By Oriri Peter

Renowned Delta-born Human Rights activist, Amb. Chuks Emmanuel Ozegbe, has been appointed as the International Society of Deplomats, ISD's Special Emissary to Nigeria.

The appointment of Amb. Ozegbe who is the President/Chairman of Global Youth Skills Acquisition and Poverty Eradication Organization (GYSAPEO), was confirmed in a letter signed by the Head of Mission, Professor. Edet B. Ekpenyong.

The letter reads: "I write on behalf of the International Society of Diplomats (ISD) to inform you that the bearer Amb. Chuks E. Ozegbe has been appointed as a special Emissary for ISD in Nigeria and as part of the privileges of his office. He has been assigned a special vehicle plate number, Diplomat Passport and official identity card".

ISD is an international organization, established on the basis to promote and uphold the practice and ethics of International Diplomacy, Peace and Social Justice.

The reputed International organization provides a platform for networking for diplomats, government agencies, technocrats, business executives, and entrepreneurs to interact and resolve critical issues affecting humanity, for the overall betterment of the human race society.

Notably, International Society of Diplomats (ISD), is a global organization having meets all the requirements to be recognized as an international organization enjoys the Article 13 of Universal Declaration Human Rights, for Freedom of Movement and alienable right to reside in member states.

Most often the organization goes into partnership with the government through foreign Affairs Ministry, High Commissions, Embassies, Consulate and host of other bodies to provide a foreign policies, economy, politics, technology, health, gender issues, education and many more.

Amb. Chuks Ozegbe presented his Appointment letter to Dr. Tunji Asaolu, Country Representatives of African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU ECOSSOC) earlier today at the AU's office in Abuja.

Dr. Asaolu charged the ambassador to discharge his duties truthfully, diligently and sincerely.

Amb. Ozegbe reacted by appreciating the honor bestowed on him and thanked the ISD community for considering him as one of their worthy ambassadors.

To end disputation arising from estimated billings, Jos Electricity Distribution Plc Saturday launched what it described as mobile MAP ( Meters Access Providers) in conjunction with Mojec.

Speaking at the launching, the Managing Director, Alhaji Mammanlafia Umar who called on customers desiring meters to take advantage of the current metering programme said that the exercise was concurrently running in Bauchi, Benue and Gombe states.

Alhaji Umar who was represented at the event by the Chief Commercial, Engr Mansir Nakande disclosed that the cost of the meters would be amortised saying that the company was working assiduously towards metering all her customers.


The Managing Director who explained the importance of meters to customers said meters remain the only authentic measurement implements that could be used to determine consumed energy by customers.

According to him, "All our customers without meters are insisting that they are being overcharged. We cannot say with certainty that customers are right or wrong. There are a lot of challenges with estimation".

He further explained that "There are also challenges of liquidity because we needed a lot of money to buy meters which is why the Meter Assets Providers (MAP) was introduced for the customers to buy meters stressing that the company will refund the customers with energy.

"Any month the customer comes to buy a unit, we will refund the customer with the unit. For example, if you buy a unit of 2000 you will be given a unit worth 3000 until the money is fully refunded", he disclosed.

The Managing Director, therefore, allayed customers' fear about the availability of the meters assuring that" "these meters are readily available. We have them and today we are launching the MOJEC brand. We have multiple vendors and we shall continue to launch until all our customers are fully informed and metered ".

The Chief Executive Officer who was optimistic about the success of the programme divulged that "We already got 3-4 customers even before the relaunch started and we are going to install their meters immediately".

He stated further that the idea behind the mobile meters was to ensure expeditious metering of customers within the 24hrs of payment.

"You (customers) will be profiled and the survey will be done immediately so that your meter will be installed without any delay," he said.

By Oriri Peter

Princess Kemi Adewunmi is a Nigerian woman in Politics and a Lagos-based socialite and humanitarian, who has worked hard over the years to be relevant in politics which is dominated by men with little or no chance given to women.

She is a mother of two, and a widow who didn't allow the role of being a mother or the condition of being a widow to deter her or determine her outcome, she has pushed boundaries in no small measure, and today, she stands tall and distinguished in every circle she finds herself.

Princess Kemi is referred to as ‘an institution and a force to reckon with’, She is the National President, ATIKU LOYALISTS, president of Soroptimist International and the Women Initiative for Advocacy, Social Justice and Empowerment( WIASE), Member of ATIKU Entourage, Member Teecom, G32 Contact and Mobilization, G32 Southwest ASO 4 ATIKU, G32 S/W Official and Member/Leader in many other organizations and groups.

The PDP chieftain is from Ekiti State and was one of the Ekiti State Gubernatorial Aspirants in 2022 though didn't emerge the winner in the Party’s Primary Election.

Through her involvement and key roles in humanitarian activities and political engagements, Princess Kemi has been able to distinguish herself and impacted her state and Nigeria positively.

She has constantly motivated and supported women to rise above the norm and take their equal place in most men dominated spheres of life such as Politics, Engineering etc.

In her words, “Men can not dominate us forever in key places, we need all bold and strong women to come out and put their faith and trust in God, then the sky is the limit. The suffering is too much, Enough is Enough. It is time to stand for Justice and not Injustice. Impunity, imposition and injustice must stop . Let integrity and fear of God play out.”

Though she has not held any political office since she joined PDP in 1998, but have done more for humanity than most office holders, this shows that if an opportunity is given to her, truly people would be amazing with the projects and positive impacts she would bring to limelight.

According to her, “I have been in every committee you can think of in PDP and played important roles at the State and National level, I have learnt from the best and not from bullies and political businessmen, that amount to no good.”

She is an ardent follower of Atiku Abubakar and a key stakeholder in the Atiku campaign, her contributions in the ongoing 2022/2023 campaign can not be overemphasized as she is easily spotted in every state in the ongoing nationwide consultation tour.

Truly, she is relentless and believes that Nigeria will be a better place if her political life is right.

By Oriri Peter

The rising spate of insecurity in the country has been a cause for serious concerns. Many notable Nigerians as well as civil society groups across various divides have expressed worries, that if nothing is done to urgently arrest total descent into anarchy, the Nigeria election slated to take place in 2023 may not hold.

In the same vein, a group known as "Global Youth Skills Acquisition & Poverty Eradication (GYSAPEO)" has called on the citizens to take decisive actions in mitigating the high level of insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes which have resulted to wanton loss of lives and property. The group also called on the citizens to get actively involved in politics and political activities as that is the only to ensure only credible leaders that have the interest of the people at heart would emerge in 2023.

The chairman, Amb Ozegbe Chuks Emmanuel made this known while addressing newsmen at a press briefing yesterday, May 11, 2022.

Mr Emmanuel however expressed confidence that with the collective efforts of the masses, the country could be redeemed from the looming danger, noting that "the seeming crossroad which the country is currently at, could be turned into a defining moments to build a country the people would be proud of."

"The events of the past few years, have been nothing but noble, seeing our nation enmeshed in mind blowing violence, banditry, kidnapping, senseless killings of fellow citizens by criminal elements and all other forms of criminalities in full scale." Said Mr Emmanuel.

"Just recently, there was the gory, stomach churning and despicable video trending on the internet, of a couple who were soldiers brutally killed by yet to be identified persons while going for a function. Before then, the nation was jolted with yet another shocking incident of the train attack that happened in Kaduna, where a medical doctor lost her life and a couple of others Sustaining varying degrees of injuries. Up till this moment, some of them are yet to regain their freedom from the bandits." Mr Emmanuel lamented.

"Killing in Nigeria has become a daily occurrence, from elements whose postures continue to imperil our collective wellbeing as a nation."

"We cannot continue like this definitely!"

"Election is now around the corner, but it will amount to self deceit, if we do not rein in this reign of terror on our land. "

"As we know, election is very critical in determining who and who should lead us, so our participation and involvement are important, to ensure the process and outcome reflect our collective aspirations."

Mr Emmanuel siad his organization, "Global Youth Skills Acquisition & Poverty Eradication" in order to tackle this menace has planned a two pronged projects to address these two issues - insecurity and citizens participation in politics.

"First is the "You Alert" . This project essentially seeks to promote an understanding among Nigerians that the issue of security should not be left alone in the hands of the government and the security agents. It is our collective business to continuously works towards making the country free, safe and habitable to all."

"Our work is centered on engaging the citizens through town hall meetings, awareness campaigns, social media sensitization posts etc

"The second project, is "My Mandate (M²), 'I NO GO SELL MY VOTE." As the slogan implies, this project aims at educating the citizens on their rights to vote during elections and resist the temptation to sell their votes to corrupt politicians. We also use the opportunity, to let the people know the importance of participating in elections to choose credible leaders with the interest of the people at heart. How this action greatly impact on our collective wellbeing as citizens of Nigeria."

"Through our "My Mandate" project we also enjoin Nigerian youth to shun thuggery, and all manner of violence before, during and after election. They should refuse to allow overzealous politicians who want to cling power at all cost to use them as cannon fodder and instrument of disruptions to orchestrate violence during elections."

"Our resolve is to ensure Nigerians are better enlightened to know how critical their actions can influence political and security outcomes.

"The two are interwoven, elections can only hold in a peaceful atmosphere, therefore, we all should work towards restoring enduring peace in our country and ensure we participate actively and responsibly during elections."

Reacting to the negative implications of selling votes for financial gains, Mr Emmanuel noted that whatever gifts the politicians offered for votes cannot assuage for the huge loss in electing corrupt, and incompetent leaders.

"The peanuts, handouts from persons bent on holding us down as a nation are only but piece of superficialities and vanity which when compared to the gains of being law abiding, and responsible citizens fizzle into insignificance. "

"Imagine collecting peanuts to elect leaders who would take us further backwards, the consequences are dire and we cannot afford that at this critical period.

"We must shun also those who play ethnic cards or religious rhetorics to divide us, let us be united in our common goal to enthrone a more united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria."

By Benita Peter

Governorship Aspirant of Abia State on the Platform of Accord Party, known as Amb. Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, an Ngwa-born, Abia State Humanitarian and the General Overseer of Chapel of Faith Bible Assembly International, located in Onitsha, Anambra state has officially made his intention known to contest the governorship seat today at the Accord Political Party Office in Abuja.

Bishop Nwakpa is widely known for his over 15 years of humanitarian activities which has gone beyond the shores of Abia and Nigeria in general, this was evident in the massive crowd that came to support and pledge their loyalty to the ambassador.

According to the Abia State Women Leader Nyanya/Karu Chapter, Mrs Christiana Nnabugwo, “Amb. Nwankpa is a man who has impacted the lives of many positively, we the Abia Women in Abuja have come out today to give him our full support and we beckon on others both home and abroad to support him because with what we are facing in Abia state, he is the only rescue and solution we can point to, a man that has the masses at heart, and fears God, we can’t ask for a better person.”

She continued, “Dr. Bishop Emeka Nwankpa has a yearly programme that has lasted for 15 years where he distributes wrappers, fertilizers, motorcycles, cars and cash gifts for business start up etc.

Ambassador Nwankpa spoke in Abuja-Federal Capital Territory where he officially declared his intention to run for the Governorship position.

He said, “By God’s grace, my intention to contest is to fulfill God's assignment, God have sent me to rescue Abia because he has heard their cry.

“My mandate is to restore Abia, How can a sane Government owe civil servants 21 months Salaries?

