₦airaland Forum

*EXCLUSIVE: Stella Oduah didn’t complete NYSC*

Eniola Akinkuotu

25 May 2022
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The National Youth Service Corps says the lawmaker representing Anambra-North senatorial district, Stella Oduah, did not complete the mandatory one-year NYSC programme.

The NYSC said this in a letter marked NYSC/DHQ/PPRU/783/Vol III.

In a letter by the Director-General of the NYSC which was signed on his behalf by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, the agency said Oduah commenced her NYSC programme in 1982 but absconded.

The letter was in response to an inquiry by a group known as the Concerned Anambra North PDP Stakeholders.

In the previous letter, the group had written a letter to the NYSC accusing some officials of the agency of colluding with Oduah to hide the truth.

In its response, titled, ‘Re: Doubtful NYSC Participation Collusion of Some Unscrupulous Staff of NYSC Concerning Stella Adaeze Oduah (Senator), Save the Image and Reputation of the Scheme’, the NYSC denied colluding with Oduah to hide the truth.

The letter read in part, “In response to your request, we wish to state that the facts of the matter remain as follows: Stella Adaeze Oduah was mobilised for national service in 1982/1983 service year and deployed to Lagos State.

“After the orientation course, she absconded and never completed the national service. The consequence of this is that she is not qualified for the issuance of the certificate of national service.”

Section 2 (1) of the NYSC Act makes it obligatory for every Nigerian who graduates to “ make himself available for service for a continuous period of one year from the date specified in the call-up instrument served upon him.”

According to the NYSC Act, the four categories of individuals exempted from the national service are those who graduated above the age of 30, those who have served in the Armed Forces or the Nigeria Police for a period of more than nine months; those who served in intelligence organisations and individuals who bagged national honours before graduation.

It remains unclear how Oduah’s failure to complete her NYSC escaped the scrutiny of agencies like the Department of State Services which usually vet ministerial nominees.

*In her form CF001 forms submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission in 2019, Oduah claimed that she completed her NYSC but her certificate was missing along with other credentials.*

An affidavit she deposed to read in part, “Sometime in 2010 while in transit from Akili Ozizor in Ogbaru local government area to Abuja, I discovered that some of my personal belongings were missing.

“The missing documents are the originals of my West African School Certificate of 1978 from Zixon Secondary School Ozubulu, First School Leaving Certificate from St. John Odoakpu Onitsha; Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Certificate 1982 from St. Paul’s College Lawrence Virginia USA; National Youth Service Corps certificate 1983, national identity card, United States of America Social Security card with numbers in it.”


*Oduah, who served as Minister of Aviation before she was relieved of her duties by former President Goodluck Jonathan, also came under scrutiny in January 2014 when Sahara Reporters quoted authorities at St. Paul’s College, where Mrs. Oduah claimed she studied for Bachelor and Masters degrees, as saying they did not award her an MBA at any time as the university does not even have a graduate school or graduate programme.*

The PUNCH learnt that a petition had been sent to the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, asking the PDP to disqualify Oduah who has been screened to contest in the primary.

The group, Concerned Anambra North PDP Stakeholders, in a letter dated April 26, 2022, attached all necessary evidence to the party. However, there had been no response.

The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, did not respond to calls on Wednesday.

In a chat with The PUNCH, Lagos-based lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, noted that a Federal High Court had already ruled that possessing an NYSC certificate was not a condition for holding public office.

Effiong, however, said Oduah’s claim on oath that she possessed an NYSC certificate when she knew this to be false amounted to perjury and disqualification.

*“The court has ruled that the NYSC Act cannot be superior to the 1999 constitution which already outlines the prerequisites for holding public office. However, if she claimed on oath that she possesses an NYSC certificate when she had none, then this is perjury and is also grounds for disqualification,” said Effiong.*


Attempts to get a response from Oduah proved abortive as her telephone line indicated that it was switched off. Also there was no response to a text message sent to her

Copyright PUNCH.

*NIGERIA - BURUNDI BUSINESS SUMMIT WILL UNLOCK BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES AND REVITALIZE THE TRUE SPIRIT OF PAN AFRICANISM !*


_*.........Amb Elijah Onyegba shares as he announces details of the upcoming Nigeria-Burundi Business Summit in Bujumbura, the Business capital of Burundi*_


September 26th-29th, 2022 has been slated for the maiden edition of Nigeria - Burundi Business Summit billed to take place in Bujumbura.

In a statement released by the Embassy of Nigeria in Bujumbura, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Nigeria to the Republic of Burundi, His Excellency Amb. Elijah Onyegba PhD stated that the Embassy is working with
State Governments, Federal Agencies, relevant Ministries and Parastatals like Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and the Chambers of Commerce in different cities in Nigeria to ensure a robust attendance.


According to him *"The Summit will also offer Nigeria investors the opportunity to take advantage of Business opportunities in Burundi and vice-versa. The AfCFTA has created free movement of goods across Africa and as such, Nigerian manufacturers will find in Burundi, a big market since they can comfortably operate and service the economies of the Great Lakes region comprising of 10 countries and cocreate with the East African Community (EAC) which has 7 partner independent states. These are massive investment opportunities across several sectors within the two blocs available for Nigerian investors to consider.*

_He called on interested investors who wish to take advantage of the vast business and economic opportunities in the East African nation to approach the Nigerian Embassy for registration and participation. It is expected that the Nigeria - Burundi Business Summit will produce tangible results in the areas of job creation and local content development. These will in turn generate more business and economic activities between the two economies so as to revitalize the true spirit of Pan Africanism!_

Ngige: Just before The Sun award.

6th May 2022

By George Okunfua

Only the management of The Sun Newspapers knows the reasons this year’s award was brought forward to share a border with the deadline for the purchase of the expression of interest and nomination forms of political parties for the 2023 general election. If it is mere coincidence, it hangs a tale on the nation that is in a flux.

So many things are happening but the upbeat in political activities is relatively drowning the swell of the inclement hanging over the horizon. The masses are doom scrolled already and are beginning to be desensitized to the horrors of everyday killings and kidnappings. No doubt, The Sun has established a huge integrity over its awards and this year’s is no different. But at this material time, the event additionally offers an aside to the heavily burdened national consciousness, as top politicians, presidential hopefuls among them, line up for trophies.


David Umahi, Bala Mohammed, Hope Uzodimma, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Rotimi Amaechi, Chris Ngige, Ahmed Lawan, Musa Kwankwaso and others. Who knows, one of them may end up leading the nation out of its present woes.

Saturday, May 7, 2022, will, therefore, be a theatre of escape from the monotony of relentless tragedies for many wearied Nigerians who will be glued to the live broadcast. If the national grid decides to collapse that day and increase the pressure on the black market that powers I-better-pass-my-neighbour in many homes, the social media is there to fill the gap.

The motto of The Sun newspaper is “the Voice of the Nation” and it has indeed played that role. How wonderful if one of the persons walking up the dais will be the one to restore voice to the voiceless that constitute the national majority. The publisher of The Sun, Senator Orji Kalu, lest I forget, is also a presidential aspirant. Memories fade so fast.

On the October 1, 2002, Independence anniversary live broadcast of the then must-watch Kaakaki morning show, on Africa Independent Television (AIT) Zikist and foremost nationalist, M.C.K. Ajuluchukwu, said Orji Kalu was the only governor in the South East that had the vision of the late Premier of the Eastern Region, M.I. Okpara. Orji is not receiving The Sun award. It will be immoral, hence this angle to my piece ends here but not without adding that the New Telegraph, which he also publishes, has a motto, “Sanctity of truth,” that provides the seminal line to the rest of this piece.

Truth-telling is Nigeria’s major problem. The land is replete with deceitful leaders, paying lip service to nation-building. Hypocrisy, truth’s bitter enemy, is the bane of Nigeria. Even though politics is an algorithm of complex calculations, a game, how long shall the nation be bound to pretenses and still hope for the good of the greatest number? Nations that are incapable of truth can’t learn from the past, while social bonds in composite diversity like ours are broken, setting the people against themselves. This is where we are in Nigeria, hobbled by centrifugal concerns that fix the nation on the book end. We need a different leader, one who can confront the realities and free the nation from the disintegrative shackles of ages fuelling economic doldrums. Nigeria needs a courageous leader with cosmopolitan values, unyielding to provincial considerations. It needs a leader who can provide for the nation a deep mine of experience to checkmate countless flaws that hem progress. Then the uncommon patriotism, strong belief that Nigeria can work for all her people.

We need someone not bugged down by the narrowness of expertise or competence in one area but a generalist who must have a fair knowledge of every sector, a jack of all trades, if you like, the reason being that Nigeria is yet to develop strong institutions.

