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Uzodimma To Deliver Key Note  Address At Davos ’25

By
The Source
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Senator Hope Uzodimma

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has been nominated as a keynote speaker at this year’s Africa House  Future Forum at Davos, Switzerland.

Africa House is an Action Platform where forward-thinking global leaders convene annually to co-create solutions, foster collaboration, and drive impactful initiatives towards the development of the continent.

In a letter to the Governor  inviting him to Davos for this year’s event, the Co founder of Africa House, Mamaodu Toure disclosed that Uzodimma was selected as a speaker because of his “dedication towards fostering transparency, accountability and progress through his leadership of Imo State.”

“With a strong background in politics, governance, and international studies, you bring a visionary approach to advancing economic and social development,” the letter further read.

Toure also reflected on the qualities that recommended Uzodimma for the role of a keynote Speaker at the Conference, saying that the governor is a “resilient leader whose commitment to unity and growth of Imo State reflects your passion for building a prosperous and inclusive governance in Imo State.”

He added: “Your leadership as the Governor of Imo State showcases your dedication to fostering transparency, accountability and progress.”

The Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Agreements,  Wamkele Mene, was announced as one of the prestigious co chairs at the Conference.

The theme of the conference  which kicks off on January 20 is “Africa: The future lives here, leading generations into a new era.”

The co-founder explained that “the theme

reflects our mission to foster collaboration, build partnership and accelerate Africa’s trajectory towards a prosperous future.”

He said Uzodimma’s “expertise and partnership as a speaker and panellist would help shape the future of sustainability, economic development and entrepreneurship on the continent.”

He said that as a lead speaker,  Uzodimma will also share his transformative experiences in Imo State so as to encourage other African leaders to toe the same path.

This international recognition for Uzodimma for his developmental initiatives in the State, especially in driving accountability and transparency in governance, is coming barely two months after the World Bank, similarly awarded him four million United States Dollars ($4m) for running an accountable administration.

Kano: Political Appointee Dies Few Days After

By
Ayodele Oni
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Abba Yusuf - Governor of Kano State
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

By Ayodele Oni

It was grief in Kano State as an appointee died few days after and before his inauguration.

The State Governor,  Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Engr. Ahmad Ishaq Bunkure, the newly appointed Special Adviser on Works, who died Wednesday in Egypt.

This was disclosed in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday.

In his condolence message, Governor Yusuf described the death of Engr. Bunkure as a tragic and irreplaceable loss to Kano State, his family, and the wider political community. He prayed for Allah’s mercy on the deceased and strength for his family to bear the painful loss.

“This is a heartbreaking moment for us as a government. Engr. Bunkure was a dedicated professional whose expertise and contributions were expected to drive our administration’s vision for development. His loss is deeply felt.”

Engr. Ahmad Ishaq Bunkure had only been apointed as Special Adviser on Works, making his sudden death a shock to many.

Condolences have continued to pour in, including from His Excellency, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and members of the Kano State Government.

NAPTIP Commences Rehabilitation Of Rescued Victim Of Human Trafficking From Iraq

By
Ayodele Oni
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Miss Odunayo Eniola Isaac

By Ayodele Oni

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has commenced a comprehensive rehabilitation procedure and interview session with the rescued victim of human trafficking, Miss Odunayo Eniola Isaac, who arrived Nigeria from Iraq few days ago.

Director General of the agency, Binta Adamu Bello, on Monday, directed Officers of the Counselling and Rehabilitation Department of the Agency, as well as Operatives of the Intelligence and International Cooperation Unit (IICU) to immediately carry out the exercise.

Eniola Isaac’s  arrival  to Nigeria from Iraq few days ago, was facilitated by  NAPTIP, in collaboration with other partners, including members of the Civil Society Organization and foreign agencies.

A statement by the Press Officer of the Agency, Vincent Adekoye, stated that this followed a viral video and media reports that escalated her ordeal in the hands of her Iraqi taskmaster.

The victim arrived in Nigeria through the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport and was received by NAPTIP Operatives after the initial arrival procedures by the Officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on duty at the airport.

Speaking while receiving the victim at the Agency’s headquarters, Abuja, the Director General expressed sadness over the traumatic experience and the hardship faced by the victim and ordered the immediate commencement of a comprehensive rehabilitation programme, counseling as well as an interview to ascertain the medical status, nature of assistance needed, and immediate psychosocial need of the victim.

