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2023: APC Muslim-Muslim Ticket Imminent As Tinubu Set To Win

By
James Orji
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0
Bola Tinubu and EFCC Case

By James Orji

The National Leader of the ruling APC has been projected to win in the ongoing party’s Special National Convention in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The emergence of Tinubu a former Lagos state governor would present the ruling party in a very difficult situation of fielding two Muslims as President and Vice President for the 2023 presidential election, close watchers of political development say.

The reason is that the North where the running mate to the party’s presidential candidate is expected to come from is predominantly Muslims. Any attempt by the party to pick a Christian as vice presidential nominee, analyst insist could spell doom for APC planning to hold on to power next year.

In 1993, the Social Democratic Party, SDP paired business mogul, Bashorun Moshood Kasimawo Abiola and Babagana Kingibe in the election that the party later won. But Abiola was not allowed to rule due to the cancellation of the election by then dictator General Ibrahim Babangida.

Since then, political parties have avoided a situation where the president and his vice are from the same religion due to the religious polarization in the country.

For instance, the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari is a Muslim from the north while his vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is a Christian from the south.

While the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar is expected to pick a Christian running mate from the south, it would be a different ball game for Tinubu who is expected to win the APC presidential ticket.

Considering the circumstance surrounding his emergence, Tinubu will have no option than to look to the core north, for instance, to pick his running mate.

It’s not yet clear who his running mate would be, but sources in the APC told the magazine that the party would be looking towards the North east for a running mate for Tinubu.

“The North is predominantly Muslims, therefore, any attempt to choose a Christian running mate will not help the party. The north will be forced to pull its block votes for the opposition if this happens,” a source in the APC said.

This will definitely be unacceptable to Christians in the country who have accused Northern muslims of power dominance.

For instance, the Niger State Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN had warned three weeks ago, that it will vote against any political party that fields a Muslim/Muslim ticket in the forthcoming general election

Lona Emmanuel, the leader of the group had called “on all political parties in Niger state to as a matter of necessity field Christian candidates as either substantive or deputy positions and reasonable appointive offices.

“As equal stakeholders in Niger state who are concerned about the development of the state, we are ready to mobilise Christians not to support and vote massively for any political platform that will not recognize them as equal stakeholders by presenting the same faith ticket for the forthcoming general elections.

“Since the return of democracy, there has been a religious biased root amongst the political class that has sidelined Christians from Governance and administration of the state. This we believe has led to the gradual reduction of the government’s impact in the state.”

“We, therefore, bring to the notice of all the political parties in Niger state and the well meaning stakeholders to ensure a fair spread of political participation with Christians across Niger state as opposed to the demand of major political parties at the moment.

“We are convinced that whichever party gets the bulk of Christian votes will without a doubt carry the day. What we are demanding is not new in our country where we practice the quota system,” Emmanuel said

But the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, the umbrella body of Muslims in the country led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar has played down fears that a Muslim-Muslim ticket could cause problems in the country. The NSCIA said power belongs to God who gives it to whoever he wishes.

According to the Director of Administration, NSCIA, Zubairu Ugwu, “As Muslims, therefore, we have no choice but to continue to supplicate to Allah to grant that only Nigerians who possess the requisite capacity, integrity, sagacity, empathy, positive attitude, passion, administrative acumen, zeal for selfless service, etc., shall eventually triumph at both their respective party primaries and subsequent general elections, at all tiers of government in Nigeria.”

But responding to the issue on Tuesday, after a viral text message alleging that he intended to pick a muslim running mate after wining the APC presidential primary, Tinubu said he has not made up his mind.

He said the party will not jump the gun, but will cross the bridge when it’s time to decide who his running mate should be.

“We have been informed of a text message going round APC delegates at Eagle Square, Abuja purportedly from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming that with his imminent victory at the APC Presidential Primary and emergence as the party’s presidential candidate, the APC leader has now decided on a Muslim-Muslim ticket,’ Tinubu said on his official twitter page.

“This is nothing but a lie. It has no basis whatsoever. We enjoin the distinguished delegates to ignore this completely.

“The fake text message is a ploy by some undemocratic elements to confuse and hoodwink delegates sensing that Asíwájú Tinubu is comfortably coasting home to victory.

