Category: Lead

  • Top Kogi monarch Ohinoyi in trouble over absence during Buhari’s visit

    Top Kogi monarch Ohinoyi in trouble over absence during Buhari’s visit

    •Gets 48-hour ultimatum to respond to query from ministry

    THE official visit President Muhammadu Buhari paid to Kogi State penultimate Thursday may have landed the paramount ruler of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim, in trouble.

    This followed a query issued the traditional ruler by the state’s Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for allegedly failing to welcome President Buhari when the latter visited the state.

    Buhari had visited the state on December 29 last year to inaugurate some projects including a new palace Governor Yahaya Bello built for the traditional ruler.

    While the President was received by top government officials and foremost traditional rulers in the state, the royal father, who is the Vice President of Kogi State Council of Chiefs, was conspicuously absent.

    The query signed by the Director, Chieftaincy Affairs of the ministry, Enimola A. Eniola, on behalf of the commissioner accused the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland of disregarding the persons and high offices of the President and the governor.

    The royal father’s action, the memo noted, was capable of bringing “Kogi State and Ebiraland in particular to grave disrepute.”

    The memo MLGA/CHI/30/VI/XX and dated January 5, 2023 reads: “It has been observed with serious concern that you have exhibited deliberate attitude and actions capable of bringing Kogi State and Ebira land in particular to grave disrepute. These actions are quite unbecoming of a revered royal father of your status.

    “Specifically, you were aware through many fora of the glorious visit of Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of Nigerian Armed Forces, His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR to Okene on 29th December, 2022 to commission landmark projects executed by our dear governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

    “In a flagrant disregard to the persons and high offices of the President and the Governor, you bluntly refused to come out and receive the President at the designated venue rightly approved by the Executive Governor of the State.

    “It might interest you to note that official courtesy demands that when a personality of a President occupying the highest office in the land is visiting or even passing through the state, the Governor and top public officers including topmost traditional rulers are expected to receive him as a mark of respect for him and the office he occupies.

    “It is on record that in time past, topmost traditional rulers, including the President Kogi State Council of Chiefs, do receive the Governor of the State on his return from critical missions undertaken on behalf of the state. But you have chosen to disdain the office of the Executive Governor, and this time, you did it with effrontery before the number one citizen of Nigeria.

    “This action of yours is an act of insubordination and disloyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief of Nigerian Armed Forces, the Executive Governor of Kogi State and the entire Ebira nation as a whole. It portends grave danger to the security of the state and laying bad precedence for traditional institution in the state.

    “In view of the above, I have been directed to request you to forward a written explanation within 48 hours why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for these acts of insubordination and disloyalty.

    “Oral explanations may be required from you when a panel is set up to study your case.

    “It is expected that you will accord priority to the content of this letter, Your Royal Majesty.”

  • Army redeploys Major Generals, GOCs in major shake-up

    Army redeploys Major Generals, GOCs in major shake-up

    THE Nigerian Army has announced the redeployment of officers in the ranks of Major Generals, Brigadier Generals and other senior personnel across its formations and units.

    Affected in the posting, according to a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, were some Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, Commandants of NA Training Institutions, Brigade Commanders, Commanding officers and  several others. 

    The statement also informed that the redeployment was to ensure administrative and operational efficiency in the service.

    The statement read in part: “In an effort to ensure administrative and operational efficiency in the Nigerian Army (NA), amidst recent operational successes recorded in combating emerging security challenges, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has approved the redeployment of Major Generals and Brigadier Generals amongst several other senior officers across NA formations and units in the country.

    “Those affected in the redeployment include some Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, Commandants of NA Training Institutions, Brigade Commanders, Commanding officers and  several others”. 

    The statement continued: “Notable among the new General Officers’ Commanding (GOC) appointees are Major General IS Ali from Headquarters 3 Division to Theatre Command as the new Theatre Commander Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Major General AB Ibrahim from Army Headquarters Department of Training to Headquarters 3 Division as the new GOC as well as Commander Operation Safe Haven, Major General AS Chinade from Headquarters 2 Division to Headquarters 82 Division as GOC, while Major General GM Mutkut is to assume command as the GOC 8 Division and Commander Operation Hadarin Daji (NW) from Army Headquarters  Department of Policy and Plan.

