UPDATE ON MDCN's SEPTEMBER 2024 FOREIGN TRAINED MEDICAL AND DENTAL GRADUATES ASSESSMENT EXAMINATIONS

As mandated by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act CAP M8, Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has responsibility for determining the standards of knowledge and skills to be attained by persons seeking to become members of the medical or dental profession (Section 1, subsection 2 subsubsection a)

The MDCN desires to maintain the rules and regulations for completion of a course of study that is to be attained by persons seeking to become members of the medical or dental profession.

MDCN also institutes an assessment/examination for holders of foreign medical or dental qualifications.

MDCN commiserates with our dear students whose studies have been affected by the COVID19 pandemic in 2019 to 2021 and the conflicts in Ukraine and Sudan in 2022.

Following these disruptions, there have been extensive deliberations with key stakeholders, students and their parents with MDCN.

We are trying our best to ensure smooth integration of students who have the desire to become medical and dental practitioners and who have worked so hard, putting in a lot of time and effort.

We recognise that medicine is a calling.

It is in this regard that the MDCN had put up several remediation pathways to alleviate the consequences of the difficult circumstances that students found themselves in:

1. For students of 2022 from Ukraine who had completed their course of study of medicine or dentistry and were about to write their exams when the war broke out:
• (a) MDCN prepared a well-structured, organised and sufficient 6-months remediation programme at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, conducted by medical teachers from the University of Abuja, with collaborative supervision by MDCN. This has just been concluded.
• (b) All students who have satisfactorily attended and completed this remediation course are deemed eligible to register for and write the MDCN examinations in September 2024.
2. Students who would have graduated in later years (2023 onwards) are deemed not to have completed their course of study of medicine or dentistry by 2022. These students were advised on the following completion pathways:
• (a) Return to a designated campus of their foreign university to complete their studies. Those who take this pathway would be expected to have been at the medical school physically for their completion of study.
• (b) Transfer to any Nigerian university of their choice depending on availability and NUC regulatory compliance. A number of students from Sudan and Ukraine who opted for this pathway have been successfully integrated in the medical schools and some have already completed their course of studies and others are nearing completion. They will not be required to take the FTMDG exams if graduating from an accredited Nigerian university.
• (c) For those who were not able to join any of the above pathways, they are advised to integrate into any university (according to National Universities Commission (NUC) regulatory guidelines) in order to complete their medical school.
3. If there are any students who are confirmed to be of the 2022 set, another remediation programme would be arranged after full discussion and reviews with key stakeholders.
4. Online medical schools are not recognised in Nigeria. The study of medicine requires bedside teaching, with in-person clinical training and lab work. These are mandatory and must be fulfilled
5. The final exams for qualification to be a doctor must also include hands-on clinical assessments and cannot be completed online/virtually.

The MDCN is determined in maintaining high standards in medical and dental education and practice in Nigeria, therefore will continue to abide by the rules and regulations for the study of medicine.

Management

https://mdcn.gov.ng/page/recent-news/update-on-mdcn-s-september-2024-foreign-trained-medical-and-dental-graduates-assessment014

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘

𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗞𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗛𝗢𝗡. 𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗝𝗜, 𝗠𝗥𝗦 𝗗𝗨𝗣𝗘 𝗔𝗝𝗜𝗕𝗔𝗗𝗘 𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗪𝗢𝗬𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗜𝗥 𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗦 𝗔𝗣𝗖 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘, 𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗔 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

Honourable Moshood Adeleke has joyfully congratulated Offa local government APC candidate, Hon. Sulaiman Olatunji, Vice Chairmanship candidate, Mrs Dupe Ajibade Olawoyin and all the APC councillorship candidates in Offa local government.

"I sincerely extend my warmest congratulations to Hon. Sulaiman Olatunji (OMITUTUN), Mrs Dupe Ajibade Olawoyin on your well deserved victories as the APC Chairmanship candidate, Vice Chairmanship candidate and all the councillorship candidates in Offa local government."

Indeed, your emergence is a clear reward for loyalty and dedication to the party's growth and, grassroots/community developments.

I sincerely commended the Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq (CON) for his unwavering commitments to the development of Kwara State Kwara.

Special thanks to the State APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, Political leaders, the leadership and stakeholders of the party in Offa local government for rigorous contributions towards the success of the primary elections.

I implore the remaining as aspirants to see it as "No victory, no vanquish" but a triumph for democratic values and prospects.

I pray for a resounding victory in the forthcoming local government elections for all our party's candidates.

𝓢𝓲𝓰𝓷𝓮𝓭
𝓗𝓸𝓷𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓪𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓜𝓸𝓼𝓱𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓐𝓭𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓴𝓮
(𝓨𝓘𝓞 𝓡𝓞𝓡𝓤𝓝)
𝓙𝓾𝓵𝔂 08, 2024.

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐄

𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐊𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐋𝐇𝐀𝐉𝐈 𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐍𝐁𝐈 𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐒 𝐀𝐏𝐂 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐎𝐘𝐔𝐍 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓.

... extends his congratulatory message to his running mate, Hon. Funmilayo Abioye and all the APC councillorship candidates.

With all sense of joy and solidarity, I expressed my genuine congratulations to our party's chairmansip candidate in Oyun local government, Honourable Kamaldeen Olawale Akanbi, his running mate, Honourable Funmilayo Abioye and all the APC councillorship candidates in Oyun local government.

Your emergence is a clear testament to your loyalty and positive contributions towards progress of the party and community development.

On the journey to the main local government elections, I sincerely assure you all of my positive for all round victories.

May Almighty God grant us landslide victories.

𝙎𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙚𝙙:
𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝘼𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙠𝙚
(𝙔𝙄𝙊 𝙍𝙊𝙍𝙐𝙉)
𝙅𝙪𝙡𝙮 08, 2024.

One of the Police escorts attached to an Abuja-bound train from Kaduna reportedly lost his life during a trip on Thursday morning.

The policeman was said to be hale and hearty when the train left Rigasa Train Station in Kaduna en route Abuja.

A witness said the deceased later complained of chest pain and sought help before he eventually ‘died’.

“A police officer, who was one of the escorts on a Abuja-Kaduna train just died. He left home in good health. But later during the journey, he complained of chest pain and asked his colleague to get him some glucose and water.

“There was no emergency medical care on the train. Before a doctor, who was also a passenger, could come, the officer was already dead,” the passenger told a newspaper.

After the officer died, his remains was moved to a side of the train, while his face was covered.

The train arrived at Kubwa in Abuja around 3:20pm after which passengers disembarked. Security operatives on ground prevented passengers from recording the incident.

About 20 minutes after the arrival of the train, a police van drove into the station to pick the corpse to the mortuary.

As at the time of this report, LEADERSHIP was unable to reach the spokesman of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

https://leadership.ng/just-in-police-escort-dies-aboard-kaduna-abuja-train/?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter#google_vignette

UK AGENCY HAILS NUC BOSS, MAIYAKI, NAMES HIM COMMITTEE MEMBER, AS FG APPROVES TWO NEW PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES

In recognition of an outstanding contribution to the tertiary education sector at home and abroad, the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr Chris Maiyaki, has been appointed by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) of the United Kingdom, to its International Advisory Committee (IAC), Empowered Newswire reports.

Lauding him for his professional excellence, the QAA in a statement by its Director of International and Professional Services for Higher Education in the UK, Eduardo Ramos, stated that the appointment was based on Maiyaki’s wealth of experience at the NUC as well as achievements recorded since his assumption of office as Acting Executive Secretary, including the approval of guidelines on Transnational Education (TNE) in Nigeria and Quality Assurance, in line with the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS).

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) is an "independent charity working to benefit students and higher education, and one of the world’s experts in quality assurance."

The UK based international agency is " trusted by higher education providers and regulatory bodies to maintain and enhance quality and standards..

The agency works to "ensure that students are involved in all aspects of our work. It also works "with governments, agencies and institutions globally."

The global agency has International Advisory Committee (IAC), which is
an Eminent Persons Group of experts, constituted to guide its international activities, and provide strategic advice on partnership, membership, TNE, accreditation, consultancy activity, and so on.

According to Ramos, the formation of the Committee followed QAA’s launch of a new Strategy, covering 2023-2027, that emphasises “international” focus as one of the four areas of its functions.

He said that “international activities” are crucial to the agency’s efforts. And, it was to provide implementation guidance that the IAC was formed, and it would meet twice a year. Members of the Committee are expected to work together to provide strategic advice and direction, leveraging their collective backgrounds and expertise in administration, policy development, knowledge of accreditation in higher education and diplomacy.

Maiyaki, whose new appointment comes after the recent licensing of two new private universities by NUC and facilitation of the establishment of the first four Private Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Universities in Nigeria, aimed at resolving the challenges of equity and access to university education in the country, acknowledging the appointment, expressed gratitude to the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) of the UK.

The NUC boss said that he was excited by the opportunity to contribute to the promotion of partnerships and collaborations that would certainly enhance the higher education landscape of the United Kingdom, Africa and, indeed, the world at large. According to him, the NUC, which is “the flagship that regulates university education in Nigeria”, recognises the critical role that quality assurance plays in ensuring excellence and continuous improvement within the higher education ecosystem.

“The commitment of the QAA in safeguarding standards and improving the quality of higher education in the United Kingdom is not only legendary, but it also resonates with the mandate of the NUC,” Maiyaki said while expressing confidence that the combined wealth of experience, expertise and insights of the Committee members would contribute to the fulfilment of the international agenda of the QAA on higher education.

As the acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Maiyaki is noted for spearheading efforts to improve the quality of higher education in Nigeria.

As the NUC helmsman, Maiyaki has been actively involved in developing and implementing policies and guidelines to ensure that universities in the country meet international standards of academic excellence.

Under Maiyaki's leadership, the NUC has taken steps to enhance the accreditation process for universities, promote research and innovation, and foster collaborations with foreign institutions.

His dedication to advancing the education sector in Nigeria has been instrumental in driving the commission's mission to elevate the quality of higher education and enhance the overall academic standards in the country.

Recall that the NUC on Thursday, 22nd February 2024, presented provisional licenses to two new private universities, Lighthouse University, Evbuobanosa, Edo State and the African School of Economics, Abuja, FCT, at the Idris Abdulkadir Auditorium, in Abuja, where Maiyaki highlighted the importance of quality education in the development of any nation.

While commending the promoters of the two new universities for their dedication and commitment to establishing institutions of higher learning, despite the challenges and resource implications involved, Maiyaki emphasized the role of private universities in bridging the gap in access to university education in Nigeria, as demand continues to outstrip available placements.

With the addition of these two new universities, the total number of private universities in Nigeria has now reached One Hundred and Forty-Nine (149) and the total number of universities to Two Hundred and Sixty-Five (265).

