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  • President’s New Year address struck right chord with Nigerians, says APC

    President’s New Year address struck right chord with Nigerians, says APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s New Year message struck the right chord with Nigerians.

    It also described the message as an excellent fit for the purpose and occasion it was delivered.

     Dismissing its condemnation by the  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),  APC said Tinubu’s address was “both in tone and substance measured, sensitive, articulate and highly presidential.”

    A statement by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka in Abuja said the PDP diatribe was a testament to the party’s incapacity to serve as a credible opposition party.

      He said:  ” A New Year speech of any President is a goodwill message to the nation in celebration of the new year. It is a moment for tone-setting of expectations for the year ahead. It is not a  policy speech delivered to a think tank.

    “The President was forthright in his acknowledgement of the transient tough impact that some of the administration’s policies have had on citizens, just as he was categorical in the expression of commitment to do everything under the power of his office to tackle prevailing challenges and secure a safer and stronger country for the benefit of all.

     “The President addressed Nigerians with candour, sensitivity and attentiveness of a kind unknown to the PDP in its 16 years of reckless, and never again, rule.

    Read Also: Why Tinubu govt can’t avoid borrowing, by Osoba

     “The President’s New Year message struck the right chord with Nigerians, assuring of the administration’s commitment to fixing power and energy challenges, locally refining petroleum products, crashing prices of products, creating jobs, enabling a more favourable business environment, tackling insecurity, expanding food security and affordability, implementing new minimum wage for workers, and more.”

    Morka added: “Signing the 2024 budget into law on New Year’s Day is further evidence of the President walking the talk. The President is busy doing the job he was elected to do and will not be distracted by PDP’s idle mischief.” 

     Thr spokesperson said PDP has failed woefully in providing credible and sensible opposition.

     He said: “Democratic opposition politics is not exactly about being a masterclass of incivility or casting crude aspersions without justification. It is also not about a haughty display of ignorance of essential social and economic policy or willful blindness to the administration’s bold and courageous efforts to raise the bar for sustainable growth and development of our country. PDP’s nagging irrationality is a blight on our democracy.

     “If the status of opposition party were a contested one, the PDP would still miserably fail to pass muster.”

  • Gbajabiamila to Nigerians: give Tinubu some time

    Gbajabiamila to Nigerians: give Tinubu some time

    • Chief of Staff to President inaugurates projects in Lagos

    The Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, yesterday urged Nigerians to be patient with the Bola Tinubu administration.

     He said a government’s ability to perform takes experience, pedigree and time to manifest.

    The Chief of Staff also admonished those seeking public offices to “remember that the ultimate and highest legacy we can leave as public servants is in the evident improvements to the lives of the people we serve”.

     He added: “I must also urge citizens to remember that the ability to get things done in government requires experience and pedigree, takes time and demands that we manage expectations accordingly.”

     Gbajabiamila spoke in Lagos while inaugurating some projects he facilitated in his Surulere Federal Constituency when he was Speaker of the House of Representatives.

     The Chief of Staff was accompanied by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to inaugurate the projects, which included a conference centre at the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo; an ultramodern, multi-floor 80-bed general gospital; the dualised Babs Animashaun Road and Census Bridge; and the Sam Shonibare Community Development Centre, all in Surulere.

    Gbajabiamila, who traced his political trajectory in the last 20 years at the House of Representatives, said it was an honour to serve fellow Nigerians.

     The Chief of Staff thanked Sanwo-Olu “for his support and collaboration through the years because without partnership with the state government, it would have been more difficult to achieve our visions for the projects”. 

    He added: “I am proud that we have constructed over 250 roads in selected federal constituencies in the state, especially Surulere I and II constituencies, and completed 15 mini-stadia.

     “We facilitated heavy investment in education and healthcare, including constructing and equipping over 20 ICT centres in public schools where children are taught computer programming and coding. We have provided solar energy systems to light up neighbourhoods and support commercial trades in our constituencies.”

    Read Also: Obi, Utomi pay condolence visit to Akeredolu’s family in Ibadan

     The general hospital was upgraded from a primary healthcare centre and now boasts advanced and specialist care facilities, a 500kva generator, a 100kva solar-powered electricity supply on the roof, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a borehole, a water filtration system and a dialysis centre on the second floor.

    It also boasts a radiology, large laboratory, paediatric, physiotherapy, surgical, and X-ray facilities.

    The Chief of Stuff said the projects were inspired by a sense of duty and part of his efforts to meet the people’s expectations.

