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Ondo Govt Set To Return Mission Schools To Original Owners

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Despite opposition from a section, Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has reiterated his administration’s readiness to return missionary schools in the state to the original owners.

The Governor, however, disclosed that only the Catholic Church has signified interest to take over its schools in the state.

The state government decision may lead to redeployment and redistribution of teaching and non teaching staff in schools to be affected.

The move is also expected to reduce the administration’s burden in funding some of the public institutions, which has led to increment of fees in some of the schools.

Governor Akeredolu spoke while receiving the new chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Father Anselm Olorunfemi Ologunwa in Akure.

“We have promised that we will return schools to the missionaries and we are keeping to our promise. It is only the Catholic Church that has shown interest.

“A group of people is opposed to it. Our position is that if you are not interested in taking ownership of your school, don’t discourage others.

“The Catholic has requested for two secondary schools and two primary schools. If you can run your school, come and take it.

“I know about Aquinas College. It is clean. The progress there is because of what the old boys association and Catholic are doing there. Anyone that is ready to run schools should come. Most of us are products of missionary schools.”

Governor Akeredolu noted that the most important thing to his administration is spiritual guidance and prayers.

Earlier, the immediate past Chairman of CAN, Reverend John Ayo Oladapo, thanked the Governor for his support and love towards CAN.

“It is my joy to be here today to thank God for your life and the support that I received as CAN chairman, Ondo state. You are indeed a father. We appreciate the love and the support that we have enjoyed,” Oladapo said.

The new Chairman, Rev. Father Ologunwa, assured the Governor of the support and cooperation of CAN in the state.

Ologunwa said: “We want to assure you of our individual and collective civic responsibility to make this state beautiful and habitable for all through our prayers and ready abiding citizens.

“We are here to encourage and pray for you and to entrust you and your team of executives to God Almighty that He may guide your affairs to the greater glory of His Holy name and for the good of humanity.

“We urge you to be spiritually fortified in Christ, find strength and grace through prayer for good stewardship from God whom it has pleased to choose you to serve as Governor of our dear State.

“Equally, your election as the Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum is a wonderful testimony to your political progress and an opportunity for you to contribute to tackling the worrisome issues of poverty, violence, illiteracy, youth idleness and their Involvement in crime and violence — factors which have greatly retarded our progress especially in Nigeria.”

Lagos-Qatar Investment: Obasa Urges Qatari Government To Invest In Lagos

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government is set to partner the Qatari Government in boosting Investment in the State and the Middle East Nation.

The Qatar-Nigeria Business match-making Summit held in Lagos State saw Government officials of both countries with their businessmen and prospective investors brainstorming on how to form a synergy and deepening bilateral trade between both countries and boosting its investment plans.

The Summit is also aimed at deepening trades among both countries in manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, technology and other related areas.

Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa,  described the State as one that guarantees safety of investors and their businesses since the Government takes seriously the protection of lives and property.

It also noted that the growth and advancement of Lagos in various areas of the economy are the result of leadership.

Representing Obasa, Hon. Adewale Temitope, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Transportation, added that for investors in Lagos, it has always been a symbiotic relationship since the State has the needed human capital and the market while they have the resources.

“It is, therefore, going to be a symbiotic relationship between Qatar and Nigeria,” he said while urging prospective investors to also consider the transportation and health sectors of the State in view of government’s successful effort to create an enabling environment.

Ali Ghanem Al-Hajri, Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, said the meeting would further strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and his country.

“We think this meeting will deepen bilateral relations to build an economic bridge between the two markets.

“Nigeria is the biggest market in West Africa, and there are lots of potentials and opportunities to deal with the Qatari market. I can see a huge economic bridge between the two countries,” he said.

Qatar Development Bank (QDB), which organised the business match-making event, used the opportunity to engaged with Nigerian businesses on strengthening investment ties across diverse sectors.

Strike: Northern Students Demand Minister’s Resignation

By
Uche Mbah
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Adamu Adamu

By Uche Mbah

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Thursday, through its student’s wing, asked for the immediate resignation of Education Minister, Adamu Adamu, for failing to end the current strike action embarked by members of  the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities.

