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Computer Based Test: WAEC Says Gradual Process Will Be Adopted

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Students in Examination Hall

By Ayodele Oni

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has clarified that introduction of Computer Based Test (CBT) for the conduct of school leaving certificate examinations will be in gradual process.

Reacting to a call by a Northern Youth Forum for the rejection of the Computer Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) the council explained that private Candidates would first be used as experiment.

A statement issued by the council’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina reads: “The attention of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has been drawn to a media report stating that a youth forum has called for the rejection of the planned Computer Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for Private Candidates – First Series, 2024.

“The said the examination to be conducted by WAEC Nigeria is scheduled to hold between January 31 and February 17, 2024.

According to spokesperson, the agitation for the rejection of the CB-WASSCE was in response to an earlier media report in which WAEC announced that it had ditched the Paper and Pencil Testing model and had adopted the Computer Based Testing model for the conduct of the School Candidates’ Examination.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the West African Examinations Council hereby states unequivocally, that it had never announced the adoption of the Computer Based Testing model for the conduct of the WASSCE for School.

“The Council is not unaware of possible challenges that may be encountered by candidates during the conduct of the examination.

“To this end, a trial test and a free mock examination have been scheduled to take place on WAEC’s designated platforms for prospective candidates, whether secondary school students or out-of-school individuals, to familiarize themselves with the testing environment, prior to the commencement of the WASSCE for Private Candidates – First Series, 2024.

“Notification for the mock examination will be sent to prospective candidates through their emails. Announcements for the scheduled mock examination will also be made through mainstream and new media.

“In addition, candidates are also advised to visit WAEC Nigeria’s website and social media spaces for relevant information and guidelines on how to navigate the CB-WASSCE platform.”

According to the spokesperson, WAEC Nigeria has engaged the services of CBT centres across the Country, to check their suitability to host candidates for the CB-WASSCE, throughout its duration.

Kogi Gov Bello Deposes Three Monarchs, Appoints New Ohinoyi Of Ebiraland

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Yahaya Bello
Yahaya Bello

By Ayodele Oni

The Kogi State Governor,  Yahaya Bello has embarked on last minute actions, just as his eight-year tenure  as Governor is winding down.

Bello on Tuesday,  deposed a first class Traditional Ruler, the Ohimege Igu, Konto-Nkarfe, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isa Koto.

He also banished the deposed monarch to Rijau Local Government area of Niger State.

The State Governor immediately appointed Alhaji Salihu Akawu Seidu, popularly known as SAS, to replace the deposed King.

According to him, “He is to be turbaned immediately to avoid vacuum.”

The Governor, also, announced the appointment of Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, who until now is the Ohi of Okenwen, as the new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.

Announcing the developments shortly after a meeting of the State Executive Committee, Bello said, “Having followed through our Traditional and Chieftaincy Laws, Rules and Regulations and all the due processes, we have come to the following resolutions.

“His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah Koto, the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe, who is also the Chairman, Lokoja/ Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council is hereby removed and to be deposed to, Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.

“His Royal Highness, Sam Bola Ojo, the Olu Magongo of Magongo is removed and to be deposed to Salka, Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.

“His Royal Highness, Samuel Adayi Onimisi, the Obobanyi of Emani, is removed and to be deposed to Doko, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State.

“That Similarly, on decision No. 3, the title “OBOBANYI OF IHIMA” which reads on the promotion letter, upgrading the stool to first class status, was done without cognisance to the fact that the title; is a subject of litigation and the court of law is yet to arrive at the possible final decision.

“As such, the Government has however received several petitions, calling attention to the need to revert and maintain status quo, until the court of law decides.”

SCOAN Slams BBC Over Documentary On Late Leader, TB Joshua, Says Report Unethical, Lopsided

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, has finally broken its silence over the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC’s, documentary reports on its late Leader, TB Joshua. The report tagged, ‘Africa Eye’, alleged a mumber of atrocities the late Founder of the Church, Temitope Balogun Joshua. They include  sexual harassment, ra*e, torture miracle manipulation and more.

The BBC also claimed that over 25 eyewitnesses from UK, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and USA provided accounts of what it was like in TB Joshua’s Compound and travails they experienced therein.

But the Church in its reaction, debunked the allegations and said  that the BBC went outside the ethics and fundamental principles of the profession in its investigation and dismissed it as an aberration.