    Sanwo-Olu, who thanked Gbajabiamila for partnering the state government, said such fruitful collaborations were part of the administration’s efforts to further its T.H.E.M.E.S agenda.

    The governor described the facility as world-class, adding that it would be managed by the state’s Ministry of Health.

    According to him, to strengthen the state’s medical infrastructure and counter the mass exodus of doctors and other medical personnel, the government will, this year, build a medical university targeted at graduating 1,500 doctors yearly.

    Sanwo-Olu said the institution would be built in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    The governor explained that the facility is needed to abide by the advice from the Federal authorities that the state needs to scale up the number of medical personnel it produces in the light of the shortage of medical health practitioners due to the japa syndrome.

  • Yusuf: governor’s  influence in Osun politics gone

    Yusuf: governor’s  influence in Osun politics gone

    • He’s bragging for nothing, ex-House of Reps deputy speaker knocks former minister

    Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Lasun Yusuf has described the recent outburst of ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his successor, Adegboyega Oyetola, as empty.

    The Nation recalled that Aregbesola, who launched his faction named Omoluabi Caucus, blamed Oyetola for APC’s defeat during the 2022 Osun governorship election.

    Aregbesola bragged that his caucus would make a drastic decision by determining the future of Osun State politically, which no one would have any say over.

    Yusuf, who abandoned APC for Labour Party in 2022 before joining Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, said Aregbesola is embarking on a futile endeavour by struggling to become a political leader in Osun State.

    Yusuf, speaking during a political programme, Oro Oselu (Political Talk), on a private radio station, Rave FM in Osogbo, monitored by our correspondent, said the erstwhile Minister of Interior could only struggle, but he could never become a leader of any political system in the state.

    Read Also: Osun APC blasts Aregbesola, says ex-gov dishonoured agreement by Tinubu, Akande

    He said: “I can’t be happy if any evil thing befalls Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. I always wish him good. We were together; we have come a long way; in fact we spent quality time together in politics, but what I know is that his terrain of influence is gone in the political firmament of Osun; he cannot be a leader of any political system in the state again.

    “Though he tried to ensure that the progressives retain power in Osun while exiting office, what I know is that he is only trying, but it is too late to become a leader in the state as he has been struggling to.

     “I said this because I knew that he became a governor by collective leadership. Just as I couldn’t become a governor as I wished, so also it is not easy for him to become the leader of any political system that he wishes to be. For him to be saying he will let people know where he is going before the end of this year is nothing but a ruse; time has passed by on that; life doesn’t wait for such.”

  • Ghali Na’Abba (1968-2003)

    Ghali Na’Abba (1968-2003)

    • He was a model politician

    It is rare that a politician of Ghali Na’Abba’s calibre passes through our clime. Na’Abba, who died at 65, was a man whose plutocratic origins belie the battle that defined his political career and also, paradoxically, chastened his ability to offer more services to his fatherland.

    He is known principally for two episodes. One was his role to save democracy from a leader who, in the guise of a constitutional reform, wanted to foist a third term on the country and make one man more important than a collective will.

    Two, he led an impeachment move against President Olusegun Obasanjo. Although he could not muster the required two/third as prescribed by the constitution, he would rather fail on his feet than grovel before a man whose military residues still overshadowed a democracy in its first shoots.

    President Obasanjo had worked the men and resources in the parliament, bureaucracy, civil society organisations and other sectors to craft a constitution that would replace the 1999 one given to us by soldiers, his constituency. He wanted to show himself a democrat rather than a man of guns. But he turned out to be no better. In fact, he was more the autocrat in a republican toga as he put a poison vial in the form of a third term in an otherwise great document. We lost both the body and bath water and we had no choice. Thanks to Na’Abba’s leadership.

    By that move, he asserted the independence of the judiciary, a scar that still defaces our parliamentary practice today. The late speaker showed himself a model of parliamentary pride. We have never had any episode so stout by a legislature to demonstrate institutional integrity of the law chamber like Na’Abba.

    He suffered for this because he was never allowed by conspiracy to return to the house. It is a testament that principle pays only as a tortured hero.

    Born September 27, 1958, Na’bba grew up in wealth and in the ambience of aristocratic magnificence. But his comfort was resisted by the political establishment of the old Northern People’s Congress (NPC) because, in Kano, the reigning party was Aminu Kano’s Northern Elements Progressive Union, a radical realm in a conservative region. In the same mould, he also embraced the Kano palace and its aristocratic privileges, just as when the Ado Bayero visited his primary school.