"NUC’s stringent 14-step selection process is a well-articulated set of criteria and procedures developed by the Commission over the years, to meet its commitment to continually deepen quality and widen access to university education.

"This process is guided by our firm belief in the pivotal role of quality education in the overall development of any nation and the need for more placements for the teeming youth who are desirous of that university education which is anchored on genuine partnership and cooperation with the private sector.  It is generally believed that deliberate and result-oriented investment in quality education is a prerequisite for the production of the human capital required to drive sustainable socio-economic and cultural development," Maiyaki said.

Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olugbode: Charting Course as Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy, NHS President

Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olumide Olugbode  doubles as the Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy as well as the President, Nigerian Hydrographic Society, NHS. With double Bachelor of Science degrees in Physics and Hydrography and double Masters in Hydrography and Strategic Studies, the senior officer also boasts of key skills in strategic leadership, digital transformation and change management. Upon assumption of office in June 2023, THISDAYchecks by Chiemelie Ezeobi reveal that he has been improving Nigeria’s hydrographic capacity for improved maritime safety and security towards enhancing Nigeria’s national economic growth and prosperity.

Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olumide Olugbode is the Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy (NN) as well as the President, Nigerian Hydrographic Society (NHS).

Since assumption of office as the Hydrographer of the NN from July 8, 2023 till date, a position he took over from Rear Admiral Emeka Okafor (Rtd.), the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office (NNHO) has remained fully committed to the conduct and coordination of hydrographic operations in Nigeria, as well as collaboration with other maritime stakeholders in support of navigational safety, maritime security and sustainable economic development of Nigeria.

Under his watch too, the NHS has gone beyond working underground to being visible with a view to become more proactive in  hydrographic advocacy in Nigeria and within the wider Gulf of Guinea (GoG) sub-Region.

Just recently, it was revealed that the NNHO has contributed 85,385 km2 of bathymetric data to the Nippon Foundation – GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project as part of its commitment to the global endeavour to achieve a complete map of the ocean floor. This data submission is the first from an African country and covers an area in the GoG G nearly the size of Jordan.

Passion for Hydrography

Beyond his passion for Hydrography, the senior officer has backed this up with the requisite knowledge. With a combination of experiences as a Seaman, hydrographic surveyor, strategic studies researcher, oceans laws and policy Rhodes scholar, this has come to bear in his day-to-day activities charting the course of Hydrography not just for the Nigerian Navy but the nation at large. 

 The Hydrospatial Advocate, who has been a Member, International Hydrographic Organisation, Capacity Building Sub-Committee from January 2009 till date, has conducted several Hydrography surveys and they include theBathymetric Survey on Plymouth Sound, UK and Bathymetric/Oceanography Survey on Tamar River, both as UK Undergraduate Studies. 

He also did the Bathymetric Survey of  Bonny River; Commander Pool – Lagos Harbour Entrance; Geophysical and Bathymetric Survey of Landfall for pipeline – Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos.

To his credit too, he is professionally affiliated as Member to the Royal Institute of Navigation, International Federation of Hydrographic Societies, and Nigerian Hydrographic Society. 

Optimising Marine, Blue Economy 

As one of the firm believers in Blue Economy, Rear Admiral Olugbode has backed words with action. Just last year, the NNHO actively participated at the Roundtable on Advancing Sustainable Development in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy hosted by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

During the retreat, he presented the National Charting Scheme for Nigeria and highlighted other activities of NNHO geared towards the advancement of Nigeria’s blue economy.

Not done, he has often clamoured for optimisation of Nigeria’s blue economy potentials. This he reiterated while conferring with members of the society in a seminal gathering aimed at advancing the hydrography profession in the country, in September last year. 

Part of the interactions were centered on ways and means to deepen multidimensional collaboration within hydrography professional clusters and cohorts towards enabling the full optimisation of the blue economy potentials of the country.

In another gathering last year, which was the maiden dinner organised by Nigeria Alumni of World Maritime University (WMU), in Lagos, the senior officer opined that to harness the Blue Economy, maritime experts and policymakers need to set up a think-tank forum as they have huge roles to play in policy direction for the government in exploring the untapped resources in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

In November 2023, Rear Admiral Olugbode with Rear Admiral AA Mustapha visited the Italian Navy Hydrography Institute (IIM) at Genoa, Italy in fulfilment of the Italian and Nigerian Armed Forces Bilateral Cooperation Plan signed in Rome on  November 9, 2023, which was in tandem with NN’s commitment to fully operationalise the Nigerian Hydrographic Agency as well as Nigeria’s blue economy aspirations.

Strengthening Collaborations

One of his strategic guidance has been on the import of collaborations. One of such advancements was strengthening the hydrographic ties pertaining to capacity building, as well as Research and Development (R&) with University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Also, in November 2023, the senior officer and team hosted a delegation from Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCIN) at the NNHO. 

In furtherance of the NNHO’s commitment to ocean science and capacity-building, NNHO recently held talks with Professor Kanna Rajan of RAND Corporation and Dr Ngozi Oguguah, the Chief Research Officer at the National Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research in January 2024 to involve a team of distinguished international scientists and researchers to conduct oceanographic surveys in the Gulf of Guinea and develop capacity of West African ocean scientists. 

The research surveys aim to address ocean data shortage in the Gulf of Guinea and improve understanding of oceanographic phenomena such as upwelling and marine heat wave as well as the scientific impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity.

This January, the NNHO hosted a delegation from Starfix Geosolutions led by its Managing Director of Starfix Geosolutions, Mr Bankole Falaye to discuss collaboration to deliver advanced hydrographic training to industry practitioners so as to address the address the acute shortage of qualified and competent professionals in the Nigerian hydrographic industry.

Also in January, the NNHO led by Rear Admiral Olugbode, paid a courtesy visit to West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCO) Limited to engage on key areas of collaboration including data sharing and operational synergy in ensuring the entire length of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) and its Pipeline Protection Zone (PPZ) are accurately depicted on NNHO navigational products.

With an avid interest in fishing, the senior officer through the NHS sponsored the Hydrographer’s Fishing Competition last November, which was organised by the Apapa Boat Club to promote aqua tourism/aqua culture and raise awareness of the importance of sustainable fishing to coastal livelihood, recreation and the economy.

Education and Qualifications

Taking a trip down memory lane to what makes him tick. It was gathered that the senior officer had in 1993 obtained a B.Sc, Physics from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna and in 2005, took it further with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hydrography from University of Plymouth, UK. 

In 2010, he obtained a Diploma in Oceans Law and Policy from Rhodes Ocean Scholar, University of Virginia School of Law, USA. In 2015, he bagged a Masters Degree in Hydrography from the  University of Plymouth, UK and in 2018, he topped it up with another Masters in Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Career Laurels

Laurel wise, Rear Admiral Olugbode has bagged several commendations and awards including the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Commendation letter as Chairman of draft National Maritime Security Strategy (NMSS 2023), Brazilian Government Prize for Best Research Paper in Science and Technology in 2017 at National Defence College, Nigeria.

Also to his credit is the Robert Maine Award for Best Undergraduate Ex Seafarer (2005), University of Plymouth, UK; and Third in Order of Merit Graduating Student, Junior Division Course (2002) – Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Nigeria.

Professional Development

As one who strongly believes in professional development, Rear Admiral Olugbode has obtained several certificates in that regard. 

In 1995, he obtained the Sub-Technical Course, QUORRA, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria and in 2002, was the Junior Staff Course, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna, Nigeria while in 2007, it was the Senior Staff Course, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna, Nigeria.

In 2013, Defence Attaché Module, Geneva Center for Security Policy, Geneva, Switzerland as well as the Joint Management & Intelligence Attache Course (JMAC)-Defense Intelligence College, Karu, Abuja, Nigeria was added to his professional development. 

In 2016 and 2017, he bagged the Senior Executive Course, National & International Security, Harvard Kennedy School, USA and the Fellow Higher Defence and Strategic Studies Course, National Defence College, Abuja, Nigeria, respectively.

While in 2020 it was the Senior Executive Course, Strategic Leadership in a Dynamic World, Harvard Kennedy School, USA, 2021 saw him attaining the Company Direction Course II – Building Effective Boards (CDC II), Institute of Directors, Nigeria; and Company Direction Course 1 – Building Effective Directors (CDC I), Institute of Directors, Nigeria.

In 2022, he was in Senior Managers in Government, Harvard Kennedy School, USA;  Independent Directors Masterclass (IDM), Institute of Directors, Nigeria, as well as Company Direction Course III- Building Future Ready Boards (CDC III), Institute of Directors, Nigeria.

In 2023, he was in the Senior Executives Programme – Africa 2023 – Harvard Business School, Harvard University, USA; Oxford Executive Leadership Programme 2023 – Saïd Business School-University of Oxford, UK; and 2023-Negotiation Strategies: Building Agreement Across Boundaries, Harvard Kennedy School, USA. Also in 2023, he was in Leading through the Changing Media Landscape, Harvard Kennedy School, USA. 

Appointments

As expected, the senior officer has occupied various positions in his meritorious career trajectory. He was once the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Admiralty Maritime Services Limited (AMSL) Nigeria; Deputy Commandant, Naval War College Nigeria; and Director of Academic Research and Analytical Support (DARAS), National Defence College, Nigeria.

He was also the Director of Curriculum and Programmes Development (DCPD), National Defence College Nigeria; Directing Staff (Faculty Member), National Defence College Nigeria. Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria; and Assistant Director Transformation (Civil Military Relations), Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria.

Others include Nigerian Defence Adviser to India with concurrent accreditation to Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore and South Korea (2013-2016); Assistant Director Policy, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria; Executive Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship OBULA; Head of Hydrographic Survey Services, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency; and Staff Officer II and I (Hydrography), Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office. 

He was once an Instructor – Tides, Geodesy and Afloat Survey and Chief Instructor, both in the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic School, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He was also on Watch Keeping Duties, Nigerian Navy Ship ARADU; Staff Officer III (Operations), Naval Headquarters; Aide-de-Camp, Military Administrator, Bayelsa State; Watch Keeping Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship AYAM; and Watch Keeping Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship SIRI.

With the unflinching support of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, who is also enthused with Hydrography, Rear Admiral  Ayodeji Olumide Olugbode is not just passionate about improving Nigeria’s hydrographic capacity for improved maritime safety and security, but has also set in motion several measures towards enhancing Nigeria’s national economic growth and prosperity through the riches and abundance of the oceans. 

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/02/23/rear-admiral-ayodeji-olugbode-charting-course-as-hydrographer-of-the-nigerian-navy-nhs-president

Jjk

By Balogun Murtala Mohammed.

