Embelembe!!! If you know you know, everyday those cab man no go let you rest.

KTN Global Alliance Africa has extended the closing date for large Nigeria-based companies and global organisations with subsidiaries in Nigeria from the AgriFood sector wanting to find rapid innovative solutions to their industry challenges to apply for the innovative exchange programme.

The application will now close on March 31st0h 2022.

KTN Global Alliance Africa is a six-year project, funded by UKAid, that aims to promote job creation, inclusive growth and poverty reduction through knowledge transfer, skills building and opportunities to support businesses and innovations that can deliver scalable impact.

"Investing in AgriFood is critical for both the nation’s economy and society as a whole," KTN said in a statement signed by the Africa’s Regional Lead, Sophie West

"It is an integral part of the solutions necessary to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets and Nigeria's Vision 2030 ambition to make Nigeria the top three most food-secured country in Africa through the application of digital technologies and innovations.

"The iX Challenge Programme is a quick route to access solutions from other sectors to solve those challenges."

Some of the identified challenges from the AgriFood sector include using technology to increase food productivity and production, identifying innovative approaches to deliver efficient vegetable production, reducing wastes and emissions in the environment.

Others are applying cost-effective solutions to identify or reduce counterfeit products and identifying supply chain solutions to reduce post-harvest waste of perishable goods.

"These topics are by no means exhaustive and we would welcome a discussion around issues your business might be facing that could potentially be solved by expertise from other sectors," the statement continued.

"With nearly 100 challenges delivered globally to date and over 850 applications, our team of experts will work with you to understand the issues you face and to score the challenge to help sell the opportunity to a diverse range of sectors."

KTN Global Alliance Africa will allocate seed funding to the selected solution providers of the iX Challenge to help provide startup and SME ecosystem financial support to develop the identified solutions in partnership with specific challenge owner, as well as additional mentoring for projects moving into commercialisation.

The Challenge is targeted at Nigeria-based, Nigeria-registered companies in the AgriFood sector with an annual turnover of over N100 million and/or a workforce of over 50 employees. It is also aimed at companies that have a concrete industry challenge that would benefit from cross-sector solutions.

The European Union has said it would work towards removing barriers against, and strengthening, the leadership and participation of women and girls and empowering them as agents of change. This, it said, would entail improved sustainable policy and programming, including through education and employment.

In a statement to mark this year's International Women's Day, the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS also pledged to further strengthen and support the protection and role of civil society and human rights defenders, in particular environmental women rights defenders.

In November 2020, the EU adopted the third Gender Action Plan which frames its engagement towards a gender-equal world until 2025 and concrete steps towards realising them. One year after its adoption, the GAP III is now being implemented in around 120 countries, including Nigeria. These country-level implementation plans help cement greater EU cooperation and joint initiatives around political and operational priorities.

"The EU stands more than ever as a global frontrunner in promoting gender equality as a key political objective of its external action and common foreign and security policy with the view to accelerating progress towards the 2030 Agenda," said Ambassador Samuela Isopi, Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and the ECOWAS.

"The EU pursues a three-pronged approach, combining gender mainstreaming, targeted actions, and political dialogue."

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action commits Member States and the United Nations system to actively involve women and girls in environmental decision-making, integrate gender concerns and perspectives in policies and programmes for sustainable development. It also commits to the establishment or strengthening of mechanisms at the National, regional, and international levels to assess the impact of development and environment policies on women and girls.

Ambassador Isopi noted that the pursuit of gender equality and environmental goals are mutually reinforcing.

"Slow progress on actions for climate change, energy transition, and environment, as well as disaster risk reduction, affect the achievement of gender equality, and vice versa," she added.

The EU also stated its commitment to accelerating the implementation of international commitments related to gender equality and the environment, in particular promoting a human rights-based and gender-responsive approach to policy and programming in all sectors and areas.

KTN Global Alliance Africa, has inaugurated its first Local
Innovation Network Advisory Groupin Nigeria, in Ekiti state, south-west
Nigeria, in its drive to transform the state into an innovation and technology
hub in the country.



A statement signed by KTN Global Alliance Africa’s Regional
Lead, Sophie West, stated that the inauguration took place through a
virtual event recently, followed the commencement of the KTN Global Alliance
Africa activities in Ekiti state in July 2021.



According to West, the Advisory Group will work with different
stakeholders in Ekiti state, with the aim deliver against the Ekiti Innovation
Action Plan (IAP), which was co-created with stakeholders in Ekiti, which
contains clear short, medium, and long-term objectives.

The statement stated that the six-year project is funded by UK Aid
through Innovate UK (GCRF) and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
(FCDO).



According to West, the main aim of the advisory group is to
strengthen the capacity and resilience of Ekiti innovation ecosystems through
increased collaboration and partnership.

Since arriving in the state, KTN stated that several workshops
had been held with the stakeholders in Ekiti to understand regional challenges,
capabilities, and potential for innovation, to action-orientated local
innovation networks.



West explained that the Advisory Group will influence and
support not only the work of the KTN but also other local and national
stakeholders to overcome the barriers to innovation identified by the Regional
Innovation Audit.



She stressed that the Advisory Group's tenure will run until
2025, noting that membership of the group is voluntary.



But she pointed out that the Group also comprised selected
members invited to bring a range of perspectives from government,
academia, investors, businesses, innovation support organisations, networks,
charities and grassroots organisations.



Speaking at the event, members of the Advisory Group, covering
various thematic areas, pledged their commitment to make sure that in the
period the group will be operating in the state, its impact is felt all over.



In his comments, Emerging Communities Africa Founder, Joel
Ogunsola, expressed his delight at the opportunity, promising that the group
would transform Ekiti state from an agrarian to an innovation-driven society.



Ogunsola stated that for him, the key emphasis will be on the
localisation of the various innovation vehicles and approaches to ensure best
outcomes and sustainability of the innovation dividend the state is poised to
attract.

“Therefore, as an advisor within the Ekiti State Local
Innovation Advisory Group, I am committed to providing guidance around the
local variables as they affect the innovation action plans and best approach to
ensure success.

“Furthermore, I will be bringing my passion and experience,
driving initiatives that work on expanding access to opportunities through
technology and innovation in underserved and communities,” he said.

Also speaking, Team Lead, The Health City, Odunola Olabintan,
stressed that his role would include providing advice and support for executing
the innovation action plan.

In addition, he stated that he would provide advice on
additional programmes and activities that could be included in the action plan
to further drive innovation in the state.

In her remarks, Principal Agribusiness Consultant, Frontier
Harvesters Ltd., Sarah Fagoyinbo, explained that her Advisory Group membership
was a call to service to achieve greater results in the areas of agriculture, policy
& development.

Also, Chief Executive, GoGlobal Solutions, Sola Mathew, said
that he remains passionate about training young people in digital skills and
creating jobs for the unemployed.

“I see my selection as a member of the group, as a privilege to
work with all stakeholders in bringing forth the needed development in Ekiti
state, and I can’t contain my happiness being selected as a member of the
advisory group,” he noted.

He pointed out that in his capacity as a member of the Advisory
Group, he will provide advice to KTN and members of the Ekiti network on
the best strategies to strengthen and grow the local economy.

