The National Emergency Management Agency said it has deployed a team to monitor Rivers Benue and River Niger following the release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

We are monitoring the level of the water along the River Benue, and the Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, has already deployed staff to the states along the river bank, so we are monitoring the situation as it is at all the river system. Our monitoring system is on River Benue and River Niger.

The staff are there monitoring the situation, and relating with the people in communities along these river belts, to be careful. The water has been rising, but we are still monitoring the situation. Its better to be prepared than to be taken unawares.

Ezekiel noted that some communities had already been affected by the water released from the Lagdo Dam.

Since the release of the water, we have seen how some communities were affected along the river in Adamawa and Taraba.

This year, the level of monitoring and awareness of the flood system is higher than what it used to be in the previous year, he added.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has predicted five days of heavy rainfall, which may lead to flooding in 15 states.

The flood prediction, obtained on Sunday from the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, also urged stakeholders to take note.

The centre indicated that the identified locations and their environs are likely to witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flood within the period of prediction from September 29 to October 3, 2024.

The states and locations affected include Akwa Ibom State (Oron, Edor, Eket, Upenekang); Adamawa State (Numan, Abba Kumbo, Farkumo, Jimeta, Wuro-Bokki); Bauchi State (Kafin-madaki, Bauchi); Bayelsa State (Sengana, Brass); Kebbi State (Argungu, Gwandu); Kaduna State (Buruku); Katsina State (Bakori, Funtua, Jibia).

Others are Kwara State (Jebba); Nasarawa State (Rukubi); Plateau State (Shendam); Rivers State (Bonny, Nembe); Taraba State (Bolleri, Duchi, Garkowa, Gassol, Gun Gun Bodel, Kambari, Mayo Ranewo, Mutum Biyu, Bandawa, Dampar, Yorro, Ngaruwa, Kwata Kanawa, Lau); Sokoto State (Silame); Yobe State (Dapchi); and Zamfara State (Anka, Majara).

The Nigerian Correctional Services has disclosed that Idris Ogunleye, also known as Bobrisky, was not kept in the general cell because he has some special features that are feminine in nature.

Micheal Benson, the NCoS official in charge of the Kirikiri Medium Security Facility, said this, yesterday during the investigative hearing conducted by the House of Representatives.

It would be recalled that the House is investigating the alleged N15 million bribe demanded by the EFCC and the money paid to NCoS officials in exchange for Bobrisky to be given special privileges during his six months incarceration.

Bobrisky have some special features like breast. If we put him in the general cell, you would have to bring out his body from the cell. We have some convicted rapist and sodomites, Mr Benson said.

Mr Benson explained that Bobrisky was later moved out of the Medium Security Correctional Facility into the Maximum Security facility for his own safety. The officer, however, said the action was taken in his absence by his superior.

It was reported that Bobrisky did not appear before the panel, but has been ordered by the House to appear in a date yet to be announced by the lawmakers.

Ahead of the October 1, Independence Day celebration, the FCT Police Command yesterday, September 30, deployed Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) personnel, anti-riot equipment, and visibility policing, among others.

The command also announced the diversion around Central Area and Eagle Square during the celebration.

A statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh said: The FCT Police Command, in anticipation of the upcoming October 1st Independence Day celebration, has strategically deployed adequate personnel and equipment throughout the FCT.

These proactive deployments aim to ensure that residents of the FCT enjoy a hitch-free Independence Day celebration. The deployment will include Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) personnel, anti-riot equipment, and visibility policing, among others.

Traffic diversions will be implemented in areas expected to experience large crowds, including Central Area and Eagle Square. While celebrating Independence Day, residents of the FCT are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities to the FCT Police emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, 07057337653, PCB: 09022222352, CRU: 08107314192.

Sixteen Governors have set up committees to implement the N70,000 new minimum wage for workers across the country.

The Federal Government commenced payment of the new minimum wage to its 1.2 million workers last Thursday.

The Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, in a memo to the Budget Office of the Federation, noted that the civil servants would be paid the minimum wage with effect from September.

Edo, Lagos and Adamawa States have also commenced payment of the new salary while Abia and Anambra are to commence payment in October.

