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UNDP Fellowship Moves To Engage 1000 Imo Skill-Up Graduates

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma- Governor of Imo State

  • …As University of California taps govt for pact with Imo Digital ecosystem●

The stage for Imo economic growth keeps getting clearer by the day with the State’s Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Government attracting the attention of a Fellowship of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that is poised to engage 1000 graduates of the Skill-Up Imo Project over a period of one year.

They have already made an offer of a monthly allowance of N100000 to be paid to the lucky graduates to be employed over a period of 12 months.

The cheery news was broken at the State Executive Council Meeting on Monday, presided over by Governor Hope Uzodimma, who also hinted that his government had recently been tapped by delegates from the University of California and the Silicon Valley for partnership with the government following his establishment and investment in a massive Digital ecosystem in Owerri where different youthful minds are trained on contemporary digital skills.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the Exco meeting, Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Public Orientation, Hon Declan Mbadiwe said that the UNDP Fellowship will also rub off on the Imo State ministries as those who would be recruited will help in training civil servants and make them digitally compliant and more resourceful.

Flanked by the Commissioners for Agriculture (Chief Cosmos Madugba), Finance (Mr. Chuck  Chuckmeka), Environment (Chief Majority Emenike), Power and Electrification (Chief Nwabueze Oguchienti), Mines, Solid Minerals and Industries (Hon. Ernest Ibejiakor), Chief Political Adviser/Head of Political Bureau ( Chief Enyinnaya Onuegbu) and the Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser, Media ( Oguwike Nwachuku), Emelumba noted that Exco could not help but pass a vote of implicit confidence on the Governor “for his visionary leadership, sacrifice and monumental development.”

Emelumba explained that the United Nations Fellowship shows how far the skill acquisition programme has gone to attract global attention, particularly the interest they have in deploying the beneficiaries to Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Government to beef up the digital knowledge of the personnel.

The Commissioner informed that the Federal and State Governments will soon be signing an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of California in the United States and Silicon Valley, also of the United States, to turn to Imo Digital City into the digital hub of West Africa, “showing that the digital revolution in Imo State is getting International recognition from all over the world.”

Other major highlights of the meeting include the approval of the State’s participation in a joint effort with other oil-producing States to review and recover revenue due to them from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited since 1999.

The Commissioner hinted that the money that is supposed to get to the State, especially the 13% derivation that is supposed to be shared by Federal and State Governments has been kept by the Federal Government alone, hence the Oil Producing States are engaging Consultants to recover the money to make sure it is shared among the beneficiary States.

According to him, the Council also approved the establishment of an Industrial Development Fund to promote industrial growth in the State, as well as a forensic inventory of mining sites and solid minerals in the State.

In addition, the Commissioner gave the green light for the development of a Special Energy Free Zone in partnership with development partners, and approved the establishment of a joint venture company to manage Acharugbo Farms and Nsu Tiles production in partnership with Jampur Group and Agro Mechanics and Allied Services Limited.

Emelumba said that “these initiatives demonstrate the State government’s commitment to driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and improving the overall well-being of Imo State citizens.”

He said the meeting was marked by a spontaneous eruption of joy and a unanimous vote of implicit confidence in the Governor’s leadership, acknowledging his visionary leadership and sacrifices towards the development of Imo State.

Furthermore, he said Exco approved the setting up of necessary mechanisms to launch an Imo State Industrial Development Fund for the development of Industries in the State as well as approved the Forensic Enumeration of Industries and Inventory of Oil sites and solid minerals in all corners of the State.

He said Exco approved the establishment of Orashi Special Energy Free Zone with development partners already working for the State government, and that with the approval Imo State Government has formerly entered into agreement with the Development Partners on the Orashi Special Energy Free Zone.

The Commissioner informed that Exco approved that the State Government set up a Joint Venture Company to partner with Jampur Group and Agro Allied Services Limited for the Management of Achara Ugbo Farms at Emekeuku in Owerri North and Nsu Tiles at Ehime Mbano.