“Truth is Asíwájú is destined for victory and no one can scuttle this through their shameful tactics.

“Asíwájú is not known to jumping guns. He will deal with all important matters pertaining to his presidential pair at the appropriate time, after his victory has been fully established by the distinguished delegates.”

Buhari’s Govt Borrowed Over N2trn In 3 Months – DMO

By
James Orji
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0

By James Orji

The Debt Management Office, DMO says Nigeria’s debt rose from over N39 trillion in December to over N41 trillion in March this year, a difference of over N2 trillion.

The DMO disclosed this in a statement posted on its website on Monday.

The statement read in part, “The total public debt stock as at March 31, 2022, was N41.60tn or $100.07bn, according to the Debt Management Office.

“The amount represents the domestic and external debt stocks of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the thirty-six state governments and the Federal Capital Territory. The comparative figures for December 31, 2021, were N39.56tn or $95.78bn.”

The debt office said the total public debt stock includes new domestic borrowing by the FGN to partly finance the deficit in the 2022 Appropriation Act, the $1.25bn Eurobond issued in March 2022 and disbursements by multilateral and bilateral lenders.

It said the total public debt to GDP is now 23.27 per cent, which is below Nigeria’s self-imposed limit of 40 per cent.

The Office revelation comes amidst concern among Nigerians that the current government has incurred more debt than previous administrations in the country.

The nation’s total debt in 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari took power was barely N10 trillion.

In spite of the growing frustration over the implications of the rising debt for the nation’s future, the government has maintained that it has no other option than to continue to borrow to fund critical infrastructure in the country.

Apart from Nigerians, development partners such as the IMF, World Bank, AfDB and others has also expressed their dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s high debt profile.

Two weeks ago, the IMF’s Resident Representative for Nigeria, Ari Aisen, again expressed worry over the nation’s worsening debt situation.

Aisen had warned that, with the manner the debt is growing the Nigerian government may have to spend nearly 100 per cent of its revenue on debt servicing by 2026.

The Bretton Wood United States of America, USA based world financial institution said the Nigeria government currently spends 89 per cent of its revenue to service debt.

The IMF chief said “I think the biggest critical aspect for Nigeria is that we have done a macro-fiscal stress test, and what you observe is the interest payments as a share of revenue and as you see us in terms of the baseline from the federal government of Nigeria, the revenue, almost 100 percent, is projected by 2026 to be taken by debt service,” the IMF official said.

“So, the fiscal space or the amount of revenues that will be needed, and this, without considering any shock, is that most of the revenues of the federal government are now in fact 89 percent and it will continue, if nothing is done, to be taken by debt service.”

Atiku: PDP Will Win More States In 2023

By
James Orji
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0

By James Orji

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP says the party will still win in all the state under its control in next year’s election. The PDP controls 13 out of the 36 states in the country, while the APC controls 22 states.

The only state not under the control of either APC or PDP is Anambra, where the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA holds sway.

Abubakar, a former vice president who recently won his party’s nomination to contest the 2023 presidential election, is expected to slug it out with winner of the ruling party, APC presidential candidate.

The National Convention of the APC is ongoing in Abuja, the nation’s capital, and a former Lagos state governor, Ahmed Bola Tinubu is projected to win against his closest rival, vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Speaking on next year’s election, Atiku said his party will defeat the APC in all PDP controlled states and still win more. He said the ruling party will not get 25 per cent of vote cast during the election. The 1999 Constitution (as amended) requires a presidential candidate to win at least 25 per cent of votes from each of the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The PDP presidential candidate spoke on Tuesday while addressing governorship candidates at the party’s national secretariat.

Atiku said the party will work together to ensure that the APC is defeated roundly to clinch power.

According to him,  “The question of saying that we are going to give a quarter or so to the ruling party must not arise in this election.

“I want to assure all of you that we will work together as a team and make sure you are all brought back elected as governors in your respective states.

“I will ensure we work together as a team in every state of this country, to enthrone a PDP government”.

Meanwhile, Tinubu a former Lagos governor and APC National Leader has been projected to win the APC presidential ticket after other presidential aspirants stepped down for him at the ongoing APC Special National Convention.

