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Why Nigeria Is Sending Astronaut To Space – FG

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Uche Nnaji - Minister of Innovation-Science and Technology

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria is set to make history by sending the first ever Nigerian Astronaut to Space.

In achieving this feat, Nigeria and the Space Exploration and Research Agency, SERA, from Delaware, USA, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to send the first Nigerian to space.

Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who signed the MoU on behalf of the Federal Government in Abuja said that human spaceflight was a major aspiration of Nigeria.

Nnaji said:  “Human spaceflight is not just a random aspiration of our Country, but a major objective of the Nigeria Space Policy and Programme which was approved by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, in 2001.

“Reviving and implementing all abandoned national plans is a cardinal point of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Tinubu. This partnership provides a way of achieving our long-time aspiration as a nation,” he said.

The Minister added that the slot could be available from now till December, or in 2025, as SERA would still be test-running the platform.

Matthew Adepoju, Director- General of NASRDA, said the cost of sending a Nigerian to space had been fully sponsored by SERA, adding that the event marked the commencement of the agency’s efforts to implement part of its roadmap of having a human spaceflight.

He also said the event was worth celebrating at a time Nigeria was marking the 25 years of its space programme.

“The Human Spaceflight programme is one of the cardinal objectives of National Space Policy and Programme.

“It was with this in mind that we established the Department of Physical and Life Sciences about three years ago to forge this mandate.

“This is also coming as one of our deep space explorations because there are many spinoffs that will come from the collaboration and opportunities opened for Nigerians,” he said.

Joshua Skurla, Co-Founder of SERA, said that 80 per cent of astronauts, globally, had exclusively emanated from three countries.

Skurla noted that Nigeria had a rich history of scientific, technological innovation, adding that SERA was excited to partner with NASRDA to extend the legacy into space and create new opportunities for Nigerian space explorers.

While Sam Hutchison, Founder of SERA, said that the application to be in space was open to any Nigerian older than 18 years, in spite of their discipline.

“The Nigerian people will choose the citizen to go to space, the process of application will be open to anybody who is over 18 years, and there are no other qualifications required.

“You will be able to sign up and then encourage others to vote for you; as part of democratic process, the Nigerian people will select four potential astronaut candidates before a final selection process”.

Super Eagles Drop In Latest FIFA Ranking To 38th Position

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles
Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the abysmal performance of the Super Eagles in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa and the Squirrels of Benin Republic, the Team has dropped from its 30th Position in the FIFA Ranking to 38th Position.

The Super Eagles now have 1498.93 points, a decrease from their previous 1520.27 points.

The latest drop of the Nigerian National Team marks a significant shift in the global football landscape, as Nigeria continues to face challenges on the international stage.

Nigeria was ranked 30th before now following its Runners Up position at the 2023 African Cup of Nations championship in Côte d’Ivoire. But its recent decline is as result of bad outing of late.

Nigeria’s hopes for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers remain doubtful, as the Nation failed to secure victories in these crucial matches.

Meanwhile, Argentina maintained its top position in the rankings, solidifying its status as the leading football Nation in the world.

The South American giants gained 2.14 points, bringing their total to 1860.14, reflecting their consistent high-level performance in recent tournaments.

The FIFA rankings, reported by PUNCH Online, are calculated using the Elo model, which considers team strength, match importance, and results.

Liberia remain the biggest climber in the rankings, moving up 10 positions to a new highest rank of 142nd.

Liberia also scored the most points, gaining 37.47 points.

Equatorial Guinea experienced the biggest drop, falling 10 positions and losing 47.53 points, marking a significant downturn in their ranking.

Suspension Of Health Commissioner, Alleged  Corruption In Govt Circles: Abia PDP, Gov Otti Trade Tackles

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Wednesday, June 19 ,2024, insisted that it was its relentless call for transparency and accountability in the conduct of Government business that led to the suspension of the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo from office.

The Abia State Government had, penultimate week, suspended Dr. Okoronkwo, citing the need for an unfettered inquest into some allegations of misconducts against her and her office as reason.

The PDP, Abia State Chapter, while reacting to her sack,  not only  claimed  credit for the Government’s disciplinary action, but, also,  called for an extension of the cleansing exercise to other ministries and Government Agencies.