    “Those newly appointed Corps Commanders are  Major General CG Musa from Theatre Command  to Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre as the new Corps Commander, Major General MS Ahmed from Headquarters Theatre Command (NE) to Headquarters Nigerian Army Armoured  Corps as Corps Commander,  Major General BR Sinjen from Nigerian Army School of Artillery to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery as the new Corps Commander and Major General PE Eromosele from National Defence College to Headquarters  Nigerian Army Engineers.

    Others were, “Major General AA Ayannuga From Army Headquarters Department of Army Transformation to Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General GS Abdullahi from Defence Space Administration to Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals. 

    “Among the new Defence and Army Headquarters Principal Staff Officers are Major General SE Udounwa who is redeployed from Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes to Defence  Headquaters as Chief of Defence  Training and Operations,  Major General SG Mohammed redeployed from Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans to the Department of Army Training as Chief of Training, Major General UT Musa from Headquarters 82 Division to the Department of Army Administration as Director Personnel Management, Major General Y Yahaya from Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade to Department of Army Administration as the Director Manpower (Army) among  several others. Brigadier General TI Gusau is also redeployed from Army Headquarters Department of Special Services to the Directorate of Defence Information as the new Director”.

    It added that, “the newly redeployed  Brigade Commanders include  Brigadier General AM Umar from the Office of the Chief of Army Staff to Headquarters Guards Brigade, Brigadier General S Aliyu from Headquarters 6 Division to Headquarters 63 Brigade, Brigadier General HD Bobbo from National Defence College to Headquarters 31 Brigade, Brigadier General MT Aminu from Army War College Nigeria to Headquarters 35 Brigade among several others.

    “It is imperative to note that redeployment in the Nigerian Army is routine, particularly  with the recent promotion of senior officers as approved by the Army Council for the year 2022. The redeployment of all  appointees takes effect from 11 January 2022”.

  • BREAKING: Scores abducted from train station in Edo

    BREAKING: Scores abducted from train station in Edo

    Scores of passengers waiting to board a train from Igueben in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State to Warri in Delta State have been kidnapped.

    Many of the travellers were injured in the ensuing melee.

    Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Chidi Nwabuzor, a Superintendent of Police (SP), confirmed the incident this night.

    Details soon.

  • Mammoth crowd receive Tinubu in Ondo as Obi woos Osun voters

    Mammoth crowd receive Tinubu in Ondo as Obi woos Osun voters

    A mammoth crowd received the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign train and the party’s flagbearer Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in Ondo State on Saturday.

    A former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olaseinde Kumuyi, defected to the ruling party.

    Justice Kumuyi defected at the presidential campaign rally held at the Moshood Kasimawo Abiola Democracy Park at Oja Oba in Akure.

    He was received by the National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, who represented National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu.

    Senator Omisore, who expressed optimism that the people of Ondo State would vote APC, promised that the party would change narrative of the country under a Tinubu presidency.

    The rally was well attended as the venue was packed full by party supporters.

    Chairman of the Ondo APC, Ade Adetimehin, said there was no division in the party in the state.

    “Ondo is APC and APC is Ondo. You will see results on elections day. Ondo APC is united. We are well ahead other states. We will produce more votes than Lagos in terms is percentage votes cast.”

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in his remark, described Tinubu as Nigeria’s incoming president.

    Akeredolu said the state would vote massively for the APC.

    Tinubu promised to develop the Ondo Deap Sea Port and develop uninterrupted energy.

    He urged Ondo residents to vote wisely by voting for him on February 25.

    He said: “Ondo is known as progressive state, followed by other states like Ogun, Oyo, and I appreciate our progressives governors.

    “This incoming election is our own, it is the vote of inheritance. It is vote of three in one. Don’t lose your PVCs, your PVCs is your right.

    “Our rally today is a signal of our renewed hope for Nigeria, that February 25, you will go and make a wise decision, you will vote massively for me.

    “I’m too sure and very sure that you will vote for APC and that’s why I’m very happy.”

    Also on Saturday, presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, urged Osun people to support him to defeat Tinubu and PDP candidate Atiku Abubakar.

    Adressing supporters at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, he said the parties with structures have caused the common man pain.

    He lamented over the spate of insecurity, killings and unemployment and promised that he, with the help of his Vice-presidential candidate, Ahmed Datti, will make Nigeria work.

    He said: “Nigerians are hungry. Youths have no jobs. It is not safe to travel anywhere in Nigeria today.

