₦airaland Forum

The Zamfara Fire Service has confirmed the death of 17 Aljmajiri pupils in a fire incident that also left 16 others injured at Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of the state.

The Executive Secretary of the State Fire Service Board, Bello Sani, said the fire started at midnight on Wednesday.

He explained that the blaze was caused by burning corn stalks, which spread rapidly and engulfed the shelter where the pupils were sleeping.

Sani stated that the fire occurred at the Almajiri School of Mallam Ghali inside the study hall.

According to him, delayed reporting to firefighters worsened the casualties.

“We have begun an investigation into the root cause to implement measures that will prevent future occurrences,” he said.

He added that the agency has a quick response team ready for prompt action to extinguish fires and rescue lives.

“We are conducting a massive campaign and inspecting public places, such as hotels, fuel stations, markets, and motor parks, to ensure proper safety arrangements,” Sani added.

Malam Aliyu Khalifa, a teacher in charge of the pupils, said the fire initially started around midnight but was put out.

However, by 2:00 a.m., the flames reignited. “I suddenly heard shouts of ‘fire, fire!’ and rushed outside to find about 30 pupils struggling to escape,” he recalled tearfully.

There were about 100 pupils in the building. Rescuers believed they had evacuated everyone, only to later discover some victims’ burnt remains inside the house.

Efforts to control the fire were hindered by a malfunctioning firefighting truck, delaying the Zamfara State Fire Service’s response.

Despite this, local volunteers and police officers worked together to contain the blaze and rescue some of the affected pupils.

Usman Salis, a director at the Almajiri school, praised Khalifa’s dedication to the pupils’ welfare and described the deceased as martyrs.

“Their deaths are painful, but we take solace in knowing they are now in Jannatul Firdaus,” he remarked.

Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State’s second-largest city and a major commercial hub, has been left in mourning as residents grieve the young lives lost.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has reiterated the critical importance of food security in driving economic growth and development, stressing its direct impact on citizens’ well-being and economic stability.

Sanwo-Olu said this during the investiture of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, as a Trustee of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) at the institute’s premises in Lagos on Wednesday.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, noted the indispensable role of food security in ensuring the overall well-being of its citizens and the stability of its economy.

He said the state government had implemented various initiatives aimed at strengthening the agricultural and food sectors, including empowerment programmes for youth and women.

According to him, the state government has also invested in critical infrastructure such as modern markets, cold storage facilities and efficient transportation networks, to support the distribution of agricultural produce.

Sanwo-Olu commended the NIFST for its efforts in promoting food safety, security, and innovation, and reiterated the state’s commitment to collaborating with the institute to achieve their shared goals.

The governor also emphasised the importance of the private sector’s role in achieving food security, saying that companies must embrace innovation, sustainability and inclusivity.

Sanwo-Olu urged stakeholders to work together to build a resilient food system capable of withstanding future challenges, and to empower the youth and women of Nigeria as agents of change.

Congratulating the Ooni of Ife on his investiture, Sanwo-Olu said his dedication to national development was inspiring, and expressed confidence that his involvement with the NIFST would further strengthen the institute’s efforts

He said the investiture of the Ooni of Ife as a trustee of the NIFST was a recognition of the vital role traditional leadership played in driving societal progress.

Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that the Ooni’s involvement with the NIFST would bring a wealth of experience and influence to further the institute’s mission.

By Solomon Iyang

The piece by Mustapha Sani, titled “Uba Sani’s Political Persecution of Nasir El-Rufai: A Note of Warning,” as published earlier today by Nairaland, is a masterclass in emotional rhetoric and diversionary tactics. It attempts to paint Governor Uba Sani as a traitor and a persecutor, while conveniently sidestepping the core issue: accountability.

Let us be clear - this is not about political betrayal or personal vendettas. It is about governance, transparency, and the rule of law. This is about trust. Nasir El-Rufai and his associates must understand one fundamental truth: they cannot box Governor Uba Sani into a corner where he is unable to account for the resources of Kaduna State. Governor Sani holds a sacred trust—a mandate from the people to ensure transparency, accountability, and good governance. This is not just a political obligation; it is the solemn oath he took to protect the interests of the people above all else.

Governor Uba Sani, like any leader entrusted with the mandate of the people, has a sacred duty to ensure that public resources are accounted for and that the institutions of state function with integrity. The allegations of financial mismanagement under the previous administration are not the fabrications of a vengeful successor but the findings of a legislative body tasked with oversight. The Kaduna State House of Assembly’s report, which highlights discrepancies in the handling of public funds, is a product of due process, not a “political hatchet job.” If El-Rufai and his associates believe the report is flawed, they have every right to defend themselves—not in the court of public opinion, but in a court of law.

The attempt to frame this as a personal vendetta is a red herring. It is a classic tactic to divert attention from the substantive issues at hand. El-Rufai, a seasoned politician, should know better than to use the media to sway public sympathy instead of addressing the allegations through the appropriate legal channels. If the accusations are indeed baseless, as his supporters claim, then the courts will exonerate him. But to cry persecution and betrayal is to undermine the very institutions that uphold democracy.

The publication’s portrayal of Uba Sani as a disloyal opportunist is not only unfair but also hypocritical. Governance is not a popularity contest, nor is it a platform for settling personal scores. Uba Sani’s focus is on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Kaduna State, not on rewriting history or erasing legacies. If El-Rufai’s tenure was as transformative as his supporters claim, then no amount of scrutiny can diminish its impact. True legacies are built on facts, not propaganda, and they withstand the test of time.

The question of whether Governor Uba Sani’s rise to power was solely propelled by Nasir El-Rufai’s efforts is a debate for another day—a story that will be unpacked in a subsequent article. For now, let us not get lost in the forest of past allegiances while the present demands our attention. Like a tree that grows from a seed, leadership is nurtured by many hands, but it is the strength of its roots and the fruit it bears that truly matter. Governor Uba Sani’s focus remains on tending to the garden of Kaduna State, ensuring it flourishes for the benefit of all its people.

The suggestion that Uba Sani is weaponizing state institutions is equally misleading. The legislative and judicial processes are independent pillars of democracy, and their actions should not be misconstrued as tools of persecution. If El-Rufai’s former officials are facing legal challenges, it is because there are questions that need answers—questions that cannot be resolved through media campaigns or emotional appeals. The rule of law must prevail, and those accused of wrongdoing must have their day in court.

As for the claim that Uba Sani’s actions will erode his credibility, it is worth noting that credibility is not built by shielding allies from accountability but by upholding the principles of justice and transparency. Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to these principles should be commended, not condemned. His focus remains on the people of Kaduna State—on improving their lives, delivering on his campaign promises, and ensuring that public resources are used for the public good.

Governor Uba Sani stands at the helm of Kaduna State like a skilled captain steering a ship through turbulent waters. His hands are firmly on the wheel, navigating the challenges of governance with precision and vision. Yet, it seems that El-Rufai, like a persistent gust of wind, continues to blow in directions that threaten to divert the ship's course. While every captain appreciates the wisdom of those who came before, the ship cannot sail smoothly if the winds of the past refuse to settle.

El-Rufai’s legacy, like a towering lighthouse, has undoubtedly illuminated the path for progress. However, even the brightest lighthouse must eventually dim to allow the new captain to chart his own course. Governor Uba Sani deserves the space to govern without the shadows of the past looming too large. Like a farmer tending to a new crop, he must be allowed to sow, nurture, and reap without constant interference from those who once tilled the same soil without interferance.

Kaduna State is a garden in need of fresh cultivation, and Uba Sani is the gardener entrusted with its care. Let him water the seeds of progress, prune the branches of inefficiency, and harvest the fruits of good governance. El-Rufai, like a seasoned gardener, should offer guidance from the sidelines rather than stepping back into the garden with his own tools. After all, too many hands in the soil can uproot the very plants they seek to grow.

Governance is a marathon, not a sprint, and Uba Sani must be allowed to run his race without undue distractions. El-Rufai’s voice should echo as a whisper of encouragement rather than a roar of interference. Let the new captain sail, the new farmer cultivate, and the new gardener tend to the land. Only then can Kaduna State truly flourish under the steady hands of its current leader.

President Tinubu writes Senate, raises 2025 budget to N54.2trn

President Bola Tinubu has notified the Senate of an increase in the proposed 2025 budgetary estimates from the N49.7 trillion he presented on Dec. 18, 2024 to N54.2 trillion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu announced the increase via a letter forwarded to both chambers of the National Assembly, which was read at plenary on Wednesday by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Tinubu, in the letter, said that the increase arose from the N1.4 trillion additional revenues made by Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), N1.2 trillion generated by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and N1.8 trillion made by some other government-owned agencies.

Tinubu said that the N54.2 trillion was a demonstration of government’s commitment to inclusive public good and security.

“I know there are justifications for the allocation. The solid mineral sector, we have about a trillion naira, the Bank of Agriculture, recapitalisation, we have about N1.5 trillion.

“In Bank of Industry, the capitalisation will be over N500 million, that is, N500 billion critical infrastructure will be over N1.5 trillion

“The foundation of a thriving nation lies in its ability to protect its citizens; no infrastructure, no innovation, and no progress can be enjoyed or sustained without security.

“The government has a constitutional obligation to secure lives and properties and the military expenditure is not merely a fiscal decision, which is a moral imperative.

“The budget reflects not only our commitment to securing Nigeria today, but to building a future where every citizen can live and thrive without fear,’’ the letter read.

In his remarks, Akpabio said that Tinubu’s move on the budget increase was ‘totally uncommon’.

“The transparency must be applauded; this could have been done even at the level of the ongoing committees on appropriation, both in the Senate and the House of Representatives without Mr President naturally writing to us.

”But as a sign of respect for the hallowed chambers, he decided to put it in writing, exposing the additional revenue, explaining areas of interest, and at the same time justifying it.

