₦airaland Forum

By Oriri Peter

Nigeria is not only blessed with mineral resources but also talents. The people are endowed with a variety of talents. Some Nigerians are gifted in literary works, others are blessed and empowered to do better in the entertainment industry. This explains that every Nigerian, humanity, in general, has talent despite the fact that, everyone has a gift hidden in him or her waiting to be harnessed and explore. Only few people pay attention to developing their potential.

Also, discovering and developing talents distinguished people in their various areas of expertise and specializations. These set of people rise above others, they are lionized and the sounds of their deeds are heard from far and near most often it is preserved (via oral, electronic and prinpotential.

Joseph Oche Udeh known as "Big Smart" belong to this group of people. Right from his childhood days, the young chap showed much talent in the entertainment world. Naturally endowed with a mimicking voice that could easily lure people to sleep.

His voice has a soothing tone that could relieve one of psychological problems. Joseph hail from Okpokwu Local Government Area, Benue State, and lived his early life in Kaduna State before he proceeded to Benue State University where he studied Political Science.

Big Smart began his career as a show anchor in Kaduna, As a Master of Ceremony, Smart maintain his uniqueness among his peers and colleagues - always daring to be the best of the best. A master of Ceremony per excellence. This obviously made the sky appear as a starting point as he was fast becoming a sought-after Hype man in the state. In no distant time, he became a renowned MC - a 'microphone demi-god' as many referred to him.

More so, inspired by his passion and desire to inject new ideas into the creative industry and be a sort of motivation, inspiration, hope and encouragement to his generation, he began to act. As an actor, Smart sees himself as an Idol (role model) to millions as such he always behaved in a way that suits an idol - a good example.

Later as fate had it, Big Smart Smart moved to Lagos, this decision to relocate to Lagos city - home of Africa Entertainment prove beneficial and made him grow significantly over the years both in experience, stature, and popularity. Sharing the stage with Africa’s biggest entertainers the likes of Wizkid, and 2baba to mention but a few.

Interestingly, Big Smart for the past years has hosted many events and organized block busters events making waves within and outside the boundaries of Nigeria. He has established relationships and association with top finest figures in the industry such as Wizkid, 2baba, Craze Clown and Magnito, Goya Menor etc. Big Smart is placed among the A list entertainers in the country.

In the course of his journey in the entertainment industry, Smart has travel to many countries and visited the following countries as, London, Kenya, Dubai, Oman, Abu Dabi, Ghana, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. Last year he tour Europe among other continents of the World. He’s currently in the United State of America where continued to make Africa proud. Despite his exposure, and decorated career, Smart is humble to the core. This quality, has magnate many fans around him.

Big Smart is the manager of Goya Menor and Goya has been Honored by the US Government on his proclamatory Award. Goya won Afrima, Headies etc through Smart effort. This is commendable.

He act as a Catalyst fastening the development and progress of his people, the creative industry in particular but always sticking to his vision and standard.

In recognition of his efforts in the entertainment industry, he has been honoured with several awards some of which includes Most Emerging Resourceful, And Creative Mc of the Year, Headies Award among others.

The Nigerian star is born with charisma that magnetizes people towards Him. His behavioural style excludes certain qualities that propel admirers around him; Big Smart had these qualities and people locked around him in admiration.

Another quality of Big Smart is his level of determination. His thirst to achieve any goal he set his mind on is unquenchable. The result of this rare quality of his has brought him to be known on the International level.

He’s friendliness and sociability knew no bounds, he is lovely, humble, respectful, and above all a hard-working young man that wake up to the challenges of his time whenever the need arose.

As a Nigerian star making waves globally, he has maintained his African identity, always proud of his root and home; maintaining the African hype against all odds on the global stage, to this, therefore, we could agree that, Big Smart is a sort of inspiration, motivation and a promoter of the African hype. Joseph Oche Popularly called "Big Smart" has a lucid personality, is brilliant as well as enamored and engrossed with love.

He's recent event in Benue State, “The Energy Concert” which revitalize the entertainment industry of the state is still making waves till now.

Indeed, Smart is the Afro hypeman of Africa.

Creates first tech community of deaf people in Africa

…as over 200 deaf persons learn, work with tech, innovative solutions

THE Data-Lead Africa Foundation, DLAF, has emerged winner of the prestigious Uplink Corporate Changemakers Challenge 2023, organized by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, and as Nigeria’s first social enterprise to achieve the feat.

This was made known in a statement signed by Head of Operations, Data-Lead Africa, Engr Nkpecha Franklin.
The statement explained that the Schwab Foundation is a leading global platform that accelerates outstanding models of social innovation, and DLAF’s Deaf-In-Tech project has been recognized for its innovative approach to bridging the gap between the deaf community and the tech industry in Africa.

The statement reads in part, “DLAF made history as the first Nigerian social enterprise to win the Uplink Corporate Changemakers Challenge. The Corporate Changemakers Challenge received over 100 submissions from intrapreneurs across various industries, and DLAF was named alongside other global brands, including Ericsson, Givaudan International, Google.org, Mastercard, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Philips, and Zurich Insurance Company’s grassroots movement.

“Each winner was chosen based on their ability to contribute to social and environmental equity while adding value to their respective businesses.

“DLAF’s Deaf-In-Tech project is an ed-tech inclusion program focused on strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in STEM, data analytics, higher education, and employment.
It seeks to close the existing skill gap among marginalized people, particularly people living with disabilities (PLWD).

The statement also pointed that, “In low- and middle-income countries, PLWD are one of the key marginalized groups, and while many initiatives have focused on gender equality and racial diversity, initiatives working to improve the inclusion of PLWD are abysmally low.”

Before winning the challenge, DLAF has achievements that are globally recognized, one of them is creating the first tech community of deaf people in Africa.

“DLAF has created the first tech community of deaf people in Africa, currently the largest globally, with over 200 deaf persons learning and working on different tech and innovative solutions.

“The Deaf-In-Tech is focused on equitably upskilling the capacities of the deaf/hearing impaired and improving their employability through training in data analytics, edtech, and research methodologies.

“Data analytics is one of the most sought-after skills in labor, employment, and higher learning, and PLWD does not ordinarily have access to learn these skills due to their uniqueness and peculiar learning needs.

“DLAF’s win in the Corporate Changemakers Challenge is a testament to the power of social entrepreneurship in driving positive social and environmental impact while delivering value to businesses.

“DLAF and the other winners have demonstrated their commitment to making a significant impact on social and environmental issues while driving business value through social entrepreneurship”, the statement added.

Meanwhile, according to the statement, “The Deaf-In-Tech project has the potential to create a more inclusive and diverse tech industry in Africa, and we are committed to driving positive social impact for marginalized groups through social entrepreneurship.

“We extend our congratulations to all the winners, and we look forward to seeing how their initiatives will drive positive change in the world.”

An Abuja based Political Analyst Salamatu Umar Suleiman has cautioned the President-elect, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to stay away from recycling Politicians for appointments. He noted that The 2023 election has exposed the despotism of our political system.

The voting pattern was a clear indication that citizens are tired of these same people who haven’t impacted their lives positively in any way.

It wasn’t business as usual, where people will vote and be abandoned only to be revisited after every four years.We have seen the outright rejection of political whigs, most could not deliver their polling units talk more of their constituencies.

We have witnessed the fall of long term Senators that have been in the Senate for decades but could not retain their seats because they did not do the barest minimum for the people who elected them, serving governors who failed to deliver their states, governors who could not win their Senatorial seat and a party Chairman who couldn’t deliver his polling unit.

Most of these politicians have been in the system since they were in their thirties, being loyal and disloyal as the administration change hands, out of desperation to cling to power, jumping from one political party to the other pending on political rhythm of the season, an act which depicts lack of patriotism to political affiliation.

At a young age some of these politicians were opportune to be governors and ministers, some were recently stake holders in the outgoing administration but are still here sponsoring daily articles, lobbying and clamouring for same or key positions in a Government they tried hard to sabotage.

Isn’t this itself a loud indication of their failure? Does it mean they are the only ones capable of doing the job?

What haven’t they tried all these years that they intend to present now? Haven’t they mentored anyone? Isn’t it obvious they have lost political value? What have they and what can they bring to the table?

The President-elect is someone whom the young generation look up to, a breath of fresh air, seeing his selection and what he has done with Lagos and young people he has groomed over the years, not like other politicians, especially in the north were they want to retain their seats forever or make it an inheritance system by passing it and imposing their sons, wives, husbands and daughters. When will the son of the common man become somebody?

As the campaign slogan implies “Renewed Hope” The younger generation is hopeful the change we all desire for is here.The task ahead of the newly Elected APC Government is to ensure it paves the way for an overhaul of the system of Governance in the country, there is urgent need for the system to halt recycling political game players.

A study conducted reveals that the only way to harmonies challenges is for the in-coming government under the ruling party, APC, to ensure equity by retiring all the politicians that bootlicks it's corridors seeking national appointments and bringing in new breeds of younger generations, in order to tactically inject hope into the youthfulness of the greater tomorrow.

We hope Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu can become the messiah we all are awaiting by limiting his appointments based on capacity and delivery. We are categorically saying that all Ex-Governors, Ex-Ministers, Ex-Senators, Ex-Diplomats etc shouldn't be considered for any appointment, They should remain elder statesmen and advisors.