Toleration is often indifference in disguise -Frederick Buechner

For all stakeholders of Kaduna Polytechnic who have followed recent developments online, our collective tolerance has gone beyond suggesting our indifference in a matter that obviously affects us, as much or even more than it affects the persons directly concerned.
As a proud Alumni of the Department of Mass Communication, and someone with the privilege of following the case of the exams leakage from beginning, I owe the obligation of putting the issue in its context, to challenge those concerned to arrest this unguarded onslaught on the Institution and the department in particular and to hopefully guide the public who may now be poorly informed and inclined to a wrong perception.

The issue
Even without a sense of history of the case; between December 2023 and January 2024 alone, three major incidents have given pointers to the Exam leakage case in Mass Communication Department, Kaduna Polytechnic, nearly long forgotten after it happened over a year ago.

1. Students expelled over their being complicit in the leakage of exam questions took the matter to a global audience and court of public opinion, claiming that justice was not well served.

2. The push to full disclosure resulting from this, initiated a final outcome of the Police findings after  several months of investigation. The highlights of the Police report was presented by the Rector and deliberated openly at a duly constituted  Academic Board. The same Board deliberated on the appeal entered by the expelled students and overwhelmingly upheld their expulsion. The students are insisting in their claim, among others (without evidence or proof) that certain key actors of the leakage who were their classmates were not punished.

3. The final Report of the Police Investigation affirmed the roles of the students and indicted two persons who have been staff of the Exam office for over four years. Credible sources say, they have both been duly served Queries and have made appearances before the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee, of which a final outcome/verdict is being awaited.
According to those in the know, the Report detailed  HOW the leakage was carried out, with substantive evidence generated. It can be verified.

Before the case was handed over to Police in March 2023, the Institution's authority received two independent submissions from both the PTD and the Management Committee set up specially to separately investigate the matter. Their outcomes are also substantial pointers that offer insights to the incident. They are verifiable and actionable to every extent, including room for litigation for aggrieved persons, as all parties involved are alive.

The Challenge
The credibility and integrity of these processes and their outcomes is being ridiculed, with potential harm for the Institution and persons targeted for orchestrated damage to their reputations, through what can be identified as a "backend server" driven by Brekete, but not necessarily initiated by it. There was no way the persons responsible for this mess would go down easily without mudding and bringing down the roof on us all.

For a Police report that categorically stated that, *the indicted persons are not only responsible for the particular incident of leakage in question, but for all previous leakages in the department*; it was not going to be a tea party for all actors and for the institution. It will come with a hard price. This is an open contest (or war) between truth and falsehood. No room for sentiments.

There have been references to open statements of veiled threat to pull everyone and everything down, if the outcome of the case takes a particular dimension. Understandably, due to the magnitude, there are a number of interested parties in the case and this may exert pressure on the Management.
Kaduna Polytechnic is however greater than anyone or group of persons. Consequently, it should remain bold in not sparing anyone for any infraction identified with this case, as with others, in whatever magnitude.

Markers
It is all too clear, why the focus of Brekete is not on the end of the matter which has already and effectively been determined. It is clear why Brekete has continued to avail the disgruntled expelled students the platform to rehash the same falsehoods propagated at the beginning of the Investigation, which were never proven up to the end across all layers- PTD, Management Investigation Committee, DSS/Police.

It is all too clear, how Brekete and its promoters ignored the basic canons of fair hearing and verification/balance, on a contentious matter which actual position can be ascertained from a visit to Kaduna Polytechnic or the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, if not both.

It is all too clear, why some specific names are being called out, dragged and openly maligned by the students without substantial evidence but the same expelled students now doing the call-out are silent in calling out their actual source of the leakage or in affirming the final confirmation of same by the Investigative agencies. I thought we should all be happy that the Police have produced the academic staff responsible for the leakage and Brekete along with the students should have devoted same energy to mention this openly and categorically, rather than attending to hearsays and conjectures, chasing shadows. Why are we being dragged back to sensationalize issues that have been determined and of no substance to the criminality of the leakage, and for what purpose?

Summarily, it is all too clear, how an underhand is instigating the "leadership" of the expelled students and scripting narratives for them, to sway public opinion against the credibility of the already determined outcome and return us all to a needless dramatization and unnecessary dilemma, ahead of a final verdict on the actual culprits exposed by the investigation.

Summarily also, it is all too clear where the prejudice of the promoter of the station lies. The deliberate serialization of the narratives of the expelled students and deliberate refusal to formally approach the Institution or the Police and present official positions on the matter. The deliberate escalation of same, after (and in prejudice to) an earlier assurance by the Minister of Information to verify the issues through the Minister of Education. The well established choice of words by the promoter in reference to the Institution's reputation, concurrent generalization of deep seated bias over same and clear diversion away from the matter in context, so long as as the narrations reinforce these prejudices, in many instances on the programme.

Even if the objective is civic or advocacy journalism, this approach is far from civil and negates all globally known canons of decent, responsible journalism.

Way forward
The Institution has a responsibility to arrest this unguarded onslaught by presenting a position before Brekete, stating the facts of the case and its current status. It is not necessary for the school to have a representation in appearance at Brekete. It is also a better immediate option than urgent contemplation of legal action (which should also not be ruled out).

The school should avail the public a full disclosure on the case and affirm the culpability of those culpable and exoneration of those exonerated, categorically, since there is a report by investigators to that effect. This will put an end to any speculation of an attempt to cover up part(s) of the case. The school has to do this with urgency in the interest of its over six decades' legacy, reputation and its hundreds of thousands of alumni, current students, future ones, employees and other universe of its stakeholders.

As critical stakeholders who have more at stake/to lose, the silence of the active Alumni community on this issue is appalling. The Alumni are supposed to be forerunners in cultivating alternative, evidence-based narratives and in disaggregation of the building up of what is gradually becoming a collateral damage on this matter.

Brekete Radio/TV is not a court of legal jurisdiction and has no competence/basis of upholding any claim, however (il)logical, appealing or enchanting such is to its listeners and viewers. It is also a legal entity which can account for it's deliberate innuendoes and speculations, if/when demanded.

A higher level of accountability should therefore be demanded and availed by everyone concerned. The expelled students who maintained culpable silence for over nine months but are now uncontrollably 'vommitting' may also prepare to account for their claims in court, including seeking redress where affirmed, as full adults recognised by law. Some of them and their instigator(s) collectively in a hole from the verdict upon them,  are shamelessly still digging with ignominy. The school or its Alumni cannot be proud of their conduct.

This clear attempt to rubbish the institution and the department (and its thousands of  highly distinguished graduates and many dedicated staff with proven integrity) in particular is unacceptable. Please, Kadpoly Management and Brekete should name the person(s) responsible for the leakage as summarily indicted, and put an end to this mess once and for all. Persons not satisfied should go to a competent court, instead of this diversionary, malicious media trial.

The author is an Alumni & Past President of Mass Communication Students Association, MACOSA, Department of Mass Communication, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna

He's popularly known as Dr. JAKI (DONKEY) because of the way he talks and behaves.

‘Excellent Anchoring’, Viewers Hail Inside Sources With Laolu Akande, Commend Sowore, Yesufu

Viewers of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande have hailed the edition of the show featuring human rights activists Omoyele Sowore and Aisha Yesufu.

From YouTube to Facebook, Instagram and X, viewers commended the show host Laolu Akande for “excellent anchoring” during the programme aired on Channels Television on Friday.

@thomasassim-ita1787 wrote, “I like the way the anchor allows free flow of conversation. This is how real journalists should anchor program in this time of country's predicament not censorship or partisanship.”

“One of the best interviews so far! Professional job by the anchor and great responses by the fearless duo( guests), Sowore and Aisha!” @nathojeabulu1063 stated.

@ademolaaofolajuwonlo1044z said, “This is the best anchor (presenter) ever. He did not interject his guest at all. All television presenters (anchors) take note.

@FaithHenryAsemota-rr3zo said, “The interviewer must be very satisfied and the happiest having these two great socailite and political activist at the same time. Is like having Messi and Ronaldo as your quests in one interview.”

@declanmbachu7222 simply said, “The right people are the guests in this interview. May God give us more of their likes.”

@granddaddychillicheez7394 said, “Having Sowore and Aisha is the greatest non-musical duo of all time!  If you care about Nigeria, this duo, is more important than Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney in their prime!”

@santoschuk2890 said, “Brilliant host allowed free speech without trying to absolve the station from criticism by the crooked politicians.”


@Jaziny1 said, “This conversation should continue to the next election, great people and minds, we have to move to the next level to revolutionise our country. Mobilization should start now.”

On the show, Sowore and Yesufu debated solutions to governance in Nigeria including whether or not the choice of the parliamentary system of government that Nigeria practiced till 1966 is the right way to go.

The two activists also believe that independent candidacy and not party supremacy is the way forward for the country to elect credible leaders who would have the interest of the people at heart.

“The beautiful thing about democracy is that it allows for multiple choices. I don't think we have multiple parties; however, I think we need to have a law that allows for independent candidate so that people who don’t want to be part of the shenanigan of those parties will be able to run,” Sowore said.

“I am not a member of the Labour Party. I see a lot of people make that assumption; I am a supporter because I believe in candidacy more than I do of party if we have people who can do the work,” said Yesufu, who supported the Labour Party’s Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential poll.

Also, Sowore, who was the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the same election, said the 2023 poll had high enthusiasm but low voter participation because people are losing faith in the electoral process.

He said political parties have become special purpose vehicles for corruption. “All the parties that are in Nigeria that have been in power, they are all one – it’s just different uniforms, different addresses and different headquarters. Nigeria is the only country in the world where you can sleep as a PDP member and wake as an APC member,” he said.

“Diaspora voting will also put a lot of pressure on the system,” Sowore said, adding that we have six million Nigerians outside there and they can take informed decisions without being cajoled.

On her part, Yesufu said, “For me, the parliamentary system is less expensive and will work better than the presidential system.”

“I personally don’t think Nigeria needs a bicameral legislative system. The Senate alone is okay for Nigeria. Let’s have 109 Senators and let them represent their constituencies,” Sowore agreed.

Concluding, the two activists believe that there is hope for Nigeria if good leaders are elected into public offices.

“God has given us the capacity to fix Nigeria and he is not going to do for us what he has given us the capacity to do,” said Yesufu, a view supported by Sowore who said that if the governance space is sanitised of corrupt partymen, credible people with capacities would come out to offer themselves to serve the people of Nigeria.

Teachers needed for urgent employment in Kaduna

1. What is Rajab?

Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

2. What does Rajab mean?

Rajab incorporates the meaning of ‘awe’ and ‘honour’.