It stated that Journalism as societal watch dog requires fairness, balancing and objectivity in order to command dignity, honour and respect as the fourth estate of the realm. It accused the BBC of a compromise of  these lofty principles by descending  into fictional narratives and  propaganda, thus turning itself into a weapon for a hatchet job as gangsters in the gab of journalism with a destructive ulterior motive for personal gains against a perceived enemy.

In a Statement signed by Dare Adejumo, its Spokesperson, SCOAN said that BBC needs to be questioned on why it deviated from true journalism and chose to be dishing junks and feeding the public with stones called bread by its offensive and disenchanted lopsided reports of disgruntled and shameless elements.

It added that it is insulting to the professional and public intelligence.

The statement titled; ‘BBC and Its Ludicrous Episodes Of Hatchet Job On TB Joshua’, stated that, “The BBC World Services investigative unit, code-named ‘Africa eye’ came out this week with weird and strange episodes of atrocities against late Prophet TBJoshua, founder of the Synagogue Church Of All Nations, SCOAN.

“To investigate and publish or broadcast reports is a central kernel in journalism  But to do this outside the ethics and fundamental principles of the profession is an aberration. Journalism as societal watch dog requires fairness, balancing and objectivity in order to command dignity honour and respect as the fourth estate of the realm. BBC has compromised these lofty principles by descending  into fictional narratives and  propaganda thus turning itself into a weapon for a hatchet job as gangsters in the gab of journalism with a destructive ulterior motive for personal gains against a perceived enemy.

“Only BBC can best explain why it woefully deviated from true journalism and chose to be dishing junks and feeding the public with stones called bread by its offensive and disenchanted lopsided reports of disgruntled and shameless elements.This to say the least is insulting to our professional and public intelligence.

“One thing is very obvious, hundreds of BBC charades cannot rubbish the indelible footprints of TBJoshua’s legacies on earth again. There are thousands of REAL human beings who had received dumbfounding miracles and tremendously benefited from the anointing and grace the Lord endued with His servant while on earth that could not be disputed that are lining up and responding angrily to this imperialist broadcasting station.

“Many of them are in the UK the home base of BBC but which its jaundiced investigative eyes could not see but only the obviously suborned narrators! Myriads of broken homes reconciled by TBJoshua are also crying foul of BBC’s broadcast of iniquity. Uncountable hopeless children drawn from different parts of the world; some brought by their parents while some were picked from drug joints or brothels who have gotten their destinies restored are also pissed off by the offensive reports.

“His ineffable love and charity works across the globe including horrible disaster spots speaks volumes in USA, Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East among other continents. BBC has obviously shot itself in the foot by its compromise and roadside journalism.

“Incidentally SCOAN is not ready to belittle its honour by responding to the BBC charade. BBC would not have lost anything if it had gone to the church even to disguise as visitors in order to have direct experience of what is happening in the church instead of relying on disgruntled and manipulated  individuals some of whom are never known before in SCOAN as could be seen in the episodes. Some of those identified there are relics of homosexual and lesbian associates. My findings further show that everything the BBC put together was strange to SCOAN.

“One other clearly illogical thing in the charade is the BBC  categorical statement that the man of God was involved in all the abuse for over two decades! How could that be in a nation governed by law? It shows the station’s crude disrespect and bizarre perception of Nigeria. Where were all those shameless interviewees in all the decades?  Was it when the man  passed on that they suddenly became awake or came back to their senses? Only a fool will have respect for such charlatans. This is not only shameful to hear but also insulting to see from the work of supposedly well trained reporters!

“On the tragic collapse of the church guest house, it is shocking that BBC also turned itself to building expert through its charlatans to disregard the opinion of various renowned international erudite and building experts on what it didn’t know anything about. It was all just to call the dog a bad name so that they could hang it.

“It is obvious that the sponsors of the BBC hatchet job must have been transmogrified by the continued growth of the church like the tree planted by the river side which  remains incomprehensible to those satanic agents who erroneously thought the church was finished with the passing of TBJoshua not knowing that whatever is of God cannot be uprooted by anyone.

“Thank God you exonerated his only wife of any wrong doing throughout the decades of your so-called investigated lopsided work. But did you think any wife at all could be seeing and watching all these nonsensical and annoying scenarios you painted for decades and still kept silent?  I am yet to read any literature or hear of such a woman in the universe! This is illogical, irritating, incomprehensible, unfathomable and satanically dubious and malicious.

“Persecution of divine envoys or servants of God is not new in history. For cursed and manipulated false witnesses to arise and manufacture intimidating and damaging lies has    always been and history would always repeat itself.