“So we commend Mr President for this level of transparency, and we assure him that within this month of February, we will incorporate this and ensure that the 2025 budget is passed.

“So Mr President, I’d like to commend you,” he said.

Akpabio consequently referred the document to the Committee on Appropriations for further expeditious legislative inputs.

*Allocates plot to private coy

A Civil Society Organisation, Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to direct the anti corruption agencies to investigate how the Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, converted a public transport utility (National Railway Station) to mixed development.

The group also demanded Mr. President to investigate how such national asset should be reallocated to a private company despite warning from relevant agencies in the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

The group in a statement issued and signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Michael Briggs, said that the FCT Minister had in August 30th, 2024 approved the grant of Statutory Right of Occupancy over plot 1398 (A00) Central Area District measuring about 5.50Ha designated as Public Transport Utility (National Railway Station) to NY New Construction Limited (MISC 151329) a private company.

Comrade Briggs emphasised in his statement that plot 1398 was part of the land area reserved for the development of the National Railway Complex by the Federal Ministry of Transportation/Nigerian Railway Corporation in the Federal Capital Territory.

He also added that the National Railway Station at the Central Area was planned to provide the highest level of national railway service between the FCT and other parts of the country, where seamless transfer of National Railway bound passengers, from other parts of the country to the city metro and bus system are to be achieved.

"Your Excellency, the National Railway Station located in the FCT is a vital piece of national infrastructure, designed to serve thousands of commuters daily, and connecting major cities across the country.

"The recent decision by your favourite Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to convert this public asset for private use is a matter of grave concern and raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the prioritization of public interest.

"The decision to convert the railway station was a clear violation of public trust. National railway infrastructure is a public asset held in trust by the government for the benefit of all citizens. Converting it, therefore, for private gain undermines this trust and sets a dangerous precedent.

"Your Excellency, the process leading to the decision to convert the station, has been shrouded in secrecy, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and lack of due process.

"We are still at shock of the hypocrisy of Minister Wike, who on live television accused past FCT Ministers of allocating bus terminals to a private company. Today, this same man is allocating national railway station to his cronies," he noted.

Comrade Briggs, used the medium to call on President Tinubu for immediate halt to the conversation for a full and transparent public inquiry into the decision-making process that led to this action, adding that there are documents to backup their claims when called upon.

He said: "We know that you have duffed your hat for this "hard working Minister", but we are appealing to you to take immediate action on this national asset and uphold the principles of public trust, transparency, and accountability".

In continuation of a nationwide student’s anti-drug campaign, the international touring bikers group, Jeje Riders Nigeria, has sensitised students in Bauchi State on the dangers of drug peddling.

The event, which took place on Sunday at the Bauchi Stadium, was led by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Bauchi State Commandant, CM Aminu Aliyu, with the support of the member representing Bauchi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Aliyu Garu, and with the support of Barr. Gambo Yakubu Wakili, Executive Director, the WE-AID Initiative and Dr. Fawaz Farooq of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBU), Bauchi.

The nationwide campaign began in Yola, Adamawa State on October 12, 2024 as part of a deliberate effort to tackle the menace of drug abuse among students in schools.

Speaking on the occasion, a member of Jeje Riders Nigeria, Tijjani St James, said that the students anti-drug abuse campaign is aimed at shielding students and young ones from the menace of substance abuse, which has become prevalent, especially in the northern parts of Nigeria.

He said the campaign has now been successfully delivered in Bauchi, Adamawa, and Imo States.

Speaking further on funding for the campaigns, Tijjani said, "We have tremendous support from Notore Chemical Industries Plc. and many of the company's distribution partners. Indorama also supported us by donating exercise books and writing materials to the Bauchi event."

He stated that Plateau State is billed next for February 15, 2025, as the group is determined to take their campaign to all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following the launch in Yola on October 12, 2024.

The event was co-hosted alongside the Bauchi Grand Roadwalk of the Coalition of Physical Fitness Clubs in the state, which engaged the students in conversations on drug abuse, its implications, and ways to avoid it.

The chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Superbikes Clubs, Mustapha Aliyu (Sardaunan Pindiga), was among the dignitaries that gave the keynote address at the event.

Jeje Riders, NDLEA, Flag Off Campaign Against Drug Abuse, Donate E-Library To Adamawa School

International touring bikers group Jeje Riders Nigeria has commenced a national sensitisation campaign in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to curb the menace of drug abuse among students in schools.

The national campaign, flagged off at the Capital School, Yola, Adamawa State, on October 12, 2024, attracted dignitaries from Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Benin Republic, and Cote d'Ivoire with a strong voice against drug peddling in schools.

The event was part of a two-day event that included the commissioning of an e-library donated by Jeje Riders Nigeria to Government Secondary School Michika on October 11, 2024.

Speaking on the occasion, the Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, said it is not a coincidence that the state is hosting the flag of the national campaign to fight drug abuse and peddling in school. He said Adamawa State has been at the forefront of the campaign to disabuse the minds of students across the state on drug abuse and its consequences for their lives.

Governor Fintiri, who was the special guest of honour at the event, was represented by the commissioner of Education, Dr. Umar Garba Pella.

The governor said, “Our dear student, I believe that so much has been said about the menace of drug abuse. I believe you are not leaving this place without a resolution that you will never partake in drug abuse. Don’t even start it so that you will get addicted.

“The first rule is don’t start it, because once you start, the tendency of getting addicted is high. So please don’t even start it. It’s been said by various speakers here that drug abuse destroys life. It doesn’t destroy the future, but it destroys your life. It destroys your present, so don’t come close.”

The governor commended all the riders that came from all over Nigeria and African states to join in the campaign, assuring them that Adamawa State will take over the campaign and lead it when they leave the
state.

The NDLEA chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), said in his address that the battle against drug abuse and peddling cannot be won by the agency alone; “it requires a collective effort, and today we witness a perfect example of what collaboration can achieve.”.

General Marwa, represented by the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Adamawa State Command, Mr Agboalu Femi Samson, reteriated that Adamawa is blessed to have unwavering support in the fight against drugs through the establishment of the state drugs control committee.

He commended Governor Fintiri’s commitment to youth development, education, and security, which has laid the foundation for a state that is resilient against crime.

The president and chairman, Board of Trustee (BoT) of Jeje Riders Nigeria, Ibrahim Mathew Tizhe, while delivering his opening remarks, said the reason behind the passion of Jeje Riders’s effort in youth
development is to see a better and prosperous Nigeria propelled by sound education and a healthy lifestyle.

The principal, Capital School, Yola, Tari Luk appreciated the gesture of Jeje Riders towards improving the healthy living of students not at Capital School but the entire Adamawa State by flagging off the sensitisation program in the school.

At the commissioning of the e-library donated by the group to Government Secondary School Michika, the president of Jeje Riders, Tizhe, said the group decided to support the Adamawa State education system by donating a fully integrated ICT Centre with laptops, 163' TV, 15 KVA battery, 5000 watt inverter, desks, tables, and solar panels.

Delivering their goodwill messages at the event, the president of Cameroon Bikers, Issa Faycal, said the ICT centre’s donation is a good example for Cameroon bikers. “So in my country we have to make it possible. When I return, I will have all my members and Jeje Riders do this, so that next year we can also donate something like this to the government,” Faycal said.

While a female biker from Ghana, Hajara Baba Mahama, in her goodwill message admonishes the students to make good use of the centre to be fruitful in life.

For veteran biker Amasike TP, who traveled 1,600 km on bike from Imo State to Yola to grace the occasion, the lack of computer skills has been a challenge to several students passing JAMB exams.

He urged the students to take advantage of the ICT centre to improve their knowledge: “With this now, just look at the pass rate of students of this community in the coming JMAB exams,” he said.

Other speakers include a veteran biker, Aisha Vatsa (Flygirl), the president of Bikers In Nigeria (BIN), Nengi, and Colonel A.A. Johnson (Commander, Operation Safe Corridor), a biker from Gombe.

Dignitaries that graced the occasion included the Member representing Michika/Madagali Federal Constituency, Hon. Zakaria Nyampa, who commissioned the ICT Centre at GSS Michika. He was represented by Kwabe Ushiwa.

Others in attendance were the Lawan of Michika, Gwamna, the Principal of the Government Secondary School Michika, Samaila Kwabe, who gave a vote of thanks, as well as teachers, students, and parents.

Heifer International’s Senior Vice President of Africa Programs, Adesuwa Ifedi, has urged global leaders, innovators and the private sector to strengthen innovation, funding and collaborations that advance the development of resilient and equitable food systems, particularly in Africa.

Speaking during a panel discussion titled ‘From Start-Up to Scale: Pathways to Zero Hunger’ at the World Food Forum 2024 in Rome, Ms. Ifedi emphasized the need for increased collaborative efforts between development organizations and innovators, as well as funding partners, to sustainably scale innovations that address challenges and unlock opportunities in agriculture.

Ms. Ifedi joined other global experts, investors, and visionary leaders at the world's largest annual gathering of agrifood system stakeholders to advance development of food systems. Organised by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), this year’s forum addressed the theme, ‘Good Food for All, for Today and Tomorrow’, and took place October 14 to 18.

Heifer International is a global development organization, which supports smallholder farmers to end hunger and poverty in a sustainable way. Leveraging technology and innovation, and working with key government, development partners and local communities, is core to this effort.

“We have worked alongside smallholder farmers globally for 80 years, and in Africa for 50 years, and this experience has shown us how to bring and sustain innovation especially in fragile and poor infrastructure environments,” said Ms. Ifedi. “In the past couple of years, we have begun to operate as innovation brokers — bringing in innovation, supporting it to go into communities, supporting the communities to give feedback, which helps in the rethinking, redesigning and adapting of that innovation and then taking it to scale.”

