities in schools, community markets and hospitals.”

Read Also: Nigeria’s problem is people, not policies — AfDB adviser

It said with an estimated population of 553,000 and 814,000 respectively (2022 estimates), Umuahia and Aba, the commercial hub, were currently facing serious infrastructure challenges.

The statement said this aroused from decades of underinvestment amid rapid urbanisation and the situation was aggravated by gully erosion and emergence of huge piles of solid waste on the roads.

It said when completed, the 1.37 million population in these two cities would benefit from reduced travel time, vehicle operating costs and lower transport cost.

“The project will also create 3,000 temporary jobs (30 per cent for women) at the construction phase, and about 1,000 permanent jobs during the operational phase.

“The permanent jobs will particularly benefit the youths, who will make up 50 per cent of the project.

“They will be trained in contract management by the State Youth Road Maintenance Corps for road maintenance, a body of young Abia engineers drawn from the 17 Local Government Areas of the State,”it said.

Mr Lamin Barrow, the Director-General of AfDB’s Nigeria Country Department, said the project would build resilience by providing the towns access to urban infrastructure services, including economic and social amenities.

Barrow said: “the results from implementation of the project will help expand access to economic and social amenities in the two cities, and thereby contribute to building sustainable and liveable cities.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AfDB’s portfolio in Nigeria comprises 48 operations worth 4.2 billion dollars.

The national (Federal and States) operations account for 90 per cent of the portfolio, for 41 projects amounting to 3.79 billion dollars, while multinational operations constitute 10 per cent for seven projects amounting to 0.41 billion dollars.

There are 24 Sovereign Operations, 2.36 billion dollars or 56 per cent of total commitments and 24 Non-Sovereign Operations (1.84 billion dollars or 44 per cent).

July 2, 2023
Kogi guber: Parties, candidates go to war amidst uncertainties

Ahead of the 2023 gubernatorial election in Kogi State, billed for November, political parties and their candidates are not leaving anything to chance in their bid to emerge victorious at the polls. Assistant Editor, ‘Dare Odufowokan, writes on the major political parties and their candidates.

POLITICS is in the air in Kogi state as the people prepare to file out next November to elect a new governor for the North Central State. incumbent governor, Yahaya Bello of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), will not be seeking re-election as he is status bared after serving two terms in office. However, the outgoing governor is strongly backing the gubernatorial candidate of his party, Usman Ododo.

To many analysts and other observers of the politics of the state, it is too early to hazard any guess as regards where the pendulum will swing. Expectedly, the race to occupy the seat of power at Lugard House is fierce and the contenders all look ready to give their best in the struggle for power. Chieftains and supporters of the contending political parties are not left out in the unfolding drama across the state as they struggle to outdo one another in promoting their parties and candidates.

Though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared a total of 18 candidates for the November gubernatorial election in the state, pundits say less than half a dozen of them should be considered as serious contender while the remaining are more or less mere pretenders in the jostle to take over from Governor Bello in January 2024. While many of the candidates as political Lilliputians, others are running on the platforms of little known political parties.

Among those whose names were published by the INEC are the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Ododo Ahmed Usman; Senator Dino Melaye of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Leke Abejide of African Democratic Congress (ADC); Olayinka Braimoh of the Action Alliance (AA); Jimoh Francis Ayo of the Accord Party (AP); Dauda Utenwojo of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Okeme Adejoh of the Labour Party (LP), among other listed contenders.

Festus Okoye, the INEC National Commissioner and Information and Voter Education Committee, had said in line with timetable and schedule of activities for the election, campaign in public would officially commence on Wednesday, June 14 in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and ends on November 9. Checks by The Nation revealed that the political parties and their candidates have been moving round the state seeking the votes of the people.

According to pundits, while the race daily looks more like a two horse race between APC’s Usman and PDP’s Melaye, other contenders like Hon. Abejide of the ADC and Honourable Muritala Yakubu Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have been showing some brilliance in their campaigns and other political engagements across the state ahead of the governorship election. Pundits have also been talking about the political structures of the four leading candidates.

APC’s Usman

The APC gubernatorial candidate, Ododo Usman, is widely considered the man to beat in the November governorship election. The former Auditor General for Local Governments in Kogi State won the APC gubernatorial primary election by defeating six other contestants in the race. He entered the contest as the preferred candidate of Governor Bello. About seven other aspirants, including the state’s deputy governor, Edward Onoja and Bello’s Chief of Staff, Mohammed Asuku, had earlier withdrawn from the primary on the eve of the election.

Weeks back, Ododo named a primary school teacher, Salifu Joel, as his running mate for the November 11 governorship election. Joel is currently the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Treasurer of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kogi. Many analysts and other stakeholders have been hailing the choice of Joel and projecting victory for the APC team in November. Chieftains of the ruling party are optimistic of victory as according to them, Usman is the best among all the governorship contenders.