Similarly, the Chief Executive, Dasasim Enterprise Nigeria,
Similoluwa Awe, noted that she looked forward to further developing the IAP,
which will help strengthen the capacity needed in Ekiti for innovations
that will bring about inclusiveness at all levels.

Added to that, the new advisor, promised to pursue a
climate-friendly economic development agenda and bring about ideas
necessary for the success of the project.

It was the same for the Executive Director, Balm in Gilead
Foundation for Sustainable Development, Oluwatumininu Adedeji, who described
the move as an opportunity to contribute towards technology development in the
state.

Also commenting, Founder & CEO, Triple G Eco Revival
Solutions, Oluwaseyi Ebenezer, pledged to help towards raising awareness and
advocacy for the programme.

Technical Assistant to the Commissioner, Ministry of Finance and
Economic Development, Gbenga Babs-Babata, noted that his role during the work
of the group was to act as a link between the organisation and government as
well as the private sector.

“I will be working with the team to identify snags that we can
deploy innovation to solve, harnessing KTN's deep network in the ecosystem.

“It will also involve playing a role as the link between the
government, private sector and KTN/GAA with a continued demonstration of my
commitment to the programme through collaboration and knowledge exchange,” he
disclosed.

KTN Global Alliance Africa Launches Innovation Exchange for Sustainable Waste Management

As part of efforts to promote sustainable waste management and circular economy in Africa, KTN Global Alliance Africa has launched a call for entries for start-ups based in Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya aimed at connecting them with innovators who are already working on waste management solutions.

The initiative, launched as part of its Global Alliance Innovation Exchange programme, is funded by UK Aid, a UK government programme that supports civil society organizations to achieve global goals, through the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The Innovation Exchange will leverage inclusive partnerships to mobilise support to help in the scaling up of innovative solutions for sustainable waste management by matching real industry challenges from large businesses or societal challenges from government s, to companies and innovators already working on potential solutions.

Under this initiative, the most innovative solution providers will pitch their ideas to the companies and will each receive £25,000 ( $34,000 equivalent) to fund the start-up of their prototype or pilot concept, with additional support from KTN Global Alliance Africa.
Across these three African countries, the project aims to promote sustainable waste management through a complete cycle where products and materials are recycled, repaired, refurbished or reused, so that a by-product or waste from one economic process becomes an input for another.

Similarly, KTN Global Alliance Africa will be intervening in solving AgriFood challenges. Specifically, the Alliance will be supporting Flamingo Horticulture, a horticultural business with a worldwide footprint that covers the farming, production, sales and marketing of fresh produce and flowers, to find innovative solutions to False Codling Moth Control in Fresh Chillies.

Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick), better known as the False Codling Moth (FCM), is an economically damaging pest impacting a variety of alternative host plants across its natural range in sub-Saharan Africa.

KTN Global Alliance Africa says start-ups interested in participating in the five challenges available for this project have until January 28, 2022 to submit their applications.

KTN Global Alliance Africa is a 6-year project, funded by UK Aid, that aims to promote job creation, inclusive growth and poverty reduction through knowledge transfer, skills building and opportunities to support businesses and innovations deliver scalable impact.

To apply, click on the link to begin your application process. https://ktn-uk.org/opportunities/

The United Kingdom Parliament has disclosed that it would discuss issues surrounding the repatriation of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.

Kanu, who is also a British citizen, was arrested abroad and extradited to Nigeria to face trial for alleged treason.

In a schedule posted on its website, the UK Parliament said it would discuss “the circumstances surrounding the transfer of Kanu to Nigeria against his will,” among other issues.

According to the document, Lord Alton of Liverpool will be raising the issue at the House of Lords and will ask the British government about Kanu’s repatriation to Nigeria.

Read Also: Gbajabiamila denies alteration of Electoral Act Amendment Bill by NASS leadership

“To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of (1) the alleged role of the government of Kenya in the detention and alleged mistreatment of Nigerian activist Nnamadi Kanu, (2) the circumstances surrounding the transfer of Kanu to Nigeria against his will, and (3) of any assistance being provided to him by the High Commission in Abuja,” the document reads.

The document also states that the question, tagged ‘HL1665’ tabled on July 5, 2021, will be “due for an answer” by the “relevant government department” by July 19, 2021.

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/nnamdi-kanu-uk-parliament-to-debate-ipob-leaders-rearrest-repatriation-to-nigeria/

The federal government yesterday justified the reduction in the capacity of the Mambilla power project from 3,500 megawatts to 1,500 megawatts, saying it was to ensure adequate funding by lenders.

Minister of Power, Mr Salleh Mamman, who disclosed this while appearing before the Senate Committee on Power, said the capacity of the power project was reduced to 1,500 megawatts to make it bankable and acceptable to the lenders.

He said: “We discovered that the 3,050 megawatts are not visible. We have sent officials to China to review the project and the memo is on the table of Mr President waiting for approval.

“The idea of rescoping the project is to make it bankable. The market that we are operating today in Nigeria is different from the market that was operated when the Mambilla project was conceived.

Read Also: Kaduna: Your children are in safe hands, bandits tell parents

“Today, we need a project that can be paid for in the market. We are funding the project with a loan from a lender who is only interested in funding a project that can pay back the loan. Most of the issues around the Mambilla power plant are on the bankability of the project. What we did was redesign the project to be bankable and acceptable to the lenders.”

In his speech, the Chairman of the committee, Senator Gabriel Suswam, asked the Minister to account for the N812 million the federal government paid to the Taraba State government for surveying and demarcation of land where the project would be sited.

Suswan said the ministry must account for how the money was used since it was given by the federal government adding that “it is left for you to ask the Taraba State government to furnish you with the details of how the N812 million was spent”.

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/fg-reduces-mambilla-power-project-to-1500-megawatts/

The Senate was on Tuesday sharply divided over the debate on a Bill to regulate the slaughtering, breeding and ranching of donkeys in the country.

The Bill for an Act to regulate the slaughter of donkeys and establish the breeding and ranching of donkeys through the export certification value chain to mitigate the extinction of donkeys and for a related matter, which sparked the debate, was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Abdullahi Yahaya.

Raising a point of order 43 of the Senate rules before Senate Leader could lead the debate on the bill, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, drew the attention of his colleagues to some provision in the Constitution on why the Senate should not go ahead with debate on the Bill.

Insisting that the Bill is a violation of some provisions in the Constitution, Abaribe said, “I will expect that as a parliament we should look at the Constitution before certain things are put up here.”

Making reference to Section 4 second schedule of the 1999 Constitution, Abaribe noted that there are 68 items in the Exclusive Legislative List.

He said further action on the bill, will invariably make the Senate going against the laws of the land by dabbling into issues that on the residual list of the Constitution, meant for legislative actions of State House of Assembly and Local Government Councils.

According to him ” Section 4(4a) of the constitution says The National Assembly shall legislate on: any matter in the Concurrent Legislative List set out in the first column of Part II of the Second Schedule to this Constitution to the extent prescribed in the second column opposite thereto
“Part 17-20 of the Second Schedule

17. The National Assembly may make laws for the Federation or any part thereof with respect to
(a.) the health, safety and welfare of persons employed to work in factories, offices or other premises or in inter-State transportation and commerce including the training, supervision and qualification of such persons; (b) the regulation of ownership and control of business enterprises throughout the Federation for the purpose of promoting, encouraging or facilitating such ownership and control by citizens of Nigeria;

” ( C) the establishment of research centres for agricultural studies; and
(d), the establishment of institutions and bodies for the promotion or financing of industrial, commercial or agricultural projects.

