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Kabiru Re-elected NPAN President

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Mal Kabiru A Yusuf

The Chairman of Media Trust, Publishers of the Daily Trust Newspapers and Trust Television, Mal. Kabiru A. Yusuf, was, on Thursday returned to office as the President of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), for another term.

The election also returned some  other officers of the Association,  Mr.  Frank Aigbogun, Publisher of Business Day was elected Vice President and Mrs Angela Emuwa, the Chairman of Punch Newspapers as General Secretary,

Mr. Fidelis Anosike, who until yesterday was the Assistant General Secretary, was elected Treasurer thus paving the way for tne election of Mr. Azubuike Ishiekwene, the Editor – in- Chief of Leadership Newspaper, to fill  the vacated seat.

Mrs. Emuwa filled the position vacated by Alh. Mohammed Idris who was recently appointed as Minister of Information and National Orientation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while Mr. Anosike  took the position vacated by Mr. Olawale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinatimg Minister for the Economy

Others returned elected were the Deputy President and Publisher of the Guardian newspaper, Lady Maiden-Alex-Ibru, the Publicity Secretary and Group Managing Director of Champion newspapers, Dr. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, Ex-Officio member and  Past President of NPAN, Mr. Ray Ekpu, Ex.-Officio member and Publisher of Pilot newspaper, Prince  Dennis Sami.

The Managing Director of The Telegraph newspaper , Mr. Dayo Aminu, was elected as Ex-Officio member

Mr. Aigbogun’s emergence as Vice President followed an amendment to the Association’s constitution, creating the office of a Vice President which was moved by two Patrons of the Association – Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, Publisher of This Day  and  Chief Olusegun Osoba.

Speaking after the election, the President, Mal Kabiru noted that the injection of  the new officers would further energise the Executive Council in achieving set objectives.

Jonathan Commiserates With Soludo Over Father’s Death

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Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has condoled with Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and the people of the State on the passing of his father Pa Simeon Soludo, who died at the age of 92.

Dr. Jonathan described the exit of the nonagenarian  as painful and urged Soludo and his family members to be comforted by the good name and legacies left by his late father.

A statement issued by the former President’s spokesman Mr. Ikechukwu Eze stressed that Dr. Jonathan prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased in a condolence message he personally signed.

The message stated: “Although Pa Soludo exited this world at the  age of 92, his exit has obviously thrown the family into a period of grief. The loss of a parent is always a very painful experience, given the supporting roles they play in our personal lives and in the wellbeing of our communities.

“Please be comforted by the fact that Pa Soludo’s good name, legacies and contributions to our country’s development will continue to endure, having nurtured worthy citizens like you and your siblings. May God  grant his soul eternal rest and imbue you and your family with the strength of spirit to bear the loss.

“Your Excellency, I extend my deepest condolences to you, your family, and the entire people of Anambra state for this great loss.”

Uzodimma, The Man For The Job In Imo

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The Source
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By Oguwike Nwachuku

On January 15, 2024, the first four years of the Governor of Imo State, Dist. Sen. Hope Uzodimma will gloriously come to an end. He has been in office for about three years and 10 months now.

But Sen. Uzodimma is in the race again for another term of four years and the election has been scheduled for this Saturday, November 11, 2023 in all the 305 Electoral Wards in Imo State.

The campaigns for Governor Uzodimma’s reelection have ended positively across all the nooks and crannies of Imo State and the signs of his overwhelming victory at the polls are quite glaring. Glaring, because what he has done already are there for every one to see.

The turn out during the campaigns was massive. The reception warm. The excitement unprecedented. The expectations for his victory and continuity in office high. The Imo people spoke loudly through the campaigns and the Governor is grateful for that.

In the main, the people of Imo State are quite hopeful that Governor Uzodimma’s tenure will be renewed in a manner that will depict coronation and suggests they see him as the man for the job in Douglas House for now.

Is it not being said that the voice of men is the voice of God?

