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Shadow Govt: FG Reacts, Says It’s An Abberration

May 7, 2025

The Federal government had knocked Professor Pat Utomi for forming a shadow government, saying the action negates Nigeria’s federal structure.

The Minister of Information Mohammed Idris made known the federal government position on the issue, in a statement on Tuesday.

Accordingly to Idris, Utomi’s action is way out of ‘bounds of propriety’, and an abberration to Nigeria’s fledging democracy.

Utomi, the magazine recalls, set up a Shadow government on Monday naming some Nigerians, including human rights activist, Dele Farotimi among others as members.

Utomi cited the alleged mismanagement of the nation’s economy, insecurity by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, as a major reason for his action, adding that the country is currently in a life support due to the mismanagement by the government.

The coalition, he said, is a response to the clarion calls from not a few Nigerians who are no longer happy with the direction the country is heading under the Tinubu’s administration.

He said the “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government” will function as a credible opposition offering better ideas on how to move the country on a better direction.

Idris said the action is an abberration which has no precedent in the country as a federal system of government.

The Minister: “At a time when our nation is set to celebrate 26 unbroken years of presidential democracy, the idea of a so-called “shadow government” is an aberration.

“Nigeria is not a parliamentary system where such a system is practised, and there is no provision for such in our statute books.

“While opposition politics is a central feature of democracy, it must be practised at all times within the bounds of propriety.

“This idea of a shadow government sadly does not pass that test. Our bicameral legislature amply features members of the opposition, and it should be the right place to contest meaningful ideas for nation-building.”

While setting up the group two days ago, Utomi challenged its members to live up to the expectations of Nigerians, saying their major functions is to proffer solutions to the nation’s problems.

“Today, I bring to this pioneer body the desperate cries of a people troubled by how their reality seems bound for serfdom. I challenge you to awaken these people who wrongly believe that everything is fine as long as they can manage a share of what little still trickles down from crude oil sales,” Utomi said.

Apart from Farotimi, who was named head of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio, others appointed to the policy delivery unit include Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga.

Other members of the shadow cabinet include Dr. Adefolusade Adebayo, Dr. Peter Agadah, Dr. Sadiq Gombe, Chibuzor Nwachukwu, Salvation Alibor, Bilkisu Magoro, Dr. Victor Tubo, Charles Odibo, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Eunice Atuejide, Gbenga Ajayi, and Dr. Mani Ahmad, as well as Peter Oyewole and Dr. Omano Edigheji.

Recall that the All Progressives Congress, APC, then in opposition, had in 2015 vowed to form a shadow government, if former President Good luck Jonathan refused to handover power.

First Lady Boosts Uzodimma’s Healthcare Policy With 100-bed Mother & Child Centre

The Source

May 7, 2025

The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has said that his administration is committed to reducing maternal and child mortality linked to inadequate facilities and healthcare access.

Senator Uzodimma spoke Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the inauguration of the 100-bed ‘Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu Mother and Child Centre’ in Awo-Omamma, Imo State, a project initiated by Nigeria’s First Lady to boost the healthcare policy of the Governor.

The hospital was built and fully equipped under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and designated specifically for the benefit of women and children in Imo State.

Senator Uzodimma who expressed gratitude to the First Lady of Nigeria, and the Office of the President on SDGs for coordinating and bringing the project to fruition, noted that the Centre will further expand the medical outreach in Imo State as his administration has introduced mobile rural clinics, built three new General Hospitals, renovated several Health Centres across the State,

and re-energised the Specialist Hospital at Umuguma, in Owerri.

The Governor equally disclosed that his administration also revived the Imo State University Teaching Hospital Orlu, making it functional, including working hard to restore the lost accreditation of the medical school.

He, therefore, assured that Her Excellency Oluremi Tinubu Mother and Child Centre will be maintained, properly staffed, and fully deployed for the purpose it was built.