” Section 18 of the Constitution states ” Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, a House of Assembly may make laws for that State with respect to the industrial, commercial or agricultural development of the State.
“We are to make laws exclusively based on what is determined in the constitution…livestock and matters of that nature are not expressly provided for in the list. I so submit”.

Speaking in support of the bill, Deputy Senate Whip, Senator Abdullahi Sabi said the bill is something this country needs and “we should support it.”

He noted that the issue of donkeys going into extinction in Nigeria was sometimes discussed and approved in 2004 at the national council on agriculture and rural development in Sokoto.

The ranking Senator emphasised why the issue should be of concern to everybody, saying, “the concern Mr President is for every country must be concerned about the flora and fauna. Because the ecosystem is designed in such a manner that the balance we are enjoying today, is driven by the diversity of flora and fauna.

“This subject matter which the Minority Leader is referring to in the same Constitution, the federal government is also given the right to look at the research. Breeding is research work. This bill is therefore looking at when you don’t want something to go into extinction.

“Some people have suddenly realised the value of the skin of a donkey. The population of donkeys in the North are used for many things.”

Arguments of Abdullahi were however faulted by Senator Ajibola Basiru ( APC Osun Central), who said the constitutional point of order raised against the bill by the Minority leader was in order.

He said: For record proposes, the fact that a matter is deemed necessary, does not automatically confer on the federal legislative act and legislative competence.

“Section 1(3) is clear. That any law contrary to the provision of the constitution is to the extent of that urgency null and void. The basis of our existence and power is the constitution.

Read Also: Nnamdi Kanu: There’ll be trouble if truth finally comes out — Soyinka

“I align with the Minority Leader that we should not legislate on the subject matter presented to us by the bill in line with provisions of the 1999 Constitution”, he said.

The bill however scaled second reading with the Senate President’s intervention who ruled Abaribe out of order.
His words: “It is not for commercial purposes but to prevent extinction. I feel that we can legislate on it.
“Economically, it is needed not in terms of selling it but in terms of keeping the environment balanced. I rule that we can go ahead and consider the bill”.

Leading debate on the Bill, Senator Abdullahi Yahaya said that the Bill seeks to regulate the slaughter of donkeys, establish the breeding and ranching of donkeys through the export certification value chain to mitigate the extinction of donkeys given their Aesthetic, Ecological, Educational, Historical, Recreational and Scientific Value to the Nigeria Nation.

The Bill, according to him, will further complement the import and export of raw animal skins and hides especially donkey currently on the Customs Prohibition List.

Senators Ibrahim Gobir, Adamu Aliero and Ajayi Boroffice, supported the bill during the general debate.
The upper chamber later mandated its Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources to do more legislative inputs on the bill and report back at plenary within two weeks.

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/senate-divided-over-bill-to-regulate-slaughtering-breeding-ranching-of-donkeys/

The bandits who abducted the students of Bethel Baptist High School, Kaduna, on Monday, July 5, 2021, have called to inform the school management that the students are all doing well and fine.

The President, Kaduna Baptist Conference and proprietor of Bethel Baptist High school, Kaduna, Rev. Yahaya Adamu Jangado, in a statement said, “Today, by the grace of God, we had a call from the bandits and they assured us that our children are well and doing okay. In fact, we had the privilege of speaking with a few of them.”

He added, “They (students) counted themselves in the jungle and they gave us information that they are 121 and when we put the number together with what we have recovered, we discovered that the number is exactly the same with the number of students we have in the hostel.”

Rev. Yahaya Jangado explained that the total number of students we recovered in the school on Monday is 28 students that were not abducted.

Read Also: Kidnapped Kaduna pupils: Buhari has lost grip of leadership, says CAN

He commended the security officials for acting promptly to the school after receiving a distress call that bandits invaded the school but regretted that in the exchange of fire between the soldiers and the bandits, in the process they lost two of the men.

He thanked the parents for their patience, understanding and calmness and solicited their support in this trying moment, assuring them that the management will do anything possible to bring back their children.

Bethel abduction: Buhari issues directive to security agencies

According to him, “l want to thank God because the parents are understanding. We are working together to see what we can do. For now, we do not know what the bandits will say. They may call for ransom and we may have to negotiate and we have also agreed with the parents to work together in prayers and look up to God in this matter.”

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/kaduna-your-children-are-in-safe-hands-bandits-tell-parents/

The Presidency yesterday warned that the federal government will not allow the fundamental right of individuals to freely express personal or regional views to be abused to the extent of sabotaging the unity of the country.

It, however, commended security and intelligence agencies for their recent operations, which culminated in the arrest and extradition of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr Nnamdi Kanu, and the bursting of the ‘armoury’ of the lead proponent of the Yoruba nation’s protests, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho.

The presidency, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said the Buhari administration respects the right of citizens to freely express their views and opinions, as that is a tenet of democracy.

It, however, charged security and intelligence agencies to sustain their speed and level of professionalism to stamp out the growing incidences of the kidnapping of schoolchildren.

It said: “Last week, we saw the enhanced collaboration of the Nigerian law enforcement agencies, as they executed with great synchronisation, arrests of individuals who had inflicted pain and hardships on fellow citizens.

“The subversive leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group known for its murderous actions and virulent messaging, was detained as a result of cross-border cooperation.

“This international operation was executed in a closely coordinated fashion following which he was handed over to our National Intelligence Agency, and then returned to Nigeria to face the law.”

According to the presidency, the violence inspired by IPOB has led to hundreds of fatalities, particularly targeted at government assets and law enforcement agents, adding that at the last count, there were 55 separate violent attacks, heavily concentrated in the South-east, which caused hardship on citizens, preventing them from earning their livelihood and going about their normal lives.

The federal government, the statement added, had long been monitoring the activities of IPOB and had strong cause to believe that their funding sources include proceeds of suspected illicit criminal activities.

It stated: “By this singular action of our security forces, sanity, calm and peace has been returned to our communities who previously lived in constant fear of these misguided elements.

Read Also: Rest in peace 44, Davido breaks silence seven days after aide’s death

“In furtherance of continued diligent work, the State Security Service on Thursday, 1st July raided the residence of a militant ethnic secessionist, who has also been conducting acts of terror and disturbing the peace under the guise of protecting fellow “kinsmen.”

“His seditious utterances and antics, which he is known to have publicly expressed, have over time morphed into very hateful and vile laden speeches.”

The presidency added that while the federal government respects the fundamental rights of citizens to express their views and recognises this as a democratic tenet, any attempt to build an armoury, coupled with plans either subtle or expressed, to undermine national unity will not be condoned.

It said: “Mr President’s directives to security services regarding anyone has seen to be carrying arms, particularly AK-47, are clear and require no further illumination. Assault weapons are not tools of peace-loving people and as such, regardless of who they are and where they are from, the security agencies should treat them all the same.

“The successes of our security agencies must be commended as they have demonstrated significant deftness, guile and secrecy in carrying out these missions.

“This level of professionalism must be sustained and brought to bear as we focus on extracting from our society those who have found a new trade-in targeting students, rural dwellers and our citizens in the North-west.

