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Osun: Oyetola Swears-in LG Chairmen One Month Out of Office

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun state has sworn-in new local government chairmen and local council development area in the state.

Oyetola lost the governorship election to Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP earlier in July and is expected to leave office in November this year.

Therefore not a few people insist that he should have allowed the incoming administration to conduct the election for local government chairmen.

For instance, while responding to the swearing-in ace musician David Adelele also known as Davido said the new chairmen are just wasting their time, that they will only be in office until November when the Governor-elect, his uncle is expected to take over from Governor Oyetola.

The 69 new council bosses won the election conducted by OSIEC in their respective councils last Saturday. The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC was the only party on the ballot as other political parties boycotted the election in protest.

The state governor has now charged the new chairmen to provide selfless services to their people, urging them to start work immediately.

Speaking during the inauguration of the chairmen, Governor Oyetola said the new council bosses deserved their victory in the election, saying their decision to serve their people is worthwhile.

The governor who spoke at the State Government Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo,  said the election should have been held before now but was delayed by the Covid 19 pandemic and the socioeconomic challenges facing the state.

Having conducted the election, Oyetola said “our State has now aligned with the practice in other states of the Federation regarding the presidential system of government at the local government level.

“Following the successful conclusion of the debate and the passage of the relevant bill into law, our Administration swung into action by conducting the local government election that produced the elected local chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors-elect.

“The swearing-in today of the elected chairmen and vice chairmen signaled the end of the service of those appointed into caretaker committees at the Local Government levels across the State. Government is appreciative of their services to the State.

“The successful and peaceful resolutions of the issues after robust debates and legislation are a tribute to the resilience of our people and their readiness to go the whole hog to embrace due process and the rule of law no matter the mileage.

“I deeply appreciate our people for their understanding and love for democracy and good governance, which have not only produced a strong and sustainable platform but have also delivered a peaceful and credible election of elected representatives.

“With the passage of the relevant law and today’s inauguration, Osun is fully back to the Presidential System recognized by the Constitution of the nation and its benefits at the Council level”, the governor said.

Court Upholds Senatorial Ambition Of Ondo Fmr Deputy Governor

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Agboola Ajayi

By Ayodele Oni

THE hope of Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, representing Ondo senatorial district at the red chamber to return has again been dashed by the Federal High Court.

The Federal High Court sitting in Akure, on Monday upheld the emergence of a former Deputy Governor of the state, Agboola Ajayi as the 2023 Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo South Senatorial district.

The court presided over by Justice R.M Aikawa, who delivered the judgement through ZOOM communication, claimed that the pre-election case instituted by the Senator seeking the disqualification of Ajayi as the 2023 Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the district, was filed out of time.

The former deputy governor had defeated the senator with 78  to 74 votes, at the last PDP senatorial primary in Okitipupa in May, 2022.

Not satisfied with the eligibility of Ajayi, and outcome of the primary, Tofowomo approached the court to challenge the academic qualifications of the PDP senatorial candidate.

There are indications that the PDP Senator would challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

My Mission Is To Turn Around Nigeria, APC Candidate, Tinubu At Arewa Joint Committee Forum

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu At Arewa Joint Committee Forum

By Ayodele Oni

ALL Progressives Congress, (APC) Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said that he has the midas touch to turn around the fortune of Nigeria.

Speaking at an interactive session with the Arewa Joint Committee at Arewa House, Kaduna on Monday, Tinubu assured the north that his administration will reposition existing industries, provide education for out of school children and boost agricultural production.

Tinubu praised past leaders of the country including Nigeria’s late Premier of the region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Nigeria first and only Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe for being visionary leaders who gave their all to nation-building.

A statement by Tunde Rahman, member Tinubu media Team stated that before addressing the Northern leaders, he first visited the tomb of the late Sadauna of Sokoto who he prayed for, for his invaluable sacrifice to the North and country.

He promised to continue to give his best even as president to ensure the country remains indivisible, achieving greatness together as one.

“As I said when I chaired the Sardauna Memorial Lecture, last year, I have a solemn feeling of responsibility and duty to our country every time I am here.