According to Ms. Ifedi, the lessons from this approach have shown that the more development organizations and innovators collaborate to leverage resources and individual strengths, and funders become more systemic and collaborative, transformational innovations reach scale faster and impact food systems.

“We cannot innovate in silos. The whole ecosystem has to connect,” she said. “This means we need more extensive collaborations because the real world is connected in a systemic way. Innovation needs to find ways of collaboration and seeking opportunities for leverage, especially in resource constrained environments.”

“We also have an adaptation challenge. At Heifer, we work with a lot of local innovators. Local innovators understand context and innovating from ground up, but often don’t have the relevant technology know-how to disrupt effectively. Global innovators, on the other hand, have access to all the best ways of thinking and disrupting and integrating technology; but they often lack local context. So, for innovation adaptation to be effective, the local and international innovators must come together to leverage the strengths of both.

“There is also the issue of finance. Funding also has to become collaborative and innovative. We need to fund innovation creatively and funding has to be systemic and address the power dynamics.”

Giving an example of how increased collaborative funding takes innovations to scale at the last mile, Ms. Ifedi showed how Heifer’s partnership with Hello Tractor, an agritech startup that emerged a regional winner of Heifer’s influential agribusiness competition — Agriculture, Youth and Technology (AYuTe) Africa NextGen — scaled mechanization in the continent.

“AYuTe helps us identify innovators working on reaching the last mile and then we use our catalytic financing to test out that innovation,” she said. “The catalytic financing we did over a period of three years in Hello Tractor has attracted commercial capital which has helped to scale the innovation. Catalytic investment will go in first where commercial capital will not go, but we need a buffet of both for innovation to really scale in the last mile.”

Heifer launched the AYuTe Africa NextGen initiative in 2021 to drive agribusiness innovation. The program supports young African entrepreneurs in developing agritech solutions to address smallholder farmers’ challenges, providing necessary incubation and financing. The AYuTe Africa Challenge, an annual competition under this initiative, awards grants and offers ongoing support and mentorship to strong growth stage agritech innovators.

Ms. Ifedi thanked the FAO for its exemplary role in advancing increased collaborative effort by stakeholders for solving challenges in agriculture. “We are hoping to see a more collaborative ecosystem that leverages each other’s knowledge, experience, and/or expertise as we rethink innovation in agriculture,” she said.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, to immediately remove the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola.

Governor Makinde made the call at the campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akure, Ondo State, on Tuesday, where he raised concerns that the Ondo State REC is from Ondo State.

Makinde said, “This message is for the INEC national chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood; you must remove the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola; she is from Ondo State. What they did in Edo State, they cannot do in Ondo State.

“We will protest until she is removed. Bring another REC that will be fair and that will allow a level playing field. We, as PDP, are not afraid of a fair contest. Remove her; otherwise, we will continue to protest.”

Governor Makinde raised concerns about Mrs. Babalola’s alleged alliance with some leaders of the APC in Ondo State, which could compromise the integrity of the electoral process. The PDP has urged INEC to distance itself from any actions that could undermine democracy.

Also, the Southwest PDP has expressed its support for Governor Makinde’s call for the immediate removal of the Ondo State REC.

According to the Southwest PDP, the call is to ensure the credibility of the upcoming November governorship election in the state.

In a statement by a chieftain of the Party in the region, Sanya Atofarati, the PDP emphasised the importance of vigilance among the people of Ondo State to protect their mandate. The party believes that Mrs. Babalola’s ties to the ruling APC make her unfit to oversee the upcoming election.

He said the PDP is confident that the people of Ondo State are determined to vote for the PDP candidate, Alfred Agboola, in the November election, warning that any attempts to manipulate the election through Mrs. Babalola or other APC leaders will be met with strong resistance.

Atofarati said, “The Southwest PDP remains resolute in their support for the redeployment call of Mrs. Toyin Babalola, who is currently the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, because she cannot be trusted to superintend the November governorship election due to her conspicuous ties with the ruling APC in the state.

“The people of Ondo State, especially the downtrodden, are particularly concerned about the upcoming election, and INEC has the responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral processes. The people will not tolerate any act of manipulation by a known ally of the State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and other APC leaders.

“It is evident now that the people of Ondo State have resolved to vote for the PDP candidate, His Excellency, Agboola Ajayi, in the November election, and any attempt to impose a known manipulator through INEC will be strongly resisted.”

The PDP also alleged that Mrs. Babalola was the immediate past director of INEC Legal Services in Abuja and she is very familiar to our National Secretariat of the Party.

The Party also claimed Mrs. Babalola was born in the Igbara Odo area; now Igbara Odo is in Ekiti South West of Old Ondo State. That after the creation of Ekiti State in 1996, that area was now demarcated into Ekiti State. However, throughout her life, the party alleges that she grew up in Ondo State.

“So let no one fool us; either she claims Ekiti State now or not; she was born, bred, and grew up in Ondo State.

“It will be honourable for the INEC chairman to at least be honourable for once and do the right thing. The main question is: Must it be Mrs. Babalola? In a country of over 200 million talented individuals, why is INEC finding it difficult to replace her?” the Party said.

INEC, also on Tuesday, via a post in its X account, responded to Makinde’s comments, saying the Ondo State REC is not from Ondo State. However, the commission did not state her state of origin.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Mrs. Babalola is not from Ondo State, in line with the Commission’s policy not to deploy a REC to his or her state of origin,” the commission stated.

With about 10 months to the commencement of the processes leading to the next general elections across the country, political pundits and stakeholders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are upbeat about who can wrestle and defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

After suffering successive defeats in three presidential elections, PDP seeks a new direction as it marches towards 2027.

Some PDP stakeholders, just like the American historian Allan Lichtman, renowned for accurately predicting nine out of the 10 most recent presidential elections in the United States of America, are said to have zeroed in on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as the likely candidate to clinch the party’s presidential ticket in 2027.

Although Makinde’s bid for the presidency remains speculatory, indications are strong that not a few persons within the party agree with the potency of a Makinde ticket.

As the nation wallows in excruciating hardship, aggravated by petrol prices, electricity tariff hikes, and devaluation of the naira, Nigerians are increasingly coming to terms with the impact of the 2023 general elections, which retained the APC in power.

As such, with the longing for a leadership change at the national level poised to gain momentum in the build up to 2027, the task of having a virile political platform might not be enough if a formidable candidate isn’t presented.

In spite of the internal bickering in the PDP, some stakeholders are convinced that the party’s pathway to success in the 2027 general elections is to field the Oyo-born businessman cum politician as its candidate to slug it out with APC’s automatic choice of President Bola Tinubu.

For key stakeholders who advanced this stance, Governor Makinde has the credentials and pedigree to chart the way to victory for the PDP in 2027.

Unlike the PDP’s choice of a northern candidate in the 2023 presidential elections, pundits and stakeholders are of the view that a southern candidate should fly the flag of the party in 2027.

According to them, it will heal the wounds the southern flank suffered as a result of former vice president Atiku Abubakar flying the party’s 2023 presidential ticket.

To this end, some stakeholders recently began the campaign for Makinde to contest the 2027 presidential election.

The group, under the auspices of ‘Progressive Youth for Makinde Presidency 2027’ in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, asserted that Makinde has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a commitment to good governance, making him fit for the presidency of Nigeria.

The group started the 2027 presidential campaign for Makinde in June this year. Although their campaign for Makinde 2027 has been largely limited to social media, their message resonates with the leadership qualities of the Oyo State Governor.

One prominent supporter of Makinde, Olamilekan Kehinde, who has not hidden his quest to see the governor contest the 2027 presidential election, expressed confidence in Makinde’s capability, saying Makinde has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a commitment to good governance, making him fit for the presidency of Nigeria compared to the current leadership of the country.

Corroborating, the Oyo Renaissance Group, described Makinde as a committed party man who has never abandoned the goals and aspirations of the PDP.

Coordinator of the group, Comrade Dayo Adedoyin, in a recent statement said, “Governor Makinde has demonstrated his leadership qualities and strong capacity to deliver on his promises and mandate to his people in Oyo State in the array of people's-oriented projects and policies he has achieved over time as Governor of Oyo State from 2019 to date.

“Governor Makinde is fully committed to the course of the Party and will continue to work with his colleague governors elected on the platform of the PDP in various states of the federation by implementing the manifesto and policy thrust of the Party.”

Checks show that Makinde has never shied away from being a committed party man. Findings reveal that the governor, since assumption of office in 2019, has consistently supported PDP staff at the National Secretariat, as well as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and Board of Trustees (BoT).

He single-handedly funded the new office of the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI), the think-tank of the party, a project which ran into hundreds of millions of naira.

To further show his unalloyed commitment to the growth and development of the party, Makinde singlehandedly built the PDP Southwest Zonal Secretariat in Ibadan and named it after the late immediate chairman, Hon. Soji Adagunodo who died while in office. The building is set for commissioning soon.

Only recently, he paid the housing allowance for all the staffers of the National Secretariat of the PDP, including the personal aides of the NWC, to the tune of nearly N300 million naira.

Assessing the chances of the PDP in 2027, public affairs analyst and convener, Reset Lagos PDP, Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, asserted that the PDP has a brighter chance of clinching the presidency in 2027
regardless of the internal wrangling in the party. He also believes the party’s chances will be brighter with Makinde as candidate.

“Political pundits who think that there is a leadership problem in the PDP are badly mistaken. The leadership positions at all levels of the party are intact. Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar is the party's presidential candidate emeritus, Senator Wabara is the Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State is chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, and Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum is acting national chairman of the party,” Pearse posited.

Pearse, who was a former member, PDP National Presidential Campaign Council (2023), maintained that, contrary to popular opinion, the PDP does not zone the presidential ticket since nobody from any political zone is barred from participating in party primaries. What determines the zone of the president is the emergence of the national chairman.

He said from all indications, the national chairman’s position will continue in the North and the presidential ticket will go to the South.