The Director General said, “I just finished interaction with the victim. I must say that she had a close shave with death and we are all happy that she is alive to tell her painful story.

“On 22nd January 2023, she left Nigeria and arrived in Baghdad, Iraq the next day; 23rd January 2023 and was received at the Airport by officials of WB Warani Manpower (Company she was registered to work for).

“She was taken to the hospital on the 24th January 2023 to certify her medically fit for the job she would be assigned to do.

“Her Iraqi Agent; Alhaja Shakirat Yusuf whom she knows as only ‘Mama Uganda’ came to WB Warani Manpower to sign her in officially on the 25th January 2023 and was assigned to work for an Iraqi family of eight (six children and two parents) on 29th of January 2023. Her work hours span about twenty hours plus a day, with little or no resting time.

“According to Miss Odunayo, after one month of work, she requested her salary and her madam said that, because of the high commission in paying money into Nigeria accounts, she would be paid every two months and she agreed, but after four months, she still was not paid.

“Her ordeal then began when she dared to request payment. Her phone was confiscated to prevent communication with members of her family.

“Each time she asked for her remuneration or spoke about it, she suffered a beating resulting in bleeding and bodily injuries. That, at one point, her madam bound her hands and feet and threw her into the dogs’ cage until 3 am before she was released to continue with her work.

“Because of her level of exploitation and trauma, I have directed the relevant department and operatives of the Agency to commence immediate profiling, interview, and the comprehensive process of rehabilitation for her.

“This is to enable the Agency to assess her medical status, the nature of assistance and skills needed, and to design a part of ensuring her reunion with her family.

“Also, NAPTIP shall also do the needful to ensure justice for her. I wish to use this opportunity to thank all our partners, the Federal Ministry of Foreign, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Embassies and Nigeria Mission abroad, other partnering Ministry, Department and Agencies (MDAs), Hope Haven Foundation, the Media and other stakeholders, for a successful collaboration and support which resulted in the eventual arrival of Miss Eniola Isaac.

“It is also important to advise our youths and parents to always be careful and think twice before jumping at any juicy offer of jobs abroad.

“Over the past few months, we have intercepted scores of youths, mostly girls, at various points of exit across Nigeria, and their destinations have been some of the volatile Countries in the Middle East.

“Certainly, a dangerous journey of this nature could have been avoided with simple caution and a check from NAPTIP.

In her testimony, Miss Eniola Isaac, said, “I thank God that I am alive. I will not wish that my enemy passes through what I experienced. I never thought I could survive the painful ordeal.”

Borno Attack: Military Admits Death Of Six Soldiers, Kills 34 Terrorists, Ndume Hails Gallant Soldiers

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Soldiers on Duty - Nigerian Army

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Senator representing Borno South District, Ali Ndume, on Wednesday January 8, 2025,  lauded the resilience and gallantry of the Nigerian Military.

This is even as the Defence Headquarters confirmed the death of six soldiers during an Attack on its facility in Borno state by terrorist.

Senator Ndume’s commendation comes on the heels of he audacious assault on the Nigerian Military Base in Sabon Gari Village, Damboa Local Government of Borno state on Saturday, January 4, 2025, by suspected ISWAP/ Boko Haram insurgents .

A statement on Wednesday, by the Director Defence Information ,Edward Buba a Major General ,noted that 34 terrorists were also eliminated in the offensive  that followed the attack by the group .

According to the Defence spokesman, the  terrorists were goaded into the attack by  apparent zeal to retaliate the killing  of their Commander and combatants  of recent by troops.

He noted that the insurgents, in their numbers, riding on motorcycles and gun trucks attempted  to invade the military formation, but were overwhelmed by the superior firepower and gallantry of the troops .

” On January ,4, 2025 an unspecified number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists riding on motorcycles and gun trucks engaged troops deployed in Sabon Gari village of Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State in a firefight .

“The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate the recent killing of their Commander and combatants by troops .

“The terrorists were taken unawares when troops ,fighting patrol returning to base ,foiled their planned attack as soon as the assault commenced .

“Additionally, a reinforcement team compromising elements of the Civilian Joint Taskforce ,Vigilante ,and Hybrid forces arrived at the scene on time to overpower the terrorists”, Buba stated .

General Buba, also, informed that the air component of Operation Hadin Kai equally carried out air interdiction which resulted in the killing of many of the fleeing insurgents.