“Standing here evokes memories of a great leader and a father of this nation, the Late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the late Sardauna of Sokoto.

“The contributions of the Sardauna to nation-building remain a reference point for us all. He was a visionary builder of men and institutions.

“The dream of Sardauna, and indeed that of our other great leaders such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and our first and only prime minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was for one indivisible and prosperous nation built on shared values of patriotism, equity, justice and brotherhood.

“It is therefore no coincidence that at Independence this vision was clearly laid out and encapsulated in our first National Anthem. It says: ‘Though tribes and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.’

“This is a strong statement which acknowledges our diversity, and, therefore, existence of different perspectives and interests, and how that should not stand on the path of our unity as brothers.

“The framers of this anthem, God rest their souls, will cringe to know that 62 years after, someone would come to this hallowed platform to campaign on the basis of tribe or where others come from.

“The dream of those forefathers, was for a nation ‘Where no man is oppressed’, a nation ‘with peace and plenty’, and these – unity in diversity, peace and prosperity – are the fulcrum of my mission in this contest.

“They also form the bulk of my address to you this afternoon, in line with the areas the organisers wanted me to address.”

Speaking on his plans for Nigeria as president, he promised to consolidate on the investments of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration in all sectors of the nation to build on the successes recorded.

He said his administration would, just like he did upon assumption as Lagos State Governor, bring out workable policies to ensure that insecurity is nipped in the bud in the North and across the country.

“Our economic plan would utilize the vast natural resources we have, through strategic investment in infrastructure which will lead to the diversification of the economy and wealth creation across the entire country.

“We will pay attention to modern economic drivers such as the digital economy, creative industries, sports and entertainment sectors for the benefit of our young people.

“The APC Federal Government has taken several measures to build infrastructure and improve the ease of doing business across the country.

“This has been complemented by the efforts of some of our states to attract investments in diverse sectors of the economy.

“Under my leadership, the Nigerian government will be business-friendly. We shall support private businesses in our country and attract foreign direct investment to create jobs, re-industrialise our country and accelerate economic development.

“Nigerian businesses in sectors like banking and cement have successfully ventured out of the country to build thriving subsidiaries.

“We will build a strong domestic economy, expand the capacity of our domestic market to support growth and encourage export capacity in the areas of our competitive advantage.

“We have the endowments to be a prosperous country. I will lead a renewed push to move us from the status of a nation of potential into a country of actual accomplishments as an economic dynamo.”

Tinubu also promised to focus on using his experience of building human capital, which made Lagos one of the largest economies in Africa to grow the nation’s economy to an enviable height.

“Using my experience of building human capital, industries, and institutions, which has led to Lagos being one of the largest economies on the continent, I will reposition our existing industries and make them a competitive source of industrialization and growth not just for the North but the entire country.

“It is time to fetch water from a dry well and I, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have done it before and I will do it. We will find a way where there are no roads!

“I will ensure that we take advantage of our resources to convert cotton to textile, plants to pharmaceutical products, groundnut to edible oil, cassava to ethanol and starch, etc., thereby building competitive advantage for our farmers through value addition.

“I will attract investments and create the enabling environment that will ensure the resurgence of our moribund industries and continue the infrastructural revolution of this administration on the railways and highways all over the country and invest in our inland waterways for safer and efficient transportation to complement this industrialization vision.”

Tinubu further noted that the North has a greater advantage in agriculture and under his presidency, the region will emerge as the hub of agribusiness in Africa through huge investment in the sector in collaboration with the private sector.

“Agriculture is of special interest to me. It is both an economic and existential issue for every country.

“Experience in the last seven years has shown the potentials of agriculture in solving the problem of unemployment and boosting our GDP.

“For example, recent investment in the rice value chain has led to the springing up of rice mills across the country with attendant wealth creation and a reduction in our import bill.

“The North has greater advantage in this regard due to its large and abundant arable land. My vision is for the region to be the hub of agribusiness in sub-Saharan Africa.

“We will improve investment in our livestock value chain. Specifically, subsectors like the dairy industry that has the potential of adding billions of dollars into our economy will receive significant attention.