“The nation recognises their efforts and sacrifice.”

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/presidency-praises-security-agencies-for-kanus-arrest-raid-on-igbohos-house/

NDLEA arrests Brazil-based Nigerian mother with 100 wraps of cocaine hidden in her private part


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sSmhxRkolI

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), yesterday, said the harassment, arrest and detention of Biafra and Oduduwa self-determination agitators would not deter them.

It also said the only solution to Nigeria’s political and ethnic crises was to conduct a referendum, which would allow the indigenous peoples to decide if they wanted to remain in Nigeria or not.

MASSOB, in a statement by its National Director of Information, Edeson Samuel, disclosed that its legal team had finalised plans to drag the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government before the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague, Netherland.

Read Also: PIB: Niger Delta groups reject 3% fund for host communities

The pro-Biafra group called on the United Nations, African Union, United States of America, the G-8 nations and the international human rights organisations to save the indigenous people of Biafra from political annihilation by sanctioning Nigeria for her human rights abuses and the terrorist activities of the Fulani reportedly backed by Buhari’s Government.

It said the atrocious acts of the Nigerian government had led to the killings, unlawful arrest, abductions, torture and detentions of innocent Biafra agitators.

MASSOB warned that nothing harmful should happen to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and other Biafra/Oduduwa freedom agitators that were being held, tortured, starved and denied medical attentions.

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/nnamdi-kanu-ipob-to-drag-nigerian-govt-to-icc/

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a get-well message to the Head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, as he undergoes a scheduled surgery of the colon.

Buhari has also felicitated with President Joe Biden, the government and the people of the United States as they commemorated July 4 as the 245th Independence Day and the annual celebration of nationhood.

The president, in a statement yesterday by one of his spokesmen, Mallam Garba Shehu, called for prayers from Nigerians and the global community as the Pontiff goes in for this routine operation.
Buhari wished the Pope a quick recovery.

Read Also: El-Rufai: At 62, I am too old to be Nigeria’s President

The president, in a separate statement by Shehu also noted with delight how the Biden administration is working earnestly to overcome some of the country’s greatest challenges that include racism and especially the Coronavirus epidemic that has inflicted on the United States, a quarter of the global fatalities.

The statement stated that Buhari is keenly watching with great interest as the Biden administration makes progress in its efforts to improve US-Africa ties and interactions for the betterment of the continent.

He expressed confidence that given the shared values of democracy, rule of law and inclusive prosperity, the strategic partnership and engagements between Nigeria and the United States would continue to grow for the mutual benefits of the two countries and their peoples.

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/buhari-calls-for-prayers-as-pope-francis-undergoes-surgery/

The University of Jos, Alumni has added its voice to the continued call on Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, to run for the president of the nation in 2023, noting that he had the needed criteria, describing him as a wind of welcome change.

The university Alumni made the call on Saturday through its National President, Johnson Sani, at the grand reception dinner in honour of Muhammed Onogwu, chief press secretary to Governor Bello.

The national president said his tenure as Kogi State governor has ushered in a dispensation of general development as he has justified the confidence of the people who elected him into leadership positions.

He said Governor Bello has carved a good image for himself as a successful governor, who believed in selfless service to humanity and more specifically his numerous landmarks infrastructure development which he has evenly spread across the three senatorial districts of the state.

“The governor has distinguished himself as the most female gender-sensitive and surpassed the 35 per cent female gender inclusiveness in government. The appointment of women as his secretary to the state government, head of service and other very key departments or agencies of government has affirmed this claim.

“Governor Bello also extended his women inclusiveness to the grassroots whereas the party leader, he gave a nod for a woman vice chairmanship ticket across the 21 councils of the state and also the leadership of the legislative arm of the local government.

“It is vital to also note that at every local government between three and four women are elected as councillors and in all, the government of Kogi State have over 200 women in either elective or appointive positions at all levels.”

Nuhu said the governor has excelled at securing the lives and property of people of Kogi State, adding that not only can persons within and outside Kogi State attest to the reliable security architecture in the state, but many institutions have also attested that Kogi State was the safest in the country, noting that despite being bordered by 10 states, the confluence state has been relatively peaceful.

Read Also: Major shake-up in Army as new PSOs, GOCs, others emerge

“As a nationalist, Governor Bello has taken a lead role in his belief in a one united indivisible Nigeria and oftentimes because of his good reputation as a man who is honest and dependable, he has waded into a certain lingering crisis which had the tendency to plunge our edgy nation into mayhem,” he said.

The national president alluded that his antecedents have thus become the song on the lips of all and sundry, hence he is being sought after nationally as we clamour for a reinvigorated Nigeria.

Kogi State governor, in his remarks after being decorated by the Alumni and presented an award as a friend of the institution, thanked the Alumni for the good gestures and encomium poured on him, adding that he remained committed to sustaining all the good virtues which they have eschewed.

He lauded the alumni for projecting a peace frontier despite their diversity, adding that the university has produced renowned individuals, many of whom have added value to the state, including the Deputy Governor, Edward Onoja, the celebrant and many others.

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/2023-jos-community-endorses-yahaya-bello-for-president/

This will be the end of his trouble, DSS explains why Sunday Igboho’s residence was raided


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gskUpZCIMGs

Yoruba activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho) yesterday demanded an apology from the federal government over the invasion of his residence by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) in the early hours of Thursday.

Igboho, also, demanded N500 million compensation due to damage to his exotic cars that include Mercedes Benz G-Class and 2019 Lexus Car.
He made these demands in a statement by his counsel, Chief Yomi Aliyu (SAN), describing invasion of Igboho’s residence as grossly illegal and unconstitutional.

Aliyu, in the statement, asked the federal government to investigate the actions of the various security operatives led by DSS that raided Igboho’s house with a view to sanctioning them and release all the innocent people arrested and compensate the families of those murdered.

He added that Igboho should be paid #500million as reparation for damage to his exotic cars that include Mercedes Benz G-Class and 2019 Lexus Car. He also demanded a public apology.
He said: “Trampling of our client’s fundamental rights including tagging him as a criminal by exhibiting DSS guns as his should stop forthwith.

“In any case as admirers of this government and one Nigeria, we personally implore all the governors in the Southwest to know the yearnings of their people and Igboho’s large followership to wade in before it becomes hydra-headed security problems in all their domains.”
Aliyu noted that Igboho in his open crusade for the establishment of Oodua Republic “has always preached peace and warned his followers never to have recourse to violence. This was done in more than 20 Yoruba towns and cities.

“The invasion of the residence of a peace loving crusader like him is nothing but calling a dog a bad name to hang it. It is the right of a group of homogeneous or indigenous people in a federation to ask for self-determination in accordance with the rules of international law and the UNO Charter.

“Our constitution also permits freedom of association and, by necessary implications, freedom to associate. We were reliably informed that DSS and other security forces invaded the residence of our client in the wee hours of the day (between 1.00 a.m. and 4.30 a.m.)

“There is nowhere in the civilised world that a citizen who had no prior invitation by security agent or resisting arrest will be so invaded with his rights to dignity of human persons, ownership of property and sanctity of life trampled upon during the invasion.”

He pointed out that section 12 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act enjoined the police or any security operatives “to first make a demand to enter a place where a suspect is if their demand was not granted to break open the outer or inner door of any house or place.”

