The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • YPF tackles Northern leaders over  relocation of CBN FAAN offices

    YPF tackles Northern leaders over  relocation of CBN FAAN offices

    A pan-Yoruba professional group, Yoruba Professionals Foundation (YPF), has described the criticisms that have trailed the relocation of the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Department of Banking Supervision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Lagos as very unfortunate.

    The group said the attacks being unleashed on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by those it described as “ethnic entrepreneurs and divisive elements” masquerading as Northern Leaders as a “grandiloquent grandstanding”, stressing that “Nigeria is not an inheritance of the North but a land for all Nigerians.”

    A statement by the group’s Director of Administration, Oladapo Kayode, yesterday, said the relocation of the Department of Banking Supervision of the CBN to Lagos is in order since 90 per cent of headquarters of Nigerian banks are in Lagos.

    The statement added that the headquarters of FAAN, which was hitherto in Lagos, was administratively moved to Abuja by the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, despite that 80 per cent of air transportation businesses in Nigeria are carried out in Lagos.

    The statement noted that it is worth mentioning that the headquarters of the National Examination Council (NECO) is in Minna, Niger State. The headquarters of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is in Lokoja, Kogi State.

    The headquarters of the Nigeria Air Force Reference Hospital, Nigeria Air Force Quick Response Unit and the Forwarding Operating Base of the Nigerian Army are in Daura, Katsina State.

    “90 per cent of the headquarters of the Nigerian Military formations are in Kaduna State. Nigerians from the south who own 90 per cent of the resources used to build the formations accepted everything in public interest but relocation from Abuja to Lagos done in public interest is generating hues and cries.

    “We also need to inform that Nigeria is a federal state; therefore, any part of the country can host the office of any agency of government. For instance, in the international scene, the National Assembly of the Republic of Benin is situated in Port Novo while the Presidential Villa and Supreme Court are in Cotonou.

    “In the United States, where we borrowed our liberal democracy from, Washington DC is the Capital, but New York is her commercial headquarters with several multinationals and international organizations such as the United Nations, International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), etc.

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    “Additionally, the headquarters of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Environmental Protection Agency, Geological Survey, Foreign Reserve, etc. are all situated in New York, a region like Lagos in Nigeria to the United States people.

    “In Britain, the headquarters of the United Kingdom Visa Office for Africa is based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, just as South Africa has three different capitals for administration, commerce, and judiciary.

    “We are therefore warning people to desist from their myopic attacks on President Tinubu and his policies. We, however, affirm that these ethnic jesters are only speaking for themselves and not the progressive people from the North who have consistently support the Tinubu led administration, “the statement concluded.

  • NIDCOM faults firm on apology request, others

    NIDCOM faults firm on apology request, others

    The management of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has faulted Optiva Capital Partners Limited’s request  for an apology and retraction of the press statement issued by the former last Wednesday.

    In a statement, the commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, described the action of the firm as ‘an attempt to be clever by half’.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the commission has been drawn to another publication sponsored in the media by the Optiva Capital Partners Limited through the law firm of Babalakin & Co, asking for an apology and retraction of the press statement issued last Wednesday.

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    “The management views this latest Media and legal threat as an attempt to be clever by half, when the same Optiva Capital Partners Limited through its Managing Director/CEO, Dr Jane Kimemia wrote the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa on January 24 admitting that they had not properly followed laid down procedure  in their earlier rushed announcement while also sending emissaries to NiDCOM seeking for partnership and understanding of its proposed Diaspora Investor Direct Investment (DIDI) product which it admitted , is still in the planning stage.

    “NiDCOM had also welcomed their letter and reiterated that our responsibility is to ensure we protect the interests of hardworking and committed Nigerians abroad, willing to invest at home and will not bow to any form of threat, blackmail and intimidation.”

  • Chery records high sales milestone

    Chery records high sales milestone

    Carloha, the exclusive national partner of Chery Automobile in Nigeria, has announced that the auto giant recorded of 1,881,316 units global sales.

    The sales, Carloha said, represented a geometrical growth of 52.6 per cent while 937,148 vehicles were exported, recording a 101.1 per cent increase.

    The firm said the outstanding performances surpassed the industry’s growth rate, thus establishing Chery as a critical player in the global automotive market.