On the perception of Governor Makinde as the likely flag bearer of the Party in 2027, Dr. Pearse said Makinde is perceived by many as the likely presidential candidate of the PDP in 2027.

“I think this perception is driven by Makinde's sterling performance as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, his amiable character, his commitment to democracy, and the rule of law. He runs an inclusive administration. I am told they call him "Seyi the Beloved.”

“If Makinde wins the PDP Presidential Primaries and comes out as the Party's candidate, he will become Nigeria's president in 2027,” said Pearse.

He further stated that Nigeria needs a change of direction from the apocalyptic government of the APC. “No political party is perfect, but compared to the APC, PDP is a gem,” Pearse posited.

The deputy national publicity secretary of PDP, Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, thinks the same. And he believes Makinde can be PDP’s political ace in the contest.

In his submission, Abdullahi said PDP’s chances in 2027 are brighter than ever on account of the dismal performance of Tinubu and the APC-led government, which continues to inflict untold hardship and frustration in the land.

“Given the turn of events, zoning the 2027 Presidency to the South-West would be informed and strategic for the PDP with a formidable Northern consensus in who becomes the running mate. This is to appease Southern sentiments on demographics of region and religion and particularly the Tinubu syndrome from that divide.

“Governor Seyi Makinde would have matched the exact description of PDP's Joker in the 2027 calculation for the presidential ticket. Ironically, however, the governor hasn't shown any interest yet, as he seems engrossed in delivering people-oriented and socio-economic infrastructure for his people in Oyo State. He is one of the best performers as a governor in this republic. He is measured and most predictable and enjoys a good age for the herculean job.

“The country is in disarray and shambles, no thanks to the inept and clueless APC. It appears to be on autopilot with no one responsible for its management. Spiralling inflation has combined with administrative incompetence in rendering Nigeria the worst country on planet Earth, to live in,” Abdullahi said.

Makinde is however no stranger to overcoming political odds just like he did in 2019, when he defeated the powers that be in Oyo State to win the governorship election.

The PDP in Oyo State before 2019 was comatose. Ahead of the 2019 election, the only big shot in the party, former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, dumped it for the Accord Party because he was displeased with the sharing of the party structure.

A highly placed source at the heart of the politics of Oyo State said, “I remembered then that even the presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was vehemently against Ladoja leaving the party, to the point that he (Atiku) called the then-national organising secretary, Col. Austin Akobundu retired (now a Senator), and then-national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, that under no circumstances must Ladoja leave the party.

“Ladoja left the party a few months left to the 2019 general elections, and the only person left (amongst a few other stakeholders) was the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP, Seyi Makinde.

“The 2019 Presidential Results showed that PDP won the state for Atiku, and Seyi Makinde went on to win the gubernatorial election with a very wide margin.

“Yes, anyone can win elections, but truth be told, in Oyo State then, Makinde swam against the tide, he fought a sitting government, the two former governors (Ladoja and the Late Alao Akala) who were both on different divides, a sitting minister, and most importantly, an APC Federal Government at the center.

“He was able to pull it through with the people, and God's ultimate power was with him. Before 2019, the Party had zero representation at all the national level, however, in the 2019 general elections, the PDP won the governor, a senator, and five federal house seats, all these from a Party tagged as dead,” the source said.

As the PDP seeks a new direction ahead of 2027, can Makinde, popularly known as the PDP Star-Boy, repeat history by defeating the odds to emerge the party’s presidential candidate? The answer lies in the months ahead.

The Plateau State Government has expressed its willingness to partner with international biker group, Jeje Riders in advancing education in the state.

The state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, made this known when he played host to Jeje Riders and other biker groups that paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Jos, yesterday.

Governor Mutfwang commended Jeje Riders for all the humanitarian work and donation of ICT centers across some states.

He expressed delight that Jeje Riders will be donating a fully equipped E-library in Plateau State.

The governor also thanked the bikers and commended them for organising themselves and the biking community, who are from various professional backgrounds.

He encouraged the bikers to use the platform to attract and market Plateau State while serving as peace ambassadors.

Speaking earlier, the president and chairman, Board of Trustees, Jeje Riders, Tizhe Mathew Ibrahim, thanked the governor for receiving the group.

He said Jeje Riders is a group of professionals with a passion for international touring across boundaries and humanitarian work aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals “in the areas of community support services and development, peace advocacy, and Youth development”.

He further stated that members of Jeje Riders are drawn from various professional backgrounds, including academia, medical doctors, senior military officers, Interpol, and captains of industries.

Also speaking on the side line, a member of Jeje Riders, Peter Sunday Okpe, said Jeje Riders work to add value to humanity, supporting the course of good governance and fostering bikers’s relationships within and outside Nigeria.

He said the group has been involved in community development activities across the country.

“A lot has been done by Jeje Riders, of recent, during the Jigawa flood disaster; Jeje Riders was the first nongovernmental group that brought aid by providing 200 households with enough food to last for at least three weeks before other interventions came to the victims.

“In Zamfara State, we donated an integrated water system. We identified that need; people were having waterborne diseases and lacked potable drinking water.

“We have donated critical hospital equipment that is in urgent need to the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital and Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.

"However, our major focus and preoccupation is the youth. They congregate around bikers. We want to leverage that platform to direct their minds positively. Provide modern learning aids. In Jigawa and Gombe State, we donated ICT centers commissioned by the governors of both states.

“This month, the Adamawa State Governor will be commissioning another ICT center in Michika Adamawa State donated by Jeje Riders. The thinking behind this is that students tend to lag behind in ICT.

“We support state governments by providing the ICT centers to upscale students ICT knowledge and skills,” said Okpe.

He also stated that the group dissuades the youth from negative vices, especially drug abuse.

Okpe noted that Jeje Riders is championing this in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with a national Anti-drug abuse and peddling campaign to flag off in Yola, Adamawa State, on the 12th of October 2024.

He stressed that the campaign will be taken to all the states of the federation.

A Civil Society Organisation, CSO, based in Abuja, Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN), has raised the alarm over what they described as misappropriation of funds meant for media outreach in the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

The group in a statement issued on Sunday expressed serious concern that this action if not checked would not only jeopardize the image of the incumbent FCT Administration but also undermine the trust the media placed on the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike.

The statement signed by the Executive Secretary of the group, Comrade Ajayi Alfa, specifically fingered the Director of Press, Mr. Anthony Ogunleye, of misappropriating over N63 million media funds, thus creating a bad blood between the FCT Administration and the journalists covering the beat.

The statement also revealed that plans have already been perfected to redeploy some correspondents considered as a threat from the FCT beat, thus warning that such a move may be counter productive.

"I am writing to formally bring to the attention of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, concerns regarding potential financial irregularities involving Mr. Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press in the office of the Minister.

"Recent reports and observations by the press corps have raised serious questions about financial transactions and expenditures that may not align with the civil service rules and ethical standards.

"The allegations include:
Transportation allowance for Press Corps that are disbursed in opaque manner. In other words, out of N63 million released, nobody knows the number of media houses that benefit from transportation allowance except him; feature articles that promote the image of the Administration are not paid for; Social media and online activities of the Administration is in comatose, persistent demand for 20 per cent of any proceed, and fueling of vehicles that are almost non functional among other unauthorized expenses.

"These issues not only jeopardize the image of the FCT Administration but also undermine the trust we place on the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike.

"I urge you Sir, to initiate a thorough investigation into these matters to ensure transparency and accountability. It is crucial that we uphold the values of ethical profession as watch dog of the society and address any wrongdoing promptly", the statement noted.

Alfa, warned that misappropriation of media funds by the media handlers can be a significant threat to both the integrity of the FCT Administration and the public, noting that it can also lead to biased reporting, and undermined journalistic standards.

He said, "additionally, misappropriation of media funds can hinder essential services, limit investigative journalism, and ultimately harm the Administration the media serves.

"Transparency, accountability, and robust oversight mechanisms are crucial in mitigating these risks".

Some security watchers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have hailed the appointment of CP Peter Ukachi Opara, as the new Commissioner of Police of FCT Command.

The security experts in a brief statement on Sunday lauded the deployment of the Imo State-born lawyer and public administrator to the FCT Command.

The group described CP Opara as a thorough bred police officer and security expert with a rich experience in the prevention and fighting of crime.

CP Opara last posting before his deployment to FCT Command was Deputy Force Secretary and also served in Imo State as Deputy Commissioner of Police.

He also served as Area Commander, Aba in Abia State and was onced Nigeria's police representative at the United Nations.

Opara’s deployment was announced at the weekend in a statement in Abuja by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Police Service Commission (PSC), Mr Ikechukwu Ani.

According to Ani, the postings follow the recommendation of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Opara replaces CP Benneth Igwe, who has been promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and posted to Zone 7, Abuja.

The new FCT Police boss once served as the Personal Assistant to former PSC Chairman, ex-IG Mike Okiro and had previously served as a Liaison Officer at the PSC.

We’ll Collaborate With Jeje Riders In Curbing Drug Abuse In Schools - NDLEA Boss, Marwa

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has declared that it will collaborate with international touring bikers group, Jeje Riders Nigeria to fight drug abuse among youths and children of age across the country.

The declaration was made by the chairman of NDLEA, Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, when he played host to members of the Jeje Riders Nigeria, who paid him a courtesy in Abuja on Wednesday.

The visit was a prelude to the flag off of a nationwide students anti drug abuse campaign in Yola on scheduled for October 12, 2024 to be anchored by Jeje Riders.

The NDLEA chairman expressed delight and commended the group for choosing to assist the NDLEA with a campaign to educate young people on the dangers of substance abuse in schools and the hinterlands across the nation.

Gen. Marwa said riders are misconstrued internationally to be associated with criminal abuse, drug use, misdemeanours and other social vices, which is not the case with Jeje Riders.

