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Establish Health Status Before Embarking On Pilgrimage – Kano Warns Intending Pilgrims

March 4, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Intending Muslim pilgrims have been urged to ascertain their health status before embarking on the trip to the Holy Land.

Similarly ,the importance of submitting their international passports and other relevant documents before approved datelines have been stressed.

The Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board Alhaji Laminu Rabiu Danbappa, who made the appeal ,said with adequate information about pilgrims health conditions ,medical personnel can make informed decisions on the medications required for the Pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Alhaji Danbappa spoke through one of the Board’s members,and chairman of Hajj Induction Course Teachers Sheikh Tijjani Shall Maihula,on Sunday March 3 2024 during the ongoing Induction Course for intending Pilgrims held at the Conference Hall of the School of Arabic Studies in Kano.

A statement issued by the Pilgrims welfare Board Spokesperson Suleiman Dederi ,noted that the Board is set to provide all healthcare facilities needed to ensure a successful Hajji exercise .

“Through medical checkups ,the medical team can determine the appropriate level of medication needed for the benefits of the Pilgrims during their time in Saudi Arabia.”the statement emphasized.

The Source reports that ,it is not uncommon for some Pilgrims to develop health crisis while observing the holy pilgrimage,with some also losing their lives in the process due to improper medication, resulting from most times zero knowledge of their health status.

Food Crisis: No Way Out, We Must Fix The Country, Says Shettima

James Orji

March 4, 2024

Kahsim Shettima, Nigeria’s Vice President has urged Nigerians to be responsible while protesting the current economic crisis, saying the current hardship was part of the government’s efforts to fix the country.

“We have to fix this country, and failure to do this is not an option,” Shettima said as many Nigerians endure excruciating economic pains.

The nation’s number two citizen made the remark on Sunday in Lagos during a Ramadan lecture organized by the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni.

Shettima spoke few hours after a warehouse belonging to the FCTA was looted in Abuja.

The current economic crisis has sparked protests in some part of the country, as hungry Nigerians attack public and private facilities in search of food.

The Organised Labour in the country has just ended a one-day protest in solidarity with Nigerians over the severe economic crisis rocking the country.

Speaking yesterday, Shettima said the country is passing through a difficult situation, adding that the citizens must endure as the government is trying to fix the country.

He said Nigerians should “express their feelings over our circumstances in a responsible and mature manner.”

According to him, “The leadership of President Tinubu recognizes that this Ramadan will come with severe challenges for most Nigerians.

“The road to where we are today was long and full of missed opportunities and tragic failures to build on our great potential.

“The consequences of our past are the stark realities we face today, such as rising cost of living and pessimism over our prospect to turn round our economy in the direction of growth and inclusive development

“We have to fix this country, and failure to do this is not an option. All the options we have are difficult and challenging, and they are, without a doubt, more telling on the poor. If there were easier and reliable alternatives to the policy choices we have adopted, we would have adopted them.”

Shettima was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed.

Abuja Looting: Police Arrests Suspects, Recovers Stolen Goods

James Orji

March 4, 2024

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, command of the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, has disclosed that 15 suspects involved in the looting of the FCTA warehouse has been arrested.

The revelation was made in a statement on Sunday by Josephine Adeh, the police command’s Public Relations Officer, PRO.

The magazine reports that some suspected hoodlums looted and vandalized the Agric Department Strategic food store located at Tasha area of Abuja, on Sunday.

The looting was one among the recent attacks on private and government facilities by hungry Nigerians looking for food to eat due to the current hardship in the country.

According to the police spokesman, those arrested included two security guards employed by the warehouse management.

Adeh, a superintendent of police said 26 bags of maize, five motorcycles and some vandalised aluminium roofing sheets have so far being recovered from the suspects.

Part of the statement said: “The Police Command in the FCT is fully informed about the impulsive attack on the Agric Department Strategic food store located at Tasha area of Abuja, on March 3.

“The attack has resulted in the vandalism and looting of the warehouse.

“The command wishes to state that normalcy has since, been restored to the area and the situation, under control.”

Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to be responsible while protesting the current economic crisis. He said the government was doing its best to solve the problems.

Hardship: Umahi backs Ohanaeze, Says No Reason For Igbo To Protest

James Orji

March 4, 2024

Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works says Igbo has no reason to protest against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu due to the current economic hardship in the country.

Works Minister David Umahi has said residents of the Southeast have no reason to join other regions to protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the rising cost of living in the country.

Umahi made the remark while addressing journalist at his Uburu hometown in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The high cost of living has sparked protests across major cities in the country with Nigerians demanding immediate action of the part of the government to arrest the hunger in the land.