    Read Also: Osun APC blasts Aregbesola, says ex-gov dishonoured agreement by Tinubu, Akande

    “He was such a humble man. He walked up to me, knelt down, held my hand, and said I am a human being like you, that I should speak and not be afraid of him. Then I started talking and eventually said what I was told to say. It was a very interesting episode.”

    He also saw the political highflyers of the day and city.

    Hear him: “I grew up in a family that was rich but also radical – that influenced a lot about my life. I used to have a lot of friends and was very liberal with money. When I was growing up in my family, I met a lot of people who were not even members of the family but were bearing the family’s name. Not only were my parents rich but were also community leaders.”

    He recalled meeting men like the late Maitama Sule and Ibrahim Kashashi, as well as other ministers, some of them visited his grandfather.

    “Right then, I started entertaining the idea that I should be a minister…in fact, that inspired me a lot to study political science. But destiny later played out as I became more than a minister – I became Nigeria’s number four citizen.”

    He never gave up and even became part of the Coalition for Electoral Reform. He was not just a lawmaker; he was a conscience of our politics.

  • Ariya unlimited 

    Ariya unlimited 

    • 72-hour #Greater Lagos Fiesta, a good way to end the year while looking forward to the next

    A hardworking child deserves some time to unwind, so goes the popular saying. Lagos State government seems to appreciate the place of relaxation in the lives of Lagosians, hence it organised a 72-hour #Greater Lagos Fiesta, a non-stop entertainment show, from December 29, 2023, to the early hours of January 1, 2024. The fiesta took place at five centres: Badagry Grammar School in Badagry, Agege Stadium, Agege, Ikorodu Town Hall Ikorodu, Sol Beach Oniru, and Epe Recreational Centre, Epe, where more than 25,000 participants were treated to a variety of entertainment, including cultural performances, children’s corners, etc. There was massive display of fireworks that illuminated the skies, thus filling the air with excitement and joy.

    At the grand finale at Oniru Beach, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the event was observed simultaneously at four other locations of the #Greater Lagos Fiesta, where he was represented by top government officials who led other fun seekers into the New Year in a festive and celebratory spirit. This was against the usual practice of having the grand finale at the Eko Atlantic City. The simultaneous grand finale aimed at exposing the fun-lovers and tourists to the state’s rich beachfront potential. Participants also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavours that make Lagos such a unique and vibrant city.

    Over the years, the fiesta has proven to be a very engaging and mind-blowing event, providing fun and entertainment for Lagosians in their various localities across the five IBILE divisions (Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos and Epe).

    The countdown also has various economic dimensions as it showcased the best of local cuisine, arts and crafts, and traditional performances. That it has also positively impacted the state’s economy through massive sales of goods and services to thousands of fun and entertainment lovers throughout the event is incontrovertible, given the sheer size of the crowd at each of the venues. They all needed various services, including toilet facilities, that must be provided and paid for by the fun seekers.  It is in some of these areas that the involvement of the private sector had to be acknowledged. 

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu arrests soldier, okada rider for driving against traffic

    Musical superstars like Davido, Olamide, and Teni, as well as Mayorkun, Spyro, SEYI Vibez, Small Doctor, Shallipopi, and Flavor were on hand to entertain the fun seekers. But it was not an avenue for the super stars alone. It was also an avenue of discovering and nurturing new talents in the entertainment and creative industry, while young and talented entertainers were also exposed to bigger platforms.

    The fiesta also succeeded in curbing youth restiveness that often characterises festive seasons in the state. The youths were conspicuously missing on the streets where they used to pester vehicle owners for money to celebrate the season. This was a big relief to motorists, particularly the private vehicle owners.

    One of the very first things that would scare people about such a massive event is security. But, the state commissioner for tourism, art and culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, had assured of adequate security for the event. It is instructive that they were able to maintain security  throughout the three days as there was no single negative occurrence in any of the locations; a testimony to the adequate security architecture in the state.

    We commend the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture and other stakeholders for the resounding success of the fiesta. We urge the organisers to follow up on some of the gains of the fiesta; like the upcoming artistes discovered during the event, with a view to nurturing them into stars that would be reckoned with in the entertainment sector. It is a singular event that can cement the bond of love among the different ethnic groups that make up cosmopolitan Lagos. Entertainment is like football; it has no ethnic, religious or other colouration. It is a powerful unifier sans borders. 

    The state government should sustain the fiesta and look forward to improving on it. It is a fantastic way of bidding farewell to an outgoing year and welcoming the new one with a bang.