But reacting to PDP’s claim, Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kalu,  in a statement entitled “The PDP’s Web Of Deceit And Limits Of Propaganda” described its claims as a classic case of obtuse grandstanding, designed to mask its failures and corruption-ladden administrations in the state ,in last 24 years.

The Abia State Government’s spokesperson rather  attributed the fate of the suspended Health Commissioner to Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to the enthronement of a regime of transparency in the State.

“His commitment to good governance, transparency and accountability, has raised the bar for leadership in the state.

“Governor Otti’s suspension of the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, therefore, demonstrates his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for misconducts by Government appointees.

“This bold action sends a clear message that Abia State will no longer be a haven for impunity by those in public office .

“Consequently, Ndi Abia have seen the difference between a Government that cares for its citizens and one that looted their commonwealth .

“Abians are witnesses to the transformative power of good governance in all ramifications and they will not be swayed by PDP’s empty claims and propaganda .

“Governor Alex Otti’s administration has brought a new dawn to Abia state ,marking a departure from the PDP’s destructive era. The PDP’s corruption and looting of Abia state’s resources are well documented .

“Billions of Naira meant for development projects were diverted into private pockets, while the State’s infrastructure and institutions were left to decay” Prince Kalu stated .

However, the PDP appears neither persuaded nor deterred by the Abia state Government position.

In a statement issued  late Wednesday, June 19,  by  Abraham Amah, Vice Chairman/Acting  Publicity Secretary captioned: “Governor Alex Otti And Camp Of Nazists” made available to The Source ,the Abia PDP  insisted that it is aware that the Accountant General of the State ,the Commissioner for Finance and some members of the Governor’s media team are under serious scrutiny .

“The Abia PDP insists that it is its call for transparency and accountability in the conduct of Government business that led to the investigation of the Commissioner for Health .

“And we also make bold to say that we are aware that the Accountant General, Commissioner for Finance ,and some members of the Governor’s media team are under very serious probe and investigations.

“True to type, they copied from their boss who has never followed due process and transparency in the award of contracts and continues to live large at the expense of Abians .

“We call for closer examination in other quarters. At every turn, Governor Alex Otti’s administration has never stopped twisting the narrative to evade critical issues of governance .

“The point the PDP made was  that the fire we constantly put under their feet exposed the grave allegations of massive corruption in the Health Ministry which led to the investigation and subsequent  suspension of the Commissioner for Health.” PDP noted.

Gov Otti Pays Fees For Abia Law Schools Students,  India, Removes His CPS, Approves C of O For Onyeka’s Football Academy

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Abia State Governor
Alex Otti, Abia State Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia state Government on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, announced that it has opted to foot the school fees of about 271 indigenes of the state at the Nigerian Law Schools.

Similarly, reprieve also came the way of Abians studying in India ,as Governor Otti, directed that their tuition fees be paid. They were, allegedly, abandoned by the previous administration.

Okay Kalu the State Commissioner for Information ,who disclosed this at the end of an Executive Council Meeting, said the decision was made to ensure that all the concerned students complete their studies seamlessly.

“Following Governor Alex Otti’s interest and the high premium he places on students’ welfare, he has graciously approved the payments of school fees for Abia students in India.

“He also approved the payment of school fees for 271 Abia students at the Nigerian Law Schools” Kalu stated

According to the Commissioner, the State Government has assisted in securing accreditation for about 19 academic programmes for the State owned University in Uturu .

Also, in keeping with its avowed determination to encourage meaningful investments in the State, Prince Kalu ,informed that Governor Otti, has directed that a Certificate of Occupancy C of O be processed  within the next 48 hours for  Abia born Football International ,Frank Onyeka for the purpose of establishing a football academy in the State .

Onyeka, who had earlier on visited Governor Otti, alongside his wife and Baba Datti Ahmed , Peter Obi’s Presidential Running mate ,in the 2023 presidential election, is an indigene of Isukwuato Abia state .

The Nigerian International is billed to establish the academy in Aba and Umuahia .

Meanwhile,  the Abia State  Governor, has rejigged his Media department. He removed his Chief Press Secretary Kazie Uko, and replaced him with Njoku  Ukoha Njoku.

No reasons were adduced for the change of baton but, in the wake of the enforcement of a sit-at-home order declared by IPOB on May 30, Uko had issued a statement which stated that Governor Otti said he was not going to confront the promoters of the much condemned and abused order as people were free to mourn their dead who were victims of Nigeria Civil War genocide the way they deemed fit. The Governor later distanced himself from the statement which turned a huge embarrassment for him as it coincided with the unprovoked murder of five soldiers in Aba by alleged enforcers of the order. Three of the murdered soldiers hailed from Abia State.