He asserted that Jeje Riders are major contributors to national health and well being of the nation.

Marwa stated that, “I would like to commend you for your initiatives and for your participation in making this a very successful organisation. It is very important that you are facing the youth, that is where the calamity that is befalling us today lies.

“The level of drug use among Nigerian youths is touching, primary school, secondary and tertiary institutions and not to talk of those that are out of school. There are millions that are out of school and because of the poverty index, we have a situation where there is no food to eat, they roam around and maybe a colleague will give them a pill to chew that can kill the hunger and make them happy at the same time and before you know it becomes a problem, so this type of work is very important. The NDLEA cannot alone solve the drug use problem nor the government, the whole of the society, everyone has to contribute his or her own quota.

“We appreciate this work you are doing, we are going to collaborate and keep us informed of all that you do. It is a very important assignment you put yourself to do. It is a national assignment. One in seven Nigerians use drugs and that is very high but with your collaboration, and am sure you will put in your best and make a difference.”

Speaking earlier, the president and chairman, Board of Trustees of Jeje Riders Nigeria, Ibrahim Tizhe, while introducing members of the group to the NDLEA boss, said Jeje Riders was established in 2022 and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and has 24 members who are from different professional backgrounds including the military, the police, medical personnel and business professionals from across the nation with affiliations to bikers group from other countries across the world.

Explaining the purpose of the visit to the NDLEA headquarters, a member of the group, Mr Tijjani St. James, said the group is made up of like-minded individuals and professionals from various backgrounds with a passion to improve the quality of living in the country.

He said Jeje Riders have been to several countries around the world and are involved actively in humanitarian works.

“Our key objectives are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include community development, peace advocacy, and youth development among others.

“We are embedded in the society we live. We have serving military personnel amongst us, businessmen, captains of industries, professors. We have members across Nigeria and some West African countries. We not only ride, but are involved in community development and charity work.

“Sometimes ago we donated heart equipment to the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna to support their work. We also supported Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital in Kaduna with the same equipment.

“We were the first nongovernmental organisation to support Jigawa State with food items to over two hundred households that kept them going for about three weeks before help came to them in the last flood that affected the state,” said St. James.

Explaining further, he said the group has been involved in community development especially in the provision of healthcare and water facilities with a recent project commissioned recently in Zamfara State.

“Our key focus is on the youths and that is why we are here today. We believe that the youths are our future; they are the leaders of tomorrow. A nation is as good as the quality of the youth it has and that is why we focused our attention on the youth.

“Our focus on the youths is in two proms especially students, to focus on learning and in that regards, what we have done in recent time is to provide learning and teaching aid to schools, so we donated an IT Centre and E-Library to Gombe State Government about two years ago, few months ago we did same donation to the Jigawa State Government. These E-Libraries are meant to conduct research and for students to learn how to use computers.

“We will be in Gulak, Adamawa State next to donate same to the Government Secondary School, Gulak. We believe that these will enable the students not only to learn but to help them provide quality education because the future is IT.

“Apart from focusing the students on effective learning, we also try to take off their minds from negative vices that will hinder them from their academics.

“We have in the past focused our attention on schools across Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara States but we thought that because of the nature of us especially the youths who are attracted to us, we decided to leverage that love for us to support the tremendous job the NDLEA is doing.

“We have seen what the NDLEA has done in recent time, and it has been massive. However, we thought that aside what the NDLEA is doing, let us support by reaching out to the grassroots, the young ones that are our future.

“To safeguard these children is to fence their minds from going close to harmful substances. These are the reasons we decided to come together to along with our international partners to organise a National Drug Abuse Campaign for students across the country and we will be flagging off these campaign in Yola, Adamawa State,” St. James added.

Speaking further, St. James said the Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri has committed his support for the flag off of the event in his state including the head of Inter-Pol Africa.

He stated that influential persons like Ahmed Musa, Ali Nuhu, MI Abaga, and some influential comedians like Akpororo will headline the occasion to influence the youths positively.

Nasa Anthony Congratulates Stanel Group Chairman Uzochukwu On 40th Birthday Anniversary

The chief executive officer of Hardcore Biometrics Systems, Mr Nasa Anthony, has congratulated the chairman of Stanel Group, Dr Stanley Uzochukwu, on his 40th birthday anniversary.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Mr Nasa Anthony and issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja.

The statement reads, "Happy birthday to Stanley Uzochukwu, a quintessential business icon. A renowned philanthropist and great investor of repute.

"We at Hardcore Biometrics Systems joyfully join our President/CEO, Nasa Anthony, your family and friends, to celebrate you.

"We pray that the Almighty God shall continue to bless you and give you the enablement to maintain your services to humanity."

Lawyer and business consultant, Sir Chyma Anthony, has hailed President Bola Tinubu over the ruling of the Supreme Court that gave autonomy of funds to local government councils in the country.

Recall that the Apex Court ruled on Thursday giving financial autonomy to the 774 LGAs across the country.

The court also barred state .governors from dissolving democratically elected Local Government Councils in the country.

The apex court, in the judgement said doing so, would amount to a breach of the 1999 Constitution.

In the lead judgement read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court observed that the state governments’ refusal of financial autonomy for local governments has gone on for over two decades.

Anthony while reacting to the ruling in a press statement on Friday hailed the administration of President Bola Tinubu, for not only initiating the matter before the highest court in the land but ensuring that the case is concluded logically.

Anthony said the decision of the court, has birthed a new financial regime for Local Government Councils across the federation.

"This is particularly unique and historical judgement because its a matter previous administrations in the country were unable to achieve in their lifespan. The President and his legal team have successfully righted democracy in Nigeria and we should all be very proud of this achievement.

"This will allow accelarated development at the grassroots level unlike in the past when the Governors just take funds meant for LGAs for things that has nothing to do with the people in the local government areas," Anthony said.

He called on members of the National Assembly to march the president in history by amending the constitution to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct local council elections from the current arrangement where state electoral bodies conduct councils elections.

Anthony argued that LGA elections in Nigeria today are a total embarrassment of the country and a clear negation to the tenets of democracy and should be discouraged.

The said the way and manner local councils are managed does not promote inclusive growth and development.

"It's is possible to achieve a total independence of the local administration in Nigeria. The President has done his part, it is the turn of the National Assembly to do its own to allow democracy thrive in the country.

"President Tinubu has written his name in gold with this landmark victory at the Apec Court, this has brought joy and the optimism for national development across our rural communities in the country," Anthony stated.

Despite numerous "achievements" recorded in the Federal Capital Territory under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike and Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, a Civil Society Organisation under the aegis of Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN), has described the infrastructural development as a facade to get the attention of Mr. President.

The group in a statement issued and signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Michael Briggs, and made available to journalists in Abuja revealed that there are more to the recent projects commissioning by the presidency.

The group alleges that all the projects commissioned by the presidency were between 80 to 90 percent completed, as the group expressed concern that most of the payments fall short of financial regulations and accounting process of payments.

The national coordinator also expressed worry that while the presidency applauds the FCT Ministers for a team work, the social sector have been abandoned on the alter of capital projects with the sole aim of siphoning money from the system.

The statement reads in part: "While we join His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to applaud the "laudable achievements" of the current leadership of the FCT Administration, it is also pertinent to draw the attention of Mr. President to the maladministration under Barrister Nyesom Wike and his co-captain, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud.

"For the purpose of clarity, the aim of this press release is not to compel Mr. President to sanction the FCT Ministers but to address the issues factually for the whole world to know what is going on in the FCT Administration under Wike.

"Mr. President, it might interest you to know that all the projects inaugurated by you were over 90 percent completed except the provision of engineering infrastructure to Guzape district which was halted by litigation. But your capable minister made the world to believe that the previous administrations abandoned all the projects.

"To worsen the issue, most of the payments fall short of financial regulations and accounting process of payments. You can fact-check this claim.

"That the FCT social sector have been abandoned on the alter of capital projects with the sole aim of siphoning money from the system, whereas overheads are not paid to any head of the secretariat. To say the least, the civil service is suffocating as we speak.

“That some of the mandate secretaries and permanent secretaries have kept quiet on issues such as this, is because they are afraid of public embarrassment and victimization by the minister. In fact, they are all convulsing in their various secretariat.

Briggs, however frowned at a situation where the president is giving Nyesom Wike leeway to grab lands as the highest land grabber, thus plundering the only resources of the indigenous people of FCT, just as he assured that it will be resisted by the people.

According to him; “Mr. President, even though you trust Nyesom Wike to a very large extent as your cabinet minister, you do not really know who Nyesom Wike is.

"Permit me to borrow the words of our elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark that Wike is only loyal to himself and nobody else, irrespective of his feigned allegiance. He has fought all his benefactors and your time is coming once you drop him from your cabinet.

"Now, that he is dancing around you, you should know by now that he is dancing because of the juicy portfolio you assigned to him".

Superbike Clubs Association Visits Tourism Minister, Seek Collaboration On Annual Convention

The executives of the Superbikes Clubs Association of Nigeria (SCAN), led by its President, Mr Hussaini Misari, has paid a courtesy call to the Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, at her office in Abuja.

This was contained in a statement signed by SCAN president, Hussaini Misari and made available to journalists said the purpose of the visit was to inform the Minister about the upcoming SCAN's annual convention under the theme: "The Gathering" which will take place in Abuja from 1st to 4th November 2024.

"The SCAN President complimented the Minister and thanked her for the opportunity to confer with her and to seek her collaboration being that Tourism is the major focus of "The Gathering" event. The event will showcase Nigeria's rich food culture at a food fair, medical charity where the group will be donating 100 wheel chairs to persons with disability and 2 ambulances will be donated to wounded Soldiers of the Nigerian Army and also offer free medical tests and treatment.

"Also, the program will also include the Abuja City Marathon to raise awareness against sickle cell, and will end with a Culture Costumed Gala & Award Night.