Young people with capacity and fresh ideas should be given a chance.This is a great concern for all who matter in the society, unless the camp of the old political retirees is hampered, there won't be equity and justice for the upcoming new breeds of politicians that can keep the flag flying.

Our leaders therefore, must be tasked with making good governance the driving force of our politics as we transition to a new administration.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu should make it work in order to renew the hope of the citizens.

By Oriri Peter

The attention of the Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc has been drawn to insinuations being peddled by a group of persons that the crises between Otukpo (Idoma) and Obi (Igede) people of Benue State that have culminated in the destruction of property were orchestrated by the company.

In a statement issued by the Head of Cooperate Communications, Dr. Friday Adakole Elijah noted that the Jos Electricity Distribution Plc wishes to state categorically that the crisis was not occasioned by its operations.

It is a truism that in an attempt to detect faults in our networks whenever they occurred, the company installed various Isolators at Otobi Ipakangwu, Adum – East, and Deeper Life Camp in Oju. with these Isolators, when there are faults along their routes, they would be opened to enable our technical staff to trace the faults and attends to them expeditiously.

This was the case when our installations were greatly damaged by a windstorm occasioned by a heavy downpour last weekend in Otukpo and its environs.

The destruction puts the entire Otukpo axis of our operations into darkness which necessitated us to isolate the Oju, Ado, Ugbokolo, and Ankpa legs of our operations to enable us to attend to these faults to restore supply to our customers.

The entire Saturday and Sunday were dedicated to resolving the faults and restoring the power supply to Otukpo town. On Monday, our crew proceeded to fault tracing on Otobi Ipakangwu – Obi, Oju routes when they were told to go back that youth from Obi Local Government have been mobilized to go and destroy the Isolator situated in Otobi Ipakangwu. It was the attempts to destroy the Isolator by the Igede youth and the resistance by the Otobi Ipakangwu youth that led to the crisis as the Igede youth insisted that the Isolator must be destroyed.

Before this crisis, the company was not in receipt of any complaint from any quarter about the lack of power supply to the warring communities.

To the best of our knowledge, individuals and communities who have complaints about our operations were constantly enjoyed to complain to the company via any of our offices or social media channels, but that was not the case in this matter as no report to this effect was received officially or unofficially.

Given the foretasted, it is our candid belief that the remote causes of this crisis may be something different from the issue of Isolator or lack of power supply.

We, therefore urge the state government and the security agencies to critically interrogate the situation carefully with the view to unearthing the real causes and proffer lasting solutions that will forestall future occurrences.

A CALL FOR PEACE DURING NIGERIAN’s 2023 ELECTION AND AFTER ELECTION BY HER EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR DR. (MRS). ENAPE VICTORIA AYISHETU, PEACE AMBASSADOR TO UNITED NATION FOR NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION IN SPECIAL CONSULTATIVE STATUS ON ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL (ECOSOC)
 
The necessity of peace in our wonderful country, Nigeria, has forced me to break my usual political silence at this time.

As things stand, we can only currently call Nigeria home. I'm not afraid to state that I'm proud to be a Nigerian. Consequently, it has become crucial for me to make this message of peace at this pivotal moment in our country's history. First and foremost, I want to express my profound gratitude to God for his protection and provision over our lives as Nigerians both inside and outside of Nigeria, despite the country's security issues and poverty, which thousands of lives were lost right in front of our eyes. We call for peace both before and after the 2023 election as we mourn those who have died in one way or another over the past few years while keeping our heads up and safeguarding the protection of the survivors.
 
A state of quietness or  tranquillity  is called peace. It is an environment in which people coexist peacefully without agitation, disruption, argument, insult, hostility, violence, fighting, or murder. When there is harmony between two people, a group of people, or a community and there is goodwill, love, kindness, understanding, peacefulness, justice, and serenity, there is peace.
 
THE CRITICALITY OF PEACE DURING AND AFTER ELECTION: It is important to emphasize the peaceful environment both during and after the 2023 elections. It is significant to mention that for a prosperous and better future in our nation of Nigeria, peace is crucial. Brother or sister, life goes on after the election. Election should be viewed as such because it is not the end of our lives. A peaceful election will improve the lives of Nigerians and pave ways for their peaceful coexistence. Peace makes it possible and simple for our nation to advance, develop, grow, be happy, build trust, and cooperate. Our nation needs peace for peaceful cooperation, to lessen stress, depression, worry, and terror, and to prevent premature death. It is for advancement, development, growth, enjoyment, etc. Both international cooperation and direct foreign investment will be encouraged. Respect for law and order, respect for human lives and dignity, acceptance of difference, respect for each other, love and peace that promotes long life and prosperity are all welcomed.
 
Elections come and go, and regardless of whether it favor some people or not, we are expected to get on with our daily lives. We still have more opportunities ahead of us, which should give everyone who cares about Nigeria comfort. Elections shouldn't be life or death situations for everybody engaged. The road's bend is never the conclusion of the journey. Your life is what matters most because there is hope when there is life. In the end, we are no better than others who have passed away in the previous several years, months, days, or even yesterday/today. Hence, if you lose, accept it graciously because you can always try again later. Keep in mind that the current President Muhammadu Buhari ran for office numerous times before being elected in 2014.
 
AVOID THE FOLLOWING IN THE INTERESTS OF PEACE DURING AND AFTER ELECTION:
 
Please ensure that there is justice and fairness at the polling places in all the states that make up the federal government.
 
In order for Nigerians to elect the leaders of their choice without coercion, force, manipulation, etc., there must not be any vote-buying of any form. Given that a good and trustworthy leader won't impose themselves on others, let the citizens choose their leaders by themselves.
 
Government representatives who will be present at polling places and coalition centers nationwide need to act fairly. Keep in mind that there's always someone observing you and what you do (THE ALMIGHTY GOD). He cannot be tricked or bought. We might find it interesting that God Almighty cares about maintaining the peace among His people and would fight against anyone who tries to use this election to obliterate lives and property. We are therefore urged to exercise caution in all that we do during this specific election in order to protect ourselves.
 
No violence should occur for whatever reasons. Please cast your vote for whoever candidate you want without hesitation, and act appropriately. Make sure there are no spaces left at the voting unit for dispute of any kind.
 
And for those who have lost credibility and have chosen to take advantage of our people's current hardship and poverty to spend our hard-earned Nigeria money on vote buying just to impose themselves on Nigerians against their will, please try to do it well this time around to show Nigerians that you are not one of those corrupt politicians who always buy their ways in either by hook or by crook for their selfish reasons, which can never be in the country's best interest. We need a free and fair election, don't attempt to interfere with the process of this very election in the interest of peace of our country.
 
All political thugs are urged to retire from politics immediately, sit down, and reflect on their own lives, the lives of their children, the health of their immediate and extended families, and the future of Nigeria before laying down their weapons for the sake of peace in our nation. Please refuse to allow your brother or sister, whom the Almighty God created because of election, to be used to end human lives. Let's make this election peaceful so that history will remember us. Elections shouldn't be fought in.
 
Please I advise you, no one should be made to vote for a certain candidate at the polls; instead, everyone should be allowed to cast their ballots in accordance with their conscience.
 
In order to avoid being utilized by one political party against another for any reason, security officers should perform their duties.
 
Finally, I urge each and every voter to vote in the election. Choosing corrupt leaders through coercion, manipulation, inducement, intimidation, or by force would be very harmful for us as a nation, so I would want to pray that the Almighty God would guard us, lead us, and direct us. Citizens that are not corrupt can never be produced by a corrupt leader. With these few words, I believe that our nation will be a better place if every citizen heeds this invitation or call for peace made today, February 24, 2023. Election will begin tomorrow February 25, 2023. I  wish everyone luck in the elections.

Respectfully yours;

H.E Amb. (Mrs). Enape Victoria Ayishetu,PhD, FCCA,FCTI,FCFP,FCT,FCE,FCFA,FCE,CPFA,CFE,MNIM

Peace Ambassador to United Nation for Non-governmental Organization in Special Consultative Status on Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

PDP independent Grassroots campaign Council for Atiku/Okowa 2023 rounds off campaign in Jada.

The PDP independent Grassroots campaign council for Atiku/ Okowa 2023 took its Grassroots mobilisation to Jada the home town of the PDP Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar with the sole message of the need to vote Atiku Abubakar as the next president of Nigeria.

The national chairperson of the independent Grassroots campaign council for Atiku/Okowa Ambassador Fatima Mohammed Goni while addressing teeming PDP supporters said a vote for Atiku Abubakar is a vote against hunger, insecurity and underdevelopment in the country.

She urged them to come out enmass to vote Atiku Abubakar and all other PDP candidates to guarantee a sustainable development. The council also donated 1000 bags of rice and 1400 pieces of wrappers to women in the area.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the IKID Foundation, have taken a one-day sensitization campaign on the need to have a violence-free general election.

The campaign tagged “Vote Right/Say No to Election Violence” was organized for traders at the Jabi Timber Market in the Federal Capital Territory on Wednesday.

Dr Garba Abari, Director-General, NOA, said it was important for Nigerians to make sacrifices by coming out en masse to cast their votes on the days of election.