From the political class, to the elder statesmen, the market men and women, the youths, the workers, the clergy, the physically challenged, the suckling and even the ones their mothers are still bearing their pregnancy, Governor Uzodimma has acquitted himself creditably to warrant his tenure for renewal.

But make no mistake about it, the great strides he has recorded in Imo State did not come easy as we shall find out shortly.

On assumption of office in January 15, 2020, Governor Uzodimma met a State that was almost buried without a casket, something very strange in a Christian dominated area like Imo.

He did not know where to start the exhumation of Imo State’s body after he discovered the place of her burial, but God led him to start from somewhere with his reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery mantra, the popular 3R that became the symbol of the Shared Prosperity Government of the Governor.

With a dose of courage, Governor Uzodimma put in place the machinery to drive his programmes using the reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery mantra.

As if the decayed Imo State when Governor Uzodimma came on board was not enough challenge, those who swore not to give him a chance to change the Imo narrative began to lay all manner of landmines to frustrate him. But the more the attempts to frustrate him, the more determined he was to make the needed impact and difference.

Simultaneously, he began to work on all the roads within the Owerri capital territory that reduced the State to the citadel of death trap for those traveling by road within.

Before you would say jack, the hitherto impassable Douglas road was fixed with the demolished Eke Ukwu market by a previous administration rebuilt. The Relief Market road where traders were using boat to access was fixed, Chukwuma Nwoha, Dick Tiger road and street and several other city roads in Owerri got the needed attention.

Governor Uzodimma caused public water to run again in Owerri, after many years the source of the water, Otanmiri, was turned into a fish pond by those close to the Governor of a previous administration.

He introduced the balloon technology, a strange but novel instrument with which he dealt a deadly bow to the perennial floods which were major characteristics of the town.

Indeed, within a short period in office, Governor Uzodimma caused Imo State capital to resemble one big construction site, all because he was in a hurry to redeem the State capital from the enormous decay in infrastructure status it had pejoratively acquired.

The landmines which political detractors in Imo State laid for Governor Uzodimma on assumption of office in the form of blackmail, propaganda, slander were monumental.

Happening simultaneously  with the sudden outbreak of the global deadly Corona Virus, the #EndSARS# protests, and other state, national and global activities, many thought that Governor Uzodimma would be broken.

But because God’s grace was sufficient, he was not. Instead, he became more boisterous in fixing his eyes on the ball, fully aware that the destiny of Imo State is resting in his hands as God’s instrument.

Let us just cut the long story short.

Imo State under Governor Uzodimma in the past three years and 10 months has witnessed a turn around that baffles even his most rabid critics. Not a single sector has been left unattended to by the government under Uzodimma.

He struck and still continues to strike a harmonious relationship between the three arms of Government – legislature, judiciary and executive – such that a new House of Assembly Complex believed to be the best in Nigeria has germinated in Imo. In the same vein, his government has commissioned several brand new Court Complexes that now makes dispensation of justice, even at the grassroots, seamless.

Roads, youth/ women empowerment, education, agriculture, industry, health, civil service reforms, workers/pensioners welfare, security, et al, are areas Imo people are so grateful to God for sending the person of Governor Uzodimma to them at this time despite the national and global challenges.

Governor Uzodimma’s deliberate efforts to open Imo State up through the major entry points of Owerri-Okigwe, Owerri-Orlu, Owerri- Mbaise-Umuahia roads, the dredging of Oguta Lake up to Orashi to the Atlantic Ocean are indicators of what the drivers of the future economy of Imo State look like.

What of the conversion of the former Federal Medical Centre to the Federal University Teaching Hospital and the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education to the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education?

Indeed, there are too many policies with tangible and intangible benefits to the State and it goes without saying that Governor Uzodimma has prepared Imo as a leading digitally governed State, with the Data Centre leading the charge in the automation process for competitiveness.

Everyone is in agreement that our Governor has performed. Everyone agrees that he has remained focused, determined, prepared, to work for Imo. Himself has also not betrayed his MOU with God concerning Imo.