Of all in the presidential race, none comes close to these revolutionary examples than Senator Chris Ngige and I will explain, starting with courage and patriotism.

There is no better way to express strong support for fatherland than exemplify such like Ngige has done with his three children who graduated from Nigerian public schools with sons and daughters of the poor. Ngige knew the value of the Executive Orders 3 and 5 on backward integration of human resources long before the government he serves ever mooted it. It is this same patriotism imbued with courage that saw him defeat the moral foes of democracy, liberate and lay a new foundation for Anambra State. Even though this choice on the side of the people would later make him lose his seat as governor, he didn’t mind. The same patriotism made Ngige rise beyond the corrosive politics of ethnicity to ensure that the headship of the five parastatals in his ministry is evenly shared among geographical zones, contrary to what obtains in most ministries. Like Zik, whose discipleship he confesses, he is a firm believer in one Nigeria, hence has not disguised strong disapproval for the violent trend of agitation in his South East zone. As governor many years ago, he effectively dialogued and doused the resurgent MASSOB, even reforming part of its ranks into the formidable Anambra Vigilante Group, through a law enacted by the State Assembly. The same act of courage and honest leadership would save the nation thousands of jobs when Ngige stopped the unilateral redundancy declared by banks and financial institutions in 2016. Courageously, too, he engaged the oil majors and equally saved jobs in thousands. This same virtue forced him break the linear cesspool of corruption in the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, and moved it from an agency that could not pay salaries in 2016/2017 to one that could save over N18 billion as of December 2021. Such is also behind that quality advisory he made available to the President, ensuring that government did not downsize its workforce despite two regimes of recession.

Ngige is known for creating new ways. He changed his ministry from a mere dispute resolution centre without capital vote to one creating new skills centres, rehabilitating old ones and using its new position in the ILO governing body, where it was absent for a decade, to influence expertise in job creation, skills acquisition and labour laws that would have ordinarily taken the nation millions of dollars in human capital training.

Quietly, also, he is shifting national emphasis from white-collar jobs to the abundant opportunities in the blue-collar world. He did set such new ways in Anambra when he initiated the return of 56 schools to the missions in 2006, halted the general strike that kept doctors, teachers and students at home for eight and 12 months, respectively, issued an Executive Order through which salaries and pensions were placed on first-line charge and built a phenomenal road network that has defied elements for close to two decades. A foresighted problem solver, his ministry has resolved 1,683 trade disputes and hemmed the nation from sliding to industrial brouhaha, which, alongside insecurity, would have brought the doomsday prediction of disintegration nearer.

Interestingly, no system can work, if the leader has no innate sense of honour and duty. If a leader is not convinced that bounding over a wall for illegality is outside the mores of good governance, no sophistication of that system can stop him. Ngige exemplified this all through his public life, demonstrating that he can successfully lead. In spite, the warped ethical relativism, which politicians, especially from the North, have brought into the time-honoured zoning formula, already accepted as a practice and complemented by the federal character provisions in the 1999 Constitution, is shoring up the Dude’s Law of Duality that, of two possible events, only the undesirable one often happens. With the “harsh pebbles and nails,” according to Bishop Hassan Kukah, already thrown the way of a President of South East extraction, the reality of Dude’s Law stares one in the face. Power to hurt, they say, is bargaining muscle, but weaponizing a chink on one leg of a tripod may see the remaining two crumble under the weight of an unbalanced structure. And that’s the reality we have to face.

•Okunfua, retired director of occupational safety and health, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, writes from Benin, Edo State

Wonderful. Governor Bello is doing marvellously well. He has changed the narratives in Kogi State and He can make a Good President. No doubt

*EID-EL-FITRI: CHIEF DR. GEORGE MOGHALU CONGRATULATES MUSLIMS*

The Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Chief Dr. George Moghalu extends his greetings to Nigerians especially Muslims, rejoicing with them on the occasion marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

In his congratulatory message, Chief Dr. Moghalu felicitates with His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR and other Muslim faithful stating that the occasion is another opportunity to uphold the lessons and virtues imbibed during the month of Ramadan which border on piety, self denial, love for the less privileged, charity and peaceful co-existence.

The NIWA top boss urged Muslims not to spend the Eid-el-Fitri on only festivities, but to spend the moment in deep reflection, because it is an opportunity of taking a deep breath and reflecting on the current realities before the country noting that the reality of the temporal challenges, should not undermine our hope, reverse our collective will to succeed, or divide us; rather it should remind us of why we need to stay together.

While wishing Muslims a happy celebration, the NIWA boss, Chief Dr. George Moghalu prays that all the blessings that go with such a memorable day will accrue onto them and that God will bestow his divine wisdom and guidance on all for the common good of the country.

---- GEORGE MOGHALU MEDIA CENTRE.

WORKERS DAY: CHIEF DR GEORGE MOGHALU SALUTES NIGERIAN WORKERS

The Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Chieftain of APC, Chief Dr George Moghalu, today joins millions of workers all over the world to commemorate this year’s Workers Day celebration.

Chief Dr Moghalu commends Nigerian workers in general and the organised Labour in particular for remaining focused on attainable goals while rightly protecting the interest of their members.

In a congratulatory message to workers, the NIWA boss maintained that all hands should be on deck in exploring innovative means to address and improve the lot of every working Nigerian and providing for those who cannot work, as well as committing to ideas that will address the economic challenges in the country for the general good of all Nigerian workers who keep the wheels turning, earn so that others can be comfortable, sacrifice to meet deadlines, work hard through uncertainties, show grit in the face of adversity and do their jobs diligently and with dignity.

Parts of his congratulatory reads:

"Indeed, the capacity to create value through productive labour is a key defining characteristic of a human being. Nations and civilizations have always developed through the application of human mental and manual labour to extract a higher standard of living from nature. It is therefore not surprising that May 1st of every year is universally dedicated to celebrate Worker’s solidarity, freedom, productivity and invaluable contribution to human development".

As workers marks this epochal day, Chief Dr George Moghalu prays the Almighty God to grant them more strength and happiness as they strive to work for the country and humanity.

--- GEORGE MOGHALU MEDIA CENTRE.

*THE NIGERIAN EMBASSY IN BUJUMBURA HAS FACILITATED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA AND THE UNIVERSITY OF BURUNDI, FOR CO-OPERATION IN ACADEMICS, RESEARCH GRANTS AND STUDENTS/LECTURERS EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES.*

On assumption of office as the Nigerian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Nigeria to the Republic of Burundi, His Excellency Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba PhD promised that he will use his wealth of experience from corporate life to advance the Diplomatic Charter of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari in his quest to have an economically prosperous and peaceful African nation.

The Nigerian diplomat within 100 days in office immediately swung into action with many diplomatic blue prints, culminating in the hallmark ‘’Nigeria-Burundi Joint Commission’’ on July 30th 2021. In furtherance of maximizing the Joint Commission’s potentials of education co-operation between the two nations on August 4th, 2022, the Nigerian Embassy in Bujumbura invited the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikwe University Awka, Prof Charles Okechukwu Esimone to Bujumbura for a Technical Session with the relevant key players in the educational sectors and the University of Burundi, ably led by it's Vice chancellor, Prof Sanctus Niragira to explore potential cooperation opportunities in student/Lecturer exchange programs, capacity building, research and grant collaboration in the educational sector here in Bujumbura especially with the University of Burundi.

*_‘’After weeks of many technical sessions with key players in the educational sector here, the Nigerian Embassy in Bujumbura is happy to announce that we have signed, sealed and exchanged the MOU between Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria and the University of Burundi for technical cooperation in academics and research. We most joyfully announce to you that the two citadels of learning will now begin exchange programs for students and lecturers in relevant departments and faculties. This is another important milestone in Nigeria -Burundi Diplomatic relations" said the Ambassador._*

The Burundi Joint Commission which took effect six months after its signing have seen massive impact on very many notable economic fronts. In education, the Nigerian Embassy Bujumbura had on 20th January 2022, received Prof Stephen Inegbe and Dr. Bunmi Ogunyemi - lecturers with the University of Uyo who are on exchange program with the University of Burundi's Faculty of English and Literary Studies teaching English and Literature.

Also in line with the Joint Commission’s vision, the Nigerian Mission in Burundi recently played host to a cross-section of Nigerian professionals on a study tour of The Republic of Burundi from the National Institute of Strategic Studies(NIPSS), Kuru.The delegation which comprised of top military officers, paramilitary officers, senior civil servants, select captains of industry on study tour from NIPSS, brainstormed about their experience across their academic lines at the Institute and visited the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Public Security, Budget & Planning and Health. They also visited Civil Society Organizations, United Nations Office, Burundi's Investment and Promotion Council, the Central Bank of Burundi, Revenue Agency and other members of the private sector.

