“War Has Been Declared On Nigeria” – Fani-Kayode Laments ‘Cowardly Abduction’ Of Over 280 Children

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March 8, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

As Muslims look out for new moon to commence 30 days Ramadan fasting, the Defence Headquarters, (DHQ) has assured that troops are ready as a formidable force to tackle any form of banditry during the period.

The DHQ on Friday reiterated that the military will continue to defeat the terrorist and their cohorts in the battlefield and dislodge them from the safe have across the country.

Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba disclosed this in a press statement noting that “the armed forces is a force of stability seeking to bring stability wherever it may be needed across the country.

“Accordingly, we are committed and remain strong to our mission of defending the country and protecting the citizens.”

General Buba revealed that during the week under review, troops neutralized 210 and arrested 142 of them.

“Troops also arrested 66 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 46 kidnapped hostages. The troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Two Billion Two Hundred and Seventy Five Million Four Hundred and Fifty One Thousand and Six Hundred Naira (N2,275,451,600.00) only.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 243 assorted weapons and 5,453 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 2 GPMGs, 3 G3 rifles, 115 AK47 rifles, 42 locally fabricated guns, 16 pump action guns, 12 locally fabricated pistols, 34 dane guns, 2 pistols, 3 fabricated revolver gun, 3 automatic single barrel guns, 2 double barrel guns, 2 locally made short guns, 4 hand grenades.

“Other are: 2,699 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,558 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 339 rounds of 9mm ammo, 22 rounds of 5.64mm ammo, 121 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 468 live cartridges, 34 magazines, 5 HH boafeng radios, 18 vehicle, 26 motorcycles and 34 mobile phones amongst other items.

“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 63 dugout pits, 46 boats and 120 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 100 cooking ovens, 3 outboard engine, 11 pumping machines, 23 vehicles, 2 tricycles, 6 mobile phones,one generator and 81 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 1,932,245 litres of stolen crude oil, 432,150 litres of illegally refined AGO and 3,500 litres of DPK.”

NPFL Goes Tough On Drug Among Footballers, Seeks Collaboration With NDLEA

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March 8, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

In a bid to end cases of drugs among footballers, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), and the Nigeria Premier Football League, (NPFL), have agreed to partner on the conduct of drug test as part of efforts to curb the menace of substance abuse in Nigeria.

Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi on Friday disclosed this in a press statement made available to Newsmen in Abuja.

“This was one of the highpoints of discussions between the leadership of the Agency and the football league when the Chairman of the NPFL board, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye led a delegation.

“The delegation include ex-international, Daniel Amokachi; Chairman of Sokoto State Football Association, Mohammed Saidu Nasiru; Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, Davidson Owumi and Head of Legal, NPFL, Uche George Egbe on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) in Abuja on Friday 8th March 2024.”

In his remarks, Elegbeleye acknowledged the inspiring and impactful leadership Marwa has given NDLEA to become a frontline law enforcement agency now respected home and abroad.

He said the activities of the agency have not only raised national awareness about the drug scourge but have equally curbed the impunity of drug cartels and barons.

He said part of the problems facing the sports industry in the country especially football is betting and use of performance enhancing drugs by footballers. Elegbeleye pointed out that he has to reach out to the agency for partnership to salvage the situation. “The only agency that can save this situation is NDLEA by working with us to carry out random drug test on our players. Once they know we conduct drug test, they will refrain from abuse of illicit substances. “This is why we seek the support and partnership with NDLEA.”

Marwa commended the NPFL boss for his giant strides and innovations to build the football league. He assured that the agency won’t relent in its offensive action against drug cartels in the country.

He expressed the willingness of NDLEA to partner with NPFL to curb abuse of illicit substances by footballers.

“We are happy with your request for random drug test for players. This is available in all our commands nationwide and we are ready to work with you in this respect. We are very ready to collaborate and support you in your quest.”

He said the league should also consider mobilizing star footballers to get involved in open advocacy against drug abuse because a lot of youths look up to them as role models.

Tragedy in Lagos as 80-Year-Old Man Commits Suicid€

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March 8, 2024

By Chidi Levi

Residents of Watch Tower in the Araromi, Imota area of Lagos were Thursday evening left wondering what could have prompted an octogenarian to end his life.

The 80-year-old man identified as Isiaka Ayinde reportedly hung himself with a rope in the kitchen.

The deceased children who discovered his lifeless body raised the alarm which attracted other tenants in the compound.

Meanwhile, the magazine learnt that shunning police investigation into the incident, Isiaka’s family has opted to bury his remains immediately in line with his religious belief.