“ONE thing is very important and which every opinion moulder must know:  no one can run away from harvesting the consequences of whatever seed he or she has planted in Creation. As a matter of fact, it’s in God’s adamantine will that such a planter either through his words, deeds, writings or actions will never be free not until those people he or she had misled are free.

“This is why we must not allow ourselves to be carried away by any situation no matter the immediate benefits because the consequences coulf be fatal. BBC investigative reporters in this case on their so-called episodes on TB Joshua should bow down their heads in shame as journalists in their fictional voyage of the theatre of the absurd”, the statement reads.

Anambra: Soludo Suspends Monarch For Honouring Political Opponent With Chieftaincy Title

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Igwe Damian Ezeani

By Ayodele Oni

In what is perceived as politics taken too far, Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has suspended a Monarch, allegedly, for conferring chieftaincy title on his political opponent.

The Traditional Ruler of Neni community, Igwe Damian  Ezeani, was punished by the Governor for alleged breach of Code of Conduct for Traditional Rulers.

The suspension came few hours after the Traditional Ruler conferred a chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who recently joined the All Progressives Congress, (APC), a step perceived as preparation to challenge Soludo in the upcoming election.

The suspension was announced by the State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony Collins Nwabunwanne.

The Traditional Ruler is conferred the chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah without adhering to the established Code of Conduct for Traditional Rulers in Anambra.

The code was issued by the Traditional Rulers, and mandates them to obtain permission from the Traditional Ruler of the recipient’s community and clearance from the Ministry.

According to the letter “We have received confirmed reports that you, as Traditional Ruler of Neni, conferred such a phantom Chieftaincy title on one Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in violation of the Code of Conduct and without clearance from the Ministry.

“Whether or not your action was for pecuniary reasons as being insinuated in many quarters is irrelevant. What is important is that your action is an affront to order and good governance.

“In the light of the above, and for order and good governance, I am directed to inform you that Mr. Governor has, in the exercise of his powers under Section 2 (C) of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers (Amendment) Law,2020, suspended your recognition as Traditional Ruler of Neni untill further notice.

“You are also by this letter, required to show cause why your Certificate of Recognition should not be withdrawn in line with the Traditional Rulers Law.

“In the meantime, you are advised in your own interest, to stop parading yourself forthwith, as the Traditional Ruler of Neni community.

“This regulation aims to prevent the misuse of such titles and to ensure the dignity of the traditional institutions is maintained.”

The Commissioner further stated that it has been observed that a minority of Traditional Rulers have engaged in the practice of trading chieftaincy titles for monetary gains, an act that has brought embarrassment and disrepute to the esteemed traditional institution.

Edu’s Suspension, Sign Tinubu Is Positively Disposed To Tackle Corruption – Reno Omokri

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By Ayodele Oni

Former Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has observed that with the suspension of Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, from office, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated commitment to fight corruption.

Omokri in a post on his X handle, commended President Tinubu over the suspension of Edu from office.

He advised that the ongoing probe should be extended to the tenure of Edu’s predecessor, while those found liable should be made to face law.

He wrote: “I must commend President Bola Tinubu for having the courage to suspend the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect and for going further to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate her.

“This is as it should be. The Presidential directive shows that the President is alive to his responsibilities and will not tolerate corruption.

“Additionally, it sends a message to other Ministers and public officials that negative actions will produce negative consequences.

“Many Nigerians hope that after the investigation by the EFCC, there would be a speedy trial and not a cover-up as was widely observed during the disastrous Buhari administration where several Ministers and high officials who soiled their hands were let off with a slap on the wrist.

“Finally, it is expected that the probe will also extend to the Minister’s predecessor, during whose tenure, odious and corrupt practices were rampant in the social investment programmes of the Buhari regime.”

Fraud: EFCC Grills Edu Today

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is expected to grill the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister Dr. Betta Edu today

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on Monday suspended the minister following the alleged N585 million fraud that rocked her ministry.

The magazine reported that Edu sent a memo to the Accountant General of the Federation to pay close to N600 million into a private bank account.

The fund was meant for poverty alleviation in four states in the country.

Edu ran into problem after the memo went viral, as prominent Nigerians called for her probe for breaching the country’s extant financial laws.

President Tinubu suspended her yesterday despite Edu’s defence that she has done no wrong.

Following her suspension, the president directed her to report to the EFCC for investigation.

The suspension was contained in a statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

The state said; “In line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu suspends the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect.

“The President further directs the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder.

“The suspended Minister is hereby directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and she is further directed by the President to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities as they conduct their investigation.