    Chery, it said, solidified its position as a pioneer in automotive technology with the introduction of cutting-edge features such as advanced safety systems, smart connectivity, sustainable energy solutions, and artificial intelligence integration to showcase their dedication to providing state-of-the-art driving experiences.

    “In 2023, Chery steadfastly pursued technological innovation, achieving an accelerated “Tech Chery” evolution with groundbreaking achievements. At the Qatar GIMS (Geneva International Motor Show), Chery officially unveiled the QPower architecture under the theme “Evolution for Future”, representing 26 years of accumulated and leapfrogged power technology. It is a comprehensive professional power solution covering mainstream power forms such as ICE, PHEV, BEV, and hydrogen power. QPower boasts energy advantages like “strong and swift”, “efficient and green”, and “high-energy and intelligent”. The introduction of QPower not only brings more innovation to the global automotive industry but also provides power and performance, fast charging, comprehensive safety, and a better driving experience.”

     Carloha stated in a statement, adding that “In 2023, Chery maintained the position of China’s number one passenger car exporter for 21 consecutive years, which reaffirms Chery’s position as an industry leader that is deeply committed to providing quality automotive products that satisfy the needs of customers.

    “Also, in 2023, Chery ranks first in the automotive index category of “Top 50 Chinese Global Brand Builders’ Report”, jointly released by Google and Kantar. According to J.D Power’s various automotive indexes in 2023, Chery holds the top position in the IQS (Initial Quality Study) among China’s domestic brands.

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    According to the statement, Chery expanded its global footprints in 2023, strategically entering various international markets, by establishing its presence in regions like Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East.

    “Currently, Chery’s business presence extends to more than 80 countries and regions worldwide, with more than 13 million global automotive user base, including 3.35 million users located overseas, which exemplifies Chery’s commitment to the delivery of quality vehicles that satisfy the needs and preferences of consumers worldwide.

    “The company’s commitment to globalization is evident through joint ventures, partnerships, and the establishment of production facilities in different countries. These efforts have allowed Chery to tap into diverse consumer markets, adapt to regional preferences, and position itself as a competitive player on the global stage.

    Chery’s commitment to local assembly plants through collaborative ventures with Carloha emphasizes astute dedication to contributing to Nigeria’s economic development,” it said.

    Carloha posited that the achievements of 2023 are not just milestones for Chery, but also stepping stones towards a future where Chery is not just a car brand but an integral part of the Nigerian automotive culture.

    “We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the positive impact our vehicles will have on the lives of Nigerian consumers,” it said.

  • ‘Why firm strengthened marine franchise with supervisory board’

    ‘Why firm strengthened marine franchise with supervisory board’

    Obijackson Group, a firm  has said it newly-constituted Marine and Assets Supervisory Board would address the short life span of marine ecology business.

    In a statement, it noted that the board was formed to further support the group’s marine and assets business.

    It said most marine enterprises don’t consider  continuity and  fate of their internal and external publics. “Their only aim is to increase the gains of their founder and make ends meet, hence the constant fluctuations of trade, and the periodical industrial crises, each of which ruins marine economies and throws scores of thousands of workers on the streets,” it added.   

    The new outfit will focus on supervising companies such as White Dove Shipping Company Limited, B&Q Dredging Limited, Shipside Drydock Limited, Scorpio Drilling International Limited, Geepic Aluminium Limited, and Obijackson Investment and Properties Limited, all of which are part of Obijackson Group.

    “The firm  commits to entrepreneurial pursuits with the passion of a humane corporate entity; its internal and external publics -comprising its employees and host communities – come first in all situations and at all times. This is why the group recently constituted a seasoned supervisory board to guide the operations of its marine ventures.

    “There is no gainsaying the Group oversees colossal stakes in local and international marine business ventures. It propagates, within the sector, a business culture that funnels dividends for every stakeholder within its immediate and remote business environments.

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    “It is guided by an entrepreneurial ethic that seeks to provide enough of everything for everybody. That’s how productive and rich its marine enterprise is. Its whole process fosters the proposition that conquests and milestones are worthless without an attendant growth in prospects for the enterprise’s internal and external publics.