Abari was represented by Mrs Adeola Adelaja, NOA Director Public Enlightenment and Mass Mobilization.

He said that aside a violence free election, the campaign also focused on the need to shun hate speech and fake news, know how to tomb print on ballot papers and the logos of various political parties.

“The message we are passing across to Nigerians is that they should go out and cast their votes.

“Our observation from previous elections shows voters apathy as a result of violence during the elections.

“The security agencies have assured us of their preparedness to ensure there was no violence on election day. So people should feel free to come out and exercise their franchise.

“It is not enough to collect permanent voter card and stay in the house, if you do not come out to vote, how we can get the Nigeria we all crave for,” Abari said.

The Executive Director, IKID Foundation, Dr Mer Best said that the campaign was apt and important for Nigerians to understand the various voting procedures before the day of election.

“Election is a key component in improving the livelihood of the downtrodden and we here to educate people on how to vote on election day.

“We are partnering with NOA, INEC and Yiaga to sensitize and engage people on election procedures.

“We want their votes to count; we do not want any void votes, we want all votes to be valid and counted,” Best said.

The Chairman of Jabi Timber Market, Mr Sunday Okafor, appreciated the organizations for the sensitization.

“Before, I do not take elections seriously, but with this sensitization, I will come out to vote for a new Nigeria.

“We have also been guided on how to behave ourselves on the day of election and how to locate our polling units beforehand,” he said.

Chairman, Jabi Timber Market Association, Mr Sunday Okafor (2nd, R); casting his vote at the mock session during a 1-Day 2023 Election Sensitization Programme tagged: Voting Right and Say No To Election Violence, at Jabi Timber Market in Abuja on Wednesday (22/2/23). With him is the Convener/Executive Director, IKID Foundation, Dr Mer Best (R) and other participants.

The leadership and members of the Benue Youth Forum, BYF had an expanded Town Hall Meeting earlier today, Wednesday, the 22nd of February, 2023 in Makurdi, Benue State. The meeting was imperative due to the urgency to put some things in perspective ahead of the 2023 general election, beginning with the presidential and national assembly polls this Saturday.

The Convener who double as the President of the Benue Mr. Terrence Kunaum noted that they have been in the trenches for over seven years now, fighting the course of our people who have become endangered and targets of incessant attacks by Fulani militiamen.

Within the period under review, we have been called names by some naysayers within and outside the state. We have suffered a series of verbal attacks, faced unprecedented intimidation and molestation by security operatives detailed by our enemies to protect them. But we have remained undaunted.

It is also on record that we have never relented in shouting to the ears of those who we expect to care that our people are facing the threats of going into extinction due to the heinous activities of sponsored and well-protected terrorists who are bent on eliminating us and annexing our ancestral lands.

Even those in authority, especially at the centre, have tagged us alarmists and rabble-rousers because of our insistence on ensuring that our people are allowed to stay in their ancestral homes and do their farming and other activities without any fear.

Sadly, the attacks have not abetted as the Fulani militia who have sworn not to obey the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of Benue state are constantly on rampage, killing villagers in their sleep and attacking even those in internally displaced persons, IDPs camps. What could be more callous?

Most worrisome is the fact that the terrorists are enjoying the sympathy of some Fulani elites including the former emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido who was dethroned for indiscipline, corruption and incitement of the people to violence in Kano and other parts of the north.

All these and other factors necessitated this town hall meeting which, as I said earlier, was convened to look at issues dispassionately and take a position. The meeting had youths from the three senatorial zones of Benue State and vital resolutions were reached.

RESOLUTIONS

The resolutions reached at the end of the Town Hall Meeting are that:

1. The Benue Youth Forum will mobilize its members across the state to participate actively in the 2023 elections and shall ensure that youths are not involved in any act of violence during the polls;

2. The Forum wants the political class to avoid any attempt at using the youth for violence as that would not be in the best interests of the system and peaceful elections;

3. The Benue Youth Forum urges all Benue People to go out an exercise their franchise responsibly without fear of molestation;

4. The security agencies and electoral officials should be professional in the discharge of their duties to enable people make their choices and have their votes count. Any attempt to subvert the will of the people shall be resisted.

5. The BYF is solidly behind Governor Samuel Ortom’s endorsement of the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP Peter Obi for the presidential election as only Mr Obi is disposed to tackling the plethora of challenges facing the country and Benue in particular.

6. We reiterate our support for Peter Obi’s candidature and make it bold to say we are going out in our numbers come Saturday, February 25 to cast our votes for him to give him the well-deserved mandate to drag Nigeria out of the abyss.

7. We urge the people of Benue to shun the other presidential candidates, especially Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP who has on different occasions, justified the killings in Benue as he has no intention of putting an end to the incessant massacre of the people if elected, even though we are sure that he has no chance of winning the election.

8. The BYF also calls on Benue people to vote Governor Ortom for the Benue North-West senatorial seat as well as other PDP candidates in the national assembly elections.

9. The Forum implores the electorates to beware of those who are romancing with enemies of the state and show their anger at the ballot by voting only those who are interested in the security and welfare of the people.

10. We also advise the people to shun those who have promised to cede our ancestral lands to Fulani herders and vote Rt. Honourable Titus Uba of the PDP in the Governorship election and other candidates of the party for the House of Assembly polls come March 11, 2023.

There is no doubt that this election is about the survival of our people and the future of the country. We cannot fold our arms and watch our people being misled into making mistakes that shall cost us more years of anguish.

That is why we expect all to queue behind Governor Ortom who has seen the light and is leading the state to the path where our penury shall be over.

Once again, let’s vote Peter Obi for President, Samuel Ortom and other PDP Senatorial candidates, as well as the House of Representatives and State Assembly candidates. We are convinced that Titus Uba is the right person for the 2023 Governorship of Benue State.

Chika Okuonu writes from FCT, Abuja.

As political parties make final push towards achieving successes in the February 25, 2023 Presidential and National Assembly Elections, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has decided to hold a nationwide readiness conference between it’s Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar and all candidates of the party in the 774 LGAs across the country.

According to a source close to the PDP’s national campaign office in Abuja, the planned virtual google meeting which is expected to take place today, Tuesday, February 21, 2023, is to avail the candidates the opportunity to discuss issues affecting them before, during and after the 2023 general elections.

The source, Dr Obianuju Ogoko, revealed that, the PDP is the only political party amongst the front-liners that is creating such an interactive platforms for its candidates in the country.

“From what I gathered, the leadership of our party’s national campaign council is planning a virtual meeting with all Candidates nationwide, similar to what happened on Sunday between the NASS Candidates and our Presidential Candidate. The only difference is that, it’s a virtual meeting and it will involved all the candidates contesting difference offices in Nigeria” - Dr Ogoko said.

She retreated that, the PDP is not just holding the meeting with it’s candidates, but wants to use the opportunity to tell the smaller parties that political structure is what determines victory in all elections.

“This scheduled virtual meeting will also provide our party, another opportunity to remind the structureless political parties in Nigeria that, having registered members and candidates in every nook and cranny in the country is of great importance in an election”

This meeting is the first of it’s kind in an election year. This is the first time a Presidential Candidate shall be holding such an interactive meeting with other candidates before an election.

“As I earlier mentioned, this is the first time a meeting of this nature is taking place between candidates of a major political parties in a crucial election such as the 2023 general elections. The meeting shall avail our party members and candidates, the opportunity to discuss and plan for total victory in February 25, 2023.

End.

Following a concerted effort by the Chief Security Officer of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, Mallam Musa Abdullahi, about 11 electricity vandals have been arrested in some parts of Gombe, Bauchi and Plateau States.

According to a statement by the Head, Corporate Communication Dr. Friday Adakole Elijah noted that the arrest was a result of a diplomatic shuttle between the Managing Director, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed and the Chief Security Officer of the company who virtually visited all the security Chiefs and traditional rulers in the company’s franchise states with the view to halting the menace of the electricity criminals.

Four of the suspects were apprehended on the 13th of January 2022 at night, at filiya village under Shongo LGA.

The suspects were identified as Abdulwahab Adamu aged 20 years, Ahmad Murtala aged 18 years, Abdullahi Hudu aged 19 years and Aliyu Munkaila aged 20 years.

The suspects were all residents of Filya village of Shongo LGA and were arrested by the vigilante team after vandalism and theft of transformer armoured cables and feeder pillars.

The suspects were detained by the police at the Pero Change division, Shongo LGA and later transferred to police headquarters in Gombe for more investigation and prosecution.

Upon interrogation, the suspects narrated that they usually sell the stolen cables to one Abba, an origin of Kano state who engages in Bola Jari business at Billiri LGA.

In the same vein, two suspects – Ya’u Abdullahi and Mustapha Mohammed were nabbed in the act while vandalising a transformer on the 7th of February 2023.

The suspects were arrested along Itas after vandalising the transformer and carting away feeder pillars and armoured cables of the capita distribution Transformer, 33kv Jamaare lines.

Similarly, on the 14th of February 2023 in the evening, a team of policemen attached to the Gona police division arrested four suspected vandals identified as Umar Suleiman, Mohammed Ajiya, Ibrahim Magaji and Maikudi Abubakar, all residents of Chilon Waziri village under Akko LGA Gombe state.