Here is a list of States that set up minimum wage committees

1. Ogun

2. Ekiti

3. Sokoto

4. Kebbi

5. Osun

6. Enugu

7. Borno

8. Zamfara

9. Kogi

10. Kwara

11. Gombe

12. Kano

13. Taraba

14. Delta

15. Rivers

16. Jigawa.

Operatives of the Adamawa State Police Command have arrested a man who climbed a 33KV high tension electricity pole to demand the resignation of President Bola Tinubu.

The incident occurred in Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The man had remained up the pole, insisting Tinubu must resign before he would come down.

It was gathered yesterday morning that the incident happened between the morning of Friday September 27 and evening of Saturday, September 28.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguruje, said the man, whose name was not revealed, was rescued on Saturday night and taken into Police custody in the state capital, Yola.

The Command is going to parade the man today (Monday) for attempting suicide, Nguroje said, adding that attempting suicide is a criminal offence under Nigerias constitution.

We are going to charge him to court, Nguroje asserted.

He added that the Police has a duty to protect lives and property and that when any individual attempts to take his life, the individual has to be made to face the law.

Further details on the incident have it that the man had on Friday morning, the market day of Mayo Belwa, climbed the 33KV high tension pole along the Yola-Jalingo highway, insisting on Tinubus resignation.

The state Police Command had to get some locals to persuade him to descend from the pole. They were able to persuade him to come down on Saturday night.

Controversial Nigerian social media personality, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan appeared before the House of Representatives panel investigating bribery allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) yesterday.

Officials of the EFCC and the NCoS were also present as the Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions commenced an investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption levelled against the anti-graft agency and the prison service by the blogger.

It would be recalled that in a viral video, VeryDarkMan alleged that recently released crossdresser, Bobrisky paid ₦15 million for the anti-graft agency to drop money laundering charges against him during his naira spraying ordeal in April, after which a court sentenced him to six months imprisonment.

The blogger also alleged that Bobrisky paid some millions of naira to secure a choice place in prison. However, the crossdresser denied the allegation and proceeded to sue the blogger. On their part, the EFCC and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) have ordered investigations into the allegations by the blogger.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had urged the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; to conduct an independent investigation into allegations made by a blogger.

The House of Representatives has banned journalists from covering its investigative hearing into the ₦15 million corruption allegations involving crossdresser Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS).

The decision was communicated to the House press corps by the Joint Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Services of the House of Representatives

The lawmakers said its investigation into the corruption claims involving the EFCC and NCS in the Bobrisky case is prohibited.

This decision followed an earlier invitation extended to the press to report on the proceedings.

It would be recalled the House of Representatives last Thursday, adopted a motion to investigate the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the allegation of receiving ₦15 million from crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.

It was reported that a social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, alleged that Bobrisky, following his conviction by the court for abusing the naira, allegedly served his jail term in a private residency and not the correctional center.

Though Bobrisky has denied the allegation, the matter has gained national attention.

As part of the actions that have taken place, the federal government suspended the officers in charge of the maximum and minimum custodial centres in Kirikiri, Lagos State, on Thursday.

Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, CDCFIB, Jaafaru Ahmed, disclosed this in a statement released in Abuja.

Ahmed in the statement, said the suspension of the officers is to allow for further investigation on the various allegations, assuring that the outcome would be made public when concluded.

e Jika da Kolo community in Yadin Kidandan, located in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has suffered a tragic loss, alleging that over 25 people were killed by a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike intended to combat terrorists.

The incident reportedly occurred over the weekend, sparking significant controversy between the villagers and the military.

Local reports indicated that the victims included 23 worshippers in a mosque and several individuals at a nearby market, who were allegedly killed during the operation.

This claim is in direct conflict with the statements from the NAF, which insists that the operation was executed based on reliable intelligence about a terrorist enclave in the Yadi Forest area, supposedly devoid of any civilian structures such as mosques.

The Air Force maintained that the strike successfully eliminated a number of terrorists, contradicting the communitys reports of civilian casualties.

They firmly denied the presence of a mosque within the targeted zone, underscoring their commitment to preventing collateral damage.

Abdullahi Ismail, a councillor representing the area, acknowledged the incident and highlighted the region as a known danger zone due to frequent terrorist activities.

