The Confluence Trust Paper (May, 2023 Edition)

Kogi TINUBU
Assures Abejide
Nigerians calls for proper
Government of Better funding of the
signs 5 Bills Days as 10th National
into law Page 8
He hosts
Tony Blair Assembly
Page 20
Page 2
THE CONFLUENCE TRUST

THE PEOPLES TRUST VOL.01 TUESDAY 30TH MAY, 2023
NO. 26
Kogi Guber 2023:

Alh. Murtala/Hon. Abenemi of SDP,
Dino, Ododo 7 others make INEC list
Page 7
President Bola Ahmed

Tinubu Addresses Nigerian
as He Takes Oath of Office,
Removed Fuel Subsidy Page 18
Hon. Idoko Barr. Okeme
CBN again revokes

licences of 132 Micro
Finance banks Page 21 Admiral Usman Jubrin
Sen. Dino
The rich getting

richer, the poor
getting poorer:
A Combination Hon. Abejide
of injustice and Alh. Muritala Ajaka
in-efficiency Page 23
Hon. Mubarak
Hon. Ododo
- Aderemi M. ( PhD)
BAGANA Kwara State

Governor
Communal emerges New
Crisis: Open As Buhari bows
EFCC exposes
plans by corrupt
Nigeria
letter to Gov. Bello out, NLC President
Governors and
Governor's Forum
of Kogi State, Page 6 scores him low
on infrastructure, other Politicians
Chairman (NGF)
While Seyi Makinde
Attah Igala- I. D. Ijele security, power to flee Nigeria is his Vice Page 8
and others Page 8 Page 8
08069601124, 09033136986 08069601124 [email protected] TrustNews No. 3 Afubu Close, Gadumo Area, Lokoja, Kogi State.
02 VOL. 01 NO. 26 NEWS
TUESDAY 30TH MAY, 2023
Buhari names Federal Secretariat
After Goodluck Jonathan
T he Conuence Trust Newspaper
reports that President
Muhammadu Buhari has honored
his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, by
naming a federal government building
after him.
The Nigerian leader recently virtually

commissioned three bridges, three
secretariats, and one road project
undertaken by his administration.
Dr. Goodluck Jonathan
The Federal Government built Jonathan Federal Secretariat in Yenagoa,
secretariats in Anambra, Bayelsa, and Ebele Okeke Federal Secretariat in Awka,
Zamfara states to cut expenditures on and Malam Yahaya Gusau Federal
rent for ofce spaces. Secretariat in Gusau.
Tinubu
CCB orders Tinubu , Governors-elect Buhari said the structures would “reduce
the cost of governance by bringing federal
The President said making infrastructure
development a key point of focus in his
and others to declare assets before civil servants under one roof for efcient
service delivery.”
administration was deliberate “to create
wealth and make poverty alleviation
29th May, 2023. The new buildings are Dr Goodluck Ebele easier.”

reports that the Code of Conduct
Bureau (CCB) has said that all
issued assets declaration forms to the
newly elected and returning public
ofcers.
Nestle appoints New Board Chairman,
Oyebode as Ifazulike retires
T
newly elected ofcers, including the Management
he Board of Nestlé Nigeria PLC has
President-elect, Bola Tinubu, his Vice, “But since asset declaration appointed Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, Science and a
Kashim Shettima, and state governors, administration is a continuous process, MFR, as the new Chairman of the Diploma of
either newly elected or re-elected must we have started receiving some Board of Directors with effect from May Imperial
declare their assets before they are sworn completed forms from some of them, 18, 2023. College,
in on May 29 or they will face the while some are yet to return theirs. London, was
The appointment announced to appointed to
consequences for not doing so. Though, from previous experience, we the Board of
hardly have had any problem with elected shareholders and other stakeholders at
the Annual General Meeting of Nestlé N e s t l é
This online newspaper understands that public ofcers, they do ll and return their Nigeria PLC, held at the MUSON Center Nigeria PLC
Dr. Mustapha Musa, the Special Assistant forms, but it is important we remind them on May 17, 2023, follows the retirement on December
to CCB Chairman, Prof. Mohammed Isah, of the need to comply with the provisions of Mr. David Ifezulike as a Director and 22, 2000. He
the Chairman of the Board of the became the Chairman of the Board on
stated this in a chat with the media on of the law.” May 10, 2013 and served the Company
Tuesday. According to him, the Bureau has Company with effect from May 18, 2023.
meritoriously during his tenure.
done its part by issuing the asset “The constitution is clear on defaulters;
declaration forms to all newly elected and hence they should declare before they are Mr. Oyebode qualied as a Solicitor and
Advocate of the Supreme Court of He joined Nestlé Nigeria PLC on January
re-elected public ofcers across the sworn in or they face the consequences.’’ 1,1980 and worked for over 26 years in
Nigeria in 1980. He holds a Master of
country. Laws degree and is the co-founder of the various capacities and locations including
Musa said that aside from elected public law rm of Aluko & Oyebode. He is a Nigeria, Malaysia, Zimbabwe,
He, however, noted that some of the ofcers, appointed public ofcers and civil Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Switzerland, and Ghana. He was on an
Arbitrators (UK) and the Nigerian international exchange program as
forms issued have not been returned. servants should also endeavour to declare Factory Manager of Nestlé Ghana
According to Musa, the constitution is their assets. He added that apart from Leadership Initiative. He is the Chairman
of Okomu Oil Palm PLC, Teach for All, between May 1999 and April 2003.
clear on the consequences for those that asset declaration, the ofcers must and the African Philanthropy Forum. He is
fail to return the form before they are comply with all the codes of the Bureau. also a Director of both CFAO Nigeria and He retired from Nestlé Nigeria PLC as
sworn in. Lafarge Africa PLC as well as a member of the Executive Director, Industrial
“We always urge them to comply with the the Board of Trustees of the Ford development in October, 2006.
Constitutional mandate code of conduct as enshrined under the Foundation.
Emphasizing the importance of the asset fth schedule of the constitution of the The Board of Nestlé Nigeria PLC thanked
declaration for all elected and appointed country, not only asset declaration. They Mr. Oyebode was rst appointed to the Mr. Ifezulike for his contributions to the
Board of Nestlé Nigeria PLC on February growth of the Company and wished him
public ofcers, Musa said: should comply with other codes, like the
24, 2014, and has served on the Statutory success in his future endeavours.
prohibition of bribery and corruption, Audit Committee, Nomination,
“It is important for elected ofcers to abuse of power, among others because it Governance and Remuneration The Board of Nestlé Nigeria PLC also
comply with the provisions of the is for the betterment of our country. Committee as well as the Board Audit and expressed condence in the ability of the
Constitution as it is part of the Risk Management Committee of the new Chairman of the Board of Directors,
requirements for occupying or exiting a “When things get better, corruption will Company. Mr. Oyebode, to further contribute to the
public ofce. As an agency of government, be defeated and we will have a country we development of the Company and wished
we have already done our work according will be proud of,” he said. Mr. Ifezulike who holds a Masters in him personal satisfaction in his new role.
to the constitutional mandate; we have
Fmr British Prime Minister, Tony Blair holds Peter Obi: Dangote refinery will give Nigeria
strategist meeting with Nigeria President-Elect additional savings on foreign exchange
It is immeasurable to our country Nigeria and to
president-elect. Africa. Because if you look at one of the biggest
A source in Tinubu’s camp conrmed drain to our foreign exchange which is affecting
Blair’s visit, saying he was in the country to our reserve and exchange rate is our foreign
have a ‘crucial diplomatic meeting’ with exchange. This will impact positively into our
the two-term governor of Lagos State. being able to have additional savings to our
foreign exchange and rebuilding our reserve
“I don’t have all the details yet. But I which will go a long way in impacting on our rate.
Dangote Peter Obi
Tinubu Blair believe it has to do with fostering a
bilateral relationship between Nigeria and What do you think about the price of PMS? Do

reports that the Former British
Prime Minister, Tony Blair, on
the United Kingdom. I hope you are aware
that the US Secretary also called Asiwaju
last week,” he said.
J ournalists caught up with his excellency, Peter
obi during the commissioning of dangote
renery.
you think it will come down or stay where it is?
Quite frankly it is not whether it comes down or
stay where it is.
Tu e s d a y, p a i d a v i s i t t o t h e For me it is about availability and being able to
president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, at What do you think or say is the benet of this turn around the economy where this can
In attendance at the meeting were
the Defence House. massive renery in Nigeria? contribute in using the resources we are going to
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
The development comes one week before Femi Gbajabiamila; and Vice President- For me, the project contribution is save in other areas in order to propel moving the
the swearing-in ceremony of the elect, Kashim Shettima. immeasurable. country from CONSUMPTION TO
It is immeasurable to our economy. PRODUCTION.
VOL. 01 NO. 26 TUESDAY 30TH MAY, 2023 NEWS 03
Buhari leaves Legacy's of Kidnapping,

Inflation and debt _ BBC He is a charismatic gure with a huge practices by an administration that was
appetite for sensationalism which he fed ghting corruption and mismanagement”.
devotees via his internet radio station.
As he leaves, Buhari’s handling of the
Ipob was largely ignored by many Nigerian economy will most likely be
Nigerians until Kanu was rst arrested for remembered for his botched attempt
treason by the Buhari government in earlier this year at redesigning the local
2015. A subsequent state-sanctioned currency.
attack on his home marked the beginning
of an armed confrontation that has An otherwise rudimentary exercise
spiralled out of control, claiming hundreds descended into chaos as scarcity of the
of lives in the process. new naira notes, which have now almost
disappeared, resulted in untold hardship
After escaping in 2017, he was abducted for millions in the country who relied on
in unclear circumstances abroad and cash for basic needs.
returned to Nigeria in 2021 to face trial. A
judge has ordered his release as the “The small business we were doing was
process of his return was illegal but destroyed by that man,” said a university
authorities continue to hold him. graduate in Abuja who made money by
supplying banknotes to her customers
These security challenges made many before the cash crisis.
question Buhari’s handling of a sector that
was supposed to be his area of expertise. Her anger was fuelled by a common
Muhammadu Buhari
problem in Nigeria – a lack of work among
“I am surprised at the level of educated young people.
embarrassment he has brought to his
W hen he steps down next week

President Muhammadu Buhari
will be leaving Nigerians less
secure, poorer and more in
debt than when he came to ofce in 2015.
allowed to boil over into deadly armed
confrontations with an ethnic element, as
the government ran out of ideas to solve
the problem of where animals could
graze.
constituency, the military, despite all the
promises he made,” said retired Colonel
Hassan Stan-Labi, a security analyst.
Currently one in three Nigerians who
want to work are unable to nd a job.
Before Buhari took over that gure was
less than one in 10.
“How can you fail in your own area of
specialty?” he asked. The government has blamed a drastic
The former military ruler became Buhari, a Fulani from northern Nigeria,
was accused of bias in the conict and his drop in oil prices in its early days, the
president after winning a momentous The countrywide insecurity under Buhari Covid pandemic and Russia’s war in
election which saw the defeat of proposal of grazing reserves for the
herders were rebuffed by powerful has largely been muted in the oil-rich Ukraine.
underperforming incumbent Goodluck Niger Delta where oil-militants and sea
Jonathan. southern state governors who saw it as a
land-grabbing tactic. pirates held sway in the past. But some of its policies, such as currency
restrictions and closing the land borders
Riding a wave of optimism that change But that peace seems to have coincided to boost local production, have
was possible, he was supported by a Some of the armed groups created by the
f a r m e r- h e r d e r c r i s i s h a v e s i n c e with a period of large-scale oil theft, with contributed towards record ination that
powerful coalition and had the reputation the government accused of looking away has made millions poorer and depleted a
of being a hard-man soldier, who would transitioned into violent motorcycle-
riding bandits targeting communities in while different groups in the region steal once burgeoning Nigerian middle-class.
get things done. crude from the pipelines. This led to
the northwest and central states. These
groups have helped turn a lucrative Nigeria’s production plunging to a 30- Last week, with the end in sight, Buhari
After Buhari’s brief stint in charge in the year low in 2022. pleaded with lawmakers to hurriedly
1980s, his second coming was on the back kidnap-for-ransom business into a
behemoth that now extends approve an $800m (£640m) loan from the
of promises to curtail the rampaging The shocking discovery last October of a World Bank. Nigeria’s public debt could
Islamist insurgency in the northeast and countrywide.
kilometres-long pipeline used to steal oil pass $150bn this year – when he took
tackle widespread corruption. was described by commentators as over it stood at a little over $60bn.
It took hold during the rst decade of the
century when oil workers were “nearly impossible” without help from
He is the last of a generation of British- authorities. His borrowing spree has drawn warnings
trained military men who went on to kidnapped in the Niger Delta and
blossomed under Buhari’s watch as the from the World Bank that Africa’s largest
govern the country. In one location, thieves built their own economy was using 96% of its revenue to
targets changed.
4km-long pipeline through the heavily service debts.
But the 80-year-old’s two four-year terms guarded creeks to the Atlantic Ocean.
have left many disappointed. For instance, thousands of school children
were abducted between December 2020 There, barges and vessels blatantly loaded But the huge debt has been defended by
and September 2021, according to the the stolen oil from a seven-metre rig the administration who say it is within
There have been gains in tackling Boko UN’s children’s organisation, Unicef. That visible for miles on the open waters. acceptable limits, pointing to cash
Haram and other extremist groups in the eclipsed the 270 girls seized from a school payments to poor people as justication
northeast, aided by improved military in Chibok who made global headlines in That theft on such a scale happened for some of the loans.
hardware from the US. 2014 – a crime that was a crucial factor in directly under Buhari, who also doubled
Buhari defeating Jonathan. a s N i g e r i a ’ s p e t r o l e u m m i n i s t e r, “These welfarist interventions give a
While the groups still carry out attacks on undermined his claim to be ghting graft, window into the kind soul of the
communities and military installations in “I thought that as a former military ruler Salaudeen Hashim of anti-corruption president, a man some people have not
the region, it is a big improvement from he would have the solution to Nigeria’s NGO Cleen Foundation, told the BBC. bothered to discern, dissect and
the years when they operated freely and security challenges,” Musa Ahmadu a decipher,” presidential spokesman Femi
controlled a large portion of Nigerian farmer now living in the northwestern Buhari’s integrity was also impugned by Adesina wrote last week.
territory. state of Kano, told the BBC. his frequent medical trips to the UK
despite spending large sums to refurbish a Like him, many in the administration insist
Buhari also utilised Chinese loans to Ahmadu, originally from the president’s clinic in the presidential villa. it has had a good eight-year run. Although
upgrade the ailing road and rail home state of Katsina, abandoned his land both he and his wife have apologised for
infrastructure, building a new port in and ed to neighbouring Kano alongside This lack of transparency “drained not delivering on promises made, Buhari
Lagos, completing a crucial bridge in the thousands of others because of the taxpayers’ monies, encouraged illicit has said that he tried his best.
southeast, and passing important activities of armed groups in the region. nancial ows and other corruption-
electoral and oil-sector laws. enabling activities the administration “I want [Nigerians] to analyse how things
Many also believe that Buhari has preached against”, Auwal Rafsanjani, the were when we came in and how they are
But whatever gains have been recorded in mishandled the situation thrown up by head of Transparency International in when we’re leaving,” he responded when
the northeast against the Islamist militants separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu. Nigeria, told the BBC. asked about his legacy last year.
have been eroded by the emergence of
equally violent groups in other parts of the Rafsanjani scored the administration four The fact is that Nigerians were safer,
country under his watch. Kanu heads the Indigenous People of
Biafra (Ipob), a group seeking secession in out of 10 in ghting corruption, and said better off and less in debt before Buhari
the southeast which is proscribed by the Buhari’s appointment of people with took over, and many will remember him
Clashes between farmers and cattle government. ongoing corruption cases to his cabinet for presiding over the toughest eight years
herders from the Fulani ethnic group, and his wife’s long stays in expensive they might ever face.
which had simmered for years, were Dubai homes “contravened best
04 VOL. 01 NO. 26 TUESDAY 30TH MAY, 2023 NEWS
Kogi Guber: SDP Submits Murtala
Yakubu Ajaka, Sam Ranti Outrage grows over use of
Abenemi as Candidates condoms and other sex contents
Post Newspaper and signed by the
National Chairman and Secretary of
the SDP.
in Nigeria Primary School books
SUBMISSION OF SOCIAL
D E M O C R AT I C PA R T Y ’ S
GOVERNORSHIP AND DEPUTY
T he Muslim Students’
Society of Nigeria
(MSSN), B-Zone,
has expressed concern
over the inclusion of lewd
Razaq, and dated 15th May,
noted that, a typical
Mathematics question for
primary school pupils is “20
condoms + 5 condoms – 2
from contents that are
harmful to the morals of
young students.
GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE “ We demand that the

and sexually explicit condoms equals”. Ministry of Education takes
FOR THE 2023 KOGI STATE materials including
GOVERNORSIHP immediate steps to remove
condoms in some primary all textbooks
ELECTION and secondary containing
s c h o o l lewd and
Murtala Ajaka We w r i t e t o s u b m i t t o y o u r textbooks sexually
commission, the names of our great currently in explicit
circulation in
T he Social Democratic Party has party’s Governorship and Deputy materials

submitted the name of Murtala Governorship Candidates for the Kogi Nigeria. f r o m
Yakubu Ajaka and Hon. Sam State 2023 Governorship Election. circulation in
Ranti Abenemi as it The group in a schools
Governorship and Deputy Details are provided: below letter to the across the
Governorship Candidate for the Kogi Minister of country.
State 2023 Governorship election. I. Murtala Yakubu Governorship Education,
Candidate Mallam Adamu “We believe
The Submission was made vie a letter Adamu, said: that the
to the Independent National Electoral “ W e a r e Alh. Adamu Adamu
Nigerian
2. Abeneml Sam Ranti Deputy appalled by the
Commission and copied the Nigerian education
Governorship Candidate content in some They further said some of s y s t e m
Mathematics, English, and the textbooks promote should uphold the cultural
Fear of Muri, Kogi APC dissolves Wards, Social Science textbooks a b o r t i o n , L G B T, and religious values of the
used in many Nigerian
Local Government Executives of secondary schools today.
masturbation, and safe sex. Nigerian people,
particularly the Muslim
Igala Mela/ Odolu LGA. These textbooks have been
corrupted to include lewd “We believe that this is a
c o m m u n i t y, ” t h e M S S
ofcial said in reaction to
and sexually explicit blatant violation of the the controversy of
Onoja, State Secretary of the State cultural and religious values
matters in order to condoms in primary school.
APC, said it has established cases of of the Nigerian people,
sexualize young students.”
nancial inducement of the Executive particularly the Muslim
members with the intention to community. The MSSN, Some of the books they
weaken the Party, consequently The letter tagged, being a major stakeholder listed include Basic Science
suspended their activities. “Inclusion of Sex and in the Nigerian education Junior Secondary School
Homosexuality in Nigerian system, cannot but express Razat Publishers, 2018
Primary and Secondary her grave concern about edition, (for JSS3), New
The statement of suspension
S c h o o l Te x t b o o k s : A Concept English for Senior
T
he Kogi State All Progressives described the action of the APC the situation,” they said.
Threat to Morality and Secondary Schools for
Congress has dissolved all the Executives as a gross violation of the
A t t a c k o n SSS2, Revised edition (2018
Wards and Local Government Party’s constitution. They called on the Ministry
Cultural/Religious Values,” edition), Active Basic
Executives of the Party in signed by the group’s of Education to urgently Science, 2014 edition, and
Igalamela Odolu LGA. T h e Pa r t y s a y s a c a r e t a k e r C o o r d i n a t o r, Q a a s i m investigate the matter and Basic Science & Technology
committee would be set up for the Odedeji, and General ensure that textbooks used for Junior Secondary
In a statement signed by Joshua party at the Ward and Local Secretary, Abdul Jalil Abdur in Nigerian schools are free School 1, 2 and 3.
Government Area of the Party.
Abejide of ADC urges Dino Melaye of PDP to quit Kogi

Guber Race and warns him not to live on the Past Glory.
O ur attention has been drawn to an article
with the below headlines “Power
Rotation: ADC, Abejide, Don’t Mess with
Our Collective Destiny” by one faceless Angulu
Muhammed Tanko.
over the primary. Worst of all, the Congress has led
to Exodus of all the important stakeholders of the
party in the state, expecially the candidate kinsmen.
Let us list but few to awake the writer and his
sponsorer from their political slumber: 1. Hon.
For strength, the last general election has shown
vividly that the candidate of a party is the strength of
the party. For those who thought Labour Party has
in a manner of suicide conducted a Congress openly
clothed in rigging attires, power wading ego and
staking of wits to outsmart better candidate for
controversial laden Dino Melaye to emerged.
no spread or strength, today will think twice seeing
Philip Orebiyi, a former House of Assembly that the presidential candidate of the party Lovers of democracy in Nigeria and beyond the
The writer in his own wisdom “X -ray” what he member from Yagba West; Hon. Shola recorded votes even where it was lest shore of the country already know that things have
thought is the “ADC spread and Strength” as well as Ojo, a former House of expected. Most of the electorates will be fallen apart for both the PDP and it’s candidate in
“Dino, PDP, Structure and Strength”. Representatives member and party interested in the character of whom they Kogi. The umbrella is already over stressed and
bigwig; Hon. Alfred Bello – a former should give their votes to. Let us save them torn to pieces. No miracle can patch the PDP
House of Assembly member from their time and show a cue of the candidates umbrella in Kogi. Even the governor who is trying to
We ordinarily wouldn’t have mind the lies Kabba/Bunu and state Treasurer of of PDP and ADC for the guber election
concocted in the jaundiced write up, safe for the install his stooges in APC laughed openly when he
the party, Hon. Sam Abeneme – heard that Dino was the PDP candidate – it is as bad
fact that the writer went out of his way to speak former commissioner for Water
about our principal, Hon. Leke Abejide and his ADC/PDP CANDIDATE. as that.
resources and State Deputy
party, ADC. Chairman, Hon. Delex from Mopa, The characters of each of the candidates is a
three Assembly candidates in the last reection of what the outcome of the If only the sponsored writer has any modicons of
A thorough view of the write up shows that it was election…the list is endless. So where election will be. For Hon. Leke, his good common Sense, he would have sticked to the
more of the biblical “Voice of Jacob, hand of Esau” is the structure?. wills, unparalleled antecedent business of giving false hope to his paid master
phenomenal. Whatever it may be, and in order not performance as Reps members rather than dabbled in the affairs of others. Let us
to allow lies sticking too longer to be mistaken for and the good name he has wait till the election time and see what the outcome
Even the blind can see garnered will speak for him at will be. If there is anybody who should toe the part
truth, we deem it t to reply the writer’s and his that the PDP after it’s
sponsorer of their unhealthy utterances. The the appropriate time – same of honour – if he still have any honour left in him, is
Congress has become will also speak for the PDP the PDP candidate. He should beg his party and
writer and his sponsors without common sense almost empty while
spoke about ADC as a regional party in Kogi. They candidate who has constituency, take a quick bow and leave the stage
the ADC is lling up demonstrated unbridled for real contestant – The Kogi State Governorship
also went on to say that the party has no strength. everyday to the brim by lovers of democracy who
To them, the PDP holds the glory of a credible tongue, diarrhea mouth and sexual recklessness race is not for jester or pretenders.
are decamping and recamping with the party over the years.
opposition in the Western Senatorial district, and because of the candidate, Elder Leke Abejide.
Kogi at large. Apart from the image shattering of the PDP Dino Melaye Daniel has grows the necessary
candidate, it was conspicuously disappointing that detachment from his little political fortunes that
SPREAD AND STRENGTH. the major PDP stakeholders openly admitted that every successful politician needs.
It is either Angulu (if that is his real name) and his It is obvious that the writer and his sponsors are their guber Congress was nothing but a disaster.
sponsorer are living in self denial or beclouded by hiding behind one nger. The political fortune of
the lost glory of the People’s Democractic party in PDP in the state has dwindled to the last point. A With joy we want to tell Kogites, that the big
Nigeria, lest of all places, Kogi or Western It is obvious to any keen watcher of politics that masquerade is still coming; once he reached the
party that control 100 percent of all elective with the PDP agbearer, Dino Melaye, the party is
Senatorial district. position in 2007 has moved to the 3rd in line. At arena, every other smaller masquerades will pave
heading for a calamitous disaster that could be liken way – Hon. Leke Abejide is the big masquade and
present, ADC holds two House of Representatives to the Tsunamic incident in Asia. It is already clear
Let us remind them that the primary that produced seat and one State Constituency (and at the verge he will soon take the centre stage in his quest to
that with the last election, the foot print of PDP has liberate the state from its present
the PDP candidate has been adjudged as the worst of reclaiming one other mandate) the PDP has only already been swept off in Kogi State. The
in the history of the state. Not only that the one House of Representatives seat – where is the maladministration. The rescue mission is on and
misfortunes that trails PDP in the last election both strong!
delegates list was tinkered with, the party strength then. One continued to wondered- at Federal and state level means PDP has missed its
supposedly winner has also been dragged to court WHERE IS PDP IN KOGI NOW?. track for good. As if that was not enough, the PDP
Igala Peace Ambassadors
2023: Why Murtala Yakubu appeal to Admiral Jibrin
Ajaka is the best choice as Usman to Embrace Decision
of Igala Elders Committee
Governor of Kogi State Progressives to full employment."
Congress. He has
distinguished He adds: "To create jobs, we will
himself excellently introduce an ambitious 'Kogi State
at the national and Employment, Entrepreneurship
state. Muri will and Empowerment Programme
replicate his (DEEP) and will support our Social
e n d l e s s Economy and our Small and
developmental Medium Enterprises. DEEP is an
s t r i d e s unbreakable commitment to be
exemplied by fullled with innovative ideas and
the numerous reforms targeting massive private-
projects he sector economic development and
attracted to growth through responsible
Kogi state and management of government
beyond while resources and processes.
serving. He will
also be bringing
his vast "The driving strategy behind DEEP
experience to will create modern cluster
bear in the industries and manufacturing
management of centres that will generate good
the state resources jobs in every Local Government Admiral Usman Jubrin
as governor of Area (LGA) of Kogi State. Our
Kogi State if target is to create the right Dear Admiral Usman Jibrin,
given the environment and support
opport mechanism, including structured I am compelled to write this open letter to you with
unity. state guarantees, for the private utmost respect for your distinguished career in the
sector to develop at least 5 major Nigerian Navy. However, we are gravely concerned
employment-generating corporate about your recent decision to contest in the Kogi
vehicles in each LGA annually. State gubernatorial race, which has the potential to
These will drive well-organised, create divisions and distractions in the Kogi East.
government-supported and
actively supervised Micro, Small As you are aware, the Kogi State gubernatorial
and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) election is fast approaching, and we believe that it is
to be strategically spread across the crucial for all stakeholders to come together and
State on the basis of the unique support a consensus candidate who is capable of
economic strength of each LGA. leading the state to greater heights. In this regard, I
This is at the core of our overall strongly urge you to withdraw your candidacy and
Alh. Murtala Ajaka
BUILD A NEW Kogi – BAND
throw your weight behind Muritala Yakubu Ajaka,
governance agenda."
who has emerged as the consensus candidate of the
O ur state, Kogi, is at an
epochal moment that will
determine whether we
move forward as a people or we
retrogress. There is no doubt that
itala Ajaka is a development-
Mur
o r i e n t e d a d m i n i s t r a t o r. A s
governor if given the opportunity,
Kogi State has not had a leader who
lucidly articulates his vision as Muri
does. Muri's manifesto immensely
underscores his passion and the
Kogi East.
We believe that your entry into the race at this point