“In collaboration with the private sector and governments at sub-national levels, we will make available high yield seeds and inputs, invest heavily in post-harvest storage and processing facilities so that we can significantly increase the value of what we produce.

To ensure optimizing the full value of their produce, we will utilize Commodity Exchanges to guarantee return on investments, and enhanced wealth for the farmers.

“We will make available funds for research and development to provide the right inputs that will ensure greater yields, and tackle climatic challenges bedeviling farmers such as flooding and desertification through enhancement of national drainage architecture and investment in shelter belts.

“Financing is critical to our vision for the agricultural sector. I assure you; I will attract the much-needed investment and re-engineer financing institutions to provide impactful interventions for maximal output.”

On his plans for education and helping reduce the out of school children in the North, the APC presidential flagbearer said, “Education is the most effective weapon against poverty.

“Comparative with other countries, education in Nigeria suffers from funding deficit on account of our population and limited resources.

I will provide the required leadership and mobilize investment for the development of the sector.

“We will work with both states and local governments to reform and retool the system. These reforms will give special attention to the welfare and training of our teachers and lecturers as necessary catalyst for the better system we desire.

“We will work with stakeholders to evolve creative solutions to the funding needs of our higher education that will bring terminal end to challenges of funding and the attendant perennial industrial actions.

“To ease financing for basic education and expand access, we will cut down on the counterpart fund required by states to access UBEC grants to an affordable percentage.

“Millions of our children are currently roaming the streets instead of being in classrooms.

My administration will invest heavily in infrastructure to allow for proper integration of these children into our conventional schools.”

Kaduna: PDP Members Escape Death In Hands Of Violent, Armed Thugs

By
The Source
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0

By Gideon Njoku

But for the grace of God, Nigeria would have witnessed a blood bath in Kaduna on Monday, 17th October, 2022.

The incident occurred when dozens of political thugs, armed to the teeth, stormed and attacked the Presidential Campaign Rally of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kaduna City.

The Rally was midway gone when the thugs stormed the venue with all kinds of dangerous weapons.

In a swift reaction, same day, the PDP put the blame on the All Progressives Congress, APC.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the Party condemned in strong terms what it tagged the unprovoked attack on its Presidential Rally in Kaduna.

Said the Party: “The unprovoked attack is not only reprehensible, but also exposes the desperation of the APC which is overwhelmed by the continuing popularity of the PDP and our Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar for which they have now resorted to violence.”

It said the APC had one thing in mind for the attack: bloodshed.

“The aim of the APC for this attack is to frustrate the PDP Presidential Rally, trigger tension, violence and cause bloodletting in Kaduna State”, the Party noted.

Following is the full text of the PDP statement.

PDP Condemns APC’s Attack on Its Kaduna Presidential Campaign Rally; Insists It is Undeterred

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemns in the strongest terms possible the violent attack on its Presidential Campaign Rally in Kaduna, Kaduna State capital today, Monday, October 17, 2022 by heavily armed hoodlums sponsored by the liquidating All Progressives Congress (APC).

“This unprovoked attack is not only reprehensible but also exposes the desperation of the APC which is overwhelmed by the continuing popularity of the PDP and our Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar for which they have now resorted to violence.

“The aim of the APC for this attack is to frustrate the PDP Presidential Rally, trigger tension, violence and cause bloodletting in Kaduna State. This is contrary to the undertaking in the Peace Accord signed by political parties on September 28, 2022 in which the Presidential Candidate of the APC was conspicuously absent.

“The attack today by the APC must give well-meaning Nigerians concern as some report allege that the vicious assault on the PDP Presidential Campaign was spearheaded by the APC governorship candidate in Kaduna State.

“The frustrated APC having realized that it cannot legally and legitimately sponsor candidates for the 2023 general elections has now resorted to violence and attacking our party members and innocent citizens with the aim of derailing the entire democratic process.

“The APC is intimidated by Atiku Abubakar’s popularity and acceptance among majority of Nigerians following their confidence in Atiku Abubakar’s practical experience, record, capacity, broad-mindedness, Pan-Nigerianism and willpower to unite our nation, revamp our devastated economy and guarantee security of lives and property in our country.