"The Minister expressed her excitement and encouraged SCAN to continue promoting Nigeria's Tourism.

"She also assured of the Ministry's support to make the 2024 SCAN National Convention a Success. The event aimed at promoting the potential of Tourism and culture in Nigeria later this year will attract over 1000 bikers across Africa and Europe," Misari said.

Meanwhile, chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Ibitayo Taiwo, during his remarks revealed that over 1,000 bikers from 25 countries across Africa and Europe are expected to grace the event which will
showcase culture, tourism and entertainment.

He also assured the Minister of the firm support of the biking community in collaborating with the Ministry to continually promote Tourism in Nigeria.

In her closing remarks, the Minister, Mrs Lola Ade-John, expressed her excitement on the initiative and promised to use the event to promote Nigeria's rich cultural potential.

The leadership of the organised labour in Nigeria has been cautioned over the planned nationwide strike planned for Monday, June 3, 2024, that the action will spell doom for the Nigerian economy.

The call for reconsideration of the strike action was made by a legal expert and business consultant, Mr Chyma Anthony, in a press release yesterday in Abuja.

Anthony contend that the new minimum wage pushed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of N494,000 will further push the Nigerian economy into the bottom of hyper inflation as the purchasing parity of Nigerians will worsen from hike in the prices of goods and services.

Rather, Anthony urged the labour organisations to push for a reduction in energy prices, especially petrol, cooking gas, kerosene, and diesel, which are the key drivers of the local economy.

He said asking for higher wages will come with a hyper price increase in essential commodities that will make the impacts of the new minimum wage useless.

"With the current economic reality in Nigeria, organised labour should press on the federal government to fix the refinery and ensure that the price of key energies in the country drop and by such, the impact on lives of Nigerians will be significant especially as it affects workers and businesses across the nation.

"I must say that a price reduction in PMS is capable of forcing down prices of goods and commodities across all sectors of the Nigerian state.

"Also, I expect labour to mount pressure on the federal government to reduce insecurity in the country to a minimum level so as to allow farmers go back to their farms and businesses in the hinterlands to pick up instead of demanding a huge new minimum wage that clearly and sincerely government cannot afford, and this will further exacerbate the condition of Nigerians," Anthony said.

He further stated that the leadership of the National Assembly should, as a matter of urgency, proffer solutions and modalities to strengthening governance. The legislature must also work with the executive to fix the economy. Our refineries should be made work. Manufacturing and production must be a top priority now.

He said the Naira must be supported by encouraging made in Nigeria products against the current penchant for foreign goods.

"Labour must resist all temptations and jettison the planned strike. I believe that every well-meaning Nigerian will not support wage increase or subsequent strike," Anthony said.

Two women have lost their lives after being struck by lightning during the rain in the FESTAC area of Lagos State.

Police spokesman in the state, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, made this known in a post he shared on his X handle – @benHundeyin, on Saturday.

Hundeyin said that the incident happened during the rain on Friday.

“Somewhere on First Avenue, FESTAC, two women remained indoors during the downpour yesterday.

“Lightning struck, electrocuting them instantly and causing a fire outbreak,” he said.

According to him, the victims live in a shanty built under high-voltage wires.

The spokesman sympathised with the deceased, and prayed that their souls rest in peace.

NAN

Touring and adventure bikers group, Jeje Riders Nigeria took their nationwide anti-drugs campaign to Government Secondary School, Kakuri, Kaduna sensitising the students on the dangers of drug abuse.

The event, which took place at the school premises on Friday, also saw the donation of 3,000 books to enhance learning as the students were mentored in career development.

Speaking on behalf of Jeje Riders Nigeria, Mr Joel Bwankwot, said the group is not just an adventure group but a humanitarian association with the zeal to contribute to societal growth by directly impacting lives across the nation.

He said as part of the objectives of Jeje Riders Nigeria is charity.

“We are aware that people like you are leaders of tomorrow, it can never be over emphasised and we put attention on people like you mostly in the areas of healthcare, education and that is why we are here today.

"We have carried out activities across the nation in the area of education because we believe that education is the pathway for you to become great leaders of tomorrow.

"Part of our contribution to making you great leaders of tomorrow is the donation of books to you, the students, to relieve the burden on your parents and the government," Bwankwot said.

He said the group has carried out ICT projects in Gombe and Jigawa States, water projects in Zamfara State, and donated healthcare equipment to hospitals in Kaduna.

He stressed that the group is worried over the prevalence of drug abuse among young people in northern Nigeria hence the need to carry out sensitisation campaigns in schools using the array of professionals among its ranks to educate students on the dangers of abusing drugs.

Speaking on dangers of drug abuse, Captain Ibrahim Bwala, a pharmacist in the Nigerian Army and member of Jeje Riders, said in his brief presentation that drug abuse is the misuse of drugs and taking doses that are not recommended by a medical expert.

He said youths are now abusing alcohol, cigarettes, cocaine, codeine, tramadol, Indian helm, and many others, which is leading them astray, especially in their studies.

He said many youth abuse drugs due to peer pressure, boredom, the need to keep alert, family neglect, and other challenges.

The consequences of drug abuse, according to Captain Bwala, are that it affects the physical health of the lungs, kidneys, and other internal organs of the body.

He charged the students to stay away from drug abuse to avoid mental health challenges, such as depression, which may lead to suicide and can also affect their academic performance.

“Learn to say no to pressure from anyone to abuse drugs; listen to your parents and teachers. In case you are not sure of what to do, talk to your parents and teachers, and you can talk to Jeje Riders for guidance,” Captain Bwala said.

On career development, a career pilot with the Nigerian Air Force, Wing Commander Abayomi Ajibola Odunola, encouraged the students to work hard to be able to attain their dream career in life.

He said that through education and steadfastness, they can achieve their goals in life.

“It is only education that makes you succeed in life; education gives you direction, it exposes you to a lot of things. I want to encourage you all to have your personal goals and aspirations of whatever you want to be, and I tell you that tomorrow is better than today, but the journey of tomorrow starts today,” Wing Commander Odunola said.

Responding on behalf of the school, the principal, Government Secondary School, Kakuri, Mrs Phibi Audu, thanked Jeje Riders for visiting the school and inspiring the students in their education drive.

She said the teachers and students have been challenged by the array of professionals in the group to work hard to attain the highest levels in their chosen fields.

She noted that the action of the group was to contribute to the education of the students and assured that the books donated to the students will be used judiciously to enhance learning.

Audu charges all the students to sit up, become great men and women tomorrow, and avoid the abuse of drugs at all times.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of six books to each of the students of the school.

Jeje Riders Nigeria is duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, with a maximum membership of 24 riders from across Nigeria. It was established on September 24, 2022.

According to the group, the sole purpose of the association is to promote unity, peace, brotherhood and harmony with one another as one exclusive, indivisible and indissoluble, non-religious and non-political, social association.

The association has been impacting lives positively by giving back to society through various charity activities while at the same time having fun.

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has said that the state will tap into the energy of youths who are very productive and can contribute to the growth and development of the state.

Governor Fintiri made this known yesterday when he played host to international humanitarian and bikers group, Jeje Riders Nigeria at the Government House, Yola.

The governor who expressed happiness with the energy in the group of young professionals of different fields said his administration is open to working with them in developing Adamawa State.

“I completely support the drive Jeje Riders has taken upon itself to educate youths on the ills of drug abuse and peddling. Drug abuse is a big menace that is ravaging youths across the north and the country as
a whole and you know what drugs do to the human mind-it kills potentials,” Governor Fintiri said.

He further stated that he is willing to support Jeje Riders in the campaign against drug abuse in the state, promising to be present in all the campaign events organised by the group in the state.

Governor Fintiri assured the group that he will be physically present at Government Secondary School, Gulak to commission the proposed E-Library to be built by the group when it is ready for commissioning.

The governor thanked Jeje Riders for the visit and wished all members of the group well in their individual careers.

He also called on youths across the country with means and energy who are also professionals to lend hands in the growth and development of the country.

Earlier in a brief remark by the president and chairman, Board of Trustee (BoT) of Jeje Riders Nigeria, Ibrahim Tizhe, thanked the governor for receiving the group in his office and said the touring bikers group were in the state to seek his support towards their humanitarian work in the state.

Tizhe on behalf of the group congratulated Governor Fintiri on his re-election as Governor of Adamawa State and pledging their support for the growth and development of the state.

He said Jeje Riders in the third quarter of 2024 planned to begin its Anti-Drugs Abuse and Peddling Campaigns across secondary schools in Adamawa State in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

He explained that the campaign is targeted at major secondary schools in the state and across the northern states of the country.

He stressed that the group is worried over the increase in the cases of drug abuse by youths of secondary school age hence, the need for quick action to discourage them from ruining their future.

Tizhe also said Jeje Riders is donating a state of the art E-Library to Government Secondary, Gulak in the state to enhance teaching and learning alongside boreholes the group intends to support needy communities.

JeJe Riders Nigeria aka JEJE SQUAD is an exclusive team of touring and adventure bikers, duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) with a maximum membership of 24 Bikers from across
Nigeria. It was established in 2022 in Jos, Plateau State.

The group besides international touring, is committed to providing the basic tools at aiding smooth learning in schools hence, supporting communities with basic needs, safety campaigns on road usage, health support and many more.

The intersection of methane emission, climate change and its impact on lives and the environment is highlighted in this analysis by Juliet Ukanwosu. The report emphasizes why focus should be on methane emissions reduction more than other greenhouse gases, as Nigeria and the world at large battle the climate crisis. The report further calls attention to operational and regulatory issues within the Nigerian oil and gas sector that serve to fuel methane emissions

The race against climate crisis

That the earth and its inhabitants are in a crisis state posed by climate change is no longer news. The focus now is on the differentiated impact of climate change across continents and regions and how world governments are planning to combat the crisis.