“Furthermore, the President has tasked a panel that is headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes, with a view to conclusively reforming the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative.

“These directives of the President take immediate effect.”

Edu, a former Commissioner in Cross Rivers state was All Progressives Congress, APC, Women Leader before she was appointed Minister by President Tinubu in August last year.

Obaseki Betrayed Me, Says Wike

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Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state of betraying him after helping him to win the 2020 governorship election.

Recall that Obaseki who is billed to leave office next year, defeated the All Progressives Congress, APC governorship candidate, Ize Iyamo in the contested election to secure a second term in office.

Obaseki received the support of Wike, a former governor of Rivers state to clinch the ticket of the PDP after the governor crossed from his then party, APC to the PDP due to unresolved issues with Adams Oshiomhole, his predecessor who was then the National Chairman of the APC.

No sooner than the Edo helmsman won the election he quickly turned his back against Wike, their relationship has not remained the same since then.

Speaking at a political meeting on Sunday, the FCT minister said betrayal is a normal thing in politics, stressing that all the agreement reached with Obaseki to get the PDP ticket at the time, were not honoured by the governor.

According to him, he only agreed to support Obaseki to fly the the PDP ticket after some chieftains of the party pleaded with him.

The FCT minister who is currently embroiled in a bitter feud with his successor, Governor Simi Fubara said he has learnt from his mistakes.

Fubara has charted his path after riding on the wings of Wike to power in May this year.

According to Wike, “You cannot say I did this but I am not benefitting. God knows why it happens the way it happens.

“What is important in life is to give God the glory that you are alive to see what is happening. When a man is dead, he doesn’t know what is happening.

“You will be able to advise your children and your friends. When the heat was on in Edo, this young man was a frontrunner in the Edo Governorship election.

“PDP leaders came to me in Port Harcourt from 6 pm to 6 am the next day. I told the young man with Dan Orbih to withdraw and not to run for the governorship. He was crying and we agreed on what would be given to their group.

“He was to be refunded the money he spent and to get four commissioners but not one was kept. We said okay, you would run for Senate in the next election. But not one was kept.

“But the next thing was blackmail that Wike wants to control this. But you didn’t know what Wike wanted to control when you came and held a meeting with me from 6 pm to 6 am. It was all about blackmail. That is what you see in politics.

“You must have shock absorbers. President Tinubu told me when we were meeting that politics and betrayal are the same mother and father. If you don’t want to be betrayed, don’t enter politics.

“So prepare yourself that it will happen. I am fully prepared because I know it is one of the things President Tinubu taught me. I am laying this foundation so that some of you who are worried should not be.

“That is life for you. You must prepare yourself to know that these things happen. I have preached and continue to preach for unity and for peace in this state.

The magazine reported that the FCT minister hosted a luncheon two days ago in Port Harcourt, where some political big wigs in the state pledged their unflinching support for him.

NiMet Boss Harps On Improved Service Delivery

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The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has said that the focus of the new management is to strengthen the operations of the agency and reposition it for improved service delivery.

Prof. Anosike was speaking on Monday, 8th January, 2024, while declaring open a 3-day NiMet management retreat in Abuja.

“The overriding objective of the 2024 NiMet management retreat is to strengthen collaborative relationships amongst staff of the agency. It’s time to dismantle the imaginary walls and silos built internally over the years which has been stifling productivity. The retreat will give us all a good understanding of the work NiMeT does. The science of meteorology should be treated and handled with all seriousness because of its importance and impact on lives, properties and on the economy”.

Continuing, Professor Anosike encouraged the participants to be active during the retreat and make contributions that will help NiMet to achieve its mandate efficiently. “Despite prevailing economic challenges, there are opportunities in the external environment for NiMeT. We should aim to reduce wastages in our operations, prioritize spending, and improve our internally generated revenue”.

Concluding, Professor Anosike reminded the participants that although NiMeT’s services are directly related to weather and climate in Nigeria, however, forces that drive environmental changes have shown that NiMeT’s activities impact all aspects of the Nigerian economy”.

Written Statement Of Objectives And Expected Outcomes Of 2024 NiMet Management Retreat

(1) Provide an Overview of Public Service and Expectations.
(2) Provide insight into the NIMet Establishment Act (2022) and the potential opportunities.
(3) X-ray the Structure of the Agency in line with its Establishment Mandate.
(4) Provide overview of strategic technical departments/units.
(5) Create awareness on the Agency’s international affiliations and obligations.
(6) Provide adequate sensitisation on the Agency’s collaborations and stakeholders engagements.
(7) Achieve a well-informed and action-ready top management of the Agency.