He said, The strike disfigured the bodies of most of those affected. 23 mutilated bodies were gathered from the scene and had been buried according to Islamic rites. We gathered body parts of 23 people who were identified by relatives, including children and they have been buried.

Of course, Yadin Kidandan is a danger zone because it is under the control of bandits. But there are also innocent villagers who still live around there because they have no other place to go just like the casualties that we witnessed on Friday. So, we discovered that when the strike occurred, most of the people at the mosque died.

A survivor who craved anonymity while speaking with newsmen disclosed, It was a crowded place because there was a local market close to the mosque which was also affected. The incident happened around 2pm.

Yes; it is true that there was a strike by a plane on Friday at a mosque in Jika da Kolo village that claimed many lives, including a few from our village who went to their farms or to do business at the local market close to the mosque. Many people were killed, among them farmers and children who had gathered around the mosque.

We heard when the plane arrived; it dropped something and a moment later, we heard a loud sound because I was in a nearby village.

Thereafter, family members of the victims went to the scene and recognized their relatives for the funeral. With little investigation, those who threw the bomb should have established that the bandits dont live within the villages; they are in the bushes. It is a difficult moment for us, another local identified as Malam has said.

The villagers, therefore, called on the Federal and Kaduna State governments to investigate this incident, saying most of them were still living around the areas because they didnt have any other place to go.

While reacting to the claim of the villagers, the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said the airstrikes were only rained on the logistics base of terrorists.

He said there was no mosque in the area, based on pictorial evidence of how the location was before and after the operation as the operation was carried out following credible intelligence indicating a huge presence of terrorists and their weapons cache in the Yadi Forest.

According to him, reports from independent sources, including local informants around the general area, confirmed that the logistics base was totally destroyed and scores of terrorists were killed as a result of the attack.

He said, Intensive intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance confirmed the consistent presence of terrorists and their motorcycles at the location. Additional intelligence revealed that the logistics base belonged to the notorious terrorist kingpin Kadade Gurgu, a close ally of Dogo Gide.

Furthermore, available intelligence at the disposal of the NAF Air Component revealed that Kadade Gurgu has been providing shelter for notorious terrorist kingpins following the aggressive military operations in Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Accordingly, the Air Component dispatched an aircraft, supported by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, to attack the target. The target area initially appeared uninhabited. However, as the aircraft approached, some of the terrorists were seen emerging from under the shrubbery and running away from the area.

Subsequently, the targets were engaged, recording successful hits on the logistics facility, which was engulfed in flames with thick black smoke seen.Reports from independent sources, including local informants around the general area, later confirmed that the logistics base was totally destroyed and scores of terrorists were killed as a result of the attack.

The Nigerian Air Force, in collaboration with surface forces, will continue to dominate the battlespace through extensive situational awareness, constant patrols, and targeted interdiction of bandits safe havens within its area of responsibility and neighbouring states The aim i to decimate and flush out terrorism and criminal activities within the North-west and North-central geopolitical zones.

The new Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has been sworn-in by President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu presided over Kekere-Ekuns swearing-in at the Council Chambers, Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

Last week, the Senate confirmed Kekere-Ekun as the new CJN.

This followed her screening on the floor of the upper legislative chamber.

Tinubu had named her the new acting CJN following the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Olukoyede Ariwoola.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the State Security Service (SSS) have resolved to strengthen collaboration to tackle financial crimes.

Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesperson, said in a statement on Friday in Abuja that the collaboration would be particularly in the area of intelligence to tackle economic and financial crimes and corruption.

According to him, the two agencies made the resolution when Paul Akugbo, the new director of Base Command Liaison, Lagos, paid a courtesy visit to Michael Wetkas, acting director of the Lagos directorate of the EFCC.

Meanwhile, Mr Akugbo described the visit as necessary to strengthen the existing collaboration between the SSS and the EFCC.

He commended the EFCC for its unrelenting efforts to curb corruption, saying the visit was a proactive measure to meet the people on ground and familiarise with them for better collaboration.

“Security is not a one-man business, so cooperation and collaboration are needed.

We are here for national security, and we have to work better. This is because the criminals are bonding too. I can assure you our cooperation will be robust, and our support will not be hindered,” he said.