    “All these challenges are caused by those who say they have party structure, but these structures have crippled Nigeria.

    “I want me and you to destroy these structures by voting them out next month.”

  • Don’t complain if you don’t vote, Archbishop tells Nigerians

    Don’t complain if you don’t vote, Archbishop tells Nigerians

    Emeritus Archbishop and Dean, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Maxwell Anikwenwa, has urged eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and vote.

    He said they should not complain about bad leadership if they refuse to vote in the forthcoming general election.

    The cleric made the call on Saturday during the dedication of Our Saviour’s Church, Awka, Anambra State by the Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim.

    He said Nigerians’ duty remained voting during elections regardless of religious affiliations, warning those who shy away from such crucial responsibility not to complain if the outcome was unfavourable to them.

    He said: “Every Nigerian, irrespective of religious beliefs, should register and collect his/her PVCs in order to carry out his/her civic responsibility of voting during elections

    “It’s an important duty of every Nigerian citizen to vote during elections.

    “Whoever doesn’t contribute in this all important responsibility should not complain.

    “Whether the outcome favours you or not, you’ve done your bit. You don’t need to worry. But if you don’t vote, you don’t need to complain; it’s as simple as that.”

    Earlier in his sermon titled, “Never give up”, drawn from Matt. 15:21, Archbishop Ibezim urged the congregation not to allow life challenges to hinder them from worshipping and rendering services to God.

    He also commended the parishioners for their contributions towards the growth and expansion of the church, urging them not to relent, especially towards the proposed vicarage.

  • Hoodlums disrupt PVC collection in Edo

    Hoodlums disrupt PVC collection in Edo

    Hoodlums on Saturday disrupted the collection of Permanent Voter Card (PVCs) in many parts of Ikpoba/Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

    The disturbances in Benin, the state capital and its environs started on Friday.

    INEC Head of Voter Education and Publicity in Edo, Mr. Timidi Wariowei, condemned the development, as well as threats to the lives of officials of the commission.

    He said: “INEC in Edo State has received reports of unruly incidents between January 6 and 7, 2023, which degenerated into the disruption of the collection of PVCs and threat to officials and materials in the following Registration Areas/Wards: Ward 01 at Iwogban/Uteh, Ward 05 at St. Saviour’s School, Ward 07 at Ugbekun, Ward 06 at Maria Goretti College, RA 09 at Obanyator, with Army Children’s School and Ogheghe health centres.

    “INEC in Edo State has decided to move the collection centres for Wards 1 and 9 to the INEC’s Local Government’s office in Ikpoba/Okha, while the staff earlier withdrawn from Wards 5, 6 and 7 are making their ways back to their collection centres, to continue with the activity, on the assurances the Electoral Officer (EO) received from the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS) of their presence in the locations.

    “INEC has equally informed Edo Police Command of the situation.

    “INEC wishes to remind citizens, especially community leaders, of the need to ensure the safety of INEC officials and materials, as deployed in the various communities, to ensure that every voter collects their PVCs and are able to vote in the election.”

    Wariowei said PVCs will only be collected by the owners, and not through proxies.

    He said 26,095 prospective voters collected their PVCs across the three senatorial districts of Edo between January 1 and 7.

  • NCDC reports 12 new Lassa fever cases in one week

    NCDC reports 12 new Lassa fever cases in one week

    Nigeria has recorded 12 new cases of Lassa fever in one week, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

    They occurred between December 26, 2022 to January 1, 2023 in three states.

    The states with the new confirmed Lassa fever cases are: Edo (9), Ebonyi (two) and Benue (one) as of January 1.

    A total of 1,067 cases have been recorded in 27 states across 112 local government areas, with 189 deaths reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 17.7 per cent.

    The NCDC report showed that 72 per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from three states (Ondo, Edo and Bauchi), while 23 per cent were reported from 24 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases.

    Of the 72 per cent of confirmed cases, Ondo State reported 33 per cent, Edo 25 per cent and Bauchi 14 per cent.

    “The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 90 years, Median Age: 30 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.

    Read Also: 17 new Lassa fever cases reported in one week, says NCDC

    “The number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2021. No new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting week.

    “National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) continues to coordinate the response activities at all levels,” the report added.

    To prevent Lassa fever, the NCDC urged individuals and communities to promote good hygiene to discourage rodents from entering homes.