In all , he noted,  no fewer than 34 of the terrorists were killed, and 23 AK-47 riffles and ammunition recovered.

Senator Ndume spoke during a visit to the Military  formation ,and the nine Local Government Areas that  make up his Senatorial Zone .

According to him, the visit was aimed at interacting with troops ,with a view to assessing their efforts and needs in the fight against insurgency .

The Senator added that his mission is to also encourage troops to sustain the ongoing efforts  at  ensuring the protection of lives and properties of the people.

While commiserating with the families ,relations and friends of the dead soldiers, he equally prayed for the quick recovery of the injured .

” I deeply appreciate the unwavering commitment and sacrifices of our officers and soldiers in ensuring the safety of our communities .

“Your resilience is commendable and we will continue to stand by you” Senator Ndume, APC, stated .

The Source reports that Ndume’s Borno South Senatorial District has been the epicentre of terrorists’ activities in Borno state, since the advent of Boko Haram and other splinter groups.

War Against Hard Drugs: NIMASA Partners NDLEA 

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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NIMASA and Marwa

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking within Nigeria’s maritime domain. This was emphasized during a courtesy visit by the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), to the NIMASA Towers in Lagos.

Speaking during the visit, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended the NDLEA for its remarkable achievements in combating drug-related crimes across Nigeria. He pledged that NIMASA would collaborate with the NDLEA to secure Nigeria’s maritime space against the illicit shipment of drugs.

Mobereola stated: “We are glad to welcome the NDLEA team, led by Brig. Gen. Marwa, whose exemplary leadership has brought significant progress in the fight against illicit drugs. NIMASA is firmly committed to partnering with the NDLEA to tackle the menace of drug trafficking, particularly through our nation’s Ports and Terminals. Together, we can ensure that the Nigerian maritime domain is not exploited for criminal activities.”

In response, Brig. Gen. Marwa (rtd.) expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the need for collaboration to address the rising threat of drug trafficking through maritime channels.

“As the agency responsible for controlling drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, we recognize that this task requires collaboration with critical stakeholders like NIMASA. The global maritime space has increasingly become a conduit for the illegal movement of drugs, and we are keen to work with NIMASA to address this challenge,” he said.

Highlighting recent developments, Brig. Gen. Marwa noted: “Recent seizures of illicit drugs transported through Lagos ports underscore the need for joint efforts to secure our ports. Within the NDLEA, we have established a Marine Command to focus on this emerging threat. We propose close collaboration between this unit and NIMASA, particularly through the Deep Blue Project, to enhance the protection of Nigeria’s maritime space.”

The NDLEA Chairman also pledged the agency’s support in sensitizing NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) on the dangers of drug abuse.

Mobereola assured Brig. Gen. Marwa that NIMASA would explore avenues to integrate NDLEA personnel into the existing maritime security architecture, particularly the Deep Blue Project.

The Deep Blue Project, a joint initiative of the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Federal Ministry of Defence, is domiciled in NIMASA with contributions from various security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, and the Department of State Services.

Defiant APC’s Morka, Says He Will Continue To Stand Up To Obi, Denies Threat Allegation

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Morka and Peter Obi

By Adesina Soyooye

National Spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has distanced himself from any threat against Peter Obi and/or any plans to harm him.

Morka was reacting to the strong allegations Obi made that his life was being threatened over his New Year message to Nigerians for which Morka said Obi had crossed the borderline, and should expect what is in store for him.

Not a few people, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, took up Morka, and chastised him for what they agree is a threat against Obi.  A graduate mate of Morka, and Law Don, Sam Amadi, while describing Morka as a polished, decent human being who is not capable of harming Obi, said he didn’t know what has finally  become of Morka.

He did not deny saying that:

“Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and he has what’s coming to him, and whatever he gets, he should manage it”, but

Morka insisted he issued no threats against Obi, his family or businesses. He, instead, accused Obi of delibertely misinterpreting what he said and dismissed  Obi’s Allegation as malicious and a distortion of facts and events.

Morka said:  “The allegation that I threatened Mr. Obi is a baseless lie and an intentional attempt to play the victim. Such a claim is not only false but also deeply irresponsible.”

He said that  Obi’s false accusations has resulted in an incitement of online attacks against him, Morka.