Those that stepped down for the APC chieftain include Governors Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state, Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ajayi Borrofice, Uju Ken-Ohanenye, and Dimeji Bankole, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

But Ogbonnaya Onu, the immediate past Minister of Science and Technology had refused to step down for Tinubu, saying it was the turn of the South east to produce the president.

“Everybody in this party knows the role I played in bringing the party to be. Mr President what is important is that we must ensure that justice is upheld. We need someone from the South East to replace him (Buhari).

“The South West had had eight years of presidency and another eight years of vice presidency. Where is the justice for South East? We need to do what is right,” he said.

How Police Stopped N2bn Fraud Against FG

By
James Orji
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0
Usman Baba Alkali - IGP

By James Orji

The Nigerian Police Force, NPF has nabbed eight suspects who attempted to defraud the Federal Government of $2 billion. This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Edo state command of the Force, which said the suspects are now in its custody.

According to the state police command Public Relations Officer, PPRO Chidi Nwabuzo, a Superintendent of Police, the suspects which include a staff of the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs in Abuja had tried to use fake documents purported from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF to perpetuate the fraud.

The suspects were arrested, Nwabuzor said following a complaint received by the crack team of the state command on April 25.

He revealed that the complaint was made via a petition by one Chief Richard David, a representative of Okpella community, in Etsako Central Local Government Area of the state.

The details of the botched fraud indicate that the suspects, on July 14, 2021, approached the complainant and his kinsmen saying they had secured a Federal Government’s approval from the SGF to evacuate scrap bore-hole pipes equipment worth $2 billion.

The equipment was meant for the Okpella water project by the Federal Government under the Petroleum Trust Fund, PTF.

Nwabuzor said, “The community people who were apprehensive wisely disallowed the evacuation of the items.

“This action by the Okpella people however prompted one of the suspects to go to the Okpella police station to report that the community refused them to evacuate the items.

“During investigation, the police uncovered the fact of the matter through the confession of one of the suspects, who is a staff of the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Abuja.

“The said suspect also agreed to have forged the presidency approval for auctioneer documents for the operation. Investigation has been concluded and the suspects would soon be charged to court.”

Sad Ogbonnaya Onu Steals Show At APC Primaries, Pricks Nation’s Conscience, Laments Injustice Against The Igbo

By
The Source
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Ogbonnaya Onu

By Gideon Njoku

For most Igbo who watched and listened to the Presidential aspirants of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as they addressed the delegates at the Presidential primaries, it was Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, the academic-turned Politician who stole the show. He was the real hero of the Convention.

He pricked the conscience of the APC Stakeholders and  delegates. He asked where their sense of justice was. He asked where their conscience was.

In a brief but brilliant speech, he did not make a mockery of democracy by standing down for another aspirant. He did not play to the gallery. He simply reminded them of the injustices against the Igbo in the APC.

Seeing that the South-east has lost out, Onu asked them if they had done well by the Zone. He asked why the Party, which in March, 2022,  insisted on Zoning in the choice of the National Chairman, suddenly discarded it at the Presidential primaries.

He said it was the turn of the Igbo to occupy the seat of the President.

He recalled the sacrifices he made for the APC. He recalled how he formed the Party, and used his “hard-earned” money to register it.

He recalled how he discarded his Presidential ticket under the All Nigerians Peoples Party, ANPP, and joined like-minds to work for the APC, and made sure the Party won in 2015.

However, for all that Onu did, what he got was a low grade and poorly-funded Ministry as a Minister. And, now, at the APC Presidential Primaries, he is not sure of one vote because the delegates know that Dr Onu’s South-east is out of the calculation. With that, too, goes his N100m which he paid for the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms.

Appeal Court Quashes Madumere’s N1.9b Garnishee Judgment; Orders Zenith bank To Pay Imo Workers

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Justice Rita Pemu of the Court of Appeal in  Owerri has quashed the N1.9billion garnishee judgement instituted by the former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere for which Zenith Bank suspended payment of salaries of workers.

Consequently, the Court also on Tuesday ordered Zenith bank to immediately commence payment of salaries of the workers as well as other government financial obligations that the said garnishee judgement could have affected until the matter before it is dispensed with.

The Court also granted the relief sought by the Imo State government to enable it file its appeal against a judgement of National Industrial Court in Owerri which ordered the State Government to pay N1.9 billion to Madumere, an amount the former Deputy Governor claimed was his benefits while in office.