    Other measures include storing grain and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers, disposing of garbage far from the home, and maintaining clean households.

  • Shakeup as Army redeploys Major Generals, GOCs

    Shakeup as Army redeploys Major Generals, GOCs

    The Nigerian Army has announced the redeployment of officers in the ranks of Major Generals, Brigadier Generals and other senior personnel across its formations and units.

    Affected in the posting, according to a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, are some principal staff officers of the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, Commandants of Training Institutions, Brigade Commanders, Commanding officers and  several others. 

    The statement said the redeployment was to ensure administrative and operational efficiency in the Service.

    It read in part: “In an effort to ensure administrative and operational efficiency in the Nigerian Army (NA), amidst recent operational successes recorded in combating emerging security challenges, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has approved the redeployment of Major Generals and Brigadier Generals amongst several other senior officers across NA formations and units in the country.

    “Those affected in the redeployment include some Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, Commandants of NA Training Institutions, Brigade Commanders, Commanding officers and  several others.

    “Notable among the new General Officers’ Commanding (GOC) appointees are Major General I.S. Ali from Headquarters 3 Division to Theatre Command as the new Theatre Commander Joint Task Force North East OPERATION HADIN KAI, Major General AB Ibrahim from Army Headquarters Department of Training to Headquarters 3 Division as the new GOC as well as Commander OPERATION SAFE HAVEN, Major General AS Chinade from Headquarters 2 Division to Headquarters 82 Division as GOC, while Major General GM Mutkut is to assume command as the GOC 8 Division and Commander Operation HADARIN DAJI (NW) from Army Headquarters  Department of Policy and Plan.

    Read Also: Nigeria has a coastal litter problem: It’s time to clean up

    “Those newly appointed Corps Commanders are Major General CG Musa from Theatre Command  to Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre as the new Corps Commander, Major General MS Ahmed from Headquarters Theatre Command (NE) to Headquarters Nigerian Army Armoured  Corps as Corps Commander,  Major General BR Sinjen from Nigerian Army School of Artillery to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery as the new Corps Commander and Major General PE Eromosele from National Defence College to Headquarters  Nigerian Army Engineers.”

    Read Also: Eha Amufu massacre: IPOB accuses Army of protecting herdsmen

    Others are Major General A. A. Ayannuga from Department of Army Transformation to Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command and Major General G.S. Abdullahi from Defence Space Administration to Nigerian Army Signals. 

    The statement added: “Among the new Defence and Army Headquarters Principal Staff Officers are Major General S.E Udounwa who is redeployed from Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes to Defence Headquaters as Chief of Defence Training and Operations,  Major General SG Mohammed redeployed from Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans to the Department of Army Training as Chief of Training, Major General UT Musa from Headquarters 82 Division to the Department of Army Administration as Director Personnel Management, Major General Y Yahaya from Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade to Department of Army Administration as the Director Manpower (Army) among  several others. Brigadier General TI Gusau is also redeployed from Army Headquarters Department of Special Services to the Directorate of Defence Information as the new Director.

    “The newly redeployed Brigade Commanders include Brigadier General AM Umar from the Office of the Chief of Army Staff to Headquarters Guards Brigade, Brigadier General S Aliyu from Headquarters 6 Division to Headquarters 63 Brigade, Brigadier General HD Bobbo from National Defence College to Headquarters 31 Brigade, Brigadier General MT Aminu from Army War College Nigeria to Headquarters 35 Brigade among several others.

    “It is imperative to note that redeployment in the Nigerian Army is routine, particularly with the recent promotion of senior officers as approved by the Army Council for the year 2022. The redeployment of all  appointees takes effect from 11 January 2022.”

  • 2023 poll risks cancellation if our candidates are excluded, Action Alliance tells INEC

    2023 poll risks cancellation if our candidates are excluded, Action Alliance tells INEC

    The Action Alliance (AA) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of failing to recognize its candidates for this year’s general election.

    National Chairman, Dr. Adekunle Rufai Omo-Aje, said his party was at a loss as to why the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu-led INEC was reluctant to accept the list of candidates.

    He said this was despite INEC being aware of several court judgments, including those of the Court of Appeal, recognising him as the authentic National Chairman of the party.

    Omo-Aje spoke in Abuja on Saturday at the unveiling of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) as part of the AA’s ongoing campaign and mobilisation strategy.