At a Press conference held in Katsina, President Buhari’s home State, their National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi, said that the Federal Government appears not to be bothered that students are at home or the impact of the strike on the future.

“The Government,  in particular, the Minister of Education, lacks the political will, capacity and willingness to bring the matter to an end, as such he should resign with immediate effect,” he said.

They threatened to join their Southern counterparts to shut down the country if government does not do anything to end the strike.

“The student wing of the Coalition of Northern Groups is worried that the four-week warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities is already in its third week, with no hope for a resolution in sight, while our universities remain shut. We are concerned at the frequency of the disruption of the Nigerian education system that keeps frustrating the ambitions and aspirations of the youths to acquire knowledge.

“Sadly, this strike is the second industrial action embarked on by ASUU in less than two years, and the 16th since the inception of the fourth republic democracy in 1999.

“While we commend the efforts of the apex student body, the National Association of Nigerian Students, in calling attention to the implications of such actions, we condemn with all our might the shameful walk out on NANS by the Minister of Education. We see the action of the Minister as a gross show of unconscionable immorality, insensitivity, and impunity abhorrent to the collective sensibilities of the students, parents and, indeed, the country at large.

“The government, in particular, the Minister of Education, lacks the political will, capacity and willingness to bring the matter to an end, and as such, he should resign with immediate effect.” he concluded.

Recently, the Minister of Education walked out on the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, in a meeting called by NANS to find a solution to the problem.

At the meeting, NANS officials congratulated him for his son graduating from a UK University while they are on strike in Nigeria.

Constitutional Lawyer, Tunji Abayomi Wants National Assembly To Stop Work On 1999 Constitution

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Human Rights Activist and constitutional lawyer, Dr. Tunji Abayomi has written to the National Assembly advising the Lawmakers to stop work on the ongoing amendment of the 1999 constitution.

Abayomi, in a letter dated March 2, 2022, described the review of the1999 constitution by the National Assembly as ‘a wasteful adventure or misadventure.’

He pointed out that the National Assembly needs to know that Nigeria does not have a constitution and that what it has is Decree 24 of 1999, which, if it were to be amended, needs no input from the states.

According to him, “the National Assembly in its debasing ignorance should simply stop embarrassing Constitutionally intelligent Nigerians.

“This nation still has what the great American historian and philosopher W.E.B Du Bois called the ‘Talent Tenth’ who can command regard and respect in Constitutional knowledge.

“If National Assembly wants us to be continually governed by the military forced Law Decree 24 of 1999, instead of giving us a Constitution from the people, by the people and for the people, it should continue in its wasteful adventures or misadventures.

“The wrong and worthless amendment of the Constitution is enhanced in its absurdly by passing the so called Constitution amendment to States for approval.”

The Constitutional Lawyer insisted that it was due to lack of understanding  that made the National Assembly to attempt to involve states in the process of amendment.

“Now, if a Constitution is valid and legitimate, (and this is judged by the procedure of making it not the content) any amendment thereof goes to the people for approval through the legislative representative Assemblies, because it is or deemed to be their document, just as the members in the representative Assembly are deemed to be the people’s direct delegated agents.

“So any Constitutional amendment will not and cannot go to the President for his assent. In Constitutional law the President plays no role in Constitutional amendment.

“Now, if a law (and mind you a Constitution is not law) is legitimate and valid, it unalterable goes to the President for his assent and not the people because laws are made by the government for the people not by the people for the government as in the case of the Constitution.

“The people of states through their representative Assemblies, have no role in law-making.

“The question is what is the so called 1999 Constitution notwithstanding the perverse titling of it as “Constitution ?”

“First it was passed and called Decree 24 of the 1999 (i.e forced law) not by the people but by the military government in exercise of purported co-equal legislative power vested on the National Assembly that was overthrown by the military.

“Is there any doubt then, that the so called 1999 Constitution is a mere law or Decree like any other law made by the National Assembly (or military government as it then was) unsubjectable to the approval or disapproval of the legislatures of the several States.”

Fidelity Bank Celebrates International Women’s Day With Ezekwesili, Others

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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By Tosin Olatokunbo

In commemoration of the International Women’s Day 2022, foremost financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced plans to celebrate leading women and female achievers at a networking event in partnership with media entrepreneur,  Linda Ikeji .