    “Guided by robust corporate governance principles, the Obijackson Group upholds a culture rooted in integrity, transparency, accountability, innovation, and excellence. The Group’s primary focus is to bolster long-term value and prosperity through dynamic growth strategies, selective acquisitions, and astute resource management,” the statement said.

    The  Marine and Assets Supervisory Board is chaired by Dr Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi, responsible for policy formulation and guiding the direction of the companies under the board’s supervision. Other esteemed board members include, Mrs Nnenna Obiejesi, Mr Nduka Ikeyi, Mr Gbenga Olaniyan, Mr Nnaji Igwe, and Mr Fabien Monleau.G

  • Massive crowd welcomes Yahaya Bello back to Okene

    Massive crowd welcomes Yahaya Bello back to Okene

    In what they described as a celebration of “eight years of unprecedented strides”, indigenes and residents of Okene in Kogi State on Sunday trooped out in their thousands to welcome the immediate past Governor Yahaya Bello back home after two impactful tenures. 

    They treated the White Lion, as he is fondly called, to a heroic homecoming ceremony at the ancient town, Okene, where Bello hails from.

    With loud cheers, pomp and pageantry, the jubilant residents heaped praises on the immediate past governor over his sterling performance in office, with different clans performing with their masquerades amid the thick crowd that thronged the streets.

    Before Bello arrived Okene, a crowd of residents of Lokoja, the state capital, had assembled on the highway linking the former governor’s country home to bid him farewell after successfully handing over to his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.

    They lined up at the roadside and expressed gratitude to Bello, saying he had successfully transformed Kogi beyond their expectations in his two terms in office.

    Some of the citizens who spoke after Bello’s convoy pulled over to acknowledge their greetings, said the former governor had left an indelible mark of achievements in the Confluence State.

    When Bello’s convoy arrived at the entrance of Okene town, enthusiastic and proud indigenes/residents were seen waving at their kinsman in excitement.

    As the convoy journeyed deeper into the heart of Okene, the town erupted in jubilation as the former governor’s kinsmen who adorned in ceremonial attire, accompanied by drums and trumpets, danced along the streets, saying Bello had elevated Okene and Kogi State to an enviable height. 

    The former Governor visited his maternal ancestral home where special prayers were offered in honour of the memory of his departed mother, seeking divine blessings for him as he returned home.

    Also, Bello stormed the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, along with the new Governor of the state, Usman Ododo, where he was given a rousing welcome. The mammoth crowd seen at the palace was unprecedented. 

    The traditional ruler, HRM, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani, hailed former governor Bello’s transformative impact on Kogi state’s infrastructure and economy and congratulated Governor Ododo on his inauguration. 

    Bello expressed profound gratitude to the people of his hometown and Kogi State in general for the overwhelming reception accorded him.

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    While addressing his admirers, he urged citizens of the State to support the administration of Governor Usman Ododo for the continued development and transformation of the state.

    “I am filled with joy over this overwhelming show of gratitude, happiness and love. It further attests to the impacts our government has made in the lives of Kogites. I humbly return all thanks and praises to the Almighty God. He alone is the Doer of everything we can lay claim to have done in office as a government. Without His enablement we would have been both helpless. To God be the Glory!

    “Now, we can live with a clear conscience, confident that we did our best for Kogites within the time and resources available to us.

    “I have successfully handed over to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. Ododo will need our support to succeed in the overall interest of the state. Once more, I want to thank you for this honour,” the former Governor stated.

  • Succour for soldiers’ widows

    Succour for soldiers’ widows

    • DEPOWA unveils milling shop at NAFRC

    To cushion the effect of the economic hardship being experienced across the country, the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) at the weekend donated palliatives to over 50 widows of soldiers.

    The beneficiaries whose husbands died in active service were given foodstuffs and cash gifts at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi.

    Handing over the palliatives to the beneficiaries, DEPOWA President, Mrs..Oghogho Musa, urged them to remain good citizens and ensure that the various skills they had acquired before were adequately utilised.

       Mrs. Musa who also unveiled a grinding and milling shop built at the centre by the Coordinator of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre Officers Wives Association (NAFRCOWA), Grace Amesinola, said they would continue to embark on activities and programmes that will better the lives of soldiers’ wives and children.

    According to the DEPOWA President, the grinding and milling shop aligned with her vision to empower women and girls to become productive contributors to family and society.