He noted: “As a public figure, Obi has a responsibility to provide accurate and truthful information to the public. Instead,  Obi has chosen to spread falsehoods in a bid to gain political leverage and attention.”

Morka asked Obi to retract what he called “unfounded claims, apologize for the damage caused, and urge his supporters to stop the threats and harassment against him and his loved ones. Such actions are not only harmful but also irresponsible, particularly coming from someone seeking to lead the nation.”

“You Are On Your Own”, PDP Scolds Staff For Attacking Journalist

By
James Orji
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Umar Damagun - PDP Chairman

The Attack on The Sun journalist by an employee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been condemned  by the party, which said the action of the staff member is contrary to what the PDP represents.

Debo Ologun Agba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP made the position of the party known on Tuesday, saying the party has commenced investigations on the issue.

The attack on the journalist, Ndubuisi Orji by Emmanuel Okoronkwo, a staff of the party took place yesterday during a press conference organized by the party, according to a statement by the Chairman of the PDP Press Corps, Samuel Ogidan.

The attack, he said, negates freedom of speech and ‘undermines the core principles of media independence” which the party stands for.

According to him, “Eyewitness accounts indicate that Okoronko attacked Orji after first physically preventing him from gaining access to the National Secretariat.

“As Orji made for his vehicle parked outside the vicinity of the secretariat, Okoronkwo pounced on him with a series of slaps heralding other forms of physical assault until private security guards attached to the secretariat rescued him.

Reacting, Ologunagba said in a statement that  Okoronkwo acted on his own, and his action does not represents what the party stands for, assuring that investigations have already commenced on the matter, adding that assaults on journalist will not be entertained.

He said journalists are allowed free access to the party’s secretariat anytime so long their works are legitimate, adding that media practitioners are major stakeholders for the party.

He said the party “regrets the incident and assures of its unalloyed respect for the Press”.

Ologunagba said, “The leadership of the PDP has received a very disturbing report that a staff of our party, Mr Emmanuel Okoronkwo, yesterday assaulted, a correspondent of the Sun Newspapers, Mr Ndubuisi Orji, locked out and forcefully prevented other journalists accredited to cover the activities of the PDP from gaining access into the premises of the national secretariat of our party to conduct their legitimate duties.

“The PDP, as a party committed to the rule of law and the democratic tenets of freedom of the press, transparency and openness strongly condemns and completely dissociates itself from such acts of violence and attack on members of the press and the institution of the media which is critical to the activities of our Party and the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.

“For clarity, whereas the PDP national secretariat is closed for secretarial activities to enable our staff to participate in the Yuletide festivities with their families, it does not preclude anybody particularly the press from having access to the secretariat to conduct their legitimate business.

“Moreover, Mr. Emmanuel Okoronkwo is not in the security department of the party and has no business whatsoever regarding the regulation of movements into the complex. He acted on his own, in violation of democratic and all-inclusive principles for which the PDP is known and outside the code of conduct guiding activities of staff at the PDP National Secretariat”, the PDP spokesman said.

2025 Budget: Senator Insists On January 31 Deadline; Blames Tax Bill For Delay

By
James Orji
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Godswill Akpabio

Senator Solomom Adeola has assured that the 2025 Budget will be passed as scheduled on January 31, urging Nigerians not to worry.

The senator who is the Senate Chairman Committee on Appropriation said the Senate is working together with the House of Representatives to ensure that the deadline for the passage of the 2025 Financial estimate is sacrosanct.

Senator Adeola made this remark on Tuesday saying the Budget would have been passed last year but was delayed due to the Tax Reform Bill  sent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The magazine reported that President Tinubu sent the Tax Bills to the National Assembly in August 2024 amidst  serious controversies among Nigerians on whether the Assembly should go ahead to pass the bill.

Amidst the strong divisions among Nigerians over the Tax Bill, President Tinubu had last December presented the 2025 Budget before the Joint Sitting of the National Assembly.

Critics of the administration insist that the Budget was presented late to the NASS, the reason why the lawmakers failed to pass it before the end of the year as stipulated by the Act of the NASS.

According to Senator Adeola,  the Tax Bill sent to NASS by the president took much of the lawmakers’ time, as they had to deliberate on it, adding that the Bill has now passed First and second Reading and has been sent to Committee stage for further deliberations.

To fast track the passage of the 2025 Budget, the senator said the Senate the  relevant committees of the Upper Chamber with  the House of Representatives committees have been meeting.