Emelumba clarified that the assets of the Achara Ugbo and Nsu Tiles will be handed over to the Joint Venture Company that will be set up by the State Government and Jampur Group for the purpose of managing and using the assets to develop the two establishments. Apart from Achara Ugbo Farm and Nsu Ceramic Tiles, Jampur Group will also revive the Imo Standard Shoe Company, among others.

In addition, he said Exco approved the partnership of Imo State Government and the Adoni Mega System for Orashi Electricity Company for the generation and distribution of electricity in the State, noting that Adoni and Orashi Electricity Company are to be in partnership to generate enough electricity for the State.

Similarly, he said the Exco approved the award of contract to develop and upgrade electricity transition and distribution network in the State to Matcol Projects Company Limited at the cost of $21million to ensure that before the second or third quarter of 2025 all the 27 LGAs in Imo would have been connected to a 24/7 power supply in the spirit of “light up Imo” project.

On environment, he said that Exco approved a partnership with Eastern Waste Development Company for the purposes of managing waste disposal in the State. “They are to partner with Imo State Government to manage waste,” he said adding that “Exco also empowers them to collect fees and levies from residents and Corporate bodies for their services.

Governor Sanwo-Olu Approves N500mn Subsidy Fund To Contain Food Crisis

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Babajide  Sanwo-olu of Lagos State has approved the sum of N500 million set to be launched into the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme.

The Programme is to empower farmers with a 25 per cent subsidy on animal feeds, to boost local agricultural production in the state.

The Ministry of Agriculture had stated  that the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme was birthed to cater for challenges of local farmers in the state.

It would be recalled that the Governor Sanwo-Olu Government had initiated the Ounje Eko Discount Market, introduced to cushion the effect of food inflation for Lagos residents.

Abisola Olusanya, tthe state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, made this disclosure, saying this will further reduce food prices in the State and also bring Succour to Lagosians.

Olusanya said through the subsidy programme, the state would provide direct financial relief to farmers through a 25 per cent subsidy on poultry and fish feeds.

“We unveil yet another transformative intervention under the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems— the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme.

“Recognising the challenges faced by our farmers, we are pleased to introduce the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme —a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at supporting agricultural production through a 25 per cent subsidy on animal feeds (poultry and fish).

“The livestock and aquaculture farming, has been under significant pressure due to the rising cost of production inputs.

“Poultry and fish feed alone account for over 70 per cent of production costs, leading to reduced farm operations and, in some cases, closures.

“This has not only affected farmers but has also contributed to food inflation and reduced access to essential protein sources such as eggs, chicken, and fish,” Olusanya said.

This, she said, would enable the farmers to sustain and improve production levels and ensure a steady supply of poultry and fish products in the market.

Olusanya added that the initiative would prevent further farm closures and mitigate food insecurity.

She described the initiative as a transformative action of the government to ease production cost of farmers through a 25 per cent subsidisation of feed inputs.

The Commissioner said the subsidy programme scheduled to start on February 5 would disburse feeds at the discounted price of 25 per cent every Wednesday as a pilot run for the programme.

“The programme will run every Wednesday from Feb. 5 to Feb. 26, 2025. Farmers will pay only 75 per cent of the cost, while the government subsidises the remaining 25 per cent.

“Pre-ordering and payment processes will be managed through farmer associations to ensure transparency.

“Vendors will deliver pre-ordered products to market locations for verification and distribution.

“This intervention departs from past strategies where free input distribution led to diversion and inefficiencies. Instead, this subsidy model ensures accountability, proper targeting, and sustainable impact,” the commissioner said.

She noted that farmers would only benefit from the programme as registered members of farm clusters and associations.

Speaking further, she said the ministry would partner with reputable feed millers for sourcing of the feeds and farmers’ associations for distribution to ensure the success of the programme.

“To ensure the success of this programme, we have put in place a robust implementation strategy.

“The Designated Discount Market Locations for the distribution of the feeds are the; Erikorodo Poultry Estate, Ikorodu, Agricultural Training Institute, Araga, Epe, Aiyedoto Poultry Estate, Ojo, Coconut House, Mowo, Badagry, Farm Service Center, Oko-Oba, Ikeja and the Fish Farm Estate, Odongunyan, Ikorodu.