With the signing of this latest MOU between Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria and the University of Burundi, the Nigeria Head of Mission in Burundi promises a more rewarding future, as he seeks to explore other avenues to maximize the Commission's value. According to him ‘The Nigerian Embassy in Bujumbura is excited as we have not only signed but have begun the implementation of the executed bilateral agreement. We will continue to explore other provisions within this bilateral agreement and keep working on others so as to deepen the relationship between Nigeria and Burundi, Amb. Elijah Onyegba concluded’

#DiplomaticEngagement

*MOTHERS DAY: CHIEF DR. GEORGE MOGHALU SALUTES MOTHERS ROLE IN MODELING FAMILIES*

The Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority, Chief Dr. George Moghalu on Sunday rejoiced with mothers throughout the country on this Mother's Day.

NIWA Boss described Mothers as the real builders of every family, church and society at large. He emphasised their responsibility in raising and nurturing responsible children.

“Today, i rejoice with legions of Catholic Mothers in celebrating this year’s mother’s day. Motherhood is dignified, motherhood is sacred, and motherhood is worthy of celebration because of its importance to the moral fabric of the society.

Considering the position of mothers to humanity, no honour to them will be enough, their role in shaping the family is very fundamental to the health of every nation.

So i enjoin all mothers and mother figures to continue playing the essential role as nation builders in their families, church and the society. I also pray that our Almighty God will continue to bless them for their immense love and care in nurturing and raising worthy children on whom the future prospects of our great nation depends upon”.


*George Moghalu Media Center*

*CHIEF DR. GEORGE MOGHALU MOURNS OBA LAMIDI ADEYEMI (ALAAFIN OF OYO), CONSOLES THE GOOD PEOPLE OF OYO STATE*

Abuja- The Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority, Chief Dr. George Moghalu (Fiwajoye of Yoruba Land) has expressed sadness over the death of Alaafin of Oyo,His Royal Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

Chief Dr Moghalu described the death of Oba Adeyemi III as a great loss to the good people of Oyo State and Nigeria in general and he will be greatly missed.

Chief Dr Moghalu said, “I received the sad news of the transition of highly-referred Royal Monarch, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III with sadness. Kabiyesi passed on at age of 83. His death at this point in time of our Nation History has robbed us of his wisdom and wise counseling. He has never withheld his deep insights and rich perspectives from those who sought his guidance.”

The Alaafin of Oyo was indisputably a remarkable leader, Father and Husband, who devoted his life to the betterment of the people of Oyo State and the country.

“I had a close personal relationship with Kabiyesi and I will deeply miss him. My Condolences to the entire Yoruba Nation, to Oyo state government and to Kabiyesi’s family.”

“May the gentle soul of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi rest in perfect peace.”


*George Moghalu Media Centre.*

*2023: Senator Dr Chris Ngige formally declares for presidency*

*–Reveals his burning desire to see a prosperous, United, equitable Nigeria.*

April 19, 2022

AHEAD of the 2023 general elections, the Minister of Labour and Employment and APC Leader in Anambra State, Senator Dr Chris Ngige on Tuesday formally declared his intention to contest the position of President, saying he has a burning desire to see a prosperous, united and equitable Nigeria.

Dr Chris Ngige, who unveiled his presidential ambition before a mammoth crowd at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Alor, Idemili South local government area of Anambra State, is seeking the ticket of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC as its Presidential candidate.

Addressing the crowd, comprising APC faithful and other supporters, the former Anambra State Governor said having served 40 years in the public service, he was fully equipped as an administrator, with a huge wealth of experience, capacity and energy as well as a large heart to accommodate the differences among Nigerians.

Dr Ngige who recounted his numerous achievements as a former governor, ex-Senator and two-time minister, described himself as the “Jack of all trade and master of all” that Nigeria needs now.

He thanked the President for the opportunity offered him to serve as a minister, which he said broadened his knowledge of the various ministries, departments and agencies,
being a member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the conciliator of disputes between employers and employees in the various arms of government and the private sector.

According to him, his stewardship in the difficult and complex Ministry of Labour as the chief conciliator enriched his knowledge of the problems of workers, the difficulty the industrialists and entrepreneurs face, why industries close down, and why some run far below their installed capacity and in turn employ fewer hands.

He said, “I also know the unproductive areas and the areas of waste in the public service. I see the energy in labour that has not been properly harnessed. I have seen the low hanging fruits in agriculture, the handicaps, the factors that militate against job creation, which is one of the mandates of my ministry, especially the inter-ministerial and inter agencies cooperation that is missing. I have seen our burgeoning population without a corresponding advantage in terms of improvement in GDP.”

He said under his watch, the Labour Ministry has conciliated 1683 industrial disputes in the last seven years, 95 per cent done successfully in the ministry and its agency, the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP), while only about three per cent of the disputes went up to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria(NICN).

The minister said they took labour administration to a higher level in the international arena, where their labour diplomacy brought Nigeria back to the Governing Board (GB) of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) after ten years of absence.

He explained that Nigeria came in first as deputy (titular) in 2017, and is now a full regular member of the GB, having also been elected as the Chairperson of the Government Group, where he presided over the affairs of 187 countries of the ILO between 2019 to 2020.

“My dear friends, colleagues and comrades, many would wonder that after serving seven years as Minister in one of the most difficult ministries of government, in a polity riddled with rising unemployment, bickering and economic disputes between workers and employers, in a famished economy, Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige would have asked for a deserved rest.

“Yes, a deserved rest would have been okay for me as a person but the zeal, the burning desire in me to see a prosperous, united and equitable Nigeria, where no man is oppressed, where there is no chasm between the haves and have not, would not allow me to go home and rest.”

“Today, as I sit back to ruminate on the state of our country, I find a country led by a patriot, good-hearted leader, Muhammadu Buhari, though greatly misunderstood especially in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria. Permit me to say that I want to get the nomination of our party and to stand on its manifesto to actualize and execute the programmes of the APC.

“Shall we say the APC as a party and as a government has failed? The answer is a big No. The three cardinal issues upon which Nigeria gave us a mandate in 2015 are infrastructure/economic development, security and anti-corruption. In properly assessing this government and our programmes, it is important we start from where we met Nigeria in 2015. I don’t want to be one of those in the class of wailers, wallowing in self-pity. No! I want to be your ambassador so I can go and grow prosperity, and grow the resources that are needed for a big country like Nigeria.

“Truth be told, Nigeria has been in the years of the locust, starting from the 80s, 90s, the long period of military rule to 2015. Luckily, the leaves were all eaten away but the tree and the branches still stand.

“Yes I’m part of this administration, so I should know what the resources look like and I know what the challenges are. This is because I’m in the room and I’m privy to decisions taken. In scoring the administration, one can give us a pass, credit or distinction in infrastructure depending on the assessor. But let me ask. Can you score a government that has invested massively in infrastructural development, built roads and bridges like Lagos -Ibadan-Ilorin Rd, 2nd Niger Bridge almost completed, and the reactivation of the rail system anything but distinction?

“You can also score us in security, again depending on the baseline – even though we know that the security deterioration is also linked to the economic situation of the country, which has stifled jobs while the population gallops by the day.”

Dr Ngige said if he becomes President, the Nigerian Police, as the agency in charge of homeland security would be equipped with men and materials to function optimally, lamenting that attempts by the current administration to increase their men by 10,000 every year in the last five years were stifled by unnecessary bureaucracy.

According to him, the decentralization of the Nigerian police is the way to go, so that governors of states can be chief security officers in name and in reality.

He added that the structure of the Nigerian police needs to change and mimic that of the judiciary which has worked well with the State judiciary and the federal arm in a handshake.

He said as a former governor and chief security officer of a state, he knows what to do and how to do it.

Dr Ngige recalled that as Governor of Anambra State, he met N42b debt, schools closed for one year with teachers and civil servants owed for almost a year, doctors and health professionals on strike for eight months and pensioners were treated as “dead woods.”

“I met dilapidated infrastructure, with hopelessness and despair written on the faces of the people of Anambra State. The judiciary was also neither equipped nor energized to do its work. Importantly, I turned all these into history as I cleared the arrears of salaries, and pensions, as well as paid off genuine creditors. I and my team rejuvenated the civil service. We further introduced knowledge-based promotion through examination. Under our administration, 500km of roads across all senatorial zones were built in 30 months, unprecedented in the history of the State. Handled by the best contractors, these roads still stand like the Rock the of Gibraltar, 16 years after. Anambra then became a metaphor for solid roads under the slogan of Anambra People’s Money at work!”