could polarize the Igala voters and create
unnecessary distractions that could derail the SDP
Muri would usher in a renewed
most Kogites are disappointed with hope and opportunities for promise of a new Kogi anchored on chances of winning the election. We also note that
the current condition of our state. Kogites. His emergence will also creating employment, Muritala Yakubu Ajaka is a younger, enigmatic and
For a state that is blessed with improve the relationship and development, good governance fearless candidate who has the support of the
abundant solid mineral resources, enhance synergy between the and enduring security. majority of the electorate and stakeholders in the
arable land and some of the best Federal and Kogi State state.
human capital in Nigeria, it should governments and thereby, attract Yet another plus is that Alhaji
not be in its current sorry state. the needed development currently M u r t a l a Ya k u b u A j a k a i s a As a respected elder statesman and Igala leader, we
eluding the hard working and detribalised Kogite whose actions, urge you to put the interest of your people and the
Kogi is the largest producer of peaceful people of the State. body language and antecedents are state above personal ambitions and support the
these mineral resources: clay, devoid of ethnic sentiments. consensus candidate. We believe that your wealth of
limestone, kaolin, silica, tar sand A peep into the agenda of Muri's R a t h e r, h e h a s p e r f o r m e d experience and knowledge can be better utilized in
and decorative rocks, in Nigeria manifesto shows a candidate that exceedingly well in his duties and supporting the UJACHE and contributing to the
which if properly harnessed, would has done serious work. Kogites has established friendships in development of the state after the elections.
provide job opportunities for our who have followed him before and various communities, local
fast growing population and now would notice that he has government areas, senatorial Consequent upon the foregoing, I appeal to your
teeming unemployed youths. shown a clear understanding of the districts across Kogi State and sense of patriotism and leadership to withdraw from
So why is a state so blessed with needs of our people and has equally beyond. All these are assets that the race and throw your support behind Muritala
such an array of raw materials, articulated a very clear and will come handy to Build A New Yakubu Ajaka, who is the acceptable face of this new
many of which have not been measurable agoals towards kogi State. struggle. We believe that your support will go a long
harnessed, be in such a terrible meeting their needs. His manifesto way in ensuring a peaceful, free and fair election in
state where there is massive youth and presentations show an When it comes to the imperatives Kogi State.
unemployment and despair? That is understanding, connect and clear and challenges of development in
an issue at play. It is clear that if we intent, which Kogites can't take for Kogi State, Kogites should trust I have chosen to address this open letter specically
are to change our story from granted. Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka who to you, out of all seven contestants, due to the
despair to a new era of new has delivered on his electoral immense respect that we all hold for you. Your
economic opportunities, promises in the past. recent efforts to unite the Igala land have not gone
Part of his manifesto says "Our men unnoticed. Some time ago, you played a
development and growth, and women must have decent jobs I urge Kogi electorate to choose
electorate must elect a governor statesmanlike role by inviting all Igala contestants to
that allow a good quality of life. Our this trustworthy, progressive- come together and harmonize their views to present
that means business. That person is programme for the next 4 years in minded and detribalised Kogite
Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, as the a strong consensus candidate. However, it seems
Kogi State if given the opportunity who has a clear vision of massive that you have now decided to enter the race yourself,
governor of Kogi state on the will bring back job creation, a infrastructural and social
platform of Social Democratic which I believe is not the right decision.
productive economy, a sense of development of Kogi State come
Party (SDP). community and respect for people. 11th November 2023 Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Creating jobs for young people is a gubernatorial election.
Murtala Yakubu Ajaka comes with challenge which will dene us, for MALAM SANI writes from Lokoja
veriable records of performance this generation and the next, and SDP Progress
as a former member National will remain a key priority for us as
Executive of the ruling party the All part of our long-term commitment
Bagana Communal Crisis:
Open Letters to Gov. Bello of Kogi State, Attah Igala
Excellency, that our people are always intervention one of our own was
on the defensive to repel Patani's almost beheaded last week and
attacks but they can't be constantly again this week another serious
attacking Bagana and pushing them attack and burning down of houses
to the wall simply because of which our people have never gone
collective resolute for peace and to Patani to retaliate but how long
cohabitation with our sister/brothers- should we continue to watch this
inlaw etc even with their nature of heartlessness on our soil? Their
cowardice attacks (hit and run popular slogan is if we can't get it
approach) we'll destroy it but the time has
come for your intervention
Fulani herdsmen are already GABAIDU.
threatening the existence of our
people and our land and they should GABAIDU; What's is going on? Are
never be an option to hire as they not known people behind
Gov. Bello machinery into our state but that is those attacks? Is Bagana no longer
exactly what the Patani's are doing. part of Kogi State? Is Bagana no
THE DANGER ⛔ OF THE IHIAKPE longer part of Igala Kingdom? Our
BOYS IN COLLABORATION WITH Atta Igala heart is bleeding
FULANI'S HERSEMEN LAUNCHING Sir, we have endured this for over 3
A D E A D LY AT TAC K O N T H E years and our patient is running out… ATTAH ABUTEJE GRAVE YARD IS
BAGANA COMMUNITY. 23RD MAY, time to act now sir. UNDER ATTACK The the answers to the above
2023. I.D IJELE questions will better navigate my
By the INEC Voters registrations, lines of thought to either look
Bagana Town with over 4,000
THE DANGER AND THE elsewhere for help but we believe in
It's imperative to put into a critical IMPLICATIONS OF THE IHIAKPE
analysis of the deadly attacks going on registered Voters couldn't produced your timely intervention this time
180 votes in the last election even BOYS COLLABORATING WITH around.
in Bagana, a commercial hubs of FULANI'S HERDSMEN AND
Omala Local Government Kogi State after putting some measures in place
for everyone to come home. How long L A U N C H I N G O F D E A D LY
which are not covered, nor A T T A C K S O N T H E GABAIDU, you already know we are
mentioned anywhere among the can we continue in this? Your peaceful and law abiding citizens of
Excellency BAGANA/OTUTUBATU SOIL IN
political elites for a reason best IGALAS LAND. By_ I.D IJELE the Kingdom with the great Abuteje
known to them without adequate grave in Otutubatu as the rst
government intervention since the It's time to put an end to Bagana settlement areas of the ancient
beginning of this major crises 2021. crises Sir! I know You can do it!! GABAIDU! May you live long, may immigrants. That same Otutubatu is
the land of Atta Ayegba remain under threat, Abuteje grave and
peaceful and productive GABAIDU. shrine is under threat
What's going on? Who are people All the recommendations to the
behind those attacks? Is Bagana no Police, Naval post in Bagana hasn't
Longer part of Kogi State? Is Bagana been implemented. How long should It's imperative to publicly bring to We are known warriors and can
no longer part of Igala's Kingdom? our people continue to Wait in pains? your notice again the incessant never be chickened out of our
attacks on Bagana by the Patani ancestral land of Abuteje.
The the answers to the above community in collaboration with
I want to use this opportunity to Fulani herdsmen.
questions will better navigate my appeal to all the leaders and elders of Fulani Herdsmen are already
lines of thought to either look Patani village to call their youths and threatening the existence of our
elsewhere for help. children to order, they don't have the The attacks is barbaric, wicked and people and our land and they should
monopoly for killing and destroying cowardice. It's imperative you take never be an option to hire as
My people are left to ght for their others properties. This case have cognizant of those inviting Fulani mercenaries into our kingdom but
own survival without any government gone to so many competent courts herders in your kingdoms for that is exactly what the Patani's are
interventions and it's highly down to Supreme Court… Bagana destruction. May the land destroy doing.
condemnable. land does not belong to Patani and those who want to destroy the land.
will never be. Otutubatu have been in
existence as one of the oldest throne GABAIDU, we've been enduring this
I am calling on your Excellency Alhaji The barbaric attack on the 23rd of for over 3 years and our patient is
in Igala kingdom. Attah of Igala May with huge population of
Yahaya Bello, as a matter of urgency testied to this in the High Court of running out… time to act now
intervene in the crisis to save Bagana warriors traceable to Fulani GABAIDU
Justice, same Judgement was adopted Herdsmen invited across River
from extermination. at Apeal Court. There are documents Benue through Nassarwa state to
to prove to this effect why ghting the Bagana. By the INEC voters registrations,
Bagana is a riverine community battles you know you can never win? Bagana town with over 4,000
located in Omala LGA in the Eastern The statement by some of your registered Voters couldn't produce
Senatorial District of Kogi State and youths that if we can't have it we'll GABAIDU; We just critically look 180 votes in the last election even
bounded by Benue and Nasarawa destroy it will always hit the rock. into the implications of this action, after putting some measures in place
states. does it mean Patani are the brain for everyone to come home. How
Sir, Committees upon committees behind all the Fulani invitations into long can we continue in this
A commercial hubs of Omala LG with have been set up; why are they no our great kingdom? What is the GABAIDU?
high revenue every Five (5) days solutions? Are they powerful men at connection of Patani community
market and high turnout of people your corridors that are feeding fat on with Fulani? This must be treated
with a sense of urgency your GABAIDU, It's time to put an end to
from across the country such as, our predicament? Why is our own so Bagana crises please for the sake of
Onitsha, Enugu, Abuja, Lokoja, hard to solve? But history is always highness GABAIDU
our history.
Nasarawa, Benue, Ebony etc the there and there are evidences to
most industrious and busiest town in show how peaceful we have been but The Once most powerful and
Omala LG now a ghost town!! How do our patients is running out. populous market town is deserted GABAIDU; Committee upon
we get here sir? once again and this time we must committee have been set up; why
bring the perpetrators to book. are they no solutions? Are they
Your Excellency; I believe in your powerful men at the corridors of
Your Excellency; the main people prompt response and actions to solve They must account for all their
killings and destruction. power that are feeding fat on our
behind the attacks are not faceless, this problem once and for all. The predicament? Why is our own so
The Patani Community that have recent attacks on the 23rd of May hard to solve? But history is always
been attacking Bagana with herders (Yesterday) is uncalled for and is I am aware of the committee of beautiful with evidence to show how
machineries are walking tall without highly condemnable. Chiefs you've set up for this crises.
any repercussions but it's time to peaceful we have been but our
Sir, the silence from them is patients is tired and waring
name and shame them. I believe you will deploy all the worrisome and we are running out of
necessary security apparatus to put patient with what is going on.
Sir, it will interest you to know that this matter under control. Thanks GABAIDU kindly look into this
Otutubatu/Bagana youths have never and God bless you matter and help us out.
The Patani boys have made it a habit
for once retaliated the attacks by to attack any Otutubatu son's and
going to Patani despite being a Your faithfully, daughter seeing on that route… Your Son
smaller village. Bagana - Abejukolo road is no longer I.D Ijele
I.D Ijele
It's also worthy of your notice; your safe for fear of attack. If not for God's
24th - 05- 2023
Kogi guber 2023:

Alh. Murtala Yakubu Ajaka/Hon Sam Abenemi of
SDP, Dino, Ododo, 7 others make INEC list
In preparation for the 2023 Kogi State Government and immediate past zonal the people of Kogi east west and central, workers? Are we going to elect him for
governorship election, the Independent chairman of the People's Democratic the east tops the list , followed by the the continuation of payment of
National Electoral Commission (INEC) Party ( PDP, Kogi West ). west and central the last with distance percentage salaries?
has published the names of successful third position.
candidates and their running mates. He is a grass roots politician of repute in The answer is capital No as even the state
character and administration with verse Politics they say is a game of numbers and work force are in perpetual fear of the
Alh Murtala Yakubu Ajaka and his running experience in local government interest , however, whether the Igala are unknown as salaries are no longer regular
mate, Hon. Sam Abenemi who are the administration. going to speak with one voice or and as at when due.
leading candidates under the platform of otherwise , is a topic for discussion in our
the Social Democratic Party (SDP) are The only thing you can hear from Kogi subsequent publication as the people are According to one of personalities
doing everything humanly possible to state local government staffers is what determined to right the present wrong interviewed one Mallam Jimoh Onimisi
ensure victory for the party in the percentage are they going to pay this that kept them in disadvantage position in from Adavi LGA of Kogi state, he said, he
November 11th, 2023 governorship month and so on and so forth, but there the leadership of our dear state. likes the governor for some
election as the people of Lokoja/ Koto developmental projects most importantly
were in jubilation mood over the choice the hospital at Okene, but he asked,
of Hon. Sam Abenemi from the area , a where is the equity, justice and fearness
situation that will give them an that the governor always preach to them ?
opportunity to be deputy governor in the
history of the state.
That only Okene LGA will produce
governor for 8 years and another Okene
It is largely believed that , the core Okun son for the next 8 years making it 16 years
Hon. Idoko Barr. Okeme
speaking LGA areas have been producing in one location?, All the development of
deputies and the wise counsel of Alh. Kogi Central are all in Okene while other
Murtala Ajaka in consultations with the LGAs within the central are treated like
people decided to make sure all areas of second class citizens. He said, Okene has
the state are given equal opportunity to water works that is not working to
participate in the governance of the affairs extend to other LGAs and the water
of the state. workshas not been working despite huge
investment from the government, is this
Also on the list is the All Progressives how we are going to continue?
Congress ( APC) candidate, Hon. Ahmed Rtd. Air Marshal Jibrin
Usman Ododo, Senator Dino Melaye Similarly, the people of Ogori /Magongo
Sen. Dino
among others. LGA are not equally happy as the
governor reneged on his promises to
Conuence news gathered that , this year zone House of Representatives to the
governorship election in the state is going area as Mr. Fabuola described governor
to be interesting as each senatorial action as day dreaming as he who called
district has its candidate in the contest. Hon. Abejide
for equity most come with a clean hands,
hence the people have taking their destiny
Information from our correspondent and fate into God's hand and not in the
Alh. Muritala Ajaka present government and their party as
who visited the three senatorial districts
indicated that Alh. Murtala Yakubu Ajaka / they are looking for liberation from Social
Sam Abenemi candidacy is formidable and Hon. Mubarak Democratic Party ( SDP).
Hon. Ododo
they are capable to win because of their
acceptability cut across political and Also, the administration of Governor
should be an end to an era of percentage
ethnic divides. Yahaya Bello has 6 months to go and could
salary payment. A search light to Kogi central (The Ebiras) not see reasons to concede the slot of
shows disaffection as majority of the local SSG to Lokoja / Koto for the past seven
You can vividly recalled that Alh Murtala government staff are out of ofce, a
The combination of these two political years plus down the line and all attempt to
Ajaka ( Muri ) was the former national situation that points an accusing nger to
giants who are from major populated see reason with the people of
deputy publicity secretary of the rulling the former auditor general for local
senatorial districts of Kogi east and west Lokoja/Koto axis felt on deaf ears.
All Progressives Congress ,( APC), the government and APC candidates for the
can be an advantage to the candidates if
party that he has invested both physical, 2023 governorship election, Hon. Ahmed
they speak in one voice and direction as
materials and nancial resources, a task Usman Ododo who was in-charge of the As we write, the good people of Lokoja /
the combination could be a threat to the
that gave victory to the party in the state payment of percentage salaries from the Koto are overwhelmed over the choice of
sitting governor who is desirous to have
and ensured the party received high votes inception of this administration till date. Alh. Murtala Yakubu Ajakar/Hon Sam
his kinsmen as a successor.
across the state. Abenemi of Social Democratic Party
(SDP) and ground-work has commenced
At the count of the last national The questions on the lips of the workers for their anticipated election victory.
Hon. Sam Abenemi was a one time is; are we going to elect him to sack more
population census and voting strength of
executive chairman of Lokoja Local
Say Goodbye To Lag: 5 Effective Ways To Speed Up Your Android
Device Have you ever experienced the Check for software updates: Occasionally, you terminate any running applications, background Device 4) Delete old chats and downloaded
annoyance of trying to open an app on your may receive a notication to update an app when processes, and accumulated tasks that can media: This also applies to chat applications like
Android phone, only to be forced to wait for you attempt to launch it. It may be necessary to gradually slow down your phone. To restart your WhatsApp, which stores not only downloaded
what seems like an eternity? This is a frequent install an update on your device, preferably Android device, hold down the power button data but also the entire chat database on your
occurrence for many Android users, whether when it is connected to an unrestricted data and tap “Restart.” 3) Clear cache for individual local storage. This is particularly problematic for
due to lag or a sluggish operating system. source. Software updates can optimize and apps: Cache data is stored in signicant slower devices, especially if you’ve accumulated
Although it is commonly believed that improve the performance of your Android quantities on your mobile device. If you notice thousands of messages over the years. To
insufcient random access memory (RAM) device. In addition, security patches and bug that certain apps perform poorly compared to address this issue, delete unimportant
capacity is the cause of this lengthy loading time, xes for Android can enhance the overall user others, it may be due to accumulated data conversations and media les periodically. This
there may be other underlying causes. Even if experience. Google Play Services, which is (cache), according to Android Authority. This can improve the performance of your Android
you upgrade to an Android device with more responsible for a number of Android features, data tends to accumulate over time and can device’s gallery app and image selector. 5)
RAM, you may continue to experience slow also receives updates via the Play Store. To impact the performance of an application. This Replace performance-intensive applications
performance. This is because there are manually check for updates, proceed as follows: issue can be resolved by clearing the app’s cache with lite versions: Phones tend to accumulate
additional factors at play besides RAM size. – Launch the Settings app on your device. – data or uninstalling the app entirely. It is unnecessary software over time. You may install
Scroll to the bottom of the page and tap “About recommended to clear the cache because it apps that appear to be useful but never use
In some instances, your phone’s sluggish Device.” – Tap “Software Update” followed by does not delete other data such as logins, history, them. However, even when not in use, these
response may be an indication of a virus or a “Check for Updates.” and preferences. Follow these steps to clear an applications continue to consume space and may
deteriorating display panel. However, there is no application’s cache: – On your home screen, tap run background processes. This can slow your
cause for concern; in this article Ejes Gist News 2) Periodically restart your device: A simple and hold the app’s icon until a menu appears. – phone down. By evaluating your apps and
Nigeria, we will examine some simple methods restart can sometimes work wonders for your To clear the cache, navigate to “App Info” > reducing the number of downloads, you can
for accelerating your Android device. device. Android Authority explains that a power “Storage” > “Clear cache.” assist in the acceleration of your Android device.
cycle can often remedy a sluggish mobile device.
Ways To Speed Up Your Android Device 1) By restarting your device, you effectively More on Ways To Speed Up Your Android
EFCC Exposes Plans by Corrupt
Governors and Other Politicians Kogi Gov’t Signs 5 Bills into Law
science and technology transforming the state. He
to Flee Nigeria college, providing for the praised the Kogi State House of
T he Economic and Financial

Crimes Commission
(EFCC) has raised the alarm
over the alleged plans by some
governors and other politicians
retirement of teachers,
establishing a roads fund
management board, and
allowing the peaceful
celebration of cultural
Assembly for their exceptional
performance and commended
the state Attorney General for
ensuring compliance with
existing laws.
accused of corruption to ee festivals. The bills aim to
Nigeria before the May 29 advance cultural The Speaker of the Kogi House
handover. development, maintain of Assembly, Mr Mathew
peace and security, and Ko l a w o l e , e x p r e s s e d h i s
manage the development delight that the bills were
The anti-graft agency said it is Gov. Bello of roads in Kogi State.The
working with its international passed and signed into law. He
signing ceremony, which commended Governor Bello
partners to frustrate these escape The statement reads in part: “The
C
hief Press Secretary of took place at the for promoting a harmonious
plans and ensure that all those Commission wishes to alert the Kogi state, Onogwu Government House in Lokoja,
involved in economic and nancial public about plans by some of the working relationship between
Muhammed stated on was attended by esteemed the executive and the
crimes are brought to justice. alleged corrupt politically exposed Monday that Kogi state dignitaries, including the
persons to ee the country ahead legislature and fostering a
governor, Yahaya Bello has Speaker of the State House of peaceful atmosphere. The
In a statement issued on Friday of May 29. signed ve Bills into law. A s s e m b l y, t h e A t t o r n e y Speaker also praised the
night by its spokesperson, Wilson General, and the Secretary to governor’s commitment to
Uwujaren, the EFCC said it will not “The Commission is working in Onogwu, in a statement, t h e K o g i S t a t e enacting these laws as a sign of
relent in its efforts to prosecute close collaboration with its praised Governor Bello for Government.Governor Bello his dedication to the
corrupt political actors who have international partners to frustrate signing several bills into law, emphasized the importance of development and progress of
looted public funds while in ofce. these escape plans and bring those including establishing a health the bills in improving rural Kogi State.
involved to justice.” infrastructure and
As Buhari Bows Out, NLC President Scores Him