The suspected vandals were apprehended after vandalising the 200 kva Distribution Transformer located at Chilon Waziri village of Akko LGA and detained at Gona police division Gombe.

The suspects succeeded in Carting away the transformer coils and lamination core of the distribution transformer before luck ran out of them.

The transformer coils and lamination core were however recovered at one of the suspect’s houses.

One of the suspects in the course of carrying out this dastard act sustained an injury on his legs in the process of conveying the stolen items. This was what brought their activities to the notice of the village Head who promptly reported the incident to the police which led to their arrest.

All the cases will be charged to court by security agencies after a comprehensive investigation.

Reacting to the development, the Managing Director of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed thanked the security agencies, Vigilante and the traditional rulers for taking ownership of electricity installations in their domain.

Mohammed who said that the activities of vandals are negatively impinging on the operations of the company said more measures have been put in place to halt the menace.

According to him, “we can not continue like this. We must do everything within our power to stop vandals on our network.

“I want to thank you for what you have done. I want to also thank my Chief Security Officer for a job well done “, he said.

Moved by the need to upgrade some feeders in Benue State to higher bands to increase electricity supply to the customers, Jos Electricity Distribution Plc last Thursday carried out a sensitization of customers in Makurdi.

The customers according to a statement by the Head, Corporate Communications, Dr Friday Adakole Elijah were drawn from feeders in Otukpo, Gboko and Makurdi.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed explained to the customers that the sensitization exercise was meant to conscientize customers on the implications of migrating them to a higher band.

Engr Mohammed who was represented by the Regional Manager, Makurdi Region, Mr Joseph Terfa Kwaghgba said "in whom much is given, much is expected".

"We invited you here to inform you that we have upgraded your feeders to higher bands because we want you to enjoy an almost uninterrupted power supply but let it be known that your tariff will change to the current reality. Your monthly energy charge will now be more than what you were paying before".

To support this upgrade, Management had seriously invested billions of naira in solidifying the company's network stressing that, "our staff are readily on the ground to expeditiously attend to faults. We want to serve you in such a manner that will gladden your hearts. Our customers are our kings and we, therefore crave to serve you to your satisfaction".

To familiarise customers with the upgraded bands, the Head of Customers Care, Mr Lucky Akpobi displayed all the newly upgraded feeders with their new tariffs.

He urged customers to brace up for the new reality which he said would guarantee them more energy supply stressing that "as you take more energy, you should also endeavour to pay for your consumed energy as at when due. The energy is not free".

In his presentation, the Chief Security Officer of the company, Mallam Musa Abdullahi who decried the high spate of vandalism on the company's network called on the customers to take ownership of electricity installations in their domains.

Abdullahi explained that apart from the negation of security of the community whose transformers or other installations were vandalized, the economic and social activities will be dislocated as the affected communities would find themselves in a state of quandary.

To halt the tide, the Chief Security Officer, therefore, urged customers to help protect electricity facilities in their various localities.

"Please, if you see any suspicious movement around our transformers, ask questions and if you are not satisfied with the answers given, report the matter to the security agents as quickly as possible. ", he urged the customers.

Also speaking, the Regional Manager, Otukpo, Engr Olaniyi Ogumakinwa advised customers to take advantage of the current Meters Asset Providers to get themselves metered to avoid disputation on energy billing especially now that electricity supply was going to be higher than what it used to be.

The Head of Safety, Mr Alvinmax Cyprain Yenkwo on his part admonished customers to be safety conscious as according to him, "Electricity is a very friendly but dangerous commodity".

He took the customers through the various safety tips and what to do in case of an emergency.

In their separate remarks, a Director in the office of the Head of Service, Benue State, Mr Elijah Dogo, and Alhaji Tanimu of the Judges Quarters amongst others all commended Jos Disco for regular and steady power supply in Benue State.

The Managing Director/CEO of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed has called on the military particularly the Nigeria Airforce to help in safeguarding the company’s installation from vandalism.

The Managing Director made the call last Tuesday when the newly deployed Commander of the 551 Nigerian Airforce Base, Jos paid him a courtesy visit.

The Company’s Head, Regional Operations, Engr John Emeruwa who represented the Managing Director disclosed that the rate at which vandals were decapitating distribution transformers in Plateau State was alarming.

In a statement issued by Dr. Friday Adakole Elijah Head, Corporate Communications, the Managing Director said, “almost on a daily bases, not less than seven to ten transformers are being vandalized in our franchise Area of Plateau, Bauchi, Benue and Gombe States. This is impinging on our operations. We want to plead with you to help us in the areas of provision of security for these assets to enable us to continue serving the public “.

According to the Managing Director, the company was overwhelmed by the nefarius activities of this category of criminals who wilfully embarked on the destruction of electrical installations to cart away armoured cables and transformer oils for illicit business.

Engr Mohammed explained that “if not for the activity of these felons, the company would have been vaunting about 20 hours and above daily supply in all our franchise states because we are one of the best Discos in the country when it comes to effective and quantitative energy distribution”.

While commending the Airforce in the areas of payment for their consumed energy, Engr Mohammed urged the force to endeavour to be paying their monthly energy charge in full in addition to liquidating their huge outstanding debts.

“We know that the Nigerian Air Force is seriously trying by paying part of their monthly energy charge but it is not enough. You need to step up the payments to enable us to meet the market obligations”, pleaded the Managing Director.

Earlier, the Commander, of Nigerian Air Force, 551 Base, Jos, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet said his visit was to familiarize himself with the management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc as the two institutions play complementary roles in the security of the state stressing that “there is a relationship between security and light”.

He urged the company not to hesitate in attending to their electricity supply need expeditiously when called upon especially since the Nigerian Airforce has not stopped in terms of payment for their consumed energy.

He promised that the Nigerian Air Force would within its mandate give adequate support to the company, especially in the protection of facilities.

A former spokesman of the Nigerian Army Maj Gen John Enenche (rtd) has send a strong message to Nigerians ahead of the February 25th Presidential and National Assembly Elections.

The former Military General urged Nigerians to vote Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

Read His Full Statement Below

Dear Nigerians, we have all heard and seen our various presidential candidates, as they campaigned for the 2023 general elections.

I believe we have equally observed them objectively bearing the following in mind; genetic partisan corruption, unjustifiable insecurity, ineptitude and bad governance among others, that resulted to brazen poverty and suffering for the populace.

In a clinical and scholarly assessment of the campaigns, it’s Mr Peter Obi and
Senator Yusuf Datti Baba- Ahmed; of the Labour Party that will give Nigerians
the needed leadership.

Reach out for the sake of those who may still be undecided or under the clutches of the old political brigade. Remind them of the exposures of the campaigns. Surely, there will be change of perceptions, minds and decisions in favour of HE Mr Peter Obi and Senator Yusuf Datti Baba – Ahmed.

Just a few days ago, on the 9 February, a coalition of Mega NGOs and Cooperative Support Groups (COMENGCOSUG), with about 40 million verifiable members in all the six geopolitical zones and 774 local governments of the country, endorsed the Obi-Datti ticket. I was there. Your guess about the impact on 25th February is as good as mine.

At this crescendo, passionately communicate to your constituency; that our valley of decision towards the delivery of Nigerians from our political captors is
25 February 2023.

Let us get out of the dark valley of bondage to the bright mountain top of victory. Vote Labour Party.

Thank you and God bless.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2023-elections-general-john-enenche-urges-nigerians-to-vote-peter-obi-ahead-of-poll/

The church of God is God's embassy representing the Kingdom of God on earth. The church exists to spread the good news of God's Kingdom, and demonstrate God's love and goodness to mankind. The church is therefore an agency for the administration of God's welfare package to humanity.
Every genuine church exists to give and not to take, to help and not to hinder, to enrich and not to impoverish, to feed and not to starve her members.

In the same manner, the instructions of God as contained in the Holy Scripture are for the profit of man. God instructs us to our profit (Isaiah 48:17). No teaching of God's Word by a genuine pastor is intended to extort money from people or cause losses to them.
Furthermore, the earth and the riches thereof belongs to God (Psalm 24:1). God is too rich to depend on man. Therefore, no genuine church or servant of God is after the resources of the people. The people come to church to be helped spiritually, physically, emotionally, materially, financially, maritally, etc.
As touching givings in church, they are done based on personal conviction and leading, no coercion or persuasion involved.

It is therefore preposterous, callous, and devilish for someone of Mazi Chukwudiaso Onyema to call out a church in a media for the refund of tithes allegedly paid willingly and not by coercion. This is an unwarranted assault on the church. It is the height of insanity and foolhardiness, and the consequences may be too grave for him to bear, except for the mercy of God.

Even if the man in question was not a Christian, and he is stranded, in dire need of assistance, he could be assisted by the church. And if he is a member, the church would not ask for his tithe records before assisting him.
The pastor who is now the target of this man's blackmail is known for his impeccable integrity. He had rounded off major services many times without remembering to take offerings, only to be reminded by worshippers; he had refunded offerings given to him by the sick and challenged in need of divine intervention; he does not take worship offering on crusade grounds with tens of thousands of people in attendance, even though it cost hundreds of millions of naira to conduct a single crusade.