  • Tinubu hailed on new minimum, living wages

    Tinubu hailed on new minimum, living wages

    The Director-General of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin, Comr. Issa Aremu, has hailed President Bola Tinubu on his  commitment  to a new minimum and living wage.

    In his New Year address, President Bola Tinubu had promised a new national living wage for industrious workers.

     Aremu, in statement, praised  the President for his commitment to wage-led growth strategy, economic recovery  and poverty eradication through payment of adequate living wages in 2024.

     The Director General urged  states and local governments, employers of labour and organised labour to align with vision of  Tinubu in ameliorating the suffering of masses.

     Aremu  recalled that 2024 expected tripartite wage negotiations would be the 6th of such national minimum wage review since 1981,  (N125) 1990, (N250) 2000, (N5,500) 2011 (N18000) and  2018 ( N30,000) noting that it was remarkable that the President acknowledged the reality of high costs of living and inflation caused by petroleum subsidy removal.

    He said the President has set the stage for  robust constructive collective bargaining for new wage review in line with Nigeria’s labour laws and relevant conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) .

     Aremu said the pronouncement on wage improvement further points to Tinubu’s  labour- friendly disposition, referring  to his presidential campaign council in which he dedicated a Directorate to labour, the only Presidential candidate to do so.

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     He  praised the 10th National Assembly leadership for improving on the budget of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, adding that budgetary allocations must tally with the vision of the President on combating youth unemployment and underemployment.

     The  DG also commended the  Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, for her bold sanctions against private companies and employers that disregarded occupational health and safety standards of workers in the world of work last year.

     In a related development, the Director General  urged  the staff and management of MINILS to intensify labour education in line with the targets and deliverables set by Ministry of Labour and Productivity in ensuring the 8-point Renewed Hope  agenda of  Tinubu in the new year.

  • Court declares carmarts’ seal by Customs illegal

    Court declares carmarts’ seal by Customs illegal

    The Federal High Court in Lagos has  declared as illegal and unlawful the 2019 raid and sealing of over 434 carmarts in Lagos by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) for alleged smuggling and under- assessment.

    It awarded N500 million as general and aggravated damages in favour of the plaintiff’s members.

     Some of the affected car dealers whose marts were sealed on September 29, 2019, under the Registered Trustees of Auto-Mobile Dealers Friends Association, through their lawyer Dr Monday Ubani, sued the NCS and sought an order declaring the sealing of their marts as unlawful.

     They also prayed for a restraining injunction against the Customs and damages of over N5billion.

    According to them, their marts were duly cleared and duties paid at the ports after due assessment by officials of the Nigerian Customs.

     The car dealers also prayed for a declaration that having been duly inspected, cleared and issued the required Customs clearance papers , NCS officials had no justification to invade their business premises, on the ground that same vehicles were smuggled or not properly assessed and cleared by the designated officers.

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     Delivering judgment in the matter on December 27, 2023, after five years of litigation, Justice A. O. Awogboro held that the sealing up of the carmarts of the plaintiff’s members was unlawful and arbitrary, as there was no justification for the unlawful act. 

    The judge further held that the argument by Customs that some members of the plaintiff had complied by undertaking to make the additional payment as a result of which their carmarts were unsealed, is not tenable and does not in any way justify the arbitrary action of raiding and sealing their marts.

     Justice Awogboro also discarded the contention of Customs that the plaintiff’s association lacked the competence to institute the matter since it is a Registered Trustees instead of an Incorporated trustee.

     Other reliefs granted by the judge includes an order of mandatory injunction directing the defendants to, with immediate effect, unseal the business premises of all members of the plaintiff.

  • Group: Akeredolu’s death shocking

    Group: Akeredolu’s death shocking

    Owo is One Association, a development and advocacy group of the people of Owo and Ose local governments of Ondo State, has expressed shock at the death of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

     In a statement by its National Coordinator, Chief Akin Aruwajoye (Ogbeni Oja of Owo) and Publications Director, Olatunbosun Oladimeji, the association said Owo people were devastated by the “great loss” their leader.

     “We had hoped and prayed that he would survive the ailment, but who are we to question the will of God?

    “The entire Owo people at home and in the diaspora are devastated and saddened by this great loss and we will mourn him for a long time as he was a star in our firmament,” the association said in the statement.

     Extolling Akeredolu’s virtues, the group said: “Akeredolu was a man of character and destiny. He was professionally accomplished, rising to the peak of his chosen career as a lawyer – becoming a SAN, a life Bencher as well as the president of his professional body the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

    “He had a brilliant career in politics where he served his people meritoriously at various levels – as a Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Ondo.