Governor Bello said he is going to do everything possible to ensure that the APC wins the governorship election. According to him, Usman will benefit from his performance as governor. “My administration has performed creditably well in the areas of provision of infrastructure, quality education, and healthcare delivery, among others. We have shown competence, dedication and Commitment to Kogi people in terms of performance to also ask for their votes in the next governorship election.

“APC will win because Kogi people will reward us for our performance in office. In this dispensation, we won’t tolerate any politics of bitterness nor condone any act of political violence because Kogi as a state is bigger than any personal interest. Politics of ethnicity, religion will never be a barrier and has no place in Kogi, therefore, you should desist from any comments that can put you in trouble tomorrow. APC will follow and abide by all the existing electoral laws to win the Nov 11 election,” he said.

Former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, also believes the people of Kogi will vote for Ododo, considering the excellent leadership offered by Governor Bello to the people of the state. According to her, it is important that the governor is succeeded by a visionary leader who will consolidate on his achievements. We will support Alh. Ododo to win and also support him to do well,” the former Minister said, insisting that Kogi is very important to the APC.

On his part, the APC candidate is promising to develop the state for the benefit of the people if he is elected. Ododo said he already has a blueprint and development plan that he will use to develop all parts of the state if he is successful in the November 11 governorship election. He assured the people of Kogi that he would make them proud by enthroning development. “I cannot afford to betray the confidence and trust in me,” he said while urging the people of the state to vote for him as governor.

PDP’s Melaye

PDP’s candidate in the governorship contest, two-time member of the National Assembly, Senator Dino Melaye, is regarded as the most potent challenger to the APC candidate in the race for Lugard House. Melaye, against widespread predictions, had won the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary election in Kogi State. He scored the highest votes in the indirect primary election that was held in Lokoja, the State capital.

The shadow election, which had a former governor of Kaduna State and one-time PDP national chairman, Ahmed Makarfi, as the Returning Officer, had delegates from the 21 local government areas of Kogi State in attendance as well as top officials of the party, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and security agencies.

While declaring the results of the indirect primary election, the electoral officer, Barr. Lauretu Ogwuche, confirmed that Dino Melaye scored a total of 313 votes to defeat eight other governorship aspirants of the party. The runner-up, Mr. Ilonah Idoko Kingsley, distantly trailed behind Melaye with 124 votes. Melaye contested the PDP primary in Kogi West Senatorial district last year but lost to Tajudeen Yusuf, lawmaker currently representing Kabba/Bunu Ijumu constituency in the House of Representatives. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar later appointed him spokesman of his presidential campaign. Melaye has served in both chambers of the National Assembly.

Mixed reactions continue to trail his emergence as the flagbearer of the party. While some observers fear that Melaye as candidate will allow APC run away with victory, his supporters insist that it is only the former Kogi West Senator that can defeat the ruling party and return PDP to the Government House in 2024.

As far as former Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state is concerned, PDP will lose the forthcoming Kogi state gubernatorial elections with Melaye as flagbearer. The PDP chieftain said presenting Melaye will amount to certain defeat for the party during the 11th of November governorship elections in Kogi state. Describing the former Kogi West senator as an attack dog, Wike asserted that he (Melaye) does not have what it takes to be governor of a state.

Read Also: Guber polls: PDP confident of reclaiming Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa

Wike said; “When you give Dino that ticket you know he won’t win, why will Kogi people vote for a candidate like Dino, are we joking? We are talking governance of a state, we are not talking about drama, if PDP present such a candidate and you know that Kogi people want development, they can’t be serious.

“Dino does not have what it takes for crying out loud, what is he going to do, he knows. He does not have what it takes to be a governor at all, it’s not by coming to act drama on television, no it’s not that!

“When you say PDP wants to win election and what you do is to give ticket to Dino Melaye and tomorrow you will say that you were rigged, when you have already started rigging yourself. Is this party serious at all, do they really want to win the election or they just want to present a candidate?”

But Melaye believes he is the next governor of the state. The former senator said he would win the November election and run the state with “fear of God”. Melaye added that he would be “a governor for all” regardless of ethnic group. “I will be a Kogi governor that will govern our state with the fear of God. I will run an all-inclusive governance not as an Igala, Ebira, Okun, Kakanda, Bassa, Koto or Nupe governor but as a governor for all under the guidance of the Almighty God,” he said.

ADC’s Abejide

The current member representing Yagba Federal Constituency, Leke Abejide, is the 2023 governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kogi State. The primary election that produced him was held across the 239 wards of the 21 local government areas of Kogi state. Out of the 9,584 total votes, Abejide had 9,456 votes while 128 votes were recorded as invalid.

The youthful politician, according to some observers, is a force to reckon with in the governorship race owing largely to his popularity at the grassroots, especially in Kogi West senatorial district and the yearnings of the people of the area for a chance to have one of them govern the state.