“In any case, our Party is undeterred by such cowardly attack as Nigerians are already connected with our issue-based campaign and Atiku Abubakar’s message of hope which is already resonating throughout the nooks and crannies of our country.

“The PDP salutes the courage displayed by the people of Kaduna State in coming out enmasse to resist and overwhelm the APC and its agents, ensure the success of the PDP Rally, reinforce their support for Atiku Abubakar and re-emphasize the fact that Kaduna State is home to PDP, which gave Atiku Abubakar the highest votes in the 2019 Presidential election.

“These desperate elements should be reminded that from history, the people of Kaduna State have never been cowed or subjugated and cannot now especially in their present resolve to vote in Atiku Abubakar as the next President of Nigeria.

“The PDP acknowledges the massive inflow of new members into our Party, especially from the fizzling APC in Kaduna State and throughout the country because of APC’s failures in governance.

“Kaduna State is a Melting Pot State and such inflow into the PDP denotes the confidence and trust Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion and political affiliation, repose in Atiku Abubakar as the next President of the country.

“It should be recalled that the PDP, on Sunday, October 16, 2022 alerted on the plot to disrupt our scheduled Presidential Campaign in Kaduna State today. Our Party therefore charges security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this attack are brought to book.

“The PDP calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to call his partymen to order and ensure adequate security for a free, fair and credible electoral process in our country.”

The Campaigns started on 28th September, 2022. The Presidential election will take place in February 2023. Not a few Nigerians are afraid the 2023 General Elections could be marred by violence.

The Unmet Needs Of The North

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi with Northerners

By Peter Obi

  1. It is an honour to return to the City of Kaduna and to participate in the Arewa Joint Committee Interactive Session, and rub minds on some fundamental issues germane to the future of Nigeria.
  1. I thank the leadership and stakeholders of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation for their gracious invitation.
  1. I wish to preface my remarks by setting out our mission and vision. We are all Nigerians. I am a Nigerian running for the Nigerian Presidency to serve every Nigerian. I continue to insist on a show of respect for every candidate, ethnicity, religion and person.
  1. The mission and vision of the incoming Obi-Datti Administration is to give full expression to our democracy by moving our country from consumption to production; we shall achieve this by giving primacy to implementing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Status Quo

  1. Our dear country today has become a shadow of itself. Indeed, there is evidence that Nigeria exhibits two known indices of a failed state; parlous economy and loss of territory and emergence of ungoverned spaces.
  1. The purpose of politics and governance is to generate economic and social progress for the citizens in larger freedom. But the status quo is the reverse. This is more so here in the North, where poverty, unemployment and insecurity are the new normal.
  1. The North has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world. It has highest number of school kidnappings in the world. The North also has the highest number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria. The vast agricultural lands of the north -the so-called food basket of the nation stand desolate and abandoned. This situation is painful and needs to be fixed.

Returning to Dreams of Great Nation

  1. Great nations are built through visionary policies, programmes and projects, anchored on the people. This was always the hope and wishes for Nigeria by our founding fathers. Sadly, things changed.
  1. Our leaders became selfish, myopic and stopped listening and caring for the common man. Bad leadership, divisive rhetoric, and impunity became the norm. Nigerians have suffered; they have lost jobs, and lost their farms and herds and their trust in our leaders. That narrative must change.
  1. The Nigerian people want solutions to the many problems confronting them.After all economic prosperity for all is an all important aspect of ay successful leadership. There is hope. We know this for sure: A new Nigeria is possible.
  1. But we must return to dreams of our founding fathers to create an egalitarian society. The Nigeria we seek will be a United and Secure Nigeria that symbolizes the spirit, letters, and exhorting ethos of our national anthem – “one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity” where “peace and justice shall reign.”
  1. As we seek to come to power in May 2023, we are aware of the daunting array of domestic and external challenges confronting our dear nation, and we are fully prepared to lead from the front.
  1. We are cognizant of the domestic policy challenges that have accumulated over time; and that the lack of adequate public policy responses has made them worse, with a devastating impact on national unity, social cohesion, public trust in government, and economic performance. We have a grasp of prevailing challenges.
  1. Nigeria’s needs and unmet needs are very huge. Yet hunger, insecurity, poverty and deprivation know no tribe, religion or gender.
  1. What we offer is a return to Purposeful Leadership. For this, reason, I want to speak on how we plan to address the needs and unmet needs of Northern Nigeria.

