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Obi Delivers Convocation Speech At Atiku’s American University, Yola

November 29, 2024

The leader of the Labour Party and the 2023 Presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi, will be delivering this year’s Convocation lecture at the American University of Nigeria, AUN, Yola, Adamawa state, on, Saturday, November 30, 2024.

The keynote speech at the 16th Founder’s Day/20th Convocation of the University, falls in line with Obi’s public speeches in notable educational institutions globally, including Harvard University, Yale University, Wharton University, Pennsylvania, USA, and Peace University all this year.

A statement from the University’s annual Founder’s Day honors the Founder of the University, who is also the former Nigeria Vice President, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Wazirin Adamawa, for his numerous contributions to society and especially his advancement of education and human development.

The 16th Founders Day lecture will be the highlight of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the founding of the American-style Development University where students are educated to direct their learning and research outcomes towards addressing the socioeconomic challenges of the African Continent.

In the 20 years since its establishment, the numerous community service and outreach projects executed by students, alums, faculty, and staff have earned the Development University a spot among the top three Nigerian universities in Times Higher Education (THE’s) 2024 global impact ranking.

Since its establishment in 2003, AUN has significantly expanded its academic programs and affiliations with foreign institutions. AUN presently hosts the American Window in the northeast region where students and members of the public can access relevant information about scholarship and research opportunities in the United States.

President of AUN, Professor DeWayne Preston Frazier, heartily welcomed Mr. Peter Obi as Keynote Speaker and conveyed to him the appreciation of the AUN Community for his acceptance of the invitation.

“I am highly pleased and honored to announce that the former Executive Governor of Anambra state, His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, CON, will be our Keynote Speaker. Mr. Obi is an accomplished public servant and politician who has spent most of his life providing quality leadership and service to Nigerians. He is a champion of education and will be an excellent speaker to celebrate our 20 years”, Dr. Frazier said in a message to the Community.

Mr. Peter Obi joins an elite cast of global personalities who have delivered the AUN Founders Day lecture, which includes Dr. Paul Vita (2019), Professor Ibrahim Gambari (2009), Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah (2011), former Ugandan Vice President Dr. Gilbert Bukenya (2013), Professor Charles Soludo (2012), Tulane University Professor Dr. William Bertrand (2014), and President Emeritus of Iowa Wesleyan, University, Professor Steven Titus (2023).

Dangote Behind Media Attacks On NNPCL, Rehabilitated P’Harcourt Refinery — Fani Kayode

James Orji

November 29, 2024

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has allegedly accused Dangote Refinery of sponsoring media attacks against the rehabilitated Port Harcourt Refinery.

In a veiled reference to the billionaire, Fani-Kayode claimed on his X post on Thursday, that the private sector elements new to the oil business are trying to undermine the achievement of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) in resurrecting the Port Harcourt refinery.

According to Fani-Kayode, the rehabilitation of the refinery is a significant victory for Nigeria, and credit should go to the President and the NNPC’s Managing Director, Mele Kyari.

While saying that oil business is different from other commodities, Fani-Kayode noted that “no matter how hard you (Dangote) try, you cannot muscle your way and create a monopoly on the sale of refined products as you did for other commodities over the years.”

He urged Nigerians to support both the NNPC refineries and the new private sector players, promoting healthy competition and progress for Nigeria.

In his words: “The resurrection of the Port Harcourt refinery is one of the most encouraging things that has happened in the petroleum sector for many years and the credit for this must go to the President and the Group Managing Director of the NNPC Ltd.

“It is a pity that some elements in the private sector, who are new in the field, are doing all they can to undermine and understate this great victory for Nigeria.

“The oil business is not the same as selling sugar, spaghetti, cement, or rice.

“NNPC will go from strength to strength, and once its other refineries are working as well, Nigerians will have cause to smile again. Let the new kid on the block flourish, but let the NNPC refineries flourish, too. That should be our goal and not a squalid attempt to discredit NNPC and its leadership.