In plain terms, climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. While these shifts may be natural, however, since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas, which produces heat-trapping gases.

According to scientists, as emissions from fossil fuels blanket the earth, they trap the sun’s heat, leading to global warming and climate change. The world is now warming faster than at any point in recorded history.

Consequently, extreme weather conditions such as rising temperatures, droughts, rising sea levels, storms and economic losses are being reported globally. This disruption to the usual balance of nature poses many risks to humans and all other forms of life on earth.

How is Nigeria affected?

The impact of climate change differs from one region to another; neither Nigeria nor any other country on earth is free of this impact. The degree of a country’s contributions to climate warming is inconsequential, the effect is universal. In Nigeria, hotter temperatures, drought, flooding, and rising sea levels are among the biggest impacts.

To the northern part of Nigeria, drought and desertification threatens human and wildlife existence, while flooding and rising sea levels remain a constant threat to the existence of communities in the southern part.

According to the World Bank estimates, about 41 million Nigerians live in high climate exposure areas.

For example, TheCable in a 2023 special report, detailed communities in coastal Patani and Burutu LGA of Delta State, South-South Nigeria, that have been swept under water by the rising level of the River Niger.

A similar fate has been the lot of other Nigerian coastal communities. Reports by the World Bank indicate that an estimated 53 million people in Nigeria may need to be relocated due to increase in sea level, by the end of the century.

Still on water troubles, data by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency 2024 Annual Flood Outlook shows that part of 148 local government areas in 31 states of the federation fall within the high flood-risk areas, while part of 249 LGAs in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) fall within the moderate flood-risk areas, spanning from April to November, with potential impacts on population, agriculture and the economy. Everyone is bracing for the impact; these are not pretty times!
The situation in the North is not any better. A November 2023 fact sheet by the USAID profiling Nigeria’s climate reality highlighted drought and reduced rainfall in the North as a major challenge to existence.

According to the fact sheet, reduced rainfall inhibits the country’s hydropower systems (mostly located in the northern parts) and hinder agricultural production and fishing, reducing food security and negatively impacting health and nutrition.

A glaring example of climate change impact in Northern Nigeria is the near disappearance of Lake Chad, once a fresh water source for communities. A 2018 UN Environment Programme article suggests that over the last 60 years, Lake Chad has decreased by 90 percent mostly as a result of extended drought and climate change.

Ethnic and communal clashes are now common over control of available land and water sources. Out of desperation for fresh water for fishing, green pastures for livestock or arable land for farming, hundreds of lives have been painfully lost to these frequent clashes. Diverse opinions suggest that the now very deadly herders/farmers clashes owe its roots to the impact of climate change.

In a recent survey commissioned by the Global Methane Hub (GMH) conducted in 17 countries including Nigeria, 40 percent of Nigerian respondents said that the changing climate has an ‘extreme’ or ‘strong’ impact on their lives, with eight in 10 Nigerians supporting actions to minimise the impacts of climate change.

The survey further reported that 45 percent of Nigerians are very concerned about water quality, with 54 percent of Nigerians concerned about crop yields, while 44 percent are concerned about water levels, and 44 percent about droughts.

All gloom and doom?

To address the situation, world governments are embracing energy transition – a shift in production and use of energy from fossil fuels to renewables and other forms of cleaner energies.

While there have been several global efforts to reduce climate change, the December 2015 Paris Agreement at COP 21 became the driving legally binding international treaty on climate change, with an overarching goal to limit the temperature increase to 1.5oC above pre-industrial levels. On the back of the Paris Agreement, there have been several Partnerships, Pledges and Commitments towards embracing energy transition.

As energy transition is being embraced globally, reducing GHG emissions such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and various synthetic chemicals, jumps to top conversations. Of these however, abating Methane, considered the most potent GHG becomes pivotal.

Why Methane?

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential up to 80 times greater than carbon dioxide. It is an important short-term climate action as it only remains in the atmosphere for a decade, but is considered the most lethal greenhouse gas.

Methane is emitted from a variety of anthropogenic (human-influenced) and natural sources. Anthropogenic emission sources include landfills, oil and natural gas systems, agricultural activities, coal mining, stationary and mobile combustion, wastewater treatment, and certain industrial processes.

The largest source of anthropogenic methane emissions is agriculture which is responsible for around a quarter of the total. This is closely followed by the energy sector, which includes emissions from coal, oil, natural gas and biofuels.

Experts say that eliminating methane emissions could avoid as much as 0.1degrees C of warming by mid-century—equivalent to zeroing out the emissions of every car and truck in the world.

The United Nations designates methane as the most lethal GHG due to its structure. It traps more heat in the atmosphere per molecule than carbon dioxide (CO2), making it 80 times more harmful than CO2 for 20 years after it is released. The UN estimates that reducing methane emissions by 45 percent by 2030 could help world governments meet the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

Similarly, the US Environmental Protection Agency agrees that because methane is both a powerful greenhouse gas and short-lived compared to carbon dioxide, achieving significant reductions would have a rapid and significant effect on atmospheric warming potential.

Methane is reported to be responsible for around 30 percent of the rise in global temperatures since the industrial revolution, and rapid and sustained reductions in methane emissions are key to limit near-term warming and improve air quality. Even though CO2 has a longer-lasting effect, methane sets the pace for warming in the near term.

Oil and gas sector contributions to methane emissions

The energy sector accounts for 40 percent of global methane emissions and the oil and gas sector accounts for 70 percent of the energy sector’s emissions mostly through fugitive emissions, venting and flaring. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that around 40 percent of methane emissions from fossil fuel extraction in 2023 could have been avoided without additional costs.

Recently, the organisation called for a quick reduction in methane emissions in the oil and gas sector in order to achieve climate protection targets, stating that almost 120 million tonnes of methane were released in 2023 from the production of oil and gas.

According to the IEA Director, Fatuh Birol, “A reduction in methane emissions of 75 percent by 2030 is necessary to limit global warming. It is now important to translate commitments made by almost 200 countries at the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai last December into action. This alone would halve methane emissions by 2030.”

Reducing methane emissions within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is crucial because according to the World Resources Institute, Nigeria leads as the top methane emitter in Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 18 percent of total emissions, followed distantly by South Africa, with 8 percent.

Data from the IEA show that in 2022, offshore oil production accounted for 48 percent of total methane emissions in Nigeria, onshore oil operations 30 percent, onshore gas 10 percent, while gas and LNG facilities were responsible for six percent methane emissions.

Why methane emission persists in Nigeria’s oil sector

There are a number of reasons why methane emissions have continued unabated in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. These include:

Gas Flaring: The practice of flaring gas continues to be prevalent in Nigeria’s oil industry, significantly contributing to methane emissions. Addressing certain operational and regulatory weaknesses can help the country reduce gas flares by 50 percent relative to 2020 values.

Gas flare data: The lack of a comprehensive data system on gas flaring hampers effective compliance.

Gas flare penalty: There is a weak penalty system for gas flaring in Nigeria. Currently, companies producing more than 10,000 barrels per day (bpd) pay a fine of $2 per 1,000 scf of gas flared, while companies producing less than 10,000bpd pay a fine of $0.5.

Venting & leaks: Venting, the process of releasing unignited gas, and leaks from gas infrastructure are common within the industry despite its contributions to methane emissions.

Reporting Framework: Another major factor is the country’s dependence on largely voluntary Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) disclosure frameworks.

Gas flare commercialisation programme: There are delays with the Nigerian gas flare commercialisation programme and this prolongs emissions window. The government says it is targeting an injection of $3 billion capital investment to fund the projects.

Poor regulatory functions: Weaknesses in monitoring, and enforcement of penalty on defaulters encourage emissions. The weak coordination among government agencies undermine effective regulatory oversight.

Speaking during a methane emissions reduction workshop organised in Abuja by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) in collaboration with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Dr. Charles Ofori, Policy Lead at Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), said Nigeria could do better with its emission statistics if some major weaknesses in the oil and gas sector were addressed.

Other factors encouraging methane emissions according to Ofori includes, limited political will on methane management, consensus on who is responsible for emission, reduction investments, and inadequate awareness among civil society and think tanks.

Nigeria’s Current methane emission abatement plan

Speaking to this, Senior Officer, NRGI, Nigeria Program, Tengi George-Ikoli, who referenced the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, said the broad plan targets reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas, power, cooking, industry and transport sectors.

With regards to cooking, she explained that Nigeria is targeting speedy replacement of firewood, kerosene and charcoal by LPG until 2030 and 75 percent of firewood stoves replaced by 2030 and 50 percent LPG stoves.

In the area of transport, the plan is to reduce passenger vehicle emissions accounting for 72 percent of transport emissions and passenger vehicle mix with gas/diesel reduced by three percent in 2030, while a shift to blue/green hydrogen is planned for the industrial sector.

On oil and gas, the plan involves 100 percent reduction in flaring by 2030 and 95 percent fugitive emissions by 2050, including exporting/repurposing gas, while the plan for the power sector is an initial expansion of gas generation capacity, and establishment of a baseload for integrating renewables.

The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, further informed that an estimated 300 mscf/d of gas is targeted to be taken off flare, through the gas flare commercialisation programme.

To support the above plan, the country has a number of enabling laws and policies in place, these includes;

• Petroleum Industry Act 2021: The law establishes the governance, fiscal and regulatory framework for the petroleum industry. Among others, it prohibits gas flaring and venting in oil and gas production.

• Flare Gas (Prevention of Waste and Pollution) Regulations 2018: This regulation aims to reduce environmental and social impacts caused by gas flaring. It provides for environmental protection, and creates social and economic benefits from gas flare capture, vesting ownership of flared gas to the state at no cost.