“Many people even outside Kogi West will vote for Abejide because of the zoning debate. The agitation for a governor from Kogi West will work in his favour,” one of the ADC candidate’s supporters said. But his platform of choice is one reason why pundits say he cannot pull any magic.

“ADC remains largely unknown in most parts of the state outside Yagba Federal Constituency where Abejide had popularized the party after he joined it. It is left to be seen how he will win a statewide election on the platform of such a political party,” an observer said. Abejide had last February, won the House of Representatives election in Yagba federal constituency on the platform of the ADC, winning in all three local government areas in the federal constituency in a landslide victory and polling 23271 votes to defeat his closest rival and candidate of the APC, Engr. Folorunsho Olafemi who garnered 10426 votes. PDP’s Tolorunjuwon Faniyi managed to poll 6421 votes to come distant third.

SDP’s Ajaka

After weeks of uncertainties, INEC finally confirmed Honourable Muritala Yakubu Ajaka as candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the November 11 gubernatorial election in Kogi State. Last month, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Kogi State, Dr Hale Gabriel Longpet, disclosed this in Lokoja, the state capital, shortly after the party submitted a document to that effect.

Longpet said the party had satisfied the Electoral Act 2022, though subject to the supremacy of Nigerian Constitution, stressing that SDP ‘s substitution of candidates “which favours Honourable Muritala Yakubu Ajaka is hereby accepted.” Ajaka, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC dumped the party shortly after its guber primary for alleged irregularities in the process.

Following his emergence as the SDP candidate, Ajaka picked Chief Sam Abenemi, a seasoned politician from Kogi West senatorial District, particularly Lokoja/Koton, the state as his running mate. Abenemi had resigned as the Deputy Chairman of People Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi. He was chairman of Lokoja Local Government and formerly Kogi Commissioner for Water Resources.

Ajaka said he is in the race to liberate the state. “The journey to liberate Kogi State from the hand of civilian dictatorship has just begun,” he promised. He assured the people of the state that there shall be light at the end of the tunnel, stressing that they should support his candidature and vote him in the next governorship election.

“You will not regret voting for me. Give me your support. I know your feelings and challenges before the state. I will strive to fix it by your support and grace of God”, he said.

July 2, 2023
NASS members ready to support Tinubu’s
development plans – Whingan

Hon Sesi Whingan is a first-time House of Representatives member representing Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos. He spoke with Mujeeb Oyedeji and Samson Oti on President Bola Tinubu, his plans for his people as well as his relationship with ex-Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and the current Speaker, Tajudden Abbas. Excerpts.

As a first-timer in the House of Representatives, what are those new things you are bringing into the Green Chamber?

President Tinubu is keen on revving the economy. Which I think is very important at this moment. And another way of reviving the economy is securing the length and breadth of the country to ensure safety which is another key agenda of the president. I believe that once the country is well secured, it will be opened up for investment and we will have a lot of foreign investors. In other words, there will be job opportunities and our unemployment rate will reduce drastically.

I intend to push for investments in sustainable infrastructure projects like energy efficiency and rail transportation across the country; we all know where the world is moving to now. There are so many ways we can contribute through policy recommendations that will benefit the youth. I also recognize the importance of representing and addressing the concerns of the youth. So I am committed to being a strong advocate for the youth of this country, particularly, when it comes to positive and impactful policies related to the environment and other critical issues that will change the lives of the youth.

It is no longer news that most of our youths are out of jobs, large numbers of them are unemployed. So, we intend to speak for them and see how we can make progress. We intend to make good policies that will drive every nook and cranny of the country. This will not reduce to my constituent alone; I am talking as a legislator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I believe in the power of the youth’s voices and the ability to drive change. I will actually seek input from young people through town hall meetings, through social media to reach out to them, and to orient them on empowerment and opportunity for job sustainability in society. I am here to advocate for the youth and I can assure you that I will be the voice.

Also, my constituency as you know is a border area. A situation where the borders have been shut means that so many businesses have crumbled, and the youths in that area have been jobless for many years. This is a policy that was put in place during the last administration. I equally want to emphasize that there are lots of legit businesses that take place at the borders. There are many transactions across borders that afford people to be gainfully employed. When you lock down borders because you want to stop people from engaging in smuggling, you have to consider the livelihood of others who do legitimate businesses; those are the things that should have been considered before closing down the borders.

What is your opinion about the performance of President Bola Tinubu so far?

President Tinubu has done meaningful things in a short time and I want people to be objective when criticizing him. He’s a listening president, he knows what people have gone through and he knows what to do at the appropriate time. As for me, he has been fulfilling his promises, and I am very confident that the legislators will give him maximum backing to ensure economic sustainability in Nigeria.

He came in prepared; he’s someone who has been waiting for the moment, an experienced politician who knows the pains of people at the grassroots, a president that already knows solutions to some critical problems. Objectively, President Tinubu has shown what he will do in another four years; he’s already working on the blueprint of success for every Nigerian.