“Currently Abia is the most dirties state in Nigeria, most corrupt, has the worse road network no clean water.

“Let’s not forget that God promised Abraham ‘the promise land’ but it wasn’t easy for him to access it, they fought for it and won, let's put our energy together and fight for our state, I am certain we will win and Abia would become the envy of other states.

In an interview with journalists, Ambassador Nwankpa said he will confront the menace ravaging Abia State, right the wrongs in all sectors and execute tasks instantaneously.

Earlier, while receiving Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, Accord National Legal Adviser, Mgbudem Maxwell O. commended the ambassador and pledged Accord’s utmost support to him, while encouraging him to go about his campaign the right way.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2023-bishop-nwankpa-declares-to-contest-abia-governorship-seat-picks-nomination-form/

By Oriri Peter

As encomiums continue to pour in for Ekiti State Governor, Dr John Kayode Fayemi, following his presidential declaration of Wednesday, Air Vice Marshal Joel (rtd) has thrown his weight behind the governor, who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, describing him as "the man for the job".

"Anyone who follows Dr Kayode Fayemi's leadership trajectory can attest to the fact that he will be a President Nigerians would be proud of. His popularity is not in doubt, as has been roundly demonstrated by the large crowd that trooped out today to witness this august event of Dr John Kayode Fayemi's declaration. I believe he is the man for the job," AVM Joel began. 

He added; "The position he occupies as the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum has also brought to the fore his leadership qualities. He has seamlessly steer the ship of the forum for these past four years and has been able to build harmony and relentlessly pushed his colleagues towards ensuring good governance, national unity and peace. Given his antecedents as someone with the capacity, tenacity, inclusiveness and discipline, Dr Fayemi should simply earn the supports from his party, especially President Muhammadu Buhari, who believes in good governance. 

"That Fayemi has the capacity, is not in doubt, as you know, you cannot give what you don't have. When he speaks, he doesn't speak from the angle of frivolity, but from that of deep thoughts and his love for Nigeria. He has been in the trenches, and he would therefore never see democracy derailed, no matter what is at stake. 

"He would enthrone popular political participation so that everyone, irrespective of class would have a say".

In the forefront of marketing Fayemi’s candidacy across is the Nigeria Patriotic Coalition (NPC), which is led by the Convener, Hon. Yemi Akinbode.

The Director of Research and Documentation for the political movement, reiterated members' commitment towards galvanising supports for Fayemi.

NPC executed launches in all the six geopolitical zones, mobilising support prior to Fayemi's official declaration. 

Nwosu said: "Our mandate is to ensure that all the people across the six geopolitical zones are mobilised to key into this vision; the vision of Nigeria with greater possibilities, which we believe can be achieved with Dr Fayemi". 

He believed that Fayemi has the support of majority of Nigerians, who are not in doubt that he has the vision, competence and creativity to take the country to greater heights.

NPC's Director of Finance, Hon. Dr Moji Yaya-Kolade commended the Governor for taking this bold step and for responding to the yearnings of the people.

While also expressing confidence that, if given the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Fayemi would meet the expectations of Nigerians in delivering the dividends of democracy, Yaya-Kolade noted that he has the experience, competence and global network to the dream of Nigerians happen. 

"I am delighted that His Excellency, Dr Fayemi has finally taken this step and I'm confident, that he would do well if elected Nigerians President", she said. 

As the Governor of Ekiti State, Yaya-Kolade said that Fayemi had done creditably well. "The Governor introduced a lot of social intervention programmes not only in Ekiti State but the entire country".

She added that Fayemi provided free healthcare and free education in Ekiti State, and other projects to bring the state at par as a fast developing state comparable with any modern state elsewhere. 

On insecurity, the former Commissioner said Fayemi is a visionary who is also God fearing and has the interest of the people at heart. "And he would do anything to make Nigeria safe for all".

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/fayemi-declares-fayemi-will-be-a-president-nigerians-would-be-proud-of-supporters-assure/

By Oriri Peter

Fast-growing mobility platform in Africa joins the leading global high-impact entrepreneur network Lagos, April 26.

Joy Mabia, Senior Associate, Marketing and Communications officer of Endeavor's Nigeria in a statement issued on Tuesday 26th April has announced today that Adetayo Bamiduro, Chinedu Azodoh, and Guy-Bertrand Njoya co-founders of Metro Africa Xpress (MAX) were selected as Endeavor Entrepreneurs after a panel deliberation.

The selection came after a rigorous multi-step selection process to identify high-impact entrepreneurs who demonstrate the potential to leverage Endeavor’s resources and mentorship to create large-scale wealth and jobs and are committed to reinvesting their time and capital in their local entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Founded in 2015, MAX is building Africa's largest mobility-tech platform. It aims to serve the millions of independent commercial drivers across Africa who every day move people and goods to where they need to be through the use of 2, 3 and 4 wheeler vehicles. The company provides these independent commercial drivers with financing and tech solutions that ensure they are able to work safely, affordably and in a way that minimizes damage to the environment.

It does this by enabling access to a fast-growing fleet of low and zero-emission vehicles, which include its revolutionary M3 Electric Motorcycle, as well as a service bundle that solves their greatest pain points, such as digital wallets, savings products, insurance, maintenance plans and licensing support. MAX's innovative model helps independent commercial drivers to dramatically increase their income to more than 3x the national minimum wage.

With current operations in 5 cities in Nigeria and over 7K drivers on its platform, MAX aims to scale its platform and capture a significant portion of the $250B mobility market in Africa.

According to Tosin Faniro-Dada, Managing Director & CEO of Endeavor Nigeria, “We are proud to welcome Tayo, Chinedu, and Guy into Endeavor’s global network and look forward to working with them.

They join a select group of inspiring founders, leading some of the most innovative companies in the world”.

Speaking on the value of joining the Endeavor network, Tosin said, “Our goal is to help Endeavor Entrepreneurs become even more successful, pushing them to dream bigger, scale faster and invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs. We provide radical feedback, unparalleled peer and mentor networks, and curated services to help solve many of the common challenges entrepreneurs face. We look forward to supporting more Endeavor Entrepreneurs in Nigeria.”

Speaking on their selection experience and joining the Endeavor network, Tayo Bamiduro, CEO of Metro Africa Xpress (MAX) said, “We are thrilled to be joining a community of innovators and disruptors who are laying the foundations for a better world for all through the power of entrepreneurship. We are excited for the collaborations that this opportunity will unlock, as we continue to advance MAX’s mission of revolutionizing mobility in Africa”.

Guy-Bertrand Njoya, Adetayo Bamiduro, and Chinedu Azodoh were selected into the Endeavor network by a panel of global business leaders including Nabyl Al-Maskari (Executive Chairman, Al Maskari Holding & Chairman of the Board of Endeavor UAE), Arjuna Costa (Managing Partner, Flourish Ventures), Andreas Stavropoulos (Partner, Threshold), and by Sebastian Gunnigham (Chairman of Santander Consumer Finance and vice-chairman of Openbank).

MAX is the 14th company selected into the global Endeavor network through the regional affiliated office in Nigeria. All three entrepreneurs represent the growing expectation for exceptional entrepreneurs with big ambitions and the ability to execute at scale. They join Gbenga Agboola & Ife Orioke (Flutterwave), Ngozi Dozie & Chijioke Dozie (Carbon), Etop Ikpe (Autochek), Abasi Ene-Obong (54gene), Tayo Oviosu & Jay Alabraba (Paga), Ekechi Nwokah (Migo), Jasper Graf von Hardenberg & Christian Wessels (Daystar Power), Bukky George (HealthPlus), Obi Ozor & Ife Oyedele (Kobo360), Kene Okwuosa & Moses Babatope (FilmHouse Group), Onyekachi Izukanne, Michael Ukpong & Ruke Awaritefe (TradeDepot), Tosin Eniolorunda & Felix Ike (TeamApt), and Adegoke Olubusi, Tito Ovia, and Dimeji S (Helium Health).

About Endeavor

Endeavor is the world’s leading community of high-impact entrepreneurs. Founded in 1997, Endeavor is a global organization with a mission to unlock the transformational power of entrepreneurship by selecting, supporting, and investing in the world’s top founders. Today, Endeavor’s network spans nearly 40 markets and supports more than 2,300 entrepreneurs, whose companies generate combined revenues of over $42 billion US, and have created more than 3.9 million jobs. Endeavor’s unique entrepreneur-first model and network of trust provide a platform for founders to dream big, scale up, and pay it forward to the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Endeavor launched its Nigeria office in 2018 to select and support the best founders of companies at the scale-up and growth stage, who recognise a responsibility to pay it forward and multiply their impact in Nigeria’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. In Nigeria, Endeavor aims to select 4-6 companies a year and today there are 27 Endeavor Entrepreneurs leading 14 companies in their portfolio.

About Metro Africa Xpress (MAX)

MAX is building Africa's largest mobility-tech platform. Every day, millions of independent commercial drivers across Africa move people and goods to where they need to be through the use of motorcycles (also known as okadas, boda-bodas or motos), three-wheelers (kekes or tuk-tuks), cars and mini-buses.

Founded in 2015, MAX provides these independent commercial drivers with financing and tech solutions that ensure they are able to work safely, affordably and in a way that minimizes damage to the environment. MAX does this by enabling access to a fast-growing fleet of low and zero-emission vehicles, which include its revolutionary M3 Electric Motorcycle. In addition, MAX offers drivers a service bundle designed to address their biggest pain points, including digital wallets, savings products, insurance, maintenance plans and licensing support - so they can keep the continent's economy in motion. MAX's innovative model helps independent commercial drivers to dramatically increase their income to more than 3x the national minimum wage.

With current operations in 5 cities in Nigeria and over 7K drivers on its platform with over 8 million trips completed, MAX aims to scale its platform and capture a significant portion of the $258B mobility market on the continent. In the short term, MAX is scaling to 100,000 drivers, across 10 cities and 3 countries by 2023. MAX is proud to enlist the support of a global and credible network of partners, including OEMs such as Yamaha, Bill Gates-sponsored Breakthrough Energy Ventures, global payment infrastructure provider Mastercard, and leading VCs such as Lightrock, Global Ventures, Novastar Ventures, Goodwell Investments, Shell Foundation, and others.

ABOUT THE FOUNDERS

Adetayo Bamiduro

Adetayo is the CEO at MAX. Adetayo studied Computer Science at the University of Ibadan, where he built one of Nigeria’s first mobility platforms. He moved on to build a stellar career as a Software Engineer, Product Manager and Management Consultant at leading companies such as the UAC Group, PricewaterhouseCoopers, NLNG (a Shell subsidiary), Konga.com and Dalberg. Adetayo studied for his MBA at the MIT Sloan School and London Business School from 2013 to 2015. While at MIT, he co-founded MAX alongside Chinedu Azodoh. Adetayo is now focused on building MAX into a Unicorn.

Chinedu Azudoh

Chinedu leads new ventures at MAX. He started his journey as an Engineer studying Electrical & Computer Engineering at The Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago before becoming a Developer in the

Credit Derivatives team at Goldman Sachs. He then joined Barclays Bank in New York as a Mortgage

Technology Analyst, before transitioning into a Cash-Equities Professional. He co-founded MAX alongside

Adetayo Bamiduro while both were attending MIT’s Sloan School of Management.