After listening to the submissions by Counsel to the Imo State government, I.I Nwachukwu and Counsel to Madumere, L .M Njemanze, Justice Pemu granted the two reliefs sought by the Imo State Government.

The two reliefs sought were: stay of execution which ordered the unsealing of Zenith bank branches in Owerri and the right for the Imo State Government to appeal the absolute garnishee order in favour of Madumere.

Justice Pemu thereafter adjourned the case to June 30, 2022.

Madumere had sued and got judgement against the Imo State Government, following his illegal impeachment as Deputy Governor to then Governor Rochas Okorocha.

An Imo State High Court overturned the impeachment dismissed it as null and void and ordered the Imo State Government to pay him his entitlements as Deputy Governor.

Neither Okorocha nor his successor, the Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha paid Madumere. He was forced to approach the Industrial Court which garnished, absolutely, the Accounts of the Imo State Government, pending the payment of Madumere’s claim of N1.9 billion. The Imo State Government, under Governor Hope Uzodinma said Madumere is owed not more than N144m; that he is claiming imprest for works he did not do.

Last week, all the branches of the Zenith Bank in Owerri were sealed by Policemen and officials of the Industrial  Court, thus, paralysing the activities of the Government, including the payment of workers’ May salaries.

Soludo To Fr. Ebube Muonso: What Is The Drama About?

By
The Source
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0

“In a decent, but stinging response to Fr. Ebube Muonso’s inciting diatribe against him, in the name of a prophetic vision,  Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, puts the Rev. Gentleman in his place, and asks him to stop the drama.”

Good evening Father!

I just called your two numbers  after listening to your so called “prophetic” outbursts— prophesying about “Fulani herdsmen” with tribal marks invading Government House, Awka, and having me running out in a pool of blood as well as loudly complaining about the waste disposal.

You called on me to pray as well as asked your congregation to pray for my life….

1) As an orthodox Catholic, I was brought up not to join issues with any man of God. I have been in the public arena for two decades and I appreciate comments and criticisms from the citizens including the men of God.

I welcome your comments, advice and even criticisms. Such help us to do better— as we are certainly not perfect! This would be the first time I am responding to any comments from a man of God. And I do so with utmost respect and good faith.

Certainly as a Priest, you have monopoly of power of the pulpit, but I also believe that such a monopoly demands a responsibility on your part to exercise caution and maturity in how you use such power.

2) I am writing you, in the exercise of my duty (as a member of your Laity) to also advise you—- but not publicly on the pulpit as you chose to do.

3) On your prophecy, you are certainly entitled to claim that you “saw” anything, and to call for prayers. I need all the prayers in the world and I believe that thousands of people of goodwill are praying for us and for Anambra.

I am convinced that the God I worship who has sent me on this mission will lead us to finish it to His glory! My life is in His hands and He already knows how many more days or years He has for me.

No man has a say regarding His plan for my life.  I don’t believe these political or phantom “prophecies” designed to play to the gallery. That’s not my upbringing and faith as a Catholic. You have my contact and assuming that anything was “revealed” to you as a threat to my life, do you really believe that the best way to communicate it is on your pulpit???

By the way, God didn’t “reveal” to you the attack by unknown gun men on me last year at a rally, killing three policemen; nor has He “revealed” to you any of the dozens of the attacks on innocent people this year so that the people may take caution or pray??  Funny enough these “pulpit prophecies” are always about high public officials.

I have lived my life to this age without needing or relying on “prophecies”, and it is too late now to change. My prayer is simply: “Let your will be done”. So please, if you have further “revelations” just pray about them or keep them to yourself— I don’t want to know because the God in heaven that I serve is totally in charge of my life!

4) Your comments about waste in the streets are welcome and we are equally sad about it. That’s why since inauguration we have set out cleaning the streets and now putting in place (for the first time in the state) a medium term sustainable strategy. However we find your comments to be in bad faith because you failed to acknowledge that we met a far worse situation nor acknowledge the ongoing efforts— which many acknowledge. I personally flagged off the cleaning of Onitsha and Okpoko and photos of me on top of refuse dump that closed Ochanga and as high as the traffic light adorned the social media… Most places had not been cleaned in over six months before I assumed office. Of course with no equipment and strategy in place, we have adopted “emergency response” approach while working out details of a sustainable strategy… Surprisingly you didn’t complain on the pulpit then!