Moreover, the man of God and the church are known for their philanthropic endeavours to individuals, communities and institutions. The church and the man of God give scholarship to innumerable indigent students, undertake community development endeavours like road construction, rural electrification, provision of classrooms to public schools, boreholes to communities, humanitarian responses to victims of emergency and crises situations, monthly welfare ministration to orphanages, economic empowerment to widows and the less privilege, etc.

The question is, how much is this man's total tithes compared to the amount of money used in the above projects?

Won't the church assist a man with this level of self-destructive frustration if he ever approached her for help? But unfortunately, he never did.

Why did he take to social media to vent his grievances without first approaching the church for assistance if money was what he truly needed?
It is either he is mentally deranged or perhaps, being sponsored to embark on public blackmail against the man of God and the church.

Therefore, think twice before you join him to blackmail the church. This is not the time to vilify the church and men of God. The church remains the greatest source of hope and inspiration in our nation today.

In conclusion, if the man genuinely needs help, let him retract his statement, seek forgiveness from God and approach the church for assistance. The church can assist him, not only financially, but in rescuing him from earthly and eternal damnation by restoring his sanity and spiritual health.

Opinion: Leave Men Of God Alone, Mazi Onyema embarking on mission impossible

THIS IS A JOKE TAKEN TOO FAR.

This Mazi Chukwudiaso Onyema, his agents and whoever is with him are enemies of this nation who are bent on destroying the nation by bringing issue that are not of concern right now and again trying to go against people who are ready to bring solutions by their actions, speakings and decrees to silence and close them forever.

The young man is trying to bring up narrative and discussion which are contrary to situation in the land that needed urgent National attention.


I know in a strained and depressed society such as ours, this kind of foolhardiness will elicit sympathy for a scoundrel like him.


Having regained your senses you said, try and answer the following questions begging for answers:

READ ALSO: Prayers Of The Church Have Kept Me – Ortom

1. Were you coerced or forced at gunpoint into paying tithes in church, and how? Was the tithe freely, willingly and voluntarily given or fraudulently extorted from you?


2. You said you were brainwashed, how? What was your level of sanity when you gave the tithe? Can you attest with backing documents to the fact that you were mentally deranged or an underage person when you gave the tithes?

3. Under what agreement did you give the tithe? What was the nature of the contractual agreement and with whom? You call it an investment, what was the agreed rate of return?


4. Come to think of it, even if you had a genuine case to settle with the church, don’t you know the way to the church where you were allegedly a member for years?

Why the sensational display on media?

If you are sure of what you are saying, go to the church and demand the liquidation of your cursed “investment”.

It is obvious you are not a member, and have never been a member, let alone paying tithes in the church.

You printed those papers you displayed for the purpose of your fraudulent intent.

It is also obvious you have been hired by some devious elements in society to blackmail the church, having sold your soul to the devil. And mind you, you don’t need to die or go to hell to experience hell; hell is already in you, and you are already in it, enjoy it.


The church does not need your wretched and miserable purse.


Your entire life, and the lifetime earnings of both you and your entire generation cannot make any difference in the church.

YOUR LIFE NEVER COUNTED OR MATTERED IN THE FIRST PLACE. WHAT A GOOD RIDDANCE TO A DOOMED CLOWN!

You said everything has failed in Nigeria, and you left the government that caused the failure and your suffering to attack the church and a man of God who is speaking against the same failure and those who caused it.

How sure are we that you are not a hireling of some callous, depraved and soulless knaves in our society?

This is nothing but a cheap and poorly scripted blackmail plot characterised by a jarring display of dubiety and falsehood.

Wonder shall never end indeed Mr cheap blackmailer.

Michael Isaac (Snr), Public affairs analyst and commentator writes

THIS IS A JOKE TAKEN TOO FAR.

This Mazi Chukwudiaso Onyema, his agents and whoever is with him are enemies of this nation who are bent on destroying the nation by bringing issue that are not of concern right now and again trying to go against people who are ready to bring solutions by their actions, speakings and decrees to silence and close them forever.

The young man is trying to bring up narrative and discussion which are contrary to situation in the land that needed urgent National attention.


I know in a strained and depressed society such as ours, this kind of foolhardiness will elicit sympathy for a scoundrel like him.


Having regained your senses you said, try and answer the following questions begging for answers:

READ ALSO: Prayers Of The Church Have Kept Me – Ortom

1. Were you coerced or forced at gunpoint into paying tithes in church, and how? Was the tithe freely, willingly and voluntarily given or fraudulently extorted from you?


2. You said you were brainwashed, how? What was your level of sanity when you gave the tithe? Can you attest with backing documents to the fact that you were mentally deranged or an underage person when you gave the tithes?

3. Under what agreement did you give the tithe? What was the nature of the contractual agreement and with whom? You call it an investment, what was the agreed rate of return?


4. Come to think of it, even if you had a genuine case to settle with the church, don’t you know the way to the church where you were allegedly a member for years?

Why the sensational display on media?

If you are sure of what you are saying, go to the church and demand the liquidation of your cursed “investment”.

It is obvious you are not a member, and have never been a member, let alone paying tithes in the church.

You printed those papers you displayed for the purpose of your fraudulent intent.

It is also obvious you have been hired by some devious elements in society to blackmail the church, having sold your soul to the devil. And mind you, you don’t need to die or go to hell to experience hell; hell is already in you, and you are already in it, enjoy it.


The church does not need your wretched and miserable purse.


Your entire life, and the lifetime earnings of both you and your entire generation cannot make any difference in the church.

YOUR LIFE NEVER COUNTED OR MATTERED IN THE FIRST PLACE. WHAT A GOOD RIDDANCE TO A DOOMED CLOWN!

You said everything has failed in Nigeria, and you left the government that caused the failure and your suffering to attack the church and a man of God who is speaking against the same failure and those who caused it.

How sure are we that you are not a hireling of some callous, depraved and soulless knaves in our society?

This is nothing but a cheap and poorly scripted blackmail plot characterised by a jarring display of dubiety and falsehood.

Wonder shall never end indeed Mr cheap blackmailer.

Michael Isaac (Snr), Public affairs analyst and commentator writes

A Korean Acupuncture Center is preparing to assist Nigerians in boosting their immune systems.

In statement issued by Muhammad Mahmood Media Adviser Acupuncture Therapy and Spa noted that an acupuncture center opened by Koreans in Abuja is set to bring more succor to Nigerians by addressing all complications of stroke, muscle fatigue, and stimulating their immune systems.

One of the doctors at the center, Kim Yun Hak, is an expert in acupuncture therapy. and has been practicing all aspects of muscle stretching for over a decade in his field as a specialist.

Dr. Hak always said that acupuncture is seamlessly blending with contemporary technology and has regained its popularity. He mentioned that there is even an acupuncture school at one of the world’s most prestigious universities in Asia and Europe, where experts attend and learn to practice in their respective dialets.

Coming to Nigeria, the Koreans feel that the center is going to help most people suffering from stroke and muscle-related problems. And, despite the fact that they do not speak fluent English, they are able to understand and diagnose all of the ailments that people suffer in their bodies, as well as treat them.

Most modern acupuncturists use disposable stainless steel needles of fine diameter (0.007 to 0.020 in (0.18 to 0.51 mm)), sterilized with ethylene oxide or by autoclave. These needles are far smaller in diameter (and therefore less painful) than hypodermic injection needles since they do not have to be hollow for purposes of injection, the doctor says.

From all indications, huge numbers of Nigerians who before now traveled to some parts of the world like India, China, and the UK in search of these centers and hospitals may find it easier to settle at home and get treated.

Statistics show that between 2021 and 2022 alone, more than 47 percent of all visas to India and the UK from Nigeria were for medical tourism, and Nigerians spent over $400 million on medical expenses out there. So, with this development by Koreans in Nigeria, people will find it easier to visit the center and be treated.

Such involvement from foreign experts and specialists in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery is gradually increasing for the betterment of Nigerians.

Endeavor, the global entrepreneurship network, has announced that its Nigeria Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Ireayomide Oladunjoye as Managing Director & CEO of Endeavor Nigeria, effective 6th February 2023.

In a press statement issued by Ms Joy Mabia, Marketing and Communications, Endeavor Nigeria she noted that Ireayomide takes over from Tosin Faniro-Dada, who has led the organizaton’s operations for two years.

“Leading the Endeavor Nigeria team for the past two years has been one the most incredible journey of personal and professional growth, and it’s all thanks to Linda Rottenberg’s 25-year vision of transforming economies, one entrepreneur at a time.

I’m delighted that I had the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful team that supports 33 high impact entrepreneurs leading 16 high growth companies.

I’m happy to hand the wheel to Ireayomide Oladunjoye, who is impact-driven and committed to the future of high-impact entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

I’m grateful to the Board of Endeavor Nigeria, under the leadership of Atedo N.A.Peterside (CON), for their support and look forward to Endeavor Nigeria’s my continued success,” said the outgoing Managing Director & CEO, Tosin Faniro-Dada.

Before joining Endeavor, Ireayomide was Head, Startups at Lagos Innovates.