Guy-Bertrand Njoya

Guy-Bertrand is CFO at MAX. He has close to 20 years of experience across investment banking, financial advisory, M&A, structured finance and strategy consulting. Prior to MAX, he was CFO of Terragon Group, a pan-African data and marketing technology company where he successfully sourced and arranged the company’s first ever round of venture funding and led its expansion into India through the acquisition of an R&D partner. Guy-Bertrand started his career in investment banking, spending time at Societe Generale, Lloyds Bank, Natixis and Standard Chartered, advising clients across Africa, Asia and the Middle East with access to capital and inorganic expansion strategies. He then established an independent advisory firm focused on supporting early stage organisations in their journey to scale and investment readiness. Guy-Bertrand holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Douala. He is currently pursuing an EMBA from London Business School and Columbia Business School.

The 7th cohort of the Politeracy and Governance class at the Electoral College Nigeria has come to an end, but the responsibility regarding nation-building continues. This initiative was pioneered out of a vision to birth Nigeria that citizens desire and deserve.

For the 7th Cohort, the College offered its course tagged 'Politeracy 101' for free virtually and graduated a hundred students on Saturday, 23rd April 2022.

The vision of the Electoral College is to educate 1,000,000 Nigerians about the tenets of governance, politics, the law and constitution, and what is required of leaders in both elected and appointed offices.

The College offers a virtual program comprised of 23 modules, which cover a myriad of topics including The Myths of Politics, The Arms and Tiers of Government, Manifesto and Agenda, and The Challenges of Young people in Politics to mention a few. The facilitators for this course include but are not limited to Anthony Ehilebo, Rinsola Abiola, Amina Miango, Samaila Poloma, Seyi Ayeni, Kevin Akoje, and Dr. Sam Amadi - all seasoned in their fields of expertise with rich and diverse experiences in the political arena.

It is anticipated that these 1 million 'Politerate' citizens will ignite a spark which will be transferred to fellow citizens until we see a new country built on the right principles, mindset, and culture, said the Head of Politeracy at the Electoral College Nigeria, Lisa Wunmi Hassan, at the just concluded graduation ceremony.

In addition, the Executive Director of the Electoral College Nigeria, Kunle Lawal, opined that "We cannot engage a system that we do not understand". He, therefore, urged the new graduands and now associates of the College to embody all that they had imbibed during the course regarding politics, leadership, love for country, and taking responsibility for the nation's growth and development. The associates were also encouraged to participate actively in the inner workings of politics, starting from the ward level in respective localities up by holding leaders accountable, advocating for transparency, volunteering for positions, and supporting positive change-makers.

Here are excerpts from two graduands at the event:


I have found that a lot of platforms are biased, seeking attention for themselves, and through my engagements with Electoral College, Nigeria, I tried to find their loopholes, but all I could see is expediency, responsibility, love, passion, and commitment to the country, which enforced their drive to help educate, enrich and support the information base for better citizens' involvement in governance and politics.

This is different and special, and I hope to hold this experience with me for as long as I live. - Toluwanimi Devine Alison

Electoral College Nigeria is doing a lot in ensuring that Nigeria becomes a better country.

The course has a simplified structure which made me understand politics, governance, and patriotism in a way I never had.

I am proud to say that the College has given me hope and has equipped me with the right knowledge to contribute my quota to achieving a better Nigeria worth fighting for. - Dukas Ritmwa Peace

The College has begun preparations for its 8th Cohort and registration details will be announced shortly.

Sylvanus Ocheme a Public Affairs Analyst has taking his time to x-ray the ugly incident which claim the life of gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu.

READ HIS ARTICLE BELOW:

The tragedy of death is the most painful experience to mortal man regardless of culture, tradition or religion. Death throws the living into spirals of emotional reactions ranging from fear, sorrow, mourning, regrets to sober reflections. Sister Osinachi’s death has continued to generate emotional storms, due largely to the controversy of domestic violence surrounding her ill-fated marriage.

The cacophony of voices of condemnation echoing through the length and breadth of our land shows how highly intolerant of domestic violence and abusive marriage our society has become.

This is a positive development. Domestic violence or abusive marriage in all its hues or shades is not just a setback to our civilization at its most fundamental level, but also a threat to life.

However, we are also seeing an element of ill-conceived and misdirected grievances being brazenly displayed alongside well-meaning voices. We have seen those who rather than address the matter where it truly lies, have taken it upon themselves to engage in a campaign of calumny against the church for its doctrinal stance, accusing the pastor of negligence, and thus finding him culpable in the death of Osinachi.

These malicious elements have hijacked this moment of pain and sobriety to stage a festival of hate, misinformation, sensationalism, falsehood and confusion. This moment has also unfortunately provided a solidarity platform for anti-marriage agents, flippant divorcees, and ultra-progressive elements to justify their baseness, recklessness and immorality. Now, before we progress further, let us ask a salient question: what is the basis for the vilification of the church, and the Senior Pastor, Dr Paul Enenche in the death of Osinachi? The stance of Christianity on marriage and divorce is clear. As a pastor, it is expected to preach what the Bible says and not what society says. No well-meaning pastor will stand in the congregation to advocate for divorce. No serious-minded church will make divorce the centre-piece of her doctrines and sermons.

The stand of God is clear regarding this, even right from the very beginning. However, in exceptional circumstances, especially with apparent threat to life, a resort could be sought towards saving life rather than preserving marriage, as marriage is only for the living, and not for the dead. Dr. Paul Enenche, in almost all his messages, especially during relationship programmes, emphasized on the need to flee abusive marriages just to save life. Beyond preaching, this emphasis is also being made to many in private counseling sessions. Now having emphasized heavily on the need to protect the sanctity of life rather than preserving abusive and life-threatening marriage, Dr Paul Enenche has greatly fulfilled his sacred responsibility to his congregation. Because there are abusive marriages in church does not mean that the pastor supports abuses, or is not telling his congregation the truth. There are thieves who go to church despite the preaching against stealing; there are adulterers and adulteresses who go to church despite the preaching against adultery; there are fornicators who go to church despite the preaching against fornication; there are liars who go to church and still remain liars despite the preaching against lies; there are cheats who are in church and refuse to change despite the preaching against cheating, etc. Now the fact that you can find all these categories of people with diverse vices in church does not mean the pastor is not preaching righteousness. What do you think about Judas Iscariot, a disciple of Jesus who was not just a thief, but went ahead to sell Him? What do you think about the whole world that is filled with imperfect, corrupt, wicked, and evil people, yet it was created by a perfect, incorrupt, merciful, just and righteous God in whom there is no sin? This is the point, you can only do as much as you can in the lives of others; they have the free will to make their choices, and their lives turn out according to the choices they have made and not according to the influence you exert upon them. Dr. Paul Enenche owes the duty of telling his congregation the truth; he can never live their lives for them. He can do as much as he can. He can only counsel as much as he knows and can only intervene in the private affairs of individuals and couples as much as he is allowed by them. He is not an intruder. He is not a dictator. You don’t expect him to force a woman to leave her matrimonial home.

And that is even if he was privy to the fact of abuses in the case of Osinachi.From the family statements and those of others close to her, the deceased, like every respectful woman, was very protective of the image and reputation of her abusive husband. Evidences abound that Dr. Paul Enenche was not privy to her physical abuses. And even if he was, he has his limit, especially in a situation when the abused woman had the tendency to “protect” the husband from ridicule. What about the family, whose life and blood Sister Osinachi was? Why could they not save their own? As a matter of fact, are they not expected to have more physical access to their daughter than the pastor? If they could not pull her out of the marriage, why on earth is the world dragging the pastor for not rescuing her ?

The question you ask is, was she willing to be rescued or pulled out in the first place? If you claim to love the deceased, you are expected to pay your last respect to her by mourning her and not use the occasion of her death to cast aspersions, cause confusion and vilify her pastor who has zero tolerance for abusive marriage and domestic violence. If you claim to fight domestic violence and abusive marriage, direct your arrows appropriately to hit the right target, and not someone who has an avowed stance against abuse of all kinds in marriage. We expect no further attacks on Dr. Paul Enenche, Dr. (Mrs.) Becky Enenche and Dunamis Church, except from those with undercurrent of malice, hate and bitterness stemming from envy and frustration.

And this has nothing to do with the death of Osinachi; it has nothing to do with her interest in their hearts; it has nothing to do with their condemnation of domestic violence; it has nothing to do with their love for the family or advocacy for the womankind; it has everything to do with the desperate quest of envious, hateful and wretched minds to denigrate the object of their envy.

This opinion was compiled by Sylvanus Ocheme, a Public Affairs Analyst.

[b][/b]By Sunny Green Itodo

Sometimes, the most memorable adventures are the ones you never prepared for. And talking about impromptu adventures, here is my own story.

My superior at work called me around 7 pm on Wednesday (April 6, 2022) and asked me to take the first bus to Otukpo, Benue State, the next morning, to cover the official declaration ceremony of a House of Representatives Aspirant for Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Chief Barr. Phillip Agbese, at Igumale, the headquarters of Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.

Initially, I was fidgeting, especially as I never anticipated any journey at that time. But after overpowering the aura of laziness around me, I packed a few clothes and some essentials into a small cross shoulder bag, ready for the next day's journey.

I woke before my alarm on the morning of the D-day. I had set a 5:00 am alarm on my mobile phone but woke up around 4:47 am, 13 minutes before the alarm. I meditated until 5:11 am. Then I went to the bathroom to take my bath.

After bathing, I picked up the small bag to check if everything was intact, especially my phone charger, pen and notebook. You know, the importance of recording and writing materials to a reporter is akin to hoe and cutlass to a farmer.

I left my house around FAAN Staff Quarters, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, before 6:00 am. But spent more than two hours navigating my way to the motor park, switching taxis from Airport to Lugbe, Lugbe to Area 1, Area 1 to Nyanya, Nyanya to Mararaba, and Mararaba to Sharp Corner, where the garage for vehicles plying the Loko-Oweto route is located.

The delay was caused by the morning rush and its accompanying gridlock.

By the time I arrived at the park, the first, second and third buses had already left.

I had no choice but to wait for the fourth bus, a six-seater Sharon vehicle, which took more than an hour to be filled.

We finally kicked off the journey at about 10:17 am. But it was not up to 2 minutes before the driver, a young man in his mid 30s, decided to observe the traditional ritual of ‘branching’ at a gas station. We had to endure a few more minutes of filling the station queue due to the scarcity of the product at the time. After filling his tank, the driver appeared set for the business of the day. Benue here we come! An obvious sound roared from the exhaust pipe.

While the driver ‘wheels’ his way through the ever-busy Keffi-Abuja road, many things kept creeping into my mind.

What would be the outcome of the journey?

I was a bit scared because it was my first time plying the storied Loko-Oweto enroute Benue.

Before now, I had read stories of constant fatal crashes on the road due to its zigzag nature.

There were also stories of kidnappers terrorizing people along the route.

This further compounded my fears.

I have a mission, Igumale is the destination, I soliloquized.

As the journey progressed I returned from my stream of thoughts to enjoy the trip.

Not too long, a co-traveler, who was seated with the driver at the front, waved away the speculations with the back of his palm, saying they are "myths", when a first-timer raised concern about the rumoured notorious nature of the road.

He said that the route has become his favourite for sometime now because it reduces travel time to Benue South and Southeastern Nigeria from Abuja, adding that since he has been plying the route, he has never experienced any of the ugly myths about the road.
The driver also corroborated, saying the road is safe and faster.