With the policies and bills he has signed, I can categorically tell you and every Nigerian that President Tinubu is ready to build a greater country. Everybody knows he’s equal to the task and he has just shown us little of what he has to deliver as president. Nigerians need to be a little bit more patient with some policies to mature, Nigerians need to support those policies and enjoy the best of it. In Tinubu Presidency I trust and the legislators are ready to work in line with him to ensure a Renewed Hope is realised.

What’s your take on the position of subsidy removal and awaiting palliative from the Federal Government?

Well, we all know that the petrol subsidy is a scam. And funny enough, most of the presidential candidates all agreed to remove subsidies once they were elected. Based on this principle, President Tinubu has done the needful. The subsidy has to stop, and it has become something of the past. Only a few individuals benefited from subsidy funds, money enough to cater to the needs of many Nigerians, I believe it was the right step for the president to stand down on the policy.

Read Also: PHOTOS: Guinea Bissau President meets President Tinubu

Talking about palliative, I can tell you that the Federal Government led by the president is working to ensure people are relieved during this measure of subsidy removal. It has obviously shut up expenses, which has led to many struggling to meet their daily demands. The president will do something about it and it could come in any form, but Nigerians should be rest assured that this government will work tirelessly to ensure the best for the country and its citizens.

In a few months, we will roll out policies that will be meaningful to Nigerians. It’s just a matter of time; everybody will see the great impact of the president in the removal of subsidies on petroleum. These policies will benefit average Nigerians not the rich.

My campaign promises are the same as the President’s manifesto; all about alleviating poverty, opening business opportunities for a booming economy and security. As a matter of fact, I had a meeting with the Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the prospects of opening and constructing some roads in the Badagry axis to ensure smooth motoring for private investors, and he assured me he’s going to do it.

He’s also another listening personality. He has been wonderful in the last four years and he’s already on the road map of taking Lagos to the next level. For my constituency, my campaign promises are very much intact, and I am still emphasizing here that every project will be attended to. As I said before, I am here to serve the youth and by the grace of God, the impact will be there before the end of four years. I will sponsor policies that will have a direct impact on my constituency and outside my constituency.

What is your relationship with former speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila now Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.?

Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila is my leader, mentor, and an experienced politician who has done well as a legislator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; he was one of the legislators that led the peaceful 9th Assembly. He’s a leader that believes so much in the youth. When you check people around Hon. Gbaja, you see young, vibrant, and brilliant youngsters. He was amazed and convinced a lot when I met him to discuss my intention for my constituency, and he’s always ready to assist, especially when it comes to issues that concern Lagos State. He supported me morally, mentally, and with little prayers. His position as Chief of Staff to the president will bring lots of opportunities to the youths.

The current Speaker, Hon. Abass, what should we expect from him?

As you can see, we followed the campaign regime of all the candidates before the last elections before we opted for Rt. Hon Tajudden Abbas, we listened to him over and over again; we engaged him and we realized that when it comes to capacity, Rt. Hon Tajudden Abbas is the best man for the job, 360 members are a lot to deal with. We wanted someone who will be able to listen to virtually all of us, someone who can bring all of us together, your tribe, your ethnicity, your political affiliation.

We found that in Rt. Hon Tajudden Abbas. This was reflected in the result of the election. Rt. Hon Tajudden Abbas as you can see is calm, a wonderful leader who listens, a leader who pays attention to all the other members, we have faith in Rt. Hon Tajudden Abbas we know that he will lead this 10th assembly to the very last day and he’s going to carry everyone along. Rt. Hon Tajudden Abbas the speaker of the 10th assembly is a man who especially believes so much in youth and our agenda.

As a legislator, what are you expecting from the Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwolu?

Badagry is a beautiful place. People who have visited Badagry will attest to the fact that we are blessed in Lagos, aside from tourism. We believe that the state is rich in tourism. Badagry is oil-producing, and Lagos is an oil-producing State because of the oil we have in Badagry. The new seaport is another major business investment in the country which will allow private investors to have easy accessibility to the roads.

The refinery is another business opportunity in Lagos that will reduce the rate of unemployment in the state. Governor Sanwo-Olu has been working hard on projects that will transform the look of Lagos State. I believe Governor Sanwo-Olu is aware that the Badagry area of Lagos possesses all it takes, it is a place where easy business transactions can take place on a daily basis and private investors can come from around the world to invest in the state.

July 2, 2023
Eight feared dead as five vehicles crash in Awka
- •One life lost, 12 injured in crash – FRSC
ABOUT eight persons were on Saturday feared dead in a ghastly multiple motor accidents along Awka-Onitsha expressway Anambra State.

The incident occurred at the Odumodu junction in Umunya, Oyi Local Government area of the state.

An eye witness, a motorcyclist who blamed the crash on overspeeding by one of the truck drivers who could not observe the bad portion of the road, said victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

“I was waiting for passenger when I suddenly saw a trailer coming from Onitsha with speed. Due to his speed, he couldn’t hold the brake and suddenly rammed in-between another trailer a bus loaded with passengers,” he said.