“Every optimistic and true lover of Nigeria’s progress and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda must be proud of the GMD Mele Kyari. His tenacity, bravery, ingenuity, and forthrightness have been rewarded with this great feat. Surely, this is hope renewed for Nigerians.”

Industry analysts and watchers have argued that Dangote Refinery does not want any other refinery to come on stream so that it could enjoy the benefit of massive crude feed stock.

A source close to the development explained that Dangote Refinery could diversify its feed stock sources instead of its bid to grab all the available being supplied to the refineries by the NNPC Ltd, explaining that the US does produces 13.5m litres of PMS on a daily basis.

THE CONCLAVE reports that some local players in the refining subsector of the oil and gas sector of the economy had been working round the clock to ensure that government-owned refineries in Nigeria did not work so that they could maximize the situation to their advantage.

There has, however, been excitement in the Presidency and other quarters over the breaking of the age-long jinx that had bedeviled the government refineries, when on Tuesday, this week, the old Port Harcourt Refinery commenced production.

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Jubilation As Rivers Begins Payment Of N85,000 Minimum Wage

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 29, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Rivers State Government on Thursday November 28, 2024 commenced the payment of N85,000 as monthly minimum wage.

This comes on the heels of the uncertainty surrounding its monthly allocation from the Federation Account.

The Source reports that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had earlier agreed to pay the State workforce a minimum wage of N85,000 monthly.

This followed the agreement reached in August between the leadership of the organized labour and the Federal Government whuch fixed the new national minimum wage at N70,000.

So far, Rivers, Lagos ,Delta and Akwa Ibom are among the States paying the highest negotiated minimum wage in the country.

Expectedly, the development has precipitated wild jubilation among the workers.

Confirming the commencement of payment, the Chairman of the Rivers Chapter of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Chukwuma Osunna, in an interactive session with the media informed that the workers are exceedingly happy.

“The Governor has fulfilled his promise. As of today, I can confirm that he has paid the N85 ,000 new minimum wage to workers and they are happy.

We met under the Joint Council, sat with the Head of Service, saw the salary chart and confirmed that the N85,000 was well computed and implemented in the November salary of workers.

“So payments started today, and by tomorrow, other banks will start to pay too”, Osunna stated .

However, before now, fears have been rife that the state might not be able to keep its promise as well as other statutory obligations amidst the court ruling that halted its Federation Allocation.

It will be recalled that a month ago , an Abuja Federal High Court presided over by Justice Peter Lifu had ordered the withholding of Rivers monthly allocation.

Ruling in a motion on notice brought before it by the 27 state law makers loyal to the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, challenging the legality of the state’s 2024 appropriation Act, as passed by the Victor Oko-Jumbo led four members of the State House of Assembly loyal to Governor Fubara , Justice Lifu held that the budget was not properly passed .

He, consequently, ordered the stoppage of the state’s monthly Federal accruals pending when the Governor will re- submit the fiscal estimate for consideration and passage by the Speaker Martins Amaefwule-led pro-Wike 27 legislators .

Although, the office of the Accountant General of the Federation had, penultimate week insisted that the State will continue to receive its allocations owing to the appeal filed by the State authorities against the High Court earlier ruling ,as well as the granting of a stay of execution order, it was not yet clear if it had received its October share as at the time of paying the Minimum wage .

However, Rivers State is believed to have enough Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, to carry on without the Federation Allocation.

From a monthly IGR of between N12 billion and N 13 billion before May 2023, the state’s internally generated revenue profile now hovers between N 27 billon and N30 billion.

Kidnappers Of Four Kaduna Siblings Demand N 300 Million

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 29, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“They are threatening to kill the two-year old because he cries often”

The abductors of four siblings in Kaduna, on Thursday, November 28, 2024 said the freedom of the children will cost N300 Million.

The price for non compliance within a reasonable time will be death for the children aged 2 ,9 12,and 15.