3. What is special about Rajab?

It is one of the four sacred months.

The Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings upon him) said, “The year has twelve months, four of which are sacred, three consecutive, Dhū al-Qa’adah, Dhū al-Ḥijjah, Muḥarram and Rajab which comes between Jumādā and Sha’bān.” (Bukhārī)

4. Is there a supplication to recite in Rajab?

Yes, some sound prophetic narrations suggest the following prayer,

اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي رَجَبٍ وَشَعْبَانَ وَبَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَانَ

“O Allāh bless us in Rajab and Sha’bān. Allow us to reach Ramadān.” (Ṭabrānī and Bayhaqī)

5. How does a believer uphold the sacredness of the Rajab month?

Increase in rendering optional acts of worship and good deeds. Be particular to refrain from committing sin. Avoid all conflicts and disagreements.

“Do not wrong yourselves [by committing sin] during the sacred months.” (Qur‘ān 9:36)

‘Abd Allāh Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allāh be pleased with him) said, “During the sacred months, sin is more devastating while good deeds and blessings are magnified.” (Ibn Kathīr)

“Allāh has prohibited the wrong [with particular mention] during the sacred months, in honour of them, even though sin is prohibited at all times.” (Tafsīr Qurṭubī)

6. Are there any exclusive actions or prescribed practices for the month of Rajab?

There are no reliable prophetic reports to indicate specified acts exclusive to Rajab. Hence any optional regular good deeds are praiseworthy.

“There is no authentic reliable ḥadīth reported related to specific virtues of the Rajab month nor regarding specific fasting in it or specific night vigil prayers in it.” (Ḥāfidh Ibn Ḥajar, Laṭāif al-Ma’ārif)

7. What is the connection of Rajab with Ramadān?

There is no real connection per se, however, some amongst the pious predecessors have indicated that Rajab and Sha’bān are preludes to the month of Ramadān. Hence all kinds of preparation and awareness for Ramadān should commence once Rajab sets in.

“Rajab is the key to months of goodness and blessings.” (Ibn Rajab)

“The month of Rajab is a month of cultivation, Sha’bān is the month of irrigation while Ramadān is the month of harvest. Rajab is like the wind, Sha’bān like the clouds and Ramadān like the downpour of rain.” (Abū Bakr al-Warrāq al-Balkhī)

8. Is there any link of Rajab and the Prophetic Ascension (Isrā and Me’rāj)?

Contrary to popular belief, most Islamic historians say there is no solid evidence to prove that the Ascension actually took place in the month of Rajab. Therefore, there is no strong connection regarding the month of Rajab and Me’rāj or the 27th of Rajab.

In Fatḥ al-Bārī, Imam Ḥāfidh Ibn Ḥajar (may Allāh’s mercy be with him) writes, “Regarding the actual precise timing of the Prophetic Ascension there are over 10 views. From amongst them are the views that it either occurred in Ramadān, Shawwāl, Rajab, Rabī’ al-Awwal or Rabi’ al-Ākhir.” (Fatḥ al-Bārī)

Professor Yemi Osinbajo said ex-president Muhammadu Buhari told him not to be the first vice president to be kidnapped while planning on visiting Niger Delta.

The former Vice President also said Buhari advised him not to be bothered by people writing libellous things about him.

He recounted some humorous moments with Buhari during a book launch in honour of the former president in Abuja.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV5P_ZSxmVo?si=WhMgXMhokDLQssAn

Presidential race: How Obasanjo, IBB worked for Buhari to emerge, Yerima reveals on 'Inside Sources' with Laolu Akande

Fresh facts have emerged on how former President Olusegun Obasanjo of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) together with General Ibrahim Babangida worked for the emergence of the then General Muhammadu Buhari as the candidate of the All Nigeria's People's Party (ANPP) in the build-up to the 2007 presidential election.

Former Zamfara State governor, Senator Ahmad Sani Yerima, gave this revelation on Friday, December 29, 2023, while featuring in an exclusive interview with a former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, on the second edition of his TV programme, 'Inside Sources' on Channels TV.

Obasanjo, who had already anointed Umaru Musa Yar'Adua as the PDP presidential candidate, rooted for Buhari to emerge as the opposition candidate, believing that would give him a less tedious ride to win the presidency for his party as he didn't want Yerima, also a top contender in the ANPP then, to go head-to-head with Yaradua.

Recall on October 27, 1999, the then-governor of Zamfara State, Senator Yerima, introduced Sharia law in his state, and 11 other states in the north with majority Muslim populations, including those of Kano and Kaduna, followed suit, which made Yerima's popularity to soar in the north and positioned him ahead of others as a likely winner in the general elections.

However, against the popular belief that Yerima was far ahead in the race as posited by political analysts, there was a dramatic turnaround which led to him stepping down at the party's convention.

Narrating what happened to Akande, Yerima said, it was a result of a prior commitment he made to an unknown request for a favour from IBB as initiated by Obasanjo, which he said he couldn't turn down.

As he said, "The Arewa Consultative Forum had a meeting in Kaduna and they announced President Muhammadu Buhari as the sole candidate of the North and set up a committee to go around the contestants in various political parties and talk to us to please step down for Buhari so the North can have a single candidate.

"They came to me and I listened to them and I said I would think over it. But President Obasanjo, you know made sure he brought General (Ibrahim) Babangida who is still alive and begged him to me. He was in PDP and I was in ANPP."

When asked if it was true that Obasanjo didn't want him to run against Umaru Yar'Adua, his preferred candidate in the PDP, Yerima affirmed the notion as true, saying, "Yes, he didn't want me to run against Yar'Adua."

According to him, Yerima said from the information he got, it was clear Obasanjo was afraid of his candidature because of his soaring popularity among his people.

"At that time, the security report showed him according to my information that because I had all the delegates in my hand, except Kano and Katsina, I left for Buhari, at that time. I had all the state chairmen of ANPP of all the 36 states and Abuja supporting me. The government knew that if I got the ticket, it was going to be a very difficult task for PDP to win for Yar'Adua to become president."

"Then, Obasanjo sent an aircraft to bring IBB and requested him to please, talk to me so I can step down for Yar'Adua. But I didn't know until after I stepped down and Babangida sent the late Engr Abdulkadir Kure, the former governor of Niger State, and even the former government or of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, they were sent to come to me and to beg me to step down," Yerima said.

When further asked if Buhari was aware of all the background political scheming, Yerima said, "Yes."

He went further, "IBB first called me and said, 'Senator Yerima, I said, yes, sir, IBB, I have your number,' then he said, 'You know I've never asked you for any favour in my life? I said, yes, sir. He said I am going to ask you for one favour, I said I've done it for you, sir.' I didn't know what favour he wanted to ask from me. He said, 'Okay, I won't tell you on the phone, but I'm going to send Bafarawa and Engr (Abdulkadir) Kure to you to inform you.'"

Narrating how their visit went, Yerima said, "They came to me in the night after 8 o'clock, and after greetings, I asked my people to go out and they said IBB sent them to me, I said yes, he said you were coming. They said, 'The only favour he wants you to do for him is to step down for Buhari tomorrow, the convention is tomorrow.' I said, oh my God! Please, tell him I've accepted, I've committed myself that I was going to do the favour for him."

"Then, they said 'No, he said whatever your answer is, we should call him and you will tell him by yourself.' And they called IBB and I told him, 'Sir, tomorrow, I will step down for Buhari.' Immediately they left, I went to the national chairman, Chief Chief Ume-Ezeoke, and I told him that tomorrow I was going to step down for Buhari.

"He said, oh my God, and he started dancing. I didn't know he was promised the vice presidential candidate. And that night, he told Buhari and Buhari was telling me that he didn't believe me until I climbed the podium and announced it because they changed the programme at the convention venue, the Eagle Square."

On how he broke the news to his supporters, Yerima said it was as he planned it at the convention venue, as he said the party had already concluded plans, even with a changed timetable of the programme to suit their interest.

"The timetable was opening prayer, then, there would be the national chairman's opening remark, then all the candidates will start talking. But they changed the programme, and after the opening prayer, they said Yerima was going to speak. So, they called me first and asked me to talk. And I announced my stepping down and I appealed to all other candidates to also step down and they did, and Buhari became the only candidate," Yerima concluded.

Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education Institutions in Nigeria, Hon. Danladi Suleiman Aguye has commended the leadership of the House for what he described as sense if timely innovation in the formation of a Committee to specifically oversee technical education in Nigeria.

Hon. Aguye made the remark as part of his goodwill message as the Special Guest of Honour at a One-Day Research Products' Exhibition and Award Ceremony organised by the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB) in Abuja.
The lawmaker, who was represented by his Aide, Ahmed Balarabe Sa'id, noted that, the consideration by the House leadership to give the required attention to technical education through proactive legislation informed the necessity for his Committee in the current dispensation. He acknowledged that funding and policy enablers are crucial to research and innovation, adding that, the role of the National Assembly is critical to the realization of this goal, in the realization of the overall objective of building a sustainable synergy between 'town and gown'.

"Our interface with stakeholders under the dynamic leadership of my Committee Chairman, from our inception, has indicated great prospects for harnessing vast potentials for mainstreaming innovation and enterprise development within the technical education sub sector", he affirmed. While acknowledging the many challenges identified with realising this, he expressed optimism that, closer collaboration between the legislature and crucial stakeholders like the NSBMB will activate the needed incubators to position Nigeria in the emerging knowledge and innovation economy.

"The realities of the new knowledge economy may challenge the capacity of our educational, technical institutions including our enabling laws. In the era of Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and the new thinking of mainstreaming digital technologies in nearly all endeavours, I want to assure you that, the National Assembly shall remain innovative in complimenting sustainable initiatives that will create more opportunities for our people, particularly at the grassroots, such that, we shall gradually begin to have innovation hubs and technology parks in our communities", Hon. Aguye said.

The lawmaker, who represents Lokoja-Kogi/Koton Karfe Constituency, commended the NSBMB for the theme of the event, "Research, Innovation and Development in Nigeria", describing it as a relevant call to action in the country's current peculiarity.

Earlier, the host of the event and President of the NSBMB, Prof. Mathew, Owhonda Wegwu, in his welcome address, informed that, the objective of the event is the exhibition if breakthroughs in research endeavours by the Society, noting that, all of the innovations have local relevance and global acceptance.

Chairman of the occasion, Acting Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Mr. Chris J. Maiyaki, acknowledged the significance of the event and the benefit identified with the opportunities as it relates to Nigeria's journey to greatness. He specifically commended the Guest Lecturer, Former Vice Chancellor of University of Portharcourt, Prof. Joseph Ajienka for his wealth of insight on the subject matter.