5) Your comments on insecurity is fair but again failed to acknowledge the humongous efforts being made to confront the monster — which many Ndi Anambra do. No candidate could campaign freely in the entire South Senatorial Zone last year with the zone totally taken over by unknown gunmen. No one heard your voice. I was almost a victim. No one heard your voice.

In my inaugural address, I devoted paragraphs to address the issue. And Ndi Anambra from all over the world are calling in solidarity and offering support. I wish God will also “reveal” to you the identity of the criminals so that we take them out. I know that you are a man of God and I deeply respect all of God’s anointed but making incendiary and wild claims about security under the cover of the pulpit should be moderated.

In your “revelations” you “saw” Fulani herdsmen “with tribal marks”—- Fulani with tribal marks??? Funny! In the next second they are “unknown gun men” and another second “Fulani with tribal marks”??

Father I expect you to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. We admire you and the thousands of your followers deserve leadership and direction. Matters of security should not be part of the drama! We expect you to encourage your supporters to report criminals and to be part of the solution. Or, if you don’t know the full ramifications of the security challenge, to call or request to be briefed.

The society and the Church are facing existential threats and this is not the time for theatrics with the matter of security.

6) I have been in office for two months. Yes, two months father, and you expect Anambra to have been “Dubai-rized” according to you. Doesn’t it sound funny? If I may ask, what was the motive of the entire drama ?

Let me assure you father that the God who sent me at this time knows why and He will perfect all things. We are determined and focused and despite the humongous challenges we met, Anambra will win! I have God’s promise on this.

Remain ever blessed father. We love you!

Owo Catholic Church Attack: Ondo Govt Says 22 Persons Confirmed Dead

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Catholic Church in Owo

By Ayodele Oni

Contrary to the casualty figures of about 50 fatalities from the  gunmen attack at a Catholic church in Owo, Ondo State Government, on Tuesday, disclosed that only 22 worshippers were confirmed dead in the terrorist attack.

The Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo town, country home of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was on Sunday attacked by yet to be identified gunmen.

The attackers, according to the police, later escaped in a snatched vehicle through Owo/ Ute road.

The government further disclosed that a total of 87 worshippers were affected by the attack on the church.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu had condemned the violent attack on the Catholic Church, describing it as a  “vile and satanic attack” on armless worshippers.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, while given the breakdown of victims, said 18 people were on admission at the Federal Medical Centre and St. Louis Hospital, all in Owo town.

Ajaka, who further stated that about seven people were treated on an outpatient basis at St. Louis Hospital, disclosed that four victims have been treated and discharged successfully.

“The total involved as of today (Tuesday) is 88. And the breakdown is this; out of the 88, we have confirmed 22 dead.

“So, there were about 7 people treated on an outpatient basis at St. Louis Hospital. There are 19 on admission at the same hospital.

“The dastardly act left so many dead and others injured. We have relocated to the Owo since that day and the governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is coordinating us here. We are here to ensure that we track everybody involved.

“Presently, 66 worshippers survived the attack. This morning,  a three-year old child was admitted as a result of the blast. The baby was still in shock due to the sound of the explosion.

“We thank the state governor and other stakeholders for their support since the beginning of this incident.

“This is a very sad situation for us in Ondo State. The people of the state responded by donating blood for the victims to save their lives.

“The Country Representative of the World Health Organisation is also on the ground to render assistance.”

Owo Attack : Governor Akeredolu Urges People Not To Avenge, But Allow Security Agencies To Work

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Catholic Church in Owo

By Ayodele Oni

As tension rises among youths, and groups in Owo Ondo state, to avenge the attack of the Catholic Cathedral in the ancient town on Sunday by yet to be identified gunmen, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has passionately appealed to them to shealth sword.

In a broadcast on Tuesday evening, the Governor stated that the attack was an attempt to test the will of the people of the State and indeed, the Southwest.

“I urge our people to be calm but remain vigilant. Do not take the law into your own hands. Leave the rest for government to shoulder.

“I have spoken to the heads of the security agencies. I can assure you that security operatives have been deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo kingdom.”