Themed ‘Breaking the Bias’, this year’s International Women’s Day celebration is aimed at promoting gender equity across various sectors and spheres by celebrating women who have emerged pioneers in their respective fields.

Speaking on the upcoming event, Fidelity Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said, “At Fidelity Bank, we believe women play a critical role in the economic, social and cultural development of any community. Platforms such as this, give us the opportunity to drive the conversations around promoting a world free of gender bias and discrimination, a world where women are given the freedom to thrive, grow and fulfil their highest potentials as well as contribute positively to global development.”

The 2022 International Women’s Day event will feature a keynote address by renown economic policy expert, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili as well as music, art, dance and comedy performances by top Nigerian entertainers.

“The International Women’s Day event is another demonstration of what we stand for at Linda Ikeji Media. For more than a decade, we have been at the forefront of empowering women and telling their stories as they challenge the norm and open new vistas in women’s achievements. We are delighted to partner with a reputable brand like Fidelity Bank in executing this project and we look forward to a memorable experience with our invited guests on the 8th of March 2022,” said Linda Ikeji, Chief Executive Officer, CEO Linda Ikeji Media. 

The invite-only event will also double as the official launch of a community-driven proposition designed to support women across different cadres in meeting their aspirational goals. According to insiders in the bank, the proposition boasts of exciting features such as capacity development initiatives, access to finance, recognition and networking events, health and wellness programmes, etc, all designed to speak to the yearnings of women.

Cost Of Governance, Big Threat To Nigeria’s Development; Public Funds Wasted – Peter Obi

By
The Source
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Governor of Anambra State 2007 to 2014 and the 2019 Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  Mr Peter Obi, has reiterated his popular thesis that the Nigerian State  will go nowhere in development until it finds solutions to the wastage of public funds and the high cost of governance at all levels, Obi told Participants of Course 4 of the Strategic Management and Policy Course articipants of Course, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.

He told his audience, comprising retired Generals and serving top brass officers from the Army, various Security Agencies and Paramilitary Organizations that growth and progress will not happen in Nigeria, for as long as we maintain the quantum of wastes in public service.

He said that Nigerian leaders must strive to create public wealth rather than focus on accumulating private wealth when in office.

“Public wealth enriches everybody, but private wealth impoverishes the people and the nation” he said.

According to Obi, the core of Nigeria’s challenges is leadership of its political class. He stressed that until our leaders commit to good governance and responsible management of public resources, the right policies will not be put in place to serve public good.

Earlier in the programme the Director General of the NARC Maj Gen Garba Wahab ( rtd.), welcomed Obi to the Centre for the third year in a row, to address Participants on Leadership and Strategic Management issues. He explained the goals of NARC, as well as the Centre’s reason for occasionally bringing in The Town to interact with Course Participants.

It was immediately after Obi was introduced by the Lead Faculty for the Strategic Management and Policy Course, Dr Okey Ikechukwu, mni, that Obi held his audience spellbound with his experiences as Governor and how he managed to get the resources he used in achieving the much he did, saying: “Whether we agree or not, failure of leadership is taking a huge toll on us as a nation and it could be worse if we do not put the right and committed people incharge of the affairs of critical sectors. Education, health and provision of basic infrastructure were my main goals and I was able to record success because we planned our programs using a  universally certified development formula.

Obi described as disheartening, owing pensioners and going about wasting money on useless social projects stressing that “owing people at the most difficult times when the opportunities are less is the worst thing to do to them.

He reiterated his repeated public observation that borrowing is not bad in itself when it is for production. But that is becomes bad when it’s for consumption; which is another way of mortgaging the future of the country.

On revenue generation, Obi said that expecting to generate more revenue without doing much to improve on the people’s lives is like expecting to withdraw more money in an account you have not been depositing on. He pointed out that less than  40, out of the eligible 120 million Nigerians are gainfully employed. Even then, the few working Nigerians are over-taxed.

The Dircetor General, in concluding, thanked Obi for always being ever ready to share his thoughts and experiences with the Centre, in the latter’s endeavour to fulfill its mandate of developing high calibre human capital for strategic leadership, National Security and holistic national development.