Some parts of the country have also experience looting by hungry and angry Nigerians who blamed the government for the current economic crisis.

In spite of this, the minister said the region has been mostly favoured by President Tinubu, and so the residents have no reason to protest against his government.

Umahi’s remarks comes a few days after the Igbo apex social, cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo said the people of the region will not join any protest against Tinubu.

The position of the Ndigbo was made known by Ohanaeze President General, Emmanuel Iwuanyawu.

Speaking yesterday, Umahi said the president has been able to resolve some crisis in the region, including farmers/ herders clashes, adding that most of the problems ravaging the country presently were inherited by President Tinubu.

According to him, the residents of the south east should not allow themselves to be drawn into the protest, saying Tinubu has favoured the region by making him one of the most influential ministers in his cabinet.

He explained that the current economic crisis cannot be solve within a short time, that President Tinubu came into office barely nine months ago.

He said: “The present hunger that everybody is talking about didn’t start today. It’s a built-up to a number of factors. Before the past administration and present administration, we had been having a build-up of insecurity. We had farmers/herders clashes over a number of years…

“At a time, I was the Chairman of NEC committee on resolving farmers/herders clashes. So, I went through a number of states, especially the northern states, settling the farmers/herders clashes, and it yielded a number of fruits.

“That problem dealt a huge blow to food production. The issue of kidnapping and the issue of insecurity prevented farmers from going to their farms because here we are talking about hunger.

“And so, you expect the administration of President Tinubu to fix all those things within nine months? It’s not possible. It’s a cumulative effect of the past, like I have mentioned. We should be asking ourselves: how do we solve these problems? That’s what the President has started doing. When something has got to the climax, you don’t expect to resolve it overnight.

“If you check very well, especially in the Southeast, you will know that we no longer have incessant farmers/herders clashes. So, why should we join the protest when the President has solved our major problem? The problem we now have in the Southeast is self-inflicted. That is the issue of unknown but known gunmen.

“So, if we are protesting, who are we protesting against? We are protesting against a President that has solved herders/farmers clashes. If you remove the issue of unknown gunmen, the Southeast will be completely safe and farmers can work. So, we can’t go and join anybody to protest.”

CBN’s N1trn OMO Mops Up Excess Notes

James Orji

March 4, 2024

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, says it has successfully sold over N1 trillion government security to investors through the Open Market Operations, OMO, instrument.

The CBN normally used the OMO as one of the instruments to mop up excess cash in the economy.

According to the apex bank, there are signs that its monetary tightening measures are beginning to yield positive results considering that N500 billion worth of OMO securities were offered but investors oversubscribed to the tune of N1.053 trillion, with 79 per cent of the total bids, or the equivalent of US$530 million, purchased by foreign investors.

in a statement issued on Sunday by the CBN’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi, the apex bank said investors now have high confidence in the nation’s economy.

The former administration of Muhammadu Buhari reportedly printed close to N30 trillion in local currency which analysts blamed for the spiraling inflation in the country.

The printed notes were partly through the Ways and Means instrument from the CBN.

Uzodimma Tinkers With Request to Establish Government Colleges at Okigwe, Orlu

The Source

March 4, 2024

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State is weighing the possibility of government establishing two other Government Secondary Schools at Okigwe and Orlu zones to complement the already existing Government College Owerri with a view to deepening education in the State.

He gave the assurance to examine the pros and cons of having two Government Colleges at Okigwe and Orlu following the request made by members of the Old Boys Association of Government Secondary School, Owerri who paid a courtesy call on him at Government House Owerri, weekend.

The Old Boys Association was led by Dr. Etofolam Osuji who said the members were in Owerri for their Annual General meeting.

Governor Uzodimma had warmly welcomed the members and commended their contributions to the advancement of education and moral moulding of our youths.

He assured that he will look into their request for the establishment of Orlu and Okigwe versions of the Government Secondary School Owerri.

The Governor expressed gratitude for their solidarity and urged them to sustain their efforts “because my administration remains steadfast in transforming our State for the better.”

He commended them on their interest in having their alma mater regain her lost glory and assert it’s pride of place in the education sector in the country.

Assuring them of government’s willingness to support and partner them on their aspiration, the Governor however decried what he called “lack of monitoring and supervision of the schools as the bane of dilapidation and loss of glory.”

Earlier, the leader of the group and National President of Government Secondary School Old Boys Association, Dr. Etofolam Osuji informed that they were in Owerri for their Annual general meeting and found it important to pay a courtesy call on the Governor as a mark of respect and solidarity.