The campaigns across the 10 Federal Constituencies in Imo State that ended on Wednesday say it all about the degree of acceptability of Governor Uzodimma’s reelection. The campaign rallies which turn out was organic signifies the preparedness of both the Governor and the governed to take Imo to the next level.

Key personalities in Nigeria have endorsed Governor Uzodimma’s reelection. Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon Francis Nwifuru, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Minister of Works, Eng. Dave Umahi, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Anoka-Anite, the Minister of Labour and Employment, State, Rt. Hon. Nkiruka Onyejiocha, among  others, have said Governor Uzodimma’s reelection means a lot to Imo State, the South East and Nigeria.

They have simply corroborated the deluge of endorsements by Imo people and their friends across Nigeria who know that Governor Uzodimma remains the best bet for Ndi Imo today and that with him in the saddle for another four years, the desire of Imo people for a proper foundation for good governance would have been laid.

May I simply say: Congratulations in advance, Onwa Imo.

Nwachuku is Governor Uzodimma’s Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser

Imo Guber: Demonstrate Spirit Of Sportsmanship – Bishop Okorafor Tells Contestants, Asks For Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

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The Source
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Geoffrey Enyinnaya Okorafor

By George Best Okoroh

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, the Rt. Rev’d. Geoffrey Okorafor has charged contestants in the November 11 Governorship Election in the State to embrace peace by demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship.

Bishop Okorafor gave the charge in his Presidential Address at the just concluded First Session of the Tenth Synod of the Diocese which took place at ST. Peter’s Anglican Obibiezenna, Owerri North LGA, Imo State.

He stated that the charge became necessary to advise contestants to eschew violence, stop heating the polity by their supporters, being magnanimous in victory and demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship if one loses. “If you get the mandate of the people of Imo State to be their Governor for the next four years, demonstrate magnanimity in victory. If you lose, demonstrate spirit of sportsmanship. Violence should be eschewed”, he said.

He noted that there can be only one Governor at a time, adding that “if it is not you today, it can be you tomorrow”.

The  Anglican Prelate regretted that Nigeria has made itself an object of redicule before the international community, who in return “have resolved to leave us the way we)  are”.

Bishop Okorafor, who is also the President of the Synod expressed displeasure at the manner Nigerians are jetting out of the country not to the developed Western world or Asia but to poor African countries; wondering how the system can be corrected when “the present federal cabinet with about forty eight ministers is characterised by ministers out of whom   about forty three have cases to answer with EFCC and ICPC”.

He pointed out that the Sit-At-Home order has adversely affected the economy of the South-east with some businessmen in Onitsha relocating to Asaba; those in Aba relocating to Uyo and Port Harcourt” in an effort to save their businesses from collapsing.

He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to observe the rule of law by releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, stressing that the “IPOB’s agitations are traceable to humiliation, dehumanization, oppression and suppression”.

He commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for the various road projects in Imo State which included the completed Owerri-Orlu Road and Owerri-Okigwe Road, and appealed to him to hasten up the completion of Owerri-Umuahia Road. He also called on the governor to consider the condition of the Nekede-Ihiagwa Road as well as paying pensioners their gratuities as promised by the Governor.

Bishop Okorafor described the Synod theme “Come Unto Me, All You That Labour And Are Heavy Laden” (Matt. 11:28) as “a comfortable word of invitation from the Lord Jesus Christ, our source of joy and relief”.

Reeling out individuals and situations in Bible that Jesus Christ changed their lives and conditions, the Anglican Prelate said that the invitation is for individuals, nations and the entire globe in need of divine intervention. “We live in a state of hopelessness, and fear; people’s faith is waning. Disappointments today stare people in the face”, Bishop Okorafor said.

He added that the comfortable word if adhered to gives joy and rest. The Syod ended with a Sunday Thanksgiving Service.

OPINION: Small Chance for INEC to Save Itself in A Big Way

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The Source
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Azu Ishiekwene

By Azu Ishiekwene

Elections in Nigeria this year might be nearly over but the war by other means could well receive fresh fire from three state elections this weekend.