I usually travel with my earpiece but on this journey, I did not dare to because I was trying to manage my phone battery conscious of the fact that I was going for a recording duty. So, I was forced to hear every discussion in the vehicle.

As we journey through towns in Nasarawa State; Keffi, Angwa-Magudu, Angwan Daula, the tales of one man continued to dominate discussions in the vehicle.

Passenger after passenger, incessantly and passionately eulogise the name "Okanga" for his benevolence acts.

A middle-aged woman, seated at the back, specifically hailed Okanga for his generosity to widows, orphans and old people whom she said he has been giving succor to, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown.

A young man sitting next to me, mentioned that Okanga has being single-handedly sponsoring a yearly festival, Akatakpa Oroja in Apa-Agila. He said the festival provided monetary benefits across board amongst the participants.

The driver added that although he was not a direct beneficiary of Okanga's benevolence, he can testify of hundreds of youths who have benefited from his entrepreneurship scheme. He said Okanga built an ICT Entrepreneurship Scheme Center in Apa-Agila, focused on entrepreneurship, reorientation and skill development for youths.

A male passenger who said he was from Ijigham in Ado council, said Okanga constructed a bridge in his community. According to him, the bridge has paved the town, adding that it was now motorable.

It was almost midday when we arrived at Nasarawa (a town which Nasarawa is named after).

Nasarawa houses one of the federal polytechnics.

Our car was ‘bathed’ in sunlight. The driver slowed down for passengers buying snacks from racing hawkers. After which we resumed our journey. And the tales continued!

A young, lanky and caramel-skinned lady who said she was a student, said she had benefited from Okanga's scholarship program. She said during Covid-19 lockdown, Okanga introduced a mid semester scholarship for students in higher institutions of learning across the 10 wards of Ado Local Government Area, of which she was one of the beneficiaries.

She added that Okanga also introduced a Rural Women Empowerment Grant, which hundreds of market women from Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo councils have so far benefited from the scheme.

It was now that I was poised to ask who this Okanga was. And the passengers chorused: Phillip Agbese!

"Same Phillip Agbese I am going to cover his declaration ceremony?," I asked out of surprise rather than intention.

Of course, I know Chief Philip Agbese; a UK-trained lawyer, author/publisher, journalist, humanitarian, activist and philanthropist who is aspiring for the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC. But I've also learnt that he is fondly called by his chieftaincy title, Okanga Insinabo 1 of Agila kingdom.

Good bye from Nasarawa, welcome to Benue. We arrived on the Loko-Oweto bridge which separates Nasarawa and Benue States at about 1:16 pm. I craned my neck to ogle the sun-pierced Benue river.

From the mouth of the bridge in Oweto, Agatu, it will take roughly an hour to Otukpo.

The Benue portion of the road is asphalted unlike the Nasarawa section which is largely under construction. As you drive through the Nasarawa axis, one could see board inscriptions on woods, ‘slow down, men at work'.

Save from the Nasarawa town, Kana, the other portions of the Nasarawa State axis of the road are dusty, lonely and bumpy. My white handkerchief turned red from cleaning dust and sweat.

We finally arrived Otukpo at about 2:20 pm after swirling through Ogbaulu, Oshigudu, Akpete/Ojantele, Igoro, Ugbokpo, Ofoke, Igah-Okpaya, Ojinebe I and II ,Adoka Icho, Ogodumu, Ugboju Ehaje, Ogobia, Umotile, Okete, Olgewu Icho, Ankpechi then Otukpo.

After alighting from the vehicle, I took a bike to OCB junction to board a vehicle to Ado. I was told it is an hour journey. I couldn't get any vehicle on time, so I decided to go on motorcycle. The motorcyclist, a young man in his 20s, was wearing an 'Okanga 2023' apron. I told him I was going for Chief Phillip Agbese declaration ceremony at Igumale playground. He charged me N3000 but I bargained for N2000. And he said he was only accepting the "tiny amount" because I am going for Okanga's ceremony. And we took off in a "fast and furious" style.

His over spending was because I had told him I needed to catch up with the event that I was far behind schedule. He didn't slow down until we got to a police checking-point at Akpa. One of the officers, being suspicious of my black bag, demanded to search it. He asked who my identity was. And I told him I'm a journalist and that I was going for Okanga's declaration ceremony.

He said, "Oh oh! Sorry, carry on".

He didn't say much, but I fathom that the name "Okanga" can open doors.

We continued on our power-bike style riding, dodging potholes, and overtaking vehicles.

We were finally welcomed to Ado by the river bridge at Utonkon after dancing through Otobi and other Akpa villages.

I began to notice 'Okanga 2023' posters in every town and village we passed.

The song 'Searching' by Innocent Idibia, popularly called 2Face, featuring the legendary Bongos Ikwue, popped up in my head especially the lines, "Dark Idoma girl, she too get mouth...Aip'oklobia dudu umu'Utonkon kworgba, Ebayo nunu l'lgumale ohigguwooo!'', because of the shout out he (2Baba) gave to Utonkon and Igumale in Ado local government.

By the time we got to the venue for the declaration ceremony in Igumale, the local government headquarters, the ceremony had ended and Okanga had left. But I was fortunate to see the sheer volume of attendees trooping out of the playground; all wearing smiles and hymning his (Okanga) praises.

I spoke with some of the elated attendees who expressed their joy in having a leader like Okanga accepting to represent them at the green chambers.

A septuagenarian who simply identified himself as Mr. Otse said, "We are happy with Okanga because he is not a seasonal politician who shows up only when it is time for campaign. He is with us always. He is acclimatized with the challenges of our constituency, and he has been solving them in his own capacity even long before he accepted our call to represent us at the House of Representatives."

On her part, Blessing, a young nursing student said she will vote for Okanga because she loves the calmness on his face.

"I've never voted before. But in 2023 I will vote Chief Philip Agbese, alias Okanga for House of Reps. I share in his passion. I can relate with most of the issues in his manifesto. And also, I think he is gentle, calm and collected. Plus he has done a lot for my people. His wife is also from Igumale," she said.

Similarly, Peter, a young man approaching his 40s, said he will vote for Okanga regardless of the platform of the political party he is contesting.

"In 2023, we'll vote for people, not parties. Okanga is a man of the people. He has empowered thousands of youths, men and women. He has also supported a lot of children through school. He has done what our elected leaders cannot do," he stated.

Dusk was preparing to fall when I finished interviewing the locals. I trekked to the junction to board a vehicle back to Otukpo. The driver, a middle-aged man, charged me N2000, and I pleaded with him to pay N1000. And he said he will accept the thousand naira because I said I was coming from Okanga's declaration ceremony.

As our vehicle zoomed off for Otukpo, it dawned on me that the life of Chief Phillip Agbese, alias Okanga, vividly typifies what the bible said about a good name.

Throughout the constituency, the sound of the name "Okanga", reverberates like the crack melody of the night inserts tearing the stillness of the darkest night. The sound is carried by the waves of his benevolences.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/my-loko-oweto-road-experience-and-the-tales-of-okanga-sunny-green/

The Dunamis Church international gospel centre(DIGC) has debunked the speculation on social media and some media outfits that the late gospel singer's husband, Peter Nwachukwu is a pastor in the church.

This is coming after the late angelic voice crooner of Ekwueme, Osinachi Nwachukwu who allegedly died due to alleged complications from domestic violence perpetrated by her husband.

But Nigerians, apparently disappointed by the many questionable circumstances surrounding her passage took to their social media handles and some media outfits to raise queries on the role her Church, the popular Dunamis played in at least saving her life.

Pastor Paul Enenche the spiritual head of the church is not spared in this direction as the queries are being heaped on his doorsteps to tell Nigerians what actually transpired.

The commonality in the queries being raised by Nigerians is whether the church is not aware and what did Dr Enenche as the head did in his capacity to alleviate Osinachi’s travails.

According to a source who crave not to be named in print, Mr Peter Nwachukwu is not a Pastor in Dunamis Church, he is not even an elder or leader in any capacity in church.

He said, “Dunamis Church international does not entertain any form of domestic violence no matter how little it is. Our spiritual father Dr Paul Enenche is never aware of what Osinachi was going through in terms of physical abuse. I can vouch for him on that because if he was aware, he would make sure the matter is resolved without any delay. And even at that, the diseased was very protective of her husband’s image and reputation as is typical of any responsible wife.

The passing of Late Osinachi no doubt created a great void in the Body of Christ. We love her but God loves her most' and may her soul rest in perfect peace”, he said.

Similarly, her elder sister, Ms Favour Made, in an interview with journalists on Sunday, explained that her sister did not died from cancer of the throat as reported in some media, she said "my sister died as a result of cluster of blood in the chest from the kicking she allegedly got from her husband, Peter Nwachukwu".
According to her, the husband, Peter Nwachukwu hit her with his leg on the chest.

All these while, he had been beating her but my sister hid all that she was passing through from us and even from the church.

Before now, we told her to come out of the marriage, we told her that they are not divorcing, that it’s just separation. But she felt that God is against divorce.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/osinachis-husband-peter-nwanchukwu-not-a-dunamis-pastor-source/

By Our Reporter

A social media influencer, Cletus Emoche Agada, has recounted how a sitting senator from Benue State used him to attacked his opponents on social media during the 2019 elections.

From the open letter he wrote to the Senator, it appeared their relationship has gone sour, as he claimed in the letter that the senator was now treating him as an "outsider" because of his "support" for a House of Representatives Member from Benue South, Hon. Francis Ottah Agbo.

He said he had tried to reconcile the senator and the Reps member but the Senator was "playing god".

According to the aggrieved blogger, he had decided to support the Senator's opponent, Hon. Hassan Saleh in the 2023 Senatorial election because the Senator did not "appreciate" him.

Agada also stated in his letter, which he personally shared amongst his friends and colleagues, that the Senator was after his life, due to his current romance with Hon. Saleh, who is also an aspirant for the senatorial seat.

The letter reads: "It pains me to write you in this manner and it is due to your undistinguished behavior at the Enone Caucus meeting of today.

"It was my personal decision to support Rt. Hon Hassan Saleh because you decided to treat me as an outsider in your house due to my support for Hon. Francis Ottah Agbo.
I went the extra mile to reconcile you with Ottah but you were playing god.

"Whatever I'm doing for Hassan Saleh today, I did 10 times more for you which you never appreciated. I know of people who have paid jobs and are comfortable but still earn stipends from your office for doing nothing but you've never considered me for such a privilege, yet, I never complained nor stop supporting you.

"I was your last line of defense from the days of the campaign even when I never earned anything from you and those pseudo accounts on Facebook knows this for a fact. They rejoiced to know I left.

"If what I'm doing for Hassan Saleh today gets into your nose, know that it's nothing compared to what your opponents in Joe Ojobo and Chief Lawani went through in my hand.

"I have a grateful heart and for the least of things you did for me from a clear mind, I appreciated and never brought any pressure on you.

"You owe me nothing and I'm not indebted to you in anyway either.
I've carried out my job with Hassan with the highest level of consciousness in other not to offend you but it seems I can't please you.

"I recall writing to you in 2019 about Hon. James Uloko when it was rumoured that you were doing overtime to replace him with Aida Nath as an adviser nominee. I remember linking you with Manex and Queen Success (Onyeche) which is the beginning of the better relationship you have with them today. I remember coming to inform you about Hon. Ebije when he was using his personal money to construct road to Otto and it brought you closer to him. I remember doing everything possible to convince Patrick Idoko and Peter Enemari that you were better than the person painted by your opponents and when your daughter was getting married and they brought 2 cows to your house that you couldn't even acknowledge or appreciate with an ordinary text message, I kept pressing to unite them with you. Just recently, I remember how I tried to bring Owie Zenith to meet you which never worked and how I straightened the path between you and Sylvanus Itodo.