Sanwo Olu, Obasa Extol Adeboye On His 80th Birthday, Say The Pastor Divinely Chosen

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Babajide  Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has joined in celebrating the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

Congratulating the reverred Man of God, Governor Sanwo Olu, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary  Gboyega Akosile on Wednesday described the renowned international cleric and global preacher as an epitome of honesty, dedication and service, whose unblemished records of service in God’s kingdom, over the course of several decades, has made him a role model to many.

The Governor said Pastor Adeboye, through diligence and utmost obedience to the Lord, has built one of the largest spiritual institutions anywhere in the world and raised millions of committed followers of Jesus Christ.

He also described ‘Daddy GO’ as Pastor Adeboye is popularly called, as one of the respected global evangelists who have contributed immensely to the propagation of the gospel at national and international levels without any blemish or scandal.

He said: “Sir, you have been a blessing, not just to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), but also to us in Lagos State – your unceasing prayers for us and your wise counsel over the years have contributed in no small measure to the phenomenal progress our state has continued to witness. We will forever be grateful. We cannot also ever forget your commitment to the Lagos State Annual Thanksgiving Service since the year 2000.

“Because of your work, and of the name and legacy of the RCCG, the gospel has touched the very ends of the earth, in line with the Great Commission. In addition, your devoted service in God’s Vineyard has helped put Nigeria in the global spotlight, as a land of spiritual exploits and greatness. Yet, amidst all these wonderful accomplishments, you have remained as simple and humble as ever, never seeking the limelight or personal glory.

“As you celebrate your 80th birthday, it is our prayer that the Almighty God will grant you more grace and strength to continue to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, minister to the poor and the broken, and proclaim liberty to the captives. I pray that the Almighty God will continue to crown you with good health to enable you render more service to His kingdom and you will continue to enjoy His manifold blessings and everlasting goodness. Amen. Happy Birthday, Sir,” the Governor said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also congratulated Pastor Foluke Adeboye for being a devoted partner to the General Overseer of RCCG.

“Let me also specially congratulate our Mummy, your adorable wife, and devoted partner, Pastor (Mrs.) Foluke Adeboye, and thank her for the great support and love she has continued to give to you. I pray that God will continue to keep her strong and vibrant on this lifelong journey of jointly manifesting the fullness of His power and anointing,” he said.

In the same vein, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has described Pastor Enoch Adeboye as a man divinely chosen by God to lead the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

In a message to the Clergyman, Obasa congratulated Adeboye on his 80th birthday, adding that the Pastor’s leadership style has resulted in massive growth, progess and expansion of the church making him one of the most popular religious leaders across the globe.

Dubai Trip Was Not Meant To Celebrate First Lady’s Birthday – Governors Wives

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigerian First Lady in Dubai

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum, (NGWF), has reacted to social media report insinuating that some of them travelled to Dubai, United Arabs Emirate, to present birthday cake to the wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, last month.

The report, with pictures of some wives of State Governors went viral early in the week where they were heard singing ‘happy birthday’ at the same time presenting a birthday cake to Aisha Buhari.

A statement signed by Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Chairperson of NGWF on Wednesday, explained that the Dubai trip was not meant solely to celebrate the birthday of the First Lady.

The statement, released in Ado Ekiti states that “Our attention has been drawn to a social media widely circulated report suggesting that some Nigerian Governors’ Wives were in Dubai to surprise the First Lady of Nigeria, Dr. Aisha Buhari on the occasion of her birthday on the 17th of February 2022.

“For the avoidance of doubt, and in the interest of the public, the Nigerian Governors Wives were on the entourage of the First Lady of Nigeria, who was on an official trip to the UAE.

“The trip included visits to Dubai Expo 2020, and tours of the Dubai e-learning center, Dubai Youth Hub and meetings with Foundations and Agencies in UAE, who are interested in investing in education, health and technology in Africa, with priority given to women and young people.

“The trip coincided with the birthday of HE Aisha Buhari. On the morning of her birthday, which was February 17th, the delegation of Governors’ Wives paid a private visit to present a cake and flowers.