The presidential hopeful assured that if elected President, he would deploy the resources belonging to Nigerians to the expansion of the infrastructure efforts of the current administration in roads, rail, air and even inland waterways.

“Some persons have been feeding the public with wrong information that my office is to blame for the incessant strikes by labour unions. Here is an opportunity to explain my role as a conciliator. There is a misconception that the conciliator is also the man who will actualize and implement whatever is reached in an agreement. This is wrong. A conciliator is like an arbitrator and not the person who implements the agreement so reached. At most, he can do facilitation by persuasion for the parties to implement the agreement and that’s where the role stops.

“In the case of the university unions, it is important to make it clear that the Federal Government is not owing them salaries and wages rather, what is being owed is a carry-over of allowances (Earned Academic Allowances/Earned Allowances) from the past administration and that the carry-over is being paid in instalment, under a negotiated agreement. On one or two occasions the government defaulted for lack of revenue to pay, it was properly rescheduled.

“Unfortunately, detractors have told unions that Ngige is their problem. How can the Minister of Labour be their problem when he is not their employer? The Minister of Labour is neither a member of the Governing Council of universities nor the Minister of Education or Finance. The same goes for health workers and doctors. The government side and the fixers of salaries and wages met with them and told them what they are able to pay, which is an ILO principle of Negotiation – Capacity and ability to pay. Instead of following up with negotiations, they would turn around to blame the Minister.

“For example, ASUU invented a payment platform, called UTAS. UTAS has been subjected to necessary tests by National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) which said it cannot recommend the system for use, having passed the User Acceptability test, but failed the Integrity and Credibility test. ASUU said Ngige can do the magic, to force NITDA to clear UTAS and also force the Ministry of Finance to deploy it. This magic is beyond me. They ascribed the powers I don’t have to my office.

“However, conciliation and arbitration are within the ambit of my Ministry and we are doing whatever we can, including persuasion, and subtly moving into other ministries, to try to pressure them, in order to resolve some of the issues. I’m a concerned parent whose children are also in the public universities in Nigeria. In the Seventh Senate, I championed the cause of labour. How then can I turn around to stop the progress of these institutions? God forbid !”

Ngige urged the leaders of the university system to tell their members the truth about what is happening with UTAS at the NITDA as well as the re-negotiation of the 2009 agreement ongoing in the Ministry of Education, which ASUU has shunned.

He appealed to ASUU to reconsider its position and save the education sector in Nigeria.

He recalled that two labour centres in Nigeria, the NLC and TUC had on different occasions commended his stewardship in repositioning labour and engendering social dialogue, even as the Nigerian Medical Association and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors commended his efforts in resolving age-long challenges in the health sector, describing him as “a medical elder of repute.”

Earlier, the President of the National Forum for South-East Presidency, Patrick Enunekwu described Ngige as the most qualified among all the aspirants, saying his experience cuts across all the arms of government including the judiciary, which he worked with while serving as Governor

Enunekwu said the roads Ngige built over 17 years ago in Anambra State still stand the test of time.

Speaking in a similar vein, a former APC governorship aspirant in Anambra State, Kaodilinye Okelekwe extolled Ngige for his selflessness, determination, self-confidence, farsightedness and good judgement, which are the characteristics of a good leader.

Also, the leader of the South-East APC Progressive Forum, Chukwudi Uba expressed trust in the ability of Ngige to restore security in Nigeria and revamp the economy to ensure a prosperous Nigeria where all citizens would enjoy the benefits of the resources of the country maximally.

Prominent Party Leaders who attended Declaration are High Chief Engr Johnbosco Onunkwo, Chief Col. Geoff Onyejegbu (Rtd), Chief Ozo UgahaMadu ( Former Deputy Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly), Hon Okonkwo Okom, (Former House of Assembly Member, Orumba North Constituency), Theo Nnorom (Former Chief Whip of Anambra State House of Assembly), Hon Afam Obi ( Former Deputy Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly), Hon Bona Oraekwue (Former Member Anambra State House of Assembly), Chief Nestor Okoro (Former Local Government Chairman of Orumba North), Hon Osita Egwuatu ( Former House of Representatives Member for Awka North & South Federal Constituency), Hon Sir Kaodilinye Okelekwe (Ubom Nibo), State Working Committee of APC led by Barr Emeka Ibeh and Chief Chuma Agufugo (State Secretary), Barr Chikelo Emmanuel (State Legal Adviser), Hon Paul Ezeobi, Lady Bene Nwachukwu, All Local Government Chairmen of APC in Anambra State and many other Dignitaries.

The Traditional institution was ably represented by the Traditional Ruler of Alor Kingdom HRM Igwe Ebere Onyemesiri, (Ezediormma III), other Igwes, The President-General Of Alor, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa(Okeife Alor) and other PGs and Community Leaders.

Paschal Candle in Alor Idemili South Local Government Area of Nigeria.

The masses will become Yahaya Bello’s godfathers when elected President– Hafsat Abiola

Presidency

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Abuja, April 16, 2022(NAN) The Director-General, Hope 23, Yahaya Bello Presidential Campaign Organisation, Hafsat Abiola-Costello, has said that the masses would be the godfather of Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, when he is elected president of Nigeria.

Abiola-Costello stated this while addressing a World Press Conference in Abuja on Sunday on the candidacy of Bello for the 2023 presidency.

She said the fact that Bello was independent and never accepted to have a godfather was a big plus for him, noting that the Nigerian people (masses) would be his godfathers once elected President.

“I am leading this campaign because I believe in the candidate.

“I think that the Nigerian people deserves to listen to governor Yahaya Bello. He is exceptional, he has certain qualities even beyond anything that I have said.

“One of the major qualities is that this is a person that is willing to be independent, a person that is willing not to have a godfather.

“The people that will be the godfathers of Governor Yahaya Bello when he becomes President are the people of Nigeria, and it is about time that we have that,” Abiola-Costello said.

Abiola-Costello reacting to the possibility of Bello emerging APC candidate considering perceived the heavyweights in the likes of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo vying for the ticket, said that Bello of would defeat other aspirants perceived heavy weights in the forth-coming primaries of the party in a free and fair contest.

The D-G, however, said though it was clear that Bello had resisted the idea of godfathers for long, he would carry the older politicians along when be becomes the President of Nigeria.

“It is good that you said heavyweights. But he will win in a free and fair contest.

“His chances are actually the best of the group because in a competition, it is about the voters and 60 per cent of Nigerians are under 30.I am his Director-General because I believe in him.

“There have been a ground swell in our country by young people to play a bigger role in our political affairs.

“You do know about the not too young to run campaign that has been going on for a long time, which led to the President signing the Not too young to run Bill into law.

“Nigerian young people are ready to take more responsibilities in the governing of our affairs and this is the young people’s candidate.

“But we really value and appreciate the heavyweights and those you call tested politicians, and they can be sure that if, God willing, we have President Yahaya Bello come 2023, he will carry them along, he will be consulting them and seeking their counsel.

“He will be wanting to build on their networks and resources because the country belongs to all of us, it belongs to the tested politicians and most especially, the young people of Nigeria,” the Campaign DG said.

On zoning, she said that the APC as at today had thrown open the contest, not restricting it to any zone, noting that everyone was eligible to contest regardless of the zone.

“At this time, the APC has said that all candidates are free to contest. They have given no restrictions by zone and we are guided by that and our candidate has the freedom to put his candidacy forward.

“I can assure you that his candidacy that he has put forward has been done with a lot of consultations from within the party to the highest level and there have been no reservations to his candidacy…The support across Nigeria is overwhelming,” she noted.

Abiola-Costello described Gov. Bello as a unifier which her late father represented, adding that when he emerged he would also tackle issues of poverty, insecurity and other challenges facing the country.

“I saw in Bello that he is a unifier in Nigeria. We need a Nigerian leader that is a unifier that believe in all Nigerian people and will fight for all Nigerian people.

“MKO was such a man. This Gov. Bello is also such a person. In his own cabinet in Kogi State, all Six geopolitical zones are represented.

“This is also somebody that fights for young people. His government has 95 per cent of young people in his cabinet.

He doesn’t just use them for campaign, he put them in government with opportunity to have dignity,” she said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

*SEN. MARGERY CHUBA-OKADIGBO CONGRATULATES NIGERIANS ON EASTER CELEBRATION*


The Board Chairman Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd, Sen. Lady Margery Chuba Okadigbo sends hearty greetings to Nigerians and Christians at this year's Easter celebration.

Sen. Margery-Chuba Okadigbo rejoices with Christians on this historic occasion signifying the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, redemption over condemnation, and hope over despair.