Low on Infrastructure, Security, Power and Others
P resident of the Nigeria Labour
Congress, Joe Ajaero has criticised
the outgoing government under
President Muhammadu Buhari, saying it
performed poorly on power supply,
visit to the Amalgamated Union of Public
Corporations, Civil Service Technical and
Recreational Services Employees
(AUPCTRE) head ofce in Abuja as part
of his familarisation tour of unions.
“ASUU strike used to be
three to four months, under
his watch, we started
recording eight months of
A S U U s t r i k e . We a r e
infrastructure, and industrial relations rescinding.
with aggrieved unions. His words, “We want a government that
Nigerians will enjoy and this level of “If you check the
Ajaero also claimed political parties in underdevelopment will stop. Because infrastructure, it is still the
Nigeria lacked ideologies, a phenomenon what we are saying is that Nigeria is same thing. If we were
that makes them underperform when underdeveloping. We are rescinding paying N50,000 for air ticket
elected into public ofce. everywhere. At the point that Buhari before, we are paying about N80,000 agenda of the new government before
took over government, in the power today. So, the new government, we are we comment.
According to the NLC President, he does sector, for instance, they were hovering still waiting to get their own agenda.
not expect much from the incoming between 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts Because if we follow the manifesto of the “You can see that parties no longer
administration, since they are from the averagely. And in the past eight years, it APC, they will sustain what Buhari has implement their manifesto. So that is why
same party. has been reduced to about 3,000. That is done, and if it is underdevelopment that we are worried. We can’t talk about the
moving back from where we were. they are sustaining, then there is a agenda of any government. We can only
He said this on Monday, when he paid a problem. So the NLC will wait for the wait for them to state their own agenda.”
Look at Major Foods that Kwara State Governor emerges New Nigeria
Governor's Forum Chairman ( NGF) While
Causes Cancer in Human Body Seyi Makinde is his Vice
Major Cancer Causing Food That You Should Take Note Of
to avoid ingestion of the items preparation of processed meats
listed. such as bacon and hot dogs may
Foods with the highest cancer- pose health risks.
promoting potential.
G overnor Abdulrahman
Abdulrazaq of Kwara
State has emerged as the
new Chairman of the Nigeria
Governors Forum (NGF).
Canned foods.
M i c r o w a v e - c o o k e d Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical He replaced Governor Aminu
popcorn will be examined commonly utilized in the
rst. production of plastic food Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto
A
re you reassured by the State whose tenure of ofce Gov. Abdulrazaq Gov. Makinde
T h e p r e s e n c e o f containers, has been found to
awareness that peruorooctanoic acid, a interfere with gene function. would elapse on May 29.
approximately 1.5 carcinogenic compound, has success of the just concluded induction for
million individuals been associated with various These diets are associated with
receive a cancer diagnosis This was contained in a communiqué new and returning governors that took
types of cancer such as kidney, a higher risk of cancer. place between the 14th and 19th of May,
annually? The following items bladder, liver, pancreatic, and signed by Tambuwal at the end of the 7th
pose potential risks to testicular cancers, as well as emergency meeting of the state governors 2023.
consumers. female infertility. Soybean oil, Processed sugars are referred held on Tuesday night in Abuja.
commonly utilized in popcorn, to as No. 5. “Members committed to sustained
C a n c e r, d e s p i t e i t s h i g h has been associated with collaboration among the states through
mortality rate, is relatively gastrointestinal discomfort and Potato chips are ranked sixth It was gathered that Governor Abdulrazaq
underrepresented. Awareness dermatological reactions. among munchies. They are emerged through consensus while Oyo enhanced peer review, learning at the sub-
of this lethal illness is prone to weight gain. State Governor, Seyi Makinde was chosen national level and deepening the
advantageous in multiple ways. Carbonated soft drinks in as vice chairman of the forum. relationship with the federal government
the style of soda. The elevation of cardiovascular and other institutions.
The following are the primary Frequent consumption of sodas disease risk is attributed to the “On the leadership of the Forum, the
carcinogens that have been can cause weight gain and escalation of harmful trans fats Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman “Finally, members were briefed by the
linked to the development of associated health problems, and salt. Chairman of the Forum that the Hon.
cancer. including inammation, insulin Abdulrazaq, emerged the new Chairman
resistance, a n d Preserved foods, including of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum through Minister of Finance has granted the
The adage “you are what you gastroesophageal reux disease smoked meats and pickles. a consensus, and the Governor of Oyo request of the Forum to immediately stop
eat” is factually accurate. (GERD), due to their high sugar The highly processed white State Seyi Makinde is now the vice further deductions from the accounts of
The annual incidence of 1.5 content. our. chairman,” the communique read in part. states to meet Local Government Councils
million new cancer cases is a London Paris Club obligations and the
cause for great concern. Please Canned or cured beef. Additional precautionary monies so far deducted be paid back to the
carefully review this list and Several chemicals used in the measures. Alcoholic food. “Members expressed satisfaction with the states.”
take all necessary precautions
2023 UTME: Court Remands Four
For Impersonation, Malpractices Kogi guber; Accord Party affirms
Ex- Naval Chief as it’s candidate salvage the current position in Kogi politics
situation in the state and I am happy to be the
where percentage candidate of the party. I
payment of salary has thank Ahmed Ibrahim
become the order of the who withdrew for me to
day. emerge and I am assuring
our teeming supporters
Admiral Jubrin In his remark , the legal that the party will not
A head of the adviser of the party who is disappoint them if given

November 11, governorship election. also the chairman of the the mandate come
2 0 2 3 electoral committee November , 2023” he
governorship election in Barrister Maxwell said.
Ahmed Ibrahim
A Federal High Court

sitting in Akure on
Tuesday remanded
four persons for Registration
Impersonation and
punishable under the same
section.
Also, Feranmi Adesuyi

Kogi state, Accord party
has afrmed Usman
Jubrin a former Chief of
Naval Staff as the
voluntarily withdrew for
Usman Jubrin to emerge
through afrmation by
delegates of the party
Mgbudem commended
the leadership of the
party for the seamless
conduct of the exercise
that led to the unveiling of
While speaking on
percentage payment of
salary at the local
government level , the
committed the said offense substantive candidate of from the 21 local
Examination malpractices of on April 28 at Amable Nig the party. government areas of Kogi the candidate of Accord candidate assured that
the Joint Admission and Ltd CBT Centre in Owo, state” p a r t y f o r Ko g i s t a t e under his watch as the
Matriculation Board (JAMB) during the 2023 JAMB Unveiling the candidate governorship election. governor of the state all
exam in Ondo State. examination after the delegates civil servants both at local
He assured that the
afrmation in Lokoja on Delivering his acceptance and state government
candidate been a former
The registration According to the charge Tuesday, the national speech Usman Jubrin said level would take their full
naval chief of staff would
impersonation suspects are sheet, “That you FERANMI chairman of the party he accepted the ticket of salaries as at when due.
be able to deliver the
Timilehin Akinwale, ADESUYI (m), 29YRS, on or Alhaji Mohammed desired dividend of the party to contest the
Olayinka Mustapha and about the 28th day of April, Nalado described Usman democracy to the people. forthcoming election and He promised that
Pe t e r O k e r e k e , w h i l e 2023 at AMABLE NIG LTD Jubrin as a viable and win to enable him rescue workers that were
Feranmi Adesuyi was CBT CENTER, Owo, during valuable candidate who the state from the hands unjustly sacked by the
Nalado solicited the
arraigned for examination the 2023 JAMB Examination poses the charisma, of leaders who have current government will
support of the party
impersonation. in Ondo State, within the capacity, experience and plunged the state into be reinstated, saying
members and the people
Jurisdiction of this the popularity to dislodge precarious situation. change is desirable to
of Kogi state to win the
According to the charge Honourable Court did the ruling APC in the take the state from the
f o r t h c o m i n g
sheet, the rst three conspire with one SANUSI N o v e m b e r, 2 0 2 3 “Accord party has taken a wood and suffering.
governorship in order to
defendants committed the TUNDE who is now at large,
impersonation act on Feb.15 to complete his registration David Mark’s Daughter Warns Politicians Against Frivolous
at Aina Awaw International and also impersonate the Petitions As Opponent Withdraw Suit From Election Tribunal
College,Ilu Abo, said SANUSI TUNDE for the
Akure,which was a CBT JAMB Exam and thereby Otukpo Ohimini people. she won the February
O g b e , w h i l e 2023 election conducted
centre for Jamb registration committed an offence in a free and fair contest,
and examination. contrary to section 10 of congratulating Lady
Blessing Onuh, vow to enjoined him to work
Examination Malpractices offer his support and together with her and all
“That you OKEREKE PETER Act, Cap E15, LFN, 2004 and assistance to her where Idoma progressives in the
(m), 29yrs, AKINWALE punishable under section needed for the progress, unity and
TIMILEHIN(m),22yrs and 3(2)(c) of Examination betterment of the people. development of
MUSTAPHA OLAYINKA Malpractice Act, Cap E15 “ We a r e u s i n g t h i s Otukpo/Ohimini Federal
IDRIS (m), 23yrs on or about Laws of Federation of medium to make known constituency.
the 15th day of February, Nigeria, 2004.” our intention to withdraw
2 0 2 3 a t A I N A A WA W the case instituted against In her words, “I
I N T E R N AT I O N A L The accused enters a plea of Hon. Lady Blessing Onuh acknowledge the
COLLEGE ILLU-ABO, a innocence and a plea of not of the APC, the APC and withdrawal of the suit
CBT Centre for JAMB guilty to the charges INEC in the 2023 election instituted against my
Hon. Blessing Onuh petition tribunal. victory by Mr Ogbe.
Registration and However, I must state
Examination, Akure Ondo
State, within the jurisdiction
of this Honourable court did
impersonated FOLARIN
The prosecuting counsel,
Moses Osimhen urged the
court to remand the
suspects at Olokuta prison
H onourable
Blessing Onuh,
has enjoined
politicians to resist the
culture of ling frivolous
however warned that
culture of ling frivolous
petitions against political
opponents was a
distraction.
“ We have taken this
difcult decision for the
general interest of
Otukpo Ohimini people
categorically that I won
the February 2023
election conducted in a
free and fair contest.
DAMLOK, KAZEEN IMISI pending the date for hearing. who we seek to serve.
OLAMILEKAN and TIJANI petitions that could
distract public ofce “I view the decision of Mr
B A B AT U N D E S H E U N The defendants’ counsel , The Federal Lawmaker Ogbe as an act of political
holders from delivering was reacting to the recent “We will offer support
respectively during CBT Clement Falana and Austin maturity which speaks
the dividends of withdrawal of the suit and assistance to the
JAMB registration, contrary Agbounghale, however democracy to the people. house of representatives volume about the unity in
to section 3(3)(c) of instituted by Hon Alex Benue South. I urge
pleaded for the court to The Lawmaker Enokela Ogbe, against member elect Otukpo
Examination Malpractice grant the bail of the suspects Ohimini where needed politicians to avoid
r e p r e s e n t i n g her victory in the frivolous petitions which
Act, Cap E15, LFN, 2004 and as it was a bailable offense. Otukpo/Ohimini Federal February 25th National for the betterment of the
punishable under the same people of Otukpo is a distraction.
Constituency on the Assembly election.
section.” platform of the All Ohimini.
The presiding judge, Justice “I feel honoured by the
T B Adegoke, thereby Progressives Congress Recall that Hon. Ogbe
It said that the offense was (APC), gave the charge at “We pray God gives her humble demonstration of
ordered the suspects to be had on Friday, May 19th his sportsmanship and
contrary to section 3(3)© of a world press conference 2023, announced his the strength to meet the
remanded at Olokuta Prison in Abuja recently, enjoin him to work
Examination Malpractice decision to withdraw the desires of the people of
and adjourned the case till pointing out that Otukpo Ohimini for together with me and all
Act, Cap E15, LFN, 2004 and July 12 for hearing. case instituted against Idoma progressives in the
elections are over and is Hon. Lady Blessing Onuh, which she represent,” he
time for political stated.Onuh while progress, unity and
the APC and INEC in the development of
stakeholders to begin to applauding Mr. Ogbe’s
Space For work together

irrespective of political
leanings.
2023 election petition
tribunal. decision to withdraw his
petition, described his
action as political
Otukpo/Ohimini Federal
constituency.
Sale
The candidate of the maturity which speaks “Elections have come and
Pe o p l e s D e m o c r a t i c
volume about the unity in gone, I want to emphasize
O n u h , w h i l e Party (PDP) in a
a c k n o w l e d g i n g t h a t statement personally Benue South. that I represent the entire
elections petitions was an signed himself, stated that constituency irrespective
essential part of our the difcult decision was T h e l a w m a k e r w h o of political leanings,” she
d e m o c r a t i c p r o c e s s , for the general interest of however, maintained that stated.
May 29: Prof. Greg Ibe makes Passionate
Appeal to Abia Statesmen
Few days to the crucial
inauguration of a new
government in our dear state
and country, I am constrained
by recent worrisome
developments in the socio-
political sphere to again wave
the ag of peace and
passionately appeal to all
political gladiators and
activists to please forebear,
ceasere and let Abia breath.
You will recall that in my last Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right), with the Osun State
two letters I fervently Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, at the commissioning of the
pleaded with all aggrieved 650,000bpd Dangote Renery and Petrochemical plant, in Lagos.
parties in the 2023 Abia
Governorship contest to
sheath their swords of war
and join forces with the Dangote Refinery can make Nigeria
G o v e r n o r- e l e c t i n t h e
interest of the good people of Prof. Ibe
save over $15bn annually from
God’s Own State. Let me
Dr. Alex Otti
product importation
again offer maximum respect
and salutation to those who Ezes and revered league of The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has
heeded my call and chose to Abia Statesmen to rise to the I know that some people have said the commissioning of the 650,000bpd Dangote
toe the path of peace, in spite occassion and prevail upon a argued that the Governor-
of the genuineness of their group of apparently anti elect should be given a taste Renery and Petrochemical plant, the world’s largest
respective cases. progressive elements of PDP of his own medicine since he
and APC, who as killjoy legally challenged the
single train renery, has opened a new vista of
Sufce it say that you are all specialists are hell bent on incumbent in 2015 and 2019 opportunity for the nation’s economy, noting that
winners! asphyxiating Abians at the respectively. My answer has
sunrise of their jubilation. always been that two wrongs the country can save over $3bn annually from the
One may rightly wonder at do not make a right. In view of importation of petroleum products.
my reason for taking this I believe there is no better the fact that proliferation of
S
trajectory even when time than now to invite tested court cases during the tenure peaking to journalists at of international grade and you
everyone knows that the non-partisan Ndi Eze Abia of the incumbent continue to the commissioning of the can now sell an end product.
Abia guber election of 18 and impartial Statesmen to reverberate as one of the renery, developed by “So, for me, this is the game
March wasn’t awless. But intervene by calling for the reasons for the level of Africa’s richest man, Aliko changer for Nigeria because you
despite knowing that the kind of truce that will lead to performance or lack of it, all Dangote, Obaseki said the don’t only save what you used to
outcome of that election is peaceful out of court well meaning Abians must renery is a game changer for spend but are now given the
not a true reection of my settlement of all legal join the crusade for peaceful Nigeria, hailing the genius, capacity to earn more. So, you
personal performance at the encumbrances threatening out of court resolution of all dexterity and inimitable are saving and also earning
polls, especially in the face of and mitigating against the in outstanding election matters entrepreneurial spirit of Alhaji more.”
glaring operational bungles by coming administration. while fervently interceding Aliko Dangote.
INEC, I have decided to for divine assistance for the in The governor added, “Look at
move on and champion this coming administration. The petroleum renery with a the other materials that will
Having suffered the
campaign for peace just for disastrous effects of 22 legal capacity to process 650,000 c o m e o u t o f t h e r e  n e r y,
the good of our dear state, cases that spanned the whole Eme ngwangwa emeghara barrels per day (bpd) is sitting on particularly, the petrochemical
especially after her 24 years gamut of the judicial cycle, odachi! 2,635 hectares of land located in plants. I mean, everything up
horric ordeal in the from Magistrate, High, Umunnem Ozoemena! the Dangote Industries Free here is all plastic, all
w i l d e r n e s s o f Appeal to Supreme Court, I Zone in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, and petrochemicals. That means we
underdevelopment. am aware of the enormous will provide employment to over now have a base material to
Long Live Abia! 100,000 persons. produce most of these things
political, social and economic
consequences of the Long Live Nigeria!! that we need for packaging, for
It is therefore in the spirit of Prof Gregory Ibe, PhD,
the Igbo adage which impending litigations He said, “Beyond the equipment like everywhere else
imposingly challenging the OFR(Enyi Abia, Erim commissioning, the fact that we and that’s a big export for us.”
discourages delivery by the Ndigbo),
mother goat on tethers in the Governor-elect, and once have nally got to the position
presence of an elder, that I again call for restrain, just for where we can begin to rene Speaking on other opportunities
want to use this medium to the sake of Abians who for Abia APGA Governorship products, particularly petrol and for growth presented by the
enjoin our highly respected long have been forced to hold Candidate. diesel locally is a breakthrough. renery, Obaseki noted, “The
the short end of the stick. What this means is that we will biggest challenge in Nigeria
be saving up to 3 billion dollars in today is jobs for young people.
Nassarawa House of Assembly passes a year for not importing. That’s
more than the amount we spend
Why haven’t we created the
number of jobs that I think we
Superior courts of record Bill into law. today on all our infrastructure,
education, and health. That sort
should give our population size?
Beyond just investing in a facility
C o u r t s order to ensure speedy of money is coming back to the like this that creates direct jobs,
Judges from administration of Justice in government for growth. the materials being produced
20 to 30 in the State. ” As this will here will now have what we call
the State. promote peace, reduce “But beyond it, there is the multiple effects on our own
court burdens and certainty of supply, and capacity range of industries.
Rt. Hon. e n h a n c e s p e e d to not only produce for your
Ibrahim administration of justice in market but to be able to export “If you are in the business of food
Balarabe the State,” he said. ” A Bill to the rest of the continent. And processing, all your packaging
Abdullahi, For a Law to Amend the not just importing the kind of materials in the past, you waited
the Speaker Number of Judges of the products you used to import, you for it to be imported. Today, you
of the House Superior Courts of Record are now processing and rening can make those packaging
announced Law 2001 and for Related better quality products of materials here, which means
Nasarawa State House the passage Matters read third term international standard.” that you can do more. And so
of Assembly, has passed of the bill into law during and passed,” he said. what we see is that this is the
into law A Bill For a Law to the House proceedings According to him, “Before now, lever you need for
Amend the Number of today in Laa. The The Speaker directed the the bulk of what we used to buy industrialization, for creating
Judges of the Superior Speaker said that the bill if Clerk of the House to was low grade, so it affected our materials small businesses need
Courts of Record Law a s s e n t e d t o b y G o v. produce a clean copy of vehicles. The maintenance to be efcient, to be competitive,
2001 and for Related Abdullahi Sule would the bill for Gov. Sule’s status of our vehicles was lower and do their work.”
Matters. The bill was increase the number of assent. than anywhere else. Today, we
seeking to increase the Superior ( High) Courts are producing something that’s
number of superior ( High) Judges from 20 to 30 in
Reasons for Tribunal Plateau Health Agency has

rejection of live coverage 110,158 Enrollees Say - DG
J ustice Haruna Tsammani-led ve-
member panel dismissed the
application brought by Alhaji
Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples
dramatisation of our proceedings,”
Justice Tsammani held.
Besides, the court held that the

instance were by enrollees cannot get drugs
from their health care provider, they directed
to a community pharmacy close to get the
medication.
Democratic Party, PDP; and Mr request was not part of any relief in
Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, as the petitions before it, saying it was
lacking in merit. merely hinged on a sentimental The D - G, said that the agency has
claim that it would benet the commenced on the spot enrollment and
The court held that no regulatory electorate. people can now enroll from the comfort of
framework or policy direction their homes to the scheme without coming
permitted it to grant such an It maintained that the petitioners physically for enrollment.
application, adding that allowing failed to establish how televising the
cameras in the courtroom is a major proceedings would advance their He further said that the scheme has made it
judicial policy that must be case, adding that such live broadcast easy for all especially those in the informal
supported by the law. would not add any utilitarian value sector to be part of the scheme as they can pay
to the determination of the quarterly or twice to be enrolled if they do not
“The court can only be guided and petitions. have the chunk of the fund for enrollment into
act in accordance with the practice the scheme.
directions and procedures More so, it noted that such a live
approved by the President of the broadcast must be planned and The D-G, described the state’s health agency
Court of Appeal. We cannot permit budgeted for. as the biggest social safety net provided by the
10th Senate: Akpabio Gets Wike’s

T
a situation that may lead to the he Plateau State Contributory
Healthcare management Agency (
PLASCHEMA) says it has 110,158
enrollees from the formal and informal
sector who access health care through the
state government to eliminate out of the
pocket expenditure and to improve on the
health indices of the people.
Support For Senate President scheme. He called on the public, who have not enrolled
into the scheme to do so as it also served as a
G overnor
Nyesom
Wike of
Rivers State has
expressed his
The Director – General of PLASCHEMA, Dr.
Fabong Jemchang, said this in Jos, at a
stewardship town hall meeting.
means of nancial protection for the enrollees.
One of the beneciaries of the scheme, Mr