IPOB: FG Rejects Kanu’s Plea For Settlement

By
James Orji
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Nnamdi Kanu in Court

The Federal Capital has rejected negotiated settlement in the ongoing trial of detained Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The Government made its position known on Wednesday after the IPOB strongman who is currently being tried for terrorism-related charges proposed an out of Court settlement.

During the resumed trial on Wednesday, Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor,  told the Court that his client was ready to settle the issue with the Federal Government peacefully.

According to him, the proposal is based on Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which provides amicable resolution of such matters.

Kanu’s lawyer explained that he would seek negotiated settlement by activating the act if other options failed

Ejimakor stated, “Section 17 of Federal High Court Rules, states that in any proceedings, the court may consider reconciliation and settlement.”

But responding, lawyer to the federal government, Adegboyega Awomolo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said he  had no power to enter into such agreement as his brief was different.

“If he is interested in negotiating, he knows the right place, the Attorney General of the Federation’s office,” Adegboyega said.

Recall that Kanu was arrested in Kenya in July 2021 after which he was extradited to Nigeria for trial.

Following his detention for three years, some notable leaders in the country have called for his release, and so did the United States of America. But the Federal Government has continued to hold on to him.

A court of Appeal had, in October, 2022, struck out the case against Kanu.

But in December 2023, the Supreme Court ordered his continued trial, saying the IPOB leader had a case to answer.

The country’s apex court had earlier struck out the case of terrorism against Kanu.

Tinubu Will Rescue Economy –  Uzodimma

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma at NAWOJ

…Donates Buses To Correspondent Chapel, NAWOJ in Imo State

Imo State Governor,  Senator Hope Uzodimma on Wednesday declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the vision and capacity to rescue Nigeria’s economy and make it the fastest growing one in Africa.

Governor Uzodimma spoke at an interactive session with journalists in Owerri, where he also gave two brand new, 14 seater buses to members of the Correspondent Chapel and the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Imo State.

The Governor said he had no doubt that the current economic policies of the federal government under the leadership of President Tinubu would lead Nigeria to prosperity.

He  noted that journalists needed to properly explain to Nigerians the benefits of the policies instead of trumpeting the side effects.

According to him,  “although the populace are  experiencing economic hardship occasioned by the policies,  they would eventually enjoy the benefits.”

Governor Uzodimma maintained that the removal of fuel subsidy and merging of official and parallel exchange rates were courageous steps taken by President Tinubu to strengthen the economy.

The Governor regretted that instead of some notable Nigerians acknowledging the efforts of President Tinubu, they were busy demarketing the administration through the media.

He said that whereas the three major presidential candidates promised to end the regime of fuel subsidy, the other two who didn’t win are pretending otherwise.

He beckoned on the media to buy into the vision of  President Tinubu in rebuilding the economy instead of allowing pessimists to take control of the media space.

His words: “Every discerning Nigerian knows that President Tinubu’s economic policies are sound and that they will salvage the country sooner than later.”

The Governor urged Nigerians to be patient with President Tinubu administration, saying that the current hardship was like a birth pang that would go away when the baby is born.

Meanwhile, the Governor donated two brand new buses to the Imo State Correspondents of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Imo State Chapter for their day-to-day operations and for being worthy partners with government for a better society.

The two affiliate bodies of the NUJ had paid a courtesy call on the Governor to introduce members of their newly elected executives and seek continuing partnership with government.

While congratulating them, the Governor enjoined the journalists to continue to be professional in the discharge of their duties and also spare a thought about the unity, growth and development of Nigeria in the course of discharging their duties.

Governor Uzodimma emphasised that all over the world governments partner with the media and that in Nigeria, outside the three arms of government, the press is the next recognised as “the fourth estate of the realm which makes the media very important for the State, the nation and the world at large.”

He advised them not to be deliberately antagonistic to any government “rather should show more commitment and be more objective and patriotic while reporting for the interest of the State and the nation at large.”

In their presentations earlier, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma had thanked the Governor for giving them the opportunity to have one-on-one with him, noting that he only came to introduce the new Executive members of the Correspondents Chapel and NAWOJ to him.