She was responsible for developing and implementing Government- ed programs to support an enabling environment for Tech Startups and Innovation Drven Enterprises to thrive in Lagos State.

“I’m excited to join the Endeavor Nigeria network as Managing Director and CEO.

READ ALSO: Founders Of Metro Africa Xpress, Selected To Join Endeavor’s Global Network Of High Entrepreneurs

I have been a huge fan of Endeavor’s mission and team for many years; hopefully, together with the Endeavor team, mentors and supporters, we can help uncover the next group of Nigerian unicorns, outliers, multipliers, and high-impact Endeavor Entrepreneurs!

l’m looking forward to building on Endeavor’s great platform, selecting more high-growth companies, supporting existing Endeavor Entrepreneurs and the next generation of founders and innovators,” said incoming Managng Director & CEO Ireayomide Oladunjoye.

“We are delighted to welcome Ireayomide as Managing Director. We believe her perspective and expertise will add immense value to Endeavor and the high-impact entrepreneurs we support as we continue to scale as an organization,” said Endeavor Nigeria Board Chairman Atedo N.A.Peterside (CON).

Endeavor was Established in 1997, Endeavors mission-driven, global organization leading the high-impact entrepreneurship movement.

Endeavor was founded on the belief that job creation, innovation, and overall prosperity flourish where there is robust support for high-impact entrepreneurs.

Endeavor has screened more than 60,000 individuals and selected more than 2,388 founders leading over 1,477+

scale-up companies. With support from Endeavor’s world wide mentor network, Endeavor Entrepreneurs have created over 3.4million jobs, generated more than $28 billion in revenue each year, and inspired future generations to innovate and take risks, building strong entrepreneurship ecosystems in growth markets.

Headquartered in New York City, Endeavor currently operates in 41 growth markets throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America.

Endeavor launched its Nigeria office in 2018 to seect and support the best founders of companies at the scale up and growth stage who recognise a responsibilty to pay it forward and multiply their impacting Nigera’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

In Nigeria, we aim to select 4-6 companies a year, and today there are 33 Endeavor Entrepreneurs leading 16 companies in the portfolio.

It is with so much passion and to set the record straight that we wish to state that our spar center has never been shut down because of any report purported by a news website, as carried by some online reports a few days ago.

According to this report, the Lilu specialist hospital has been closed. It also demonstrates that the hospital was run illegally in Nigeria by a North Korean named Jongsu Kim, who claimed to be Chinese for four years in Abuja. In the report, the author also claimed that some highly placed Nigerians, including presidency officials and senior advocates, were patronizing the hospital.

According to the above misinformed report, Muhammad Mahmood, Media Adviser Acupuncture Therapy and Spa hereby state that the report creates a great deal of misunderstanding among readers by giving the impression that the hospital was shut down and that they were operating an illegal venture.

To remove this confusion created by the false information in this piece, we are stating that the facility was not forced by any authorities to shut down its activities as claimed, but they are attending some functions approved by the Korean Embassy since they are not operating a full-time organization.

Secondly, the reports online show that the expatriates were operating a hospital by the name of LILU. This is to inform the general public that the Korean has never operated under Lilu Hospital, it is just a mere speculation, but they only operate an Acupuncture as an alternative therapy for body muscle straightening, and a Spa.

Furthermore, in all of the reports, the author kept mentioning the name Jongsu Kim, but it was false; out of desperation, they report went further at mentioning a name that never exist in the facility. Perhaps, the name of properietor/supervisor in the facility, close to what was obtainable in the report is KIM YUN HAK as against Jongsu Kim. This further exhibit the desperation of the desperados to tarnish the image of the facility.

The reports also show that the operators of the facility are Koreans who claim to be Chinese, which is also false based on the purported investigation conducted by the authors of the report.

One interesting fact to note is that Mr. Hak and his team were advised to take further measures to ensure full registration of their center with all relevant authorities in Nigeria, and as law-abiding members of the diplomatic corps, they have already taken measures to ensure they do their best to support the Nigerian government’s policies.

More information is available about this false report intended to tarnish the image of innocent people. We shall stand firm in promoting an avenue for providing meaningful and relevant information to the public in order to enlighten the general audience with analysis and depth, and not a vendetta!

It is on black and white that whoever is behind the report is only interested in creating mischief to the personalities of staff and the facility in general.

We therefore call on the general public to kindly disregard this mischief.

Oriri Peter

The Benue Youth Forum has cautioned the Resident Electoral Commission and the All Progressive Congress Benue State Chapter to desist from primary election. The youth group noted with great concern over the persistent illegalities being perpetrated by the party in the state and its tendency to plunge the state into crisis as it affects everyone and the youths in particular.

In a Press statement issued by the President of the Forum, Comrade Terrence Kunaum, he noted that the APC in Benue state conducted a governorship primary that was said to be in gross non-compliance with the electoral act and other extant laws, a situation which made the appeal court to nullify the primaries and call for a rerun in eleven local governments of the state.

When the party was on the way to shooting itself on the foot, we drew their attention to the pit ahead of them and called for caution. But they rather called us names, including tagging us as politicians. And when the party eventually held the questionable primaries and it started generating resentment among their governorship aspirants who claimed they were not aware of any primaries, we suggested that they reverse the process and do the right thing as specified by the law especially as they were still within the INEC time frame for conduct of party primaries which elapsed on 9th June, 2022. Rather than commendations we received spikes from the APC only for our stand to be vindicated when the court nullified the process.

Now that the nomination of Mr. Hyacinth Alia has been nullified by the appeal court, the APC has moved on to another leg of illegality by proposing to conduct a rerun on the 1st and 2nd of February. This move of the APC is against 2 backdrops – first and foremost being that the INEC calendar for conduct of party primaries has elapsed since the 9th June, 2022 and secondly, Prof. Terhemba Shija has activated a process of appeal to the Supreme Court which requires maintanance of status quo ante bellum until the Apex Court delivers a final decision on the dispute and between the disputants.
The APC must also be made aware that Section 82 of the Electoral Act, 2022 specifies that political parties must serve a notice of primaries to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC at least 21 days before the conduct of a primary election. More so, Section 29 of the Electoral Act is explicit that the names of duly nominated candidates must be conveyed to INEC at least 180 days before election.

As it stands, the APC is clearly warming up to again, flout the electoral act and other extant laws of the country. This is because the election is less than 60 days away and the planned rerun which is in itself another illegality is coming barely a week after the appeal court ruling which is now been further appealed to the Supreme Court.

INEC regulations on political party primaries also makes it mandatory that upon a request, aspirants are entitled to have certified true copies of the register of party members to be used as mode of accreditation in a direct primary. We are aware that in spite of evidence of such request, the party has refused to make such bulky certified true copies available to the aspirants. This is a recipe for chaos as every Tom, Dick and Harry is capable of infiltrating the process and claiming to be eligible to vote.

Stemming from the above, our main concern is that majority of the followers of the APC in Benue are youths and we can’t fold our hands and watch the party continually derail them and expose them to acts capable of causing breach of public peace, law, order and due process and causing rancour in the polity just because of the desperation of some unpopular politicians who have penchant for disobeying laws and regulations.

We therefore reiterate our call on the APC not to cause any crisis in the state, especially as the matter is now at the Supreme Court and the windows for primaries are already closed by INEC, except in the event of death or voluntary withdrawal of a candidate like the case in Abia, where a primary shall be conducted due to the demise of a governorship candidate.

We also want the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue not to be dragged into the mud like his predecessor who midwifed the process now dubbed “yahoo yahoo” primaries of the APC in Benue state. We say that because the immediate past REC in spite of our repeated warnings allowed himself to be cajoled into enabling the APC to sit the law on its head, and they are now paying for the indiscretion of a KM 4 failed politician who has made the state chapter of their party his personal estate.

We believe in the ability and professionalism of the current REC to stay faithful to extant laws governing our electoral processes. In this wise we therefore expect him to guide the APC properly. We also expect the national headquarters of the INEC in Abuja which was served with relevant appeal processes respecting the proposed rerun to maintain adherence to the rule of law and fidelity with its own INEC calendar which mandates that party primaries must be conducted on or before 9th June, 2022. We urge it to resist pressure or temptation to be caught up in the murky waters of the APC’s internal malfeasance. The best thing to do is to allow the appeal process initiated by Prof. Terhemba Shija to run its full course rather than indulge the APC in more shenanigans.

It is also imperative to warn Benue youths across the state to shun the antics of greedy and desperate politicians who would want to use them negatively for their political gains as the APC is planing to do.

We enjoin the security agencies and the National Headquarters of INEC to ensure that the APC members in Benue don’t take the law into their own hands by doing that which the laws forbid.

For the people of Benue, we advise them to avoid any unlawful gathering organised by the APC in the name of rerun primaries to prevent any unforseen situation that may be potentially harmful, as we are aware of the tendency for the planned charade to become violent.

We once again, say it loud and clear that the APC are responsible for their ordeal in Benue state and should desist from further illegalities and acts capable of causing a breach of public peace and order as that would be portraying us all state as a state of people given to lawlessness.