Addressing Needs of the North

  1. With all sense of urgency, we will, pursue aggressively policies programmes and projects to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of all the sectors of the Nigerian economy.
  1. For the North we will do the following:
  • We will offer immediate and decisive long-lasting and permanent-effect resolution of all security challenges in the North;
  • Ensure that farmers return to all farmlands for the 2023 farming Season. We will make Nigeria’s arable land in the North her new oil and gold;
  • As part of our Marshall Plan for Education, we will foster Federal intervention in education at all levels in the North and partnership with State Governments and international organizations in order to improve access to affordable and quality education at all levels;
  • Ensure very adequate representation in government, equitable appointments especially in the Security and Economic Sectors;
  • Incentivize the resuscitation of the moribund cotton and textile industries; and full exploration of the cattle economy value chain, notably the $75b global hide and skin economy. Nigeria’s share of the global industry is envisaged to generate over $1bn by 2025; and finally,
  • We will ensure very generous deployment and allocation of economic andsocial projects and infrastructure in the North – with keen attention to Roads, Energy, Power, and Dams- and Solar energy from Sunlight.

Conclusion

  1. In closing, let me say this on record. I have come in peace to develop, to secure, and to unite, and I will do so with every commitment to the growth of Nigeria, as one great and united country. We shall pay as much attention to the development of the North as to the development of all other parts of the country; but with much greater emphasis on the development of the Agricultural resources. The North remains where the biggest ad sustainable wealth of this great Nation lies.
  1. If elected President, I shall govern with the fear of God and with all good conscience and intent. The Constitution and the rule of law will always prevail. I thank you for your kind attention. May Almighty God bless you all and bless Nigeria.

Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, made these remarks at the Arewa Joint Committee Interactive Session held on Monday, 17th October, 2022, at the Arewa House Auditorium, Kaduna

“The Wealth Of The Nation Is Here”, Obi Tells Northerners; Says Farmers Will Return To Their Farms 2023

By
The Source
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0

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General election, Peter Obi, has assured the Northern Region that his Presidency, if elected, will give the Region premium place in his agenda because the wealth of the nation is in the Region.

Obi who titled his remarks, The Unmet Needs Of The North, told the Arewa Joint Committee Interactive Session at the Arewa House Auditorium, Kaduna, on Monday, 17th October, 2022,  that the Region is strategic to the development plans of Obi-Datti administration if elected President in 2023.

“We shall pay as much attention to the development of the North as to the development of all other parts of the country; but with much greater emphasis on the development of the Agricultural resources. The North remains where the biggest and sustainable wealth of this great Nation lies.”

The LP Candidate said that they intend to pursue aggressively policies, programmes and projects to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of all the sectors of the Nigerian economy.

And will in particular do the following in the North;  “offer immediate and decisive long-lasting and permanent-effect resolution of all security challenges in the North; Ensure that farmers return to all farmlands for the 2023 farming Season. We will make Nigeria’s arable land in the North her new oil and gold.

And as part of our Marshall Plan for Education, “we will foster Federal intervention in education at all levels in the North and partnership with State Governments and international organizations in order to improve access to affordable and quality education at all levels;  Ensure very adequate representation in government, equitable appointments especially in the Security and Economic Sectors; Incentivize the resuscitation of the moribund cotton and textile industries; and full exploration of the cattle economy value chain, notably the $75b global hide and skin economy.

He announced that Nigeria’s share of the global industry is envisaged to generate over $1bn by 2025; and his administration will ensure very generous deployment and allocation of economic and social projects and infrastructure in the North – with keen attention to Roads, Energy, Power, and Dams- and Solar energy from Sunlight.

Obi said that a new New Nigeria is possible and the Nigerian people want solutions to the many problems confronting them.