He noted that no demand to enter was made, but rather they shot their way into the house allegedly killing seven people though DSS spokesman admitted killing two people which involved an old imam that used to lead Muslim occupants in prayers and observing TAHJUD at the time of the barbaric raid.

He added that a lady among the invaders “was allegedly shouting if you get him gun him down. Our client knew that the mission was to get rid of him and not to arrest him.

“This belief becomes more realistic in view of the fact that the CCTV recorder was off and taken away so that the carnage will not be shown to members of the public.

“Our client then knew that he was to be taken dead or alive as allegedly stated by the lady among the raiders. It should be stated that without any resistance or shooting at the security operatives they started shooting from the gate and ensured that the building was totally made uninhabitable,” the statement said.

Also, the statement said all the expensive vehicles in Igboho’s house were shot at and destroyed, saying the rampaging operatives were disappointed that they could allegedly not find a single gun or ammunition in his house.

Hence, the statement noted that the DSS operatives arrested two police escorts of Igboho’s guests and added their guns to those harvested from their armoury with a view to making members of the public to believe that “our client keeps militia or as stated by them, he is about waging war on Nigeria.”

Read Also: Zamfara: Gov Matawalle sacks his Special Advisers

It said: “Will this be with his mere amulets. People who know our client of over 20 years will testify that Igboho Oosa does not carry guns on his person!

“It is elementary law that whenever a search warrant is executed on a house the house owner must first search the persons sent to execute the same and also sign the inventory of what was recovered in executing the warrant!

“This explains why the DSS invaded the house in the night, shooting everything at sight, killing and maiming the occupants to plant their illegal guns on our client.

“We have also been reliably informed that those arrested were being tortured to incriminate our client that guns and ammunition were recovered from his house.

“Igboho knew that he would be arrested one day hence retaining our services. He could not be that daft to keep incriminating articles in his house! Our client’s house is a 5 bedroom duplex with 5 chalets of 2 and 3 bedrooms.

“These were totally damaged with operatives allegedly arguing on whether to burn down the edifice as done to his former palatial house. The lady officer allegedly put her foot down against arson.

“One thousand euro, two million naira, expensive jewelries worth millions, travel documents, amulets, iPhone 12 belonging to him, phones of about 15 others living in the house including those killed by the raiders and other belongings yet to be identified belonging to his wives were carted away.

“The only guns were those of the police escorts of his guests! More importantly, the DSS and other operatives that raided the house said they came to arrest Sunday Igboho but ended up arresting innocent people in lieu of him.

“Apart from being a serious violation of these peoples’ peoples constitutional rights it is an assault on s. 7 of ACJA and decisions of our courts in that regard.”

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/igboho-demands-n500m-from-fg-over-dss-invasion-of-his-house/

I know he is an academic, a Professor and former Rector of Ramat Polytechnic, Borno State. He was also Commissioner for Reconstruction under the immediate past Governor Kashim Shettima. But where did this man called Babagana Umara Zulum emerge from? How come he is doing unusual, uncommon things, and being very modest about it? Do they still make them like this?

President Muhammadu Buhari was in Maiduguri, Borno State, a fortnight ago to commission some (just some) projects already completed by the Zulum administration. It was like streams in a desert, a breath of fresh air in a milieu once overtaken by death and destruction, caused by the Boko Haram insurgency. The snake is badly scorched, but yet to be decapitated. Soon, and very soon.

With the state in which he inherited Borno State, which has been the epicenter of insurgency since 2009, it is easy, very easy, for Governor Zulum to have done nothing in terms of development. And he would have a good excuse, a smokescreen, an alibi. We are spending all the money to provide security for our people. They need to be alive first, before we can talk of development. And he would smile daily to the bank.

But the palm frond flourishes and luxuriates amidst thorns. Despite the humongous resources being deployed to combat insecurity, great developmental strides are also being taken, because Zulum is not squirreling everything away, building a tidy nest for himself and generations unborn.

It is said that while he was the Commissioner for Reconstruction, Zulum still lived in the family house. He hadn’t built a home for himself. No wonder he became Governor, and is serving with heart and might, despite the grave challenges.
President Buhari, who was a military governor of the old Borno State, had very kind words for Zulum when he visited. A man parsimonious with praises, the President said the host was forthright, resilient, and committed to development, despite the security challenges confronting the State.

The President said the Governor takes huge personal risks to promote peace and development, spending nights with the vulnerable and displaced. And I ask again: where did this man emerge from? It’s never done like that here.
Ask me for one of the ‘poster boys’ for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and I’ll gladly show you Governor Zulum. It takes a heart dedicated to service to build roads, schools, hospitals, mass housing, and many others, that the President commissioned when he visited Borno. And the half has never yet been told.

The APC waxes stronger by the day. While the rival People’s Democratic Party (PDP) waxes weaker and weaker. A topic for another day, but with Governors like Zulum, I’ll put my money on the APC any day.


With public officers like Zulum, confidence is rekindled in Nigeria. Not everyone is a thief. Not everyone is a plunderer. Muhammadu Buhari, honest, straight as an arrow, is replicating himself in many people. Zulum seems to be one, and it makes one glad.

If what we see in Borno now happens under the miasma of insecurity, what will then happen when peace and amity returns, which will inexorably happen? Kashim Shettima, the immediate past Governor took great strides. He has bequeathed to the State a man taking giant strides. That’s the way it should be. You don’t succeed without a worthy successor.

I know Governor Zulum. He has no airs around him. He’s just like the man next door. Simple, self-effacing. True is the saying that it’s the empty barrels that make the loudest noise.

He’s young, focused, achieving. I suspect that Zulum , God willing, would be around for a long time to come, growing from strength to strength. I’m not a prophet, but I believe that we would be hearing from this servant of the people for a lot longer time in the political realm.
*Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/opinion-where-did-this-zulum-emerge-from-by-femi-adesina/

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, yesterday insisted that the suspension of Twitter’s operations in Nigeria was informed by the need to protect the national interest.

Malami stated that the interest of Nigeria is paramount in all considerations and must be respected by any company that wants to do business in the country.

The minister spoke at a meeting in Abuja with the High Commissioner of Great Britain, Ms Catriona Laing.

The duo discussed bilateral issues relating to asset recovery, anti-corruption crusade, amendment of the Electoral Act, the Audit Bill, Petroleum Industry Bill, Twitter ban and counter-terrorism approaches.

Malami’s spokesman, Dr Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, in a statement, quoted the minister as saying: “If you want to operate as a business entity in Nigeria, you must do so within the context of Nigerian laws. Nothing offensive or that breaches the Nigerian laws should be entertained.”

Malami said the federal government had established a committee on the matter and the company had approached the government over the issue.

On PIB, the minister said steps had been taken to ensure pending bills were transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

According to him, the fundamental interest and objective of the Buhari administration are to leverage the bills to enhance value in terms of creating enabling environment for investment, protecting the public interest for the maximum benefit of all.

Read Also: Gunmen abduct Sunday Igboho’s wife, others

Malami said the essence of the amendment of the Electoral Act was to enhance the democratic system by addressing delays in judicial determination of pre-election matters as well as ensuring justice and fairness in the conduct of electoral processes, including party primaries.