“Farmers will pay only 75 per cent of the cost, while the government subsidises the remaining 25 per cent.

“Pre-ordering and payment processes will be managed through farmer associations to ensure transparency. Vendors will deliver pre-ordered products to market locations for verification and distribution,” she said.

Ondo: Suspected Fulani Herdsmen Invade Farm, Shoot Dead Five Persons

By
Ayodele Oni
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Fulani Cattle Breeders - Herdsmen

By Ayodele Oni

Some suspected Fulani herdsmen have invaded a farm in Ondo state and shot dead five persons.

The incident happened at Ajegunle-Powerline community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The victims, who are farm workers in the community were from Plateau and Kaduna States.

Akin Olowolafe, one of the farmers, said; “the incident happened around 3pm on Tuesday when these Fulani herdsmen killed five of our labourers.

This is how they (herdsmen) usually come to disturb and destroy our crops and we have reported them to the state government and even to the security agencies, but no positive actions were taken to stop the Fulani herdsmen activities on our farmlands.

“These Fulani herdsmen just entered the farmlands on Tuesday as we are working and they started shooting sporadically into the air and killed five persons during the attacks.”

According to Olowolafe, the attacks and armed robbery, which now occur on a daily basis around the area have made life unbearable for them because of the unchecked, intensified attacks, and lack of intervention from appropriate authorities in the state.

He said that many farmers in the community have fled their farms for fear of being killed, saying the incessant clashes and destruction of farm crops are so worrisome and it has led to boycotting of farms by farmers in the area.

Olowolafe stated that the community, which rely on crops they produce to survive are being threatened by incessant destruction of such crops by cattle that usually invade their farmlands.

According to him, the confrontational attitude of the herdsmen also constituted a threat to their lives as most often, they usually kill or rape any female they meet at the farms.

Olowolafe, however, called on the State Government and the security agencies to intervene and save them from constant attacks by Fulani herdsmen.

A labourer, identified as Fidelis Daniel, who also spoke said; “they came around 3pm on Tuesday to destroy our farms and we have warned them not to come to our farmlands again, and when they came they just started shooting and killed five of our people.

“I was inside the farm too when the incident happened, I just heard the sound of guns, and I immediately ran to the house. It was even God that saved me too they would have killed me.

“They suddenly came with weapons to destroy our crops and killed five people. Three people from Plateau State and two from Kaduna State.”

Daniel, also called on the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, the Commander of the State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), Adetunji Adeleye and others relevant security agencies to take proactive security measures that will put an end to this continuous daily embarrassment and attacks.

He disclosed that the situation is now worrisome as it is negatively affecting the morale of the farmers.

Remains of the deceased have been deposited at the state specialists hospital morgue.

Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, who confirmed the incident, however, said “there was an attack on the community, and police is still investigating. But I cannot confirm the number of people that were killed.”

CBN Yet To Fully Clear $7bn Forex Backlog- Cardoso

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Yemi Cardoso - CBN Governor

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has explained why the forex backlog, totaling $7 billion has yet to be fully cleared. The apex bank said a chunk of the backlog has not been paid because they have not been fully verified, there’s ongoing forensic audit of the process to offset the backlog, CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso said.

The CBN Governor disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital during the launch of Nigeria’s Regulatory Policy Framework, organised by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council.

In march last year, the Cardoso-led apex bank said the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial crimes Commission, EFCC, had been brought in to investigate  operators claiming they were owed forex.

A total of over $7 billion were owed to operators in the banking, Aviation, Shipping and other sectors by the Buhari administration part of of which have already been cleared.

Checks by the magazine indicate that over $5 billion had already been cleared last year by the CBN after thorough audit process, of who and who was truly owed.

Speaking yesterday, Cardoso said the audit process is still on, and in the “final stages of separating what qualifies as fully verified,” before owners are allowed to repatriate such monies.

He said a lot of manipulations were involved in the forex issues that should not have been allowed to happened, but that the manner that the CBN handled the process has restored confidence to investors that they have no worries in repatriating their funds from the country. 2.5M

Cardoso said, “This initiative has restored confidence among market participants and reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to honouring financial obligations in a timely and efficient manner. Talking about the $7bn backlog, we have cleared the verified claims.