“But we must return to dreams of our founding fathers to create an egalitarian society. The Nigeria we seek will be a United and Secure Nigeria that symbolizes the spirit, letters, and exhorting ethos of our national anthem – “one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity” where “peace and justice shall reign.”

The former Anambra state Governor said that Obi-Datti ticket plans to offer Nigerians purposeful leadership with the fear of God and with all good conscience and intent. where the Constitution and the rule of law will always prevail.

Obi also told his audience that included Northern Corporate and Political leadership that Nigeria situation got this bad because “Our leaders became selfish, myopic and stopped listening and caring for the common man. Bad leadership, divisive rhetoric, and impunity became the norm. Nigerians have suffered; they have lost jobs, and lost their farms and herds and their trust in our leaders. That narrative must change.”

2023: Tinubu Throws Jab At Atiku, Seeks Endorsement; Says It Is Payback Time

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has called on the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, to endorse him for the 2023 Presidency, saying it is payback time.

The former Lagos State Governor threw the jab at his main opposition in the Presidential race and accused Atiku of playing ethnic card ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

Tinubu made this statement at an interactive session with the Arewa Joint Committee held at the Arewa House, Kaduna, on Monday.

The APC National Leader said he is pan-Nigerian, having transversed all parts of the country.

He, however, noted, “You (apparently referring to Atiku) started from Uyo and now ended up in Kaduna and you are speaking to the North that you are the right candidate for the North; how do we reconcile that? You have lost the election.”

He stressed that Atiku is obliged to support his Presidential ambition, he, Tinubu, having supported Atiku in 2007 for the Presidency instead of competing with him for the same position.

“It’s payback time. Let Atiku endorse me instead of campaigning in Kaduna. I supported him in 2007,” he added.

The former Lagos Governor told the gathering that comprised of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Northern Elders Forum, Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation,  Jamiyyar Matan Arewa, the Center for Historical Development Research (Arewa House) as well as the Arewa Research and Documentation Project, that he was also one of them.

“I am one of you. Yes. I am a city boy from Lagos,” he added.

Reciting the the old National Anthem…Tinubu said, ’Though tribe and tongue may differ…’  to buttress his point of not portraying himself as an ethnic champion as his other opponent.

He said under his Government, the rag-tag bandits terrorising the region would cease to exist, noting, “a rag-tag bandit will not defeat us. We will defeat them.”

He added that  if elected as President, he would mobilise all assets within “our national power” to secure Nigeria.

“As you are aware, security is a function of resources. I am committed to mobilising all assets within our national power to secure Nigeria.

“We did this in Lagos through many initiatives, especially the Security Trust Fund, through which we addressed many needs of our security forces which helped to sanitise Lagos State.

“As you may recall, when I assumed office as governor in 1999, the situation I met was basically a case of banditry where urban gangs ruled the streets.

“I returned law and order, tamed what could have been a huge ethnic war and made Lagos one of the safest states in Nigeria. I will replicate that across the country,” he said.

He added, “We will address the welfare and training needs of our security personnel and strengthen our security institutions with modern technology and equipment to better position them to respond to modern challenges that we face in a fast-changing world.

“Under my leadership, the Nigerian military will receive a much-needed injection of trained personnel to strengthen the heroic efforts of the troops that are currently in service.”

On the economy, the APC presidential hopeful said the country is sitting on a gold mine with abundant natural resources, adding that “with strategic investment in research and development and effective management, we will explore and exploit these resources to the fullest.”

He said under his leadership, the Nigerian Government would be business-friendly.

According to him, “We shall support private businesses in our country and attract foreign direct investment to create jobs, re-industrialise our country and accelerate economic development.”

Uzodinma Unveils Imo Digital Economy Agenda (IDEA) 2022-2026 

By
The Source
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0
Hope Uzodimma - Imo Civil Servant Promotion

Governor Hope Uzodnma’s Imo Digital Economy Agenda (IDEA) 2022 – 2026 that is anchored on six strategic pillars and aimed at highlighting his plan to ensure the digitalization of Imo State economy has been unveiled.

The IDEA entails having the entire communities in Imo State in the net to benefit from the digital economy.