     “As governor, he was loved by the people as amply demonstrated by the prayers and public show of love and support during his illness.

    “He served his people with dedication and commitment and recorded many landmark achievements.

    “He championed the cause of securing the people of Southwest with the creation of Western Nigeria Security Network, which we all know as Amotekun.

     “He was articulate, fearless and courageous. He would not shy away from defending the interests of his people in any national discuss. He was a great man leaving a trail of enviable legacies.

     “He was an outstanding Owo man who loved the dialect, the culture and the people. He was a good testimony of what we are in Owo Kingdom.

    Read Also: Why Tinubu govt can’t avoid borrowing, by Osoba

    He was a passionate and caring human being and we are very proud of him and the legacy of service he left behind.”

    The group added: “We remember with fondness how he worked round the clock to calm the situation when the agents of evil attacked St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo in June 2022.

     “Akeredolu served his God with gusto and enthusiasm, he was not just the Chancellor of the Anglican Communion in Owo, he was also an outstanding singer with admirable and dexterous talent. He will be missed during praise worship.

     “Owo is One Association commiserates with the good people and the government of Ondo State, the family of the late governor, the Olowo of Owo and the entire Owo kingdom over the demise of our illustrious son, who we love, but God loves more.”

  • Lagos CAN condemns Plateau attack, seeks arrest of perpetrators

    Lagos CAN condemns Plateau attack, seeks arrest of perpetrators

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Lagos State chapter has condemned the Christmas eve attacks on several communities in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government areas of Plateau State by persons suspected to be terrorists which left over 150 persons dead.

     A statement  by the association’s Special Adviser to the Chairman on Media and Strategic Communications, Rev. Oladapo Daramola, quoted the Chairman  Bishop Stephen Adegbite as saying something drastic should be done.

     The statement reads: “To  throw an entire nation into mourning at a period that should be for rejoicing and celebrations is callous, sadistic and emotionally torturing. It is clearly an attempt to deal a major blow on the psyche of Nigerians especially the Christian community in Plateau State, but they must have realised by now that they have failed. Our heart goes out to the families that lost their loved ones in this gruesome and brazen attacks and we assure them of our support and prayers.”

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     “This latest attack brings back sad memories of the massacre at Dyemburuk, widely known as Dogo Na Hauwa in the same Plateau State in 2010 where over 500 people, mostly women and children were killed in a midnight attack. And as we speak, no one or group has been arrested or prosecuted for such an horrific act. We are however confident that Mr. President would not allow a repeat of this past failure. We are hopeful that the full scale investigation he has ordered would not be a wild goose chase. The perpetrators must be arrested and the full weight of the law must come down heavily on them as a sign of our readiness as a country to prevent any of such in the future.”

     Adegbite urged the Federal Government to make relief materials available for  affected and vulnerable household in those communities to cushion the effect of the attacks.

  • Lagos govt urges workers to redouble efforts

    Lagos govt urges workers to redouble efforts

    Lagos State Government yesterday urged civil servants to redouble their efforts in discharging their civic duties in 2024.

     This was contained in the address of the Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, at the first work day inter-denominational prayers and thanksgiving session for public servants.

     Agoro, who spoke to the workers via zoom at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium venue of the prayer meeting, acknowledged the commitment, loyalty and dedication of public servants.

     He said there was need for them to redouble their efforts and be more dedicated to their work than before, because, according to him, “as we begin this new year with new resolutions, renewed hope and great

     attainment of ministerial mandate, which in turn represents the attainment of expectations, I will like to urge us all to endeavour to redouble our efforts in the new year”.

     He said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved 120 units new vehicles to be allocated to substantive Level 17 directors in the public service.

    Read Also: Why Tinubu govt can’t avoid borrowing, by Osoba

     The Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Mrs Olubunmi Fabamwo, FCIPM, admonished public servants to ensure that they are thankful to God at all times in everything they do.

     The Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office (P.S.O.), Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, advised public servants to continue to be more thankful to God for his protection, provision and grace of God on all and sundry.

    She said without doubt, 2024 would be a progressive year for all workers.

     Prayers and words of exhortations were offered by Muslim and Christian clerics, including Imam Hakeem Kosoko, Dr. Saeid Ahmad and Christian clerics, namely the Presiding Chaplain, Chapel of Christ The Light, Rev’d Dr  Oladele Ajayi and Dr Samson Kilanko, among others.