Responding, Mr Wetkas expressed delight in receiving Mr Akugbo and his team, adding that the SSS and the EFCC had always worked together.

“On several occasions, we have written letters to you for certain people on our watch list, and you have intercepted them and handed them over to us. We thank you for this.

“The success of our various services is our joint success. Lagos is a challenging place, and we are here to support you in any way we can,” he said.

He said the visit demonstrated that the SSS was ready to work and partner with the EFCC to achieve overall success for Nigeria.

“There is always a need to collaborate and build better relationships to make this country a success,” he said.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the award of a contract worth $117.83 million and N28.43 billion for the procurement of tractors, machinery, spare parts and other agricultural equipment for the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM).

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari disclosed this in a post on his official X handle.

According to him, the execution of the contract by selected firms will be divided into two stages- the supply of ready-made tractors, and other machinery and the transition to local assembly of agricultural machinery.

He noted that $117.83 million and N28.4 billion included the cost of clearing by the customs service and 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) with the delivery timeline set at 60 to 360 days.

The statement reads, “I am pleased to announce that the Federal Executive Council has approved a memo I presented as the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security for the award of a contract to procure tractors, machinery, implements, vehicles, equipment, and spare parts for the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM).”

“The total contract sum stands at $117,830,783.00 plus N28,439,777,100.00 to cover the cost of clearing, customs duties, levies, and delivery to locations across the country, with a delivery timeline of 60 to 360 days, inclusive of 7.5% VAT.”

The Minister added that the initiativewas designed to bolster national food security and reduce reliance on imports. It will promote national development across both public and private sectors by improving agricultural productivity, boosting profitability, and optimizing land use for a wider

Last year, during the Vice President’s visit to the United States, a U.S tractor company in a meeting with the Nigerian contingent led by the V.P disclosed plans to invest in a tractor manufacturing company in Nigeria.

According to press releases from Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity in the Office of the Vice President, the meeting between the Federal Government and representatives of the American tractor manufacturing firm was arranged by Mr. John Coumantaros, Chairman of Flour Mills of Nigeria.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) cleared over 204,332 backlog of passports in 10 months.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known while reeling out his ministry’s achievements in the last year, at a media event organised by the ministry on Friday in Abuja.

He assured Nigerians that never again will there be backlogs of passports in Nigeria, with the reform measure in place.

“In the last year, we introduced advanced border management technologies, including GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and other surveillance tools and infrastructure, to enhance national security.

“This technology allows for better monitoring and control of Nigeria’s extensive borders, ensuring that our immigration services are prepared to face modern security challenges.

‘As you are aware, we embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of the passport issuance process, addressing long-standing issues that have frustrated millions of Nigerians.

“One of our key accomplishments was clearing a massive backlog of 204,332 passport applications, a backlog that had left many citizens stranded for months if not years,” he said.

He said,” Today, I can proudly say that we have not only addressed this challenge but we have introduced home delivery services for passports.”

Tunji-Ojo said that the innovation was to ensure that Nigerians no longer have to endure the stress of traveling long distances or waiting in long queues all in the name passport.

“Passports are now delivered directly to the homes of applicants, a service that has brought immense relief to thousands.

“The NIS has also implemented contactless technology, streamlining the passport application process and improving overall efficiency.

“The days of bottlenecks and endless paperwork are behind us. Today, Nigerians experience a faster, more transparent, and seamless passport issuance process.

“We have also established a cutting-edge data center at the NIS with an impressive storage capacity of 1.4 petabytes.

“This state-of-the-art facility is designed to securely house and manage a vast array of critical national information, including the biometric data and personal records of Nigerian citizens,” he added.

The minister explained that the efforts were to ensure the safe storage and retrieval of sensitive information and enhance the efficiency of national security operations, identity management, and service delivery across the country.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has appointed Dr. Udo Samuel Atang as Senior Special Assistant on Administration.

A statement signed by Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press, Office of the Minister, described Atang as a seasoned administrator with a wealth of experience in public service, governance and administration.

According to the statement, he was, until his new appointment, the Head of Service of the FCT Administration.

The appointee was born on the 27th of March 1964, and hails from Eket local Government Area of Akwa-Ibom State.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History obtained from the University of Calabar in 1987 and began his working career in the defunct Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory in 1989.