He said to strengthen the fight against corruption, the government came up with the Proceeds of Crime Bill and Audit Bill, among others.

Malami said public interest had been the uppermost consideration in the quest by the federal government for the regulation of freedom of expression, adding that restrictions to freedom of expression are locally and internationally recognised.

“Our government is not averse to freedom. Freedom is not borderless. Freedom of expression must not be used in such a manner that incites citizens to violence or calls for an overthrow of a democratically elected government. There are bounds to freedom within the laws,” he added.

Laing thanked the minister for the “clarification” of the issues, saying that the steps taken in the fight against corruption and electoral reforms are “really encouraging.”

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/twitter-ban-in-national-interest-says-malami/

The Federal High Court, Lagos, has fixed October 7, for hearing of an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking an order for final forfeiture of $5.78 million and N2.4 billion linked to the former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.

The judge, Tijjani Garuba Ringim, fixed the date, yesterday, after hearing the submissions of the counsel to the parties in the matter.

EFCC had filed the application for forfeiture sometime in 2017, before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, now retired.

The defendants in the suit marked FHC/L/CS/640/2017, were Dame Patience Jonathan and a firm, LA Wari Furniture and Bathes.

Read Also: Alleged Kidnapping: 3 arrested in Imo

The monies were said to have been warehoused by Skye Bank Plc and Eco Bank Plc, respectively.

Justice Olatoregun, on April 26, 2017, ordered the temporary forfeiture of the monies, sequel to an ex-parte application filed by the EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo.

The judge’s order was affirmed by both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

However, midway to the conclusion of the hearing on the final forfeiture of the said sums, Justice Olatoregun retired from the bench in 2019.

The development compelled the Chief Judge of the court to re-assign the matter to Justice Chuka Obiozor for hearing.

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/8-4m-final-foreiture-patience-jonathan-knows-fate-oct-7/

Zamfara government says 18 All Progressives Congress (APC) governors are expected to receive Governor Bello Matawalle into their party on Tuesday.
The Chairman, Publicity Sub-Committee of the organising ceremony and Zamfara Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara, disclosed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gusau on Monday.
Dosara said: “The Progressive governors will be led by the APC Chairman Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) and Governor Mai Mala-Buni of Yobe State.
“We are also expecting all our national assembly members as well as state legislators to declare their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC during the occasion.
“Similarly, all the 14 local government caretaker committee chairmen who just finished their tenure, council members and teeming supporters will join the hundreds of thousands of the Matawalle loyalists, friends and supporters in our movement to our new party, the APC.’’

Read Also: Obasanjo disturbed, says Nigeria risks being third most populated by 2050

According to him, the event which is considered a historic one in the state will further unite politicians and strengthen the APC in the state.
Also speaking, Mr Mohammed Mamman, the Director-General, Press Affairs, to Mala-Buni said the governor has been able to convince three governors to defect to the APC.
”With Matawalle joining the APC, it means Mala-Buni, as the Chairman of the Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee, has been able to convince three governors to join the party.
“They are Dave Umuahi of Ebonyi, Prof. Ben Ayade of Cross River. This is also a confirmation that the APC is doing well both at the national and state levels under the purposeful, focused and people-oriented leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari,’’ Mamman said.

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/defection-18-apc-govs-others-set-to-receive-matawalle/

Legal provisions will be utilised to collect taxes on profits made locally by global technology and digital firms not based in Nigeria, but with significant economic presence in the country.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stated this during an interaction with a delegation from the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), led by its President, Mr Adesina Adedayo, at the Presidential Villa.

Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja,

“While the Federal Government will not be raising tax rates at this time, based on the Finance Act 2019, it is already empowered to widen the tax net.

“This includes collecting taxes on the Nigerian income of global tech giants with a significant economic presence here, even if they have not established an office or permanent establishment, and are currently not paying taxes in Nigeria.

“In this regard, Section 4 of the Finance Act 2019, provides that the finance minister, may by order of the president, determine what constitutes the significant economic presence of a company, other than a Nigerian company.

“We have had severe economic downturns, which of course implies that we may not be able to collect taxes with the aggressiveness that would ordinarily be expected.

Read Also: Man beats wife to death in Edo over N2,000

“I think the most important thing is that we must widen our tax net so that more people who are eligible to pay tax are paying,” Osinbajo said.

Akande in the statement said the vice president also noted that several efforts had been made in that regard.

“I am sure you are aware of the initiatives including the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS), which was also an attempt to bring more people into the tax net, including those who have foreign assets.”

Osinbajo said the Federal Government recently took a step with respect to a lot of the technology companies that are not represented in Nigeria, but who do huge volumes of business in the country.

He said the Finance Act had shown that Nigeria was prepared to ensure that the big technology companies did not escape without their fair share of taxation in Nigeria.

“Many of them do incredible volumes here in Nigeria and in several other parts of the region.”

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/fg-will-tax-profits-made-by-global-tech-digital-giants-in-nigeria-osinbajo/

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said with all the issues bedeviling Nigeria, incidents of mental health had suddenly become a challenge as most Nigerians were currently traumatised by the happenings in the society.

He has also expressed concern over the increasing crime wave in the country, stressing that most of them were caused by the consumption of drugs.

Jonathan expressed his views during a courtesy call on him by the Chief Executive Officer of the Albino Foundation, Jake Epelle, its management and partners to appreciate him for paying the bills of persons with albinism to undergo surgery against cancer overseas.

Read Also: Zamfara state governor, Bello Matawalle, to defect from PDP to APC on Tuesday June 29 – Official

According to him, most areas of the health system needed to be revamped to meet international standards.

“Most of these crimes perpetrated are drug-induced because no sane Nigerian will just go and commit crime except he is high on something. Imagine starting your day with the news of killing in the morning, it leaves an impression on your mind. We need to also look into issues of mental health.

“Now, we have cults in primary and secondary schools; then, it was in tertiary institutions, but you now see children in these schools thinking of how to kill their mates. This is sad.”

Earlier, Epelle appreciated Jonathan for being the first President to pay the bills of persons with albinism to secure treatment

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/nations-woes-traumatising-jonathan-admits/

The leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has told Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abubakar Gumi that he should stop misleading the people by asserting that IPOB and its vigilante group, Eastern Security Network (ESN) are after northerners living in Biafran land instead of terrorists and bandits causing security unrest in the zone.

Spokesman of the group, Emma Powerful, in a statement released to newsmen, Thursday posited that it is ridiculous for Gumi to assert that ESN is fighting Northerners living in the South East instead of criminals that have been terrorising the people in the geo-geopolitical zone.

Powerful in the statement pointed out that IPOB is not a blood-sucking organisation but freedom fighters who are interested in the welfare of their people, adding that Gumi should not twist issues.

The statement reads thus: “Attention of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB, led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been drawn to the latest ranting and ridiculous claims by terrorist apologist, Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, that IPOB, and Eastern Security Network, ESN, were killing Northerners. There is no iota of truth in such a mischievous and fallacious claim.

“In case the self-acclaimed Islamic cleric has forgotten, may we remind him that neither IPOB nor ESN is a terrorist organization or Killers like his bandit clients and allies. Spilling of blood is never part of our mandate.