One of the survivors who preferred anonymity, while wailing profusely said they were heading to Enugu when suddenly she heard a big bang and the next she saw was passengers and their traveling bags littered everywhere.

Confirming the incident, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC Adeoye Irelewuyi said one person died in the crash, attributing the cause of the fatal crash to speed.

He sympathised with deceased family, wished the injured victims quick recovery, just as he warned motorist to desist from speeding and ensure they drive within minimum safe speed to save their lives and that of other road users.

He said, “Five Unidentified drivers were involved in a fatal road traffic crash at Odumodu junction Umuya by Nteje-Awka Expressway today 1st July, 2023 at about 12:40hrs.

“Vehicles involved were Toyota Hiace (ENU 32 XD), Mack/ Tanker (with PMS) (LSD 339 XA), Toyota Yaris (KSF 646 BZ) Mack/Tanker (BAU 305 ZE) and Toyota Camry (ABN 64 JA).

“26 people comprising 20 male adults, and 6 female adults were involved in the crash. Injured victims were 12, comprising 9 male adults, and 3 female adults. One male adult was killed while 13 people were rescued unhurt.

“The FRSC rescue team from RS5.33 Nteje in collaboration with a team of Officers and men from Anambra Sector Command, Awka rushed the victim to Boromi and Divine Favour Hospital, Umuya.

“The dead victim is still trapped under the truck as at the time of this report while the team are still on ground controlling traffic and ensuring obstruction caused by the crash is cleared.

“Efforts are being made to remove the trapped body. Fire Service has been contacted are on their way to the scene.”
July 2, 2023
Yoruba Council Worldwide welcomes Tinubu’s sweeping reforms

Nigeria is undergoing total reconstruction in all sectors of the economy, President, Yoruba Council Worldwide, Aare Oladotun Hassan has said.

He said the steps taken so far by President Bola Tinubu showed that he (Tinubu) was “absolutely prepared and undoubtedly committed to leaving a legacy behind for the present and the unborn generation.”

Hassan said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Since assuming office, Tinubu has removed subsidies on petroleum products, abolished multiple exchange rates, and rejigged the security apparatus.

He said: “Asiwaju is a surgical political engineer and a builder so Nigeria is undergoing total reconstruction in all sectors of the economy. He is absolutely prepared and undoubtedly committed to living a legacy behind for the present and the unborn generation.

“In President Bola Ahmed Tinubu you will see a man burning with eternal energy to surpass standards he met, highly innovative ideas, and from day one of his swearing-in, he started the job majority of Nigerians voted and employed him to do as our President.

Read Also: Tinubu: One month of pragmatic solutions, edifying actions

“So what we are witnessing in the last 30 days is not surprising to many because he knows his onions, is well-read, and understands the people’s needs.”

He urged the Federal Government to come up with palliatives to cushion the effects of subsidy removal on the masses.

Hassan added: “We expect him to come up with immediate palliatives in critical areas from transportation to subsidized foods like mass sales of rice at a reduced cost in all Local Government Areas in Nigeria.

“We urge him to manage the electricity tariff proposed increase with a human face and absolute care. Wherein Nigerians will be granted a one-month moratorium-free light supply in every home with meters.

“We call on him to start the move towards a possible new people’s constitution in line with the 1963 constitution with an expanded Presidential system of government.

“Most importantly, he needs to conduct a similar audit of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and other agencies enmeshed in corrupt activities.”

July 2, 2023
‘Baba-Go-Fast’ takes crusade for FDI abroad

The last week made President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a month in office, having been sworn-in on May 29, 2023, last Thursday made it exactly one month since his administration was inaugurated. However, the week in review was spent entirely away from the seat of power in Abuja; it would be recalled that the President left for Paris in France for the New Global Financial Pact signing on Tuesday, June 20. He was there till Saturday, June 24 when he departed for London, the United Kingdom (UK), for a private visit. He was in London till the eve of the Eid-el-Kabir festival, to come in just in time for the festivity.

Being away the whole week did not impede work or slow down the characteristic momentum of the man that has earned the epithet ‘Baba-G0-Fast’. As a matter of fact, while in France, the President went out to shop for goals that will further enhance the country’s financial standing. Explaining the key reason for President Tinubu’s outing in France, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, said it all boiled down to shoring up the finance base through foreign direct investments (FDI), which needs to be shopped for.

Alake was projecting what the outlook of the first foreign visit of the President would look like, while speaking to journalists on arrival in Paris last week Tuesday. According to him, “the essence of this trip is to network as much as feasible and as much as is practicable. The President wants to network with international finance corporations and institutions, countries that are well healed that would facilitate or that could facilitate direct foreign investment into Nigeria.