"If I'm not with you today, I can look back and see the seeds I sowed in your house and they are currently bearing good fruits.

"In January 2019 before the commencement of the campaign, I was the first person that hosted you in Ogbadibo when I brought you to commission the Hotel I leased. I drove from Otukpa to Otukpo everyday and back without collecting a single penny as allowance from the campaign directorate.

"From Joe Ojobo's pre-election case at the High Court, I drove to Makurdi at every sitting to report your side of the story without anyone subsidizing my expenses. It was Solo Onah that usually buy us lunch at Stomach Paradise after every sitting and that's the much I got but I was never weary.
The likes of Hyacinth Ujor can tell how I drove them to Makurdi and back on regular basis.

"When the election were over and the case moved to the tribunal, I never missed any sitting from the day Young Alhaji withdrew his petition.

"Sir, as a senator, it wouldn't have been out of place to consider me for slots when you carry out empowerment programs in the constituency, most especially when there would be nominees from Ogbadibo. I've seen where you've distributed laptops, sewing machines, COVID-19 loans and others. It's only you that knows how you generate your lists as most of us that worked for you have never been considered for any of such things and if others do, I've never benefitted from the least of this things.

"I made many enemies defending you and your interest and you know this. I took on Vincent Okoko Odoh without prompting when he came after you at a time you were out of the country. When he attacked you the second time, I remember you wanted to go fight it out with him in Court, I opposed that and went after him again.
At the burial of John Ngbede's brother at Agatu in 2020, Ene Yusuf had to mediate between me and Che Rex when he arranged for me to be attackef because I was the only person defending Amina when everyone fought with Christie Ekoja or remain silent. Ask Amina, has she ever given me a Kobo in the whole time she has known me?

"I wrote all these to let you know that in my little way, I contributed my quota to your success in the last 3 years.
Time Will fail me to start talking about Adakole Elijah when he and Ada Mark Ogbole were dragging you on social media at the time you constituted the Benue South Security and Economic Summit Group which never saw the light of the day due to the outbreak of COVID 19.

"Let me say that I envy no one and I'm contented with whatever I have even though my young family has stretched me to the limit.

"I don't know what anyone told you about my family which you mentioned today but I'm glad to inform you that I'm from the Anyeberi family in Efugo and apart from the Ipari people, we're the most successful family in Otukpa and you can ask. We've had members of the family with mental challenge due to polar gene but it's now thing of the past.

"Thuggery, criminality and violence is not in my family and when you said "you will get your boys to deal with me" it's because violence runs in your veins.

"If I'm to be killed for what I do, your opponents would have killed me before now because I stood for you even when it was difficult to do so in Ogbadibo.

"I've come to the conclusion that you are one of the best servants Idoma Land ever produced but have failed to improve on your Leadership skills and following you is a road to nowhere.

"It's God that gives power and if it is the will of God for you to return to the Senate, I wish you well but since I gained nothing working for you, I would have lost nothing not working for you.

"I'll continue with what I do in the most professional way and when you send your boys to kill me, may you inherit the earth."

The Senate Committee on industry has commended the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund, Sir, Joe Ari, and the management of the Fund, for the, while urging other empowerment agencies to emulate the Director of the ITF for the unprecedented achievement as the ITF clocks 50 years.

The Senate Committee Chairman on Industry, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, made the commendations in a chat with newsmen on Monday at an interactive session with representatives of agencies under its committee.

Earlier, in the week the Director General, Sir Ari at the Annual Industrial training Fund merit award ceremony held at the multi- purpose complex Gymnasium ITF Headquarters reeled out the achievements and the programmes of the ITF in the year under review and its plans to implement other skills intervention programmes across the 36 States and the FCT in 2022.

Sir Ari, disclosed that as mark of commitment to ensuring that more Nigerians acquire Skills “We have commenced the processes for the implementation of other skills intervention programs in 2022 “

While unveiling the program for the year 2022, Sir Ari, said that “The programs en -marked for implementations are passion 2 profession programme ( P2PP), Construction Skill Empowerment Program, ( CONSEP) , Women Skills Empowerment Programme ( WOSEP) , National Industrial Skills Empowerment Program ( NISEP), Industrial Skills Development Programme ( NISEDP), Agri- Prenureship Skills Empowerment programme ( AGSEP), Special Skills Development Programme ( SSDP), ITF- NECA TSDP and skills Training and empowerment programme for the physically challenged ( STEPP-C)”

Apart from the NISDP that will be implemented in all the state of the federation, including FCT , the rest of the Skills according to the ITF boss, will be shared amongst the states base on the likelihood of the participants to eke out sustainable livelihood , because of the need of the state for such peculiar skills.

While commending the staff and management of ITF for their supports, Sir, Ari said that the “The ITF merit award provide us with the platform to present our score cards, recognize and celebrate staff and other stakeholders, whose individual and collective contributions were invaluable to the achievement of our corporate targets in the preceding year “



Continued, he said that “The year 2021 which was declared as the year of ‘Skills Escalation for Prosperity’ was at once quite challenging and as well very fulfilling year for us as an organization . It was challenging because it tasked our resilience and innate creativity, Nigeria like the rest of the world, was made worse by a myriad of the social economic problems that manifested in the form of unrelenting criminality across the nation, the soaring cost of living, rampant kidnapping and separatists’ agitations among others. As an institution that is reliant on a thriving economy and endless mobility 2021 was therefore an extremely a tough year on many levels”



“Our decision to declare this year, 2021 as year of Skills Escalation for Prosperity” was informed by the urgent need for us as leading human capacity institution in Nigeria to step up our Skills acquisition efforts so that many Nigerians as possible are equip with requisite skills to assist individuals and corporate organizations to overcome the effect of the numerous opportunities that opened to us as a result of the policies of the Federal Government”

Interestingly, despite the challenges alluded to earlier by the Director General, the agency implemented the following skill interventions , namely, the National Industrial Skills Development programme( NISDP) , Women Skills Empowerment Programme( WOSEP), Agri- Prenuership Skills Empowerment Programme( AGSEP), Federal Government Skills Empowerment programme( FEGOSEP) , Special Skills Intervention programme( SSIP), Modular Skills Development Project ( MSDP).

“ Together, the programme trained over 16000 Nigerians that were empowered with startup packs for them to start up their own” Ari stated.

Sir, Ari, noted that “Similarly, the five ITF skills training Centres spread across the federation trained a total of 3,397 Nigerians in various trades and Crafts”

A breakdown of the figures shows that the Industrial Skills Training Centre ( ISTC) Ikeja, trained 436 Nigerians, Model Skills Training Centre( MSTC), Abuja763, Industrial Skills Training Centre( ISTC), Kano 294, and Centre for Excellent( CFE) Buruku, 1550.



Dr. Ari, said that “ One of the core functions of the Fund is the capacity building for employers of labour for them to be productive and contribute mean fully to the growth and development of the private and public sectors of Nigeria economy”

In this regard to assist employers of labour to recover from the disruptive of the CODVID- 19 pandemic, in the year under review, the fund implemented Three Hundred and Twelve employees (312 ) employees scheduled training programmes, for Three Thousand , Two Hundred and Twelve employees ( 3, 212) and another Eight Hundred and Twenty Eight ( 828) organisations.

It has also trained a total of Seven Thousand Seven Hundred and Seven ( 7,707) Employees from Four Hundred and Sixty ( 460) under its unscheduled training programme.

In addition the agency carried out performance and productivity improvement surveys for 25 Companies and implemented 20 training programme for Five Hundred and Forty One ( 541) employers from the Companies surveyed.

The Managing Director, Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, Alhaji MammanLafia Umar, has called on customers of the company to take advantage of the Meters Access Providers (MAP) programme of the company to be metered.

The Managing Director made the call yesterday at the customer's consultative forum, Otukpo, Benue State.

Alhaji Umar who was represented by the Otukpo Regional Manager, Mr Joseph Kwaghgba, urged customers to embrace the policy to be metered saying that the company desired to meter all her customers.

"You will recall that under the phase zero of the National mass metering programs, over 99,739 customers were metered. At the moment, what we have is MAP and we intend to meter over 25,000 customers in the next 60 days" he disclosed.

The Managing Director, who, therefore, explained the benefits of MAP to customers revealed that Customers would have their premises metered within 10 days after payment confirmation.

He said Estimated bills would be eliminated just as it would lead to Better energy management by customers.

He explained further that metered Customers would only pay for what they consumed adding that Customers would be metered at no cost because the meter cost will be refunded through energy credits amongst other things.

In his presentation, the Head, Metering, Engineer Felix Adamu Shalzin, who extolled the importance of prepaid meters rolled out the MAP Metering Process.

According to him the first thing a customer should do was to "Visit our Customer Care Office to obtain the Application form free of charge or go to our website to fill the form and submit"

He said after submission there would be Site verification by the company's meter technical team for pre-installation survey to ascertain phase-type.

Engr Adamu further explained that the company's team would generate RRR showing meter amount to the customer via SMS/email for payment at any bank of customer's choice.

Thereafter, he explained that the customer " is expected to Get payment receipt from the bank and After payment confirmation, the premises will be metered in 10 days".

In his presentation, the Head of Security of the company, Musa Abdullahi discussed the negative effects of vandalism on the community and the company called for community policing to stem the menace of vandals.

On his part, the Regional network Engineer, Yohanna Gyang who decried molestation of the company's staff by some customers called for a change of attitude.

Also Speaking, the Task Force regional Manager, Gboko, Olaniyi called on customers to always pay for their consumed energy saying, "energy is not free. I am sure you are all aware that electricity subsidy has been removed by the federal government".

"It is the money you are paying that is being used in servicing the value chain. Refusal to pay will affect the entire chain. The money does not belong to JED Plc alone", he divulged.

In his contributions, the Head, Customer Care and Relationship Management, Mr Lucky Akpobi called on customers to always document their complaints saying, " your complaints would be attended to expeditiously".

Abuja, Nigeria, March 19th 2022 – A new public opinion poll has tipped former Benue State Governor and Minister for Special Duties, Senator George Akume as the most suitable candidate to lead the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The national poll was undertaken by DBI Analytics Consulting to ascertain the level of citizens awareness towards ongoing socio-political happenings in the country, part of which includes the forthcoming APC Convention.

Polling MethodologyThe public opinion poll was administered between Monday 14th and Thursday 17th March, 2022. It involved telephone interviews of a random national sample. A total of 1,011 citizens were randomly selected from phone-owning Nigerians aged 18 years and above; and citizens across the 36 states of the country and the FCT were interviewed.

The sample has a ±5% margin of error and confidence interval of 95%, deemed statistically significant.From the poll findings, 51 percent of respondents said they are aware of the forthcoming National Convention of the APC, while 41 percent are unaware and 8 percent simply uninterested to participate in the poll.

In terms of familiarity with the candidates contesting for the party Chairmanship, 53 percent, 52 percent and 50 percent of respondents said they are familiar with Tanko Al-Makura, Abdullahi Adamu and George Akume respectively.