“We also looked at the unverified ones, and I believe that we are at the final stages of separating what qualifies as fully verified, and we will surely be paying out those money that have been verified by the forensic auditors. It is unfortunate, to be honest, that it has taken so long.

“But the truth of the matter is that there were a lot of practices that went on that really should never have happened in the first place. That said, we are going to ensure that we do what we need to do to strengthen our market and create a better trust in what you investors naturally desire and deserve.”

Access Bank: ATC ‘Crucial’ To Redefining Africa’s Trade Potentials – Ogbonna

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Access Bank MD Roosevelt Ogbonna

Roosevelt Ogbonna, the managing director of Access Bank has described the up-coming Africa Trade Conference, ATC, as an opportunity for the continent to showcase its potentials to the world.

The 2025 ATC is hosted by the commercial bank, and is set take place in Cape Town, South Africa, on March 12.

The event, the organisers said will bring together key actors in the continent’s financial sectors, including big time SME’s operators, bankers, financial services providers to proffer solutions to trade related issues.

Participants are also expected to discuss challenges facing trade and finance, and better ways to integrate the continent into global trade mainstream.

According to Ogbonna, the conference presents an opportunity to showcase ‘Africa’s trade potential’ through dialogue, innovation, and actionable solutions.

“The Africa Trade Conference represents a crucial step in redefining Africa’s trade potential. By creating platforms for dialogue, innovation, and actionable solutions, Access Bank is enabling African businesses to connect and thrive in the global economy,” he said.

The conference, is themed “Empowering Africa Through Trade, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth.”

Access Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, is a leading full-service commercial bank operating through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets, spanning 3 continents, 24 markets and 60 million customers.

The bank employs about 28,000 people in its operations in Nigeria and has subsidiaries in sub-Saharan Africa and the United Kingdom, a branch in Dubai, UAE and representative offices in China, Lebanon and India.

Group Alleges Plot By Atiku, Tambuwal, El-Rufai, Others To Overthrow President Tinubu

By
The Source
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Atiku Abubkar and AminuTambuwal and Nasir El-Rufai

By Akinwale Kasali

A Group under the aegis of Joint Action on Democracy, JAD, has alleged plot by prominent politicians, that includes  Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Waziri, Tambuwal, Nasir El-Rufai, and Abubakar Malami, to frustrate the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and cause its collapse, thereafter.

It was alleged by JAD that these individuals have had a secret meeting, and have planned to threaten Nigeria’s democracy and also frustrate the present government of President Tinubu.

The Group went ahead to say that these aforementioned men should be held accountable for any harm caused to the country.

In a statement signed by its President, Ambassador Moses Oriri, JAD expressed concerns over the politicians’ history of undermining democracy and alleged involvement in violent activities.

Oriri accused them of attempting to illegally replace the government through anti-democratic means, including collaborating with foreign interests and inciting violent protests.

The group specifically criticised former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, for his role in the rise of banditry during his tenure as Sokoto State Governor, as well as El-Rufai’s alleged payment of millions of Naira to rampaging herders, which led to the emergence of kidnap for ransom and banditry.

“We have since learnt that these failed politicians’ anger was because President Bola Tinubu bravely initiated reforms that are already showing results,” the statement added.

President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

“As a consequence, these charlatans do not stand any chance in the next general elections even if they band together, hence their resort to anti-democratic means to force a regime change.

“JAD urges Nigerians to note that these people have in the past overseen jurisdictions that descended into violence, some of which continue to manifest as the insecurity that the country is tackling today. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s outing as Sokoto State Governor is pivotal to the birth of banditry of which he is yet to come clear about his role in this perverted phenomenon.

“Nasiru el-Rufai’s tenure as Kaduna State governor birthed kidnap for ransom after he bizarrely made huge payments to rampaging herders of his ethnic stock, a phenomenon that opened the eyes of criminals to how they can abduct Nigerians to make money, and which later fused into banditry.