Christopher Dung, said his enrolment into the
Jemcheng said the essence of the meeting was scheme has helped him stay stable nancially
support for as he spends only negligible amount when he
Senator Godswill to intimate the public with the Agency’s
scorecard of performance in the last four goes to access health care .
Akpabio’s bid for
the ofce of the years of its existence and for the public to
Senate President in evaluate its performance. Another beneciary, Mrs Joyce Nuhu, an
the upcoming 10th enrollee from the informal sector, thanked the
National Assembly. He said the breakdown consist of 74,008 agency for making enrollment easy and
enrollees in the formal sector and 36,150 exible.
Wike stated that enrollees from the informal sector.
his endorsement is The Plateau State Contributory Healthcare
a way of repaying According to him, the agency in bid to do away management Agency was established in 2019,
Sen. Akpabio
the support he with the issue of “out of stock syndrome ” with the sole aim of attaining the United
received from engaged the services of 26 community Nations Sustainable Development Goal of
address the nation’s challenges and achieving Universal Health coverage for
Akpabio during his own campaign for promote development. pharmacies in the state. He explained that the
the governorship of Rivers State. residents on the Plateau.
A c c o r d i n g t o W i n e , “A k p a b i o
During a meeting with members of
the Stability Group, a group of
supported me during my
governorship ambition. He stood by
See the World's 20 Most
Senators-elect who are advocating
for Akpabio’s emergence as Senate
President,
me all through and ensured that I
won. I don’t pay back good with evil.
This is payback time for him. I will
Miserable Countries to visit
Governor Wike emphasized the need
for the country to progress and saw
stand by him until he emerges as the
next Senate President. Our team
would soon meet to take a position on
your aspiration.
N i g e r i a w a s
surprisingly
missing from the
list of most miserable
countries in the world as
The economist behind the
ranking, Professor Steve
Hanke, said one of the
biggest factors behind
Zimbabwe’s ‘most
no issue with the ruling party selecting
someone who can effectively work Zimbabwe ranks top on miserable’ ranking is its
the list. political party ruling with
with the President-elect for the “Don’t be worried or disturbed with an ‘iron grip’.
position. the contending forces against your The annual ‘misery index’
aspiration, it is normal in politics. ranks almost 160 countries There have been
He afrmed his commitment to the Power is not given on a platter, you o n f a c t o r s l i k e allegations of rigging and
success of Akpabio and Senator ght for it. I am impressed that unemployment gures, violence around elections
Barau, stating that they are united in despite your endorsement by your ination, and bank-lending over the last three decades
their efforts to secure victory for their party and the President-elect, you are rates. and the country has also
suffered two episodes of hyperination by 50
respective ambitions. still consulting your colleagues. That is percent or more, under the administration of
the way it should be. Zimbabwe, one of Africa’s most populous
nations with roughly 16 million citizens, has M u g a b e a n d h i s s u c c e s s o r Pr e s i d e n t
According to a statement on Tuesday now ranked among the top ve gloomiest Emmerson Mnangagwa.
by Akpabio’s media team, the “Let us be fair to this country. If we nations for three years in a row.
Director General of Stability Group, continue this way, Nigeria will not The crash value of its currency resulted in
Senator Ali Ndume, APC, Borno succeed. Don’t waiver stay rm and According to the annual report, Robert shocking scenes of people lling buckets with
you will win at the end of the day,” he Mugabe’s brutal rule of Zimbabwe reportedly cash just to purchase a loaf of bread.
South said that Governor Wike’s
support for Senator Akpabio stressed. turned the country into an international
outcast, mired in corruption, violence, and an He said: “With elections around the corner,
underscores the importance of economic crisis that reduced tens of [opposition leader] Nelson Chamisa and his
mutual support and collaboration Responding, Akpabio appreciated thousands to grinding poverty. Citizens Coalition for Change is polling well,
among political leaders and reects Wike for his support for his aspiration and, on the assumption that there will be fair
the signicance of building alliances to emerge the next Senate President, The mineral-rich country is still living with the and free elections in Zimbabwe, he just might
and fostering unity for the overall said, “let me congratulate you for economic fallout from Mugabe’s 37-year pull Zimbabwe out of the gutter.”
progress of the country. ending your tenure as the governor of reign.
River State on the high. You have done Along with Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Syria,
Behind Zimbabwe in Hanke’s Annual Misery Lebanon, and Sudan are also among the most
As the inauguration of the 10th well for your people and Nigerians. miserable.
National Assembly approaches, the History would be kind to you as you Index is Venezuela, which has also been
exit ofce in the next few days. You plagued by ‘economic mismanagement’, and
outcome of the Senate Presidency Syria, which has been embroiled in a horric Venezuela has suffered two episodes of
race will shape the dynamics of the believe in justice, equity and fairness civil war for more than a decade. hyperination under President Nicolas
legislative branch and its ability to and that is what Nigerians know you Maduro, who has now been in ofce for ten
effectively work with the executive to for. years.
Ethiopian’s Yasin Haji Returns To
Defend Okpekpe 10km Road Race Governor Inuwa Yahaya
Emerges Northern States
Governors’ Forum Chairman
*Pledges to bequeath verile organisation that propels better future for Northern people
*Says “We must work to ensure adequate exploration of huge oil, gas, solid minerals
deposits in North for the benet of our people”
ingenuity despite numerous
challenges in his state in particular
and the North in general.
He said the NSGF will continue to

work with past leadership of the
E thiopia’s Yasin Haji Okpekpe 10km title. forum in order to consolidate on the
will be seeking to gains so far recorded and to properly
make history as the In the women’s race, a new place it on the smooth trajectory of
rst man to successfully course record also looks to social cohesion, economic
defend an Okpekpe be in the ofng following the emancipation and infrastructural
international 10km road quality of the elite cast for
race title after the 27-year- development.
the event.
old arrived Lagos for
Saturday’s race in Okekpe, The outgoing chairman and
Edo State. Kenya’s Edith Jepchumba Governor of Plateau State, Simon
will lead the cast of athletes Gov. Inuwa Yahaya Gov. Tambuwa
aiming to rewrite the 32:41 Bako Lalong, said Governor Inuwa
Jaji became the third, course record set by was elected to chair the NSGF in
T
bonade Ethiopian man to Ethiopia’s Wude Ayalew in he Governor of Gombe the subsequent effect of banditry view of his experience, sterling
win the Okpekpe race 2014. leadership qualities and
10km title after he ran State, Muhammadu Inuwa and cattle rustling among others.
29:05, the third fastest Yahaya has been elected as The new NSGF chairman noted that commitment to good governance.
winning time in race history, The Kenyan ran a 30:53 the chairman of the Northern States in spite of the social and economic He urged him to bring to bear his
to win the title in 2022. lifetime best over the Governors’ Forum (NSGF). challenges confronting the northern pedigree of excellence in running the
distance last February, affairs of the Northern Governors
nearly two minutes inside According to a statement signed by region, the Forum has made
Teshome Mekonen who the course record and she is the Director- General (Press tremendous impact and has changed Forum.
ran 28.35 in 2014 to set the the fastest athlete among Affairs). the tide for the betterment of its
race record was the rst the elite cast conrmed for people. Giving synopsis of his stewardship,
Ethiopian to win the men’s the race. the Plateau Governor said the past
race and Leule Gebrselassie Government House Gombe, Ismaila
(29:28) became the second Uba Misilli, dated Tuesday May 23, He remarked that since the focus of four years have been eventful just as
to win three years later. Ethiopia’s Bertukan Welde 2 0 2 3 , t h e g o v e r n o r w a s the NSGF is built on addressing such they were challenging in various
has also ran inside Ayalew’s unanimously elected by the 19 social challenges, the Forum, under sectors.
course record when she
Haji, who raced to a 27:00 clocked 32:00 to come in Northern governors during their his leadership will do everything
lifetime best in the event last b e h i n d J e p c h u m b a i n forum’s meeting held on Tuesday at possible to ensure that they are He said the forum had to deal with
year in Lille has returned to C a s t e l l o n , S p a i n l a s t the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja. addressed in the Interest and many issues that affected the
form at the right time. February. benets of the people. northern states individually and the
Governor Inuwa takes over from region as a whole.
The Ethiopian clocked Abigael Jelimo will be Governor Simon Bako Lalong of “We will work hard to ensure that
27:20 at the end of last seeking to get the gold this Plateau State with effect from 29th “As you are all aware, our region for
month at the Adizero Road we catch up with the rest of the
time after running 33.53 to May, 2023. country, possibly with the developed the most part of the period under
to Records, Adi-Dassler- place third at the eighth
S t r a ß e 1 i n parts of the world so that our review continued to face serious
edition of the Okpekpe race
Herzogenaurach, Germany last year. In his acceptance speech, Governor people will feel the impact of good challenges with the incidences of
to send a message to his Inuwa promised to justify the governance we all pursue”. kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and
countryman, Mekonen that condence reposed in him by his other violent crimes that impacted
he is returning to Okpekpe Meanwhile, Solomon Arase,
former Nigeria’s Inspector colleagues across party divides. He expressed delight with the negatively on the lives of the people
to break the course record
and make history. General of Police and now commencement of drilling activities and the economy of the entire
Chairman of the Police He emphasized that the good in the Lake Chad Basin which has region. However, with our collective
Service Commission has legacies of the Forum will be brought to three drilling sites in the and individual efforts coupled with
The stage will not be for Haji commended Mike the support of the Federal
alone as a certain Kenyan, Itemuagbor, owner of the sustained to bequeath not only virile North to include Kolmani in Gombe
Daniel Simiu Ebenyo will Okpekpe 10km race for organisation, but a better future for and Bauchi and the one in Nasarawa Government and security agencies,
not only be seeking to sustaining the world-class the people of the north at the end of State. we were able to do our best to
return Kenya to the podium ro a d running event in his tenure as chairman of the contain the situation.
as Okpekpe race champion Nigeria.
but also challenge Northern Governors Forum. He assured that the forum will see to
Mekonen’s 28.35-course the actualization of the exploration “Without the series of meetings and
record. ‘ Ku d o s t o M i k e Inuwa assured his fellow Northern of the large oil and gas deposits in the engagements we held, our people
(Itemuagbor), the great Governors that in line with the North for the benet of the people. would have been thrown into
sports lover and deeper hunger and despair as the
Ebenyo is one of just 14 administrator for putting objectives of the Northern
athletes in the event’s all- the rural Okpekpe Governor’ Forum, he will strive to Governor Inuwa Yahaya noted that threat by criminals restrained them
time list to have broken 27 community on the map of sustain the strides left behind by his the Northern region of the country from engaging in farming which is the
minutes when he ran 26:58 the world. Okpekpe race predecessors. is sitting on not only oil and gas main economic activity of the region.
in Valencia, Spain in January has come to stay because of
2022, and like Haji, the 27- deposits. but solid minerals which
our brother who has been He said the focus of the NSGF on the forum has no reason not to “Although we have not overcome
year-old has also returned able to sustain it over the
to form just in time for the economic development will be the exploit and put to use for the benet this challenge completely, we have
years,’ said Arase.
Okpekpe race. driving force of the Forum while his of the people. substantially improved the situation.
We h o p e t h a t t h e i n c o m i n g
The ninth edition of the chairmanship lasts.
He ran 59:52 to win the Okpekpe International The Gombe State Governor used Governors and those continuing
Istanbul Half Marathon in 10km road race will hold on He observed that the region is the occasion to thank the outgoing their second terms will work
Istanbul, Turkey at the end Saturday in Okpekpe in challenged by insurgency in the chairman of the Northern together with the Federal
of last month and will be E t s a k o E a s t L o c a l North East, ethnic and religious Government to ensure the region is
looking to become the fth Governors’ Forum and Plateau State
Government Area of Edo crisis within the North Central as Governor Right Hon. Simon Bako secure”.
Ke n y a n w i n n e r o f t h e state.
well as farmers/herders clashes and Lalong for his administrative
As we get New Elected and Appointed Representatives,
Promote Grassroots Journalism: Ifeajika charges Newsmen
T he Chief Press Secretary to
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta
State, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, has called
on journalists to carve a niche for
themselves by giving attention to issues in grassroots journalism, Ifeajika charges newsmen
“A n d , I w a n t t o
appeal that as
i n d i g e n o u s
partnership with the government by
always reporting the policies and
programmes of the state government.
Promote correspondents, you He also charged journalists in the state to

the grassroots in their reportage. should truly to be take their practice to a top-notch by
indigenous and reporting constructively and objectively,
He particularly challenged members of grassroots people; adding that as journalists, they should be
Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel go and nd out what abreast with issues in the society and
(ICC) of the Nigeria Union Journalists is happening in the dress decently so as to earn the people’s
(NUJ) in the state to, as local reporters, rural areas instead of respect.
mirror the rural communities to the competing with
government and public and vice versa. major media outlets
in the cities. Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the
chapel, Comrade Kenneth Orusi, had
Ifeajika made the call when he received told the CPS that they were in his ofce
the new Executive Committee members “ We should take on a courtesy visit and to formally
by their nomenclature, always report in time to look at what happens to our
of ICC who visited him at his ofce at the cities, did not appropriately give them introduce the new executive committee
Government House, Asaba. people in the rural areas and you will be members of ICC to him.
the identity that corresponded with their surprised that you cannot quantify the
name. mileage you will get in reporting if you do
He urged them to redirect their so,” he said. Orusi lauded the CPS for the great role
reportorial skills and energy to the “The Indigenous Correspondents, like that he has been playing since he assumed
coverage of activities and events within the name implies, is a grassroots-focused duties as the spokesman of the governor,
local milieu, adding that as their name Ifeajika noted that government was doing pointing out that they were very glad that
group. I tell journalists that it is not so much in the rural areas which should
implies, they should be grassroots-based enough for everybody to be in the cities he had carried them along in the scheme
and oriented. be reported, stressing that reporting of things.
and report what happens in the cities. areas where government had not been
able to reach, will always help
According to him, there is so much to be “There is so much to be done in the government to do what it ought to do. While commending M Ifeajika for
done in the remote areas, and those that mundane areas. Those that are graciously making it possible for the
are indigenous should always be local and indigenous should always be local and be Indigenous Correspondents Chapel to
be there with the local people. While congratulating executive members benet from the stipends paid to NUJ
there with the people. But I see a of ICC on their successful election,
situation where even those that are Chapels in the state, he however,
Ifeajika urged them and other media appealed for an upward review of the
The CPS maintained that a situation indigenous always report in the cities. practitioners in the state to sustain their
where those that were indigenous, going stipends paid to his members.
DTHA screens, Confirms Newly

Constituted DESOPADEC Girls in Adamawa
Board of The Delta State Oil
Producing Areas Development
Commission, and in the exercise of the
Communities get
powers conferred on him by section 7,
sub-section 1(a) of The Delta State Oil ICT Empowerment
Producing Areas Development
Commission Law (as Amended) ,
2019, He therefore wishes to
nominate the above mentioned
by IBI Foundation
the lives of young girls in
persons for appointment into various these communities. He
positions of the DESOPADEC Board. believes that when young
girls are equipped with the
Moving the motion for conrmation necessary skills and
was the Majority Leader of the House, resources, they can
Hon. Chief Ferguson Onwo and become empowered to
T he Delta State House of Assembly has seconded by the Deputy Speaker of pursue their dream
thoroughly screened and conrmed the House, Rt. Hon. Ochor Christopher careers and become
the newly constituted Delta State Oil Ochor . independent.
T
Producing Areas Development Commission he Ibrahim Baba-Inna (IBI)
(DESOPADEC) Board , during the Tuesday In a related development, the Delta State Foundation, a humanitarian The IBI Foundation CEO and
23rd May, 2023 plenary, in the hollow House of Assembly has equally conrmed the organization based in Founder, who has worked for many
chamber of the state house of assembly, at appointment of two New Deputy Clerk and a Nigeria, has announced plans years to support those in need
Asaba, the state capital. New Secretary of The Delta State House of to empower young girls in throughout Nigeria, reiterates that
Assembly Service Commission Board, these Adamawa state as part of Girls in it is necessary to make an impact
The plenary which was presided over by the ICT Day celebrations. and change lives for the greater
Speaker and Delta State Governor elect, Rt. good. The Girls-In-ICT Day event is
Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori The theme for this year’s event is ” an ITU ( International
red the names on the oor of the house Digital Skills for Life”. This event will Telecommunications Union) event
through a letter from the Governor, Senator benet girls in the communities of that holds yearly on the last
Dr Ifeanyi Okowa conveying the names that Song, Girei, and Yola in Adamawa thursday in the month of April. The
to be screened and conrmed which includes; state. Girls-In-ICT day was on the 27th of
Olorogun John Nani as Board Chairman, April. The IBI
Chief Festus Ochonogor as Managing The initiative seeks to bridge the
Director (MD) , Mr. Efele Eyewu Nicholas gender gap in access to ICT Foundation has been holding this
Executive Director, Mr. Favour Izoukumor resources by providing girls with event since 2016 and has so far
Executive Director, Hon. Chief Taleb A.O. access to digital literacy skills that impacted more than 5,000 girls
Tebite Executive Director, Mr. Oghenekome can help them thrive in the digital from previous events not only in
Reginald Okpobor Executive Director, others world. Additionally, they will be Adamawa but 19 other states in
are; Chief Julius Egbedi Member, Mr. Sylvester mentored by fellow girls in the tech Nigeria.
Ovbije Member, Mr. Goru Jonathan includes; Barr. Mrs. Nwabuoku Isioma
Ukamaka as Deputy Clerk, Olorogun communities as well as be given the
Oghenekaro Member, Mr. Azuka Enebeli opportunity to receive training in The IBI Foundation has mobilized a
Member, Dr. Charles Olisa Member, Mrs. Dogbokeme Sylvester as Deputy Clerk, and
Barr. Uwasike Austin as Secretary of the coding, robotics, virtual reality, and team of local volunteers and
Cordilia N. Anyangwu Member, Mr. Sonny mobile applications. partners to implement the project.
Ofe Member, Mr. Victor Okemena Egboh Assembly Commission.
They have also launched an online
Member, and Mr. Spencer Okpoye Member. campaign – #girlsinict2023 – which
Moving the motion for conrmation was the Retired Lt Commander Ibrahim
Baba-Inna, the CEO of IBI is aimed at sensitization and
According to the letter, Governor Okowa Majority Leader, Hon. Chief Ferguson Onwo generating more support for the
and was seconded by Hon. Evivie Foundation also stated that he
informed the House that following the hopes this initiative will make a initiative.
expiration of the tenure of the Governing Ovuakpoye, member representing Isoko
South 1 Constituency. positive and long-term difference in
OFFICE OF THE
Chief Medical Director
KOGI STATE
SPECIALIST HOSPITAL,LOKOJA
Congratulate
H Excellency ALHAJI
YAHAYA
BELLO The Execu ve Governor
Kogi State, Nigeria
on the
Award Of
National Honor
I, the Chief Medical Director, Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja Prof.
Isah Yahaya Adagiri hereby congratulate the Executive Governor of Kogi
State, His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello on his most-deserved
conferement with the iconic national honour of the Commander of the
Order of the Niger (CON).
The honour is well- deserved because you have demonstrated
uncommon passion, zeal and patriotism required for leadership of our
dear State.
Your commitment to the security of lives and property and your
leadership traits that have united Kogites and coupled with your youth
consciousness as well as your involvement in good governance across
the state speak volumes of your personality.
You have demonstrated capacity for cohesion and inclusive governance
through a model of developmental agenda as encapsulated in the New
Direction Blueprint.
Kogi State under your watch has enjoyed religious and cultural
tolerance, gender balance, f healthy fiscal policy, good health
management, agricultural evolution and repositioning of the education Signed:
sector. PROF. ISAH ADAGIRI YAHAYA
I, on behalf of the management and staff of the hospital, once again, Chief Medical Director
congratulate Your Excellency for the most deserved national honour.
A GEM’s
Birthday
DR. ANDREW ADAMA
Felicitates
With Atta Igala on the
Occasion of His
RD
I, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Andreams Global

Properties Ltd, Abuja, Hon. Dr. Andrew Adama on behalf of
my family, the management and staff of my company,
Heartily Congratulates
HRM, Dr. Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa,
CHAIRMAN, IDAH LGA TRADITIONAL COUNCIL, IGALA AREA TRADITIONAL COUNCIL,
PRESIDENT, KOGI STATE COUNCIL OF CHIEFS AND CHANCELLOR, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY, ADDO-EKITI
on the occasion of his birthday celebration. The birthday of
HRM, the number one traditional ruler in Kogi State is worthy
of celebration considering his landmark success in the socio-
cultural and other spheres of development within this short
HON. DR.
time on the throne of his fore-fathers. ANDREW ADAMA
I wish His Royal Majesty sound health, more wisdom, Chairman/CEO of
knowledge, longevity and prosperity in the years ahead. Andreams Global
Properties Ltd, Abuja,
Signed: Hon. Dr. Andrew Adama ,

MD/CEO Andreams Global Properties, Ltd, Abuja.
Tinubu assures Nigeria of better ICPC Secures 15 Years Conviction
Days as he hosts Tony Blair Of Ex-Poly Staff
Meanwhile, the United States
President, Joe Biden, has named his
delegation to attend the inauguration
of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu.
T he Independent
C o r r u p t
Practices and
Other Related
Offences Commission,
respectively.
In a Charge No. KB/HC/4C/2020,

counsel to ICPC, Mr. Mashkur Salisu,
had told the Court in a trial which
ICPC has secured the lasted for two years, how the convict
No fewer than 65 world leaders, conviction of one Mr. Muhammed Sani refused to embark on the said
including Heads of State, have been Nuhu, a former academic staff of Programme and converted the money
invited to grace Tinubu’s Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, to his personal use.
inauguration. The former Lagos State Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, for
governor will be sworn in as the 16th conferring corrupt advantage on His action was contrary to, and
President of Nigeria on May 29 at himself to the tune of N6 million punishable under Section 19 of the
Eagle Square, Abuja. belonging to the Polytechnic. Corrupt Practices and Other Related
Tinubu Blair
Offences Act, 2000 as well as Section
Also expected at the nation’s seventh In a 4-count charge brought before 311 of the Penal Code, and punishable
P
resident-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, transition ceremony are past presidents, Hon. Justice Hassan Usman of the under Section 312 of the Penal Code
has revealed the purpose of the visit of diplomats, heads of international Kebbi State High Court, Birnin Kebbi Law (Cap 89) Laws of Northern
Former United Kingdom Prime organisations, prominent Nigerians, and Judicial Division, the Commission Nigeria 1963.
Minister, Tony Blair to him in Abuja. representatives of foreign governments and averred that Mr. Nuhu, a dismissed
agencies. academic staff of the Polytechnic, The trial judge found the former Poly
Tinubu, on his ofcial Twitter account conferred corrupt advantage on lecturer guilty on counts one to three,
(@OfcialBAT), said the purpose of the visit The inauguration programmes will begin on himself when he converted into and dismissed count four leveled
was to discuss mutual interests between Thursday with the investiture of Tinubu as personal use the sums of N2 million in against him.
Nigeria and the Tony Blair Institute for Good Grand Commander of the Order of the 2015 and N4 million in 2016.
Governance, an institute owned by the Federal Republic and the Vice-President-
former UK Prime Minister. In his judgment therefore, Justice
elect, Kashim Shettima, as Grand This was contained in a statement by Usman sentenced him to ve years
Commander of the Order of the Niger. the ICPC’s spokesperson, Mrs Azuka imprisonment on each of the three
The tweet reads, “I received former British Ogugua, in Abuja on Tuesday. counts.
Prime Minister and founder of the Tony Blair Representatives of Nigeria’s traditional allies
Institute for Good Governance, Mr Tony such as the United States, the United According to the statement, the
Blair, at the Defence House, Abuja, earlier The Court also held that the convict
Kingdom, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, the monies were a special grant given to makes a restitution of the sum of Six
today. United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, China, him to attend an International Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira
Germany, Finland, Jamaica, Japan, Israel, Conference in Aberdeen, United (N6,500,000:00) being the proceed of
“We discussed areas of mutual interest and Turkey, and several others are expected at Kingdom and the rst tranche of the crime to the federal government.
how Nigeria can continue to benet from the the high-prole event. payment advanced to him for Doctor The sentences are to run concurrently.
amazing work of the Institute.” of Philosophy (Ph.D) Programme at
University of Technology Malaysia,
Incoming administration may Believe

Things Single Ladies Must Not
About Relationship
face industrial crisis – NLC Nigerian workers. When asked about possible
become your ATM, you
might be disappointed.
Instead of looking for a guy
solutions to avert strike actions, you will always collect
Ajaero made this known when he Ajaero explained that proper money from, why can’t you
appeared on Channels TV technocrats must be allowed to build your nancial life so
handle the sector, insisting that the you too can be a blessing to
programme, Politics Today.
implementation of agreements him. Healthy relationship is
about give and take. It is not
According to him, several industrial seems to be the beating heart of
just about taking and taking.
crisis seem to be looming due to many of today’s crises.
failed agreements with lecturers, 3). Don’t Believe That
doctors and the power sector. “The best way to go is to sit down
Relationship Will Cage
and study the situation. If this is
You.
T he Nigeria Labour Congress