In addition, 45 percent said they are familiar with Senator Sani Musa, while 39 percent affirmed same for Mustapha Salihu. Furthermore, the poll also sought the opinion of citizens regarding which aspirant they believe has the leadership capacity, character and integrity to lead the APC. From the findings, Senator George Akume came tops with 32 percent as the candidate with the leadership capacity, character and integrity to lead the party. This was followed by Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura with 23 percent and Senator Abdullahi Adamu with 17 percent.

Others are Senator Sani Musa with 8 percent and Mustapha Salihu with 6 percent.

DBI Analytics Consulting is a boutique research consulting firm specializing in Public Opinion Polls, Election Surveys, and Perception Studies. Signed

Segun OlajonrinAssociate Director, DBI Analytics Consulting
dbianalytics01@gmail.com

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/apc-national-convention-opinion-poll-tips-akume-as-most-suitable-to-lead-party/

The leadership of the APC support groups has noted with concern the subversive acts of some so called Party members and leaders in the run up to the 2022 APC National convention to date.

We are seriously disturbed by the outcomes of some ill intentioned nocturnal meetings, conspiracy gatherings and court actions instituted against the APC CCECPC under the able leadership of His Excellency Mai Mala Buni including the recent attempts to use the National assembly to assert a move to disenfranchise eligible and experienced public office holders.

In a statement signed by the Convener of the group, Malam Isah Jabbi, he noted that most prominent among these unbecoming acts of sabotage are those been engineered and perpetrated by Former Zamfara state Governor H. E Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari and his co traveller former Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa both of Zamfara State.

We of the APC Youth support groups having analysed the entire situation and the present scenario hereby call on the APC National leadership to urgently take disciplinary actions against all persons working against the intrests of the party for their selfish intrests.

We condemn whole heartedly the acts of contempt exhibited by persons expected to show leadership by purchasing nomination forms for offices that have been allocated out of their zones.

Consequently, we hereby call on the National leadership to immediately dismiss persons such as H.E Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari and Senator Marafa.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/apc-convention-support-groups-call-for-urgent-disciplinary-action-against-yari-marafa-others/

describes It as the quickest solution to the nation's security challenges.....

The proposed legal framework to establish the National Taskforce on Prohibition of Illegal Importation/Smuggling of Arms, Ammunition, Light Weapons, Chemical Weapons and Pipeline Vandalism (NATFORCE) is attracting more support from stakeholders.


The latest was at a public hearing in Abuja.

This followed the presentation of memoranda at a one day public hearing of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

The Director General of National Taskforce on Prohibition of Illegal, Importation/Smuggling of Arms, Ammunition, Light Weapons, Chemical Weapons and Pipeline Vandalism, Dr. Baba Mohammed backed the establishment of a commission for the prohibition of illegal arms and light weapons describing it as long awaited.

The bill according to him intends to domesticate the provisions of the economic community of West African states convention on small arms and light weapons signed by Nigeria in June 2006 and therefore seen as a legal obligation and the necessary first step to address small arms and light weapons problems within a country.

He cited Liberia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Cote’divoire, Guinea as countries who have established the Commission to stop killings, kidnappings, banditry.

The NATFORCE Director General also commended the national assembly for ongoing efforts at establishing the commission to checkmate proliferation of small arms and lIght weapons.

He further described the menace as the major challenge confronting the nation and triggering insecurity, adding that establishing a Commission to coordinate arms mop-up was ideal now.

Declaring the public hearing open earlier, the Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan linked challenges associated with small and light weapons to crises in the Sahel.

Lawan, who spoke through Senate Deputy minority leader, Senator Shuaibu Lau stressed that the proliferation of weapons has triggered dangerous act of terrorism and time to act is now.

Also speaking Dr. Yakubu Dadu, head of ECOWAS National office at the ministry of Foreign Affairs, declared support for the bill.

The bill he explained is linked to ECOWAS convention, pointing out that it is only Nigeria that has not established a centre to curb proliferation of small and light weapons in the sub region.

Also contributing, the Director General of Coalition of Nigeria Youth, Ambassador Ade Emmanuel supported the bill, he however emphasised that politics should be avoided during the consideration of the bill.

Chairman of the committee on national security and intelligence Senator Ibrahim Gobir promised fairness of the committee in the discharge of the all important Bill.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/stakeholders-back-proposed-natforce-bill-to-transit-into-a-commission/

The Lawmaker representing Okpokwu Constituency, Benue State House of Assembly, Honourable Anthony Agom, has reiterated his commitment to the advancement of education through consistent approach towards students enrollment in his constituency. 

Hon Agom, made this known while speaking with Benue State Awareness Group on his Free
JAMB Registration initiative for 2022/2023 academic year.

He noted that, he is concerned about the growth of the younger generations as they are the future of his constituency. Stating that, his
efforts toward supporting students to get to higher institutions in his constituency by introducing the Free JAMB, is to lessen the burden on parents, guidance and some students who cater for their own educational needs.

The Lawmaker said since his assumption of office in 2019, he has put machinery in place for the advancement of education in his constituency. One of such approaches is, his personal support programme that has provided financial assistance to students to settle tuition fees, paid examination fees for final year Senior Secondary School Students to seat for either NECO or WAEC but this year, he decided to distributes for free hundreds of forms for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to equally encourage enrollment into higher institution of learning.

He said with the available resources, he has been ensuring to do all within his ability to advance the course of the younger generation especially in the areas of education and economic empowerment. To this end, Hon Agom invites all his constituents to participate in this year maiden Free JAMB Initiative

To be qualified for the Free JAMB, he urged students from Okpokwu Local Government to submit their documents e.g; photocopy of SSCE, Certificate of Origin, passport to Hon. Anthony Agom's Constituency Office, Tudu wada, Okpoga, Okpokwu Local Government Area. The submission has since commenced and it will end on Wednesday, 16th March, 2022. Disbursement of funds follow immediately on Saturday 19th March, 2022.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/benue-lawmaker-agom-restates-commitment-to-educational-advancement-of-constituents/

By Sunny Green Itodo

The Idoma people of Benue State are not relenting on their efforts to produce the next Governor of the state, come 2023.

This is as the umbrella body of Benue South governorship agitation groups, Benue Rebirth Movement (BRM) is set to hold the mother of all rallies in support of Idoma/Igede governorship struggle in the State Capital, Makurdi, on Friday, March 11, 2022.

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the mega rally, and Executive Chairman of Ogbadibo Local Government Area, Prince Samuel Onuh, told our correspondent that the rally which will be hosted by AVM. Monday Morgan (Rtd), the National Coordinator of BRM, will be under the distinguished chairmanship of former Senate President, Sen. David Mark.

Onuh said the rally has become necessary in order to create more awareness of the readiness of Zone C (Idoma/Igede) to occupier the Government house come 2023.

He lamented that 46 years after the creation of Benue State, no Idoma person has ever govern the state.

He appealed to the Tiv majority to support Idoma governorship in the spirit of equity.

Onuh said, ''It's been 46 years since the creation of Benue state and the Idoma Speaking Benue have never been Governor.

"The rally is meant to raise the awareness of the readiness of the Benue South Senatorial zone to occupy the Government house come 2023.

"While appealing to the TIV nation which comprises Benue North West and Benue North East in the spirit of equity to support the Benue south/ Idoma Course."

The mega rally in support of Idoma Governorship hold at IBB Square Makurdi, 10:00 AM on Friday.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/benue-2023-governorship-benue-south-set-to-break-the-jinx-announce-mega-rally/

The Chairman, Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic Ohodo, Enugu State, Chief Dr. Silva E. Ameh FCNA and Ojebo K'Idoma has applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing one of their son Architect Sunny Echono as Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).

Chief Ameh in a press statement personally signed by himself congratulated Arc. Echono and described him as an accomplished technocrat per excellence.

Read the statement below;

On behalf of myself, members of the Goveming Council and the Principal Officers of the Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo, Enugu, I most respectfully applaud the President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for the magnanimous appointment of Arc. Sunny Echono, FNIA, as the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).

For the appointment to come almost immediately after your recent meritorious retirement from the Federal Civil Service is certainly in recognition of your enduring legacy and contributions to the development of the Nigerian Public Service Sector. Indeed it is a manifestation of Mr. President's trust and confidence in you.

The Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo, Enugu State, gladly joins a multitude of peace loving Nigerians to congratulate you on this well-deserved appointment. To those of us who are witnesses to your steady strides as an astute professional and accomplished technocrat per excellence, serving loyally and excellently from your humble beginning and through key Federal Ministries, it is our firm belief that your cognate experiences will be firmly brought to bear on your new herculean assignment.

It is our fervent belief that this appointment will afford you the opportunity to promote Mr. President's deliberate policy of providing the teeming youth of this country unfettered access to Technical Education to drive the industrialization of the Nation.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR LIFE ACHIEVER, Arc. Sunny Echono, FNIA.
Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).

By Moses Idika and Anderson Osiebe

Former federal lawmaker and socialite, Prince Ned Nwoko has debunked as” false” and deliberate attempt to get public “sympathy” the news making the rounds that a lawyer, Abubakar Marshal was arrested by the police in Abuja for filling a matter against him in court, rather Prince Nwoko stated that the embattled lawyer was picked up by police and later remanded in prison for misconduct.
Nwoko who spoke through his lawyer, Bryan Ukaegbu called on the public to discountenance the news published on Omoyele Sowore’s Sahara Reporters as a fake news primarily aimed at misinforming the public.

Nwoko’s lawyer in a press statement issued in Abuja this weekend explained that Mr. Omoyele Sowore was earlier invited by the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to answer to a petition bordering on “criminal acts of defamation of character, injurious falsehood, criminal intimidation, cyber stalking” written against him by lawyers of Prince Nwoko.

According to Ukaegbu, Sowore’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal willingly and knowingly decided to aid his client to run away from justice when against the ethics of the legal profession he decided to stand surety for his client, Sowore. Ukaegbu explained that, Abubakar Marshal subsequently refused to produce his client to help police investigation which led to him (Abubakar Marshal) being taking in by the police and subsequent arraignment in court.

The statement reads in part:

“To start from the beginning, Mr Omoyele Sowore was invited by the office of the Inspector General of Police to answer to a Petition written by the Solicitors to Hon.Prince Ned Nwoko, the law firm of TRIFOLD LAW AND PARTNERS. The petition bordered on criminal acts of defamation of character, injurious falsehood, criminal intimidation, cyber stalking etc. against Hon Prince Dr. Ned Munir Nwoko and targeted at rubbing his name to the mud, tarnishing his reputation contrary to extant provisions of the Penal Code and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“As mentioned above and customarily, Mr Sowore was invited by the Nigerian Police Force to give a statement on the claims made in the Petition but he refused to honour the invitation.

This led to his arrest wherein he still refused to give any statement. Apart from his refusal to give a statement regarding the claims against him, under the law, he was to remain in custody until he is either charged to Court or he fulfills the Police Bail conditions. Consequently, his lawyer, one Marshal Abubakar chose to stand as surety for bail for Mr Sowore and he, the lawyer assured the Police to produce Mr Sowore on the next date slated for continuation of the investigation. Now on the said date, neither Mr Sowore nor his lawyer, Abubakar were in attendance at the Police Station. They had been at large since then and it became clear that the lawyer was interfering with the investigations of the Police. Consequently, it then became very necessary to arrest the lawyer in order to get him to produce his client.