Board Chairman Sen. Margery Chuba-Okadigbo who represented the good people of Anambra North in the Seventh Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria said the commemoration of this special season in Christendom, which is always preceded by fasting, acts of piety, humility, penance and prayers of intercession in the build up to the death of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. This is an event which reunites man with his Creator and signifies the message of Easter, filled with themes of hope, love, faith, sacrifice, dedication, commitment, and victory, as espoused in the Scriptures and the teachings and lifestyle of Jesus Christ.

Sen. Margery Chuba-Okadigbo also extended her warm greetings of Easter felicitations to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) on his avowed commitment and overwhelming support at ensuring that the South Eastern region gets its fair share in infrastructural development which will attract more economic prosperity and development to the region and the country at large.

As Christians celebrate this occasion, Sen. Margery Chuba-Okadigbo (Odibeze Oyi) urges Nigerians to live peacefully with one another and do their utmost to make Nigeria a beautiful place to reside.

Happy Easter Celebrations.

*EASTER MESSAGE FROM AMB. ELIJAH ONYEAGBA PhD TO NIGERIANS IN BURUNDI*

_April 17, 2022 / Bujumbura._

I, *Amb Elijah Onyeagba PhD,* most joyfully wish to felicitate with all Christian brothers and sisters here in Bujumbura and elsewhere celebrating this 2022 Easter Feast.

I call on all Nigerians to reflect on the significance of Easter’s lessons of piety, obedience to higher authorities, self sacrifice for the good of others, redemption, salvation, deliverance, forgiveness and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. 

These divine lessons of Easter on brotherly love, peaceful co-existence, tolerance, honesty, humility, justice, equity and fairness to all without discrimination as contained in the Gospels and eternally perfected by our savior Jesus Christ on the cross, are of particular importance to us as a nation, as we continue to contend with the challenges of nation-building and development.
 
As our Christian compatriots celebrate the Messiah’s triumph over death and all that it connotes, let us all renew our faith and confidence in our ability as a people to be worthy Ambassadors of our great country Nigeria where ever we might be and in whatever we do especially here in Burundi.

Our Nigeria Mission here in Bujumbura will continue to  do our best in ensuring that we establish more political and economic blueprints in our ease of doing business; further deepening our economic ties through more bilateral Agreements in different social and diplomatic fronts with our host country - the Republic of Burundi.

As you are aware, our mission here in Bujumbura will be hosting it’s first ever Nigeria/Burundi Economic Summit 2022, I urge you all to take the advantage of this unique opportunity to expand your business reach and knowledge in Burundi as well as maximizing this platform’s unique attributes to bringing together very many investors/economic players, with ensured governmental support in policy and program formulation to ensure protection of these investments, so that the ease of doing business between us and our host nation, the Republic of Burundi will continue to soar.

We shall continue to count on your support and prayers for greater peace, harmony, progress and prosperity of our great country Nigeria.
 
May God Almighty continue to bless our dear nation and guide us always. Amen
 
Happy Easter to you all. 
*Amb. Elijah Onyeagba PhD*
_Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Nigeria to the Republic of Burundi_

*CHIEF DR. GEORGE MOGHALU PREACHES UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FOR LESS PRIVILEGED*


*....Says the humiliation Jesus Christ went through for our sake should be a lesson and template for those in public service to always place public good above their personal interest*

The Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority, Chief Dr. George Moghalu, in his Easter message said the life and teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ in this holy season should be an inspiration for all Nigerians to strive for a world knit together by love, and a state bonded in brotherhood and a nation United in diversity.

"Today i share with all Nigerians the joy of the sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

This season holds a special meaning for all Christians. Jesus Christ was crucified on trumped up charges of violating Roman laws. The fear of death drove his disciples to run from him, because they were afraid to share His fate. But a few days later, the same disciples were found preaching the gospel boldly, their fear of death broken because Jesus Christ conquered death.

The victory of Jesus Christ over death should liberate us from the fear of death. That he went through the humiliation for our sake should provide us with a lesson in public service and a template for us to place public good above our personal comfort.

Therefore, as we mark this momentous event of Easter, let us find comfort in our shared commitment to unity, and find strength in our common aspiration for a greater Nigeria. Let us think in terms of justice, fairness and equity in this season of politics.

Let the lessons of Easter, therefore, inspire us to make sacrifices for the unity and progress of our Nation. Let the life and teachings of Jesus Christ inspire us to strive for a world knit together by love, and a State bonded in brotherhood and a nation united in diversity.

As Easter stands out as a perfect example of unconditional love, let us give unconditional love to our neighbors and share love with the less privileged.

Please accept my best wishes for a Happy Easter Celebration. God bless you all.


*George Moghalu Media Centre.

On The News:
Enugwu-Ukwu Community initiates Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba and his Wife, Her Excellency Chief Mrs Udo Onyeagba into Prestigious Ozonkpu & Iyom Cadre of Enugwu-Ukwu N’Umunri.

… the title is in recognition of Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba outstanding contribution to Enugu-Ukwu Community.

By Paschal Candle.

Saturday April 16th, 2022.

Enugwu -Ukwu- Nigeria Ambassador to Republic of Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba and His Lovely wife, Her Excellency, Mrs Udo Onyeagba will be initiated into Prestigious Ozonkpu & Iyom Cadre of Enugwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, a group of noble men and women who have distinguished themselves in Enugwu-ukwu N’Umunri on Nkwo 22nd April, 2022 by The Head of Ozonkpu. Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba is the first ever Ambassador of Federal Republic of Nigeria from Enugwu-ukwu.

The initiation into The Ozonkpu Cadre of Ozo Enugwu-ukwu N’Umunri was in recognition of the Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba’s outstanding positive contributions to the development of Enugwu-Ukwu community, Anambra State and the Country at large.

In His Acceptance Letter to be initiated into the Prestigious Ozonkpu and Iyom Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri with his wife, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba said it is a thing of joy to be honoured by His Community, for this will motivate him to continue to do more for his community, to continue to serve God and Humanity; and to be a good Representative of His Community, Anambra State and The Country.

The ceremonies will take place at Obu Ike Enugwu-Ukwu N’Umunri(Amb Elijah Onyeagba’s Residence) - Umuezu Awovu Village(Opposite NTA) Reception follows thereafter at same venue.

*SEN. MARGERY CHUBA OKADIGBO INSPECTS AJAOKUTA-KADUNA-KANO GAS PIPELINE, SAYS IT WILL BE COMPLETED BY FIRST QUARTER OF 2023*

The Board Chairman of NNPC Ltd, Sen. Margery Chuba Okadigbo Thursday has confirmed that the ongoing Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline project will be ready by the first quarter of 2023.

Sen. Margery Chuba Okadigbo who led Board members and Management of the NNPC Ltd said this while inspecting the AKK gas project site at Abaji, Abuja.

AKK, is a gas pipeline project flagged off precisely on 30th June 2020 by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR

Upon its flagship, the project with the overall cost of an estimated 2.6 billion dollars apparently raised the expectations of the citizenry.

Flagging off the project, virtually in 2020, President Buhari mandated the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its partners to remain resolute, noting that the AKK project was part of the delivery of his administration’s Next Level Agenda for sustainable development, enhancement of economic prosperity and increase of the country’s infrastructure assets.

Speaking during the inspection, Sen. Margery Chuba Okadigbo said: "we are very confident that by first quarter of 2023, we will put gas on these pipelines. This project will be delivered on schedule and timely, we are putting in place everything required to deliver the project".

She commended the contractor on its effort, said it should speed up the project because the whole world was in need of gas.

Also, she reiterated on the Buhari led government’s desire to industrialize the country and energize the entrepreneurial spirit that remained present among the teeming population. As the completion of the project will provide gas for generation of power and for gas-based industries, which would facilitate the emergence and development of new industries. As well as ensure the revival of moribund industries along transit towns in Kogi, Niger, Kaduna, and Kano States coupled with Abuja, the precise areas where the pipeline will cut across.

On his part, the GMD NNPC Ltd, Mallam Mele Kyari said that the AKK gas pipeline project is a market opportunity for Nigeria, being the highest gas reserve country in Africa

He said that more importantly, it would bring major development, progress, creative jobs and stabilised power as well as revamp industries across the country.

Kyari said this was because it would de-bottleneck gas supply network in the entire country.

According to him, it will serve as gas supply link to other African countries and Europe upon completion.

Emeka Okwuosa, Chairman, Oilserve Ltd., company in charge of the project Engineering, Procurement and Construction, said with prompt intervention of the NNPC management, it had redoubled effort and added more capacity to meet deadline.