“Don’t forget that Mr. President has taken some very bold steps in the area of economy, in the area of social engineering in the last three weeks, and particularly with reference to the unification of the multiple exchange rates, which has caused very positive multiplier effects. However, in the short term, we have noticed and expected that there will be a slight spike in the demand and then that would affect the value of the Naira, viz-viz the dollar”, he had explained.

Indeed, before departing France after the main event and several other meetings and agreements on the sidelines, Tinubu had garnered some tangibles for the government to work with and made some of the needed progress in the direction of economic healing. Though Alake had projected only a few prospectives that the President was expected to meet and negotiate investment opportunities in Nigeria with, Tinubu himself sealed more deals than projected.

Whereas his spokesman had seen the United States of America (USA), the host country of France, Switzerland and a couple others as prospective interests in Nigeria’s investment opportunities, President Tinubu met, negotiated with and got others, especially global development agencies, to give their words and indicate financial commitments to the development in the country.

“At the last count about three, four different heads of state of developed countries have indicated willingness to meet with him, have a chat with him and explore areas of cooperation on the economy, on agriculture, on other areas that are salient to the development of Nigeria’s economy. That is generally the essence of this meeting”, Alake had said.

However, much more than revealed by the presidential spokesman was achieved in sideline meetings, lined before the President arrived in Paris and he was careful in making the right choices for Nigeria’s economic prosperity. He met with the French President, Emmanuel Macron at the Elysée; the Swiss President, Alain Berset, at Palais Brongniart; President of Benin Republic, Patrice Talon; Director General of World Trade Organization, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina; President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim), Prof. Benedict Oramah; and President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Odile Renaud–Basso.

In these several meetings and engagements, Nigeria won a number of deliverables, either in financial kind or in promissory kind. For instance, in his meeting with the EBRD President, Tinubu warned it would be disastrous for the world, including the developed nations, to ignore the huge natural and human potentials the Nigeria he now leads is offering. This warning was taken literally by Renaud–Basso when she said it would be a mistake for the development bank not to invest in Nigeria, after considering six potential economies for investment. She categorically identified the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) as a targeted area the bank would place its investment attention in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Afrexim Bank promised to inject more funding into the Nigerian economy, additional to what it already had put, to further build confidence in other investors. However, the AfDB made a more physically relatable commitment to the economic development of the country; its President, Dr Adesina said the bank will be supporting the growth of Nigeria’s agro-allied sector with a $520 million in the development of agro-processing zones in the country. Besides the $520 million categorical commitment, Adesina further alerted that the bank will be committing more resources into investments in Nigeria and his simple reason for this is the fact that the administration had shown, within its few days of existence, that it is committed to uplifting the ordinary people.

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He was also able to attract a commitment from one of the largest aircraft manufacturers in the world, Airbus/ATR, co-owned by French and Italian investments. Tinubu met with the company’s executives, led by its Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Laurent Rahul Domergue, who assured that the company was prepared to invest in the Nigerian aviation sector, particularly in supplying planes. Baba-Go-Fast was able to elicit the commitment by assuring the team that the Nigerian Aviation Sector would be streamlined for efficiency, especially in maintenance of aircrafts and training.

These were just a few of the achievements, but like it is trite knowledge, not everything, especially in foreign policy and security packaging, that is put out there for public consumption. The spirit with which the President returned home on Tuesday, after his private stop-over in London, and the high praises that have so far trailed his outing from both local and global quarters, have indicated that there should definitely be more to what has been achieved than the layman knows about.

Two of the major highlights of the last week were the return of the President home after his first diplomatic outing as leader of the largest African economy and the fanfare/revelations made during his thank-you homage to two of the royal fathers in Ogun State. The first, being his return, gathered so much crowd that it was almost as mammoth as though it was another presidential campaign. Eager and enthusiastic Nigerians had gathered at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos since early part of the day, awaiting the return of the President, who arrived past 5pm. His return has been described as heroic.

The second most significant event of the Presidency was considered to be his visit to the palaces of the Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in Ijebu-Ode, and Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in Abeokuta on Thursday. It was at the palace in Ijebuode that he explained the legendary pronouncement ‘Emilokan’. According to the President, ‘Emilokan’ was a spiritual invocation against the attempt made at frustrating his journey to the Presidency. It played its role in the long run.

According to the President, he invoked the spirits of freedom and determination, symbolised by ‘Baba Emilokan’ to overcome the obstacles in the election. “Our monies were confiscated. The cashless policy didn’t work, it was terrible then. I realised that, I came to Ogun State to invoke the spirit of freedom which we are noted for. I invoked that spirit twice. The spirit of Baba Emilokan. That’s Baba. Being blunt, being decisive, that’s him, he will tell you. The second spirit is that money or no money (we will do the election and we will win)”, he explained.

The last week had its dual elements; local and foreign, but it was as eventful, and fruitful, as usual. There was even the possibility of the week being more fruitful than the past three weeks; this week took the crusade to the world stage in an attempt at foraging for a critically needed FDI life-support.