President, Joe Ajaero, has
predicted that the
incoming government will face
several industrial crisis due to the
He stressed “The Buhari
administration tried its best in
ensuring there is industrial peace
and harmony to the best of its
done. They will be able to handle
the issues one after the other and it
will do them a lot of good if they
bring in proper technocrats to
handle that sector. Trade unions and
The reason many ladies are
afraid of getting into
relationship and marriage is
because they believe it will
ability and capability but it was not cage them and cage their
previous government’s failed enough as most of the industrial their leaders are not unreasonable. 1). Don’t Believe that dreams and visions in life.
agreements with the various disputes the government treated If you have a new government that Relationship Will Cover While it is true that it is
groups they entered into are unnished. is listening and have the right calibre Your Weakness. happening to some people
agreements with. of people to address those issues, Some rush into relationship like that, it does not mean it
“You are talking about doctor’s they will be resolved but the major thinking it will hide their will happen to you.
Therefore, Ajaero expressed problem is implementation where weaknesses. The truth is We still have many men that
strike, the agreement signed was
“pity” to the incoming Tinubu agreements made ve, or ten years that, relationship is a will give you wings to soar
not implemented and is waiting for
administration, saying there are ago are not implemented. revealer and a magnier. If and reach the zenith of your
the incoming government. The you have any weakness, deal
several inconclusive industrial ASUU issue is pending and waiting vision. Change your wrong
challenges left unattended to by the with it so it will not deal with belief system.
for the incoming government. “The implementability of
outgoing administration of your relationship when you
There is hardly any agreement that agreements seems to be the reason
get into it.
President Muhammadu Buhari. was conclusively decided and for the crises we are having. Check 4). Don’t Believe That
exhausted, and that is why I pity the ASUU, resident doctors, the Relationship Will Change A
power sector and other sectors. It 2). Don’t Believe That fool Guy To A wise Guy.
In his assessment of Nigerian incoming administration. A lot of Relationship Will Credit Don’t date or get engage
workers’ welfare under the Buhari industrial crisis seems to be is not usually too difcult to reach
Your Bank Account. with Impostor. If you are
regime, the labour president looming. an agreement and strike a balance,
If you think getting into a dating an impostor and you
stated, “There will be a spillover but respecting the sanctity of such
relationship will make you think your relationship with
effect on the coming “There is going to be a spillover agreement by the government side
richer, you have a wrong him will change him to a wise
administration.” effect on the incoming government has been a problem. Any belief system. It is true that
agreement not forced on the person, you might be
because when you apprehend your ance should give you
He added that despite the outgoing government is expected to be disappointed. He might
issues, it is to an end that you money when the need arises succeed in making you
president’s best efforts, it was not resolve the problem. honoured,” he pointed out. but if you think he will become like a fool.
enough to meet the needs of
Aderemi Medupin ( PhD) Speaks on Economics of
organised crime with an intellectual endorsement
Granted that the argument can be made that the poor are more likely than the wealthy to commit street crime, it is also true
that the wealthy are much more likely than the poor to commit white-collar, or better put, organized, crime, which, as easily
demonstrable can be much more harmful than street crime.
Economics and Crime • Essays on the Economics of Crime nancial crimes all over the world others to commit the crime. There is • Illegal oil bunkering is a problem in
The day I ran into the submission by by Ignacio Munyo (2012) PhD Thesis because the criminal policy, especially also the possibility that the members Nigeria, with oil stolen directly from
the U.S. Department of Justice at Universidad de San Andrés- in the economic area, varies greatly are unaware of other members in the pipelines, predominantly in the Niger
published in the Atlanta Economic Victoria, Provincia de Buenos Aires, from one country to another. It is also group. Delta region, processed through
Review Volume: 28 Issue: 4 Dated Argentina difcult to determine the overall artisanal reneries and then sold
July-August 1978, I became fully extent of these crimes because their The principle of division of labour is locally or smuggled abroad to China,
convinced that some economists are • The Economics of Crime: A Survey- growing perception involves some of typically upheld as the organised crime North Korea, Israel and South Africa,
criminals! Hear the intellectual by Donald E. Lewis. Department of the most rapidly growing predicate involves delegation of duties and among others. Bunkering operators
spokesperson of the Justice Economics, University of offences, as well as the fact that many responsibilities and specialization of are professionals and have access to
Department-in his introduction to the Wollongong- Economic Analysis and cases are not reported and the functions. Division of labour among arms and ties to foreign criminal actors
topic, Economics of Crime: Policy Vol. 17 No. 02, September investigation to discover these crimes members is based on their skills as the who have the means to transport
1987 requires high levels of expertise which organized criminal groups and their crude oil to reneries in Cameroon,
The economic theory of crime is not well developed in many protectors rely on skilled individuals Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, before
essentially argues that criminals • A Modern Guide to the Econ0mics countries, especially in developing or specialist support to assist in the moving it to destination markets;
rationally maximize their own self- of Crime- a 414-page text edited by countries. achievement of group‘s goal. The
interest (Utility) subject to the Paolo Buonanno, Paolo Vanin and Juan specialist assists the criminal groups • Nigeria is an important transit,
constraints (Prices, Incomes) that they Vargas, published in 2022- with While responses differ from country on an ad-hoc basis and not source and destination market for
face in the marketplace and contributions from some of the to country, organized crime is permanently; they are non-the-less illicit drugs. Afghan heroin is moved
elsewhere. Thus the decision to leading scholars in the economics of nevertheless a global problem. considered part of the organized through Nigeria en route to Europe,
become a criminal is in principle no crime. Hemant More has provided a detailed crime. with domestic networks collaborating
different from the decision to take up overview of the characteristics of with Afghani and Pakistani drug cartels
another occupation. The theory • “A theory of organized crime, organized crime groups as having: As to be expected, the goal of for trafcking and distribution. Aided
claims that crime rates will be corruption and economic growth” by organized crime groups is to make by corruption, these networks also
negatively associated with Keith Blackburn, Kyriakos C. Neanidis • Self-perpetuation and continuing money; members also gain a sense of facilitate the sea transport of heroin
opportunity costs and with probability & Maria Paola Rana published in conspiracy, pride, power, and protection. Political directly to Europe, the United States
and severity of punishment and will be Economic Theory Bulletin volume 5, • The goals of prot and power, power is achieved through the and the Middle East. The domestic
positively associated with gains from pages227–245 (2017). • The use of fear and corruption, and corruption of public ofcials, including heroin market has not grown, due in
criminal behavior. Many empirical virtual immunity from the law legislators and political executive. part to the high use of synthetic drugs
statistical tests have been performed • Essays on the Economics of Crime Sometimes, such group may also among the youth, typically very cheap
on this economic model and have PhD Dissertation in Economics A detailed treatment is given by the penetrate the legitimate economy, codeine-based cough syrups.
consistently supported the theory. presented by Eva Marieke Schnabel to author to the listed characteristics as through construction, nancing
University College London reproduced here. The essence of business, etc. Thus we see that when it comes to the
This rationalization is precisely what continuity is that the criminal group world of organized crime, even the
makes the authors and their fellow Indeed, between July 18-19, 2022, the operate beyond the lifetime of Organised crime arranges permanent relatively poor economies are in the
ideological travelers guilty of the Department of Business and individual members and is structured protection against interference from league of those that can rightly boast
charge: criminal economists. It is the E c o n o m i c s o f t h e Pa r t h e n o p e to survive changes in leadership while, law-enforcement authorities and of rampant practitioners, with
same amoral rationalization that University of Naples and the of course, the gang remains other agencies of government. The imaginable negative consequences.
encouraged Richard Freeman to University of Leicester School Of continuously involved in criminal protective measures include contacts Clearly, this is not a model for a
declare that: Business organized the “6th activity. In other words, these groups with policemen, lawyers, doctors, peaceful world.
workshop on the Economics of are not formed on a temporary basis, politicians, judges, and inuential
Most analyses show that “crime pays” Organized Crime” to serve “as a rather, they are into existence for a persons in society. There are corrupt A more peaceful world is possible
in the sense of offering higher wages forum to present current research long time. Incidentally, an exploratory public ofcials, politicians, attorneys As empirically tested and reported by
than legitimate work, presumably in investigating the origin, impact and research shows that children of and businessmen who individually or Adenuga Fabian Adekoya and Nor
part to offset the risk of apprehension. functioning of organized crime”. organized crime offenders appear to collectively protect the criminal group Azam Abdul Razak-both of the School
Analyses on the subject of economics be at much greater risk of following in through abuses of status and or of Economics, Finance and Banking,
David D. Friedman, on the platform of of crime have advanced to the level their parents’ footsteps than children privilege and violation of the law. Universiti Utara Malaysia, in their
Econlab says all that is needed to where we now have a contribution of ‘general’ offenders. Corruption is the central tool of the article, “The Dynamic Relationship
implicate the accused economists in that runs as: “The Becker Paradox and criminal protectors. A criminal group between Crime and Economic
the words that: Type I vs. Type II Errors in the The typical structure of organized relies on a network of corrupt ofcials Growth in Nigeria”, crime is a major
Economics of Crime” by Mats Persson crime is that the group is a collection to protect the group from the impediment to economic growth and
Economists approach the analysis of and Claes-Henric Siven of the of hierarchically arranged Criminal Justice System. Corruption development in Nigeria despite
crime with one simple Department of Economics, interdependent persons devoted to involves giving money in cash or in measures taken to reduce it. For
assumption—that criminals are Stockholm University, Sweden. the accomplishment of a particular gifts, providing help in elections, instance, the Federal Government of
rational. A mugger is a mugger for the Furthermore, and joined or led by function. They are distinguishable as threatening their competitors, etc. Nigeria in 2014 claimed that theft,
s a m e r e a s o n I a m a n geographers, economists have the ranks are based on power and fraud, corruption, and violence
economist—because it is the most written many papers attempting to authority. Everybody respects the At this stage, in order to assist the constituted a major challenge on the
attractive alternative available to him. analyse the spatial variation in crime leader of the group as no member of reader see the urgency and relevance economy and nancial budget. Large
The decision to commit a crime, like rates, the determinants of these the group dees his orders. Thus, for of the theme under examination, a sums of money were lost to criminals
any other economic decision, can be variations and the impact such members, the organization comes specic country case is highlighted. through fraud and forgery as revealed
analyzed as a choice among alternative variations can have on both the quality before themselves and their family by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
combinations of costs and benets. of life and property values in members. Potential members are The Nigerian scene way back in 2013. Smuggling,
otherwise similar residential areas. subjected to immense scrutiny and are As documented by the Global sabotage, kidnapping, theft and
In this framework, criminal groups are Increasingly and perhaps justiably so, required to prove their worth and Organised Crime Index, Nigeria has violence have negatively affected the
viewed as standard business outts. the economics of crime is considered loyalty to the criminal group. Rules of criminal practices embracing human revenue of the Government.
Hence, as Friedman puts it, alongside the legal context and membership include secrecy, a trafcking, trafcking of small arms
“newspapers, prosecutors, and the provisions; thus the theme is now willingness to commit any act for the and light weapons (SALW), wildlife In my view, any well-meant attempt at
FBI often make organized crime more popularly couched as group and intent to protect the group. trafcking, illegal oil bunkering, and addressing the challenge of organized
sound almost like General Motors or Economics of Law and Crime. The In return for loyalty, the member market for illicit drugs. The global crime must go beyond the neoclassical
IBM—a hierarchical organization with topic has been pursued vigorously receives economic benets, certain body has the following details on economic prism of static analytical
a few kingpins controlling thousands across jurisdictions, providing the prestige and protection from law Nigeria: framework to the higher, more
of subordinates”. basis for comparison between enforcement agencies. • Nigerian human trafcking enduring pedestal of economic justice.
developed and underdeveloped networks are infamous, primarily Economic justice is the idea that the
It is pertinent to point to the fact that economies as well as capitalist and Team work ethics is strong as those engaged in sex trafcking and economy will be more successful if it is
the economic theory of criminal planned economies. organized crime involves association domestic exploitation, operating in fairer; thus, its goal is to create
behaviour is an application of the of a group of criminals which is West Africa and Europe. Nigerian opportunities for all to succeed
neoclassical theory of demand. Isolating Organized Crime relatively permanent and may even networks also engage in labour regardless of sex, age, disability, creed,
Formalized by Nobel Laureate Gary To Hemant More, an expert on our last decades. Members respect each trafcking, particularly of children national origin, religion, or genetic
Becker in 1968, it states that potential subject, organized crime is presented other the most, behave honestly with who are exploited in domestic formation. Granted that the argument
criminals are economically rational as “those involved, normally working each other, and never harm each other servitude street vending, mining and can be made that the poor are more
and respond signicantly to the with others, in continuing serious in any way. The members are obliged farming all across West Africa; likely than the wealthy to commit
deterring incentives by the criminal criminal activities for a substantial to each other and provide reciprocal street crime, it is also true that the
justice system. prot, elsewhere”. In general, services to each other. The criminal • Nigeria’s location, as well as its wealthy are much more likely than the
organized crime involves extortion, group may be in legitimate as well as particularly porous northern and poor to commit white-collar, or better
Over time, the interest of economists collection of protection money from illegitimate business activity at the eastern borders, and access to the put, organized, crime, which, as easily
in crime has grown substantially as rich businessmen, contract killing, same time. The organized crime ocean in the south, has made it an ideal demonstrable can be much more
reected in the increasing number of kidnapping, lm nancing, human involves advance arrangements for transit point for the trafcking of small harmful than street crime. I come in
articles churned out by researchers, a trafcking, human organ trafcking, successfully committing crimes, arms and light weapons (SALW).; peace, please.
development traced to three factors, drug trafcking, narcotics trafcking, minimizing risks and ensuring safety
namely: one- the path breaking smuggling and illicit trade in arms and and protection. The members of the • Nigeria has become a major transit
theoretical analysis provided by Gary ammunition. group work like professionals whose hub for wildlife trafcking, particularly
Becker cited above; two- the rising duties and responsibilities are for Central African ivory and pangolin
crime rate and the growing public The cautionary note sounded by Dr. predened while high secrecy is scales as well as for donkey hides
concern about the substantial cost of Abboud Al-Sarraj Professor, Faculty of maintained. Only people holding destined for Vietnam and China, the
crime; and third, the success of L a w, D a m a s c u s U n i v e r s i t y, higher posts know what crime is to be primary markets for wildlife products.
researchers in using economic models concerning what exactly constitutes committed, sometimes even a Local fauna has been widely destroyed
to explain variations in crime over economic or nancial crime deserves criminal working at the grass-root due to the trade, which affects
time and across jurisdictions. As a to be taken on board as he notes that: level does not know who the boss is. Nigeria’s populations of endangered
pointer to the growing popularity of The head of the organization issues species, including West African lions,
our chosen subject, here is a sample of It is difcult to have one legal denition order to the person and second in Cross River gorillas, Cameroon forest
works on the theme: of the concept of economic and command who in turn may instruct shrews;
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Addresses Nigerian
as He Takes Oath of Office, Removed Fuel Subsidy every household and in every prejudice toward none but compassion and amity programme for storage and other facilities to
heart that calls itself Nigerian. towards all. reduce spoilage and waste will be undertaken.
We hold this beam aloft because In the coming days and weeks, my team will Agricultural hubs will be created throughout the
it lights our path with publicly detail key aspects of our programme. Today, nation to increase production and engage in value-
compassion, brotherhood, and permit me to outline in broad terms a few initiatives added processing. The livestock sector will be
peace. May this great light never that dene our concept of progressive good introduced to best modern practices and steps
EXTINGUISH. governance in furtherance of the Nigerian ideal: taken to minimize the perennial conict over land
Our administration shall and water resources in this sector.
govern on your behalf but never The principles that will guide our administration are Through these actions, food shall be made more
rule over you. We shall consult simple: abundant yet less costly. Farmers shall earn more
and dialogue but never dictate. while the average Nigerian pays less.
We shall reach out to all but 1. Nigeria will be impartially governed according to
never put down a single person the constitution and the rule of law.
for holding views contrary to 2. We shall defend the nation from terror and all INFRASTRUCTURE
our own. forms of criminality that threaten the peace and We shall continue the efforts of the Buhari
Mr. Mbah stability of our country and our subregion. administration on infrastructure. Progress toward
We are here to further mend
and heal this nation, not tear and 3. We shall remodel our economy to bring about national networks of roads, rail and ports shall get
injure it. growth and development through job creation, priority attention.
In this vein, may I offer a few food security and an end of extreme poverty.
My Fellow Citizens, comments regarding the election that brought us to 4. In our administration, Women and youth will FUEL SUBSIDY
I stand before you honoured to assume the this juncture. It was a hard fought contest. And it was feature prominently. We commend the decision of the outgoing
sacred mandate you have given me. My love for this also fairly won. Since the advent of the Fourth 5.Our government will continue to take proactive administration in phasing out the petrol subsidy
nation is abiding. My condence in its people, Republic, Nigeria has not held an election of better steps such as championing a credit culture to regime which has increasingly favoured the rich
unwavering. And my faith in God Almighty, absolute. quality. discourage corruption while strengthening the more than the poor. Subsidy can no longer justify its
I know that His hand shall provide the needed moral The outcome reected the will of the people. effectiveness and efciency of the various anti- ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying
strength and clarity of purpose in those instances However, my victory does not render me any more corruption agencies. resources. We shall instead re-channel the funds
when we seem to have reached the limits of our Nigerian than my opponents. Nor does it render into better investment in public infrastructure,
human capacity. them any less patriotic. SECURITY education, health care and jobs that will materially
This day is bold and majestic yet bright and full of They shall forever be my fellow compatriots. improve the lives of millions.
Security shall be the top priority of our
spirit, as is our precious nation. And I will treat them as such. They represent administration because neither prosperity nor
As a nation, we have long ago decided to march important constituencies and concerns that wisdom justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence. MONETARY POLICY
beyond the dimness of night into the open day of dare not ignore. To effectively tackle this menace, we shall reform Monetary policy needs thorough housecleaning.
renewed national hope. They have taken their concerns to court. both our security DOCTRINE and its The Central Bank must work towards a unied
The question we now ask ourselves is whether Seeking legal redress is their right and I fully defend ARCHITECTURE. exchange rate. This will direct funds away from
to remain faithful to the work inherent in building a their exercise of this right. This is the essence of the We shall invest more in our security personnel, arbitrage into meaningful investment in the plant,
better society or retreat into the shadows of our rule of law. and this means more than an increase in number. We equipment and jobs that power the real economy.
unmet potential. Over six decades ago, our founding fathers gave shall provide, better training, equipment, pay and Interest rates need to be reduced to increase
For me, there is but one answer. We are too bravely of themselves to place Nigeria on the map as repower. investment and consumer purchasing in ways that
great a nation and too grounded as a people to rob an independent nation. sustain the economy at a higher level.
ourselves of our nest destiny. We must never allow the labor of those who THE ECONOMY Whatever merits it had in concept, the currency
This nation's journey has been shaped by the came before us to wither in vain but to blossom and swap was too harshly applied by the CBN given the
On the economy, we target a higher GDP number of unbanked Nigerians. The policy shall be
prayers of millions, and the collective sacrices of us bring forth a better reality. growth and to signicantly reduce unemployment.
all. Let us take the next great step in the journey reviewed. In the meantime, my administration will
We intend to accomplish this by taking the treat both currencies as legal tender.
We have endured hardships that would have they began and believed in. following steps:
made other societies crumble. Today, let us recommit our very selves to placing First, budgetary reform stimulating the economy FOREIGN POLICY
Yet, we have shouldered the heavy burden to Nigeria in our hearts as the indispensable home for without engendering ination will be instituted.
arrive at this SUBLIME moment where the prospect each and every one of us regardless of creed, Given the world in which we reside, please
of a better future merges with our improved ethnicity, or place of birth. Second, industrial policy will utilize the full range permit a few comments regarding foreign policy.
capacity to create that future. of scal measures to promote domestic
My supporters, I thank you. To those who voted manufacturing and lessen import dependency. The crisis in Sudan and the turn from democracy
To the surprise of many but not to ourselves, we otherwise, I extend my hand across the political by several nations in our immediate neighbourhood
have more rmly established this land as a divide. I ask you to grasp it in national afnity and Third, electricity will become more accessible are of pressing concern.
democracy in both word and deed. brotherhood. For me, political coloration has faded and affordable to businesses and homes alike.
Power generation should nearly double and As such, my primary foreign policy objective
The peaceful transition from one government to away. All I see are Nigerians. must be the peace and stability of the West African
transmission and distribution networks improved.
another is now our political tradition. This handover May we uphold these tting and excellent We will encourage states to develop local sources as subregion and the African continent. We shall work
symbolizes our trust in God, our enduring faith in notions as the new Nigerian ideal. well. with ECOWAS, the AU and willing partners in the
representative governance and our belief in our international community to end extant conicts and
ability to reshape this nation into the society it was I have a message for our investors, local and to resolve new ones.
My fellow compatriots, foreign: our government shall review all their
always meant to be. As we contain threats to peace, we shall also
The Nigerian ideal which I speak of is more than complaints about multiple taxation and various anti-
Here, permit me to say a few words to my just an improvement in economic and other investment inhibitions. retool our foreign policy to more actively lead the
predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr statistics. These things are important; but they can regional and continental quest for collective
President, you have been an honest, patriotic leader We shall ensure that investors and foreign prosperity.
never convey the fullness of our story. businesses repatriate their hard earned dividends
who has done his best for the nation you love. On a
more personal note, you are a worthy partner and Our mission is to improve our way of life in a and prots home.
manner that nurtures our humanity, encourages Conclusion
friend. May History be kind to you.
compassion toward one another, and duly rewards JOBS This is the proudest day of my life. But this day
For many years, Nigeria's critics have trafcked our collective effort to resolve the social ills that does not belong to me. It belongs to you, the people
the rumour that our nation will break apart, even seek to divide us. My administration must create meaningful of Nigeria.
perish. opportunities for our youth. We shall honour our
Our constitution and laws give us a nation on campaign commitment of one million new jobs in On this day, Nigeria afrms its rightful place
Yet here we are. We have stumbled at times, but paper. We must work harder at bringing these noble among the world's great democracies. There,
our resilience and diversity have kept us going. the digital economy.
documents to life by strengthening the bonds of Nigeria shall reside forever.
Our burdens may make us bend at times, but economic collaboration, social cohesion, and Our government also shall work with the
National Assembly to fashion an omnibus Jobs and The course of our past and the promise of the future
they shall never break us. cultural understanding. Let us develop a shared have brought us to this exceptional moment.
Instead, we stand forth as Africa's most sense of fairness and equity. Prosperity bill. This bill will give our administration
the policy space to embark on labour-intensive In this spirit, I ask you to join me in making Nigeria a
populous nation and as the best hope and strongest The South must not only seek good for itself but more perfect nation and democracy such that the
champion of the Black Race. infrastructural improvements, encourage light
must understand that its interests are served when industry and provide improved social services for Nigerian ideal becomes and forever remains the
As citizens, we declare as one unied people good comes to the North. The North must see the the poor, elderly and vulnerable. Nigerian reality.
devoted to one unied national cause, that as long as South likewise. With full condence in our ability, I declare that
this world exists, NIGERIA SHALL EXIST. Whether from the winding creeks of the Niger these things are within our proximate reach because
Today, Fate and Destiny join together to place Delta, the vastness of the northern savannah, the AGRICULTURE
my name is Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I am the
the torch of human progress in our very hands. We boardrooms of Lagos, the bustling capital of Abuja, Rural incomes shall be secured by commodity President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
dare not let it slip. or the busy markets of Onitsha, you are all my exchange boards guaranteeing minimal prices for
certain crops and animal products. A nationwide May God bless you and May He bless our beloved
We lift high this torch so that it might shine on people. As your president, I shall serve with land.
Kogi State Government Approves Establishment of University in Okun land