“Rotimi Amaechi’s tenure as the Governor of Rivers State cannot be divorced from the arming of militants who later crippled the nation’s oil infrastructure which is now only being rebuilt. This failed state scenario is what they plan to replicate on a national scale to justify their bid to overthrow the government.

“We have also seen in the past how the likes of Atiku and Obi incited public sentiments against the government, something they will continue to do irrespective of who occupies the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Such incitement includes clandestinely sponsoring insurrection in the name of popular citizens’ protests to overthrow the government and precipitate an interim or transitional government that is alien to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

“We are further concerned that given utterances from the recent meeting at which these people alluded to a ‘weak government’, their series of recent clandestine meetings with foreign interests, the incitement of citizens to engage in violent protests, desperate attempts to cobble together an alliance that is doomed to fail, and baseless attacks on the government, this collection of politicians are up to mischief that could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.”

The Group urged the authorities to watchlist the participants, particularly Nasir el-Rufai, and to take firm action against any attempts to destabilise the country.

The organisation emphasised that the situation requires the application of the law rather than just issuing statements.

First Bank Vs Obaigbena: Conflicting Claims Deepen $225m Loan Saga

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Olusegun Alebiosu - First Bank MD

There’s no end in sight to the $225 million loan saga between First Bank Nigeria, FBN and General Hydrocarbons Limited, an oil prospecting firm owned by media mogul, Nduka Obaigbena.

On Wednesday, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu, of the Federal High Court in Lagos vacated an ex parte mareva injunction freezing the assets of GHL, on the basis that the commercial bank failed to fully disclose an order by Justice Lewis-Allagoa to the court.

Recall that Justice Dipeolu had on December 30, 2024 in the Suit No. FHC/L/CS/2378/2024, granted an ex-parte order baring all commercial banks in the country from dealing with DHL or monies and assets belonging to the company.

The judge also bared the banks from dealing with proxies of the Obaigbena, including his family members, subsidiaries connected with the case until the issue relating to the loan is resolved by the court.

Apart from  Nduka Obaigbena, others affected by the order include Efe Damilola Obaigbena, and Olabisi Eka Obaigbena—directors of General Hydrocarbons Limited.

But, Justice Dipeolu yesterday said his court was not fully briefed on an earlier judgment made by Justice Lewis-Allagoa, thereby setting aside his last month’s mareva injunctive order over the matter.

Reacting in a statement, FBN claimed yesterday that not all the orders were vacated by the judge, citing orders 6,7,8,9,10 and 11 which the bank claimed have have not been discharged or set aside, as they  remain valid and subsisting.

Prince Nduka Obaigbena
Obaigbena

On the claim by GHL that FBN concealed an order by Justice Allagoa, the commercial bank said the claim is far from the truth, that all the facts were made available to Justice Dipeolu excpt that the Preservative Order were not attached t the affidavit.

The bank said further that until February 19 when GHL is expected to respond to the substantive suit, the court order that no commercial bank should deal with the company remains.

First Bank said, “It is important to stress that the injunctive orders made by Dipeolu J. on 30th December 2024 were eight in number out of which only two (2) were Mareva Orders,” First Bank stated.

“The other injunctive orders namely, Orders 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 were not discharged or set aside, and remain valid and subsisting.”

The bank insist that six orders issued by Justice Dipeolu subsist, as they are yet to be vacated.

They include: ‘’AN ORDER OF INTERIM INJUNCTIONrestraining the 1st – 4th Defendants, agents, servants, officers, privies, subsidiaries, sister companies or any other person natural or artificial howsoever called under the control of the 1st – 4th Defendants from transferring or otherwise dealing with any and all of the monies standing to the credit of the 1st – 4th Defendants in any account whatsoever maintained by the 1st – 4th Defendants with any of the aforementioned Banks wherever situate up to the amount of the Plaintiff/Applicant’s claim of the total sum of US$225,802,379.69 (Two Hundred and Twenty-Five Million Eight Hundred and Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy-Nine Dollars and Sixty-Nine Cents) being the indebtedness on the 1st Defendant’s account with the 1stPlaintiff/Applicant as of 30th September 2024in respect of the loan facilities granted to the 1st Defendant by the 1st Plaintiff/Applicant, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.