Highlight of the event was the recognition of a number of notable persons in various categories of awards.
They include Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, Former Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Muhammad Kaoje Abubakar, the Vice Chancellor of University of Maiduguri, Prof. Aliyu Shugaba and numerous others.

…says House’ll raise revenue target for MDAs in 2024

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, on Wednesday inaugurated a Special Ad Hoc Committee on Oil Theft to investigate the growing spate of pipeline vandalisation, illegal petroleum bunkering and theft.

The Speaker noted that oil theft and other oil related criminalities remain the greatest economic sabotage that has left the country with dwindling revenue.

In his address at the inauguration ceremony, the Speaker stated the resolve of the 10th House to “tackle one of the largest threats to Nigeria’s economy.”
Speaker Abbas decried that Nigeria loses over 300,000 barrels of crude oil per day due to theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities.

“Some of the severe consequences of this include revenue loss, environmental disaster, threats to regional peace and security, proliferation of arms, and a poor investment climate,” he warned.

The Speaker also said the nation was reported to have incurred losses of oil revenues estimated at N1.29 trillion annually due to industrial-scale theft.

He stated that the Committee’s primary objective was to determine the proximate and remote causes of oil theft and recommend remedial measures to the House.

Speaker Abbas said: “Nigeria is facing significant financial challenges due to a combination of rising expenditures and falling revenues. You may recall that the proposed revenue and expenditure for 2023 stand at N9.73 trillion and N20.51 trillion, respectively. This means a fiscal deficit of N10.78 trillion, which is about 4.78% of the Gross Domestic Products (GDP). This deficit is the largest in Nigeria’s history, and with a budget more than double the proposed revenue, we are faced with the challenge of borrowing to cover the gap.”

“It is for this reason that the House will significantly raise the targets for all government revenue-generating agencies. I am convinced these agencies can generate much more than they currently do. In our recent engagement with MDAs on the 2024-2026 MTEF, we have made it clear that a lot more will be required of our key revenue-generating agencies in 2024. We expect them to double their total annual revenue profile. However, to achieve this, these agencies must reduce wastage and improve efficiency, especially in collection.”

In addition to this, the Speaker said revenue-generating agencies must ensure transparency in the management of generated revenues. “Let me state clearly that the House will not tolerate low performance by agencies or failure to show evidence of required remittances to the Federation Account. We shall also closely monitor and undertake strict oversight of the activities of all revenue-generating agencies to ensure compliance,” he declared.

Speaker Abbas noted that the House set up the Special Committee to underscore the chamber’s unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s resources for the good of all citizens and to punish the perpetrators of these dreadful crimes.

He said: “I charge you, therefore, to investigate all dimensions of oil theft, focusing on the actions of all actors, including criminal gangs, militia groups, the local populace, company employees and security agencies.

“I urge the members of this committee to approach your mandate with diligence, objectivity, a sense of urgency and patriotism. The findings and recommendations from your work will serve as a foundation for sustainable solutions rather than ad-hoc measures. I also expect your efforts to contribute significantly to enhancing the integrity of our oil sector and promoting sustainable development.”

The Speaker called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, industry players, security agencies, civil society organisations, and the general public to extend their “full cooperation” to the Special Committee for it to deliver on its mandate. He noted that “by effectively addressing this challenge, we can enhance revenue, investment and overall socio-economic progress for Nigeria.”

Earlier in his opening remarks, Chairman of the House Special Committee on Oil Theft, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, described oil theft as an issue of national importance, while the House had “taken an important and bold step” to check the crime.

“The issues of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation are not new to us, nor are they exclusive to Nigeria as a nation. However, they remain persistent threats to our economy, ecology and national security,” Doguwa stated.

Signed:

Musa Abdullahi Krishi  Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

https://www.thelegislatureng.com/speaker-abbas-says-oil-theft-serious-threat-to-nigerias-economy/

By; ISAAC ODEH, Kaduna 

The Vice Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education Institutions, Hon. Danladi Suleiman Aguye has described the immediate attention needed in the country’s Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) as an emergency.

Hon. Aguye raised the concern as part of his remarks at the public unveiling of the Committee at the Shehu Yar’adua Center, in Abuja on Monday.

The lawmaker noted that, the shift in global attention to skills acquisition is a wake up call for Nigeria to harness the potentials of technical education by creating the enablers towards activating local production, promoting enterprise and creating wealth and employment opportunities.

He commended the leadership of the House for taking the innovation and vision in forming the Committee, following the review of numbers of Standing Committees from 109 to 134, adding that, the responsibility before the committee is a challenging one. 

“We have observed the steady decline in the Polytechnic and Higher Technical Education sector over the years, even before this Committee was formed. Issues ranging from poor funding, dichotomy and other discriminatory policies have prevented the growth of the sector and its contribution to meaningful national development. Nigerians are therefore relying on us to restore dignity and improved service delivery for the sector and its respective stakeholders, especially our children”, Hon. Aguye stressed.

The Vice Chairman, who represents Lokoja-Kogi/KKF Constituency, challenged all stakeholders to evolve the political will, dedication and commitment to pursue the urgent rescue that Nigeria’s Federal Polytechnics and Institutions of Higher Technical Education desire and deserve.

https://newnigeriannewspaper.com/attention-to-tvet-matter-of-emergency-reps/

Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
November 2, 2023

Your welfare is our priority, Speaker Abbas assures NASS workers

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has assured National Assembly workers of his willingness and readiness to mobilise resources for better welfare for them.

Speaker Abbas told the workers, under the auspices of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly chapter, that he would reach out to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to address some issues affecting them.

The Speaker gave the assurance when the Chairman of PASAN, NASS Chapter, Mr Sunday Sabiyi, led other members of the executive of the union on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja on Thursday.

Speaking on some issues raised by the PASAN leadership, Speaker Abbas stressed the critical roles the workers play in the running of the National Assembly and the need to make life and work comfortable for them.

He said: “I am with you 100 percent on all that you have said. I am somebody who is very passionate about labour matters because I was there (in the civil service) like you, at the very bottom. If somebody taught in a primary school, you don’t need to tell him about the plight of workers. I taught at a time when teaching was the most undesirable work.

“So, I understand your problems. I understand your plights. I want to tell you, I am with you. I share your pains. Not only that, but I know what you are going through.

“I wish to assure you that the 10th National Assembly under our leadership will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all the problems that we have inherited terminate during this particular time.”

While assuring the workers of payment of salaries and allowances arrears, the Speaker said he would liaise with his Senate counterpart on how to kick-start pension remittances and payments.

Speaker Abbas noted that with the passage of the bill establishing the National Assembly Pension Board, which he described as “a very revolutionary achievement that we have all been waiting for,” he would get in touch with Senator Akpabio on how to constitute membership of the board soon, so that the pension scheme would commence early next year.

The Speaker also said the leadership of the National Assembly would look into how to fuel the buses provided to convey workers.

Speaker Abbas also directed that the National Salaries Incomes And Wages Commission be invited to a meeting with him next week, to discuss how parliamentary workers would benefit from the N35,000 post-subsidy salary bonuses declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Federal Government workers under the Executive arm.

Earlier, Sabiyi lamented the impact of the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, on the workers.

The PASAN chairman also called for a review of the salary structure and the conditions of service, as well as payment of arrears.

“We don't want strike and picketing,” Sabiyi said, stating that, “The staff want to have a smooth running of their offices.”

He decried that PASAN members in the National Assembly retire without pension and gratuity, except those in management, urging the Speaker to help accelerate commencement of the pension scheme.

Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has urged the National Defence College (NDC) to think outside the box and come up with ideas with which Nigeria could address the various security challenges facing the country.

Speaker Abbas, while lamenting the loss of lives and property to insecurity in the country, stated that the NDC, as a research-based security institution, should come up with proposals on how best to tackle the challenges.

The Speaker made the call when the Commandant of the college, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Morakinyo Olotu, led the management of the NDC on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja on Friday.

Speaker Abbas said: “Commandant, you are aware of where Nigeria is today in terms of security. We are at the lowest ebb. We rely on institutions like yours to come up with policies that will minimise – if not eliminate – all the security challenges that this country is facing.

"I believe one of the reasons why you (the NDC) are in existence; why your institution was established, was to proffer solutions in terms of policies," Speaker Abbas said, while challenging the Commandant to put on his thinking cap.

“Think outside the box. Come up with advice for the Executive as well as for us in the Legislature on what we need to do to actually bring to an end, this incessant insecurity that is bedevilling this country. You are up to the task, and you will be able to deliver at the end of the day.”

The Speaker further asked the NDC to conduct a research on the link between a cashless economy and insecurity.

“A lot of members have been coming to say ‘let us go and talk to the President and ask him to revisit this issue of cashless policy introduced towards the end of last year,' because it was found that the introduction of the policy significantly reduced terrorism, kidnappings and banditry,” the Speaker disclosed.

Speaker Abbas, therefore, charged the college with proposing non-kinetic measures against the security challenges in the country.

The Speaker, while congratulating Olotu on his appointment as Commandant of the NDC, expressed confidence in his ability to take the “very important” institution to a higher level.

“Commandant, your institution is one of the most prestigious security related institutions that we have in Africa,” Speaker Abbas stated, adding that the NDC remains one of the few military schools that have risen beyond the African continent to become an international institution.

He said: “This is something of great delight to us. From the feedback we are getting from participants all over the world, they are very proud of the kind of training and engagement they get from that institution. So, a big congratulations to you.”

The Speaker disclosed that the House was aware of the challenges facing the NDC, especially concerning funding and enabling laws.

“I want to assure you that before you called in, we already set the ball rolling to ensure that this time around, under the 10th House of Representatives, your institution will be given legal backing,” he said.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Olotu urged the Speaker to facilitate passage of the bill seeking to change the name of the college.

“One of the assurances we will be seeking later is passage of the bill on renaming of the National War College to National Defence College, because the Act still envisages that it is a National War College whereas the college has become National Defence College since over a decade ago,” he said.

The Commandant disclosed that the NDC had graduated a total of 2,758 participants, out of which the Nigerian Army had 1,051.

Olotu also disclosed that the NDC would organise a stakeholders’ roundtable on October 31, 2023, to look at issues around the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo States.

Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS:
25 Bills...

1. National Institute for Criminology and Criminal Justice Research (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.740) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere) – First Reading.

2. Anti – Dumping and Countervailing Bill, 2023 (HB.741) (Hon. Julius Ihonvbere) – First Reading.

3. Nigerian Marine Coast Guard Corps (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.742) (Hon. Francis Waive and Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boya) – First Reading.