“With these in full perspective, I put across these posers to-wit: Was the lawyer to Mr Omoyele Sowore right when he stood as a surety on bail for his client? Was the lawyer justified to help his Client escape Police investigation and becoming a fugitive or absconder from a lawful arrest?

“The Rules of Professional conduct for Legal Practitioners is against Lawyers aiding their clients to disobey the law or duly constituted authorities e.g the Nigerian Police Force (See Rule 3 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Lawyers that is instructive to the following fact and I quote:

“In his representation of his client, a lawyer shall not ----- (a) give service or advice to the client which he knows or ought reasonably to know is capable of causing disloyalty to, or breach of, the law, or bringing disrespect to the holder of a judicial office, or involving corruption of holders of any public”.

“I think it is trite to say that the police cannot and have no right whatsoever to arrest anyone for filing a law suit against another in application to the court to determine whether a right exists or not or whether or not it has been infringed upon. Abubakar Marshall (Esq.) with all due respect, acted unprofessionally and motu propriori (on a frolic of his own) when he stood as a surety for his client as he ought to have known that:

“(a) Lawyers are admonished from standing as surety for their client or anyone at all, as doing so opens one up to a lot of condescending issues that takes away from your prestige as lawyer e.g arrest, investigation, prosecution etc., as we do not and are not allowed by law to do so in order to prevent us from protracted litigations in a matter we are representing a client on or are seized on .
“(b) He ought not to stand bail where he knows or has reasons to believe that his client was or is intending to jump police bail.
(c) He ought to have either procured a surety or bonds person where no surety exists as is permissible by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 Laws of the Federation, Nigeria.

“So for the records, Abubakar Marshall, Esq. was not arrested because he filed a case in court against Prince Ned Nwoko seeking 200 million Naira, for the arrest of Mr Omoyele Sowore. Rather he was in-fact arrested for Standing as a surety for his CLIENT MR OMOLEYE SOWORE and FOR FAILING TO PRODUCE MR SOWORE TO THE POLICE WHENEVER HE WAS NEEDED.

“This is the TRUE PERSPECTIVE TO THE ISSUE. Anything short of the above are mere lies and fabrications to garner public sentiments and sway the mind of the public from the fact that Mr Omoyele Sowore committed a crime by going on a crusade of vilification and calumny and by publishing half truths about a Nigerian Citizen in the person of Prince Ned Munir Nwoko who had fundamental human rights enshrined and protected by the CFRN 1999 (as amended) e.g ‘Right of Private Life’. Hence, Sowore must be investigated and charged to court for same and prosecuted accordingly.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/why-sowores-lawyer-is-in-prison-prince-ned-nwoko/

Adamtrampan:
U no go win bros

Who do you think is the best for the race? And why do you think he won't win?

By Oriri Peter

Former Nigeria Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (Retd) who ruled between 1985 and 1993 has advised Political leaders not to give up the Unity of the Country.

IBB made this known on Tuesday when one of the leading presidential aspirant Prince Adewole Adebayo, founder of Kaptan Television who is running under the coalition of political parties paid him a consultation visit at his Hilltop Home, Minna Niger State.

The renowned lawyer after his discussion with Babangida made it known through a news briefing with Journalists that the former Military President advised him not to negotiate or give up the unity of Country.

The aspirant on the other hand noted that he was in Minna to seek the blessings, support, advise and prayers of a man who has played a fatherly role in his life for several years as he journeyed to contest the 2023 presidential election.

Adewole also noted that Babangida stressed the role of Nigerians in Diaspora in the development of the country, recalling why he involved them in his administration for 8 years.

According to "Adewole, the former president stressed the role of prayers and the need to always think ahead, saying “you need to work very hard because Nigeria has many talented people and if you want to be number one, you must go extra mile.”

IBB on his part said "I am glad you came with all sections of Nigeria among your delegation. Meaning you have the Unity of Nigeria at heart. At my time, I have people from all over the Country working in my government and that makes everyone to feel they are Nigerians.

I promise to do the best I can to assist you in your ambition to become the president of this country. I will keep my search light on you and caution or advise you whenever it is necessary". He said.

Babangida was instrumental in the development of Nigeria, he changed the capital city of Nigeria from Lagos to Abuja, built third mainland bridge and was responsible for the map setting of Abuja.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2023-dont-give-up-nigerias-unity-ibb-cautions-presidential-aspirant-adebayo/

Former Nigeria Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (Retd) who ruled between 1985 and 1993 has advised Political leaders not to give up the Unity of the Country.

IBB made this known on Tuesday when one of the leading presidential aspirant Prince Adewole Adebayo, founder of Kaptan Television who is running under the coalition of political parties paid him a consultation visit at his Hilltop Home, Minna Niger State.

The renowned lawyer after his discussion with Babangida made it known through a news briefing with Journalists that the former Military President advised him not to negotiate or give up the unity of Country.

The aspirant on the other hand noted that he was in Minna to seek the blessings, support, advise and prayers of a man who has played a fatherly role in his life for several years as he journeyed to contest the 2023 presidential election.

Adewole also noted that Babangida stressed the role of Nigerians in Diaspora in the development of the country, recalling why he involved them in his administration for 8 years.

According to "Adewole, the former president stressed the role of prayers and the need to always think ahead, saying “you need to work very hard because Nigeria has many talented people and if you want to be number one, you must go extra mile.”

IBB on his part said "I am glad you came with all sections of Nigeria among your delegation. Meaning you have the Unity of Nigeria at heart. At my time, I have people from all over the Country working in my government and that makes everyone to feel they are Nigerians.

I promise to do the best I can to assist you in your ambition to become the president of this country. I will keep my search light on you and caution or advise you whenever it is necessary". He said.

Babangida was instrumental in the development of Nigeria, he changed the capital city of Nigeria from Lagos to Abuja, built third mainland bridge and was responsible for the map setting of Abuja.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2023-dont-give-up-nigerias-unity-ibb-cautions-presidential-aspirant-adebayo/

....Urges Other First Ladies To Do Same

The Executive Director of Engage Empower Educate Initiative, and National Council For Women Societies (NCWS) "He for She" ambassador, Mr. Kalada Belema Meshack-Hart, has commended the First Lady of Benue State, Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom, for encouraging female aspirants vying for elective positions in the 2023 general elections in the state.

Mrs Ortom hosted the Forum of Female Aspirants on the ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on 6th February, 2022 at the new banquet hall of government house, Makurdi, where she stressed the need for women to be adequately equipped to face their male counterparts as the 2023 polls draws near.

Reacting, Mr. Meshack-Hart who spoke to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday 9th February, 2022 during a surprise birthday party organized for him by some women, said women seeking elective positions need to be supported financially and otherwise, adding that "women are the builders of homes and by extension, the society, so it's best to put them in leadership positions in order for the society to move forward".

He called on other First Ladies and female office holders to emulate the Benue First Lady.

Mr. Meshack-Hart while praying God to bless the wife of the Governor for always carrying women along, emphasized the need for female inclusion in politics.

He admonished female electorates to queue behind female candidates during elections, stressing that women are more acclimatized with the needs of their fellow women.

He urged female aspirants to always rally around women and friends of women in order for them to win the support and confidence of female electorates.

On his birthday, Meshack-Hart said he was grateful to God for adding another year to his years to serve women.

"I thank God for another year. It's an opportunity to continue serving women," he said.

"My life's goal is to empower women and the girl child.

"As the saying goes, "When you empower women, you empower the society," he added.

The Managing Director, Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, Engr. Hashim Ibrahim Bakori said post paid customers across the company’s franchise states of Bauchi, Benue, Gombe and Plateau were indebted to the company to the tune of N115 billion.

Bakori who decried the colossal debt said the debt had greatly impinged on the operations of the company stressing that the post paid customers debts were different from the cost of energy losses as a result of energy theft.

Bakori made the disclosure yesterday at the Launch of the Company's 5-years Corporate Strategic Plan to kick start a new goal to be achieved by the company at Elien Event Centre, Rayfield-Jos.

According to him, "If nothing is done to bridge the gap, a lot will go wrong and that is why we are lunching the Corporate Strategic Plan and by the time we are done, people will start seeing improvement on our energy supply across our franchise States".

The Managing Director further explained that, "We have consulted reputable company in the world to come and partner with us in moving the company forward".

Bakori who was optimistic of the company's improved service delivery assured customers that "From today you will see a very new Jos DisCo".

He however lamented that despite the laudable efforts by the new management of JED PLC to achieving qualitative service delivery to customers, vandalism and energy thieves still remain huge challenges to the company.

In his words, "Despite these efforts, the company is currently bedeviled by some man-made challenges. These challenges range from vandalism and theft of our installations, energy theft to customers huge indebtedness to the company".

According to him, In 2021 alone, Vandals and thieves have torched about 200 Distribution Transformers, armored cables, copper earth wires, transformer oil, feeder pillars, copper bars, several spans of aluminum conductors, line insulators etc",

Also speaking, the Chief Commercial Officer of the electricity distribution company, Engr. Mansir Nakande, said to achieve the desired level of reliable power supply, each of the 11 DisCos developed a 5-year Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), which was reviewed and approved by Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), on 29th April 2021.

Nakande said the PIP plan for 5 years is put at N47.23 billion excluding the investment in customers metering.

Earlier, the Chairman, Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, Alhaji Babanginda Inuwa, in his welcome address, said the new vision of the power company would henceforth become the backbone of JEDC's growth.

According to him, "The purpose of the new 5-years strategic plan is to help demonstrate how JED intend to break away from inefficiencies and inadequacies",

Meanwhile, in order to meet customers satisfaction, JED Plc had installed and commissioned not less than 88,500 prepaid meters from January to date at the cost of N5.6 billion naira.

The company had also planned to invest not less than N7.2 Billion on its network Expansion and Reinforcement.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/customers-owe-jos-disco-n115-billion-bakori/

The National Taskforce on Prohibition of Illegal Importation of Small Arms, Ammunitions and Light Weapons (NATFORCE) has dismissed allegations that it is still carrying out its activities without any hindrance despite the order of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd).

The NSA, in June this year, had directed the immediate dismantling of all illegal security outfits across the country, and cautioned individuals, organisations and foreign partners on the activities of NATFORCE, which he said was illegally formed as a task force to combat illegal importation and smuggling of small arms, ammunition and light weapons into Nigeria.

However, Dr. Baba Mohammed, the Director General of NATFORCE, in a statement, said that consequent upon the NSA’s directive, he had directed, vide an internal memo dated 12th June,2021, and another reminder on 12th November, 2021 to all zonal state directors, prohibiting all activities at the commands.

The statement added that copies of the earlier statement made were also forwarded to the office of the NSA, DSS, the Police and all those concerned., and said the allegation that it had been recruiting personnel in defiance of the Federal Government directive are wrong or could have occurred from miscreants and those who could be impersonating Dr Baba Muhammed.

Dr. Baba Muhammad added that following the NSA proscription, series of warnings also followed against staff who may be found culpable for fraud, cheating and illegal operations, with threats that the full wrath of the law will be deployed on wanting staff.