The year began with general elections in February and March, and is closing with off-cycle elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi on November 11.

Conducting elections for three governors after the major round of governorship elections in March that covered 28 states, including the legislatures in dozens of states, and the federal elections before that, might ordinarily look easy.

But they are not. These three off-cycle elections are in fact products of either violent electoral outcomes or bitterly fought court decisions. Apart from the post-election chaos that Nigeria has had to deal with, on a good day, each of the three states on their own, is a political cauldron – a nightmare for organisers, participants and observers alike.

Imo special

Of the five states in the South East, for example, Imo is arguably the most violence-prone with widespread reports of random fatal attacks, jailbreaks, attacks on security personnel, police stations and government facilities. Even Governor Hope Uzodimma, the chief security officer of the state, has lived largely behind heavy barricades and moves about like a general in an active war zone.

To be fair, the violence in Imo predates him. It goes back to the years of the farmer-herder clashes; the rise in separatist agitations under MASSOB – a much earlier and far less deadly franchise than IPOB; and then followed by the upsurge in a variety of loose cannons. The situation has been worsened by years of poor governance.

But Uzodimma’s dramatic emergence and his brand of politics appear to have brought a new, more dangerous salience to the violence in the state. If you add the ongoing dispute between the national headquarters of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the state government to the mix, then you might understand why this weekend’s election could be a perfect storm.

Labour has vowed to avenge the black-eye its president, Joe Ajaero, received at the hands of security personnel allegedly at the behest of Uzodimma. It has announced a flight ban on the governor and promised to follow up with a ground offensive.

Inside Bayelsa’s creeks

Bayelsa is chaotic in its own way. Though the state managed to survive the turbulence after the forced removal of Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha in 2005, its brand of violence has often stemmed from an explosive mix of hostage taking and crude oil politics. A state with some of the country’s most forbidden creeks, Bayelsa is a logistician’s nightmare. It is also a base of former militants ready, able and willing to outspend politicians to secure their political stronghold.

Bayelsa has enjoyed a fairly unchallenged reign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since 1999. A brief intrusion by the All Progressives Congress (APC) came to grief when the Supreme Court ruled that Governor-elect David Lyon could not be sworn in because his deputy filed false documents with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

But with former PDP governor and junior Petroleum Minister Timipre Sylva now running on the platform of the APC, power could change hands. Yet, PDP stalwarts still licking their wounds from the defeat in the presidential election, are unlikely to stand idly by and watch the fall of a durable PDP stronghold in the Niger Delta.

Kogi, white lion’s den

The omens in Kogi with its history of political violence — the most horrific in recent times being the 2019 murder of PDP Kogi woman leader, AchejuAbuh, who was burnt to death inside her home — are no less frightening. The ruling APC and opposition parties have continued to trade allegations of violence even days to the election and no arrests have so far been made.

Apart from Kogi where Yahaya Bello is ineligible to contest again, Imo and Bayelsa have incumbents itching to retain their seats.

In a country where incumbency is a rock to be circumnavigated, the records suggest that unseating an incumbent takes more than guts. Among the miserable tally of incumbents that failed a reelection bid, were Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi (2015-2019), RamalanYero of Kaduna (2012-2015), Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi of Zamfara (2007-2011), IkediOhakim of Imo (2007-2011), and current junior Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle (2019-2023). If performance mattered there would probably have been more.

Add to this the huge mutual suspicion of the political players, and the mistrust by the voting public and you might understand why only winners come out of every election season, acclaiming democracy and certifying their victory as the popular will.

Voter apathy

Voter apathy remains a serious concern. According to a Guardianreport on Tuesday, “only about 30 percent of registered voters may decide the outcome in the three states combined.” However, from recent history whether at federal or state elections, 30 percent would be good turn-out.

The presidential election in February recorded 26.7 percent. While other elections are only marginally better, the South East has remained a catastrophically low performer in recent years. The election that brought Anambra Governor Charles Soludo to power two years ago, for example, recorded a historic low turn-out of 10 percent.