At the unveiling in Owerri on Monday, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi who stood in for the Governor said the five year medium term plan was envisioned by Governor Uzodimma through the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government which he heads.

He said the policy document was formulated to harness ICT potential, provide new solutions to developmental challenges and foster economic growth, competitiveness, enhance access to information and knowledge, poverty eradication and social inclusion.

The event attracted members of the Imo Tech and Business Community.

Dr. Amadi told the audience that the implementation of IDEA 2022 – 2026 will help them maximize the benefits of digital economy by laying the foundation for digitalization of State Government institutions for enhanced productivity and quality service delivery.

It will “foster strategic partnership with the tech ecosystem, facilitate broadband penetration across towns and villages to enable fast pace-based social economic growth in the State.”

The Commissioner said Imo is the first State to establish a Ministry of Digital-Economy and E-Government with sole objective of supporting the Federal Government Policy Trust of diversifying the economy through the deployment of digital technology.

The Imo IDEA 2022-2026, he added is anchored on six strategic pillars – Digital literacy and Skill, Solid Infrastructure, Service Infrastructure, Advocacy, Monitoring and Evaluation, Collaboration and Partnership.

The Commissioner said the vision of the programme is to position Imo as a leading digital economy State in Nigeria with the mission to build smart cities that leverage digital technologies to drive governance, innovation and entrepreneurship while promoting value creation and prosperity for all.

He told the audience that their mandate as a Technology Opportunity People (TOP) is to develop and adopt digital technology for creating people-focused opportunities and economic prosperity.

Furthermore, the Commissioner noted that the Imo Digital Economy Agenda as proposed will also identify eight work streams indication timelines, responsibilities and expected outcomes from the six strategic pillars which constitute the key issues that must be addressed for the government to achieve a thriving digital economy in the State.

He said the expected outcome from the full implementation of the Imo Digital Economy Agenda (IDEA) 2022-2026 is to position Imo as the Digital Skills Hub in Africa.

“This will position Imo as Africa’s highest supplier of market-entry and high level digital skills with sustained digital literacy and skills programmes.”

Dr. Amadi explained: “The Imo IDEA will create jobs of the future where Imo will become a leader in digital entrepreneurship development in Nigeria. Again, it will enable Imo meet the growing global demand for technological skills. Re-skilled and up-skilled youths with fourth industrial revolution skill where Imo State will be the next exporter of industry ready workforce that will drive the global digital economy.

“In addition, the IDEA will create opportunities for Imo Digital Status to solve local and global challenges as the programme will create enabling environment that will spur ground breaking innovative solutions for local and global challenges leveraging emerging technologies as well as enhance creative thinking and complex problems solving skills.

“Other expected outcomes will include but not limited to providing an enabling environment for public sector, private sector, civil societies and development partners participation in training  fivebmillion Nigerians including Imo people in technology skills which will snowball into the creation of a Digital Skills Database to identify a digitally literate Nigerians and their levels of competence.

“The Imo IDEA which has the entry skilled programme and the advanced level programme is designed to accommodate everybody irrespective of the level of literacy which is the youths, the old and young and even the children whether ICT compliant or not as it will allow and give room to learn from the grassroot to the top through a simple process of interaction.

“The programme also targets the 27 LGAs of Imo State aimed at capturing those in the rural areas, villages and communities because the greater number of the population are domiciled in those areas.

“It will also provide and organize programmes for the kids in what is called ‘catch them young’ using learning tools that will make them feel interested.  The sole objective of this is meeting their needs so that by the end of the digital programme they will be useful to themselves, the economy of the State and the world at large.”

National Carrier Goes Into Operation Before End Of Year – President Buhari

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Muhammadu Buhari - Londo Trip

By Ayodele Oni

President Mohammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that the national carrier will commence flight operations before the end of the year.

He disclosed that the establishment of a national carrier for Nigeria is at 91 per cent completion.

The President also disclosed that  the feat is being boosted with the certification of Lagos and Abuja International Airports by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), while Kano and Port Harcourt Airports are undergoing similar certification processes.

Declaring open the last Ministerial Performance Review Retreat of his administration on Monday in Abuja, the president declared that high-impact projects have been implemented across the country, to meet yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.