4. Nigerian Civil Defence Academy (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.743) (Hon. Ahmad Sani Muhammad and Nine others) – First Reading.

5. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Oke- Igbo, Ondo State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.744) (Hon. Adefiranye Ayodele Festus) – First Reading.

6. African Avition and Aerospace University, Abuja (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.745) (Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi) – First Reading.

7. Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.746) (Hon. Dabo Ismaila Haruna) – First Reading.

8. Librarians (Registration, etc.) Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.747) (Hon. Dennis Idahosa) – First Reading.

9. National Inland Waterways Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.748) (Hon. Dennis Idahosa) – First Reading.

10. Nigerian Airspace Management Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.749) (Hon. Dennis Idahosa) – First Reading.

11. National Water Resources Institute Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.750) (Hon. Dennis Idahosa) – First Reading.

12. Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.751) (Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi) – First Reading.

13. Nigerian Solid Minerals Company (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.752) (Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi) – First Reading.

14. Chartered Institute of Mentoring and Life Coaching of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.753) (Hon. Alex Egbona) – First Reading.

15. Maritime Security Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.754) (Hon. Pascal Agbodike) – First Reading.

16. Immigration Service Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.755) (Hon. Pascal Agbodike) – First Reading.

17. Chartered Institute of Paramedic Studies (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.756) (Hon. Pascal Agbodike) – First Reading.

18. Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.757) (Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong –Udo) – First Reading.

19. Labour Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.758) (Hon. Whingan Sesi Oluwaseun) – First Reading.

20. Pension Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB. 759) (Hon. Whingan Sesi Oluwaseun) – First Reading.

21. National Water Resources Institute (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.760) (Hon. Sadiq Ango Abdullahi) – First Reading.

22. Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.761) (Hon. Mohammed Bello E-Rufai) – First Reading.

23. Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.762) (Hon. Mohammed Bello E-Rufai) – First Reading.

24. Centre for Rainforest Agriculture, Ugwogo-Nike, Enugu State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.763) (Hon. Paul Sunday Nnamchi) – First Reading.

25. National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education, Fagge, Kano State (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (HB.764) (Hon. Muhammad Bello Shehu) – First Reading.

Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Member representing Lokoja/Kogi-KKF Constituency, Hon Danladi Suleiman Aguye has charged communication scholars in the country to raise the moral quality of the media.

Hon. Aguye made the call while delivering a goodwill message as Guest of Honour at the 24th African Council of Communication Educators (ACCE) Conference, which held Wednesday in Kaduna.

The lawmaker, represented by his Senior Legislative Aide on Strategic Communications, Ahmed Balarabe Sa'id, acknowledged that, conversations about the patterns and extent of regulation is part of all basic traditions of evolving democracies, particularly as modern technologies in the digitized era continue to mediate spaces and markets. He noted that the quality of the society will continue to depend on the moral quality of the media.

Hon. Aguye affirmed that, government, just as citizens, benefit where media practice is responsible, as government needs to pursue legitimation of it's policies and programmes within the realm of public opinion.

He argued that, even in countries fairly dedicated to free market, some form of regulation is necessary in the overall national interest. He admonished the organisers of the conference to consider deliberations and resolutions that will offer the necessary guide for quality legislation. "It is proper to say that, we shall continue to count on the knowledge sector to drive the necessary intellectual input towards enhancing matters of legislation and governance", he stressed.

The Guest Speaker, former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, identified the rise and growing adoption of social media as a major challenge for mainstream media in the country and globally. He advocated for continuous capacity development for practitioners, beginning from educational institutions, as well as constant review of the enabling laws, towards greater professionalism.

Earlier, the Chief Host and Rector, Kaduna Polytechnic, Dr. Suleiman Umar, noted that, the realities of the new media have posed significant challenges for practitioners, users and government. He commended the host department of Mass Communication for retaining it's Hallmark tradition of producing quality media practitioners who have remained exemplary. The Rector called on participants at the conference to reach vital recommendations that will assist professionals, policy, political office holders and other relevant stakeholders towards tackling the challenges necessitating media regulation.

Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives

October 20, 2023

Speaker Abbas sad over demise of Nigeria's Deputy Ambassador to Morocco, Mansur Bamalli

...as Speaker, Gov. Sani, thousands attend late Ambassador's funeral in Zaria

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D has expressed grief over the death of the Nigerian Deputy Ambassador to Morocco, Amb. Mansur Nuhu Bamalli.

The late Amb. Mansur Nuhu Bamalli, who held the traditional title of the Magajin Garin Zazzau, passed away on Friday morning after a brief illness. He was the younger brother to the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli as well as a cousin to the Speaker.

In a statement of condolence by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker said he was "deeply saddened" by the news of the demise of the late Magajin Garin Zazzau.

Speaker Abbas, who holds the traditional title of Iyan Zazzau, led some members of the House to attend the funeral prayers held at the Emir's Palace in Zaria by 6.pm on Friday.

The funeral prayers, attended by hundreds of people, were led by the Chief Imam of Zaria, Malam Dalhat Qasim.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, former governor Malam Nasir Ahmed El-rufai, the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Liman Dahiru, the Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas Lawal, and several others, were among the dignitaries that attended the funeral prayers.

The Emir of Kano Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero led other traditional rulers to the funeral prayers.

Speaker Abbas sent condolences to the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Zazzau Emirate Council, the people and Government of Kaduna State over the irreparable loss.

"Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illaihir Raji'un. I received with sadness, the death of my brother, the Magajin Garin Zazzau, Ambassador Mansur Nuhu Bamalli, who died in the morning of Friday, October 20, 2023 after a brief illness.

"The late Magajin Garin Zazzau was more than a brother to me. Apart from the fact that we came from the same lineage, we shared a lot in common. He was a humble and kind human being to a fault.

"Even as the Deputy Ambassador of Nigeria to Morocco, he remained unassuming. He served his country diligently to the best of his ability. We will definitely miss Magajin Garin Zazzau.

"I am heartbroken that Ambassador Mansur left us at a time that we needed him most. Indeed, not just the Zazzau Emirate, but also the entire Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole have lost an illustrious son.

"As painful as the demise of Magajin Garin Zazzau is, I find solace in the fact that he lived a life worthy of emulation. I pray that Allah (SWT) will grant the late Magajin Garin Zazzau a peaceful resting place in Jannatul Firdaus," the Speaker said.

The remains of the late Ambassador Mansur Nuhu Bamalli were interred at the Magajin Gari Cemetry in Zaria.

Signed:

Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Ola Olukoyede as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The red chamber also confirmed the appointment of Muhammad Hammajoda as the Secretary of the anti-graft agency.

The confirmation of both men followed their screening by the upper chamber on Wednesday afternoon, about a week after they were appointed by President Bola Tinubu.

The Senate also screened and confirmed the appointed of Halima Shehu as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA)

Africa can be the first green industrial hub of the world because of its vast potential of renewable energy, a teeming youth population and an abundance of natural resources, according to the immediate past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON.

Osinbajo who was a Special Guest and speaker at the 10th anniversary of the Financial Times (FT) Africa Summit yesterday which in London, added the African Continent is set on the path of achieving the Climate Positive Growth Plan if given the right type of funding.

He spoke on the topic  “How Africa is Navigating the Energy Transition,” to an audience of international business leaders, policymakers and speakers from Africa and around the world at the well attended summit.

While referencing the recently concluded Africa Climate Summit which held in September in Kenya, Prof. Osinbajo noted that the adoption of the “Nairobi Declaration” at the summit endorsed by the African Union, has the Climate Positive Growth Plan as one of its important features.

He explained that the Climate Positive Growth Plan would ensure “Africa can actually be the green industrial hub of the world. We can grow using our renewable energy which has the largest potential in the world, and we can grow without adding emissions or keeping emissions constant but actually reducing emissions.

“We have the largest potential for renewable energy in the world; second, we have the youngest and fastest growing workforce in the world and third, we have an abundance of natural resources, and in particular, the critical minerals in the world. The real issue then is if all of these are harnessed and we get the right type of investments, Africa can actually become the green industrial hub of the world.

“Take for example, converting some of the bauxite to aluminium, if that is done using renewable energy, we control 25% of the world’s resources, and assuming that we can actually process that using renewable energy resources, we will save the world about 335million tons of CO2, and actually increase jobs at about 280,000 and earn about $37billion, just by keeping that production within Africa and using renewable energy.

“This is where the Climate Positive Growth Plan is very important and points to the solution. It will happen if we get the right type of funding.

“There is a real opportunity here and it is a commercial proposition and will make a real difference to ensure everyone will achieve net zero by 2050.”

Making the point about developed countries’ growth trajectory and how it increases carbon emissions over the years, the former Vice President noted that “economic growth has always also meant emissions growth, that is the trajectory the world has followed, but if Africa were to grow in the same way wealthier countries of the world have grown, what we would find would be that Africa would be adding a minimum of about 12 gigatons of CO2 emissions all the way up to 2050 which will make it completely impossible for the world to achieve net-zero by 2050.”

On the issue funding for a just energy transition, Prof. Osinbajo said “the question around funding generally with funds for adaptation, mitigation and even the loss and damage fund, is that these are not economic propositions, these are basically funding that comes from the goodness of the hearts of wealthier countries.

“As you can imagine, the rate of default on these commitments is very high indeed, and that is how it will remain. Even with the loss and damage fund, it is very unlikely that we are going to find the kind of results we expect because going by the track record, this is what will turn up.”


With regards to Carbon Markets and strategies, the former VP observed that a lot of work has been done by the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative, ACMI.

According to him, ACMI, which is an initiative of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, GEAPP, is now able “to support several countries that want to develop their carbon market activation plans. This is crucial as we go along because we find out that there is a great deal of potential here and more importantly there are several landmines on the way. What ACMI has been able to do is to help ensure that there is some planning and advice that the carbon credits have integrity and legal frameworks.”

He explained that the argument for gas as a transition fuel was simple enough. According to him Africa struggled with energy poverty, with millions lacking access to power, and 1 in 4 deaths of women in rural areas caused by pollution from the use of firewood.

So he posited that “the question for gas-rich African countries is why should we leave this versatile and relatively low carbon fuel in the ground when it offers a cheap and available source of electricity for our domestic and industrial use and LPG clinical clean purposes?

“This is the argument of gas-rich countries, we have a situation where renewable energy even within Africa is becoming cheaper than gas and of course, it is possible by investing in renewable energy. We need to ask ourselves the question whether or not we can sustain gas as a transition fuel especially with finance becoming a problem.”

Other speakers at the 10th anniversary of FT Africa Summit included Patrice Trovoada, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO); Judd B. Devermont, Special Assistant to President Joe Biden and Senior Director for African Affairs, White House; Dr. Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation; James Mwangi, Founder of Climate Action Platform for Africa; Olugbenga Agboola, Founder and CEO of Flutterwave, amongst others.