Governor Uzodimma also used the opportunity to call on the Community to take full possession of the facility by ensuring that vandals are kept at bare. He assured them of government’s preparedness to assist them protect the Centre.

The wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, expressed gratitude to the Imo State Government and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs for the realisation of the 100-bed medical facility, emphasising the significance of maternal and child healthcare’s role in building a healthier society.

Hajia Shettima challenged the Awo Omamma Community to utilise and take ownership of the Centre in the greatest interest of the State, while pledging that the office of the First Lady will continue to partner with the State Government to strive for excellence in healthcare delivery.

In her remarks, the wife of the Imo State Governor, Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma commended the First lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for her “vision and commitment to the well-being of Nigerian women which has resulted to the establishment of the Mother and Child Centre in Imo State.”

Mrs. Uzodimma also thanked President Tinubu “for his constant support, and for providing enabling environment for impactful programmes.”

She noted: “Through the Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady has shown extra-ordinary dedication in reducing maternal and child mortality, ensuring that no woman loses her life during child birth, and every child given a fair opportunity to survive and thrive.”

She described the 100-bed healthcare facility as a “beacon of hope for countless mothers and children in Imo State and beyond,” pointing out that “the project will complement the ongoing efforts of the Imo State government under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma to improve healthcare delivery system.”

In her address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulere commended Governor Uzodimma for his unwavering support to the federal government, and partnership which she said, “has brought about the realisation of the Mother and Child Centre named after Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu.”

Orelope-Adefulere who said that the Centre is equipped with all the facilities to deal with mother and child related issues, encouraged Imo people to protect and take advantage of the facility to create a future where every mother and child can thrive.

She further hinted that her Office will continue to partner with the Imo State Government to serve them better.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Primary Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Vivian Chioma Egu expressed joy at the event, describing it as “historic and a promise fulfilled.”

She thanked the Presidency and the Imo State Government for the collaborative efforts towards promoting healthcare delivery system in the State.

The inauguration was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, with a large turn out of women who celebrated the flag-off as their own with pomp and circumstance.

Unity Bank Launches GenFi For Kids, Teens

James Orji

May 6, 2025

In a bold move to redefine promotion of financial literacy, Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, has unveiled GenFi, a new digital banking platform tailored to empower kids and teenagers between the ages of 8 and 18 with essential financial skills.

The launch follows a report by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which found that only 38 percent of Nigerian adults are financially literate. This alarming statistic underlines the urgent need for early financial education.

GenFi, therefore, aims to reverse this trend by offering young users the platform to manage money effectively, aggregate and track allowances or income, set and achieve savings goals, and develop smart spending habits with parental guidance.

Speaking at the official launch event in Lagos, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (Ag) of Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Kolawole, said the launch of the Genfi App represents a significant milestone since Unity Bank’s foray into retail Banking started several years ago, adding that “as the Bank continues to evolve, the institution is constantly innovating with technology to enable us drive more financial inclusiveness in different segments of the market”.

Mr. Kolawole explained that Genfi was inspired by the desire to nurture a financially savvy generation, and empower them to make smarter financial choices.

He said, “GenFi is short for Generation Finance, and with this app, the Bank is pioneering solution designed to empower Children, Teenagers, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, with essential financial literacy skills and a Personal Finance Management Solution.

“GenFi is a market proposition that helps us address a critical knowledge gap among our kids and Teens as it also connects with the strong passion of parents desirous to empower their wards with financial literacy.”

Similarly, the Divisional Head of Retail and SME Banking at Unity Bank, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, described GenFi as a financial product that goes beyond Banking: hence a financial literacy ecosystem designed to inculcate financial literacy skills amongst Nigerian Children through an engaging and gamified platform.

“Financial literacy is not a luxury. It’s a life skill. And like most life skills, the best time to learn is from childhood. That’s why we created GenFi, not just as a banking app, but as an interactive experience that nurtures discipline, planning, and financial independence from an early age,” Abimbola explained.