If Guardian’s low forecast turns out right, it would be mainly for two reasons. One, the spike in violence in these states in the run-up to the elections, and two, the bitter aftertaste of the general elections held earlier this year. Seven months after the polls, the elections of a number of governors are still being challenged in the courts. Even if the courts existed solely for the pleasure of politicians, there still won’t be enough justice to serve their desperation.

Political campaigns, if they have existed at all, have been a joke. Politicians in the three states where elections would hold have been making scandalous promises ranging from free tickets to European job fares, to promises to turn water to wine.

Voters inclined to go out to vote in spite of these ridiculous offers are concerned for their safety because complicit security services and their political paymasters have refused to punish past perpetrators of violence. There is no indication that it would be different this time.

INEC’s albatross

Yet, more than anyone else, INEC knows that its poor handling of the general elections and their aftermath, could also be a strong reason for voter apathy. Voters won’t come out if, on top of safety concerns, they don’t also believe their votes would count. The commission is once again in the spotlight. It cannot afford to fail.

Again, the commission has promised that polling unit results would be uploaded directly to INEC’s viewing portal even in largely rural states like Kogi and Bayelsa where there are limited communications and electricity infrastructure across large swathes of polling areas. We can’t afford to have another round of excuses this time.

No one wants to hear about glitches, attempted hacking, failing batteries or poor networks. The bulk of the complaints in the last general elections, which later became the subject of litigation, have been about INEC’s competence, credibility and the transparency of the process.

Elections in Edo and Ondo are next, but the three this weekend offer the commission redeeming grace. All said, since the elections would be held in states outside the top 10 in the country’s voter population, they offer INEC one big chance to repair its image.

Ishiekwene is Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP

Music Star, Teni Opens Up On Her Ordeal With Life Threatening Infection

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Multiple award winning Musician, Teniola Apata, popularly known as Teni, has revealed that she was, recently diagnosed with a life threatening throat infection.

The ‘Uyo Me Yo’ Crooner said that she was advised by her Doctor to undergo a Surgery in order for her not to lose her voice permanently.

She made this disclosure via an Instagram post, narrating her experience with the throat infection and temporary  loss of voice.

The singer added that she was admitted to a medical facility in September 2023 after repeated cases of exhaustion.

While expressing appreciation to God for recovery, Teni said she was able to recover her voice after seeking medical assistance, despite not undergoing surgery as earlier suggested by a doctor.

She said, “While recording my second album ‘Tears of the Sun’ in July 2023, I was diagnosed with a life-threatening throat infection.

“After different bouts of temporary voice loss, my doctors advised me to undergo a major operation or risk permanent voice loss. I was hospitalised in September 2023 after repeated cases of exhaustion. I had lots of injectables in five days.

“October 2023, I mildly recovered my singing voice after seeking medical assistance despite not undergoing surgery. November 2023: I am fully back on stage. My new single ‘Malaika’ is my song of praise and thanksgiving to God for his mercy and grace.”

Bishop Kukah Accuses Kogi Governor Of Causing Violence In The State, Urges Labour To Embrace Peace In Imo

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The National Peace Committee, has frowned at the turn of events in Kogi state less than 72 hours to the Governorship poll.

A member of the Committee and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, blamed the State Governor Yahaya Bello, for being behind the spate of pre-election violence in the state describing him as “a poor representation of the teeming Nigerian youths.”

Bishop Kukah, who spoke against the backdrop of current disturbing violence in the North Central state ahead of the November 11 governorship election, said of Governor Bello; “Sadly, I think he’s been a very poor advertisement for what young people can do.”

Speaking during an interview on Channels TV Sunrise Daily Programme on Wednesday, the Bishop said; “I feel very sad because Kogi has been on the front burner, and Yahaya Bello, the Governor, prided himself of being the youngest governor and being a representation of what the youths of this country can do if they are given the opportunity.”

On the current face-off between the Labour Movement leadership in the country and the Imo state government, Bishop Kukah sued for peace, even as he urged all parties and stakeholders concerned to sheath their swords and allow for peaceful elections in the State.