T he Kogi
State
Executi
ve Council has
a p p r o v e d
academic brief and the master plan saying that
they would also be saddled with the task of
recommending a suitable location and whether
the university would be specialised or
conventional.
for the establishment of Conuence University
of Science and Technology, Osara was to
mitigate the challenge of the state’s qualied
students, not gaining admission to courses of
their choices because of the fact that Kogi is
procurement of 3 modern re trucks as part of
plans to ensure rapid responses and salvage any
possible re outbreak in the state.
He also noted that the Council received
reports and ratied some of the ongoing
establishment of a The commissioner said ‘’It is expected that regarded as a state that is educationally projects across the state including the
state university to the committee will give its report within the next advantaged. construction of internal roads at the Conuence
be located in the one month from the inauguration so that we can According to him, Kogi West is blessed with University of Science and Technology, Osara,
Kogi western move as fast as possible as it would be the tones of academia and highly known for itakpe – Okene – Total road which has both
senatorial district, government’s desire to see the university kick education, hence putting a university in Kogi reached advanced stage of completion.
attesting that the essence amongst many other off before the end of this tenure’’ West, particularly Okun land is so apt. The council also ratied additional work for
things was the need to provide more educational Giving an instance the Commissioner The Commissioner asserted that funding Okene Township Road and the school of
facility for young university hopeful in the state. narrated that during the last admission exercise has been and would always be a challenge but Nursery and Midwifery Obangede.
Making the announcement, the state at the Prince Abubakar Audu University there the government decided to take the bull by the Similarly, the Chief Press Secretary,
Commissioner for Education, Science and was a population explosion of prospective horn and make such audacious move, while he Onogwu Muhammed reiterated that the state
Technology, Wemi Jones hinted that the process intakes as the school had over 25,000 admission assured that the 15-man committee would be government under the leadership of Governor
would involve the inauguration of a 15-man seekers as against capacity intake of about 6,000 mandated to make recommendations on Bello has remained consistent in delivering on
implementation Committee, made up of noting that even indigenes of the state were sources of funding for the approved institution. the infrastructural development pledge made to
Professors from all over Kogi State. possibly deprived of admission or their intended In his own brieng, the Commissioner for the people of the state assuring that ongoing
He said the committee would be given the course of study. Works, Samson Bako hinted that the state projects would be completed in due course.
responsibility of drafting the university law, He recalled that one of the primary reason Executive Council also approved the
NEWS 19
VOL. 01 NO. 26 TUESDAY 30TH MAY, 2023
70 Billions Naira Fraud: EFCC Beams Searchlight on Gov. Matawalle
T he Economic and
Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC)
says the outgoing Governor
of Zamfara State, Bello
for the execution of projects
across the local government
areas of the state, was
allegedly diverted by the
governor through proxies and
governor to return the funds
received from the state
coffers back to him through
his aides after converting the
same to United States
government areas, the
Commission has recovered a
sum of N300million from a
company, Fezel Nigeria
Limited.
Matawalle is under contractors who received Dollars.
investigation for alleged payment for contracts that “The funds were traced to
N70billion fraud. were not executed. “They conrmed that they the Zamafara Investment
did not render any service to Company.
The Commission said this in a “ The Commission’s Zamfara State but were
statement in Abuja on investigations so far reveal allegedly directed to convert “In Nigeria, state governors
Thursday. that more than 100 the monies paid to them into and their deputies enjoy
companies have received United States Dollar and immunity from criminal
EFCC said the All payments from the funds, return to the State governor prosecution while in ofce, a
Progressives Congress (APC) with no evidence of service through some of his reason the EFCC has yet to
powerbroker is being rendered to the state,” the commissioners, notably the arrest Governor Matawalle,”
investigated over allegation of statement said. Commissioners in charge of EFCC explained.
monumental corruption, Finance and Local
award of phantom contracts According to EFCC, some of Government Affairs. Matawalle, who lost his re-
and diversion of over the contractors have been election bid in the 2023
N70billion. invited and quizzed. “As part of the extensive governorship election in the
investigation of contracts state in March, would
“ The money which was “They made startling award by the Matawalle complete his single term
sourced as loan from an old revelations on how they were administration, especially for tenure of four years on May
generation bank purportedly allegedly compelled by the phantom projects in the local 29, 2023.
Gov. Bello Matawalle
65 Former Corps Members Gain Automatic Employment

S
ixty-ve former Corps members life,” he added.
get automatic employment in
Federal Civil Service. While congratulating the former corps
members chosen for the Presidential
President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Honour, Sunday Dare said their sacrices
National Youth Service Corps NYSC 50th and remarkable achievements
Anniversary Honours Award ceremony represented the positive qualities they
in Abuja, announced that 52 people exemplied during their service year.
received Presidential Honours Awards,
while the remaining 13 People with Purpose of the NYSC Program in Nigeria
Disabilities were acknowledged under NYSC is a government-initiated program,
the NYSC Hope Alive Programme. established during the military regime,
designed to actively engage graduates in
He said that the two groups would be the process of nation-building.
offered scholarships up to the level of a
Doctorate Degree at any university in the Unlike military conscription, the
country and cash prizes of N250,000 for programme mandates graduates from
the top award winners and N200,000 for General Yakubu Gowon, on May 22, Universities and later Polytechnics to
the other award holders. He paid respect to corps members who 1973. partake in a one-year service, commonly
died in various circumstances while referred to as the national service year.
President Buhari directed the Head of the serving the country. ”The NYSC has continued to provide
Civil Service of the Federation, the successive batches of Corps Members In 2019, the Director-General of the
Federal Civil Service Commission and the President Buhari also expressed gratitude with a veritable platform to make NYSC, Shuaibu Ibrahim, said more than
Minister of Education to implement the to the Scheme’s founding father, retired important contributions to our national 4.6 million graduates participated in the
employment and scholarship offers. scheme since its inception in 1973.
“Its Illegal to Assault Police Officer in Uniform
Buhari gov’t Spend over Even if they Misbehave”_ Police Spoke Person
#200bn on Postponed against the provisions of the law for a civilian to
attack the erring ofcer.
Census - NPC Chairman short after the postponement.

He said, “If a policeman misbehaves to you, it is
not enough for somebody to beat a policeman on
uniform. There is a case today I saw the video
trending, policemen arresting Okada man. “I have
always been saying this, that there is no how you
Isa-Kwara mentioned in Abuja during want to do enforcement that you will not apply
a breakfast meeting with media Mr. Olumuyiwa Adejobi minimum force.
executives that the N224 billion has
been spent on preparations for the
exercise which include printing of
papers, and training of adhoc staff
T he Nigeria Police Force has revealed that it
is illegal to physically assault or beat a police
ofcer in uniform, even if the ofcer has
misbehaved.
“The law allows police ofcers to apply minimum
force. Then how did you apply your minimum
force to make it justiable?
members, among many other “I discovered that these men, these policemen
The Force Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi were not actually using police bats. If they have
Alh. Isa Kwarra miscellaneous. made this statement during a Twitter space used police bat on this man to suppress him to an
T
he chairman of the National organised by Premium Times, on Wednesday extent, it is justiable, but it is not for them to even
Population Commission, Recall that the President, Major evening. cause injury to this man.
Nasir Isa-Kwarra, on General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.)
postponed the census after several According to Adejobi, a policeman symbolises “But I noticed again when I reviewed and
Thursday, hinted at how N224 billion Nigerian authority and any disrespect launched reviewed, I watched the video again and I saw that
released by the Federal Government meetings with stakeholders in late against them would be regarded as an insult to it was not a police bat in any way, it is one heavy
for the 2023 housing and population April. Nigerian authority. Adejobi also said there are metal. Is it a baseball bat or stick policemen would
instances where it is allowed for police ofcers to use on somebody because they want to
census was spent. apply force during the course of their duties. contravene his bike? You can see to an extent that
He said the incoming administration
that one is not even professional in any way. To the
The initial money budgeted for the of President-elect, Bola Tinubu, will However, he was emphatic that irrespective of extent that the man was bleeding profusely, he ran
exercise was N800 billion but was cut decide on the date the exercise will what a police ofcer might have done, it is totally away from the scene using Marwa (tricycle). It is
hold. not still professional.”
Man Cries out After Polaris Bank
Claims He's Dead, Freezes
Millions of Naira in His account
A Nigerian man, Olasele
Anthony has called out
Polaris Bank accusing it
of freezing his account and
attempting to steal millions of
account so I can go to the same
court and show proof of life or
lift the inactive status on my
account.
naira from him. “I want to see my own death Gov. El-Rufai Gov. Makarfi
certicate that was used to
Anthony said the commercial
bank froze his bank account by
obtain the court order but
Polaris Bank staff are not
Gov. El- Rufai Marks Nine Properties
placing a Post No Debit (PND) availing me of any of these.” Owned by Former Governors of
on it in an attempt to allegedly “Last week, when they ran out
steal millions of naira from him. of excuses, they said I am legally He questioned the refusal of
Kaduna State for Demolition
a dead person. Polaris Bank is the bank to give him the court The Right of Occupancy of nine
Narrating his ordeal to saying they have a court order document saying, “How do I companies belonging to a former Among the affected properties
SaharaReporters, Anthony said from an Abuja court since know which court to approach G o v e r n o r, S e n a t o r A h m e d are ve plots in Mogadishu, three
he suspected foul play after his March saying I am dead and a with Proof of Life without Muhammed Makar, has been plots on Kwato road, and the
account with the bank became PND was placed on my knowing where I was legally revoked and also marked for Doka plot. In separate letters of
inactive and he was unable to account,” Anthony said. declared dead?” demolition by Governor Nasir El- revocation and withdrawal of
carry out any transaction. Rufai of Kaduna state. right of Occupancy signed by the
He further said that all efforts to Registrar of Kaduna Geographical
Anthony conrmed to The notice of revocation and Information Service (KADGIS),
He said he contacted the bank get a copy of the court order SaharaReporters that a legal
from the bank had not been withdrawal of the right of Mahmud Aminu said;
and was told the bank was complaint had been written and occupancy has been served to the
acting on a court order successful. submitted to the Central Bank ofcials of the affected “I have been directed to refer to
informing the bank that he was of Nigeria (CBN) and Polaris companies. the above Right of Occupancy,
dead. According to him, the bank has Bank to demand full details of and inform you that His
refused to furnish him with the what happened and for the The ofcial notice of revocation Excellency, Governor of Kaduna
“On February 3, I saw my legal document. PND placed on his account to was addressed to the Director of State has in the exercise of power
account was inactive/dormant. be lifted. Cane Properties, Plot 11, Murtala conferred on him under section
I contacted Polaris Bank, lled Anthony added, “My requests Square, Doka, Alhaji Ibrahim 28 (5) (a) and (b) of Land Use Act
out every form required and here are simple: Polaris Bank An email that was sent to the Makar who responded by saying 1978, revoked and withdrawal
been in weekly communication should send me a copy of the bank for a reaction to the claim “Our Lawyers will respond your rights and continued failure
with agents/staff since then. court order from Abuja saying I made by the customer had yet accordingly to the revocation and and contravention of covenanted
am dead and a hold (PND) to be replied to at the time of withdrawal of right of Occupancy terms and conditions of the Right
should be placed on my ling this report. of the companies”. of Occupancy”.
Ajaokuta House Of Reps Member-elect, Hon

Abdulraheem Congratulates Gov. Bello On His Abejide Calls For Proper Funding
Award As The Best Governor Of The Year. Of The 10th National Assembly
current Representative of
to the poor state of his Constituency and also
The committee on the infrastructures, unorganized the Chairman, House
awards, according to Civil Service system, intertribal Committee on Custom
Kogi Reports, said Bello differences, religious and Excise duty said he
was singled out for the intolerance, insecurity and a was able to manage the
award in recognition of d o w n g r a d e d Tr a d i t i o n a l committee through
“his achievements in Institution but Gov Bello’s New personal funds and
the growth and Direction Government has sacrices
development of Kogi”. changed the narratives
completely and our kogi today
has been heavily transformed.” Speaking on his agenda for
Speaking to the press in Kogi State, Abejide who is
Abuja on this award, the gubernitorial
Representative Sanni The committee on the awards candidate for African
Abdulraheem said Governor Bello was singled Democratic Congress,
described GYB as a out for the award in recognition ADC, for the November
Hon. Sani Abdulraheem and Gov. Bello
child of necessity that of his achievements in the election in the State
has come to raise the growth and development of
T he Ajaokuta House of standard of kogi state in all promised to take

Kogi State which has been education to it’s peak for
R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s ramication in the last seven corroborated by respected
Member-Elect, Sanni y e a r s o f h i s p u r p o s e f u l excellent performance of
National and International Hon. Leke Abejide the students across the
Egidi Abdulraheem has poured leadership as the governor of including his unrelenting
o u t e n c o m i u m o n t h e Kogi State. State as he has been paying
M
commitment to human capital e m b e r - E l e c t , the WAEC fees of students
Executive Governor of Kogi development, empowerment
State, Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello r e p r e s e n t i n g Ya g b a in his Constituency over the years.
and infrastructure growth in Federal Constituency at
over his recent award as the SEA further stressed that, “the the heath and education
‘BEST Governor Of The Year’ situation of Kogi State, prior to the National Assembly, Hon. Leke He noted that top among his
growth of the economy. Abejide has called for adequate agenda is to eradicate percentage
at the 2023 edition of Global the emergence of Gov Yahaya
Excellence Awards in Nigeria. Bello was a pitiable one owing funding of House Committees for payment of Local Govt Staff, pay
proper oversight functions and pensions as an when due and
Mr. Otori Ozigi celebrates 38 service delivery by members to reduce insecurity to it’s bearest
the people. minimal among others.
years of journalistic excellence
Hallelujah. reputable organizations Elder Abejide who made the call On the November govenorship
such as The Herald while speaking during the election, Abejide called for a free,
To God be the glory. Today N e w s p a p e r, N i g e r i a n induction ceremony of the fair and credible election in the
M a r k s m y 3 8 t h Ports Authority, M-Gold Senators and members elect Kogi State.
anniversary in active Communication Ltd,Kogi organised by the National
journalism. State government house, Asstembly in Abuja said poor
funding of oversight function do The Lawmaker assured that the
and The Graphic forth coming election will be the
It has been a successful, Newspaper, where I made hinder the major assignment of a
committee at the National most transparent in Kogi State,
fullling and exciting my mark before adding that INEC will up their
career for me. retirement in 2014 to Assembly
game to see to the proper
pursue other interests-- functionality of BVAS.
It took me through several tori Ozigi. Hon. Leke Abejide who is the
Reasons for Employees not

Getting it Right in Nigeria
Y our small business is no different than a
big company in that everybody you
have on your payroll is there because
they bring something great and unique to the
table. But, unlike a big company, you probably
can see and touch, which makes it easier for
the patient to form a working denition of
what you’re talking about.
In the same way, when you’re training new

have to do all your training yourself, and often employees, you have to gure out where you
the most realistic way to get people working have information gaps. Use whatever you can
quickly is through on-the-job work and to make what’s “imaginary” more concrete to
training where the new hire watches you or the trainee.
another employee.
2. Steep gradients
Many times you thought you explained
something very clearly yet the new hire
Imagine you’re teaching addition to a bunch of Many Japanese Turn to Smile
doesn’t do what you asked or trained them to
rst graders. Then, all of the sudden, you
throw exponents or all kinds of other
Instructors to Learn How to Smile
more advanced math at them. What
do you think would happen?
Again After the Effects Of Covid
Probably, just a lot of blank stares. After wearing masks in public for “I’ve heard from people who say
The learning gradient is just way too three long years, many Japanese are that even if they’re able to remove
steep. signing up for smiling classes to learn their masks, they don’t want to
how to smile again without looking show the bottom half of their faces,
awkward. or that they don’t know how to
You can’t just jump a bunch of levels smile anymore,” smile trainer Miho
and expect trainees to do well Smiling used to be a natural Kitano said. “Some say that they see
without knowing what in the world response, but apparently, three more wrinkles around their eyes
you’re even talking about, either. You years of hiding behind a mask have after using them more to smile, or
have to take it step by step. If your left many Japanese unable to smile they feel like their face is drooping
worker looks lost, go back. Ask them naturally. Some of them are now because they haven’t been using it as
where they got lost and gure out paying so-called smiling educators much as before.”
the pace they need to master the to teach them how to display their
task you’re working on. pearly whites again without looking Smiling instructors like Kitano claim
awkward. They participate in that exercising one’s smile is just like
3. Misunderstood words specialized classes where they are training other parts of the body. It’s
Typically, if you throw in a new word taught how to stretch and ex all about the muscles, so exercising
or phrase at a trainee, one they’ve various parts of their faces and even the expressive facial muscles is the
never heard before or just don’t their neck muscles to smile properly most important thing.
do. You end up frustrated and think that they understand, you’ll lose them. This gets and actually convey happiness
just don’t get it. However, in the majority of frustrating because you mistakenly think without looking weird. A standard smiling education class
cases, you don’t have any cognitive issues to they’re checking out or bored, when, in begins with a stretching session,
deal with, but, rather, a communication reality, they didn’t understand the denition or “A smile is only a smile if it’s after which participants are asked to
problem. Adjust your communication and meaning of something you said and it threw conveyed,” Keiko Kawano, a radio pick up small handheld mirrors and
you’ll probably nd that the worker performs them for a loop. This fundamental problem of personality-turned-entrepreneur, observe themselves as they follow
really well, just like you want them to. not having the right denition for a word or told The Japan Times. “Even if the instructions of a trainer who
words is why we can sometimes get to the you’re thinking about smiling or that teaches them how to ex their facial
bottom of a page and completely forget you’re happy, if you have no muscles to convey the warmest and
The importance of starting with a big step expression, it won’t reach the brightest expression of happiness
back everything we just read.
audience.” possible.
It’s super easy when you’re training someone Instead of forcing a trainee to piecemeal Kawano said that she has taught Interestingly, instructional smiling
to forget that you were once in their shoes. together what something means from context smiling classes to around 4,000 classes have been a part of Japanese
You tend to think that just because you (which may or may not give them something people so far and has also helped culture for several decades, because
understand it, they should too. But, that’s not accurate), encourage them to ask for a straight train around 700 certied “smile of the people’s notorious difculty
always the case. meaning, or have them look up the dictionary specialists” since she started her to convey their feelings through
denition. Then have them practice work in 2017. However, demand for facial expressions, but they’ve once
rephrasing that term or dening it in their own her services has skyrocketed again risen in popularity after the
A major key to successful training is to slow words. Use it in a few sentences. If they can do
down a little and take a step back. Remember recently after people started giving Covid-19 pandemic restrictions
that, they probably have a pretty good grasp of up the medical masks they have were lifted.
that people don’t want to look stupid or be what it means.
embarrassed. They’re probably going to just been wearing for the last 3 years.
nod “yes” if you plow through a bunch of stuff
4. Thinking you know everything
and ask them on the spot if they get it. Tell
them at out to stop you if they don’t If you think you know everything, then it CBN again Revokes Licences
understand. Let them know that you can
pause any time to answer a question and that
becomes difcult to want to keep learning,
because you don’t think you have to or that of 132 Micro Finance Banks
you’d rather do that and get a great result than there’s even anything left to learn. This know- imposed upon them by the Central Bank
have them be confused and not do the job it-all attitude can hold you back when you’re of Nigeria in accordance with the
training others because you can become provisions of Banks and Other Financial
correctly. Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, Act No. 5.”
close-minded to the fact that you’re not seeing
different issues or opportunities with the
The 4 major hurdles to jump through for trainees. Always ask yourself if you’re missing
The CBN Governor, Godwin Emeele,
great training results revoked the licenses in the exercise of the
something and be willing to hear the trainees powers conferred on the Central Bank of
out. Nigeria under Section 12 of BOFIA 2020,
Once you acknowledge that you can’t just Act No. 5.
prattle on and you shift into the right mindset
T
With an eye on your communication, training he Central Bank of Nigeria has
to empathize a little, there are four common workers and obtaining great results is totally The micronance banks include – Atlas
barriers to understanding, based on revoked the operating licenses of Micronance Bank, Bluewhales
attainable. 132 micronance banks in the Micronance Bank, Everest Micronance
Hubbard’s learning technology, that you’ll still country, alongside those of four primary
have to overcome with your trainees. Bank, Igangan Micronance Bank, Mainsail
mortgage banks and three nance Micronance Bank, Merit Micronance
Small business leaders often have to train companies. This was disclosed in the
workers on their own. Good communication Bank, Minna Micronance Bank,
ofcial gazette of the Federal
1. Lack of substance is crucial during that training in order for the Government, which was published on the
Musharaka Micronance Bank, Nopov
Sometimes when you’re trying to teach Micronance Bank, Ohon Micronance
leaders to get good results. If you feel like your website of the CBN recently. Bank, and others.
somebody, you might have to deal with more new hire just doesn’t get it, start by slowing
abstract concepts. It’s important to give down and putting yourself back in the trainee’s The gazette stated that the licenses of the Finance companies whose licenses were
people examples or tools that help them fully shoes. Then pay close attention, not just to the nancial institutions were revoked revoked include – HHL Invest & Trust
visualize the concept. because they “ceased to carry on in
specic language or tangible tools you use but Nigeria, the type of business for which
Limited, TFS Finance Limited and
also to the pace of what you’re doing and the Treasures & Trust Limited while the four
their licences were issued for a continuous primary mortgage banks whose licenses
For example, if you’re a dentist and your attitude you do it with. With all of those period of six months; failed to full or were revoked are – Resort Savings &
patient doesn’t know anything about implants, hurdles properly addressed, your trainees will comply with the conditions subject to Loans, Safetrust Mortgage Bank,
you might have to show them a physical likely perform just the way you need them to which their licences were granted; or Adamawa Savings & Loans and Kogi
model. The model is something tangible they in no time. failed to comply with the obligations Savings & Loans etc.
International Women Day, Kogi Assembly Reverses
Muhammad Nasiru Abubakar
celebrate his wife Mrs Nasiru Suspension Of 8 Members Over
Suwaibah Sadiq on the occasion Alleged Involvement In Terrorism
I nternational Women’s Day,

Muhammad Nasiru Abubakar
Celebrates with his wife, Mrs.
Nasiru Suwaibah Sadiq on the
Occasion of the Celebration of
roles in the society and nation -
building and as role models to
younger generation.
He commended his wife for being T he Kogi State House of Assembly has
absolved eight of its members from
allegations related to terrorism and
to security reports alleging their involvement
in acts of terrorism.
International Women’s Day , an example to other women in the reinstated them into the legislative body. The House in a voice vote conducted by the
advocates for equity and society and praised his mother for Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Matthew
inclusiveness for women*: her care and proper upbringing as The suspension of Olusola Kilani (Ijumu), Bello Kolawole unanimously cleared the eight
well as for setting up a sound Hassan (Ajaokuta), Muhammed Lawi Ahmed lawmakers two council chairmen of the
Mr. Muhammed Nasiru Abubakar foundation for him. (Okene I), Moses Akande (Ogori/Magongo), suspected crimes.
has praised his beloved wife for Aderonke Aro (Yagba West), Daniya Ranyi
being an examplary woman by her Muhammad called on the (Bassa), Atule Igbunu (Ibaji), Atachaji Musa This was after the Speaker, Matthew Kolawole
conduct, a woman to be trusted and government at all levels to consider (Idah), and Muktar Bajeh (Okehi) was had read a letter from Governor Yahays Bello
dependable, who has helped him to the role of women in nation- announced by the State Assembly on March requesting for their clearance against the
accomplish his long life ambition as a building as an intergral part for 24, 2023. backdrop of a report from the Department of
man. continuing peace , progress and State Security Service.
development of the society. Also, two suspended local government council
Muhammad made the chairmen, Moses Olorunleke of Kabba-Bunu The report of the ad hoc committee
commendation during this year’s He used the day to appreciate his and William Iko-ojo of Ibaji, were cleared of investigating the alleged crimes read by its
celebration of International wife and other women in our the allegations. Chairman who is the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon
Women’s Day . national development. Alfa Momoh Rabiu also cleared the eight
The decision to suspend these lawmakers and lawmakers, except Bello Hassan Abdullah of
According to him, women deserve Signed chairmen was prompted by a letter from Kogi Ajaokuta.
equity and inclusiveness in the affairs Muhammad Nasiru Abubak State Governor, Yahaya Bello, which pointed
of human society considering their
Kogi Gov’ship: Kingsley Idoko Ilona Replaces

Abdulazeez As APGA Candidate The Chairman Electoral He promised to improve the state’s the state to boost revenue generation
Committee of the party, internal revenue generation so that this and tackle unemployment in the state
Ben Nweke while speaking will augment allocation that comes from
during the event, said that federal government. “Special attention would also be giving in
the choice of Kingsley ensuring equity and justice in the
Ilona’s candidature was He assured the people of Kogi State that distribution of the state’s resources
based on his track record his administration will not joke with the irrespective of ethic, political and
of experience in health, education and development of religious background as well as quality
humanitarian services and the state, noting that Kogi can surpass education and healthcare services,” he
marketable qualities to Lagos in terms of development if the promised.
deliver APGA at the polls.
“Record of Kingsley Ilona’s

success story both in
business and humanitarian
endeavour will no doubt
take Kogi state to the next
Mr. Kingsley Idoko Ilona level of development if
given the opportunity to
T he All Progressives Grand