He said NATFORCE is still awaiting to hear a positive response from the two chambers empowered to make laws for the country i.e. the National Assembly, which will provide the needed legislative backing to properly define the responsibilities of the taskforce and set legal guidelines for its operations across the federation.
Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/natforce-denies-flouting-nsas-ban-on-activities/

AS the Nigerian economy still reigns as the largest in Africa despite daunting challenges, Endeavor Nigeria is set to hold its third annual ‘Scaleup Entrepreneurship Summit’ October 21, 2021.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Senior Associate Marketing and Communications, Endeavor Nigeria, Joy Mabia, where it pointed out essence of the Summit this time around, which is to drive a culture of entrepreneurial leadership and inspiring a generation of high-impact entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

According to Mabia, ‘Catalysing Conversations 2021’ hopes to catalyse the powerful multiplier effects that shift economies from the ground up. The aim is to spread the mission of high-impact entrepreneurship, illustrating why entrepreneurs that Think Big, Scale Up and Pay-It-Forward are critical for long-term economic transformation.

She added that Catalysing Conversations 2021 will bring together some of the boldest and most exciting entrepreneurs from Europe, South America, Asia and Africa to discuss and expand on a wide range of topics that are critical to boosting socio-economic transformation in Nigeria and other emerging markets.

She said: “Endeavor Nigeria, the leading community of high-impact entrepreneurs in Nigeria, has announced that its 3rd annual scaleup entrepreneurship summit, Catalysing Conversations, will be held on Thursday, 21 October 2021. This year’s virtual event is tagged “The Multiplier Effect”.

“By driving a culture of entrepreneurial leadership and inspiring a generation of high-impact entrepreneurs in Nigeria, Catalysing Conversations 2021 hopes to catalyse the powerful multiplier effects that shift economies from the ground up. The aim is to spread the mission of high-impact entrepreneurship, illustrating why entrepreneurs that Think Big, Scale Up and Pay-It-Forward are critical for long-term economic transformation.

“Catalysing Conversations 2021 will bring together some of the boldest and most exciting entrepreneurs from Europe, South America, Asia and Africa to discuss and expand on a wide range of topics that are critical to boosting socio-economic transformation in Nigeria and other emerging markets.

“The packed agenda will feature a mix of moderated fireside chats and TED-style talks by speakers from diverse backgrounds. The conversations will focus on themes of innovation, high-growth company dynamics, high-impact entrepreneurship, the journey from startup to unicorn, financial freedom, and the transformational power of technology.”

According to her (Mabia) business heavyweights are set to speak on various topics and issues on how to take businesses in Nigeria and Africa to the next level.

“Confirmed speakers include Ife Oyedele – co-founder, Kobo360, Tito Ovia, co-founder and Head of Public Sector Growth, Helium Health, Ife Orioke – Chief Commercial Officer, Flutterwave, Adolfo Babatz Torres – CEO and co-founder, Clip, Babs Ogundeyi – CEO and Founder, KudaBank, Gaurav Biswas – Founder and CEO, TruKKer, Tosin Eniolorunda – Founder and CEO, TeamApt, Pedro Conrade – CEO and co-founder, Banca Neon, Odun Eweniyi – Chief Operating Officer and co-founder, PiggyVest, Yanmo Omorogbe, co-founder and COO, Bamboo, Tomi Majekodunmi – CEO and co-founder, Bankly, and many others. Atedo N.A Peterside, CON, Chairman of Endeavor Nigeria, will deliver the closing remarks at the event.

Also, she said the Managing Director and CEO, Endeavor Nigeria, Tosin Faniro-Dada, said, “High impact entrepreneurs play an important role in job creation and economic transformation and we are committed to driving the entrepreneurship movement that can power the development we need.

“At Catalysing Conversations 2021, we have put together an immersive digital experience that will amplify important messages, facilitate engaging discussions and provide networking opportunities for guests. We look forward to a great event that will catalyse further innovation and enterprise across Africa.”

Meanwhile, the statement also explained that attendees at this year’s event will include entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders, C-Suite executives, investors, policymakers, tech ecosystem enthusiasts, journalists, Nigerians in Diaspora, and general participants from Nigeria and across the world.

In addition to the inspirational learning experience at the summit, there will be virtual networking opportunities between attendees to foster partnerships and cross-market collaborations.

Catalysing Conversations 2021 is sponsored by Chapel Hill Denham, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc and VFD Group.

The event is free to attend and interested participants can find out more information or register to attend atwww.endeavornigeria.events

Endeavor is the world’s leading community of high-impact entrepreneurs. Founded in 1997, Endeavor is a global organization with a mission to unlock the transformational power of entrepreneurship by selecting, supporting, and investing in the world’s top founders. Today, Endeavor’s network spans nearly 40 markets and supports more than 2,000 entrepreneurs.
Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/endeavor-holds-3rd-annual-scaleup-entrepreneurship-summit-october-21/

A Nigerian model, Esther Ene Daniels, on Saturday, emerged the Face of Unity Global for the year 2021.

Miss Daniels, a native of Otukpo in Benue State, Nigeria, beat 50 other contestants from various countries in an online poll that lasted for one month.

The organizers of the pageantry announced Miss Daniels' victory early hours of Saturday, via the official website www.faceofunityglobal.org and their official social media handles, adding that a "date for the coronation ceremony would be announced shortly".

According to the Organisers, Queen Igodan and Kauna John also emerged as first and second runners-up respectively.

While reacting, Queen Daniels dedicated her victory to God Almighty and humanity, whom she said had been her cardinal point of service.

Miss Daniels who could not hide her joy, called on her co-contestants, especially the runners-up, to team up with her in the quest to preach peace and unity to the world, as well as "redefining the place of the girl child in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large".

She promised to make good use of her crown to make the organizers of the pageantry proud, and to bring glory to her country, Nigeria, by justifying the confidence reposed in her, while thanking her parents, fans and her management crew for their wonderful supports, prayers and solidarity, in making her clinch the crown.

Miss Daniels, 25, who is in her final year at the Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, was the Miss Idoma Ambassador 2019, where she championed the campaign against RAPE, as well as empowering hundreds of young girls with skills acquisition training and take off capital.

The winner of Face of Unity Global 2021 is also an actress, singer, cinematographer, gender based activist and a humanitarian.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/breaking-benue-born-model-esther-daniels-wins-international-crown/

Dunamis International Gospel Centre has dispelled as mere rumors being peddled by mischief makers that Dunamis Church was attacked by hoodlums recently.

It was reported that the District Centre Estate, Phase 4, Kubwa, in the Bwari area council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, following the invasion of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre by suspected robbers on Monday.

A statement issued by the church made available to journalists, in Abuja, said, there is no panic or attack on dunamis church, nothing like that has happened or will ever happen in the Name of Jesus. Let it be made very clear that rumor, untruth, fallacy, and fabrications are being pushed in the air.

According to the church statement, when you tell a story that is not true, it is hellfire you are playing with. When you tell a story that is not true, or you push news that you are not sure of, or you push rumor that is not correct, it is hellfire you are playing with.

The church explained that there is no truth in it. In a particular location, petty thieves tried to come and steal something in the night, were resisted, the alarm was raised and they ran off, over the fence. Then some demonic agent picked a hint of such an unsuccessful misadventure of petty criminals and calls it ‘armed men attacks worshippers’. That devil is a bastard.

“We take authority over every agenda of armed banditry, agenda of terrorism and every such agenda in our nation, your tenancy in this land expires, in Jesus’ Name!

“If you leave here and anybody tells you that they heard something, tell them that it is a lie from the pit of hell! Both the devil who concocted it and the intention of that devil suffers frustration. It can never see the light of day.

“Gehazi told a lie and that lie followed his generation. It followed his generation. Please be warned. God does not need the support of a man to be Almighty. He doesn’t need the support of man. Be real, be sincere", the statement said.
Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/there-is-no-panic-or-attack-on-dunamis-church-pastor-enenche/

Agrichainx Innovative Technologies Limited, Africa’s first global agricultural blockchain has unveiled celebrity actress and humanitarian, King Tonto Dikeh as its official brand ambassador.

The unveiling ceremony, which took place in Abuja Monday, had Ms Dikeh in attendance, after signing memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Agrichainx management.

Speaking at the ceremony, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Agrichainx, Amb. Dr. Godfrey Otoaye Akhayagboke, said the choice of the celebrity was to show its commitment to global empowerment to the less privileged and to the struggling women around
the world.

He said Dikeh will remain the official face of the firm for the next one year and the company is privileged to have her as her
ambassador.

“To support the growth of our economy, we are privileged to have her on board as our brand ambassador. Within the next few months, she will be helping us to promote Agrichainx.

“Agrichainx is an agricultural platform that was designed to connect farmers to the market, finance, tools and resources. To make agriculture simple and efficient for investors,” Akhayagboke said.

He also said the firm has been in operation since 2018 and has developed its native crypto currency called Agricoin which has been
listed in 12 exchanges in which investors, holders and users can convert their agricoin into their various choices of currencies.

“Agrichainx has registered users in 129 countries around the world, we have very active communities in 15 African countries and we have visited all the states in Nigeria educating and creating awareness about agriculture and blockchain.

“We have a lot in alleviating the plights of farmers throughout Africa,” Akhayagboke added.

On the position of the Nigerian government on the use of crypto currency, Akhayagboke, said “when a government is against a particular drive that is the direction of investment because as at when the government will be supporting that, poor people will not be able to invest in that direction.

“Recalled that in the beginning, the federal government was against crypto currency but at a second thought they are looking at the other side by joining other countries and other central banks all over the world by having their own cryptocurrency and in line with this, the Nigerian government through CBN will be launching E-naira on the 1st
of October.

“This also means that the federal government are already given a nod to cryptocurrency”.

On youth development, he said the company has several programs for youth empowerment, including teaching them agricultural blockchain and how they can go into farming.

In her speech after signing the MoU, King Tonto Dikeh said agriculture is very dear to her heart.

“I have always wanted to look for ways to make agriculture to be more attractive for my peer groups and for people coming behind me.

“We talk about oil all the time and we neglect the richest resources that Africa ever had which is agriculture.

“I have a passion for agriculture, I am a farmer, I try to make farming attractive for my peer groups. I want more like me to go into farming because farming is the future,” she said.

Dikeh appealed to governments to increase the help giving to farmers in loans and access to tools especially in rural areas.

“The grassroots are the real farmers and they are people that need these facilities and support and that is why we need to invest more in them for a better future.”

King Tonto Dikeh is a livestock and plantation farmer.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/agrichainx-unveils-tonto-dikeh-as-brand-ambassador/

African Transformer Institute (ATI) and Global Socio-economic and Financial Evolution Network Worldwide is set honor distinguished personalities with Unprecedented Leadership and Heroes’ Award

The award is a prestigious international recognition which
recognizes distinguished individuals for their unprecedented excellence and pragmatism in
leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, profession, business and influence as well as
community development, peace and security

The award is part of African Transformer Institute (ATI), Global Socio-economy and Financial
Evolution Network (GSFEN Worldwide) and Peace Ambassador Agency Worldwide programs to recognize distinguished personalities in
their different field of endeavors.

Notable personalities already in the nomination lists include Vice President of Global Goodwill Foundation U.S.A, Amb. Lisa Jones, Prof. Peter Bheda of Boston University of Hospitality, U.S.A, Prof. Blessing Lawal Nigeria, Sir(Engr) Gozie Denwigwe, Amb. Ghazala Khan, Dr. Gomez U.S.A and many other's

The chairman of the award committee Mr. Igweshi Augustine stated that the award ceremony will be held in Abuja Nigeria in November, 2021 and prominent Nigerians are already been nominated for the prestigious international award also the profile of awards recipients will be featured in Transformer's Magazine, one of the African leading Magazine.