The Genfi platform leverages behavioural science and gamification to make financial learning fun and practical. Parents can monitor transactions, guide financial behaviours, and initiate real-life conversations around money management, thereby promoting not just financial skills, but also stronger family bonds.

“Imagine a 12-year-old setting a goal to save for a bicycle, not only are they learning to save, but they are also learning patience, discipline, and the value of delayed gratification. That’s the GenFi advantage,” said Abimbola.

Speaking after the launch, one of the students who attended the launch event, Master Ajayi Favour of Victoria Island Junior Secondary School, described Genfi as an “innovative banking solution that will equip children and teenagers with financial intelligence, management, and independence.” He expressed confidence that the app will gain global reach and become popular among the target demographics.

Also, a guest at the launch and school proprietor, Sylvia Ezeora, described the Genfi app as “user-friendly, educational, and motivational for children”. She noted that beyond teaching financial literacy, “the app empowers parents to reinforce positive behaviour through rewards for completed tasks and promotes responsibility”.

Another guest and parent, Genevieve Adindu, commended Unity Bank for the innovative solution, tailored for children aged 8 to 18, and noted that Genfi “provides a modern, engaging approach to instilling saving habits early in life, replacing traditional methods like the kolo with a more effective digital tool, thereby becoming a powerful companion for children’s financial education”.

GenFi is positioned as a national benchmark for youth-focused digital banking, with the potential to drive economic inclusion and sustainability across generations. The launch event was attended by key stakeholders from the education and finance sectors, technology partners, media, and young students who will be among the early adopters.

Will FG Scrap NYSC?

James Orji

May 6, 2025

The federal government had set up a committed to advise it on the need to reform the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports.

Accordingly to the news agency, the Committee has been inaugurated on Tuesday by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The Reform Committee is expected to review existing policy documents and propose comprehensive reforms to ensure the scheme remains effective and responsive to current national needs, the federal government said.

Speaking, the Minister stated that the Scheme has played a vital role in promoting national unity since its inception 52 years ago.

Olawande said the NYSC now requires refocusing in line with the nation’s current needs and realities, adding that this is more so considering the challenges posed to the schemes, such as the safety of corps members, inadequate infrastructure, and financing.

The Minister said the Committee is expected to recommend legal, policy, and institutional reforms, including improved funding and monitoring frameworks to the federal government.

“Today signifies an important step forward in our collective journey to improve one of Nigeria’s most valuable national institutions dedicated to unity, empowerment, and development,” Olawande said.

Adding that, “As the nation advances, we must improve the institutions that support its development.

“While the NYSC has made remarkable progress, it also faces significant challenges, particularly concerning the safety of corps members, infrastructural deficits, and questions about the scheme’s relevance in a changing socio-economic landscape.

“The committee will also review existing policy documents, laws, and reports guiding the NYSC; engage in consultations with stakeholders nationwide; and recommend legal, policy, and institutional reforms, including improved funding and monitoring frameworks.

“A comprehensive report is expected to be submitted to the Minister of Youth,” Olawande stated.

The Scheme was set up under the General Yakubu Gowon-led military regime in 1973, few years after the end of the Nigerian bloody Civil War, as an instrument to foster unity in the country.

Not a few Nigerians have however called for the modernisation of the NYSC to reflect the current situation in the country. Others have called on the federal government to scrap the Scheme, saying it has lost its relevance, particularly following the constant abductions of NYSC members in some part of the country.

Pregnant Woman Found Hanging On Cashew Tree, Police Investigates

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 6, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Police Command has appealed for public cooperation in its efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the body of a pregnant woman found hanging on a cashew tree in Ideani, Idemili North Local Government Area of the State.

The body of the woman was discovered on Monday May 5, 2025, dangling on the tree along Uke/Ideani Road in development. A possible suicide is being suspected.

But the Police are not persuaded by the suicide theory.