Alliance (APGA) in Kogi State on
Wednesday picked a
businessman, Mr. Kingsley Idoko Ilona,
as the party’s standard-bearer for the
rule the state.
“Our choice of Kingsley Idoko Ilona as

the party’s ag bearer is a divine
2023 Kogi gubernatorial election. mandate as he has the capacity to lead
the state to the promised land.
“Kogi under APGA will be greater and
Ilona was elected during the candidate be able to witness unprecedented
replacement primary election of the accelerated development in the years
party which took place at SAATOF hotel ahead,” Nweke said.
in Lokoja, Kogi State.
government is serious and ready to
In his acceptance speech, Ilona work without consuming the state
Ilona, who was elected by voice votes by promised to move the state forward, He assured members of his party that
the congress, replaced AbdulAzzez nancially. APGA will not disappoint them, adding
adding that the issue of percentage
Arokoya, who resigned as the candidate salary will be overcome by his that the uniqueness of the party will
of the party. administration if elected. “Priority therefore, would be given to make the difference if elected as the
the agricultural and Industrialization of next governor of the state.
The rich getting richer, the poor getting poorer:
A Combination of injustice and in efficiency- Aderemi M. ( PhD)
*Nigeria is not a poor country yet millions are living in hunger *The combined wealth of Nigeria’s five richest
men - $29.9 billion could end extreme poverty at a national level yet 5 million face hunger
excessive inequality may be bad for historically, the rich prot from the of which on June 06, 2022, Michael L.
growth. There are also concerns that misery of the poor. To bring the matter Boyle and Suzanne Kvilhaug using the
inequality may dampen educational close to the reader, what the Oxfam platform of Investopedia, rendered aptly
opportunities and social mobility. The study demonstrates-in gures- translate as “the study of how the allocation of
poorest members of society suffer to the following statistics: resources and goods affects social
immediately from inequality, but in the welfare”. As claried by Douglas Curtis
longer term, the whole economy is also • Every day inequality contributes to the and Ian Irvine, in their voluminous 444-
damaged. death of at least 21, 300 people-meaning page text, Principles of Microeconomics:
one person every four seconds; Welfare economics assesses how well the
Of course, well-meaning activists and economy allocates its scarce resources in
organizations have not kept mute in the accordance with the goals of efciency
• The wealth of the 10 richest men has and equity. Equity deals with how
face of the observed incidences of doubled, while the income of 99% of
widening gap between the rich and the society's goods and rewards are, and
humanity are worse off, because of should be, distributed among its different
poor along with its associated COVID-A19
accentuation of poverty. Going beyond members, and how the associated costs
Background Note criticisms, such concerned individuals should be apportioned. It is also
and institutions have explored and shared • Hunger kills over 2.1 million people concerned with how different
U pfront, a disclaimer-referencing perspectives on the subject, extended to each year at a minimum generations share an economy's
Wikipedia’s note that: "The rich remedial measures. As the former productive capabilities: more investment
get richer and the poor get minister of nance in Greece, Yanis It is pertinent to note the fact that Oxfam today makes for a more productive
poorer" is an aphorism due to Percy Varoufakis, in an entirely different but has not restricted itself to the generalized e c o n o m y t o m o r r o w, b u t m o r e
Bysshe Shelley. In A Defence of Poetry connected context, once asserted global scene but has indeed cascaded its greenhouse gases today will reduce
published in 1840, Shelley remarked that dialectically: Every crisis is pregnant with initiatives on inequality down to the environmental quality tomorrow; these
the promoters of utility had exemplied a recovery. national level, Nigeria being a concrete are inter-generational questions. This
the saying, "To him that hath, more shall example. In its publication, Nigeria: relates directly to the study of economic
be given; and from him that hath not, the extreme inequality in numbers, Oxfam efciency and income distribution, as well
Oxfam International’s abiding concern as how these two factors affect the
little that he hath shall be taken away. The made the following points:
rich have become richer, and the poor overall well-being of people in the
have become poorer; and the vessel of Oxfam, a British- originated non- economy. The duo then proceeded to
the State is driven between the Scylla and governmental organization with Nigeria is not a poor country yet make an instructive footnote to the effect
Charybdis of anarchy and international tentacles in operations, has millions are living in hunger that: welfare economists seek to provide
despotism."This is topped with the long been concerned about the tools to guide public policy to achieve
quoted remark of an early writer who unwholesomeness of the widening gap Economic inequality in Nigeria has benecial social and economic outcomes
projected ominously, that: "You will between the rich and the poor nationally reached extreme levels, despite being for all of society. However, welfare
always be poor, if you are poor. Now, and globally-coming to the empirically the largest economy in Africa. The economics is a subjective study that
money is given to none except the rich." tested conclusion of it being unjust, as it combined wealth of Nigeria’s ve richest depends heavily on chosen assumptions
Thus, the essence of out chosen theme is kills. With especial focus on the trend men - $29.9 billion - could end extreme regarding how welfare can be dened,
income distribution. since the pandemic, the Socialist Website poverty at a national level yet 5 million measured, and compared for individuals
in its January 19, 2022 edition, through face hunger. and society as a whole.
the pen of Kevin Reed, writing on:
In economics, income distribution covers “Oxfam report reveals malignant
how a country's total income called Gross More than 112 million people are living The extended footnote above carries a
dependency of the pandemic on capitalist in poverty in Nigeria, yet the country’s hugely important message concerning
Domestic Product (GDP) is distributed inequality ”, commented on the
amongst its population. Economic theory richest man would have to spend $1 the values that individual economists
organization’s reaction to the growing million a day for 42 years to exhaust his uphold and which inevitably determine
and economic policy have long seen divide between the rich and the poor,
income and its distribution as a central fortune. the kind of policies they recommend and
faithfully summarizing how: even the issues they choose to focus on
concern, with discussions framed in
terms of the degree of inequality across or to ignore. Beyond the obviously
Women represent between 60 and 79 ideological essence of the economist’s
groups, classes and nations of the world. The Oxfam report depicts the percent of Nigeria's rural labor force but
worldwide inequality in the starkest mindset-conscious or otherwise, there is
are ve times less likely to own their own a black box in the welfare economics
terms. “A new billionaire has been land than men. Women are also less likely
Basically, income inequality is dened as created every 26 hours since the vehicle designed to hide the true
the difference in how income is to have had a decent education. Over character of its task: it is called Pareto
pandemic began. The world’s 10 richest three-quarters of the poorest women in
distributed among individuals and/or men have doubled their fortunes, while Efciency-seen as the ideal outcome or
populations; it is also described as the gap Nigeria have never been to school and position for an economy. In other words,
over 160 million people are projected to 94% of them are illiterate.
between rich and poor, wealth disparity, h a v e b e e n p u s h e d i n t o p o v e r t y. the goal of economic policy would be to
wealth and income differences, or the Meanwhile, an estimated 17 million try to move the economy toward a
wealth gap. In general, how unequal the people have died from COVID-19—a Personally, I nd these statistics Pareto efcient state. Its message is far-
prole of income distribution assumes in scale of loss not seen since the Second disturbing and one wonders how the reaching, as it reads: when the economy
a country or globally has rightly become World War. Oxfam says, “The world’s reader feels especially given the concrete is in a state of Pareto efciency, social
an issue of academic and political interest small elite of 2,755 billionaires has seen its manifestations of the data –as witnessed welfare is maximized in the sense that no
for important reasons, including its fortunes grow more during COVID-19 on the streets. resources can be reallocated to make
implication for poverty. Here, we than they have in the whole of the last one individual better off without making
explore the consequences of heavily fourteen years—fourteen years that at least one individual worse off. I implore
skewed distribution by objective The economic leg of the unhealthy
themselves were a bonanza for billionaire combination the reader to go over and reect on the
reference to two criteria or wealth . . . Since 1995, the top 1% have statement until thoroughly understood as
considerations: social justice and captured nearly 20 times more of global essentially being a strange model of cost-
economic efciency. wealth than the bottom 50% of There are various numerical indices for benet analysis. In a society where some
humanity. measuring economic inequality, but the get enriched at the expense of others, the
For starters, we recall the World most commonly used measure for the perpetuation of such a status quo is
The Website concluded on the indicting purposes of comparison is the Gini
Economic Forum’s Global Risks Survey note that, “What the Oxfam report clearly in the interest of the beneciaries
which shows that inequality is associated coefcient (also known as the Gini index while the sufferers endure loss; is there
proves is this: the pandemic has been or Gini ratio, named after the Italian
with a range of health and social problems massively protable for the ruling elite . . . any way a necessary redistribution of
including mental illness and violent crime. statistician and sociologist, Corrado income would not lead to a loss on the
As COVID-19 spread, central banks Gini). It measures the dispersal of wealth
Therefore, the wider the gap between injected trillions into economies part of a party and a gain by the other? It’s
the rich and the poor in a country and in or income among a chosen population. A perhaps fruitless to go full blast into this
worldwide, aiming to keep the world Gini coefcient of zero indicates that
the world, the more insecure and economy aoat. Much of that stimulus debate as our personal values are bound
unhealthy the society becomes. As rightly there is perfect equality—assets are to intrude; so, it is better to go through
has gone into nancial markets, and from equally divided between all people in the
acknowledged on a platform of the there into the net worth of billionaires. the safer route of isolating the specic
Organisation for Economic Cooperation group; a Gini coefcient of one indicates factors at work.
Governments have pumped $16 trillion that all of a group’s wealth is held by one
and Development (OECD), OECD into the global economy since the start of
Insights, by Brian Keeley in the article, individual. In reality, most countries fall
the pandemic, and in large consequence, toward the middle of this range. Forces at work-locally and globally:
“Income Inequality: The Gap between billionaires have seen their wealth ideology and institutions
Rich and Poor”, published in 2015: increase by $5 trillion, rising from $8.6
trillion to $13.8 trillion since March 2021, Our theme falls squarely within the
bracket of the branch of economics In modern mixed economies, markets
Inequality affects economies and as government intervention has driven up and governments together determine
societies, with growing evidence that stock prices. I dare to add that this is how, tagged Welfare Economics, the denition
the output produced and also who
Continue on page 24
Continued from page 23
benets from that output. In other concentration in the hands of a few our endorsement, the concept of and effectiveness of each approach to
words, government interventions can individuals or institutions; labour economic justice intersects with the idea regulating inequality; typical government
increase or decrease the level of markets; globalization; policy reforms; of overall economic prosperity. The initiatives along this line include:
inequality in a society. As posed by taxes; education; computerization and linkage is that creating more
Douglas Curtis and Ian Irvine in their growing technology; gender; and innate opportunities for all members of society • Public education: Increasing the supply
extract, “Equity and Efciency”, even if ability. It is appropriate to enter a to earn viable wages will contribute to of skilled labour and reducing income
market forces drive efciency, are they a footnote on at least one of these factors- sustained economic growth. When more inequality due to education differentials.
good way to allocate scarce resources in namely: computerization and growing citizens are able to provide for
view of the fact that they not only give rise technology-because it is wrongly isolated themselves and maintain stable • Progressive taxation: The rich are
to inequality and poverty, but also fail to as being the major contributor to discretionary income, they are more taxed proportionally more than the poor,
capture the impacts of productive activity inequality, citing the dominance of ICT likely to spend their earnings on goods, reducing the amount of income inequality
on non-market participants? The analysis leaders in the billionaires’ league, notably: which in turn drives demand in the in society.
of markets in this larger sense involves Elon Musk of Twitter- net worth: $175 e c o n o m y. A n y b o d y w i t h s o m e
not just economic efciency; public policy billion; Bill Gates, the co-founder of knowledge of Keynesian economics can • Minimum wage legislation: Raising the
additionally has a normative content Microsoft, with a net worth of 114 billion see easily the source of this reasoning and income of the poorest workers
because policies can impact the various U.S. dollars; Jeff Bezos of Amazon-with its logic.
participants in different ways and to $112 billion; and Larry Ellison-of Oracle- • Nationalization or subsidization of
different degrees. Welfare economics, with $93.1 billion, to cite the leading Moving to the desired scenario products: Providing goods and services
therefore, deals with both normative and lights. that everyone needs cheaply or freely
positive issues. Efciency addresses the Even the militantly conservative (such as food, healthcare, and housing),
question of how well the economy's The main point to take along with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) governments can effectively raise the
resources are used and allocated; the foregoing is that studies have shown as acknowledges the fact that, “irrespective purchasing power of the poorer
alleged trade-off between efciency and recalled in the 2021 article, “Causes and of ideology, culture, and religion, people members of society.
equity is unfounded or perhaps, Consequences of Income Inequality – An care about inequality” The reader may
misplaced, because, the real issue lies Overview”, by Matthew Polacko, how wish to read the Fund’s June 205 Staff As acknowledged by the IMF in the Staff
elsewhere: the structure of the economy inequality has largely been driven by a Discussion Note on: “Causes and Paper cited earlier-albeit drawing its
with its imperfect markets. This in the multitude of political choices. More Consequences of Income Inequality: A examples from regions outside Africa to
sense that when a market is inequitable, it broadly at the super structural ideological Global Perspective”. In the effort of Toby the effect that governments in advanced
can result in unequal access to wealth and level, the embrace of neoliberalism since Walters cited earlier, emphasis is placed economies have historically mitigated
income, a basic and equal minimum of the 1980s has provided the key catalyst on the fact that achieving economic inequality through public
income, and goods and services. for political and policy changes in the justice can include addressing wage gaps policy—primarily through progressive
realms of union regulation, executive pay, and other deciencies in individual taxes and social transfers such as public
The key point of their relationship is that the welfare state and tax manipulation, earnings. For instance, there are retirement benets. However, the
while efciency addresses the question of which have been the key drivers of members of the workforce employed in relatively weak state of the remedial
how well the economy's resources are inequality. These amenable causes have jobs that do not make full use of their measures in place in most
used and allocated, equity deals with how led to demonstrable harmful outcomes skills-euphemistically referred to as underdeveloped economies-who owe
society's goods and rewards are, and that go beyond purely material underemployment. This typically leads to their unenviable condition to their role
should be, distributed among its different deprivation. Most important, the studies workers earning wages that do not within the international division of
members, and how the associated costs also show that inequality is directly linked reect the full potential of their abilities. labour-underscores the complexity and
should be apportioned. No conict and on the economic front with reduced As a result, they do not have the highest urgency of redress especially in Africa.
therefore trade-off necessarily needs to growth, investment and innovation, and income they are capable of earning. Such
arise. After all, an improvement in on the social front with reduced health loss of possible wages creates an It must be put on record that all the
efciency should generally make the and social mobility, and greater violent inefciency in the economy because remedial measures suggested above are
economy better off; therefore, there is crimeIn a review article published on those workers will not have the income essentially tokenistic and incapable of
no reason why improved efciency has to March 30, 2022, Toby Walters posed a to participate to their fullest in it. If this getting to the roots of the unjust and
lead to inequality. Rather, it is indeed posed a pertinent question: What Is inefciency reaches signicant inefcient system of our focus. In this
compatible to improve both efciency Economic Justice? His explanatory magnitude—wherein large portions of vein, permit me to invoke Harry Magdoff
and equity within society answer is no less relevant, which is that: the population are not purchasing goods and Paul M. Sweezy who, way back in
Economic justice is a component of social and services they might have otherwise 1995 while writing on: “The Political
There are many reasons for economic justice and welfare economics. It is a set spent their earnings on—it can slow Tragedy of Capitalist Rule”, righteously
inequality within societies, and they are of moral and ethical principles for building down the economy. fumed over how “through their own
often interrelated. Acknowledged economic institutions, where the proigacy, the ruling classes have lost
factors that impact economic inequality ultimate goal is to create an opportunity Apart from market-driven factors that their capacity for political rule; the way
include, but are not limited to: inequality for each person to establish a sufcient affect wage inequality, government forward is an organized, militant struggle
in wages and salaries; income gap material foundation upon which to have a sponsored initiatives can also increase or and with victory necessarily leading to the
between highly skilled workers and low- dignied, productive, and creative life. decrease inequality. Social scientists and overthrow” of this unjust and inefcient
skilled or no-skills workers; wealth Thus, to Walters, whose offering enjoys policy makers debate the relative merits system. I come in peace, please.
The Man Admiral Usman Oyibe Jubrin (Rtd) - The Akpabana of Kogi State
A concise history of Admiral Usman
Oyibe Jibrin ( Retired ) , Ex Chief
of Naval Staff and 2023 Kogi State
governorship candidate under the
platform of Accord Party
He also served as a ag
lieutenant to the Chief of
Defence Intelligence Agency
and to the commandant ofcer
of the Nigerian Navy
In 2001, he became the Deputy
Director Attached Management,
Defence Intelligence Agency and
the Naval Provost Marshal, Naval
Headquarters.
He also, coordinated a combined
Exercise, called OBANGAME EXPRESS
2012, involving 11 countries including
Germany and United Kingdom.
Intelligence School, Apapa, In January 2014, he took over from Vice

Admiral Usman Jibril was born on the Lagos State, Nigeria, before In 2002, he was appointed as the Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba as the Chief
16th of September, 1959 in Okura Olaa, he became an instructor at defence adviser to the Nigerian of Naval Staff, and on the 5th of
a town in Dekina Local Government Area Navigation and Direction Embassy Cameron. He served in February, 2014, he was promoted to the
of Kogi State, Nigeria. School, Nigerian Navy Ship this capacity for 4 years until the rank of vice admiral by His Excellency
Quorra. He served in that end of his tenure in 2006. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the President
capacity for 2 years of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He attended the Nigerian Defence (1989–1991).
Academy as a member of the 24th In 1994, he In December 2006,
Regular Combatant Course where he w a s he was appointed He is a recipient of several awards and
graduated as the Best Naval Cadet ofcer appointe as chief staff decorations. Among them are:
and was commissioned as Second d as a ofcer at the Best Naval Cadet (1982), awarded by the
lieutenant of the Nigerian Navy on 1 directin Sea Training Nigerian Navy.
January, 1984. g staff Command, Passed Staff College Dagger (psc+),
at the and later awarded by the Nigerian Navy.
His a Nigerian Navy Admiral and the 21st Armed became the
commandant Forces Service Star (FSS), awarded by
Chief of Naval Staff ( Ex ) . Prior to his Forces Admiral Usman Jubril
ofcer of the the Nigerian Navy.
appointment as the Chief of Naval Staff Comma Distinguish Service Star (DSS), awarded
he was the Chief of Logistics and Director nd and D e f e n c e
Intelligence School (DIS) Abuja on June by the Nigerian Navy.
of Training, Defence Headquarters Abuja. Staff College Jaji, a tenure that elapsed in
1996 and after his tenure in 1996, he was 2007. Meritorious Service Star (MSS), awarded
appointed as the executive ofcer, NNS by the Nigerian Navy.
He began his naval career as a watch General Service Star (GSS) awarded by
keeping ofcer on board NNS Damisa Enyimiri. Thereafter, he was appointed as Nigerian
Navy secretary and while serving in this the Nigerian Navy.
and NNS Aradu immediately after he was
commissioned as second lieutenant. He In 1997, he became the commanding capacity, he was promoted to rear Command at Sea Badge awarded by the
served in this capacity for 2 years (January ofcer of the Nigerian Navy Ship Oom, admiral. In 2010 he became the ag Nigerian Navy.
1982 – January 1984). He later served as and in 1998 he commanded the ship NNS ofcer commanding, Eastern Naval Admiralty Medal, awarded by the
b a s e i n t e l l i g e n c e o f  c e r, N N S Ambe in operation Liberty (ECOMOG), Command, coordinating a joint operation Nigerian Navy.
UMALOKUN for approximately 3 years where he obtained the Command at Sea involving the 3 services around the Gulf of Admiraxl Usman Jibrin (retired) is a
(July 1984 – 1987) . Badge. Guinea, NEMO. proud son of Igala Kingdom.
Journey To Lugard House And The Power Of Unity

P olitical science students in Africa
will attest to this that to dislodge
and demystify a ruling party,
strategies is the most important aspect
one needs to map out and arm himself
A bulwark of unperturbed front must be
put in place, considering the ruling party
that is hell bent in foisting their own lap
dog and unpopular anoited candidate
against the general wish of the
that his name will be on the ballot.
Mubarak Musa Saliu who is now the