18th October 2023

Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
October 7, 2023

Enough of killings in Zaria, other parts of Nigeria – Speaker Abbas

...charges security agencies to descend on killers

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has condemned in strong terms, the attack by suspected bandits on Anguwar Dankali community in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during which four people were reportedly killed and five injured.

The Speaker said "enough is enough" on the killings in Zaria and other parts of the country, charging security agencies to "descend on the killers."

The suspected bandits reportedly attacked the community, shooting nine people and abducting five others, who later escaped on the arrival of security operatives that engaged the attackers in a gun duel.

While describing the latest attack as one too many, Speaker Abbas commiserated with the families of the victims, as well as the people and government of Kaduna State.

In a press statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker noted with concern, the spate of attacks and killings of innocent Nigerians by bandits.

Speaker Abbas recalled, with pain, how some of his constituents were similarly killed in an attack earlier in August.

The Speaker lamented reported killings not only in Zaria, but also in other parts of the country, insisting that the lives and property of Nigerians must be protected and safeguarded as provided in the country's constitution.

He said the security agencies should go after the suspects, apprehend them and bring them to book. He further charged them with preventing the loss of more lives and property across the country.

Signed:

Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Laolu Akande
New York

Not being a depositors' bank, AFREXIM is unable on its own to raise the $3billion loan it agreed to provide to the NNPC Ltd in August, Empowered Newswire can now authoritatively reveal.

The money - the $3B - it is said in official FG circles, besides supporting NNPCL, is also meant to help with foreign exchange liquidity as a strategy for stabilizing the Naira in the FX market. The NNPCL came up with the idea in what was deemed a brilliant concept just as the Tinubu administration terminated the Dual Foreign Exchange policy two months ago in a bid to sanitise the FX market.

But sources said AFREXIM can only raise $500million by itself and therefore the financial institution has resorted to seeking out the money as a loan from some other global banks in the US, Singapore, India and other parts of the world.

Authoritative sources in New York financial circles confirmed that staff and agents of AFREXIM have been shopping for funds and financial instruments in the US in the last few weeks and discussing raising funds from top-notch American Banks like JP Morgan Chase and Citigroup among others.

A member of the Board of one of the banks who pleaded anonymity told Empowered Newswire over the weekend that some of the US banks are raising questions about the strategy of Nigeria using a third-party non-deposit financial institution and broker. "It raises credibility issues," he said.

He added that Nigeria has top notchers and executives who are Nigerian citizens in the New York financial markets and across the world who could easily provide a more credible and cheaper means to raise funds for Nigeria. In New York alone there is Mr. Bayo Ogunlesi and Mr. Jide Zeitlin.

While Ogunlesi, an investment banker is currently chairman and managing partner at the private equity firm Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Zeitlin is the immediate past CEO of Tapestry — the parent company of international luxury brands such as Coach, Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman.

Outside New York, there is Kase Lawal, a Texas-based oil business guru and the chairman of Unity National Bank of Texas.

Besides seeking the funds from US banks, AFREXIM is also reported to be shopping for the money from international oil traders.

But industry watchers here in the US are also concerned that the option of engaging a broker instead of a deposit bank could raise the level of risk involved in the loan since AFREXIM would have its own charges besides those of the eventual financiers it may manage to enlist.

In August, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd (NNPCL), announced it had secured an emergency $3billion loan from a pan-African financial institution, African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), to improve its services across the entire petroleum value chain.

According to the NNPCL, the loan which will be repaid using a limited amount of future crude oil production – will enable the company to settle taxes and royalties in advance while supporting the Nigerian government to stabilize the local currency from devaluation against global major currencies.

“A strengthened Naira as a result of this initiative will lead to a reduction in fuel cost. This means that if the Naira appreciates in value, the cost of fuel will drop and further increases will be halted,” the NNPC said in its press statement

Afreximbank, a development bank, has a mix of shareholders drawn from public and private entities divided into four classes and consist of African governments, central banks, regional and sub-regional institutions, private investors and financial institutions, as well as non-African financial institutions, export credit agencies and private investors.

The bank, according to public records “provides loans, guarantees, letters of credit and advisory services to sovereigns and private-sector entities. As part of the mandate, it also extends countercyclical loans to assist its member states in tackling the negative economic impact of external shocks"

The bank operates in 52 African countries who are among its shareholders. It also has offices in a few other parts of the world including the Caribbean Islands.

Unlike other Multilateral Development Banks, however, AFREXIM has a profit-driven business model, which focuses on trade finance and most of its loans have fairly short maturity and self-liquidating nature.

3rd October, 2023

An Islamic scholar, Ustaz Muhammad Al-Badawiy, has identified the non-payment of compulsory charity (Zakat) by Muslims, as the reason for the poor state of the economy.

He said if Muslims give out 2.5 per cent of their yearly earnings as charity, it would not only alleviate poverty in the land, but grow the economy.

Speaking at the eighth Merit Awards of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Kaduna branch, Al-Badawiy, who is a lecturer at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), said the aim of giving out a percentage of one’s wealth to charity is not just to alleviate poverty but to eradicate it.

“The prophet (S.A.W.) said when you keep giving failed promises, Allah will send to you bad leaders, when people refuse to give out a percentage of their annual earnings to charity they will never see value for their money and the economy will be damaged and when people see adultery as normal, people will die easily.

“We are having a poor economy because Allah is angry with us. If we can change our attitude by giving our charity, keeping our promises and avoiding adultery we will not only flush out the anger of Allah, but we will help society because the aim of charity is not just to alleviate poverty but to eradicate it,” he added.

He called on Islamic preachers to use the pulpit in their mosques to preach the giving of charity to the poor.

Chairman of Ansar-ud-Deen, Alhaji Saburi Adeyemi said the ceremony was organised by the society to recognise members and non-members who have contributed to the development of the society and propagation of Islam.

The branch chairman noted that the society, which was established 100 years ago by a group of 42 young men for the propagation of Islam, is in need of support of wealthy Muslims to keep up its programmes, including education, reformation, propagation, and defence of Islam.

Governor Uba Sani, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Agency, Dr. Yusuf Yakub Arrigasiyyu, pledged to support the society in the propagation of Islam in the state.

Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Amao Ademola Abideen said: “Contributing to Ansar-Ud-Deen means contributing to a better education of the Muslim children, empowerment of the less privileged and other forms of Daawah.”

Highlights of the event was presentation of excellence awards to outstanding Muslims. They inluded the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Yekini Ayoku; former General Officer Commanding (G.O.C.) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Kamaldeen Role (rtd); wife of the former Osun State CPS, Hajia Hadrat Onolola Omipidan and Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Dr. Yusuf Yakub Arrigasiyyu.

https://thenationonlineng.net/our-economyll-boom-if-muslims-pay-charity-says-muslim-cleric/

Both pro- and anti-Tinubu news outlets and blogs are selectively reporting the documents that Chicago State University handed over to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday. Here are 6 non-partisan tidbits I discovered from poring over them:

1. Chicago State University’s Office of the Registrar affirmed that Bola A. Tinubu indeed attended the university “from August 1977 through June 1979” and was “awarded a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Honors on June 22, 1979.”

 The registrar also swore to this under oath. The penalty for lying under oath in America can be steep. It is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

This information is consistent with my September 2, 2023, column titled, “Tinubu Definitely Graduated from Chicago State University.”

2. The certificate (we call it “diploma” in the US) that Tinubu submitted to INEC is inconsistent with the certificates CSU issued in 1979 and subsequently, indicating that Tinubu forged his. (In the US, diplomas are mere ceremonial documents that most employers don’t ask for. Transcripts directly from universities are the usual ways to verify attendance and graduation.)

Although he did legitimately graduate from Chicago State University in 1979, he obviously lost his certificate and, instead of applying for a replacement, decided to forge it. 

That strikes me as mysterious self-harm. It costs only $26 to get a replacement diploma from CSU. But it takes between eight and 10 weeks to receive it after filling out the Diploma Replacement Order Form. 

My guess is that, in the typical last-minute, fire-brigade approach to things among Nigerian elites, Tinubu didn’t plan ahead and didn't have enough time to apply for his replacement diploma from CSU to meet INEC's deadline and decided to visit Lagos’ infamous “Oluwole” for a counterfeit replacement.

3. The Southwest College transcript that Tinubu used to get admitted to Chicago State University belongs to a female. I had questioned the authenticity of the transcript because of the many errors in it, such as the date and social security number. We await what CSU has to say about this.

This reality, though, seems to validate uncorroborated but long-standing whispers from the grapevine that Tinubu, who was allegedly born Lamidi Amoda [Yoruba Muslim domestication of Abdulhamid Ahmed] Sangodele in Osun State’s Iragbiji, stole the identity of a female Bola Adekunle Tinubu to go to America.

4. Nonetheless, this whisper may be difficult to sustain in light of the fact that Tinubu’s Chicago State University admission letter dated August 23, 1977, was addressed to “Mr. Tinubu,” not Ms. or Miss Tinubu. 

Was the “F” in the transcript from Southwest College a clerical error, especially because the social security number and the dates were also clerical errors? Or was there a cover-up somewhere? 

Well, we saw from the documents released to Atiku that after accepting his transfer credits from Southwest College (which later became Daley College), CSU required Tinubu to take qualifying exams in English, math, and reading, which he passed. Why did CSU allow a man who presented a transcript that belonged to a woman to take qualifying exams as a man? 

Tinubu obviously identified as a man throughout the two years he studied at the school. A Nigerian CSU graduate and classmate of Tinubu’s swore under oath that Tinubu ran for and won election as president of CSU's accounting students’ association. His yearbook photo from 1979 also clearly showed a younger version of Tinubu. 

And Tinubu’s handwriting and signature in the June 27, 2022, Consent to Release Student Education Records form, which authorized CSU to release his academic records to one Oluwole Afolabi of 3 Roosevelt Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey, seems to me similar to his handwriting and signatures in his CSU records.

Finally, if he used a woman’s associate degree from Southwest College to gain admission to CSU without having any background in accounting or business administration, his performance at CSU was perplexing. Of the more than 30 courses he took there, he got C’s in only three courses. The rest were A’s and B’s, which earned him honors.

5. The Bola A. Tinubu who applied to Southwest College for an associate degree in 1975 claimed to have attended Government College, Lagos, and presented a 1970 GCE A-level result with grades E in Chemistry and Biology and an F in Physics. The problem is that Government College, Lagos, was established in 1974. So, there’s a chronological conundrum there, which signposts forgery. 