Among those that accompanied the NNPC Ltd Board Chairman, Sen. Margery Chuba Okadigbo to the inspection tour are: the NNPC Board members; Group Executive Director (GED), Finance and Accounts, Mr Umar Ajiya; GED, Upstream, Mr Adokiye Tombomieye, etc.

--- _CHARLES IWUAGWU_

*NIWA SEEKS COLLABORATION WITH NAVY FOR LAGOS, ONITSHA PORTS’ TRANSIT CARGOES, TACKLE INSECURITY ON WATERWAYS*


The Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Chief Dr. George Moghalu has said adequate security was needed for the safe passage of cargo between Lagos ports and Onitsha river port, as it has become imperative to improve security in the nation’s maritime environment in order to enhance safe operations.

Commenting after a meeting with the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja, Chief Dr Moghalu described insecurity as one of the major concerns of stakeholders in the industry.

He said: “we also use this opportunity to request support and encouragement from the Navy with regards to the issue of providing us with adequate security for safe passage in the Nigerian waterways, especially with the movement of cargos between Lagos and Onitsha. “We require the support of the navy to provide the needed security for us to be able to move cargo from point A to point B and that has been the major concern of most of the importers, who are aligning with us. “The issue of insecurity is not a personal business, it’s all our business; every agency must be committed to it.

The Nigerian Navy has been quite supportive, the army, everybody has been quite supportive to make sure we have a safe operating environment. “I will stand bold enough to tell you that waterway transportation is the way to go. The potentials are enormous despite the challenges. So, what we need to do and that is what we are trying to do to get people to key into this narrative.

We just need to put the infrastructure in place, making sure that we have safe passage, making sure that the baggies are available, making sure that the goods and the baggies are all insured so that nobody will have anyone to blame at the end of the day. “So, these are the basic things we are trying to put in order. I am very confident that that is the way to go and once we’re able to achieve that, we would begin to tap into these opportunities.”

On Sunday April 3rd 2022, The Nigerian Mission in Burundi received Professor Charles Okechukwu Esimone to Bujumbura.

It will be recalled that Nigeria and Burundi recently signed the Nigeria/ Burundi Joint Commission.

The major features of the Joint Commission include technical consultation, education cooperation and political consultation.

As part of the Mission's efforts to implement the Bilateral Agreement on Education Cooperation between Nigeria and Burundi, the mission invited the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Professor Charles Okechukwu Esimone to Bujumbura.

Prof Esimone in Burundi will explore possible grounds of partnership and cooperation in education between the two nations.

*According to the Head of the Nigerian Mission in Burundi His Excellency Amb Elijah Onyeagba, “He has been invited to explore potential opportunities within the educational sector here in Burundi.’’ There are lot of gains for Nigerian Universities. It is a win-win situation for the educational sectors in Nigeria.

Photos Speak:

*35 YOUNG BURUNDIANS, SET TO RECEIVE $5000 TONY ELUMELU ENTREPRENEURSHIP GRANTS AS THE NIGERIAN MISSION IN BUJUMBURA WELCOMES THE VICE CHANCELLOR OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY AWKA FOR A BILATERAL EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM WITH THE REPUBLIC OF BURUNDI*


_The week in review_ _#diplomaticengagements_


The Nigerian Embassy in Bujumbura last month received in audience, Col. Aloys from the Burundian Presidency. While welcoming Col. Aloys at the Nigerian Embassy, Amb Elijah Onyeagba PhD commended the Government and the good people of Burundi on their continuous determination to deepen bilateral ties with Nigeria, promising that Nigeria will continue to play the "Big Brother" role in ensuring that the Africa of our dream is achieved. He used the opportunity to announce that 35 young Burundian entrepreneurs will benefit from this year's Tony Elumelu Foundation Africa Entrepreneurship Grant. The Burundian entrepreneurs will receive $5,000 (five thousand dollars) each. This will bring the total beneficiaries of this grant in Burundi to 103 from 2015 till date. Thus far, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has trained, mentored, and funded over 15,847 young African entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries through its Entrepreneurship Programmes. The Tony Elumelu Foundation has provided capacity-building supports, advisory and market linkages to over 1million Africans through its digital networking platform, TEFConnect.

The Head of Nigerian Mission in Bujumbura, commended The Tony Elumelu Foundation for its determination in empowering women and men across our continent. The diplomat stated that such is a vital catalyst for economic growth, increased drive in poverty eradication and job creation.

On April 1st 2022, the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Burundi was in Getiga, Burundi’s Political Capital to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Senate's Ordinary Parliamentary Session of April 2022. The Senate is the Upper Chamber of Parliament in the Republic of Burundi. It consist of members who serve 5 year terms. His Excellency extended the best wishes and compliments of His Excellency President Muhamadu Buhari, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and also of the good people of Nigeria.

On Sunday April 3rd 2022, The Nigerian Mission in Burundi received Professor Charles Okechukwu Esimone to Bujumbura. It will be recalled that Nigeria and Burundi recently signed the Nigeria/ Burundi Joint Commission. The major features of the Joint Commission include technical consultation, education cooperation and political consultation. As part of the Mission's efforts to implement the Bilateral Agreement on Education Cooperation between Nigeria and Burundi, the mission invited the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Professor Charles Okechukwu Esimone to Bujumbura. Prof Esimone in Burundi will explore possible grounds of partnership and cooperation in education between the two nations.

*According to the Head of the Nigerian Mission in Burundi His Excellency Amb Elijah Onyeagba, “He has been invited to explore potential opportunities within the educational sector here in Burundi.’’*

The very unfortunate thing in igbo land today is that MTN and Airtel has made made cheap for some idiots to come online and be posting rubbish. Most of the things you posted here is they say they say. None of you have facts. Dr Tony Nwoye has never been indicted for any crime activities. So why calling him names. The Problem of Nigeria today is the youth, who are being used to pull down their follow youths.
Deal with this facts:
Dr Tony Nwoye is a Medical Doctor by qualification. This is not in doubt. Check your facts.
Dr Tony Nwoye was never a cultist. The conspiracy of the elites against this Young man will always fail.

*NNPC’s NAPIMS RECEIVES ISO CERTIFICATION, LAUNCHES ELECTRONIC MATERIALS MANAGEMENT SOLUTION (e-MMS)*


The National Petroleum Investment Management Services, a Corporate Service unit in the Upstream Directorate of the NNPC Ltd which manages the Federal Government Investments in Upstream Sector has received the ISO 22301 making it the first government institution in Africa to receive such certification.

The presentation of the ISO certificate was done on Friday in Abuja at the NNPC Ltd Towers at an event attended by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, the Chairman of the NNPC Ltd Board, Sen. Margery Chuba Okadigbo; the Group Managing Director of the NNPC Mallam Mele Kyari, the Group General Manager NAPIMS Bala Wunti and other senior management staff of the NNPC.

Chairman of the Board of NNPC Ltd, Sen. Lady Margery Chuba-Okadigbo while receiving the ISO certification on behalf of the NNPC Ltd, reaffirmed the resolve of the Company as a fully commercialized and competitive entity in line with PIA (2021) Act which focuses on delivering value and dividend to its shareholders.

Speaking further, Sen. Margery Chuba-Okadigbo stated that the company's attainment of ISO Certification in Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) and Quality Management System (QMS) attests to the commitment of NNPC Ltd to transparency, accountability and performance excellence.

Continuing also, on the launch of Electronic Materials Management Solutions (e-MMS), Board Chairman Margery Chuba-Okadigbo expressed delight that the automation of materials management process will further reduce carrying lost of assets, ensure seamless cross-inventory exchange and jumpstart increased revenue generating electronic system with an online direct payment gateway for items purchased on the company's platform.

She assured the NNPC management team led by the GMD/CEO Mallam Mele Kyari of the Board's support as they continue to manage the Oil and Gas industry on behalf of the over 200 million Nigerians.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international non-governmental organization which develops and publishes a wide range of proprietary, industrial, and commercial standards, comprised of representatives from various national standards organizations.

--- _Charles Iwuagwu_

How do you mean? There are parameters use in measuring this.

doctorexcel:
Fraud beget fraud

doctorexcel:
Fraud beget fraud

*NNPC RECEIVES FIRS AWARD ON BEST TAX PAYING COMPANY*


The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has been awarded as the overall best tax paying company in Nigeria by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)

While presenting the award, the FIRS stated that a lot of factors were considered before NNPC was picked, revealing that the company’s overall commitment to tax reforms and its support to FIRS were so inspiring.