Meanwhile,for incessantly crying and disturbing, obviously for missing his parents ,the kidnappers have threatened to kill the youngest one .

The Source reports that the children’ on Tuesday November 26 went missing with no one actually accounting for their whereabouts.

They disappeared from their Millennium City Estate residence in Chukun Local Council of Kaduna, following their father’s visit to their ailing twin siblings at the hospital where they were being taken care of by their mother.

Yunusa Sarkin Samarin Keke , their distraught father explained that the incident occurred at about 9.00pm when he was away on a visit to his hospitalized newly born twins .

According to him, he came back to discover that his three daughters and a two year old boy, were no where to be found.

“I was not at home when the incident occurred because I was visiting my wife who is taking care of our sick newly born twins at the hospital.

“I left the children at home including the two year old boy and the sisters that night only to return home and discover they were missing

“I am suspecting that it was kidnappers that took them away . But I have not been contacted by any body” Keke stated.

However, he was finally contacted on Thursday by the suspected abductors.

The kidnappers have threatened to eliminate all four siblings in the event their father fails to meet their price tag of N300 million.

Speaking on the latest development, the visibly disturbed Adamu Keke informed that he has been contacted by the abductors.

“They have called me demanding N300 millon and when I pleaded, I could hear them beating the children.They said they will kill the youngest one because he is always crying. I need prayers” he pleaded.

Curiously, as at the time of reporting, both the police authorities and Kaduna State Government were yet to react to the unfortunate incident.

FG, States, Agencies, Fmr Military Leader Among FCT Land Title Debtors

Ayodele Oni

November 29, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A former military president, state and federal government as well as their agencies have been named among land title debtors in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Abuja.

This was contained in a list just published by the administration of the FCT.

The FCT in the same vein, gave the defaulters two weeks from November 26, to pay for their certificates of occupancy (C of O).

Top on the list of 9,532 defaulters in the first batch is a former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, (IBB), who governed Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.

The FCT threatened revocation and urged defaulters to settle their bills by e-payment to the FCT department of land administration account.

Some federal agencies, including the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, (NFIU), the Navy, and Police, were also named as defaulters.

The Lagos State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Kaduna State Government, and State House Abuja, were also listed as land title debtors.

Seyi Tinubu’s 2027 Ambition and Obasa’s Challenge: How President’s Son Will Be Crowned

The Source

November 29, 2024

By Aina Akinjide, Abuja Bureau chief

This is exclusive. The Source Magazine can authoritatively report that except the unexpected happens between now and 2027, Seyi Tinubu, powerful son of Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, will succeed the incumbent Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Though he has not uttered a word about his ambition since a hitherto unknown group, Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, CONYL opened the floodgate of endorsements and calls on him to contest the 2027 Lagos governorship election which is currently sweeping the social and and traditional media spaces, Seyi, according to a source conversant with the series of intrigues and brinkmanships that will eventually berth his ambition on the shores of reality, has long been positioned for the State’s topmost seat.

“There is no going back”, he told the the magazine, adding, “for your information, Seyi Tinubu is Lagos State’s next Governor”.

Referring to Seyi’s father who was Lagos state Governor between 1999 and 2007, the source said: “Father and son are on the threshold of history. Both will be recorded in history as having been governors of the same state at different epochs”

The magazine learnt that all other contenders, except one, for the Lagos APC guber ticket have been asked to stand down their ambitions in favour of Seyi and they have complied.

“As it is now, Seyi is getting the APC ticket almost unopposed; consistent with the Lagos governorship succession module within the state’s political structure founded by Seyi’s father. Once a candidate or a successor has been endorsed or chosen by handpicked kingmakers, primaries become mere formalities as the other contenders are asked to withdraw from the race, and then compensated with other political offices.