He has held various senior administrative positions over 35 years in the FCT Administration culminating in his appointment as the pioneer Head of Service of the FCTA in March 2024.

His tenure as Head of Service was extended for six months by President Bola Tinubu on his reaching the retirement age of 60 on March 27, 2024.

“DrAtang’sexpertise, has been instrumental in driving various reforms and initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations,” the statement added.

“In his new role as Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Dr. Atang, who is a fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria, will work closely with the FCT Minister in overseeing key administrative functions within the administration, ensuring seamless coordination of activities, and providing strategic advisory support to the Minister.

“His appointment is effective immediately.”

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed allegations that $49.8 billion went missing during his tenure as the President of Nigeria.

Jonathan made this statement in Abuja on Thursday while speaking at the launch of a book by Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, the former Minister of Finance and National Planning, who served in his administration.

Jonathan acknowledged his respect for the views of the author but expressed disagreement with certain contributions made by the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), now Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II.

Specifically, he refuted Sanusi’s claims that approximately $50 billion went missing from the CBN during his administration.

“Let me mention that I did not agree completely with some issues raised by one of the contributors. But I don’t intend to join issues because he is our royal father, and he is here.

“The one he raised that he was sacked because he blew a whistle that the Federal Government lost $49.8billion is not quite correct.

“He was not sacked, he was suspended because the Financial Reporting Council queried the expenditure of CBN.

“There were serious infractions that needed to be looked at. That was the reason, but somehow, the time was short. So before we finished, his tenure elapsed. Probably, he would have been called back.

“On the issue of $49.8 billion, till today I am not convinced that the Federal Government lost $49.8 billion,” he said.

Forensic Audit on the Allegations

Jonathan further explained that a forensic audit had proven the allegations to be baseless, and the figures quoted by the former CBN governor were inaccurate.

He noted that the budget for that year was around $13 billion, making it implausible for such a large sum to go missing without detection.

Jonathan added that the independent forensic report found that $1.48 billion was unaccounted for, and recommended that the NNPC should deposit the amount into the Federation Account.

“That year, our budget was $31.6 billion. So for a country that had a budget of $31.6 billion to lose about $50 billion and salaries were paid, nobody felt anything. The researchers that wrote this book need to do further research.

“More so, when our revered royal father came up with the figures, first $49.8 billion, later $20 billion and later $12 billion. I don’t even know the correct one.

“Immediately that happened, we commissioned Price Water Coopers (PWC) to do a forensic audit.

“The report they came up with was that $1.48 billion that they couldn’t provide an account for and NNPC should pay that money into the Federation Account.

“They did not say we lost $12 billion, $20 billion or $49.8 billion,” Jonathan added.

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has warned Nigerians about the risks of flash floods and river overflows due to ongoing heavy rains.

In a statement released on Friday, the NIHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammed, urged citizens to take immediate actions to mitigate the impact of potential flooding.

Umar emphasised the importance of public cooperation, stating, “We must heed the agency’s warning by doing the needful — clearing our drainages and gutters as well as making way for water run-off.”

He noted that the prolonged rainfall across the country has already led to devastating flash floods in several regions.

Highlighting the agency’s commitment, Umar reiterated NIHSA’s mandate for effective water resource management.

“NIHSA will continue to monitor daily the water levels of our major rivers and tributaries, issuing flood warnings and alerts along with providing flood predictions,” he said.

The DG also revealed data on the water levels in key rivers, noting that the “steady rise in the water levels of River Niger and Benue has gotten to the red mark.”

He urged residents living along riverbanks to take precautions, advising them to “relocate to safe locations and secure their lives and property.”

Umar further stressed the collaborative efforts between NIHSA, emergency response agencies, and the media to safeguard lives and property across the nation.

He stated, “It is an effort to help save lives and property of Nigerians, in order to abate flood impact, enhance food security, promote national resilience to flood, thereby fostering sustainable water resources management.”

With the rainy season in full swing, the need for vigilance is paramount. The NIHSA is encouraging all citizens to stay informed and prepared as they monitor the evolving situation.

By Jude Onyenedogha & Jennifer John

Imo State Government says it is rolling out the drums for the celebration of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary.