‘’AN ORDER mandating all the Commercial Banks in Nigeria to wit: GUARANTY TRUST BANK LIMITED, ACCESS BANK PLC, CITIBANK NIGERIA LIMITED, CARBON BANK, ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC, FIDELITY BANK PLC, FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA LIMITED, FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC, FLUTTER WAVE, GLOBUS BANK, HERITAGE BANK LIMITED, JAIZ BANK, KEYSTONE BANK LIMITED, OPAY DIGITAL SERVICES LIMITED, PALMPAY LIMITED, PAYSTACK PAYMENTS LIMITED, PIGGYVEST, MOMO PAYMENT SERVICES LIMITED, POLARIS BANK LIMITED, PROVIDUS BANK, STANBIC IBTC BANK NIGERIA LIMITED, STANDARD CHARTERED BANK, STERLING BANK PLC, SUNTRUST BANK LIMITED, UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC, UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC, UNITY BANK PLC, WEMA BANK PLC, ZENITH BANK PLC AND ALL OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS OPERATING IN NIGERIA to file and serve on the Plaintiffs/Applicant Solicitors within seven(7) days of serving this Court Order on them, an Affidavit disclosing the sum standing to the 1st– 4th Defendants’ credit with a duly certified Statement of Accounts of the 1st – 4thDefendants/Respondents in their respective custody from the date of its opening till the date this Order is served on the Bank(s).

‘’AN ORDER mandating the 8th – 13thDefendants to file and serve on the Plaintiffs/Applicants a statement disclosing the quantum of products lifted from the 8thDefendant or OML 120 since the commencement of production in OML 120.

‘’AN ORDER of interim injunction restraining the 8th to 16th Defendants and any other third parties from dealing with any assets and receivables related or connected with OML 120 without depositing the proceeds thereof to the 1st Defendant’s account in the 1st Plaintiff Bank, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.

‘’AN ORDER of interim injunction restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Defendants whether by themselves, members, shareholders, agents, servants, proxies, allies, from transferring and/or dissipating, diminishing or dealing with any interest in the 1st Defendant’s assets including but not limited to crude stock, insurance policies, all forms of stock of shares, all forms of receivables and contracts which have been pledged as securities for the loan facilities granted by the 1st Plaintiff to the 1stDefendant, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.

‘’ AN ORDER of interim injunction restraining the 2nd – 4th Defendants being directors of the 1St Defendant, whether by themselves, agents, servants, proxies, allies, from transferring and/or dissipating any interest in their assets wherever located in Nigeria, movable or immovable, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.”

Finally, APC Expels Aregbesola

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Rauf Aregbesola

By Adesina Soyooye

A two-term Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has been expelled by his Political Party, the All Progressives Party, APC.

Aregbesola was also the Minister for Interior under the President Muhammadu Buhari Government and Commissioner for Works, Lagos State, under the Governorship of now President Bola Tinubu.

A very close political ally, friend and confidant of President Tinubu, the two fell apart and unbelievably became Political enemies over the Governorship seat of the State. According to Aregbesola, Tinubu forced the now Minister for Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola on the State as Aregbesola’s successor after he had, also, imposed Oyetola on him as Chief of Staff.

When Oyetola sought a second term, his relationship with Aregbesola had become untidy and Aregbesola’s with Tinubu had become shaky. It took a turn for the worse when Aregbesola literally heaped curses on Tinubu over Oyetola who, reportedly, is Tinubu’s blood  relation.

Aregbesola’s relationship with the APC became sour, and was not helped by the failure of Oyetola to secure a second term.  He was roundly defeated by Senator Ademola Adeleke of the PDP.

He founded a faction within the APC called  “The Osun Progressives” (TOP), but now known as the Omoluabi Caucus.

Aregbesola’s group was held responsible for the party’s loss in the 2022 governorship election.