Abia: Two Vigilante Operatives To Die By Hanging

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March 8, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

An Abia State High Court sitting in the oil rich Ukwa area has ruled that two members of the State’s Vigilante Services, Ugochukwu Amaugo and Udo Ogba Oka are to die by hanging for their roles in the disappearance and death of Temple Nwakanma and Martins Azih in 2013 .

Presiding Judge, The Honourable Justice Chibuzo Ahuchaogu who delivered the verdict on Thursday March 7 2024 found the duo of Amaugo and Oka guilty of conspiracy, kidnap and murder .

According to the fact of the case, Amaugo and Oka who were part of the defunct Bakassi Group, now Abia State Vigilante Services had on August 30 2013 in Osioma Local Government Council, arrested Nwakanma and Azih on suspicion of being in possession of arms and other dangerous weapons.

Subsequently, the ex- Vigilante Operatives decided to transfer the suspects ( Nwakanma and Azih ) to their Umuahia Headquarters.

However, Amaugo and Oka ,claimed that at the Tower junction of the State capital on their way from Aba, they were accosted by some Nigerian Army Personnel, who after interrogation, demanded for the handover of Nwakanma and Azih to them.

They also claimed of not knowing the identity of the said military operatives ,as well as not having a documented evidence of the handover process.

Instructively, the whereabouts of Nwakanma and Azih from the time of the said interception by, and hand over to the men of the Nigerian Army ( August 30 2013) to date ,has remained unknown.

The Nigerian Army has since distanced itself from the incident,with all efforts to establish the whereabouts of Nwakanma and Azih abortive in the last 11 years.

Justice Ahuchaogu, therefore, ruled that for failing to prove beyond any reasonable doubt their claims of handing over the suspects to the men of the Nigerian Army ,the two ex- Abia State Vigilante Service operatives, are to die by handing,having been found guilty of conspiracy, Kidnap and murder.

Kogi Gov Reappoints Okezie-Okafor DG Research And Dev

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James Orji

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March 8, 2024

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and Okezie-Okafor

Kogi Governor Reappoints Anambra-Born Lawyer Okezie-Okafor As Research and Development Director General

In a move highlighting his commitment to merit, unity and diversity, His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, has re-appointed seasoned legal practitioner and governance expert, Moses Azubuike Okezie-Okafor, ESQ., as the Director-General for Research and Development in Kogi State.

Okezie-Okafor, who hails from Anambra State, has a distinguished track record in this position. First appointed in 2016 by former Governor Yahaya Bello and reappointed in 2020, he is the pioneer and sole occupant of the role to date. This ‘third-term’ appointment by Governor Ododo marks another recognition of his competency and reflects the Governor’s pan-Nigerian outlook. Ododo, who took Office on January 27, continues to prioritize talent and exceptional performance as part of his efforts to build cooperation and integration within Kogi State and beyond.

“I am deeply humbled by this reappointment and the continued trust placed in me by the Governors and people of Kogi State,” stated Okezie-Okafor. “My focus remains on delivering my assignment with maximum excellence, especially driving research and development initiatives that decisively address the state’s challenges and help to unlock her multidimensional potential for accelerated and sustainable growth.”

Chief Dr. Uche Nworah, former Managing Director of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), and Anambra APC stakeholder described the appointment as a watermark of quality leadership traits on two excellent gentlemen. ‘We thank the Governor. He has shown a disposition to embrace all, including the large community of Ndigbo resident in Kogi State. In these days when Nigerian leaders who preach and practice merit and inclusivity are rare, he earns our full respect and support. As for my brother Moses, he has delivered in two previous outings in Kogi State. He will do even better this time around. We are very proud of him’.

Okezie-Okafor brings 23 years of post-call legal experience to the table, along with extensive expertise in leadership, governance, policy, research, strategy, diversity management, interfaith relations, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. His commitment to excellence is evidenced by fellowships in prestigious institutions such as the Kogi State Polytechnic (FKSP), the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (FICMC), and the Institute of Corporate Administration (FICA).

Okezie-Okafor’s previous tenure as Director-General for Research and Development saw significant contributions to Kogi state’s overall governance, including serving as a Member of the Kogi State Executive Council and the official speechwriter to the Governor.

As a stalwart of the ruling APC he has also played crucial roles in national politics, serving as the Director of Policy, Research, and Strategy for the Yahaya Bello Presidential Campaign Organization in 2022, the Head of Administration for the National Youth Mobilization Directorate of the Tinubu-Shettima PCC in 2023 and simultaneously as a member of the Research, Policy & Strategy Directorate of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council. In addition to his Moses is also a member of the Technical Working Group of the Presidential Committee on Flood Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness and Response.

Mr. Okezie-Okafor has earned an MSc. in Peace & Conflict Studies, an LL.B in Law and a BL from the Nigerian Law School complemented by short courses and specialized trainings from renowned institutions like Harvard University and the World Bank.