Coming into this week, it is expected to be as eventful with a lot of tasks to defray. It is believed that a lot of files and memoranda are waiting for the President’s attention. Let’s go into the week together.

By Bolaji Ogundele

July 2, 2023
In the trash can…

What do you do with Love that has gone sour? Usually, it is better to throw it in the trash can before it runs the tummy. That is exactly the way Teju is feeling at the moment. She had just survived an emotional hurricane and just could not fathom where and how she was going to move on. The feeling at this point can be compared to jumping off a moving train, the disaster that would follow is better imagined than experienced.

Flashback down the emotional memory lane and it looked like the best love story. But along the line, she came to the realization that the relationship which lasted for two years and four months was filled with ‘emotional errors’. The guy she wanted to donate her heart to was a serial cheater.

Sadly, Teju just had to move on, hoping to find a better heart, one that would not contaminate whatever was left. On her part, she felt it may just be too hard to start over on a clean slate. The other option, therefore, was to avoid any emotional entanglements for now.

The emotional pressure she was going through started to affect her work and so she thought of different ways to recover herself.

A few weeks after she just could not take her mind off it and there was also tension at work. Teju decided to take a break from work and the restaurant in the neighborhood looked like a great arrangement. A few minute walk down the road and she was in the right place, relaxed in the serene environment feeling different. The meal was also great and she waited a little just to get refreshed before going back to work.

Two jolly good fellows walked in looking as famished as she was and they also had lunch. Once the stomach was sorted out they talked about some of their recent conquests and escapades. Midway into the conversations, they remember a third friend, Lanre, and the exploits he made when he was part of this team of emotional ‘musketeers’.

Unfortunately for them, Lanre recently found love and amended his ways. “I just don’t know what is wrong with that guy. How can he lose all his head for one woman? I thought he was stronger than this but he has really disappointed me. Sometimes, when I remember his matter I get really upset. That is why I have stopped thinking about him”, Adamu lamented.

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The bone of contention is the fact that their good friend has ‘repented”. Old things and ‘emotions have simply passed away. “One other thing that he does is that he actually keeps all the money he makes in a joint account with this woman. To make matters worse is the fact that the alert actually goes to the woman’s phone number. He just cannot do anything without her. Is that really what they call love? Humh….. I am sure that something fishy is going on.

The question here is what is wrong with being faithful a hundred percent? Our friends however feel differently and believe that it is better to have a plan B in every arrangement. “That is not how to be faithful at all. I think he is just being a Mugun and I am very sorry for him. I just hope that it won’t be too late before he realises what’s going on”.

Humorously, Mr. B goes on to talk about a similar experience and how a smarter Alec survived the emotional struggle. “Muyiwa had always been smart from our schooldays. Then about three years ago he met this lady and he became very cool and calm. The first time I met the lady in question; I just did not like her at all. She was very rude and domineering and I told him that he was not likely to go far with that kind of lady”.

He continued: “For the first time, Muyiwa was visibly angry with me and he told me not to interfere with the relationship because he was in charge. So I left him with this emotional cross and thought this was another lost case. We met at a friend’s party about six months after and we reconciled. It was there that he made me realise that he was not as foolish as I thought. “We have a joint account and we use this account to service whatever we need to run the home. I pretend to put all my resources in the account but I have a secret account where all the extras that I make are kept. The strategy however is to look and feel helpless financially, so that I can continually draw from the joint account. This way I have a robust savings account that she doesn’t know exists”.

Can you beat that? Well, a lot of women actually get stuck on the road to an amazing relationship, and most times it has to do with the fear of the unknown.

Lots of women who are afraid of being alone also end up picking the same kind of men over and over who just don’t “get it”.

So you need to identify what you want and if it isn’t there, then there is no point hanging on. If you’re afraid of being alone, you’re likely to put up with the behavior you aren’t comfortable with just for the sake of being in a relationship.

July 2, 2023
Mixed reactions as Otti suspends principals
of state-owned nursing/midwifery schools

RESIDENTS of Abia State were on Saturday thrown in shock with the announcement that the state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has ordered immediate suspension of the principals of all state-owned nursing/midwifery schools in the state. the governor also sent a 19-man commissioner nominees list to the Abia State House of Assembly for screening and approval.

Our correspondent reports that the state governor had through a statement earlier in the week, warned parents of nursing and midwifery students against paying school or any other fees outside the designated official commercial bank, adding that anyone that does otherwise was doing same at his or her peril. Also suspended was the Director of Nursing in the state Ministry of Health, Nwosu Dorathy Njideka.

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The suspensions were with immediate effect. While no reasons have been given yet for the suspension, there were indications that their removal could have been unconnected with alleged misappropriation of funds and abuse of office.

Meanwhile, in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Otti named his 2015 and 2019 deputy governorship candidate, Prof. Eme Uche and son of former Senator Uchechukwu Chukwumerije: Chaka Chukwumerije as commissioner nominees.