He formally congratulated the Governor on his reelection for a second tenure and promised continuing support of NUJ in the State to the administration.

The Chairman of Correspondent Chapel, Comrade Chinonso Alozie as well congratulated the Governor on his reelection and explained that the State’s Correspondents have decided to form better partnership with the Government for a better Imo State.

The State Chairman of NAWOJ,  Dr. Dorothy Nnaji thanked the Governor for his fatherly, moral and financial support and informed that NAWOJ is involved in a lot of interventions, sensitization and enlightenment of rural women.

Both groups had reminded the Governor of his earlier promise of buses, noting that they needed them like yesterday to assist them in their operations.

The Correspondents had also pleaded with the Governor to resort the monthly stipend government pays them to cushion the hardship they are facing.

Highlight of the programme was the presentation of two brand new 14 Seater Buses to the Chairmen of the two bodies.

Uzodimma Swears-in Five New Commissioners

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma- Governor of Imo State

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has sworn-in five new Commissioners, bringing the total number of the Commissioners in the State to 30.

He did on Wednesday when Barr. Rex Anunobi, Dr. Henry Okafor, Dr. Ukaegbu Emeka Mandela, Prof. Victor Ndubuisi Nwachukwu and Prof. Ubaka Chukwuemeka Michael were unveiled at the new Executive Chambers Government Owerri.

After their swearing in, Governor Uzodimma charged them to bring in their experiences to bear in the recovery of the State’s economy and to serve Imo citizens better.

He said that their appointment was to help improve and build Imo State of our collective desire by taking it to a higher level, emphasising that his government is in a hurry to recover the State.

The Governor said going by the current situation of things in the State and the nation, it will not be business as usual, rather “it is now going to be an eye for an eye and a teeth for a teeth.”

He reiterated his zero tolerance for corruption warning or compromise of any sort from any appointee.

Finally, the Governor advised the new appointees to work harmoniously with their colleagues and to bear in mind that the motto of the present day Imo State is “prosperity is the name of the business.”

In their appreciation, Dr. Henry Okafor who spoke on behalf of his colleagues thanked the Governor for the opportunity given to them to serve and enjoined other expectant politicians not to lose hope.

Present at the swearing-in were the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the member representing Owerri zone in the Senate, Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, Rt. Hon. Jerry Alagbaso and members of State Expanded Executive Council.

Alleged Emergency Rule: “You Are On Your Own” – NNPP Disowns Kwankwaso

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The National leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, on Wednesday June 19, 2024, strongly rejected the statement credited to its Presidential candidate in the last general elections Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, which suggested alleged plans by the Federal Government to impose a State of emergency in Kano.

It said the views canvassed by the former Kano State Governor do not represent those of the party.

It has also denied claims that Kwankwaso is the National Leader of the party.

The Source reports that Senator Kwankwaso had, on Monday, June 17, in Madobi, his home Local Council of Kano raised the alarm that some forces working in concert with the Federal authorities are harbouring plans to use the festering kano Emirate stool crisis as a launch pad to proclaim emergency rule in the State.

He vowed that the people are well positioned to resist the ploy.

His outburst has since drawn responses from the Presidency, the All Progressive Congress, APC, and the Kano State Police Command which he  accused of insubordination and conspiracy in the emergency rule plans.

While Bayo Onanuga Presidential spokesperson dismissed the allegations as holding no water, the APC Kano Chapter, on Tuesday June 18, called for the arrest of the leader of the Kano Kwankwasiya political movement, over his “treasonable outburst”.

The Commissioner of Police Kano state ,CP Muhammad Hussaini Gumel equally perceived  the allegations as distractive.

In a statement issued in Abuja  by its National Publicity Secretary, Abdulsalam Abdulrazaq, the NNPP described the allegations as unfounded and malicious.

The party further emphasised that its former Presidential candidate had long been expelled alongside his Kwankwasiyya followers over anti-party activities.

“Kwankwaso speaks for himself and we totally disagree with him on the allegation and undue interference in the Kano Emirate saga.

“It is an aberration for Kwankwaso to refer to himself as the National Leader of the NNPP. The party strongly believes the Emirate tussle in Kano state is an internal traditional issue and can be resolved by the indigenes of the state.

“As a party ,NNPP can not be dragged in to the Emirate tussle under any circumstances  in spite the fact that the Governor is our member.” the NNPP noted.