The Benue Youth Forum (BYF) is saddened by the unfortunate press conference addressed by some clowns in the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress APC in which they made some mudslinging and senseless allegations in addition to spitting on the graves of Benue people killed by Fulani herdsmen.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National President, Mr. Terrence Kunaum noted that there was no need to respond to such a shameless outing by the APC; But become imperative the fact that the APC veered off the lane of politics into justifying, once again the killing of innocent people in Benue communities by the marauding Fulani militia, we deem it necessary to put the records straight.

We are aware that the APC in Benue state has at various times justified the killings in Benue communities and openly declared their support for the killer-hersmen perpetrating the attacks. The leader of the party in the state, Senator George Akume has been in the forefront of urinating on the graves of slain Benue people by mockingly saying they were killing themselves. So we are not surprised at their renewed zeal to take their insensitivity a notch higher by accusing the State Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards of cow rustling and causing the recent killings in Makurdi, Guma and Gwer-West local governments.

Mr. Kunaum noted that the Benue Youth Forum takes exception to those unguarded and inciting utterances by the APC which has all along been making frantic efforts to frustrate the efforts to end the invasion of Benue communities and massacre of people in their sleep by those merchantsof death.

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and other well meaning stakeholders including the Benue Youths have been unrelenting in ensuring that peace returns to the state, but the desperation of the APC to thwart the move for political gains have been the major clog in the wheel of progress in that direction.

It is sad that while people of good conscience from all parts of the country and beyond are speaking up against the incessant bloodshed in Benue, some failed and frustrated politicians from the area are bent on justifying the mayhem just to gain political relevance which has left them long ago.

We want to put it on record that the Fulani Socio-cultiral group called Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, an affiliate of the APC had threatened to violently resist the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the Benue State government and they have made good their vow by unleashing terror on the people since the law came into effect in November 2017.

Curiously, the APC in Benue has never come out to condemn the Fulani terrorists who have killed – and are still killing – thousands of people, displacing others and creating a huge humanitarian crisis in the area. Even the APC-led Federal Government has done little or nothing to curb the ethnic cleansing in Benue. Instead, President Muhammadu Buhari ignored the real issue on ground and once told Benue people to learn to live in peace with their neighbours, implying that the Benue people were being killed for their refusal to accommodate tbose who live with them. That is indeed unfortunate.

That the APC in the state has shamelessly accused Governor Ortom of raising and encouraging cattle rustlers is the height of assault on the sensitivity of those who have lost loved ones due to the dastardly acts of Fulani herdsmen who enjoy the endorsement of the APC.

We know that the APC in Benue are out to distract attention from the ruling of the Appeal Court sitting in Makurdi which nullified their questionable governorship primaries which was dubbed a “yahoo yahoo” process even by an appeal panel set up by the party’s national leadership. But it is foolhardy to embark on that using the lives of Benue people to play politics.

When the APC violated the electoral law in conducting their “yahoo yahoo” governorship primaries in the state, the Benue Youth Forum called for a reverse of the undemocratic move. But they wouldn’t listen. Now that the appeal court has cancelled the shenanigan, they prefer to go to the market naked and dance on the graves of innocent people.

We once again advise the APC to channel their self-inflicted frustration elsewhere and stop playing dirty politics with the unfortunate security situation in the state.

The Forum calls on the good people of Benue to utterly reject the party which has no value for their lives and has resorted to mocking those killed by Fulani terrorists. We reiterate our support for the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards and the Livestock Guards in the discharge of their duties.

We urge them to ignore those elements of darkness who are bent on discouraging them by painting them black and falsely accusing them of cattle rustling.

The peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Independent Grassroots Presidential campaign council for Atiku/Okowa 2023 has appealed to the electorate to support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, saying its position was influenced by the experience, business background and investment of the PDP candidate.

The group also stated that it has engaged people of the federal capital territory and Nasarawa State to a townhall meeting where they were enjoined to vote for the PDP Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar come February 25, 2023.

The Chairman of the campaign council, Ambassador Fatima Mohammed Goni assisted by her deputy Barrister Hellen Effiom said this in the townhall meeting with party leaders and the electorate in Abuja on Saturday.

According to Fatima, "The message is simple, vote for the PDP Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in the February 25 Presidential election.

Also, the PDP Vice chairman, Karu local government area of Nasarawa state, Mustapha Sani, who spoke on behalf of other executive members restated commitment to the realization of the Atiku/Okowa ticket.

He said "All PDP candidates in the election will be adequately supported towards a victorious outing.

"The choice of Ambassador Fatima Mohammed Goni whom they called mama Atiku as chairperson of the PDP Grassroots Independent campaign Council for Atiku/Okowa 2023 by the party's Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar they emphasized is a square peg in a square hole."

Meanwhile, the campaign council also identified with the less privileged through donation of some food items to alleviate their sufferings.

Participation in elections is an important aspect of our civil responsibility especially citizens who are eligible to vote and be voted for.

While the results of General Elections determine the composition of a government and the policies that will be implemented thereafter, many countries including Nigeria's General Elections are considered a cornerstone of democracy, as they allow citizens to have a say in the governance of their country.

But before this, there is need to set measures and actions to prevent and mitigate the occurrences of violence during after election. These strategies Includes: Voter Education, Security awareness, Planning, Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Media and Communication Strategy, Monitoring and Reporting and Post-election Reconciliation among others.

With this in view, the Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development and Nonviolent Peaceforce with support from Non-violenceXXI and Canadian Friends Service Committee have organized a three days capacity building training to strengthen the resilience of youth on Electoral Violence Prevention ahead of 2023 General Elections in Nigeria slated to hold in February and March respectively.

The Executive Director of the Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development Mr. Igweshi Augustine urged Nigerian Youths across the 36 states and FCT to use the knowledge and skills acquired in the Three Days Training to prevent electoral violence and ensure peaceful elections at the 2023 General Elections.

The capacity building training which started on January 18th and came to a close on Friday 20th January was facilitated by National Coordinator of Canadian Friends Service Committee in Burudu Madam Pastaur, The Executive Director Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development Mr. Igweshi Augustine and the training Coordinator of Nonviolent Peaceforce Ms. Marion Girard.

Participants were taken through Unarmed Civilian Protection Principles, Unarmed Civilian Protection Strategies to Prevent Electoral Violence, Unarmed Civilian Protection Activities that can be used to prevent Electoral Violence, Empathy Exercise, Crossing the River Exercise, conflict prevention, misinformation and disinformation, group discussion and contribution from the participants on preventing Electoral Violence ahead of the General Elections.

Also a Town Hall Meeting was held as part of the activities to strengthen the resilience of youth to prevent Electoral Violence

Guest Speakers at the Town Hall Meeting includes the Director General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution Represented by Dr. Barr. Ukem, Executive Director CLEEN FOUNDATION, Mr. Gad Peter, represented by the Program Manager, Mrs Chigozirim Odinkalu and the Country Director Global Peace Foundation who also is the CAN president Kadunna Chapter, Rev John Joseph Hayab

They Urged the youths to use the skills and knowledge acquired in the training to advocate against electoral violence and transfer the knowledge to other young people in their respective communities as well as be advocate for peaceful elections.

The Benue Youth Forum, BYF is saddened by the renewed attacks on Benue communities by Fulani herdsmen, the latest of which was the gruesome killing of thirteen people including six members of one family at Abagena, a community which has the burden of accommodating thousands of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in Makurdi Local Government Area of the state.

Further disheartening is the killing of some IDPs who have been in the camp located within the community that came under attack on Thursday night.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the President of Benue Youth Forum, Comrade Terrance Kuanum condemns the mindless act which has become a recurring incident perpetrated by marauding Fulani herdsmen.

We are concerned that despite the killing of hundreds of innocent Benue people and displacement of over two million others thereby creating a humanitarian crisis in the state, the Fulani terrorists are bent on not relenting.

It is obvious that the merchants of death have become more vicious owing to the utterances of some of their kinsmen who have at different times rationalized the killings in Benue state, as well as the fact that the relevant authorities especially at the centre have not shown much commitment to ending the carnage in the Benue Valley.

We therefore call on security agents to go after those behind the killings in Abagena and other parts of the state to arrest and bring them to book as well as work towards ending the havoc by elements of darkness in the state.

We are all aware that the Fulanis have vowed to resist the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the state in their quest to cleanse the people and take over their land. But they are on a vain mission to nowhere, and they would fail as they did in 1804.

As law abiding citizens who reason like human beings should do, we will continue to use legal and constitutional means to express our grievances over the clear injustice being meted on us by the Fulanis and the loud silence by those who should condemn the incessant killings and call for the arrest of the perpetrators.

We also call on Governor Samuel Ortom not to succumb to the pressure by enemies of the state who have been clamouring for the repeal of the law prohibiting open grazing in the state.

The BYF again calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to grant the request by Governor Ortom to arm the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards with sophisticated weapons for effective security of the state in collaboration with conventional security agencies.

We urge Benue people to set aside their political, tribal and religious differences and speak with one voice over the planned, sponsored, systematic and well orchestrated massacre of innocent people in Benue communities.

Lastly, we wish to make it abundantly clear that the 2023 elections are about the survival of our people. With our votes, we in Benue State will vehemently reject candidates who have taken sides with our enemies! Anyone who has pitched tent with our aggressors and oppressors (Fulani herdsmen) has lost the election even before the ballot is cast. Our land is our heritage! Whoever is not for us is against us!