The joint committees started meeting on January 6, he said, urging Nigerians to be patient.

Adeola said, “ the tax reform bills took a lot of our time and focus as we worked to ensure they scaled through’’ but “the bills have successfully passed second reading in the Senate and are now before the committee for final review.”

To meet the January 31 deadline “we recommended a joint sitting of both Senate and House committees to engage with ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

“This approach ensures that we complete our work swiftly and deliver the budget on time.”

He adds, “We are working around the clock to ensure that the delay does not derail the set aims and objectives of this administration, especially in driving economic growth and infrastructure development.

“We might have faced a slight setback, but we are determined not to lose focus.

“The budget passage by January 31 will allow the government to implement its programs effectively and on schedule.

“The Appropriation Committee’s focus on a joint legislative approach highlights the urgency placed on recovering lost time.

“We urge stakeholders and the public to remain optimistic. The process reflects the Senate’s dedication to ensuring economic stability and sustainable growth,” he said.

573,519 Chase 3,927 Customs Positions

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Customs Officers

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Over half a million applicants are currently  chasing less than four thousand job opportunities at the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS.

The Source reports that the Federal Government ,late 2024 gave the Service the nod to recruit  3,927  personnel within the first quarter of 2025.

Following the approval which was conveyed through the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, the NCS,  three weeks ago,  opened its recruitment portal for interested persons.

But with the closure of the recruitment portal last week, the Service said it received 573 ,519 applications ,cutting across the various ranks listed for the exercise.

Speaking with Daily Trend ,a Maritime publication ,on Tuesday January 7, 2025, the spokesperson for the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, ACS, informed that applicants also were drawn from University graduates, Higher National Diploma HND ,ND  NCE  holders ,and Secondary school leavers

“I want to breakdown the number of people that applied. We have two categories of officers. We have the support staff that are professionals and we have the general duty.

“For the general duty, we have three categories of ranks. For the general duty under the superintendent cadre, we have 249,218 candidates that applied.

“Under the superintendent cadre Support staff, we have 27 ,722 applicants, with HNDs and University degrees.

“For the Inspector cadre ,ie those who applied with National Certificate for Education NCE and or National Diploma ND, we have 115 ,634 applying under general duty ,while 12 ,952 applicants fall under support staff .

“As for the Customs Assistants, these are those who are supposed  to come in with a minimum of Secondary school certificate .

“There are two categories here – those who have basic five credit results including Mathematics and English Language and those without Maths and English .

“For the general duty, we have 153,000 applicants ,while 14,400 applied under Support staff category” Maiwada stated .

The Source further reports that the unprecedented high number of applicants came even amidst several complaints about the difficulties experienced by some people in accessing the recruitment portal.

Bauchi Governor Sacks Five, Nominates Nine New Commissioners

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State
Governor Bala Mohammad

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has dropped five  members of the State  Executive Council, in a major rejigging exercise announced on Tuesday January ,7,2025 .

A statement from Mukhtar Gidado, Media aide to the Governor, informed that the move is primarily aimed at repositioning the administration for enhanced service delivery.

“Governor of Bauchi State has approved the reconstitution of his cabinet, In that respect,  five Commissioners were dropped.

“This move reflects the administration’s commitment to injecting new ideas and energy into governance in line with the Governor’s vision of strengthening the machinery of Government and addressing emerging challenges effectively.

“The Commissioners affected by this development are, Dr Jamila Dahiru ,Commissioner for Education, Barr.Abubakar Abdulhameed Bununu , Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs , Comrade Usman Danturaki, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Prof.Simon Madugu Yalams, Commissioner for Agriculture, and Alhaji Yakubu Ibrahim Hamza ,Commissioner for Religious Affairs and Societal Reorientation.

“Conversely, Governor Mohammed has forwarded  the names of replacements for the sacked  Commissioners to the State Legislators for screening and possible confirmations.

The newly nominated Commissioners are Hon  Isah Babayo Tilde , Abdullahi Mohammed ,Dr Bala Musa Lukshi ,Usman Shehu , and Iliyasu Gital .

Others are Prof Titus Saul Ketkukah ,Hon Adamu Babayo Gabarin and Dr Mohammed Lawal Rimin Zayam.”

Governor Mohammed, according to the statement, expressed the optimism that his administration will deliver on its electoral mandate.

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