He added that the dastard act has the brazenly possible consequence of invitation to national anarchy, saying that “Yorubaland, and Owo in particular, have never been conquered before; and it will never happen.”

He, therefore, promised to commit every available resource to hunt down the assailants and make them pay dearly, stressing that the state will never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in its resolve to stamp out criminals.

“The site, that is, St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo presents a gory war-like scene. The Federal Medical Centre, Owo, the St. Louis Hospital, Owo, the General Hospital, Owo as well as some private hospitals in Owo were filled with the injured, most of who were in critical conditions.

“The most unfortunate part is the lives of innocent children cut down in their prime and some severely injured by the mindless attackers.

“At Owo, the anger was palpable. The tension was at an abrasive level just as the urge for reprisals was high. Without doubt too, the ripple impact of this heinous act as well as the understandably angry reaction across the State could not have been different.

“May I use this medium to express gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who aside his demonstrated concern, directed his Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON to visit the scene of this criminal act.

“The Nigeria Governors’ Forum led by its chairman, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, their Excellencies, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Honourable Minister of Interior and Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State also deserve a special mention for their collective and individual show of love and empathy.

“We will remain eternally grateful to His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his donation of a whopping amount of N50 million to the victims and N25 million to the Catholic Church, Owo.  The gesture of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum which donated N50 million to the victims is equally appreciated.

“The donations are to assuage the effects of the attack.  In the meantime, I have directed that an account be opened to receive further donations from well meaning individuals and corporate bodies who may wish to assist the victims of the terrorist attack.

“I am particularly enthralled by the wonderful show of solidarity from my brothers across party divides, especially in the State. It is heartwarming that we all have found a common ground to confront these monsters.

“In this regard, I thank the former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and the entire PDP family.  To all others too numerous to mention, your show of love, encouragement and goodwill are not taken for granted. You have displayed compassion and demonstrated an appreciable level of brotherliness.

“In the same vein, I commend the medical teams of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, the St. Louis Hospital, Owo, the General Hospital, Owo and some private hospitals who showed love and participated in stabilising the victims in the various hospitals.

“We equally appreciate the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and BEDC for their assistance.  I convey our gratitude to volunteers who assisted in evacuating the victims and the dead to the hospitals and mortuaries respectively.

“I also thank our people who had deemed it fit to voluntarily donate blood towards the treatment of the victims. They have lived up to expectation within the precinct of the available space and time.”

FUTA Scholar Wins 2022 US Government Mandela Washington Fellowship

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Dr. Oritoke Modupe Aluko

By Ayodele Oni

Dr. Oritoke Modupe Aluko of the School of Basic Medical Sciences, Federal University of Technology Akure, (FUTA) has been selected for the 2022 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.

A statement on Tuesday by FUTA spokesman, Adegbenro Adebanjo, explained that the fellowship is under the aegis United States Government.

The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the Flagship programme of the United States Government’s Young African Leaders initiative (YALI) created by former US President Barak Obama in 2010.

Established in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship has brought nearly 5100 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for academic and leadership training.

The Fellows, between the age of 25 and 35, are accomplished innovators and leaders in their communities and countries.

Dr. Aluko submitted an application reflecting her love and passion for females-in-Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and with the overall aim of mentoring young females that are science-conscious and oriented with the capability of changing the world of STEM.

This, the statement added will thereby contribute to bridging the gap of gender imbalance in STEM careers.

She was selected out of 9000 applicants who completed the application, out of which only 56 of them made the final selection making it a less than one percent probability of being selected.

In a letter conveying her selection, Counsellor for Public Affairs, Adnan Siddiqi wrote “Congratulations! You have been selected to participate in the 2022 Mandela Washington Fellowship, the U.S Department of State’s flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative YALI.

“While in the U.S., this programme will help develop your leadership skills and enable you network with other fellows from Sub-Saharan Africa and the United States.

“Alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship gain access to on-going professional development, networking and collaboration opportunities with support from the U.S. Department of State and affiliated partners.”

The Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Prof Adenike Oladiji, while congratulating the winner, said she is proud that FUTA constantly sets the pace in academic and intellectual endeavors.

She admonished Aluko to be a good ambassador of the institution in America and subsequently become a leading light among women in Science and Technology.

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