    Omo-Aje, who accused the INEC Chair of being sympathetic to the party’s sacked National Chairman – Kenneth Udeze, stated that the electoral body would imperil the general elections if his party ‘s candidates were unlawfully excluded.

    He said his party will challenge such unlawful exclusion in court, including asking for a total cancellation of all the elections.

    Read also: Plateau INEC commences configuration of BVAS

    Omo-Aje said: “INEC Chairman has refused to upload the list of all our party’s candidates for 2023 elections from Dr. Adekunle Rufai Omo-Aje, the authentic National Chairman.

    “And this he (Yakubu) is doing in defiance of various court orders as that asked him to recognize Omo-Aje as National Chairman and, desist from further dealings with Kenneth Udeze.

    “Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in honouring of the list submitted by Kenneth Udeze, whom court judgments had classified as an ‘interloper,’ is acting illegally. This smells of an agenda to ambush 2023 general elections.

    “We are doing this to alert all concerned, most especially other political parties, who are already investing heavily in their campaigns right now; the National Assembly and other Nigerians, who are looking up to better election following the amended Electoral Acts, that is being applauded widely.

    “It must be noted here going forward that Prof Mahmood Yakubu is already setting a booby trap on the road to 2023 general elections

    “Our plans are in phases on this matter. Starting with this, our next move is to pass a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the commission as headed by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. We have no trust that he can organize free, fair, and credible general elections.

    “After this, we shall move to the National Assembly on a protest and, to submit our protest letter and to inform our lawmakers that, if Mahmood is not called to order, there will be negative consequential effects on the outcome of 2023 elections.

    “We shall use all legal channels to ensure we get justice against any form of exclusion from presenting our candidates for elections, and every such election stands the chances of annulment by law,” Omo-Aje said.

    Justice Zainab Abubakar of the Federal High Court, Abuja had, in a December 22, 2022 ruling, rejected Udeze’s application to set aside the court’s November 4, 2022 judgement recognising the candidates produced by the Omo-Aje leadership of the party.

    Justice Abubakar noted that Udeze’s suspension and expulsion as the AA Chairman had been upheld in two judgments issued by the Court of Appeal.

    In the November 4 judgement (which was also delivered by Justice Abubakar) the court ordered INEC to accept the list of candidates submitted to it by the Omo-Aje leadership of the AA and to discountenance the candidates submitted by Udeze, among which was Major Hamzat Al-Mustpha, listed as a presidential candidate.

    In the December 22 ruling, Justice Abubakar noted that, with the two subsisting judgments of the Court of Appeal and another decision by a Federal High Court in Abeokuta, Udeze cannot lawfully lay claim to being the Chairman of the party.

    The judge described Udeze as a busy body and meddlesome interloper, trying to interfere in the affairs of the party from which he was suspended and later expelled.

    The two judgments of the Court of Appeal were delivered on January 7 and November 11, 2022, while the ruling by the Federal High Court in Abeokuta was delivered on September 8, 2022 by Justice J. O. Abdulmalik in a suit marked: FHC/AB/CS/120/2022.

  • How I will tackle youth unemployment, by Tinubu

    How I will tackle youth unemployment, by Tinubu

    •APC candidate political general we’re learning from – Yahaya Bello

    All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday promised to create an enabling environment that will unlock the creative abilities of youths if elected president.

    Youths, he said, would be turned into  job creators and not job seekers through infrastructural development that would create opportunities for them to explore all the sectors of the economy.

    He  said he would also invest in the electricity sector to power small and medium-scale businesses.

    He spoke  at a town hall meeting with youths in Abuja where Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, described the APC flag bearer as a political general who is out on a rescue mission for the country.

    Tinubu   said the  support of the youths, the  dominant population in the country, was important in building a better Nigeria.

    “There is no single sub-sector of our population that is more important than you, the youth, you outnumber all of us, you are strong, you are intelligent, and your support is the key to unlocking the economic prosperity and progress of our nation. I am very proud of the Nigerian youth,” he said.

    Continuing, he said:”I will bring you hope from darkness of hopelessness. God forbid, we are not going to allow them back. We are going to use our PVCs, we are going to vote our values, our expectation, we are going to vote our today and restore our tomorrow.

    “My running mate and I are giving you assurance to renew your hope. I promise that you will play a vital role steering the wheels of my administration. You will have enough electricity to power your home and investment.”