He congratulated the Governor on his reelection and inauguration for a second tenure and wished him well.

Dr. Osuji appealed to Governor Uzodimma to assist them in improving the security situation in the school, noting that the perimeter fence in the school has been breached.

He regretted that a former Governor of Imo State annexed part of the school’s premises, a situation he said defaced the compound and pleaded that something be done about it.

Dr Osuji also asked for partnership with the Government to address the various challenges plaguing the school so that it will regain it’s pride of place as the best in the South East.

Finally, he requested the Governor to deepen the legacy he is already leaving behind in Imo State by taking steps to establish two new Government Secondary Schools in the other two zones of Okigwe and Orlu.

“The feat will help decongest the Government College Owerri and create more opportunities for Imo children seeking better and quality secondary education,” he suggested.

Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and other top government officials were in attendance at the meeting.

You Didn’t Disappoint Us, Imo Economic Development Initiative Tells Uzodinma

The Source

March 4, 2024

Satisfied with what they agree is the excellent outing of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State in his first four years in office, the Imo Economic Development Initiative (IEDI) has said that the Governor did not disappoint their reasonable expectations as private sector enthusiasts.

The body, an assemblage of professionals cutting across socioeconomic divide, passed the verdict weekend when the members visited Governor Uzodimma in his office at Government House Owerri to brief him on their readiness to continue to support his administration as his second term commences.

Led by Chairman of the group, Prof Maurice Iwu, a former National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the IEDI team said the visit was a follow up to their zoom meeting on Friday, March 1, 2024, where all the members, both within and outside the country, had the opportunity to evaluate the first four years of Governor Uzodimma’s administration and suggested other measures to be considered that would help to deepen the foundation the Governor laid in his first tenure.

Prof Iwu thanked Governor Uzodimma on behalf of all their 40 members of different professional persuasions for finding time to receive the 10-member delegation detailed to interface and brief the Governor on the outcome of their expanded meeting as it concerns Governor Uzodimma’s second term socioeconomic policies.

Prof. Iwu spoke passionately on the readiness of IEDI to continuously partner with the State Government, for the overall economic development of Imo.

He described the body as a think tank of Imo citizens, drawn mainly from the private sector, businessmen and women, academia and technocrats who, at one time or the other, were in government.

Prof. Iwu said during the zoom meeting the body identified about nine policy parameters of Governor Uzodimma’s administration which they believe, the private sector could play some roles in helping to actualise them for the good of Imo State.

His words: “We are also here to show appreciation for the past four years of your first tenure, and we want to also ensure we can work with you for the next four years of your second tenure.

“That is why we have come early, like we did four years ago, to review some outstanding issues that we feel will be of interest for the State. We are here with 10- man delegation, from a group of only 40 people, who have been working, not as a government agency, but as private sector-driven and whose interest is the furtherance of governance in the State and helping, so our people will be able to appreciate the dividends of democracy, especially in this period.”

In his response, Governor Uzodimma expressed gratitude to the group for the continuous support of the members to his administration and also his willingness to work in tandem with them to actualise the desired economic growth of Imo State.

The Governor said he was privileged to meet again with members of the body for coming to extend their congratulations on the commencement of his second term as Governor of Imo State.

Governor Uzodimma said “their commitment to fostering a prosperous society aligns perfectly with our goals in the State,” noting that, “listening to their annual economic plan was truly impressive and heartening, as it resonated deeply with my vision to fortify our State’s economy.”

He further commended their dedication and partnership towards building an economically robust society and expressed his commitment to continually collaborate with the body “in our collective pursuit of economic prosperity for all.”

Governor Uzodimma said: “I will continue to solicit your opinion and contributions, to analyse my policies from time to time and suggest ways we can do better to achieve a better result. Feel free to criticise and suggest ways to achieve result.”

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, immediate past Secretary to Government of Imo State and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Cosmos Iwu and Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie respectively as well as the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Irene Chima, joined the Governor to receive the group.

Tinubu, Uzodimma Canvass Improved Food Security Via Women Empowerment

The Source

March 4, 2024

Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Barrister Chioma Uzodinma and Hope Uzodinma

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and his wife, Barrister Chioma Uzodinma, have canvassed for improved national food security through strategic and coordinated empowerment of women who are involved in the business of agriculture (agribusiness).

This came in their different remarks during the maiden flag-off of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Women Agricultural Support Programme and National Agricultural Land Development Agency (NALDA) for South East Geo-Political Zone in Owerri, the Imo State capital on Wednesday.