Uzodimma: Women Dedication To Our Society Commendable

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March 8, 2024

Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has lauded the great role women play in the development of our society, describing their dedication to the building a greater society as commendable.

The Governor did as he felicitated with women on the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day with the theme: Invest in Women.

Governor Uzodimma singled out women from Imo State and described them as remarkable and worthy of the inclusivity in his administration.

Taking to his social media handle, Governor Uzodimma said: “I extend warm felicitations to the remarkable women of our dear Imo State on this auspicious occasion of the 2024 International Women’s Day. Your unwavering dedication to building a greater society is truly commendable.

“We deeply value the important role of women in our community, that is why I have ensured that inclusivity is at the heart of my administration, embracing the mantra of #InvestInWomen.

“As we celebrate this day, let us reflect on the countless achievements of Imo women worldwide. Your resilience and contributions are integral to our progress and together, we will continue to champion gender equality and celebrate the indomitable spirit of Imo women.”

Kebbi Boosts Transport Business, Donates N20 Million To NARTO

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March 8, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has announced a donated of N20 million to the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to boost its transportation activities.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ahmed Idris stated that Idris announced the donation, while receiving Zonal Chairman of NARTO alongside state executive members, who paid a courtesy visit in Birnin Kebbi.

According to him, the amount was meant to facilitate activities of the association towards better performance.

The governor observed that NARTO remained a critical stakeholders in the transportation of goods and services across the country.

Idris said their slogan “No NARTO no nation” was carefully coined, adding that without NARTO there won’t be movement from one place to another in Nigeria.

Commenting on the role of members during the election that brought him to power, the governor said their contribution was unmeasurable, especially when other people said a teacher should not become the governor.

He urged them to sustain their support to the present administration for positive results.

Governor Idris advised them to see the present administration in the state as their own in view of the role they played in bringing the present government to power.

Earlier, Alhaji Sani Danfulani, the Northwest Zonal Chairman said the visit was to seek blessing from the governor before the commencement of a zonal meeting with members of the association.

He assured the governor that members were making efforts to see how Kebbi would be co-opted in the national leadership of the union.

Alhaji Mainasara Katanga, the State Chairman, said the essence of the visit was to show solidarity to the present administration of the state under one of their own.

He assured the governor that members of the association were ready to support all government policies and programmes to enable him succeed.

Obi Celebrates Nigerian Women For Inestimable Contributions To Development

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March 8, 2024

The main opposition voice and the presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has praised Nigeria Women for their immeasurable contributions to the nation’s development.

Obi wrote the tribute to mark International Women’s Day, which he noted is set out to celebrate the potentiality of women folks globally.

“I like therefore to use this unique day to join the international community in celebrating women all over the World.

“Their existence has made procreation in the World possible.

On a special day like this, “I like to especially celebrate Nigerian women whose inestimable contributions to our nation have continued to greatly impact our growth and development.

“We appreciate the resilience, perseverance, and tireless sacrifices of our Nigerian women, who in the face of the many challenges facing our nation, continue to resonate with hope for a better nation.

“A report by Country Meters shows that women account for 49.4% of the total population in Nigeria. Such significant numbers if adequately empowered will contribute significantly to our national development.

“Education remains the greatest empowerment for all, especially our women. Sadly, the poor female school enrolment in Nigeria has remained a source of worry. UNICEF reports that 50% of Nigerian girls are not attending school at the basic level, which is the most important, with girls accounting for about 7.6 million of the about 18 million out-of-school children in the country.

“These challenges must therefore be addressed, to raise a generation of empowered and productive women who will contribute to our national development, peace, and progress.

“I have always made a case for a broad inclusion of women in governance. Our dear women have continued to distinguish themselves in leadership positions and public offices. When given more opportunities, I believe they will do more.

“Unfortunately, political participation of women in governance has remained very low, despite the National Gender Policy which demands 35 percent involvement of women in all governance processes. It is reported that in the 2023 elections, of the over 15,000 candidates who contested for different elective positions, only about 10 percent were women. More women, therefore, must be given the chance to play active roles in governance.

“The entrepreneurial spirit of our women, when encouraged and supported will greatly impact our economic development. It is reported that women account for 41% of ownership of micro-businesses in Nigeria with about 23 million female entrepreneurs in the SME sector, who with adequate support, will aid our journey from consumption to production.

“United with our women, therefore, our journey to the New Nigeria becomes even more possible. Happy International Women’s Day.

Ondo NDDC Commissioner Accuses Gov Aiyedatiwa Of Deceit Over Igbokoda Electrification

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March 8, 2024