“This is what will happen in Seyi’s case. Other aspirants angling for the ticket have been asked to stand down their ambitions. They will be rewarded with other elected or appointed political offices”, the magazine was told.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, who is one of the contenders for the ticket, the magazine has been told, has, allegedly, refused all entreaties to withdraw from the race and focus on his job as Speaker. The Speaker, the magazine was further informed, has vowed to pursue his ambition to a logical conclusion, insisting that he is a bonafide Indigenous Lagosian, and, therefore, qualified to rule the State.

In his speech during the recent presentation of Lagos State’s 2025 budget proposal by Governor Sanwo-Olu to the House, Obasa emphatically restated his indigenship.”I am Obasa, and qualified to run for Lagos Governor.

“Becoming Governor is secondary; it is something that I have not given serious consideration. Nevertheless, that does not mean I am too young or lack experience to run; whereas, those who have been before me are not better off… It is also important to correct the impression from some naysayers who have been insinuating that I made payment to seek for blood relation in Ojo to validate my candidacy to run as governor.

“Of course, I have never denied the fact that I am Obasa. But rather, I have never claimed to be related to Onikoyi, Oniru, or any of the other popular Lagos families as the case may be. I can indeed never run from the fact that I am related to my Obasa family in Ojo. But I do not need local validity to contest or run. If eventually I am contesting, I will do so from Agege”, the Speaker had said, signalling a potential face off between him and Lagos’ feudal-like political establishment.

Watchers of the unfolding race for Alausa, the Lagos state seat of power believe that Obasa’s defiant speech was a veiled taunt at Seyi to the effect that Lagos governorship is not for non-indegeneous Lagosians. Seyi and his father are, it has been reported, from Iragbiji in Osun but claim Lagos indigenship.

Speculations are, however, rife that the Speaker indeed recently procured indigenship of Ojo in Lagos to solidify and strengthen his bid to replace Governor Sanwo-Olu. A group, Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths, which is opposed to Seyi’s governorship bid on the ground that he is, allegedly, not an indigenous Lagosian, in a press statement last week, while rejecting him, also made insinuations about Obasa’s alleged indigenship procurement

Said the group: “We are also aware of the moves by some non-indigenes to penetrate our traditional rulers in getting endorsements and ratifications from them.

“Recently, one of the aspirants suddenly traced his ancestry to Ojo Local Government after spending more than a decade in power without identifying with the Awori people of Ojo in Lagos State”

The group then warned:”We are hereby calling on the Oba of Lagos to beware of persons who will soon seek indigenship of Lagos State because of 2027.

“We will fight dirty if the Oba of Lagos allows such anti-Lagos Indigenes move”

Meanwhile, according multiple sources within the Lagos APC and national secretariat of the party in Abuja, Obasa’s continued intransigence may cost him his exalted Speaker position.

“He will continue to be engaged and given reasons why he should bury his governorship ambition, but if he carries on, of course, there will be consequences and one of them is losing his position as Speaker”, one of the sources revealed.

His corruption case with the EFCC, another source hinted, may also be resurrected. The anti-corrupt Agency had September last year, without stating any reason, dramatically withdrew an alleged money laundering suit it had instituted against the Speaker and unfreezed his account it had secured a court order in 2020 to freeze.

Recall that the EFCC had in October 2020 taken the Speaker into its custody in response to corruption allegations against him.

Population Census To Hold 2025 – NPC

Ayodele Oni

November 29, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

With no fixed date yet, the federal government has announced plans to conduct a nationwide population census in 2025. This marks the first such exercise since 2006.

Arrangements had earlier been concluded by the immediate past government of Mohammadu Buhari to hold the exercise last year but was put off.

The change in government led to the postponement of the exercise twice and later indefinitely.

The announcement was made by Nasir Isa Kwarra, the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), during an event in Abuja to commemorate the 2024 Anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on Population and Development.

The delay was attributed to the need for the incoming government to oversee the process.

The gap in conducting a census has left Nigeria without updated demographic data for 18 years, complicating efforts to address critical needs such as resource distribution and access to essential services.

Kwarra noted that the lack of accurate population figures has hindered progress in areas like maternal health, family planning, and gender equality.