The Benue Youth Forum, BYF is saddened by the renewed attacks on Benue communities by Fulani herdsmen, the latest of which was the gruesome killing of thirteen people including six members of one family at Abagena, a community which has the burden of accommodating thousands of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in Makurdi Local Government Area of the state.

Further disheartening is the killing of some IDPs who have been in the camp located within the community that came under attack on Thursday night.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the President of Benue Youth Forum, Comrade Terrance Kuanum condemns the mindless act which has become a recurring incident perpetrated by marauding Fulani herdsmen.

We are concerned that despite the killing of hundreds of innocent Benue people and displacement of over two million others thereby creating a humanitarian crisis in the state, the Fulani terrorists are bent on not relenting.

It is obvious that the merchants of death have become more vicious owing to the utterances of some of their kinsmen who have at different times rationalized the killings in Benue state, as well as the fact that the relevant authorities especially at the centre have not shown much commitment to ending the carnage in the Benue Valley.

We therefore call on security agents to go after those behind the killings in Abagena and other parts of the state to arrest and bring them to book as well as work towards ending the havoc by elements of darkness in the state.

We are all aware that the Fulanis have vowed to resist the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the state in their quest to cleanse the people and take over their land. But they are on a vain mission to nowhere, and they would fail as they did in 1804.

As law abiding citizens who reason like human beings should do, we will continue to use legal and constitutional means to express our grievances over the clear injustice being meted on us by the Fulanis and the loud silence by those who should condemn the incessant killings and call for the arrest of the perpetrators.

We also call on Governor Samuel Ortom not to succumb to the pressure by enemies of the state who have been clamouring for the repeal of the law prohibiting open grazing in the state.

The BYF again calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to grant the request by Governor Ortom to arm the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards with sophisticated weapons for effective security of the state in collaboration with conventional security agencies.

We urge Benue people to set aside their political, tribal and religious differences and speak with one voice over the planned, sponsored, systematic and well orchestrated massacre of innocent people in Benue communities.

Lastly, we wish to make it abundantly clear that the 2023 elections are about the survival of our people. With our votes, we in Benue State will vehemently reject candidates who have taken sides with our enemies! Anyone who has pitched tent with our aggressors and oppressors (Fulani herdsmen) has lost the election even before the ballot is cast. Our land is our heritage! Whoever is not for us is against us!

The Managing Director of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed has commended the staff of the company for achieving a new revenue generation milestone of N3.3 Billion.

Engr Mohammed also reiterated his determination to sustain quality and sufficient energy delivery to the people of Bauchi, Benue, Gombe and Plateau States to serve as an elixir to the customers.


The Managing Director/CEO made this disclosure in an interview with media men in his office last Monday.


The Chief Executive Officer who was elated by the amount of revenue generated in December said that the only way to appreciate customers was to continue with the delivery of quality energy.

He said that the company has put in place a mechanism to expeditiously address faults adding that the company plans to establish workshops in the four states to prevent delays associated with the repairs of faulty transformers on its network.


According to the Managing Director, “We intend to establish maintenance workshops in all our states of operation so that we can expeditiously attend to faults on our network. We don’t want our customers to be out of supply for any reason”.

Engr Mohammed however stated that for the company to be able to achieve the above feat, customers should endeavour to live up to their responsibility of paying for their consumed energy.


The Managing Director who decried the current situation where customers were hugely indebted to the company to the tune of over a hundred billion nairas said that it was in realisation of this that the company’s Management under his leadership decided to introduce the debt discount promo.

He explained that under this policy which was supposed to elapse by the end of the month, customers wishing to defrost the totality of their debts would be entitled to a 30% of discount.

The Managing Director, therefore, urged customers to take advantage of this invention to thaw their debts.

By Oriri Peter

It is saddening that the politics of Africa is yet to transcend mendacities. It is equally reprehensible that the Enone Federal Constituency is being dragged into this low by the inordinate ambition of a few individuals.

These individuals, rather than state what they plan to achieve in the unlikely event that they win, have chosen to engage in mudslinging.

To them, since defeat is staring at their faces, their only consolation is the trophy for winning a mud fight. They shall take this trophy, unopposed, while we get the certificate of return to be issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Unperturbed by their vituperations, Hon. Barr Aida Nath Ogwuche is coasting to victory. Indeed, for a political striker like Aida, such diatribe is not unexpected as she has whittled down the supposed influence and braggadocio of certain individuals who thought they could lord over the constituency. In all of these, her drive is just one: to provide dividends of democracy to the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo people upon her victory and consequent inauguration in June.

As an experienced public servant, this Amazon will bring her experience to bare in providing effective representation to the constituency. She has already developed, in her portfolio, a list of bills and motions to sponsor, upon her swearing-in, for the development of her constituency.

Furthermore, there is a list of projects she has itemized to ensure they get the attention of State, Federal Government and International Organisations.

She is loved by all and sundry due to her humanitarian outing and human capital development and the development of her constituency.

In her personal capacity, she had previously being awarding scholarships to deserving students, constructed houses for the poor and had been a pillar of support for the downtrodden, she has also previously
handled probono cases, visits to prisons in abuja to clear up fines for people wrongly imprisoned or imprisoned for little or no fault of theirs.

It is, indeed, not out of place to say that for one who has used her personal finances for the upliftment of the poor, using legislative powers to attract development to her constituency will not be a tall order.

Those who love to see the development of the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency have just one choice in Aida Nath. If she can do it in her private capacity, she can even do better when thrusted with public authority.

There is therefore the urgent need for electorates of all demographic compositions - youth, women, the aged - to queue behind Barr. Nath as she falls in the category of the first two strata and has been of significant impact to the aged.

Comrade Oriri Peter is the Director, Strategic Communication (Spokesman), Aida Nath Campaign Organization.

By Oriri Peter

The Benue Youth Forum, BYF gathers on good authority that some Benue sons and daughters have presented themselves to be used by the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar to lure some gullible and unsuspecting Benue people to vote for him against their wishes.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Mr. Terrence Kuanum, President, of the forum noted that the BYF is aware that Alhaji Atiku who has always looked the other way while his kinsmen unleash terror on Benue people is now distributing money to some sellouts to help him get the votes of the people.


We had demanded a public apology from Atiku for his failure to condemn the dastardly acts of Fulani herdsmen in Benue and a commitment that he would prioritise the security of lives and property of Benue people if elected. But he has refused to heed our advice, meaning he care less about the massacre in the Benue Valley and is not willing to end it even if he becomes the president.

The BYF therefore feels that those who are queuing behind Atiku inspite of his nonchalance towards the ethnic cleansing in the state by his kinsmen are truly the real enemies of Benue and its law abiding people.

We however, call on those who have made themselves available to be used to deceive the people into voting Atiku to have a rethink or risk being judged now and in the future as the enemies within who are out to sell their people for a pot of porridge.

The Benue Youth Forum also cautions the citizens against accepting the poisoned chalice being presented to them as peanuts by those traitors to cajole them into going astray as collecting money from those not interested in their security is tantamount to mortgaging their own blood and those of their kinsmen who have been slained by Fulani terrorists.

The BYF also stresses the need for the people to blacklist all those who come to them with cursed money to buy their conscience and talk them into signing their death warrants in the name of voting a man who sees nothing wrong with the incessant invasion of Benue communities and killing the dwellers by armed Fulani militia.

We commend Governor Samuel Ortom for standing firm in defence of the people and reiterate our call on the people to stand by the governor on his resolve to ensure that justice, equity and fairness are the watchwords in handling national issues, especially those that affect Benue people.

BYF equally wants Benue people, particularly those from the North-West Senatorial district to give Governor Ortom the mandate to serve them in the Senate as he has proven to be the voice of the voiceless and the conscience of the nation.

....says Atiku recovery Nigeria mission

Former Cross River deputy governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Helen Boco Effiom has formally defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While appreciating the defection, the chairperson of the independent Grassroots campaign Council for Atiku/Okowa 2023 of the peoples democratic party Ambassador Dr. Fatima Mohammed Goni lauded the initiative of Hellen Effiom who is also the campaign Council's deputy national Chairman.

Ambassador Fatima Mohammed Goni assured the PDP Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar that they would together join hands with other supporters of the party to deliver him as the country’s next president come February 25, 2023.

Barrister Hellen Effiom was running mate to the former Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Dr Usani Uguru Usani, in the 2019 governorship election and contested for the position of APC national women leader in the last party national convention held in Abuja.

....says Atiku recovery Nigeria mission

Former Cross River deputy governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Helen Boco Effiom has formally defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Welcoming the development, the chairperson of the independent Grassroots campaign Council for Atiku/Okowa 2023 of the peoples democratic party Ambassador Dr. Fatima Mohammed Goni lauded the initiative of Hellen Effiom is also the campaign Council's deputy national Chairman.

Ambassador Fatima Mohammed Goni assured the PDP Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar that they would together join hands with other supporters of the party to deliver him as the country’s next president come February 25, 2023.

Barrister Hellen Effiom was running mate to the former Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Dr Usani Uguru Usani, in the 2019 governorship election and contested for the position of APC national women leader in the last party national convention held in Abuja.