With less than eight months to the end of his eight-year tenure, President Buhari scored his administration high, saying his government has been able to meet the yearnings of Nigerians through the execution of impactful projects across the country.

Addressing the retreat organized to evaluate the level of progress made in the implementation of the Nine Priority Agenda of his administration, President Buhari highlighted remarkable progress made in the areas of agriculture, economy, infrastructure, security, health and anti-corruption.

The president told participants and guests at the retreat including the Keynote Speaker and former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, that over 3,800 Kilometres of roads have been constructed across the country, while 38 new aircraft were acquired for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to boost the fight against insurgency.

He also added that 38.7 million Nigerians have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, representing 35 per cent of the total eligible population target for vaccination.

On infrastructure, the president said: ”In recognition of the importance of critical infrastructure in economic development and the quest of this administration to leave a lasting legacy, we have implemented high-impact projects across the length and breadth of the country that meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.

”Some of the notable achievements include the completion of 326km Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri rail line and railway ancillary facilities; the completion of over 156.5km Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge railway modernization project with extension to Lagos Port, Apapa.

”On road projects, this administration has constructed 408km of roads; 2,499km of SUKUK roads and maintenance of 15,961km of roads across the country.

”Key among these projects are the construction of 1.9km 2nd Niger Bridge linking Anambra and Delta States with 10.30km approach road; rehabilitation, construction and expansion of Lagos-Shagamu-Ibadan dual carriageway; the ongoing rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna – Zaria – Kano Road, among others.”

He further disclosed that the federal government has embarked on the reconstruction of 21 selected federal roads totalling 1,804.6km, under the Road Infrastructure Development & Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Policy.

According to him, the roads, which are funded by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), are in addition to similar existing collaboration with Messrs Dangote Industries Limited and other corporate organisations to improve the stock of the country’s road infrastructure.

Commenting on the nation’s economy, the president restated that the country witnessed seven consecutive quarters of growth, after negative growth rates recorded in the second and third quarters of 2020.

”The GDP grew by 3.54% (year-on-year) in real terms in the second quarter of 2022. This growth rate represents a sustained positive economic performance, especially for the non-oil GDP which fell by 4.77% in Q2 2022 against oil GDP that grew by -11.77%.

”Most sectors of the economy recorded positive growth which reflects the effective implementation of the economic sustainability measures introduced by this administration.”

India 2022: Flamingoes Book Quarter Final Spot, Defeat Chile To Advance

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Nigeria Flamingoes at Indian U17 World Cup

By Akinwale Kasali

THE Nigeria Under-17 Female National Team, the  Flamingoes has booked a place in the Quarter Finals of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in India after defeating Chile 2-1.

Blessing Sunday gave the Flamingoes the lead as early as the 8th minute with a low shot on the arch of the Chilean half to give Nigeria the lead.

The Flamingoes squandered a lot of scoring opportunities in the first half despite dominating the game, with the Chilean Goalkeeper, Catalina Alvarado making brilliant saves to deny Opeyemi Ajakaye, Amina Bello and Bisola Mosaku on several occasions.

In the second half, the Flamingoes continued from where they stopped in the first half, firing from all cylinders, with the Chilean creating a scoring opportunity that was fired wide.

In the 82nd minute of the match, Mosaku got the Flamingoes the much needed second goal to cement their qualification into the knockout stage.

With the second goal coming towards the end of the match, the Chilean resisted the Flamingoes attack and were rewarded with a penalty courtesy of the Video Assistant, VAR, that saw Tali Rovner scoring the penalty to give the Chilean the consolation goal.

Coach Bankole Olowookere started the game with Faith Omilana in goal, Miracle Comfort Folorunsho, Tunmininu Adeshina, Shakirat Oyinlola and Miracle Usani in the defense,

Taiwo Afolabi, Blessing Emmanuel, Bisola Mosaku and Omamuzo Edafe in the midfield.

While Opeyemi Ajakaye and Amina Bello led the attack.

Nigeria finished runner up in the Group behind Group winner, Germany who won all its three matches to finish Nine Points.

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