He stressed the importance of tackling challenges affecting women, girls, and young people, as these issues are intertwined with broader societal and economic development.

The 2025 census will bridge this data gap and improve planning for national development while addressing longstanding challenges in neglected regions.

Janpur Group Signs MOU With Imo State On Achara Ugbo Farm, Standard Shoe Industry, Others

The Source

November 28, 2024

The chances of reviving moribund companies, introducing new techniques for existing ones and establishing new ones entirely in Imo State, Thursday, got brighter with the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Imo State government and the management of a global multi billion Naiara business Group, Janpur Group.

Janpur Group is noted for diversified discipline ranging from shipping, power, agriculture, manufacturing, agro-businesses, heavy duty equipment procurement among others.

The mandate of the Group in the pact the management entered into with Imo State government is to make Achara Ugbo Farm located in Emekeuku a going concern as far as livestock production, with its value chain, is concerned.

The agreement also includes the revival of some moribund companies like the Imo Standard Shoe Industry and Nsu Textiles as well as initiate new ones in the State.

Speaking to newsmen at the signing ceremony in his Conference Room in Government House, Owerri, Governor Hope Uzodimma, expressed gladness in having them sign the agreement after engaging them in a long period of discussion.

Uzodimma expatiated on the nature of engagement with Janpur.

“They are to take over livestock production and expansion in Achara Ugbo Farm, targeted at opening up and expanding the farm, not only for the Poultry, Piggery and other Livestock production, but to install a Fertilizer Plant at the same premises that will do 400 metric tons of fertilizer.

“They are to take over the revival of the Standard Shoe Industry recovered from AMCON by the 3R administration that has been lying fallow for a long period, and also, they are expected to establish a Textile Industry at the same premises and put them into production and manufacturing,” he said.

Janpur Group, according to the Governor, is expected to take over the revival of Nsu Tiles at Ehime Mbano through Public Private Partnership (PPP) and put it into production.

“All these arrangements are expected to start running within the next three to six months and it is believed the Janpur Group is equal to the task.”

The Governor added that “the Janpur Group is expected to replicate its activities in Imo State as a serious-minded business group that is tested, having been in Angola, Egypt and other African Countries as well as in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States of Nigeria.”

In his remarks, the Leader of the Group, Mr. Mohammed Shafic thanked the Governor for welcoming them and corroborated the Governor on the reason for the pact they came to enter into.

He was passionate about what the group intends to do on projects in the agricultural section, chicken, egg, beef canning and other related livestock production at Achara Ugbo Farm as well as in the area of Fertilizer Blending Plant, Cement Plant.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Cosmas Maduba and his colleague in the Mines and Industry, Rt. Hon. Ernest Ibejiako signed on behalf of the government while Mr. Shafic signed on behalf of Janpur Group.

The signing was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr COC Akolisa, Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon Declan Emeluba, Chief Political Adviser/Head Political Bureau, Barr Enyinaya Onuegbu, Accountant General of the State, Mr. Linus Duru and the Governor’s Technical Adviser, Dr. Bola Adigun.

Civil Society Groups Validate Gov. Adeleke’s Impressive Performance In Osun

Ayodele Oni

November 28, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A group of Civil Society Organizations, (CSOs) has attested to the performance of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration in the last two years.

The group members were in Osun state to assess the activities of the administration during the celebration of the mid tenure activities.

Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo, on Thursday, the leader of the group, Declan Ihekaire, flanked by two other members stated that “We engaged with residents in some local government areas who shared their experiences of good governance under Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration.

“We are a group of selected civil society leaders on a review and assessment mission to Osun State. Our aim is to hold leaders accountable and ensure the delivery of good governance.

“We are not affiliated with any political party or partisan caucus. We are veterans of the pro-democracy movement in Nigeria and have a history of activism.

“Over the past week, we have toured major towns in Osun State, including Ife, Ede, Ilesha, Osogbo, and Ifon-Osun. We conducted an unguarded inspection of various projects under the current administration.”