Nnamdi Kanu Sues For Negotiated Settlement, Government Lawyer Says “Not My Brief”

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nnamdi-Kanu - IPOB Leader

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The spate of killings of both security agents and innocent civilians, as well as the horrifying regime  of terror being foisted on most parts of the Southeast region of Nigeria ,are not in tandem with the  founding  principles of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu has said .

This is even as he insisted  that he is not averse  to a negotiated political settlement of his ongoing trial by the Federal Government.

The Leader of IPOB who spoke with the media at the Court premises during the continued hearing of the terrorism charges being pressed  against him, by the Federal Government in Abuja on Wednesday June 19 2024, voiced his condemnation of the wanton killings in the region in the name of the liberation movement.

” I condemn in its entirety all of the killings because IPOB was founded on a non-violent principle ,and we maintain that stand .

“And some of these soldiers ,we were told , were also our people and their families are in mourning right now.

“So I condemn all the killings. I don’t want that. We are fighting for freedom. So how can we want violence? We want people to be free.

“We have suffered a lot in Africa, from slavery in Arabia, Europe and now slavery in America.

“This is when to focus on this Continent and be what God wants us to be so that they will know that we know what we are doing”,  Kanu stated.

Alloy Ejimakor, his lead Counsel,while addressing the trial judge, Binta Nyako informed that he intends to, under the provisions of section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, move for a negotiated settlement with the Federal Government concerning the fate of the IPOB leader.

Before then, Ejimakor said he will move an  application that seeks to object to the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court to entertain the charges against the leader of the  Biafra agitation movement.

However, where it fails, he will explore the second application bordering on a negotiated political settlement.

“Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act states: In any proceeding in the Court ,the Court may promote reconciliation among parties thereto and encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement thereof ” Ejimakor noted.

But in his submission, Counsel to the Federal Government Adegboyega Awomolo  SAN said that his brief does not include the power to enter into any negotiation on behalf of his client .

The learned Senior Advocate rather advised Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to approach the Attorney General and Minister of Justice with the request.

On her part, the trial Judge, Justice Nyako noted that the role of the Court is only to hear litigations. and not to act as solicitors .

Instructively, this is not the first time that the detained leader of IPOB will be expressing his aversion to the use of the  freedom movement to perpetrate criminal activities in the southeast region.

During a visit by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo ,and other notable figures from the region some weeks ago, Mazi Kanu had in addition to the condemnation of the senseless killings, deplored the continued enforcement of the sit-at- home order earlier proclaimed by the movement.

The sit-at -home order was one of the non-violent means initially adopted to protest the extradition of Kanu from Kenya and his subsequent detention and trial in 2021.

However ,over time what began as a  popular agitation was hijacked by some unscrupulous elements for the pursuit of pecuniary gains and hounding of perceived foes.

This has led to the killings of several scores of innocent civilians and security agents and the destruction of billions of naira worth of property in the region.

The region’s education and economic sectors have been dragged several years back by the activities of the  criminal elements who, despite several appeals by Kanu to end the sit-at -home order, have continued to maim ,kill and pillage the region and its people.

Backlog Of New Drivers’ Licence Ready For Collection – FRSC

By
Ayodele Oni
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Road Safety Corps and Drivers License

By Ayodele Oni

Following intervention by the new Management of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) not less than 73,740 National Drivers’ Licences (NDLs) have been produced in two weeks.

There have been mounting complaints by prospective new licence applicants over undue delay in getting their paper after making necessary payment.

The Ekiti State Office of the new drivers licence office is worst hit with several applicants waiting for over a year to get their licence.

The Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mohammed, on the assumption of office, visited the FRSC Print Farm as a major step to revamp the entire process of service delivery concerning the issuance of drivers’ licences.

The assessment was propelled by the rate of public outcry over the unprecedented delay faced by applicants in obtaining National Drivers Licence.

At the end of the assessment, the Corps Marshal set up a task force to ensure that the backlogs were immediately cleared as soon as possible.

He directed 24 hours production and immediate rectification of the identified technical glitches that affected the overall production capacity of the farm.

“As at the moment, a total of 84,500 NDLs are on queue for production and expected to be delivered to the respective State Licensing Authorities nationwide.”

Mohammed assured the public of the Corps’ commitment to quality service.

The corps marshal advised applicants, especially those who have been awaiting issuance for sometime, to visit their state licensing offices to check and pick their licences.

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