“After the brief presentation, we proceeded to attend the scheduled meetings for the day. We were, therefore, dismayed to see footage of the visit interpreted to mean Governors’ Wives left Nigeria for the sole purpose of celebrating HE’s birthday.

“This is not true and we find this assumption scandalous. We are all dedicated to supporting our spouses as well as our First Lady, and we would never be a party to anything that will bring embarrassment to them and ourselves.

“Our key learnings from our visit to the various agencies in Dubai and the briefings we received points to the need for Nigeria to scale up investments in education, science and technology and provide more opportunities for young people, who are the key to the future.

“We will continue to address these issues in our own work as well as advocate for increased commitments in these areas from our leaders.”

Ukraine: Sokoto Students Now In Budapest

By
The Source
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Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state has assured that the 73 indigenes of the State and one from Taraba State stranded in Ukraine as a result of the war there have successfully entered Budapest, Hungary, three days after they started leaving Ukraine.

A breakdown of the number of students being evacuated by the Sokoto State Government, according to a statement by Tambuwal’s Spokesman, Muhammad Bello, shows that 49 are those sponsored by it, out of which 47 are Medical students while the remaining two are studying Automobile Engineering and Computer Science respectively.

The other 24 are Sokoto State indigenes that are self-sponsored while the remaining one is a female student who hails from Taraba State and was included among the Sokoto students.

All the students were studying in Zaporizhzhia, Kharkhiv and Dnipro cities before the outbreak of the war.

“Today, not too long ago, I spoke with them via Zoom. From what they told me, there are in good shape. They are in Budapest, Hungary,” Gov. Tambuwal told newsmen Wednesday in Sokoto.

He affirmed that the State Government is in close contact with the Nigerian authorities at home, in Abuja, and abroad.

“We are in touch with the Federal Government, especially the Nigerian Embassy there and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to see that in the shortest time possible they are returned home without any hitch, by the grace of God,” the Governor said.

Fayemi, Akeredolu Extol Pastor Adeboye On His 80th Birthday

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Governors of Ekiti and Ondo States have joined numerous well wishers to congratulate the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, on his 80th birthday.

Governor Kayode Fayemi said the occasion calls for celebration considering the value of the calling and ministry of Pastor Adeboye as a chosen vessel of God to Nigeria and all nations of the world.

The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, said the eminent cleric has enjoyed God’s extraordinary grace in entering the club of octogenarians in good health and excellent spirit.

He described Pastor Adeboye as a role model to many and a man who exudes transparent humility in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ whom he imitates.

The Governor noted that Pastor Adeboye has played prominent roles in revealing the mind of God to the people from time to time, emphasising the integrity of the word of God and interceding for his country and nations of the world.

Describing Pastor Adeboye as a global citizen, the Governor said the impact of the clergyman’s ministry is felt across the globe as a respected voice in the Christendom and a general in God’s end time army.

Dr Fayemi said the RCCG General Overseer has always offered his counsel to leaders at different levels and has a unique way of speaking truth to power when necessary.

He added that Pastor Adeboye’s life has been a blessing to not only his church members, but all and sundry as his sermons and prayers have given hope to the hopeless and provided refuge for millions.

” On behalf of my wife, Bisi, the Government and good people of Ekiti State, we say a happy birthday to Daddy G.O and pray that God continues to bless his ministry and renewal his strength like that of the eagle.”

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN,

described the man of God as a God’s General whose ministry has continued to impact positively on the lives of many Christians across the world.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, states “On this occasion of your 80th birthday, we celebrate your grace and impact as a true Servant of God.

“You have continued to influence many lives positively, projecting the Christian values with dedication for the development of the country at large.

“Your ministry has attracted many souls to God, decimating the kingdom of darkness amid the cloud of a dwindling values.

“For us, you have lived a purposeful life, a life of vision and great mission. Your evangelism has transformed many lives even you have gained many souls to the side of God Almighty.

“Your humility and kindness have endeared you to your huge membership and beyond. You are a God’s general and a pillar of the Christian faith with unblemished service in God’s Kingdom.

“Your phenomenal life as a servant of God will continue to be an inspiration to many believers of God.” Governor Akeredolu said.

The Governor prayed that the almighty God will grant Pastor Adeboye longer life, good health and more strength and grace to work in his vineyard.

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