Expected Retreat Outcomes

At the end of the retreat, participants should be able to:

(1) Be acquainted with the mandate of NiMet as an agency and its obligation with national and international partners
have a clear understanding of NiMet products and services and their importance across all weather vulnerable sectors and contributions to sustainable national socioeconomic development.

(2) Have an in depth understanding of the operational structure, processes and relationship between the various directorates and assist in their seamless integration into the agency’s management system.

(3) Be equipped with the requisite knowledge to carry out their respective functions as directors and members of the management team with ease and effectiveness prepare the directors adequately for the task ahead to ensure smooth day-to-day running of the agency’s affairs.

AFCON: Super Eagles Lose To Syli Nationale Of Guinea In Last Warm Up Game, To Hit Lagos Tuesday

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Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

The preparation of the Super Eagles for the African Cup of Nations Championship in Côte d’ Ivoire intensified in Dubai, United Arab Emirates but the team suffered a setback following a 2-0 loss to fellow Tournament Team, Syli Nationale Of Guinea.

The Warm-up match played at the Bani Yas Stadium, Abu Dhabi, Monday afternoon, saw Coach Jose Peseiro using a second string of his 25-Man Team to the Championship with Napoli of Italy Striker, Victor Osimhen and first choice Goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho left out.

Also left out of the starting line up was Alex Iwobi, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Joe Aribo and Frank Onyeka.

The Guineans took the lead in the 14th minute. In the 20th Minute, Nantes Football Club of France midfielder, Moses Simon failed to convert from the penalty spot as the Guinea Goaltender saved the spot kick.

In the 64th minute, the Guineans grabbed a second to double their lead.

Peseiro made multiple changes to the team with Calvin Bassey replacing Kenneth Omeruo, Alex Iwobi replacing Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka coming in for Chidozie Awaziem.

Three more changes were made in the 83rd minute as captain Ahmed Musa replaced Samuel Chukwueze, Joe Aribo took the place of Alhassan Yusuf and Ademola Lookman came in for Moses Simon.

The changes, however, could not do much as Guinea held on to their lead to take a confidence-boosting win to AFCON in what was their last preparatory match for the competition.

Last weekend, precisely on Sunday, the Super Eagles defeated a local Dubai team 12-0 in a friendly at their Abu Dhabi training facility, which was played behind closed doors.

The Eagles who showcased their dominance throughout the match, displayed exceptional teamwork and skill, and led 6-0 at half-time.

Ademola Lookman scored four goals while Victor Osimhen bagged a brace.

Substitute Moses Simon scored twice with Sadiq Umar and Ahmed Musa getting a goal each.

Two own goals from their opponents completed the rout for Nigeria.

The Super Eagles are expected to fly in to Lagos on Tuesday as they prepare to hit Cote D’Ivoire where the AFCON will be taking place.

Akume Says Some People In His State Want Him Dead

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By Akinwale Kasali

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said he has forgiven all his enemies, especially those wishing him dead from his State.

The former Governor said he has no heart to harbour enmity but always wished everyone, including those who wished him dead, well. He urged the people to imbibe the spirit of true forgiveness adding that his forgiving spirit, even in the face of betrayal, has been key to his success in life endeavours.

He stressed that the reason behind his being alive is that God wants him to impact humanity positively.

He made this assertion at Mbatiav Community in Gboko Local Government Area when members of the community visited him to solidarize with him at his residence in Makurdi, the State Capital.

According to him: “Some wished me dead but God kept me to impact humanity. That is why I forgive easily and God also forgives my inadequacies as well.”

He commended the people of Mbatiav for always being supportive of his political journey and urged them to sustain the goodwill because it would not be in vain.

Senator Akume also urged them to “continue to pray for President Bola Tinubu in his determination to eradicate poverty in the country and make life better for all Nigerians because that is his number one priority.”

The Traditional Ruler of the community, Mue Ter Gbemacha, Chief Ijiir Tarzoho, commended President Tinubu for appointing Senator Akume as the SGF, and described him as a competent, dependable and reliable hand.

Tarzoho also appreciated Senator Akume for his good works, particularly for facilitating the appointment of his subjects into various positions.

He further appealed to him to facilitate the establishment of a cement factory in Mbatiav, and  stressed that his domain is endowed with abundant raw materials for cement production.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Gboko LGA, Basil Yina commended the sterling leadership qualities of Senator Akume which he said has fostered unity among political parties in Gboko.