On Sunday, the group Cain a meeting presided over by Aregbesola, announced its decision to exit from the APC. In exiting it gave as reasosciting the declining popularity of the APC in the state. The Osun APC described their departure as good riddance to bad  rubbish. But on Wednesday, the Party finally, officially, expelled Aregbesola from the Party for what was termed anti-party activities.

The expulsion letter titled Allegations of Anti-Party Activities – Conveyance of State Exco Decision to You,” accused Aregbesola’s of working against the party’s interests.

It reads in part:

“At the end of the investigation, the State Executive Committee (SEC) considered the report of the Disciplinary Committee.

“Having carefully considered the findings and recommendations of the Committee, SEC has resolved to accept the recommendation of your immediate expulsion from the All Progressives Congress, APC.

“The decision was predicated on the clear evidence of your actions, which undermined the unity and integrity of the Party in violation of the provisions of Article 21 of the APC Constitution guiding the conduct and discipline of members.

“As a result, with the approval of your expulsion, you cease to be a member of APC. Consequently, you are not to hold yourself out as a member or act in any capacity on behalf of the Party in any manner whatsoever.”

At the time of filing this report, Aregbesola has not decided on which Party to join.

Max Air’s Operations Suspended  Following Crash

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Max Air Crash

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has  suspended the operations of Max Air.

The suspension follows a crash which involved one of its aircraft Tuesday night at the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

The aircraft which arrived the Airport at about 10.45pm crash-landed after it had a burst tyre when its nose collapsed.

The suspension which begins midnight 31st January, 2025, is for an initial period of three months. The suspension will enable the airline internally appraise its operations.

NCAA disclosed that an investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB has started. It has, also, began risk profiles for each scheduled operator, not just Max Air.

The Airline’s operation was suspended after the management

reassured the public that it is on top of the scary incident.

This NCAA also ordered a temporary closure of the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport’s  runway for inspection purposes.

The exercise is expected to disrupt flight schedules and other operations ,while it lasts.

The aircraft had  about 53 passengers on board and six crew members.

Fortunately, all the  passengers and crew members were unhurt.

Reacting to the development on Wednesday, the airline, in a statement posted on its official site, expressed satisfaction with the professional manner its crew members handled the dicey situation .

Particularly ,the Management expressed happiness that none of the passengers on board the Lagos-Kano flight was hurt.

“We wish to inform the public that one of our  aircrafts experienced an incident upon landing in Kano yesterday ( Tuesday) .

“There were no injuries and the aircraft has been removed from the runway as at 04:28

“Our Max Air engineering team continues to demonstrate excellence in handling such  situations .We will keep you informed on the status of flight schedules”, the airline stated.

Max Air has, in recent months, had scary incidents in Yola, Maiduguri, and now Kano.

Germany Pledges More Support FOR PSC, Wants Institutionalisation  Of Police Reform

By
The Source
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Germany Pledges More Support FOR PSC

The Police Service Commission has received the assurance of the German Government for more and continuous support for the ongoing Police Reform in the country.

Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, yesterday Tuesday, January 28th 2025, visited the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Annett Gunther in Abuja where he expressed the Commission’s gratitude to the continued support of the German Government to the Commission. The Chairman was accompanied on the visit by Hon. Justice Adamu Paul Galumje,  retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Hon Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Commission.

The German Ambassador said the Embassy’s engagements with the Commission dates back to 2022 in various fields adding that the Government of Germany has supported in areas  such as development of a Strategic plan,  Police Regulation and also during Police Recruitments. She said there was need for regular engagements, promising that the German Government was ready to support the Commission in other areas where necessary.

DIG Argungu said from the records he met in the Commission, it was obvious that the German Government has done a lot for the Nigeria Police  and expressed profound gratitude to the Government.

The PSC Chairman told his host that since assumption of duty he has introduced radical policies to strengthen probity and accountability in the conduct of Government business. He spoke of his introduction of the whistle blowing Policy in the Commission and strenghtening Public Procurement.

DIG Argungu requested the assistance of the German government in exposing Commission staff to foreign training . He noted that it will be also necessary for the Commission staff to visit the German Police Academy.

He assured the Ambassador that the Commission will always appreciate its support and appealed that they should not be tired of supporting the Commission.

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