Bishop Kukah, urged the Organized Labour to explore a peaceful resolution to the conflict, said.

“We keep making the point, the people who are contesting elections are our sons and daughters and whatever we do, in conscience, we must always think about the common good.

“Civil society organisations, unions, and churches with a bit of moral authority must always act in the common interest of everybody. Without a country, there will be no trade union.

“All you need to do is just look outside the window and see what is happening in the Middle East today, specifically in Israel and Gaza.

“When elections go wrong, it is ordinary people who suffer. I hope the labour leaders in Imo will really be more circumspect and ask themselves ‘Who stands to gain and who stands to lose what?’ At the end of the day, it is the people of Imo, they are not electing someone who is outside their state.

“Imo is a deeply Christian environment and I hope their religious leaders and others with moral authority can prevail on the Union to defer whatever may be their grievance.

“This can only be resolved in a peaceful environment. We appeal to them to do what is needed and ensure that elections are duly conducted. Our people have suffered enough.”

While appealing to the police and other relevant agencies to ensure security during the governorship elections in the three states, the Catholic Clergy said the people’s welfare and well-being cannot be sacrificed on the altar of personal or group interests.

“It’s very difficult to make this point, but sometimes we in Nigeria behave as if we are just a bunch of spoilt people. If we look outside the window and see what is happening elsewhere, the earthquakes, human and natural disasters that have afflicted the world.

“And we have to ask ourselves, ‘What have we done to God that he has been so magnanimous and gracious to us?’ Why do we turn the sword on ourselves?”

Imo, Rivers, Six Other States Get New Commissioners Of Police

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Kayode Egbetokun - IGP

By Akinwale Kasali

The Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate postings of new Commissioners of Police to eight States. The States include Rivers and Imo States where demands had been made by not a few people from the States for the removal of their former Commissioners of Police.

Posted to man the Rivers State Police Command is CP Tunde Disu. He takes over from CP  Emeka Nwonyi who ran into troubled waters following the face-off  between  the State Governor, Siminalaye Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, Minister for the Federal Capital Territory. Scores of Youths, mainly Ijaw, embarked on a protest for his removal after Fubara alleged that Police Operatives stationed at the State House of Assembly used water canon on him as well as shot directly at him when he visited to assess the damage at the Assembly Complex following an arson attack.

The new CP Imo is Danjuma  Aboki. He takes over from CP Mohammed Barde whose tenure in the State was enmeshed in a number of controversies leading to a constant request for his removal by many people, especially, members of opposition Political Parties.

The last straw was the brutalization of Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Owerri, Imo State by Police Operatives when Ajaero went to organise a protest against the State Government over issues that concern Workers’ welfare.

The other new CPs posted to lead different State Commands, as part of the ongoing measures towards strengthening security, tackling violent crimes, and enhancing optimal coordination of policing operations across Nigeria are:

*CP George Chuku, Benue State Command.

*CP Ahmed Tijani, Jigawa State Command

*CP Dan Shawulu, Niger State Command.

*CP Usman Hayatu, Gombe State Police Command.

*CP Isyaku Muhammed to OSS Command.

The new appointments were contained in a signal already dispatched indicating that the senior police officers’ redeployments are with immediate effect.

Egbetokun charged the CPs to demonstrate their professional competence in their new offices.