The GCE A-level result also shows that “Bola A. Tinubu” took the exam as an HSC student, which used to be a two-year study after 5 years of secondary school education. In other words, the owner of the certificate must have graduated from secondary school at least in 1968. 

It’s not clear at the moment if the GCE A-level result is fake or authentic—or if it belongs to the man we know today as President Bola A. Tinubu. My hunch is that it doesn’t belong to him. But this will become clear in the coming days.

6. Tinubu tells the world that he was born on March 29, 1952, but the birthday recorded in his CSU transcript says he was born on March 29, 1954. The space for birthday in the Southwest College transcript he submitted to CSU is blank. So is the record of his secondary school education. These facts added to my previous suspicion that the transcript was probably fake.

If he was born in 1954, it means he was 14 years old when he graduated from high school.

Bonus: Tinubu’s last name was misspelled in a few of the CSU documents. I thought the “THUBV” misspelling in his final graduation record was bad enough until I saw “Tinububu” in one of the documents.🤣 Bubu, remember, is Buhari’s nickname among a vast swath of Nigerians. Make of that what you will.

We should all thank VP Atiku Abubakar for his doggedness, which has helped us to get this much clarity about Tinubu’s past.

https://www.farooqkperogi.com/2023/10/6-major-findings-about-tinubu-from-csu.html?m=1

Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives

October 2, 2023

Speaker Abbas appoints Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi as Chief of Staff

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D has approved the appointment of Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi as his Chief of Staff.

The appointment, according to a press statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, takes effect from October 17, 2023.

Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi is to take over from Mr. Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart, the Acting Chief of Staff to the Speaker, who is taking another appointment.

Mr. Smart became the Acting Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives following the expiration of his tenure as the Chief of Staff to the Speaker in the 9th Assembly.

Until his appointment, Prof. Dan-Azumi was the Technical Assistant to the Director General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), National Assembly.

Jake Dan-Azumi is a professor of Political Science and Development Studies. He has extensive experience in development work focusing on democratic governance and public policy, parliamentary institutional strengthening, research, peace and security, human rights, conflict and peacebuilding and gender.

He previously worked as a Special Assistant to the President of the Senate, Sen. (Dr.) David Mark, GCON, between 2011 and 2014.

Prof. Dan-Azumi, who has over 14 years cumulative experience in the National Assembly system, is an expert in the design and delivery of parliamentary and democratic support programmes.

He holds a Doctorate Degree in International Development from University College London (UCL); MSc International Human Rights Law from Oxford University; a BA (First Class) from the University of South Africa, and a BA (First Class, Honours) from the University of Zimbabwe, where he was awarded the Book Prize for the Best Student.

His other qualifications include a Postgraduate Diploma in Research Methods from the University of Bradford, UK, among others. Prof. Dan-Azumi hails from Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Signed:

Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

By Laolu Akande, New York
(Empowered Newswire)

As the United Nations General Assembly High-Level week proceeded last week, the idea of Africa as the next business frontier of the world resounded with glaring ardour.

Even the very fact that New York where all of the world’s attention is turned to about this time every year is led by an African American is symbolic. And that the UN which is the host has a Deputy Secretary-General who is an African woman is also especially significant.

Besides the speeches of many African leaders at the ongoing General Debate that opened last week Tuesday, September 19th, it was the event of the UN Global Compact themed Unstoppable Africa that really took the shine in New York if you ask many.

The Global Compact, a UN agency had started a Global Africa Business Initiative GABI, as "the premier private sector-led global platform that galvanizes African and global leaders to amplify Africa’s unstoppable business, trade, and investment opportunities."

So Unstoppable Africa is a product of the UN Global Compact's Global Africa Business Initiative which was launched last year by the Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, Ms. Amina Jane Mohammed, a former federal minister in Nigeria. This year GABI had two days of high energy conversations on Unstoppable Africa which peaked with a high-powered dinner, steps away from the UN headquarters last Thursday night.

Ahead of the dinner, Unstoppable Africa in several sessions at the Westin Hotel held several strategic high-level discussions between Heads of State, private sector leaders, investors, heads of multilateral organizations, and leading creative economy personalities from the continent.  The focus this year was on: Energy Access and Energy Transition, Inclusive Growth and Trade, and Digital Transformation.

But it was the speeches of both the New York Mayor, African American Eric Adams and UN's Amina Mohammed that fired the imagination of many that Thursday night dinner in New York and certainly many more who would review the event.

Seated among the few hundreds in the ballroom were leaders across the continent and the world, such as the notable African billionaire Mo Ibrahim from Sudan. There were many from Nigeria including Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Ekiti State Governor, Wale Edun; Finance Minister & Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Bosun Tijani; Communication & Digital Economy Minister, billionaires Tony Elumelu Abdul Samad Bua and FolorunshoAlakija. There was also Oscar Onyeama of the Nigerian Exchange Group and SSA to the President on SDGS; Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.

According to the New York Mayor, who spoke at the dinner challenging African business and political leaders, "this is our moment as Africans." He made the point that New York is the most important city in the world and it is today led by a man of an African descent.

The Mayor, a leading politician here in the USA, said Africa must take charge of its present situation by seizing the moment to position itself as the cornerstone of the world’s future.

"We must through self-determination ensure that the natural resources of Africa will never again be exploited. We have our solutions. It is not about the brain drain of the continent that once regained academic standards. We must use the academic knowledge that we got from prestigious institutions to go in and build Africa and make it what we want," the Mayor charged.

He continued "the most important city on the globe is New York City and the Mayor of the most important city is an African. So we must do business together.

Telling a bit of his personal story, Mayor Adams disclosed: "I was told I would never amount to anything when I was a little boy. In all my life, I was rejected. We left Africa in slavery. This is our moment as Africans. It is not going to remain forever....this is our moment.

"This is our time to build Africa the way we know Africa can be. I am so proud to be in this room with you. Now, let's use this moment to finally make the connection. The cradle of civilization is undeniable with all the mighty African people. We can be what we will," he concluded.

**The real power is in Africa, says Amina Mohammed**

Speaking next right after what was a beautiful dinner was the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, who said Africans anywhere in the world possess real power irrespective of their demography.

She acknowledged among others the unique role Nigerians and Africans were playing globally. She herself is a representation of that fact.

"Africans in this room today, whether they are of African descent or diaspora,... the real power is in Africa," said Mohammed.

She was also proud of the progress women were making in the continent and globally and asked the women leaders at the UN to be recognized as many applauded at the event. Sanda Ojiambo the CEO of UN Global Compact, a Kenyan lady and Olajobi Makinwa, a senior adviser in the agency from Nigeria were among many others that the Deputy Secretary-General was referring to.

Speaking on the theme, she then observed that indeed "we are only unstoppable when we own everything; the good, the bad and the ugly and whatever needs to be done we do it as leaders, we need you to step up.

"Leaders in governments, leaders in civil society, the leadership in Africa needs to step up and to step out so that everyone knows why we are unstoppable and we Africans can look up to our leaders and say they are going to make something of this."

Ms. Mohammed then charged that Africans need to leverage their potential.

"Whatever it is, look at the potential and feed from it because we can. We just heard from our Minister in Nigeria for technology. What amazing inspiration, this is someone who didn't need to come into government, and he will succeed because there is leadership that knows that the young people are not waiting anymore.

"We have spent time in New York, and we decided to encourage the African business community to meet at the greatest gathering every year in September, in New York. That gathering gives so many people an opportunity to see Africa differently and that gathering is opening for us to visualize Africa differently.

"We have been taking SDGs goals halfway through, we are failing, 15 percent performance but what we have seen in this last week is amazing voices that started rising from Africa, from Paris, talking eyeballs to eyeballs with their colleagues and partners, saying stop there, you are wrong, this is for Africa and this is where we are going."

Speaking as an African herself she said: "we got potential but we have conflicts, we have issues of governance and we need to solve this because we can, but we are only going to be able to do it because we put women at the helm of affairs so that is one thing."

According to her, Africa is blessed with the best brains who can develop the continent, especially with the women's power, "We are not talking about numbers, we are talking about brains, we are talking about the capacity to sit in a room and to discuss with other men."

"Remember when it comes to conflicts, men talk about winning wars while women talk about a pathway to peace so we don't want to make gentlemen an endangered species. With women in the room, I think we can succeed so men move aside just a little to the left we will move a little to the right and when we come together, we can be unstoppable," she concluded her remarks at an event which certainly renewed the hope of leaders around the world regarding Africa, whether they be political or business leaders.

In all, it was an evening of hope, fun, and yet one offering a serious anticipation of what the future holds for Africa in our world.

The UN Global Compact that hosted the event is simply put the UN agency that rallies the private sector in the member countries of the world body to support its work as a global intergovernmental organization. The Compact has over 23, 000 participants, in 166 countries, and 62 local networks in those countries.

29th September, 2023

The Climate Action Platform for Africa (CAP-A) warmly welcomes H.E. Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN to the Board of Directors as Chair, with immediate effect. Prof. Osinbajo is the immediate past Vice President of Nigeria having served two four year terms from 2015.


“We are deeply honored to have Prof Osinbajo join the CAP-A Board of Directors as Chair to assist with the next phase of our growth and our mission of unlocking Africa’s potential as a global hub for climate action,” said CAP-A Founder James Mwangi. “His vast experience and passion for transforming African countries’ economies in harmony with climatic needs, will be invaluable to CAP-A’s mission, especially coming out of the inaugural Africa Climate Summit that made a strong push for accelerated climate action.”

Prof. Osinbajo said, “Since the recent founding of CAP-A, I have witnessed their work in shifting the global and continental narrative from Africa being a victim of the climate crisis to holding the key to accelerating global climate action. I’m honored to join the Board of Directors as Chair in support of CAP-A’s teams and programs across the continent, and in realizing Africa’s economic development through Climate Positive Growth.”

In addition to serving eight years as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Osinbajo previously served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State. An accomplished lawyer, Prof. Osinbajo attained the distinguished rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He is one of Nigeria’s leading legal experts and has served as Professor and Head of Department of Public Law at the University of Lagos.

During his time in public service, Prof. Osinbajo was involved in various government initiatives and policies, including economic reforms, social intervention programs and efforts to address access to justice and energy security in African states. He chaired the Inter-Ministerial Energy Transition Group, overseeing the development and delivery of the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan in 2022.

He also led the implementation of Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability Plan which featured the rollout of 5 million new off-grid solar connections to rural communities. His dedication to this cause extends beyond his time in office as he continues to champion climate action initiatives, not only within Nigeria but also across the African continent and globally.

https://cap-a.org/cap-a-announces-h-e-professor-yemi-osinbajo-san-as-the-new-chair-of-the-board-of-directors/#