Read Also: Kebbi abduction: It portends serious danger to entire peace of North-West region – Gov El-Rufa’i

“ESN is a child of necessity created for the defence of our ancestral land against terrorists and killer herdsmen wreaking havoc across our communities. ESN is only defending our hapless mothers and sisters who have been raped, maimed and attacked without any justification by Fulani herdsmen.

“Since December 2020 when ESN was set up by our leader, these vampires have been on the run because of the heat from our gallant operatives across Biafran forests. For Sheikh Gumi who never gave a hoot while killer herdsmen rampaged our communities to try to twist the fact now is not only mischief but an act of terror itself.

“No Northerner in any part of Biafra land can prove that he/she has at any time been attached by IPOB or ESN. We are only chasing terrorists and bandits behind killings and kidnapping for ransom in our land.

“Gumi should be ashamed that an Islamic cleric as he claims has suddenly become a mouthpiece for bandits and terrorists. Why does Gumi have a special interest in bandits and terrorists is an indication that he is a terrorist but has never shown any empathy to their victims of other Nigerians? Why is Gumi always advocating for terrorists and negotiating with them but never advanced the cause of victims of terror? What does Sheikh Gunmi have in common with bandits and terrorists?”

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/ipob-replies-gumi-were-not-after-northerners-but-terrorists/

Senator Peter Nwaoboshi has dismissed his suspension by the Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as laughable and of no consequence.

He also described the suspension as a foretaste of 2023 politics in the state.

The lawmaker, representing Delta North senatorial district, insisted the move was against the tenets of democracy and his right to a fair hearing.

Nwaoboshi made this known in a statement by his Legislative Aide, Philip Elueme, circulated to newsmen in Abuja, yesterday.

Elueme said: “Nwaoboshi’s attention was drawn to the purportedly, satirical and hurriedly, conspiratorial, very laughable caricature of an action by the Delta State Working Committee of the PDP purportedly suspending him from the party, as signed by its publicity secretary on Wednesday, June 23.

“The senator notes, curiously, that this irrational, laughable, illegal and unconstitutional action of this bunch of alarmingly, anti-democratic forces masquerading as the state working committee is against the principles of fair hearing – Audi Alteram Paten – as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, a document that supersedes all other documents.

Read Also: ICPC arraigns man over forgery of travel documents

“Curiously and very authoritatively, the PDP 2017 constitution, as amended, chapter 10, article 57(7) page 99 states categorically: “Notwithstanding any other provision relating to discipline, no executive committee, at any level, except the national executive committee, shall entertain any question of discipline as may relate or concern a member of the national executive committee, deputy governors or members of the National Assembly provided that nothing in the constitution shall preclude or invalidate any complain submitted…

“By these provisions, the state working committee has demonstrated complete undemocratic and anti-constitutional behaviour which has rendered their uncharitable pronunciation suspending Nwaoboshi, purportedly as null and void and of no consequence whatsoever.

“In the light of the above abysmal development, Nwaoboshi urges his teeming supporters, loyalists and numerous party faithful, in Delta State and beyond to remain calm in the face of this latest, ridiculously irrational charade and unbecoming action by anti-democratic, ‘Gestapo – fascists’ and forces of darkness, masquerading as party officials.”

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/my-suspension-from-pdp-unconstitutional-says-senator-nwaoboshi/

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo SAN, has said that putting pressure on family members and friends that are in positions of leadership to give you money is a way of encouraging them to steal and partake in corrupt practices.
Keyamo made the statement while making his presentation virtually at the unveiling of the ‘Corruption Tori Season 2” by SignatureTV in Abuja on Wednesday.

Corruption Tori is a programme produced by Signature TV, in conjunction with MacArthur Foundation to promote grassroots participation and involvement in the fight against corruption by employing local Nigerian languages in disseminating information on corruption matters.
The Minister urged more Nigerians to get involved in the fight against corruption stating that it is a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of the nation and must be eliminated for sustainable development to take place.

Also speaking, ICPC Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, called on more organisations, the media and civil societies to take a cue from what SignatureTV is doing and get involved in promoting the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

“Corruption is a threat to national security. It is a threat to the social-cultural and political economy. The way forward is for everyone to come on board just like Signature TV is doing. The media, the civil society organizations, critical stakeholders like SignatureTV to come on board and fight this Cankerworm.

“We need more people to get involved in the fight against corruption. We on our part at ICPC have been putting programmes and policies that have enabled us to record significant achievements in curbing corruption in Nigeria lately.” He said.

Chief Executive Officer, Signature TV, Vinmartin Obiora Ilo in his remarks said the project was borne out of the realization that there was a clear disconnect between the majority of Nigerians and the understanding of the implications of the menace, corruption.

He said the anti-corruption messages, no matter how loud or consistent they were, could not get to the ordinary not-so-educated Nigerians at the grassroots become they mostly do not completely understand the English language used in these messages.

“Our Relationship with MacArthur Foundation started in 2018 when we realized that the anti-corruption messages no matter how loud, was not getting to the ordinary-not-so-educated Nigerians at the grassroots.

Read Also: Okonjo-Iweala seeks lower trade cost to boost Africa’s economic recovery

“Neither do they properly understand nor engage with the English language being used in the anti-corruption messages nor do they feel a sense of ownership of the anti-corruption fight. There was a clear disconnect between the horrible cases of corruption and the appreciation of most Nigerians on the magnitude and impact of the hydra-headed monster.

“So we took a proposal to MacArthur, which they fine-tuned and which gave birth to this project.
“Our Mandate was to use local Nigerian languages of Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba to enlighten and educate Nigerians at the grassroots and amplify anti-corruption voices, activities and actions in Nigeria.

“The objective is to cause attitudinal change and make Nigerians demand accountability and transparency by holding leaders to account.
“To execute this project we found a vehicle in Corruption Tori a Pidgin English programme which is translated into Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. Corruption Tori is aired on the Network Service of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and syndicated to NTA Partner Stations, spread in the Six geopolitical zones of Nigeria” Ilo disclosed.

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/demanding-money-from-relatives-in-power-encourages-them-to-steal-keyamo/

A pan-Arewa group, Northern Youth Elders Forum (NYEF), has endorsed Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, for the 2023 presidency.

Speaking during a meeting in Bauchi, yesterday, National Chairman of the group, Eliot Afiyo, said Mohammed was picked from among 27 prominent Nigerians who were considered as possible presidential candidates for 2023.

He said the Bauch governor came tops during a shadow election on likely future presidents at the 27th delegates conference of NYEF in Yola, Adamawa State. He said all 48 exco members of the group attended and voted for the governor without any dissension.

The NYEF chairman said the group took interest in Mohammed when he defeated a sitting Bauchi governor in 2007 to emerge senator. He said Mohammed again proved his popularity in 2019 when he defeated an incumbent to become Governor of Bauchi State.

“The boldness and overwhelming passion he displayed in the Senate when he promoted the Doctrine of Necessity motion that steadied the ship of state in the wake of late President Umar Yar’Ardua’s illness and brought peace to the country announced Bala Mohammed’s trajectory as a future national leader who would be needed someday. That day has come,” Afiyo said.

He said Mohammed’s “good record of service as FCT minister; his performance showed him as the Moses who, someday, would take the country to the promised land.”

He said after due consideration of Mohammed’s sterling leadership qualities, NYEF had no doubt in endorsing him to run for the 2023 presidential election on the platform of any party of his choice.