Naira Scarcity: CBN Insists  New, Old Banknotes Remain Legal Tender

By
James Orji
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The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has restated it’s stand on the old naira banknotes. The old N1000, N500, and N200 notes are still legal tender.
For effects, the Yemi Cardoso-led government bank said it has directed all its branches across the country to continue to issue the old and redesign banknotes.
The clarification comes amidst recent scarcity of naira notes, particularly in the northern part of Nigeria. Some persons are said to be hoarding the banknotes in anticipation of end of the year scarcity similar to what was experienced early this year, when the CBN said it was facing out the old naira notes.
This is however the second time the apex bank made its position on the matter known after it issued a statement to that effect last week.
According to a statement issued by CBN Director, Corporate Communications, Isa Abdulmumin, on Wednesday, the apex bank said the clarification was necessary in the face of the reported scarcity being experienced in some parts of the country.
Every banknote remains legal tender and should not be rejected by anyone, the Central Bank of Nigeria has disclosed.
This is as the apex bank directed all its branches across the country to continue to issue different denominations of the old and redesigned banknotes in adequate quantities to deposit money banks.
The statement is titled ‘All Banknotes Issued by the CBN Remain Legal.”
It reads: “Our attention has again been drawn to reports of a scarcity of cash across some major cities in the country despite assurances of sufficient cash stocks in all locations across the country. There have also been reports of anxiety among some members of the public over the legality or otherwise of old Naira banknotes.
“For the avoidance of doubt, while reiterating that there are sufficient banknotes across the country for all normal economic activity, we wish to state unambiguously that every banknote issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria remains legal tender and should not be rejected by anyone, as stipulated in Section 20(5) of the CBN Act, 2007.
“Accordingly, branches of the CBN across the country have been directed to continue to issue different denominations of old and redesigned banknotes in adequate quantities to deposit money banks for onward circulation to bank customers.
“We wish to restate that all denominations of banknotes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria remain legal tender. In line with Section 20(5) of the CBN Act, 2007, no one should refuse to accept the Naira as a means of payment
“Consequently, members of the public are advised to accept all CBN-issued banknotes currently in circulation and guard against panic withdrawals. We reaffirm that there is sufficient stock of currency notes to facilitate normal economic activities.”

Renewable Energy: Ogene Harps On Invest. In Sustainable Solutions, Dev.

By
James Orji
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The chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, Afam Victor Ogene, has said Nigeria must step up and be more intentional in investing in the renewable energy sector and technologies.

He said besides the need for clean energy, the growing conversation across board about sustainable development in every sphere of life, or sectors of corporate or governance structures emphasise the need for Nigeria to get more invested in the sector.

Ogene, who was speaking during the inauguration of House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, noted that it was in recognition of the importance of Renewable Energy and technology that the leadership of the 10th Assembly established a Committee to oversee its affairs.

“What that implies, is a new shift from what was – which was the fixation on Nigeria’s oil wealth and the aging technology powered by obviously environmental damaging fossil fuels,” he noted.

The lawmaker stressed that concerted efforts must be made to utilise the natural mineral deposits and resources God has endowed Nigeria with, adding that He “has also given us the wisdom, intellect and ingenuity to protect ourselves and our environment from harmful impacts of some of these resources, which we had relied upon to run our world.

However, he continued, “often times, we had also abused in a manner that they become harmful to us as humans, and destructive agents to our environment.

“Records, research and science, have all shown, evidentially, that fossil fuels are one of such friendly enemies of mankind. When we hear about climate change, or gradual but steady destruction of the ozone layer, we in this part of the world may not relate practically to such seeming ‘abstract conversations’ that may not readily address our peculiar and immediate economic or socio-political challenges.

“But the world is changing and we as a people must not be left behind in taking actions that would protect our environment and ensure that we invest in technological developments that would better our tomorrow.”

He continued, “The devastating and harrowing experiences in the oil-rich Niger Delta area, occasioned by oil spillages, gas flaring, water and soil pollution, that have continually destroyed agricultural activities and aquatic life in the region, are constant and relatable dangers of the adverse impact of fossil energy on our environment.

“So, the global quest for a safer, sustainable and renewable energy, is an indication that we all agree that there is a need for a new way of doing things. Besides the need for clean energy, there’s also a growing conversation across board about sustainable development in every sphere of life, or sectors of corporate or governance structures.”

Ogene emphasised that investing now in renewable energy is one way to ensure a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future as scientists and experts have predicted that the earth’s fossil fuel reserves will deplete in as few as 50 years from now.

“With the fast dwindling global fossil fuel reserve and the increasing danger associated with it, especially as regards its impact on the environment and climate change, renewable energy is the future and Nigeria must step up and be more intentional in investing in the renewable energy sector and technologies,” he said.

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