beautiful bride of the lgala’s with support
lot of lessons to draw from the just
concluded Presidential election where
PDP went into the elections divided, like
the break up of Soviet Union where
Ukraine, Azebarjan and Georgia came
and endorsement from nooks and
with. electorate, in a multi-ethnic society like crannies of Kogi State having paid his due out from, that lead to giving part to
Kogi state, formation of alliance becomes to his people couple with his people’s Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, G5/ Wike
Examples as shown in Africa on how to inevitable where appeals for ethnics oriented political manifesto which has leaving Atiku with the shredded
pull a seat from a comfortable ruling sentiment are most predominant. further boosted his chances that as now remaining vote to harvest, squandering
party’s bombom as is been called on the make him one of the most serious their good and prosperous fortune of
street, especially a party that has Serious opposition must come with contender in this race to Lugard house. 2019.
impoverished his people close to a strong alliance, if they must achieve
decade, where social, economic right of Usman Jibrin, Abejide, Mubarak, Dino,
the people has been taken and relegated Muri and the rest all has something to
to the bottom of priority list, where the bring on the table at this critical time in
revenue and spoon feeding monthly our history in Kogi State, their individual
allocation can not measure up with the ego, self oriented and ethic agenda must
said development acclaimed to be on be dropped. Doing this will help reverse
ground. economic retrogression and stipend take
home pay that has bedeviled the state.
To worsen it all, the candidate of the said
ruling party now boast of deep pocket I would have love to write this piece in
with enough hard and local currency in three major languages dialect in Kogi
his well starched Agbada and in the safe State which would have been able to
of the state treasurer and accountant. convey the message that will speak into
their subconsciousness.
Oppositions who found themselves at
such bus stop on their way to the Kogi State needs a man that will priotise
government house needs the wisdom of people-oriented agenda.
Solomon and heart David to tear apart
leopard and lion trying to take the little People of Kogi want a state we can be
lamb, coupled with the Unity of Trinity to proud to tell the story of how we where
be victorious. able to shake off the shackles of
meaningful result, as going into the backwardness from our neck, a state that
President Hakainde Hichilema of election as a disintegrated entity might Not forgetting the Accord Party guarantee and prepare a better future for
Zambia, who ran under United Party for not augur well and may result in them candididate a top brass gentle Naval the unborn generation, where all ties
National Development in Zambia has sustaining fatal political defeat. ofcer, Admiral Usman Jibrin Oyibe who with poverty is broken.
been a serial and known face on the ballot has staged a comeback after his aborted
in Zambia, after contesting more than 2019 governorship by the power that be. The major opposition parties must rise to
5th time until 6th term before he was Sen Dino Melaye, Mubarak Saliu, Hon
Leke Abejide, Murtala Yakubu, Admiral Information suggest that he his in the race the occasion and look themselves in the
able to clinch the seat. It takes a collective to win as he has set his oiled political eyes and speak the truth to each other
political alliance of the main opposition in Usman Jibrin and the rest must put heads
together for the possibility of presenting machinery in motion to deliver on the and work for common unity of purpose
Zambia to put and end to the reign of plans he intends to execute for Kogi to confront our common and collective
President Edga Lungu of Patriot Party in a common front, as the saying that two
good head are better than one. State. enemy which is hunger and low standard
August 2021. of living.
Hon Leke Abejide holding the ag of The journey ahead to Lugard House
In Malawi, it takes opposition leaders of come November 11th as in Nigeria I want to see an lgala man that will
the Malawi Congress Party and United ADC has the rm grip of Okun politics,
having won his way into the heart of the contemporary politics where money priotise an infrastructure development at
Transformation Movement before they plays a role, but this time money might be lsanlu, where Okun man will priotise the
could make meaningful impact. people of Yagba and also been able to
extend the reach to Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu, the last resort as strategies, selling development in Okehi, where an Ebira
the base of Dino Melaye as ADC realistic political manifesto that man will bear the pain of the people in
The November 11 journey to Lugard defeated the incubment party and the guarantee a new thinking, ideas that can Abejukolo not minding if he or she is not
House is set and main opposition ruling party candidate. take us from unfullled political bus stop of the same tribe with him.
candidates must form a strong political to our nal political fullment journey
alliance and understanding among through the path Paul Kagame of Rwanda As we move closer to November 11th, l
themselves, not with the candidates Muri Yakubu whose candidacy almost took, and disembark on this journey to
suffered setback if not for his resilience, want to see opposition parties coming
alone but the electorate that has the Zimbabwe. together, stronger with a solid resolution
mandate in their hand. perseverance and doggedness that
brought him back to clinch the ticket of by queuing behind one their own
SDP as he once promised his supporters The Participatory opposition party has a irrespective where he/she comes from.
Kelvin Eleta Urge Kogi Govt To Site Proposed University In Okun Land In Ijumu LGA
Kogi-born writer and educationist, more harmonious state. LGA. University, and rather trust in the
Kelvin Oluseyi Eleta, has described judgement of the Governor and his
Governor Yahaya Bello as a detribalised “As we all are witnesses of his According to the young statistician and established 15-man committee working
leader for his approval for the transformation initiatives in terms of lecturer, he believes that Ijumu deserves on all necessary parameters for the
establishment of a state university in infrastructural development, style of this developmental boost from the state actualization of the university, without
Okun land. leadership, job creation, inclusive government, having been a core delay.
governance, and of course his supporter of the current administration
Eleta, in a statement issued on Monday, tremendous achievement in the since it came to power since 2016 till With prejudice, Eleta believed that for
said since the creation of Kogi State in educational sector of which Kogi West date. the university to become a reality, there
1991, Okun people has been living in and particularly Okun people are is need for all Okun sons and daughters
what many may describe as a non- beneciaries today,” he said. He went further to eulogize the across board to key into the aspirations
symbiotic mutualism in terms of leadership prowess of Alhaji Taoq Isha, of Alhaji Usman Ododo and the All
coexisting with other tribes in the state. Kelvin Eleta appealed to Governor the incumbent Local Government Progressive Congress for continuity of
Yahaya Bello to graciously consider Chairman of Ijumu for providing an Governor Yahaya Bello’s legacy projects
He also emphatically stressed that this locating the proposed University in already existing favorable security across the state.
may be due to stampede or relegation of Ijumu Local Government Area; as the architecture capable of safeguarding any
power to a particular tribe for too long LGA is currently without any notable meaningful establishment in the area.
period of time; as Okun people and establishment capable of boosting the
other ‘not-too-famous’ tribes in the people’s style of living and development, Regardless of his request for the
state has been faced with core as regards to education. University to be sited in Ijumu Local
marginalization and adverse nepotism as Government Area, he urged all sons and
regards to governance, over the years. He also went further to drive home his daughters of Okun to continue
point by stating that other Local supporting Governor Yahaya Bello’s
Notwithstanding, he claimed the above Government Areas in Okun land could directives and also resist the urge of
jinx was broken in 2016 when Governor boast of one or more functional higher causing any fracas or intertribal chaos
Yahaya Bello assumed ofce and began institutions located on their soil, but due to agitations and negotiations as
his reformation quest for a better and same could not be said about Ijumu regards the location of the proposed
Senate Presidency: APC Media’s Assessment
Places Izunaso Ahead Of Akpabio, Yari, Kalu Desmond Okeme Adejoh
Biography, Early life, Career
Barr. Desmond Adejoh
T he All Progressives
Congress (APC), online
media outt and the APC
NewsOnline Television, said
having analysed the chances of all
legislative expectations for the
next four years found a growing
acceptance that while southeast
should produce the Senate
president, the Senator-elect from
Senate Presidency has been given
the hitherto front-runners,
former Governors God’swll
Akpabio and Orji Uzor Kalu a run
for their money. Recall that the
B
state.
arr. Desmond Okeme Adejoh, Nigerian Bar in 2009.
hails from Egume, in Dekina
Local Government of Kogi Professional Career
Between 2008 to 2009, Okeme
served as Lecturer II, Department of
the aspirants for the position of Imo West, a long time APC APC on May 6, endorsed God’swll Okeme Adejoh is foundly called the Legal Studies, Federal Polytechnic,
Senate President in the coming strategist should mount the Akpabio, Jibrin Barau for the “Black Diamond” by his peers, due to Kaduna during his one-year National
10th National Assembly, Senator rostrum of the red chambers. His position of the Senate president his complexion, and resourcefulness. Youth Service. He is widely travelled
Izunaso is in clear lead of all other stainless reputation and humble and deputy Senate president while He is currently the agbearer of and has enjoyed a blissful carrier as a
contestants to the seat. disposition despite being on the Tajudeen Abbas and Ben Kalu for Labour Party in the forthcoming Kogi Lawyer and Solicitor of the Supreme
political scene for the past three Speakership and deputy State 2023 Governorship election Court, with interests in Corporate
In a statement by the group, which decades unlike his main rival from speakership. But the Mediation and Negotiations, Criminal
was made available to journalists the region, former Governor Orji endorsement has been generating Early Life and Education and Civil litigation, Debt Recovery,
in Lokoja, noted that in a Uzor Kalu. ripples and disaffection leading to He was born into the family of Mr. Alternative Dispute Resolution,
scientically and objectively even open resistance and planned Alexander Okeme and Late Mrs. Property Consultancy, Legal Advisory
dissected balanced analysis, the The group added that it also found insurgency against the party Esther Okeme. Until retirement, Mr. services, amongst others.
news medium presented Senator that similar charges by the hierarchy. Alexander served in the Kogi State
Osita Izunaso as the only aspirant Economic and Financial Crimes Civil Service, while Late Mrs. Esther He married with kids and serves as a
without a baggage and possessing Commission, (EFCC), also made “Few days back, National spent her life, imparting others as a Principal Partner, at A. A Okeme &
the best qualications in terms of Godswill Akpabio unpalatable chairman, Senator Abdullahi teacher, a grassroot mobilizer and Associates, Abuja, as well as the
legislative experience, intellectual commodity for this most Adamu admitted that the party political inuencer. Managing Director, BoldTouch
capacity and commitment to the prestigious ofce especially as took position without adequate Homes Limited, Abuja.
party. Nigerians optimistically look consultation. Adamu made this He began his educational life at the
L.G.E.A Primary School, Lokogoma, In the Nigerian Industrial Mining and
forward to a new political known when he received the Lokoja, Kogi State, where he obtained Properties Industry, Okeme has
The The All Progressives dispensation of renewed hope. aggrieved aspirants and their his First school Leaving Certicate in carved a niche for himself as a
Congress, (APC), online media supporters at the National 1995. successful business man and
outt and the APC NewsOnline “While most Nigerians wanted a Secretariat. But acknowledged e m p l o y e r o f l a b o u r, h a v i n g
Television is under the leadership Christian for the Senate the role of patience and the need Between 1995 to 1998, Adejoh established and sustained business
of Dr. Tom Ohikere presidency, they wanted one that to await the return of the O k e m e a t t e n d e d t h e f a m o u s contacts and ventures across Canada,
could make a difference and build president – elect, Bola Ahmed Government Science Secondary China and the United Kingdom and
The outt which is popular for relationships to the people, after Tinubu. School, Lokoja, where he sat for his h a v e p r o v i d e d e m p l o y m e n t
promoting and clarifying the years of such a break in practice. J u n i o r S c h o o l C e r t i  c a t e opportunities for over 300 Nigerian
APC’s core objectives and “Upon his return last Saturday, a E x a m i n a t i o n s , a f t e r w h i c h h e youths, most of whom are indigenes
ideological direction, has always “The poll also found that while Yari Lagos based national daily proceeded to Ochaja Boys Secondary of Kogi state.
been on the APC general and Musa sani were considered reported that the President-elect School, Ochaja for Senior Secondary
campaign machinery since the men of integrity and sizable would meet all the aspirants for Education. Political Career
party ascendancy on the national northern backing but that their both the Senate presidency and Okeme had been a political underdog,
scene, and is allied to the APC disposition will make them open Speakership of the House of Driven by his passion to impact the having worked for and supported
BroomPlatform, which it said is a to an Osita Izunaso senate Representatives on Sunday but society, Okeme applied and gained candidates who have aspired for
grade A support group of the APC, p r e s i d e n c y, g i v e n t h a t a this turned out to be a ruse. admission to study Law at the Kogi leadership positions at different
and serving as the intellectual northerner wields the deputy State University, Ayingba, where he levels, within and outside Kogi State.
power house of the party. Senate Presidency and “Competent sources close to the graduated with good grades in 2006.
Northerners are projected to incoming president however Barr Desmond Okeme Adejoh was
“After carrying out a strategic wield other principal positions. disclosed to our correspondent After completing his Nigeria Law declared winner of the Kogi state
nationwide polling of Nigerian that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was School education, at the Lagos Labour Party Primary which held on
professionals, politicians and “Senator Osita Izunaso, who seriously studying the situation. Campus, he was called to the Saturday 15th April 2023.
media practitioners on their recently joined the race for the
When will Kogi Board be Constituted as an Oil Producing State like its counterparts?
T he agitation of the good people of Ibaji
LGA of Kogi State after the discovery
of oil on their soil became a reality
after the pronouncement of revenue
mobilization and physical commission
Allocation and Physical Commission) after
the presentation of the available document's
in support of the agitation did justice to the
demand of the good people of Ibaji LGA of
Kogi state some months ago and declared
supervision of the state government ministry
concerned and to equally ask the government
to account for revenue that has come in
through the generation of the revenue and
what the fund that came was used for.
Ibaji LGA of Kogi East senatorial district are
for equity, justice and transparent in
leadership by explaining what comes in and
the expenditures.
declared Kogi State as an oil producing state. Kogi as an Oil producing state. According to Mr Ojotule Micheal, one of the
indigenes of the LGA while responding to
But the question begging for an answer is Since the declaration by the above named Conuence News, stated that, Ibaji LGA has
that, when will Kogi State government under agency of the federal government, alot of no good roads, no good hospital, no good
the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello money has been coming into the state from market, no good water etc. and it's time to
constitute a committee for the state oil the derivation, but only God knows what the reap from the suffering as benets has come
producing area likes its counterparts in the oil money has been used for as the public are in through the declaration as the agitation was
reach producing states likes Rivers, Bayalsa, the dark. without support from the government and
Imo, Edo, Etc. revenue has stated coming into the state
Having settled the misunderstanding coffers as we are yet to know what the funds
The ght between Kogi State and Anambra between Kogi State, Anambra and Enugu that came was used for ?
state including Enugu State got the attention State, the good people of Ibaji LGA of Kogi
of the federal government under the State are appealing to Kogi State government It’s on record that, governor Bello led The people of the area are demanding for an
leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari’s under the leadership of Alh. Yahaya Bello to administration is one of the most accountable explanation before another round of protest
lead administration and the agency constitute a committee for the prudent government with numbers of award to that could stop the exploration and
responsible for the declaration (Revenue management of the fund under the buttress its credit, but the good people of production by the youths of the area.
Pilot Sewing Championship Establishes, Equips Workshops In FCT Schools
On his part, the Conservator General of functional education with tangible and
National Park Service, Dr Ibrahim Goni, veriable results which contribute to the
said the SSCP23 was a remarkable economy as the SSCP23 had done to
Initiative with impactful results, garment sector.
describing the initiator, ED LMF as been
very resourceful. According to her, the role of NGOs in
driving good practice and positive policy
Goni encouraged partners to sustain the implementation and development cannot
gains of the SSCP23. be overemphasized
In her remarks, the LMF’s Executive “ The National Senior Secondary

Director, Mrs Rosemary Ojochenemi Education Commission (NSSEC) has
Osikoya, said three schools got over 30 promised to give support for this to
sewing machines and workshop become a national competition in 2024.
equipment.
“We want to encourage that every other
According to her, schools that won Gold, persons support them. FCT have also
Silver and Bronze in the championship promised they will continue with this;
got 15, 10 and 5 Sewing Machines that is promising.”
respectively which include industrial,
manual and special purpose sewing “For sustainable impact, there should be
The Incentivised Pilot Sewing Schools’ budgetary activity in 2023 and assured of equipments
Championship 2023 (SSCP23) has sustainable repeated implementation by buy in- state levels to emulate the FCT
provided a platform for establishing and the FCT. Education Secretariat which saw
equipping sewing workshops in three Osikoya added that Other categories opportunity for public private
selected schools in Abuja, the Federal include most Distinguished contestant partnership and drove that with
El-Katuzu stressed that the SSCP23 Award, ThankGod Bitrus, 12 year old commitment”, Osikoya said.
Capital Territory (FCT). would complement government efforts learner at LEA Narai primary school, who
in the achievement of TVET actualization came overall 10th and got industrial
The SSCP23 was initiated by a non- of job creation to signicantly alleviate The executive director thanked the
sewing machine. members of the SSCP23 Coordination
governmental organisation, Ladi poverty in the society.
Memorial Foundation (LMF), supported Committee who were representatives of
and sponsored by UNESCO, FCT She said the Gold champion individual the Supporting Partners Organizations.
He called for more collaboration with the student-preneurship Prize was won by
Education Secretariat and other relevant private sector to promote and
partners. Susan Audu who completed Secondary The overall best student, Susan Audu,
complement government efforts in the school two years ago and went to learn
achievement of Technical and Vocational said all the people put in their best, for
sewing. that best dress to come out just after
The essence of the Incentivised SSCP23 Education Training (TVET).
was to strengthening stakeholders and three hours, which showed that youths
governments’ support for Vocational She added that Audu got one industrial have skills and talents.
“This programme will be sustained to sewing machine and one industrial
Education and Training (VET) through the encourage the youth to use their leisure
establishment of workshops in schools. weaving machine as championship gold “We thanked the LMF for initiating the
time wisely to learn marketable trades prize, and one manual sewing machine as
and skills that will provide economic SSCP23 and appreciate UNESCO, FCT
the overall best for AMAC area Council. Education Secretariat and all other
Over 1000 youths majorly from Junior support and lifelong educational
secondary schools(JSS), Senior secondary development and poverty alleviation,” El- stakeholders for giving students a chance
schools (SS) and out of school youths Katuzu stated.
from ages 12 to 20 participated in Sewing
competition across the six (6) Area On his part, the Secretary General,
Councils in the FCT at the second stage Nigerian National Commission
of the competition. (NATCOM) for UNESCO, Dr Olawale
Olagunju, said the organisation was
The third stage, tagged: “Championship happy to be part of the project and hoped
Finals & Up-skilling Sewing Boot Camp”, that more of such initiative would come
was a 5-day fully residential workshop for on board to empower the youth.
the 54 best contestants from the Six FCT
Area Councils which took place on April According to him, when LMF rst
23-29, 2023, where winners of various presented the concept note for the
categories emerged. SSCP23 initiative he observed it was lofty,
out of the box initiative with far reaching
Speaking at the award ceremony on impactful benets with rippling effects.
We d n e s d a y i n A b u j a , t h e B o a r d
Chairperson of NSSEC, Dr Nimota Hence NATCOM UNESCO buying into
Akanbi, shared experience on skills it and recommending it for UNESCO
development in other countries, saying funding under the UNESCO 2022/2023
skills remained the bedrock of sustainable Participation Programme.
economic growth.
He said that the SSCP23 had delivered
He emphasised the need for the initiative fully on the pledged outcome,
to be sustained and promised that NSSEC stakeholder engagements, promised “We also have about 20 individuals that to showcase our vocational skills”, Audu
would support scale up in 2024 as a equipping of schools workshops and got sewing machines, so if you put all said.
national championship event for all 36 Student-preneurship equipment’s, TVET together, we have donated over 50
states and FCT. sensitization, advocacies, among others. sewing machines and equipment to Others stakeholders in attendance
different schools and individuals”, presented awards to the SSCP23
Also speaking, the FCT Education Osikoya said. Champions and awardees include:
Olagunju applauded stakeholders
Secretary Hon. Sani El-Katuzu support across various sectors and NASENI, Federal Ministry of Science &
appreciated all the supporting partners reiterated NSSEC view on the need for She, however emphasised the need to Tech Innovation, Federal Ministry of
and LMF for the impactful initiative which scale up in 2024 as a national event. sustain the sewing schools’ championship Humanitarian Affairs and Social
had brought together all FCT Education through the support of the relevant Development, SMEDAN, NDE,
Secretariat Departments. government agencies and partners to NAPTIN,
The Permanent Secretary, Federal make it a yearly and national competition.
Ministry of Education (FME), Mr Andrew
He noted that the SSCP23 had kept David Adejoh, received the SSCP23 Star Other SSCP23 Partner organizations
everyone fully engaged over the past ve Award for the FME and the SSCP23 Star She emphasised the inter-sectoral who received recognition awards for
months project implementation with the Individual Partner Award. participation to bridge the current gaps in supporting the pilot Incentivized SSCP23
5-Day championship nals and Up-skilling policy implementation across all sectors. include: NTA, FRCN, NSSEC, NMEC
S e w i n g B o o t C a m p a n d Aw a r d s NABTEB, UBEC, NASENI, Rotary Club
ceremony as climax. Adejoh, who was represented by Mr of Abuja Maitama, Cinfores Limited,
Osinaike, Department of Science & She stressed the need for statutory
government agencies such as NBTE, Boards of FCT Education Secretariat-
Technical Education, FME, assured the DME, DQA, SEB, UBEB, S&T, among
El-Katuzu, who also received the LMF of federal government support to NMEC, NSSEC, UBEC, NABTEB and
Championship Award, noted that the others to give more support to NGOs others.
sustain the championship.
SSCP23 was supported as a FCT such as LMF to help achieve the promise
THE CONFLUENCE TRUST THE PEOPLES TRUST VOL.01
NO. 26
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
TUESDAY 30TH MAY, 2023
LIVING FAITH CHURCH WORLDWIDE

HEADQUARTERS (AKA: WINNERS)
STATE CHURCH LOKOJA, KOGI STATE
Wishes To Announce to the Public
the Church Programmes
BREAKTHROUGH SERVICES COVENANT HOUR OF PRAYER (CHOP)
1ST SUNDAY SERVICE - 6:30AM MONDAY - SATURDAY 6 - 7AM DAILY
2ND SUNDAY SERVICE- 8:30AM END OF THE MONTH
Stallion Times Train Kogi WEDNESDAY: MIRACLE PROVOKING
COMMUNION SERVICE - 5:00PM
THANKSGIVING/CHILDREN
DEDICATION SERVICE
Journalists On Investigative LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
IT’S A PLACE OF ENCOUNTER
YOUR MIRACLES AWAIT YOU AS YOU COME
Reports
The Stallion Times has called on balanced reporting, strong ethics,
JESUS IS LORD FOREVER
journalists in Kogi state to step up their determination and patience as

game and ensure accountability, probity necessities for a good investigative
and transparency among state and non- journalist.
state actors.
He added that an investigative journalist
Speaking at a two-day training workshop must be able to list and prioritize and
on investigative journalism in Lokoja on analyse concerns as well as list source of
Wednesday, the Project Coordinator, the story.
Isyaku Ahmed urged newsmen to get
involved and focus on unearthing under- In a goodwill message, the Chairman of
reported issues in the state. the Kogi state council of the Nigeria
Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade
He explained that the training was Momohjimoh Adeiza, commended
designed to teach participants on how to Stallion Times and MacArthur
gather data and present evidence to Foundation for organising the training.
expose rights abuses, corruption and
sharp practices in the society. He noted that the training has, over time,
increased the knowledge of Journalists in
A practising journalist and lecturer, Idris the state on investigative reporting.
Muhammed, trained media men on data
driven and presentation in investigative The training deployed up-to-date
reports. modules to equip journalists with key
skills and techniques used in investigative
Idris harped on courage, good research
skills, clarity of presentation, fairness,
reporting. PASTOR BEN ANDREW
S TAT E PA S T O R
Kogi Gov’ship: PDP Debunks Defection Of Members In Igalamela LGA

Ndanusa Salifu defected to APC from Igalamela
disclosed this in a According to him, PDP Ajaka ward 1 Odolu Local Government. They
statement made Chairman Anthony Abu and his were all shocked with this
available to Ward 2 counterpart Achema Amodu development.
journalists on had since received apology from one
W e d n e s d a y of the party member Ndah Salifu “They felt betrayed, as that was
morning. who said they were deceived to never their intentions when they
Government House by some were invited by their brothers from
Salifu said the desperate politicians loyal to APC. the ruling APC to Government
purported members House. PDP remains intact and a
received by Kogi “Some of our party member from formidable force in Igalamela-Odolu
S t a t e G o v e r n o r, Igalamela Odolu Local Government local government”.
Alhaji Yahaya Bello at were deceived to have an ofcial
the Government PDP meeting in Lokoja. Just as we Salifu noted that the PDP in
House was staged see our self as brothers, some Igalamela Odolu Local Government
T
he Peoples Democratic Party, managed adding that, members of the APC called them for remains committed to the
(PDP) has debunked media no members of the party from his dialogue for the interest of the Local Candidature of Senator Dino Melaye
reports making the rounds Local Government has moved to the Government and Kogi State in and his running mate Hajia Habiba
that over 100 party members APC. general. Deen to take over Lugard house
from Igalamela-Odolu local come November 11th 2023.
government area of Kogi state He urged the general public to “They listen to the clarion call
defected to the ruling All Progressive disregard such report stressing that, irrespective of their political According to him, the PDP will win
Congress, (APC). it is the hand work of mischief afliation. Surprisingly, when they overwhelmingly in the Local
makers who are scared of the got to government house, this Government to rescue Kogi State
The PDP Chairman in Igalamela popularity of PDP ahead of the desperate APC politicians took them from the alleged mal-administration
Odolu Local Government, Attai November Governorship election in to Governor Bello, telling him that of the ruling APC.
Kogi State. this are PDP members who have

The Confluence Trust Paper (May, 2023 Edition)

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Confluence Trust Paper (May, 2023 Edition)

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Confluence Trust Paper (May, 2023 Edition)

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Kogi TINUBU

THE CONFLUENCE TRUST

Kogi Guber 2023:

President Bola Ahmed

Hon. Idoko Barr. Okeme

CBN again revokes

The rich getting

of injustice and Alh. Muritala Ajaka

BAGANA Kwara State

The Nigerian leader recently virtually

T he Conuence Trust Newspaper

T he Conuence Trust Newspaper

Buhari leaves Legacy's of Kidnapping,

W hen he steps down next week

GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE “ We demand that the

T he Social Democratic Party has party’s Governorship and Deputy materials

Abejide of ADC urges Dino Melaye of PDP to quit Kogi

We believe that your entry into the race at this point

Kogi guber 2023:

T he Economic and Financial

As Buhari Bows Out, NLC President Scores Him

A head of the adviser of the party who is disappoint them if given

A Federal High Court

Also, Feranmi Adesuyi

Space For work together

Reasons for Tribunal Plateau Health Agency has

Besides, the court held that the

10th Senate: Akpabio Gets Wike’s

One of the beneciaries of the scheme, Mr

He said the NSGF will continue to

Promote correspondents, you He also charged journalists in the state to

DTHA screens, Conﬁrms Newly

I, the Chairman/Chief Executive Ofﬁcer of Andreams Global

Signed: Hon. Dr. Andrew Adama ,

In a Charge No. KB/HC/4C/2020,

Incoming administration may Believe

T he Nigeria Labour Congress

Kogi State Government Approves Establishment of University in Okun land

65 Former Corps Members Gain Automatic Employment

Census - NPC Chairman short after the postponement.

Ajaokuta House Of Reps Member-elect, Hon

T he Ajaokuta House of standard of kogi state in all promised to take

Reasons for Employees not

In the same way, when you’re training new

I nternational Women’s Day,

Kogi Gov’ship: Kingsley Idoko Ilona Replaces

“Record of Kingsley Ilona’s

T he All Progressives Grand

“Our choice of Kingsley Idoko Ilona as

Intelligence School, Apapa, In January 2014, he took over from Vice

Journey To Lugard House And The Power Of Unity

Mubarak Musa Saliu who is now the

Barr. Desmond Adejoh

In her remarks, the LMF’s Executive “ The National Senior Secondary

LIVING FAITH CHURCH WORLDWIDE

journalists in Kogi state to step up their determination and patience as

Kogi Gov’ship: PDP Debunks Defection Of Members In Igalamela LGA

You might also like