The State Commissioner for Police, Ikioye Orutugo, fears that it might not be unconnected with a classical case of murder, disguised as suicide.

A statement on Tuesday May 6, 2025, by the Police Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, SP, informed that a full scale investigation has been launched to ascertain exactly what happened to the woman.

Specifically, the Police urged residents of Ideani to lead in providing credible intelligence that could assist in unmasking the killers of the woman, as well as bringing them to justice.

“CP Orutugu called on stakeholders ,and community leaders of Iveani ,Idemili North to assist with information to unravel the perpetrators of the suspected murder of a pregnant lady found hanging on a cashew tree along Uke/Ideani Road.

“The CP described the incident as unfortunate and a stark example of man’s inhumanity to man and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.”

Jigawa Commissioner Accused Of Adultery Returns N301 Million Unspent Ramadan Feeding Funds

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 6, 2025

Auwalu Danladi Sankara and Malam Umar Namadi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In an unusual development within Nigeria’s governance space, Jigawa State Commissioner for Special Duties, Auwalu Danladi Sankara, has returned the sum of over N300 million unspent Government funds to the State coffers.

The State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, announced the rare act during this week’s Executive Council meeting in Dutse the State Capital.

The returned money was part of the N4.8 billion budget by the State for the last Ramadan free feeding programme in the State.

The free feeding initiative was carried out at about 700 centres across the 27 Local Councils of Jigawa State.

“The feeding Committee supervised by Sankara as the Commissioner for Special Duties returned N301 million back to the Government after providing free meals to about 5,550 persons for the 29 days the Ramadan lasted”, the Governor reportedly said.

The Executive Council lauded the Commissioner for such an exemplary action, noting that it represents an eloquent testimony of accountability and fiscal discipline in governance.

An estimated 300 persons were reportedly served at each of the 700 feeding centres with both quality and enough breakfast meals throughout the fasting period.

The programme was specifically targeted at the poor and vulnerable people.

The Source reports that the Commissioner, in 2024, was on the spot, following his arrest by the Kano State Sharia Police, Hisbah, over alleged adulterous relationship with a married woman.

He was apprehended alongside the woman at his uncompleted property in the Nasarawa area of Kano Metropolis.

At the tick of the scandal, Sankara was suspended as a member of the State Executive Council by Governor Namadi.

However, following his discharge and acquittal by a Kano Shariah Court, he was recalled .

Tinubu Promises To Work With Govs After Meeting With Obovrewori

James Orji

May 6, 2025

Sheriff Oborevwori and President Baola Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to collaborate with the 36 state governors with a view to bringing development to the country.

The president made the remark in Abuja on Tuesday after meeting with the recently decamped Governor Sheriff Obovrewori of Delta state.

The president shared the pictures of his meeting with Governor Obovrewori in Aso Rick, Presidential Villa, on his verified X handle.

The Delta state helmsman, the magazine recalled, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, saying his state needed to be at the mainstream of Nigeria’s politics .

According to Tinubu his administration is committed to supporting sub-nationals in the country to foster long term growth and development in Nigeria, calling on the state governments to work with him for building a better future for Nigerians.

Tinubu: “Today, I met with the governors of Delta State and Ekiti State at the State House. We engaged in meaningful discussions about the opportunities for sustainable growth in their states and discussed the critical challenges they face.

“Our administration remains committed to supporting and collaborating with state governments and sub-nationals to foster long-term development and growth throughout Nigeria. I have long decided to take a bet on our dear country, Nigeria, and together, we must work tirelessly towards building a brighter future for all Nigerians. That is my Renewed Hope promise.”

The magazine reported that the governor, his Deputy and key PDP leaders in the state had left the party, in what has been described to be unprecedented since the return to democratic governance in 1999, as the PDP had been in control of the oil rich state for more than 25 years.

Edo: Assembly Speaker, LGA Chairmen, Defect To APC

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 6, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, completed his long expected defection to the All Progressive Congress, APC.