Also considered were the broader reforms in beneficial ownership disclosure and transparency by the NNPC in line with the recent Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Commenting further on the feat, Executive Chairman of FIRS, Mr. Mohammed Nami represented by his deputy, stated that tax revenue generation is an apolitical issue while calling for all hands to be on deck to support the tax system and make it function efficiently while highlighting that the revenue profile of the country in 2021, showed that the FIRS had contributed a monthly average of 59.45 per cent of revenue shared by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

Receiving the award on behalf of the company at NNPC Towers Abuja, the Board Chairman of NNPC Ltd, Sen. Lady Margery Chuba Okadigbo expressed her delight over this milestone feat, saying that the award as the best tax paying company in the country is a reflection of the company's professionally driven deliberate policies on transparency, probity and accountability, as a socially responsible entity, stressing that the NNPC would continue to embark on policies which will add value to the society and remain committed to touching lives in many positive ways.

Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the award by FIRS to the NNPC Ltd Board Chairman, Sen. Lady Margery Chuba-Okadigbo flanked by Mallam Mele Kyari, the NNPC Ltd GMD/CEO among others.

--- _CHARLES IWUAGWU_

*CHIEF DR GEORGE MOGHALU CONGRATULATES SEN. ADAMU, OTHER NEWLY ELECTED APC LEADERSHIP*

The Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Chief Dr. George Moghalu has congratulated His Excellency Sen. Abdullahi Adamu and members of the newly-elected National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The NIWA boss felicitated with all APC members for a successful national convention which held on Saturday, 26th March, 2022.

Chief Dr. Moghalu, who described the party’s National Chairman-elect, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, as well-experienced, also expressed confidence in the new executive members of the party's NWC, NEC and ZWC, affirming that such signposts that the APC will retain power in 2023 and remains the party to beat.

Chief Dr Moghalu, the Ohamadike of Nnewi, described the process of the national convention as a victory for democracy, as he extoled President Muhammadu Buhari for his leadership roles and acumen in ensuring that the national and zonal executives emerged through a consensus arrangement, as well as commended the aspirants who voluntarily stepped down for members of the NWC, NEC and Zonal Executives at the six geo-political zones to emerge through a consensus arrangement.

The NIWA top boss finally
charged the newly elected National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and Zonal Executives of the ruling party to work tirelessly with leaders and stakeholders to make the party stronger, as well as remain steadfast and abide by the APC Constitution and that of the Constitution of the FRN, all of which will enhance transparency, fairness and equity thereby deepening our democracy.

_----GEORGE MOGHALU MEDIA CENTER_

PRESIDENT BUHARI WELCOMES NEW APC LEADERS, COMMENDS MEMBERS FOR ABUJA SHOW OF UNITY

President Muhammadu Buhari formally congratulates the Abdullahi Adamu-led 79-member National Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC, that emerged at the just concluded convention in Abuja, saying that the unity of members put on display puts the party on a firmer footing for victory in next year, 2023, General Elections.

The President who returned to the Convention ground at the Eagle Square, Sunday morning, along with the Vice President and the Senate President to witness and celebrate the inauguration of the elected party executives, remarked that the smooth conduct of the election raises the prospect of a mouth-watering APC victory next year.

“The APC Convention hosted this weekend sets the scene for an APC victory in the presidential and general elections next year. It is a victory over naysayers who believed the party was divided but are now disappointed,” said the President.

We believe that it is equally a victory for the president who has ensured unity across all party positions; and it is a victory for the voters of Nigeria who can now be assured of a smooth succession to new leadership in 2023.
What the Convention made clear was how the media has been peddling fake news of division, when the hard reality of unity, cohesion, and indeed personal warmth between members of the party’s leaders – incoming and outgoing – was evident for all to see.

Of course, the blame for this mindset ought rightly to go to the opposition who in all these years had done the work to only divide the country, leading to all manner of separatist agitations. But this is not the wish, nor is it in the character of the citizens, as was clear for everyone to see at the Eagle Square.

When their fake news of disunity was undone by the facts, some in the opposition could not help themselves but take to the newspapers and the airwaves to find another way to shore up their reputations. That some of the APC’s new leadership were once in the opposition was the new line to take to the media, somehow suggesting that those who have left one party should not hold positions in another. Yet, do the Scriptures not teach us of the virtue of sinners who repent and change their ways?

What the Scriptures say less is of sinners who repent, change their tune, and then choose to re-sin in full public view by returning to their former ways. Given that most important leaders of the opposition PDP first left the party before they returned to it, we might expect the media to ensure criticism of them is damning and absolute. It is incredulous that anyone would consider them trustworthy or acceptable candidates for any public office.

The stage is now set for the APC primary elections later this year when the party’s new flag bearers will emerge. No doubt some will attempt to argue the impossible – that an APC primary election is a source of division while an opposition primary election is a source of consensus. But the good voters of Nigeria can see through such acrobatics and know the facts that, when the contests for 2023 come, APC offers a track record of success and leadership, while the opposition has only decades of failure and complicity in response.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 27, 2022

These called list for Anambra is irrelevant

*Just In:*
*SOUTH EAST APC YOUNG PROGRESSIVES FORUM REJECTS THE PURPORTED LIST OF MICRO-ZONING OF OFFICES TO STATES IN SOUTH EAST*

Enugu- South East APC Young Progressives Forum has rejected in its totality the purported Micro-zoning of National Working Committee and South-East Zonal Offices allocated to South East APC for the forthcoming National Convention slated in March 26th, 2022.

The Group led by Comrade Paschal Candle said the purported Sharing of offices for the five States of South East cannot stand for there is no equity, fairness and Justice in it. The Group maintained that at no point did Leaders and Stakeholders of the Party in South-East Zone met and decided who gets what from the positions zoned to the Zone.

Addressing a news conference on Thursday in Enugu, the National Cordinator of the forum, Comrade Paschal Candle, expressed displeasure at the turn of events in the APC in recent times.

“In the wake of the thundering displeasure over the recent overbearing influence of Senator Hope Uzodimma and New Entrants in the Party by party members, we, the South East APC Young Progressives Forum, have taken up the responsibility of speaking to the issues that currently bedevil our party, as it would appear that the expected voices of our elders, who should provide a firm direction in times of conflict have grown weary.

“APC is renowned as a party of the masses and as such, the new trend where our esteemed Governors are seen to take over the affairs of party organs, party administration and all-party decision-making processes, is rooted in autocracy and does not portray an example of the APC of our dreams and of youthful Nigerians.

The Group frowned at the attitude of Governor Hope Uzodimma, Senator Ken Nnamani and Dr Nkem Okeke who sat at the comfort of the homes and allocate positions to their various States.

For avoidance of doubt, at no point did Founding Fathers, Leaders and Stakeholders from the Zone met to agree on this sharing of Offices among States.

In South East, we have respectable Leaders and stakeholders, who have been the founding Fathers of the Party. Who have laboured to put APC where it is today. Where are the likes of Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Dr Chris Ngige, Chief Dr George Moghalu, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, Chief Osita Izunaso, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Rt Hon Nkiru Onyeocha as Principal Officers at the National Assembly and Many others.

It is very obvious that the signatories to the purported micro-zoning do not mean well for APC in South East. They are pursuing their Selfish agenda and not the best interest of Party followers in South East. The Signatories were not there when these Leaders laboured to put APC in South East Map. And we make bold to state that this purported micro-zoning will not stand.

We are calling on all the Potential Aspirants from South East to go out there and purchase their forms for any of the Positions zoned to South East. It is within their constitutional right as citizens of this great Country and Members of our Great Party to do so.

We reject the Micro-zoning list being paraded and we state again that at No point did Leaders and Stakeholders of our Party agree on any Micro-Zoning. The Signatories cannot determine the fate of APC Members from South East, the Statement concluded.

16th March 2022

*CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR ELIJAH ONYEAGBA PhD, NIGERIAN AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF NIGERIA TO THE REPUBLIC OF BURUNDI TO CHIEF DR WILLIE OBIANO ON THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF HIS TENURE AS THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE*

Your Excellency,

May I extend my warm regards on the successful completion of your second term in office as the Executive Governor of Anambra State.

Truly, being an Executive Governor in Nigeria is not an easy task, albeit of Anambra State where the people are very informed and involved. You have given your best and must now leave the rest. As you take a bow tonight, may posterity remember you kindly for your contributions to the development of our dear State.

Our criticisms of you and some of your policies were borne out of sheer desire to make our State a better place for all of us. It was definitely not personal.

Akpokuedike Aguleri! I wish you and your family God's blessings and success in future endeavours.

Accept the assurances of my warmest regards.

Congratulations Your Excellency.