Ihekaire acknowledged that the government has implemented numerous infrastructural and human development projects while maintaining a people-friendly approach that values citizens’ opinions and critiques.

”These achievements are commendable and reflect the governor’s commitment to fulfilling his promises.

“It is on record that during the previous administration, we conducted a similar review. From our unbiased perspective, we can boldly state that Governor Adeleke’s administration has achieved significant milestones and deserves commendation for its efforts so far.”

The group highlighted their attendance at an expanded town hall meeting on 27th November 2024, where Governor Adeleke presented his scorecard.

They matched their on-site findings with the governor’s claims and described the results as overwhelmingly positive.

“Our findings show that the current government enjoys unparalleled support from the people, as evidenced by the enthusiasm displayed by citizens during our activities.

“This affirms Governor Adeleke’s high popularity and strong grassroots influence.

“Based on these findings, we urge the governor to remain steadfast in his commitment to good governance and to avoid distractions.

“He must continue to uphold his high service delivery standards and expand the scope of his democratic achievements.”

The group, however appealed to the state government to assist in addressing the deplorable conditions of inmates at the Ilesha Correctional Centre.

Reports indicate that inmates awaiting trial at the facility are in dire need of basic amenities such as potable water and essential infrastructure.

It described the conditions at the facility as appalling and urged the state government to urgently provide the necessary facilities to improve the welfare of the inmates.

“The condition of the Ilesha Correctional Centre is not good enough. During our visit, we observed the state of the facility, and it was evident that urgent intervention is needed.

“These inmates deserve a better quality of life, especially as they are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.”

Uzodimma Congratulates New NUJ National President, Yahaya

The Source

November 28, 2024

Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has congratulated the newly elected National Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya on his well deserved victory at the just concluded 18th Triennial Congress held in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Yahaya, a former Deputy National President of the Union from Gombe State emerged tops with 436 votes to beat two other rivals – Bamidele Atunbi, former National Treasurer of the Union who scored 97 votes and Garba Mohammed who scored 39 votes.

He replaces Comrade Chris Isiguzo whose tenure has ended.

In congratulating Yahaya, Sen. Uzodimma, host Governor for the 18th Triennial Congress, said it was heart warning hearing that the election was not only peaceful and transparent, but produced a crop of men and women who will provide transformational leadership for the entire journalists in the country.

A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to Governor Uzodimma said his principal advised the new leadership of the NUJ to work in synergy with all members of the Media Sector, and critical stakeholders in and out of government, for the good of the society.

The statement added that the Governor urged the new NUJ leadership to take seriously the remarks he made at the opening ceremony of the Congress, particularly as they concern the ethics of the profession, prevalence of fake news and disinformation, training of members on new skills in the area of digital journalism, among others.

Also, while Governor Uzodimma reminded the new leadership to build on the gains of those who led the body before them, he admonished them to see development journalism as part of the new world order, doing their utmost by way of using their revered profession to uphold the democratic tenets of Nigeria.

He however assured the new NUJ leadership of his readiness to remain unwavering in his support to the Union for the good of the society.

Mike Ikeogwu, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee announced the results of the election at around 1:00 am on Thursday. He said, Yahaya polled a total of 436 votes to defeat his rivals, Bamidele Atunbi, former National Treasurer of the Union who got 97 votes and Garba Mohammed who scored 39 votes.

The election brought together about 600 delegates from the State Councils in the Country.

Elected unopposed, according to Ikeogwu, was the Deputy National President, Abimbola Oyetunde, General Manager Radio Nigeria Bronze FM, Edo State and former BOT of the Union.

Oyetunde remains the first female Deputy National President of NUJ.

Other National Officers of the Union elected unopposed are the National Treasurer, Victor Ndukwe, who was the former Abia State Council Chairman, while Ronke Samo was reelected the Vice President of B-Zone (Southwest).

The election which was conducted under tight security, was presided over by the Representative of the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero.

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