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    She articulated the initiative’s role in enhancing capacity development for DEPOWA and Defence Non-Commissioned Officers’ Wives Association (DENCOWA) members, as well as providing crucial humanitarian support to the less privileged and vulnerable individuals.

    She commended the NAFRCOWA coordinator for her ‘ingenuity and unwavering commitment” to establishing the Grinding and Milling Shop, underscoring its potential to alleviate the hardship faced by the wives and children of military personnel in grinding food products.

    “I wish to appreciate the Coordinator NAFRCOWA Mrs Grace Amesinola for her ingenuity and commitment in establishing the Grinding and Milling Shop, this will really reduce the hardship of going to distant places by wives and children of personnel to grind food products.”

    The Commandant, NAFRC, Air Vice Marshall (AVM) Adeniyi Amensinola lauded the DEPOWA president for providing assistance to those who have sacrificed so much for the nation’s security and well-being.

    He emphasized the importance of not forgetting the widows and orphans of the deceased personnel and assured them that their spouses’ supreme sacrifice in the line of duty would not be in vain.

    “The show of human kindness and initiatives such as we are witnessing today being undertaken by the President DEPOWA are reassuring and comforting bearing in mind that widows of deceased personnel are not forgotten and that the supreme sacrifice paid by their spouses in the line of duty while upholding national security is not in vain. “As we continue to remember our fallen heroes and veterans who sacrifice much to the nation, we use this opportunity to thank Almighty God for their lives well spent in the service of our dear country as well as in maintaining regional peace and stability”, he said.

    The Nation reports that the visit also saw the DEPOWA President and members of his entourage planting trees at the Widows and Orphans skills acquisition site inside NAFRC.

  • Bride, 12 others die in Niger auto crash

    Bride, 12 others die in Niger auto crash

    A new bride, five of her bridesmaids, her brother-in-law, and six others have died in a car crash that occurred around Lukoro in Edati Local Government Area of Niger State.

    It was gathered that the accident happened on Friday evening and was caused by excessive speed, wrongful overtaking by the driver conveying the bride and her guests.

    The car carrying them collided with an incoming vehicle which led to loss of control.

    The Nation learnt that 20 people were involved in the accident out of which 13 died and seven others were critically injured.

    Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Niger State Command,  Tsukwan Kumar, who confirmed the accident said that the crash involved two vehicles- an ash Toyota Corolla from Mokwa to Bida and a commercial Nissan bus heading from Minna to Ogbomosho.

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    He said that those who died included eight female adults, four male adults, and one male child while four female adults, one male adult, one male child, and one female child were injured.

    Kumar said that the injured victims were taken to the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Bida for medical treatment while nine of the dead victims were handed over to their various relatives at the crash scene upon identification of the bodies and the remaining four dead were taken to General Hospital Kutigi mortuary.

    “The vehicles and properties which include five phones, one International passport, one NIN slip, three handbags, two traveling boxes, goods, and other personal effects, belonging to the victims were handed over to the Police Outpost in Wuya,” he said.

  • Minister challenges Ododo on security, infrastructural development

    Minister challenges Ododo on security, infrastructural development

    The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, has called on Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo to improve security and promote infrastructural development in the state.

    Audu made the call in a congratulatory message to Governor Ododo in Abuja yesterday, for his inauguration as the fifth governor of the state along with his Deputy, Mr Joel Oyibo.

    He urged Ododo to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor, Yahaya Bello and focus on building sustainable peace and unity for the progress of the state.

    The minister, who was the Director-General of the Kogi All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council, expressed confidence that the governor would take Kogi to greater heights.

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    “Your victory at the polls on November 11, 2023, was very consequential in the history of our dear state, Kogi.

    “Your popularity and acceptance across our state were the key factors in your victory at the governorship polls last year.

    “As the Director-General of the Kogi APC Governorship Campaign Council, I was confident that you would emerge victorious despite all forms of political intrigues that were playing out.

    “Today we celebrate that victory, which marks the beginning of an era of continuity and consolidation of the successful eight-year tenure of former Governor Yahaya Bello,” he said.