Yours in Service,

His Excellency
Amb Elijah Onyeagba PhD
Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Burundi

*WE WILL LEVERAGE ON THE INCREDIBLE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES IN AGRICULTURE, MANUFACTURING, SPORT, ENTERTAINMENT AND ICT BETWEEN NIGERIA AND BURUNDI TO LEAD THE NEW AFRICAN SPIRIT:*

….._Amb. Elijah Onyeagba PhD opined as he hints at Nigeria's preparedness to sign more diplomatic partnerships with the Republic of Burundi._

The Nigerian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Burundi, His Excellency Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba PhD, has hinted that the Nigerian Government through its Embassy in Burundi is set to sign more diplomatic treaties with the Burundian government on Trade and investment. He made this known while featuring in the African Leadership Magazine (Leading from front): February 2022 edition.
According to the Head of the Nigerian Mission in Burundi, ”at the heart of our President's African diplomatic charter are unity, security and progress of the African sub region and in line with this commission, Nigeria has entered into two treaties with the Republic of Burundi; the latest being the Nigeria - Burundi Joint Commission which opened massive opportunities in Technical cooperation in education, health and politics.

The Nigerian Diplomat said, "in the entertainment and creative arts sectors, work is ongoing which will result in collaborations. Nigerians are very creative and dynamic people while Burundians are very structured and disciplined. This provides substantial opportunities for partnership in several spaces such as fashion, manufacturing, agricultural production and processing of raw material to finished goods. These areas open massive doors to curb our unemployment challenges, a major problem with managing our youth. As we explore further bilateral agreement between our two nations, new opportunities will continue to unfold." he concluded.

The African Leadership magazine is published by ALG Strategy Group Limited and showcases the best of Africa to a global audience, telling the African story from an African perspective; while proposing solutions to peculiar challenges being faced by the continent today. Since its maiden edition in August 2008, African Leadership Magazine has grown to become the leading pan-African leadership-focused publication read by over 580,000 targeted international investors, business executives, government policy makers and multilateral agencies across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Europe and the US.

*AHEAD OF THE 2022 NIGERIA- BURUNDI BUSINESS & INVESTMENTS SUMMIT, NIGERIA EMBASSY IN BUJUMBURA HAVE INVITED INTERESTED NIGERIA AND BURUNDI INVESTORS TO REGISTER AND PARTICIPATE.*



The Nigeria mission in Burundi has invited Nigerians and Burundians who will want to explore the many economic and investment opportunities accruable between the two African nations to contact the Nigeria Consulate for registration.
The Nigeria Embassy in Bujumbura announced this recently when the Head of Nigeria Mission, Amb Elijah Onyeagba PhD received in audience Dr Rurema Deo-Guide, Ph.D - the Republic of Burundi’s Hon Minister for Agriculture and Livestock.


At the meeting Amb. Elijah Onyeagba PhD revealed that the maiden edition of NIGERIA- BURUNDI BUSINESS & INVESTMENT SUMMIT will be centred on investiment collaborations in the Agricultural Sector. This will involve the Fertiliser Production, Mechanised Farming, and models for turning agricultural produce to finished and exportable goods under AfCFTA.


The Nigeria Diplomat called on interested partners in other sectors Tourism, Mining, Real Estate ,Commerce, Entertainment and ICT to also participation.

Interested investors are to contact the Embassy of Nigeria in Burundi and register.
It will be recalled that recently, Nigeria signed a joint commission with Burundi. The Economic Summit no doubt is of the positive results of the Joint Commission. The event which will simultaneously take place in Burundi and Nigeria are aimed in providing detailed information for prospective investors.

*As it Happened Today:*
*Presidential Delegation Team Visit 2nd Niger Bridge.*

Chief of Staff to the President Prof. Gambari, Anambra APC Leader, Dr Chris Ngige, Minister of Works, Raji Fashola, Others Inspect 2nd Niger Bridge Today.

*…As President Buhari promises to commission the Bridge in October 2022.*

…There’ll be 2 weeks power shutdown in April to relocate power lines around bridgehead-Fashola


…No decision yet on tolling on 2nd Niger Bridge highway-Works Minister


In what appears as a pre-commissioning event, the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, on Tuesday led a team of senior government officials to inspect the progress of work on the second Niger Bridge that is primed to link major cities in the Southeast and Southsouth with the rest of the country.

The bridge, which was inherited from the previous administration in the country, appears to be a signature project, which the Buhari administration is anxiously waiting to deliver and make a major statement as a demonstration of its commitment and political will in delivering within a space of three years.


After being led on inspection of the ambitious project by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, the Chief of Staff to the President, revealed that the send Niger Bridge has so far gulped over N400 billion but that the administration was satisfied the project would finally be delivered in October.

*Prof Gambari explained that out of the N400 billion already spent , the previous administration committed N10 billion into the project, adding that contrary to insinuations, the project being funded 100 percent by the Nigerian government.*

2-week Power disruption planned to fix transmission lines around Bridge head- Fashola

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, announced that there would be power disruption around the bridge head for two weeks in April this year to enable the Transmission Company of Nigeria to relocate and realign the transmission lines to pave the way for the completion of the ring roads connecting the bridge from all routes.


The minister also announced that with the completion of concrete work on the bridge, making it possible for a walk from the beginning to the end of the 1.6 kilometres stretch, the minor alignments on the structure would be wrapped up before the end of April.

*Tollgate on 2nd Niger Bridge undecided-Works Minister*

Reacting to whether there would be tollgate at the Second Niger Bridgehead, Fashola said that his priority was to complete the road before delving into the suitability or otherwise of the road for tolling.

The minister said that although there is a Federal Executive Council approval for the tolling of 12 highways in the country, the decision on tolling the 2nd Niger Bridge head was yet to be made by the federal government.

That notwithstanding, there are ongoing construction of facilities that have the semblance of toll gates at the bridgehead.

*Work on 2nd Niger Bridge at 93% level of completion-Julius Berger MD, Richter*

Explaining the project to the presidential entourage, which also included the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige and the Managing Director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA, Dr. Uche Orji, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Limited, Lars Richter, disclosed that the level of work on the bridge, which they started in earnest in 2018, had reached 93 percent.

Richter said that despite the difficult terrain where the bridge is situated, the company deployed a special technology to stabilize the ground for the construction work to progress in earnest and provide environmental safety for all the communities around the area.

*It will be recalled that the 2nd Niger Bridge, which was officially started in 2014 by the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, however gathered much steam in 2018 when the project was given adequate and sustained funding by the Buhari government.*

*SEN. LADY MARGERY CHUBA OKADIGBO ATTENDS SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEER'S LEADERSHIP LECTURE*

The Board Chairman Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited, (NNPC Ltd), Sen. Lady Margery Chuba Okadigbo attends the ongoing first ever Society of Petroleum Engineer’s Nigeria Sector Women's Leadership Lecture Series (WLLS) in commemoration of International Women’s Day celebration.

Themed: "Breaking the Bias: Accelerating Business and Economic Growth through Inclusion", the two days epoch making event is holding at Eko Hotel and Suite, Victoria Island, Lagos State from 8th to 9th March 2022.

In her welcome address, the NNPC Ltd Board Chairman, Sen. Lady Margery Chuba Okadigbo remarked that providing equal access to public and economic opportunities to both men and women are vital to accomplishing a more sustainable economy and improving national well-being.

As the first South Easterner and woman to occupy the position of Board Chairman NNPC Ltd, Sen. Margery Chuba Okadigbo showered befitting tribute on President Muhammadu Buhari as being gender sensitive and poised to achieving 35% in female appointments as promised in his Next Level manifesto, directed specifically to ensure that women are given a fairer chance and opportunity. All of which are deliberate affirmative actions to ensure females benefit proportionately and fairly in his administration.

In his speech, Professor Olalekan Olafuyi, Council Chairman, SPE Nigeria, noted that while women were breaking the glass ceiling in business and corporate world, things are much slower in politics and in the public service. He therefore advocated for more gender balancing in public decision-making as a key governance component to issues relating to fairness, transparency and inclusive policy outcomes especially in the oil and gas sector of the economy.

The SPE Lecture series which promises to be very enlightening and educative is currently being attended by seasoned men and women as panelists with the First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, as Special Guest of Honour, and Sen. Lady Margery Chuba-Okadigbo, as Keynote speaker.

Other panelists are: Elohor Alboni, MD Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, Patricia Simon-Hart, Founder/MD AFTRAC Limited, Chilcezie Nwosu, MD/CEO Waltersmitt Petroman Limited, Lucciano-Gabriel, Risk Analysis Manager, Asharami Energy, Sahara Grp, Dr. Chioma Nwachukwu, Dir External Affairs Sustainability, SEPLAT
Energy PLC, among others.

Established in 1987, the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council, is a none profit technical association of petroleum industry professionals working in the Nigeria oil & gas industry.

The Council provides a framework for members of Nigerian Sections to pursue activities of common national interests.

--- _CHARLES IWUAGWU_