Away from women farmers support programme, the ceremony was also used to empower 100 physically challenged men and women who were given cash of N100,000 each under the RHI Social Investment Support Programme to enable them boost their businesses.

In her address, Mrs. Tinubu said that the RHI initiative aligns with the broader programme of the Federal Government aimed at engaging Nigerian Women in large scale agriculture “as an empowerment and provision of food security for families, States and the Nation at large.”

She pointed out that the support for the South East women in the instant ceremony “is a two-in-one programme where 20 women per-State will receive N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira each), and NALDA will support 80 women farmers with farm inputs and training.”

She said the financial support is to enhance productivity, while the training is to reduce waste and enhance yield.

The First Lady who said the target is to empower two million women farmers implored the beneficiaries to use the opportunity to improve their agricultural scope and contribute to food production to both the State, the Nation and also to advance their overall productivity.

She emphasized that “the programme will contribute to the economic improvement of the Southeast zone, put more food on our tables and reduce hunger in our land,”

and urged governments and Governors to support the programme and the women farmers to make a huge success of the initiative.

Earlier, Mrs. Tinubu had thanked the people of Imo State for voting Governor Uzodimma for a second term in office and prayed that his government will bring lasting peace and prosperity to Imo State.

She also thanked the Governor for his support, over the years, towards the empowerment of women and the vulnerable group in the State.

In his felicitation remarks, Governor Uzodimma thanked the First Lady for the initiative and gesture, describing the day as “remarkable because it will make our women farmers more dedicated and food security will be assured.”

Governor Uzodimma further thanked the wife of Mr. President for the empowerment support programme and for flagging-off the programme in the Southeast, urging the beneficiaries to “ensure the programme succeeds and the objectives realized.”

He, however, called on all well meaning Nigerians to partner with the First Lady to ensure success of the initiative, stressing that “the programme is in keeping with Mr. President’s campaign manifesto and promises.”

In her welcome address, the host First Lady and wife of Imo State Governor who is also Secretary of the Governing Council of RHI, Barr (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma said that the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme is headed by Mrs Tinubu and that it “signifies a profound commitment to the empowerment of women.”

She noted: “The empowerment of women through agriculture will solve the problem of food security, engender progress and development of any society. Also, it goes a long way towards achieving gender equality and building a more inclusive prosperous community.”

Mrs. Uzodimma emphasized that “the agricultural support programme is significant avenue for women to, not only create economic opportunities, but also contribute to food security, sustainable development and upliftment.”

She added: “The agricultural support programme seeks to harness the potentials of women in agriculture by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to excel in the sector.

“By empowering our women we are not only uplifting individual lives but also transforming communities and society as a whole.”

She warmly welcomed the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, all federal and state government officials, her colleagues wives of Governors of South East, and other key guests and wished them a successful outing in Imo.

In his goodwill message, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NALDA, Prince Ikonne said they are committed to partnering with the First Lady and in luring women, especially the young ones, into agribusiness. He assured of NALDA’s absolute support.

Ikonne informed that NALDA has made provision for the empowerment of two million women in animal husbandry, fishery, Poultry, snail farming and others, in addition to arranging for off-takers for a ready market.

The highpoint of the event was the show case of the different agricultural inputs and thereafter, distribution to the benefitting women farmers from South East.

Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, that of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, wives of the Governors of Abia (Mrs. Priscilla Otti), Anambra (Mrs. Nonye Soludo), Ebonyi (Mrs. Mary- Maudline Nwifuru), Enugu (Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah), and those of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila and the Service Chiefs joined Mlrs. Tinubu at the event.

Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, former Speakers of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Goodluck Opiah (also a former Minister of State, Education) and Rt Hon Emeka Nduka, immediate past Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, former Minister of State, Science and Technology, Chief Henry Ikoh, Managing Director of ISOPADEC, Chief Charles Orie, former Chairman of All Progressives Congress in Imo State, Chief Marcom Nlemigbo, among other former top government officials attended the event.

Also in attendance were the Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH, Eze EC Okeke, his deputy for Orlu Zone, HRH Eze Thomas Obiefuna, among other ranking monarchs from Imo State.

Cross River APC Imbroglio: How Eba Overwhelmed Party Renegades Seeking His Ouster

The Source

March 4, 2024

By Stanley Ekpenyong, South-South Bureau Chief

Before former Governor Ben Ayade defected from the People Democratic Party, PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC in May 2021 taking with him almost the state’s entire political structure, Cross River was a one-party state- PDP.