He was originally elected on the platform of the now troubled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

A few weeks back, some of his former PDP Lawmakers left the party to join forces with the APC.

Their defection, as it were, catapulted the APC from its hitherto minority status to the dominant party in the State Legislative body.

The change in the status of the parties also brought about

the reshuffling of the principal officers positions in the House with the APC taking over those meant for the majority party.

However, Speaker Agbebaku was spared pending when he will complete his own defection process.

Speaking on Tuesday Agbebaku informed that his decision to abandon his former party PDP was to align himself with Governor Monday Okpebholo to fast-track the developmental processes of Edo State.

The Speaker who defected alongside 17 of the 18 Local Council Chairmen, emphasized the need for a synergy and understanding between the Executive and Legislative arms of Government in the efforts to move Edo State forward.

Similarly, about six other Lawmakers and PDP officials, including Gabriel Oloruntoba, the Publicity Secretary, also defected with the Speaker.

While receiving the defectors, the APC National Chairman,

Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, assured them of equal opportunities and treatment as the old members

The National Chairman, who was represented by the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashir, expressed the optimism that their coming on board will significantly impact on the party’s bid to consolidate its position in Edo state.

On his part, Governor Okpebholo, lauded the decision of the defectors as being in the best interest of the State and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Source reports that with the defection of the Speaker, along with the 17 out of the State’s 18 Local Council Chairmen, the APC have completed the capture of Edo State from its main rival, the PDP.

Senate Leader, Bamidele Leads Committee On Rivers Emergency Rule

Ayodele Oni

May 6, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

As part of oversight functions on the emergency rule in Rivers State, the Senate has constituted an 18-member committee tasked with overseeing the activities of the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.).

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, made this known on Tuesday, during the resumption of plenary.

According to Akpabio, the Committee was created in a bid to strengthen transparency and accountability in the state’s governance.

Akpabio named Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele as chairman of the committee

He also highlighted the importance of the committee’s mandate, stating that its role is critical in ensuring effective legislative oversight in Rivers State.

Akpabio also hinted that the composition of the committee might be subject to review following further consultations.

The Senate President charged the committee to commence its oversight duties without delay, stressing the urgency of their assignment and reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to upholding democratic processes in Rivers State.

Members of the committee include Senators Adamu Aliero, Osita Izunaso, Osita Ngwu, Kaka Shehu, Aminu Abass, Tokunbo Abiru, Adeniyi Adebire, Sani Musa, Simon Lalong, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Adams Oshiomhole, Ireti Kingibe (Labour Party), Onyekachi, Idiat Adebule, Ide Dafinone, and Mohammed (APC, Jigawa), alongside the Clerk of the Senate.

The committee is a follow up to the earlier one constituted by the House of Representatives, which has met with the sole administrator after requesting for postponement twice.

Kano Police Command Arrests 20-year Old Ring Leader Of Robbery Operation

Ayodele Oni

May 6, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

A 20-year old suspect, who led a robbery operation in Kano state has been arrested by the state police command.

The Command stated that the 20 years old suspect, Aliyu Umar, during the operation, stabbed to death a 30-year-old man, Shehu Muhammad.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, May 5, 2025, following an attack by suspected armed robbers at the victim’s residence in Danbare Quarters, Kano State.

According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer in Kano, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the attackers stormed the victim’s home at around 6:40 a.m. and assaulted him with a long, sharp cutlass, inflicting multiple injuries.

“Upon receiving the report, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, immediately dispatched operational teams with detectives to the scene.”

Shehu Muhammad was taken to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.

The police recovered the weapon used in the attack from the arrested suspect, who is currently under investigation.

“The Command commends community members for promptly reporting the incident, assisting in the arrest of the suspect, and supporting the police in its efforts to maintain peace and security in the state.

“The Kano State Police Command assures the public of its commitment to maintaining law and order and bringing perpetrators to justice.”

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