     Tinubu who facilitated the negotiations between the striking university lecturers and the Federal Government, resulting in the calling off of their eight-month strike, said specifically that a conducive environment would be provided for  the youths to finish their education and start thriving businesses.

    He said : “I will create a thriving and conducive environment for you to complete your education, start work or start a business, and earn a decent wage. With hard work and focus, you will once again be able to buy a car or a motorbike, buy a house, settle down, start a family and create a better life. I have plans to actualise all these dreams and can confirm that with your support these dreams will become a reality.”

    The APC candidate said his administration would  help take advantage of recent innovations in the block chain technology by reforming government policies around use of crypto assets. This, he said, can provide over one million jobs within his administration’s first two years in office.

    Acknowledging that entertainment and sports have helped put Nigeria on the global map over and over again, Asiwaju Tinubu promised to build world-class entertainment venues and stadia across the country.

    He added: “I promise a thriving digital economy where those interested in pursuing careers of integrity in ICT will be able to do so. We will also ensure that Nigeria can take greater advantage of relatively recent innovations such as block chain technology. We will reform government policy to encourage the prudent use of block chain technology in finance and banking, identity management, revenue collection and the use of crypto assets. We shall implement policies that will train and build capacity among Nigeria’s large and youthful population to take greater advantage of the opportunities presented in ICT.

    “I promise to invest in the infrastructure required to boost an already-successful entertainment industry. Working with private sector partners we will bridge the existing gaps to build modern media centers and upgrade existing entertainment venues and stadia across the country to world-class standards.

     “My administration will reform the education sector by focusing on quality, access, funding, management, effectiveness, and competitiveness. I promise, we will provide good and quality education in tune with 21st Century demands.

    “Our youth are some of the most brilliant people in the world, therefore we will equip you and ensure you are globally competitive and never left behind.

    “We promise to give you a fairer deal. We promise to deliver results. We promise that the hope we are renewing will never be dashed.

    “You shall become the leading catalysts driving the economic resurgence. You will be empowered for individual and collective success. There will be opportunities across board, and they will be for you. Let us go together!”

    Kogi State governor and National Youth Coordinator of the campaign, Yahaya Bello, said the youths would stand by Asíwájú because he had demonstrated his love for youths by lifting many of them to be leaders in Nigeria today.

    He said the APC candidate is the most qualified in the race and deserves to be elected president.

    Bello charged Nigerian youths not to allow those who allegedly mismanaged the country for 16 years to return to power.

    He said: “We have the youth mandate to deliver our candidate from top to bottom in this general election.

    “This election is not about you (Tinubu), it is about our generation and the children unborn. Your Excellency, God has blessed you. We need you (Tinubu) more than you need us. The younger generation needs you, Nigeria needs you, we all need you, don’t trouble yourself sir.

    “The Nigerian youths asked me to tell you that you have won. This election, we are going to win it landslide, because we are determined to take the bull by the horn and take our future in our hands.

    “We are not going to allow those that have mismanaged this country for 16 years to return again. That will never happen. This election has been won from top to bottom, from the leaders to the youths, to women, to people living with special needs.”

    At the town hall meeting were Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Plateau State governor and DG of the campaign, Simon Lalong, former governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo, Minister of Youths and Sports Development Sunday Akin Dare, party leaders and youth leaders.

    Dare described Tinubu as a talent hunter, who has identified competent youths and put them in positions of responsibility for service to the country.

    Only God can stop Tinubu from winning 2023 presidential election– Abdulrazaq

    Kwara State governor, AbdulRaman Abdulrazaq, is confident that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win this year’s presidential election.

    He believes only God can stop him from winning next month’s election.

    Mallam Abdulrazaq spoke  yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital during a special prayer organised by North Central Agenda for Asiwaju/Shettima (NCAA) ahead of 2023 election campaigns.

    Represented by his Deputy Kayode Alabi, Governor Abdulrazaq said  Tinubu “is a good man. He is a great man. There is no way you can have that kind of heart that God will not bless you.”

    He added:”Asiwaju Tinubu was the governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007. How many governors in Nigeria are still relevant as Asiwaju up till now? None. Do you know why? Because he is a good man.

    “I told the wife when they came for women rally in support of Asiwaju’s presidential ambition last year that her husband’s victory is a done deal. I told her that ‘God has blessed your husband.’ She was happy.