Others include Prof Monica Ironkwe, Kingsely Anoribe, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, Mike Akpara, Ngozi Okoronkwo,

July 2, 2023
Adire Oodua shows at African Fashion Week Brazil

YETUNDE OLADEINDE writes on the wonderful Adire show titled, ‘African Fashion Week Brazil’ that happened recently in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

BRAZILIANS, experts reveal are quite adventurous when it comes to clothing and accessories that are richly coloured and sophisticated. Many love a fusion that comes with creative messages they can identify with culture.

The city of Sao Paulo Brazil came alive recently as it welcomed designers from all fashion capital of the world – London, Paris, Ghana, and of course Nigeria for the median edition of the much anticipated Africa Fashion Week Brazil, a glamorous fashion show organized by wife of Oni of Ife Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi in partnership with businesswoman Silvana Saraiva, Chairman of Brazil Chamber of Commerce and Chief Executive Officer, CEO of FeaFro Institute, Brazil.

The international fashion show which is aimed at promoting the richness of African culture through fashion and more importantly, promoting trade and investment in the creative industry, was held at the Expo Center Norte, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The three day event which kicked off on Thursday, May 25th, to 27th, saw a spectacular showcase of Africa’s cultural heritage and fashion.

The runway saw a display of classy cuts, haute couture, and ready to wear trendy pieces all distinctly made with the Adire and Ankara fabric, to the delight of the audience. It also featured a special showcase of Adire Oodua by Nigeria’s frontline designer Ejiro Amos Tafiri. A-line adire dresses with statement sleeves, asymmetric tops paired with adire trousers, and long skirts with extravagant organza hem were the stars of the collection, all made with different types of adire.

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Designers, Fashion By Ashani, Wuraola4lar , Chiefo, Adire Teems, Pilz and Poiszn and Blingshiki, and Ejiro Amos-Tafiri who were supported for the event by the Nigerian.

Export Promotion Council and Enterprise Sponsors, Providus Bank, floored the runways with amazing designs, which projected the rich culture and dynamism in Nigeria’s fashion.

For the organiser Olori Ronke Ogunwusi, it was a delight to see that the Adire fabric of Nigeria is indeed taking centre stage at Africa fashion week Brazil “It’s a great thing indeed for Nigeria as Adire is now being sort for across. ” she says.

Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, better known for her passion for the development of African culture and heritage is the founder of Africa Fashion Week London and Africa Fashion Week Nigeria. She is also the Chief Executive Officer, CEO of Adire Oodua Textile Training Hub and Vice Chairman House of Oduduwa Foundation.

For her, Africa Fashion Week Brazil not only celebrates fashion but also serves as a channel for black emancipation. The event she says aims to dismantle the deeply ingrained perception of inferiority associated with Afro-Brazilian fashion and culture. It sought to empower the Afro-Brazilian community by providing a platform to showcase their talents, challenge stereotypes, and redefine their identity on their own terms, while improving economic ties between both countries.

With the successful hosting of the AFWBrazil, the countdown is on for this year’s edition of the Africa Fashion Week London. Billed to hold from the 27th to 29th of October, the AFWLondon will play host to about sixty designers and a hundred exhibitors from around Africa and Europe. It is Europe’s largest fashion event aimed at promoting African design talent from the diaspora, Founded in 2011 by Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, AFWL is focused on encouraging trade for African designers within the global community and helps to nurture them on a global scale.

July 2, 2023
Eagles legends to mentor Naija Super 8 teams

SUPER Eagles legends have been assigned to mentor the eight teams that will be playing at the Naija Super 8 finals in Lagos.

The announcement was made via a statement by the tournament organisers, Flykite Productions, on Saturday.

As contained in the statement, current Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba, will be mentored by former Ajax winger, Tijani Babangida, and one of the wildcard teams, Sporting Lagos, will be mentored by former VFL Wolfsburg striker, Jonathan Akpoborie.

Super Eagles 2002 World Cup goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu, will mentor the other wildcard team, Akwa United, with Mutiu Adepoju, assigned to mentor Lobi Stars.

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Remo Stars of Ikenne have been assigned former FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Wigan Athletic striker, Julius Aghahowa, as mentor, while Victor Ikpeba, 1997 African Player of the Year will mentor giant killers, Yobe Desert Stars. Katsina United will be mentored by NPFL legend, Victor Ezeji, while Rivers United got former Super Eagles captain, Garba Lawal.

The mentors, who have been appointed as the ceremonial heads of the clubs, are expected to motivate, advise and support their teams throughout the tournament, to be held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos from 7-16 July.

Naija Super 8 teams have been paired into two groups of four each. South-East zonal champions, Enyimba, Sporting Lagos, South-West representatives, Remo Stars and North-West zonal champions, Katsina United will trade tackles in group A, while Akwa United will slug it out with South-South zonal champions, Rivers United, North-East representatives Yobe Desert Stars and Lobi Stars from the North-Central in group B.

July 2, 2023