The state Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy Hon. Declan Emelumba made this disclosure during a press briefing at the conference hall of the Ministry of Information, Owerri, yesterday.

He listed the events lined up for the celebration to include; Jumat prayer, already held yesterday at the state Central Mosque, Church Service to be held at the Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, Tomorrow, Sunday September 29, by 9:30am and to be officiated by the Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, His Grace Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji.

The grand finale of the celebration, according to the Commissioner will be on Tuesday, October 1st, at the Ndubuisi Kanu Square (former Heroes Square) Owerri, with Iwejuru, distinguished Imo personalities from various field of endeavor in attendance.

Emelumba said: “As you know, it is not easy to attain 64 years of age, even as a person, not to talk of a nation. So the government sees it that this is worth celebrating and we are rolling out the drums to celebrate it.

The grand finale according to the Commissioner will feature military parade and match past by school pupils/students, workers, as well as various volunteer groups. He added that the governor will at the end address Imo people.

The Commissioner used the opportunity to invite Imo people to fully participate in all the events listed above, which he said the whole idea is to make this year’s celebration, exceptional and memorable.

No fewer than 200 women from four banditry-ravaged local government areas of Katsina State and civil society organizations (CSOs) have brainstormed and re-strategized on how to strengthen peace and security in the state.

The women drawn from the four local governments of Batsari, Jibia, Danmusa and Kankara, through the Women Peace and Security (WPS) initiative of Mercy Corps, converged on Katsina, the state capital, where they deliberated on ways of fostering peace.

The two-day women dialogue was organised by Mercy Corps in collaboration with the Katsina State Ministry of Women Affairs with support from International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).

Under its Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation in North-west Nigeria (CMCR-NW) project, funded by the European Union (EU), Mercy Corps and partners seek to build the capacity of women and CSOs in peace-building and peaceful co-existence in the state.

One of the participants from Jibia, Amina Mohammed, said the dialogue would assist all women to work harmoniously towards achieving cohesion in the peace-building process in communities rather than working at cross-purposes due to duplicity of activities.

She said Mercy Corps and its partners have empowered them with fresh insights and recommended better ways of working together to ensure peaceful coexistence among communities affected by banditry in Kankara, Jibia, Batsari, Danmusa and other parts of the state.

Another participant, Zainab Aliyu-Kankara, explained that the women’s dialogue served as a veritable platform for them to collectively deliberate on innovative strategies for peace-building in the state, especially in communities ravaged by insecurity.

In her remarks, the Senior Programme Officer of Mercy Corps, Lynda Nkechi Emmanuel, said the two-day women peace and security dialogue was aimed at developing collaborative strategies for promoting peace and security in the state.

According to her, the WPS initiative was a significant step taken by Mercy Corps and partners towards empowering women to play a critical role in promoting peace and security across communities in Katsina State.

She said: “We have over 200 women here who have been selected from Danmusa, Jibia, Batsari and Kankara to discuss the role of women in peacebuilding, identify challenges and opportunities and develop collaborative strategies for promoting peace and security.”

While emphasising the importance of women’s participation in peace-building, the Mercy Corps programme officer encouraged them to take ownership of the initiative by reciprocating the gesture in their respective communities.

In her opening remarks, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hadiza Yar’adua, reiterated the state government’s commitment in tackling security challenges and improving the welfare of women and children affected by conflict.

She assured the participants that the state government under the leadership of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda would continue to prioritise their needs and work towards creating a better living environment for women in the state.

SIMON EBEGBULEM…

The most recent victory of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the national level, at the sub national off season governorship election in Edo State, once again brings to the fore, the untiring efforts of notable individuals of the party, towards expanding the frontiers and making it the party of first choice by Nigerians.

Try as it may, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) baseless attempts to exonerate itself from the hardship confronting Nigerians, the effects of which the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has frontally taken on to reverse, via the Renewed Hope Agenda, will ever be to the utter shame and regret of PDP.

Assuredly, and in the not too distant, as more of the gains of the re-engineering matrix of  the administration bear more fruits, then would the true meaning of the fabled 60-years-rule by the PDP and the juggernauts that touted it, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, dawn on Nigerians. Their plan being to put Nigerians under perpetual and everlasting bondage, misery and suffering.