Afiyo said the group, which also endorsed President Olusegun Obasanjo, Umar Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari when they vied for president in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015, will mobilise for Governor Mohammed to emerge victorious in 2023.

“Your Excellency should consider this as a call to duty; you cannot decline,” he said

The NYEF boss warned that if Mohammed declines to run for president in 2023, his group “would be compelled to mobilise its 4, 000-strong membership to work against Governor Mohammed, even up to his local government.”

Mohammed, in his response, said he had a feeling of fulfilment and accomplishment to note that NYEF, “after traversing the north canvassing their points and consulting widely, came to the conclusion that he earned their confidence to run for president.”

Read Also: Akwa Ibom: State to commission Sheraton Hotel by September — Gov Emmanuel

He said even if he doesn’t run for president, he considered his nomination and endorsement a great honour not just to him, but to Bauchi and a commendable approach to leadership recruitment.

Mohammed expressed gratitude to God for the opportunities to rise to the directorate cadre in the Federal Civil Service, get elected as senator, serve as minister and later elected governor.

The governor asked the group to give him time to consult with various stakeholder groups and constituencies that make up his political family, including Bauchi people, governors, National Assembly members, former ministers with whom he served, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and more importantly, his primary constituency, the PDP at state and national levels.

He said the challenges facing the country were enormous and expressed the need for NYEF to build bridges that would rescue the country from the precipice.

“We need to build a bridge; the country is on a precipice. We need to have a vision, a roadmap that shows us where we are and where we need to go, the resources we need, not passing the buck or denigrating anybody. Then we can be sure that we are going to do it for everybody,” he said.

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/2023-northern-youths-endorse-bauchi-gov-bala-mohammed-for-presidency/

Lawmaker calls for regulation of Twitter, says Nigerian youths cannot eat social media


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEiloGAp66o

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), loyal to Governor Willie Obiano, Wednesday, elected Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo as its gubernatorial candidate for the Anambra State gubernatorial poll taking place in November. This is coming as the APGA faction led by Mr Jude Okeke announced the suspension of Soludo and three other chieftains of the party He further described the primary election held by the other faction as “illegal” adding that their own primaries would take place on the first day of July. Soludo, a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, pooled 740 votes to defeat three other aspirants of the party in the primary held at Prof. Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Centre, Awka. Other contestants were Hon. Okwudili Ezenwankwo, who garnered 41 votes, Mr Ibeh (10), Mr Damian Okolo (7) and Kenechukwu Christopher (4).

Read Also: The president has nothing to do with proposed amendment of press council bill – Femi Adesina

The Chief Returning Officer of the APGA Governorship Electoral Committee Panel, Deacon Samson Olalere, said that a total of 812 delegates were billed to participate in the election but 795 votes were accredited, while 792 votes were the total votes cast. Obiano, who is the party’s BoT Chairman, in a speech at the occasion, thanked the party delegates for the peaceful conduct during the election, noting that Soludo would win the election all over the 21 LGAs as he did in 2017. The candidate, Prof. Soludo, described his emergence as “divine”, assuring that his administration would consolidate Obiano’s achievement to effect good government in the state.

source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/soludo-wins-anambra-apga-governorship-primary-election/

The absence of a defence witness on Wednesday stalled the ongoing trial of alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike (“Evans”) and others before an Ikeja high court.

Evans’s counsel, Mr Oyekunle Falabi, from Victor Okpara and Co Chambers informed the court that the witness, whose name was not provided, could no longer be reached via phone.

‘My lord, ordinarily we are ready to go on, but I’m surprised that the first defendant’s (Evans) witness is not in court,’ he said.

‘My lord, we have even put her through as a witness and I am surprised that she is not here. I have been trying to reach her on phone but her line is switched off. I am praying that the court should give us a short date.’

The counsel to Evans’s five co-defendants also agreed with Falabi’s request for an adjournment.

Read Also: Smuggling pushes petrol daily consumption to 103m litres, says NNPC

Responding, Justice Hakeem Oshodi adjourned the case till June 29 for the continuation of defence.

‘All other defendants should bring their witnesses on that day so that the day will not be wasted,’ Oshodi ordered.

Evans while being led in his defence on January 22 by Mr Victor Okpara denied all allegations of kidnapping levelled against him by the Lagos State government.

He insisted that he was a legitimate businessman. He said his nickname was not Evans but was coerced into admitting being a kidnapper after the police, in a bid to make him confess, extra-judicially killed four individuals in his presence.
source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/kidnapper-absence-of-defence-witness-stalls-evans-trial/

We’ll suspend any social media platform that violates Nigeria’s policy- FG

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dmyd-_t0Dro

Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, says no fewer than 36 million Nigerians benefited from the Community Social Development Project (CSDP) within 11 years in the country.

Farouq made this known in her opening address at the ‘Close Out’ event for the CSDP on Tuesday in Abuja.

The event was to mark the end of CSDP in Nigeria.

She said the project, which became effective in 2009, has had two Additional Financings, all totalling 415 million dollars.

The minister said in its over 11 years of existence, the CSDP had evolved into one of the strong pillars for the implementation of the Social Protection Programmes of the Federal Government under her Ministry through the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO).

She stressed that the CSDP operated with the core principle of the Community-Driven Development (CDD) Approach.

She explained that this was a development paradigm that focused on the needs of the poor and vulnerable and empowering them with development resources to address their peculiar needs.

“Using this unique approach, the CSDP has implemented micro-projects in poor communities across the 543 Local Government Areas of 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

‘This represents about 70 per cent of the total number of local governments in Nigeria.

“The poor communities are identified specifically through the use of Poverty Maps agreed to by each participating state and FCT.

“The Project has made a substantial impact on improving access of the poor and vulnerable to social and natural resources infrastructure across the benefitting communities,” she said.

Umar Farouq said that the total number of beneficiaries of CSDP stands at 11 million direct beneficiaries across the 29 states, with an estimated 25 million indirect beneficiaries.

According to the minister, the CSDP has achieved among others the completion of 16,166 micro-projects in 5,664 communities and 934 vulnerable groups.

“These micro-projects cut across eight sectors of intervention namely education, health, water, transportation, electrification, socio-economic, environment and community housing.5,764 classrooms, 1,323 health centres and 4,442 water micro-projects were constructed and or rehabilitated.

“The above results demonstrate that community-driven development approach adopted as the implementation strategy in the CSDP is not only reliable but produces results and should be sustained by the participating states and beyond,” she said.

Read Also: Saudi Arabia donates 23 ventilators to Nigeria

Speaking, Mr Clem Agba, State Minister of Finance and Budget Planning said the close of CSDP was the upgrade of CSDP to Nigeria.

“The programme has built capacity for close to 12 years and we will not allow the capacity to go just like that.

“President Muhammadu Buhari cares and that is why he approved the project and have his full support,” Agba said.

He appreciated Farouq and President Muhammadu Buhari for their passion and dedication to the poor, vulnerable and Community development.

The high point of the event was the presentation of awards to Farouq, Agba, World Bank, and many others including some states.
source: https://newstrack.oak.tv/36-million-nigerians-benefit-from-fgs-community-social-development-projects-%e2%80%95-minister/

Man battles with his life after drinking full bottle of Gin to impress friends

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzlYATJ_858