    “I am saying it again now that nothing can stop Asiwaju from winning the February 25th presidential election except God. And I know for certain that God will not stop a good man. Nobody is perfect. “Everyone of us here is not perfect. Only God is perfect. Don’t talk about his imperfections.

    “Once he wins the election, we will also win the March 11th governorship/state House of Assembly election. It will have a bandwagon effect.

    “I urge you all to vote for Tinubu, National Assembly candidates, Governor Abdulrazaq and House of Assembly candidates so that I will be deputy governor for another four years.”

    Also speaking at the event, National Chair, Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) Senator Dayo Adeyeye, said Nigeria needed the services of Asiwaju in this time of emergency.

    Said he: “In times of difficulty in life are when the services and intellect of a great leader are needed. The great leader will turn situation around. 

    “This is actually the time we need Asiwaju. When things are rosy; when things are good; when the economy is doing fine, you may afford not to have a fantastic leader. 

    Read Also: Tinubu: I’ll convert Yahoo boys to tech experts

    “But in times of difficulty, when the nation is sickly, when things are bad and when hope is lost you need a leader like Tinubu to bring the country out of debts and take the country to a higher level. This is the time we need Tinubu to steer the ship of state to a safe harbour.”

    Tinubu’s winning formula will shock his opponents-Rikiji

    Former Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Alhaji Sanusi Garba Rikiji has said that the winning formula of Asiwaju Tinubu will shock his opponents during  the February 25 polls.

    The former Speaker is currently the North West Zonal Director of Artisans and Technicians Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).

    He fielded questions from newsmen shortly after he visited the North West zone presidential campaign office of Tinubu/Shettima, Kaduna, Thursday evening.

    Rikiji was the Speaker of Zamfara State House of Assembly for two terms between 2011 and 2019.

    He was later appointed the Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila in 2019, a position he held until he declared his intention to run for the Red Chamber.

    According to him, “We are targeting about 5.3 million votes in the North West for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the special grace of God. We have about 7.5 million registered artisans across associations that are registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) throughout the country.

    “What am I saying, and how can we achieve this?; we came up with a formula that we believe is achievable, it is an initiative of 30-30 project across the country, and what I mean by 30-30 is not for media consumption, we are already at our campaign, so we don’t want to leak our strategy.

    “We want to assure Nigerians that with our 30-30 project across the nooks and crannies, across the 774 local government areas of this country, raising 5.3 million votes in the North West alone for Asiwaju is achievable.

    “We want to appreciate the leaders of various trade unions and associations across the country for their symbiotic relationship since we started and also, our appreciation to various leaders.

    “Last Thursday, January 5, we were in Kano for the presidential campaign. We were able to mobilise about 5 million supporters at a very short notice. And about 5000 artisans were mobilised for the Kano rally. It was great.

    “The February 25 presidential election is sacrosanct. The Kano rally is a  testimony of how Nigerians are desperate to see that Asiwaju takes over government after the election.

    “Asiwaju is a leader, he is a nationalist, he has groomed leaders across the country, he has groomed allies across ethnic groups in Nigeria. He has impacted every part of the country.

    “It is payback time for Asiwaju because aside from my boss, Gbajabiamila, Asiwaju has been my boss, by picking me, a northerner, to be the Chief of Staff to the Speaker. This is the first time in the history of democracy to witness such appointment of a northerner by a southerner. I am that lucky northerner.

    “I have been with the Speaker for almost four years before I stepped down to run for my election. I have been an insider in the family of Asiwaju. I received his message from people. I am a living witness to what happens in his family circle; he is a detribalised Nigerian, kind and generous, always ready to groom people irrespective of religion and tribe.

    “And as a Chief of Staff to Gbajabiamila, I am part and parcel of his family. I have told people that Asiwaju is the leader that Nigeria needs. He is a performer. Look at what he did in Lagos some years back. Look at the road maps he designed for Lagos. Today, Lagos is a country of its own. I have the belief, with the little discussion I had with him, he has the plans to develop the country better. Lagos is the starting point of micro -economy of this country.

    “The artisans and technicians know that the North has been left behind for long in the economy of this country. So we are urging our people to ensure that all their votes are for Asiwaju to become the president of Nigeria. And from what we are seeing, we will actualise that by the special grace of God.

    “I pray to God to give us what we have in mind; that is, the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the next president of Nigeria.”