Nigerians are now wiser, and nothing encapsulates this more than the APC’s thumping that brought a well deserving end to the Godwin Obaseki eight years of maladministration in Edo State, and back into the fold of the forward looking APC.
Under the instruction of the leadership of the APC led by President Bola Tinubu, that Edo State should be salvaged and recovered back to the fold of the party, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State was beckoned on to lead other Progressives governors in ensuring that the mission is accomplished, applying all democratic principles.

Governor Uzodimma is one of the silent heroes that worked day and night to make this come to reality, and once again ensure that democracy flourishes in Edo and its dividends cascade down to the good people of the state, under the leadership of the Governor-Elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, beginning November 12 and beyond.

Senator Hope Uzodimma, fondly called ONWA by teeming supporters and admirers comes with lots of Democratic antecedents predating his mounting of the saddle as Imo State Governor, in 2020.

A former member of the Upper Chambers of the National Assembly, he, not unlike President Tinubu, who he holds in the highest of regards and esteem, has joined in expanding the frontiers of the party, ensuring notable spread across the Niger and far beyond the Heartland state, where he has continued to endear the ruling party to all and sundry.

With sterling performance in Imo, which has expectedly rubbed off on Ndi Imo at the federal levels, through appointments, added to the glaring Federal presence in the state and coupled with his administration’s unsurpassed infrastructural and economic development strides, Governor Uzodimma has continued to garner accolades from far and wide, several of which has translated into more recognition and added responsibilities.

Into his first tenure in office, colleagues from the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, in recognition of his leadership qualities made Senator Hope Uzodimma Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, while President Bola Tinubu, even from before coming into office, has chosen to work with him, charging him with the most sensitive of assignments, of which he has creditably discharged and delivered on.

In the process and along the ways, the APC has gained and continues to add, a windfall of notable and heavyweight defectors from the major opposition parties in the geo-political zone, into its fold.

The landmark APC victory in Edo
Right from the beginning, Governor Uzodimma has been in the tick of the battle to rightfully return Edo State, back to the fold, working assiduously with others, including the leader of the APC in the state, Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, a former two-term governor, to make this manifest.

It is therefore no surprise that following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo as winner of the September 21 election, on Sunday, congratulatory messages poured in from high, far and near. Uzodimma being a loyal party leader may not understand what he and others have achieved in getting Edo back to the APC fold, but those who have followed the political history of the state will better understand.

After Comrade Oshiomhole left the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as its President , people from all walks of life, advised him to contest for the Presidency of this nation. But Oshiomhole opted to run for the governorship after the masses of Edo State persuaded him to come and lead them out of the PDP conundrum. That was how Oshiomhole joined in the governorship race in 2007, under the umbrella of the then Action Congress, with alliance with the Labour movement. However he was rigged out by the PDP and Edo people cried foul. The current President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu mobilised resources for Oshiomhole and recruited forensic experts who deployed the most modern of techniques, including recounting the ballot papers used for the election. That was how, on March 20, 2008 the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal nullified the election of Prof. Osarhiemen Osunbor and declared Oshiomhole the authentic winner of the poll. And, on 11 November, 2008, the Court of Appeal upheld the ruling of the state election petition tribunal declaring Oshiomhole winner. Therefore, Governor Obaseki made one of his too numerous blunders, when he and his cohorts came with their usual rhetoric that, “Edo is not Lagos.”

Sadly, after the efforts made by the now President Tinubu and Oshiomhole to bring Edo into the APC, Governor Obaseki who was handed the ticket of the party by the latter, against all odds, took the state back to PDP to the chagrin of many, including President Tinubu and Oshiomhole.
It is therefore understood, why President Tinubu deployed his political ally in the South East, the political strategist, Governor Hope Uzodimma, to return Edo back to the APC fold.

Uzodimma did just that, applying all democratic tenets. He campaigned to the Igbo community in Edo vigorously and reminded them of all the anti democratic actions of Governor Obaseki, which includes his refusal to swear-in 14 elected members of the state House of Assembly. He rallied his colleague governors to ensure that the dream of Mr President is achieved in Edo.