  • INEC to deploy 4,000 personnel for Feb 3re-run polls in Kaduna

    INEC to deploy 4,000 personnel for Feb 3re-run polls in Kaduna

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it will deploy no fewer than 4,000 personnel for the conduct of Saturday’s re-run polls and by-election for the State and Federal Constituencies in Kaduna State.

    Malam Aminu Idris, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Kaduna State told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Kaduna.

    Idris said the personnel would include 3,000 drawn from members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and 1,000 INEC members of staff.

    He said: “The commission projects to have about a total 4,000 staff including about 3,000 had hoc staff with the categories drawn from members of the NYSC as Presiding Officers and institutions like the Kaduna Polytechnic while others would include NYSC and INEC staff.

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    “So far, we have started with the recruitment and training of ad hoc staff especially those of Supervisory Presiding Officers then to those of Presiding Officers officers and Assistant Presiding Officers.”

    Idris said strict supervision has been out in place with the presence of the stakeholders including personnel from EFCC, ICPC and other relevant agencies to ensure transparency during the exercise.

     “They will work against incidences of vote buying and other malpractices at the polling units and in terms of being accountable to the law as nobody is immune including INEC staff and corps members .

    “Anyone that contravenes the electoral law in terms of distorting the elections, would face the wrath of the law whether you are an INEC staff, NYSC or even security agent,” he said.

    Idris urged the stakeholders to collaborate to ensure that a conducive environment was provided for the smooth running of the elections and for the voters to be vigilant so that trouble makers will not be allowed to disrupt the process.

    He said: “Party agents should equally take the responsibility as their job should not be left for INEC alone to do so that they report to their respective parties because that is the way to prepare for litigation if there is any need for it.”

    Idris said elections would take place in six constituencies covering seven local government areas including; Chikun, Igabi, Kaduna South, Kudan, Kachia, Kagarko and Kauru.

    “Total polling units in the six constituencies are 1,114, with the number of registered voters that have collected PVCs of about 639,914,” he said.

    NAN reports that INEC has fixed Saturday for the conduct of supplementary polls in 44 constituencies across the county.

    Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman Information Voter Education Committee (IVEC) of INEC, said this in a statement tagged ‘timetable and schedule of activities for bye-elections and court-ordered re-run elections.

    He said: “The commission has approved the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for conducting bye-elections resulting from the resignation or demise of Members of the National and State Houses of Assembly.

    “These vacancies were declared by the Presiding Officers that is the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Speakers of State Houses of Assembly.

    “The vacancies occurred across two Senatorial Districts, four Federal Constituencies, and three State Constituencies spanning nine states of the federation.”

  • Lack of commitment to good governance is brand of corruption, says Zulum

    Lack of commitment to good governance is brand of corruption, says Zulum

    Borno State Governor  Babagana Zulum yesterday in Maiduguri identified lack of commitment to good governance by leaders and followers as another form of corruption afflicting Nigeria.

    “One of the major problems in Nigeria is lack of obedience to rules and regulations.

    “We will never get it right until we follow the rules and regulations,’’ he said at the close of the 10th annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture.

    Born on June 12, 1910, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, was killed in Nigeria’s first military coup d’etat of Jan. 15, 1966.

    He served as the first and only premier of defunct Northern Nigeria region from 1954 until his assassination in 1966.

    “During Sardauna, there was obedience to rules and regulations,’’ Zulum observed.

    The governor dwelt on the negative impacts of corruption and said that Nigeria would not get things right so long as corruption thrived.

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    He noted that leaders and followers must collectively own the fight against corruption by abiding with rules and regulations of doing things.

    Zulum said hope was not lost if Nigerians renewed their commitments in line with the theme of lecture: “Creating pathways for peace: Tackling banditry and insurgency through good governance for sustainable development.’’

    He said his administration’s commitment to good governance by focusing on security and executing vital projects in various sectors, and fulfilling campaign promises, strengthened the resilience of the citizenry.

    “These developments demonstrated our achievements through good governance and understanding of our multifaceted approach to curb banditry and insurgency.

    “Security situation in Borno has consequently improved by 95 per cent and by the grace of God before the end of my administration Borno will be rid of insurgency,’’ Zulum said.

    Highlight of the event attended by some northern governors was the presentation of Lifetime Achievement awards to deserving personalities and the handing over of the symbolic flag of the next host to Bauchi State