However, in the run-up to the 2023 elections, pundits had predicted the party would effortlessly reclaim the state, given that Cross River was traditionally a PDP state. But this never happened.

Rather, the APC consolidated by recording a massive victory including the governorship, two out of the three senatorial seats, five out of the seven House of Representatives seats and 20 out of 25 House of Assembly seats.

Leading the titanic battle that sunk PDP in the state was a young lawyer and Chairman of the state chapter of the APC, Barrister Alphonsus Oga Eba.

Surprisingly, however rather than showering him with effusive praises and accolades no sooner had Barrister Eba led the party to secure the massive victory than some rebellious elements within the party commenced the push for his ouster on the grounds of alleged misconduct.

Watchers of Cross River politics opine there is more to the plot to undo the Chairman than the allegations against him.

They wonder why a man who led a party to a convincing victory could have at the same time engaged in misconduct against the same party.

Similarly, not a few APC partisans in the state have queried the misconduct allegation against Eba, arguing that the party has not reported its Chairman misbehaved.

“It’s baffling that a man who led our party to victory is being targeted. Why accuse him of alleged misconduct when the party he leads and all organs of it have not said his activities are not in sync with his exalted office? This is witchhunt”, a chieftain of the party in the state said.

Multiple sources in the party told the magazine that the plot against Barrister Eba was championed by some party stalwarts from the Cross River North Senatorial District where he hails from.

The party chieftains, the magazine was further informed, feared that by the virtue of his position as party Chairman plus his astounding success in leading the party to victory, Barriater Eba’s political profile had burgeoned and could soon become a threat to their political relevance, not only in the Senatorial district but in the entire state.

Matters came to a head last month when the anti-Eba forces under the aegis of APC Stakeholders Forum announced the “removal” and “appointment” of one James Alichie Okpamu as his replacement on an acting basis.

In a swift move, however, Eba declared his traducers as incapable of removing him and despatched a letter to the National Chairman of the party, Ibrahim Ganduju pointing out that if the national leadership of the party accorded the faction recognition, Cross APC would descent into intractable anarchy.

Barrister Eba then rallied the Cross River APC behind him and got the leadership to pass a vote of confidence on him.

The “Stakeholders forum” further suffered a setback when Governor Bassey Otu denied them a buy-in.

Instead, aware of Eba’s efforts at cementing APC in the state, Governor Otu last week convened a party stakeholder meeting where he publicly expressed full confidence in Barriater Eba, chastised elements within the party plotting the chairman’s removal and ordered them to withdraw all cases to that effect in court.

Meanwhile, it is not yet clear what the next line of action of the Okpamu group who protested at the APC National Secretariat on Thursday is, sources however, claim they will in the coming days be pacified with appointments by Governor Otu.

Obi Knocks New MPR Says It Will Worsen Economic Situation, Lead To Job Loss

The Source

March 3, 2024

The main opposition voice in the country and the Labour Party standard bearer, Peter Obi has given a thumbs down to the new monetary policy rates released by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

According to Obi, the new policy will worsen the economic situation in the country and will seriously affect the productive sector and lead to job loss.

Writing in his X handle, the former Presidential Candidate said “Let me confess that the label of being a vintage Onitsha-based trader does not in any way confer on me the status of an economic expert.

“With my vast trading knowledge and my involvement in the real sector, I am of the strong opinion that the recent decision of the Monetary Policy Committee to increase the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, to 22.5% and the Cash Reserve Ratio, CRR, to 45% will further worsen the economic situation of most Nigerian households as it is bound to cause more job losses in the productive sector, especially manufacturing and other sectors that rely on bank loans for their funding needs.

“Tightening liquidity in the financial system does not improve productivity, ie food production, which is the major cause of inflation in Nigeria. Moreover, only about 12% of N3.6 trillion total money, in circulation, is in the banking system which means that 88%, about N3.2 trillion is outside the banking system.

“So, this measure would rather be counterproductive as it would not address the intended purpose of managing the money supply.

“These new measures will worsen the fragile economy as the supply of funds would dry up for the real sector, and the new MPR rate hike will push the interest rate on loans to above 30%, which would be very difficult for the real sector operators especially manufacturers and SMEs to repay; consequently resulting, obviously, in increased bad loans, and worsening the nation’s economic situation.

“The most critical way to manage our high rate of inflation and decline in production is for the government to address the issue of insecurity in the country, which will allow for increased food, and crude oil production, and the overall increase in production, which will make products, especially foods, cheaper.

“This way we would increase our productivity as well as restore the confidence of FDIs and FPIs to come back to the country.

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