By reclaiming Edo State to the APC, Governor Uzodimma is already galvanizing support for President Tinubu’s 2027 second term bid, which is well expected; clearing all hurdles and expanding the political horizon of the APC come 2027.

It is not surprising that today he is refered to as the “Lion” of the South East. As chairman of the South East Governors, Uzodimma has been able to propagate the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, and today we are witnessing the influx of people into the APC in the South East.

The APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, while congratulating Senator Monday Okpebholo, commended the political sagacity of Uzodimma and other progressive governors.

“We look forward to a prosperous new chapter for Edo state,” said Ganduje.
There was wild jubilation in the ancient of Benin, when the Returning Officer (RO) for the Edo State governorship election and Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Niger State, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC as the winner of the keenly-contested election at 9:26 p.m. on Sunday, September 22.
He announced that Okpebholo, representing the Edo Central Senatorial District, secured 291,667 votes to defeat the PDP candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo, who got 247,274 votes.

The Labour Party’s (LP) Olumide Akpata, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), came a distant third, securing 22,763 votes. This declaration ended the plot by governor Obaseki to continue to keep Edo under the stranglehold of his factional PDP. And thanks to Governor Uzodimma whose superior political dexterity rescued the state from that stranglehold. For sure, President Tinubu can now relax, that his APC has made a major in-road into the South South ahead 2027.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has sounded the alarm over the high number of lives lost to boat accidents in the state, with a staggering 182 casualties recorded in the past three years.

The governor, through his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, spoke at the 2024 World Maritime Day celebration and distribution of 33 Fiber Glass Boats, held at the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) headquarters in Minna on Thursday.

Decrying the situation, he noted, “The huge number of loss we have incurred as a result of boat mishaps in the state is unacceptable

“From the available data, the state lost a total of 95 lives in 2022, 68 lives in 2023 and so far this year ( 2024) 19 casualties have been recorded. No life is worthy more than the other, we should all walk the talk to halt the menace.”

Bago also commended N-HYPPADEC for their timely intervention, acknowledging that the gesture will greatly alleviate the suffering of riverine communities while reiterating the state government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of inland waterways for year-round transportation.

Earlier, the Managing director of N- HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, explained that the 2024 World Maritime Day coincided with the commissioning of fibre glass boats to be distributed to riverine communities along the rivers and lakes of hydroelectric dams across N-HYPPADEC member states.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Navigating the Future: Safety First’, he explained that the Commission decided to procure the fibre glass boats to enhance marine transportation and mitigate the recurrence of boat mishaps, which have plagued the communities for many years.

Yelwa also recalled the painful loss of several lives in boat accidents, a development which caused untold hardship in the communities neighboring the Kainji Lake between the vicinity of Shagunu of Borgu Emirate in Niger State and Warrah of Yauri Emirate in Kebbi State.

According to him, “Recognising the dangers posed by water snags, we collaborated with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to carry out a water snags clearing project.

“Together, we removed a considerable number of tree logs from parts of the Kainji and Shiroro Lakes, significantly reducing the likelihood of boat accidents caused by the snags.”

The House of Representatives has told Aliko Dangote, the owner Dangote Refinery, to disclose the cost he is selling petroleum from his refinery to NNPC Limited and other major marketers.

The lawmakers also asked NNPC to disclose the amounts the refinery is paying for crude oil.

This resolution followed a motion moved by Oboku Oforji on Thursday during plenary.

DAILY POST reports that there has been dispute between NNPC Limited and Dangote Refinery over the cost per litre of petrol from the refinery.

NNPC Limited has claimed to be buying petrol at N898/litre from Dangote, however, the refiner disputed the figure, stating that it is selling less than the amount.

To address challenges surrounding the distribution of its products, the lawmakers urged the management of Dangote Refinery to build, acquire or partner to get Tank Farms or depot across the geo-political zones in the country.

In the motion, Oforji commended the refinery for its impact on energy sovereignty of the country.

“Nigeria is driving towards energy self-sufficiency, cost and foreign exchange savings, meeting the increasing demand for fuels, attraction of foreign capital investment, generation of Forex through export of finished product,” he said.

To achieve sustainability, Oforji said Dangote Refinery should sell products directly to the independent marketers.

The motion was adopted unanimously by the lawmakers.