• Guidelines for management of fugitive methane and GHG emissions in the upstream oil and gas operations in Nigeria: The guidelines establish the actions and mechanisms that operators will adopt for the prevention and control of GHG/methane emissions. The provisions are applicable to new and existing facilities.

• Standards for Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR): This work practice is designed to identify and repair leaking equipment so that emissions can be reduced.

From the foregoing, Nigeria is not in want of laws or policies aimed at reducing methane emissions, but effective implementation of these laws and commitments remain a challenge.

Way forward

When contacted, Nigeria’s National Oil Company (NOC) told Extractive360 that the Company has implemented initiatives focused on mitigating methane emissions within its operations as part of its ‘Goal Zero’ pledge.

Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Olufemi Soneye, said the NNPC Ltd upholds a robust Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) policy, reflecting its commitment to the Goal Zero objectives.

He explained that Goal Zero signifies the NOC’s pledge to achieve zero harm to individuals, (including its staff and the residents of its host communities), zero harm to equipment and facilities, and zero harm to the environment.

As a way of demonstrating industry leadership towards methane abatement, Soneye said the NNPCL is establishing partnerships with other IOCs and JV partners across its operations to deploy technologies to reduce methane emissions.

“Notably, we have established a partnership with TotalEnergies to utilise the Airborne Ultralight Spectrometer for Environmental Application (AUSEA) technology, aimed at detecting and reducing methane emissions across our upstream operations,” he said.

He also disclosed that the NNPC Ltd is collaborating with the US Department of State and Deloitte on a project centred on reducing methane emissions, with OML 34 serving as a pilot.

These efforts, he said, supplement other measures undertaken by NNPC Ltd in conjunction with its Joint Venture partners to minimise gas flaring, aligning with Nigeria's commitment to global climate change mitigation efforts, as reaffirmed at COP28 in the UAE last year.

Similarly, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, warned that Nigeria faces the risk of falling behind in the transition to net-zero carbon emissions if it does not devise strategies to confront emissions challenges.

Ahmed, who noted that the vision of the NMDPRA is to promote economic and social development through sustainable energy, said: “From our perspective as the regulator of this sector, this transition is not just about changing the name or logo. It is about changing our mindset, our operations, and our impact on Nigeria and the world.

“It is about reducing our carbon footprint and promoting energy efficiency. It is about ensuring that businesses not only power Nigeria today, but also preserve Nigeria for tomorrow,” Ahmed said.

Furthermore, the Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Petroleum Commission (NURPC) is coordinating the methane mitigation guidelines process. It requires developing a baseline for fugitive methane using the Country Methane Abatement Tool (CoMAT) and developing a methodology and framework for data reporting for methane management.  

According to the Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), as of mid-2023, over 70 percent of oil and gas operators had complied with the new regulations, by submitting a greenhouse gas emissions management plan within six months of the regulations start date. The is required to detail at a minimum, the scope of their operations and emission sources, methodologies of emissions quantification, yearly and long-term percentage reductions on emissions; and set a timeline to replace single cycle steam turbines with combined cycle by 2030.  

Operators are also required to submit quarterly reports covering fugitive emissions and GHG monitoring reports to NUPRC on a quarterly basis. These requirements apply to oil and gas production facilities, export terminals and gas processing, gathering and boosting stations.   

Overall, the methane abatement guidelines have an objective to reduce methane emissions from flaring by 100 percent by 2030, and fugitive methane from leaks by 95 percent by 2050. If achieved, these reductions will comprise a major component of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets - which are an unconditional reduction of 20 percent and conditional reduction of additional 47 percent with international support, the CCAC said.

Further recommendations

In addition to ongoing efforts, there is the need for the Nigerian government to take responsibility for their emissions and set realistic plans to eliminate methane emissions.

The development and clarity of institutional roles for methane management in the short term, is vital, and the NOC must continue to lead by example and demonstrate leadership in implementing methane management strategies.

The government and companies should jointly invest in methane abatement technologies, while a unified method for methane emission estimation across sectors should be established.

Furthermore, there is the need to design a specific framework to strengthen methane emissions reduction, restructure incentives for methane capture and utilisation, and set robust penalty mechanisms for non-compliance.

Conclusively, enhanced collaborations and coordinated public, private, civil society and other relevant stakeholder’s efforts to ensure coherence in the actualisation of national targets towards methane emissions reduction in Nigeria must be prioritised.

This report was sponsored by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, with funding support from Natural Resource Governance Institute

Former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mr. Olusade Adesola, has hailed the victory of the Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the just concluded governorship primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

He described the victory as a testament of his leadership, hard work, dedication, and the trust that the State has placed in you.

In his congratulatory message made available to journalists in Abuja further stated his victory was not a personal triumph, but also a triumph for everyone who believes in his vision for a better future for the Sunshine State.

The message reads in part: "I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellency on your landslide victory at the Gubernatorial primary election of the APC, a bold testament to your leadership, hard work, dedication, and the trust that the State has placed in you.

"I have always admired your passion for serving others and your unwavering commitment to making positive impact. Your April 22, 2024 victory is, therefore, not a personal triumph, but also a triumph for everyone who believes in your vision for a better future for the Sunshine State.

"I have no doubt that Your Excellency will continue to lead with integrity, compassion, and determination. Your leadership will undoubtedly bring about more positive changes and make a lasting impact on the lives of the good people of Ondo State.

"As you embark on the upcoming election, I am confident that you will be victorious once again.

"Congratulations once again, Your Excellency, on your well-deserved victory".

Nigerian fastest rising artist, Adekunle Derick Akingbala better known by his stage name Ghandi has dropped a new hit single titled ‘Available’.

The Abuja based singer and songwriter Ghandi who recently signed a multi-million long time deal with Xsterik Music, said the song is to inspired Nigerians who are dedicated and working hard despite the economy challenges facing the country currently adding that the single is beginning to captivate global audience.

‘’This particular song is dedicated to all young and hard working legitimate Nigerians across the world, to keep the fire burning, we are currently working on the music video and other projects as well, Nigeria should expect a lot from me and my team this year, I am grateful to Xsterik Music for this opportunity and I promise to make the label proud” he said.

Ghandi born on the 12th of March 2003 and hails from ogun state he is an Afro-fusion artist who discovered his passion for music at a young age but professionally started in 2018 while in secondary school.

From being in the church choir to constantly participating in musical activities/workshops to improve his musical prowess and With a heart full of rhythm and a voice that echoed with soul, he embarked on a musical journey, blending traditional African beats with modern sounds.

His infectious melodies and powerful lyrics captivated listeners, spreading joy and unity through the power of Afrobeats.

From humble beginnings and on a journey to the global stage, Ghandi continues to shine as a rising star, inspiring others with their unique sound and electrifying performances.

Chief executive officer of Xsterik Music Kelechi Michael, stated that the record label signed Ghandi due to his immerse talents and high level professionalism while urging Nigerians to give the Ghandi all the need support by streaming the new singles on all digital platforms.

“Ghandi is a promising young talented artist, we are happy with his style of music and we believe he will make a positive impact to young Nigerians and in the music industry, Nigerians should watch out for him”.

Gov Namadi Commissions Modern E-Library At Dutse Mega School, Donated By Jeje Riders Nigeria

Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, inaugurated a state-of-the-art E-Library and Computer Laboratory at Dutse Mega School.

In a press statement signed and made available to journalists by the head of Media and Publicity of Jeje Riders Nigeria, Mr Muktar Makarfi, the project was donated by the international touring bikers group, Jeje Riders Nigeria, marks a significant milestone in advancing education and digital literacy in the state.

In his address during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Namadi expressed his gratitude to Jeje Riders Nigeria for their unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for Jigawa residents.

He commended the group's previous humanitarian efforts, particularly their assistance during the devastating flood that struck the state last year.

"Jeje Riders Nigeria has been a true partner in progress. Their timely support during the flood crisis demonstrated their dedication to our people. Today, we celebrate not only the opening of this cutting-edge facility but also the enduring legacy it represents," Governor Namadi said.

The fully equipped E-Library and Computer Laboratory will serve as a hub for learning, research, and digital skills development.

Students and teachers alike will have access to a wealth of educational resources, including e-books, online courses, and interactive learning tools.

The facility is expected to enhance academic excellence and empower the youth for years to come.

In a remark, the president and chairman of the Board of Trustees, Jeje Riders Nigeria, Mr Ibrahim Tizhe, reaffirmed the group's commitment to education and sustainable development.

He announced that the group would continue its partnership with the Jigawa State government to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in education.

"Our mission is clear, we believe that education is the key to unlocking human potential. By donating this E-Library and Computer Laboratory, we aim to bridge the digital divide and equip the next generation with essential skills for the future.," Tizhe emphasised.

The project, which was completed ahead of schedule, includes state-of-the-art computers, high-speed internet connectivity, and a comprehensive collection of educational materials. It is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Jeje Riders Nigeria, the Jigawa State government, and the Dutse Mega School community.

As the ribbon was cut and the doors swungw open, students cheered in excitement, eager to explore the world of knowledge that awaited them within the walls of the new E-Library.

Governor Namadi pledged ongoing support for the facility, ensuring its sustainability and impact on generations to come.

Jeje Nigeria continues to make a difference, not only on the open road but also in the hearts and minds of the people of Jigawa State.

Their commitment to humanitarian service and community development remains an inspiration to all.

As part of its initiatives to commemorate the 2024 International Women's Day, a non-governmental organization, Caritas Development and Health Initiative (CDHI), has called for collective efforts in exploring innovative strategies that will unlock the full potential of every woman in the society.

CDHI made the call at its one-day Symposium held in Abuja where stakeholders brainstormed on how to advanced the place in the society.

The event whose aim was to encourage government and stakeholders to prioritise women empowerment, well-being, and inclusivity across all level, has as its theme 'Empowering women in Nigeria: fostering inclusivity for sustainable development'

In her address, founder and executive director of CDHI, Mrs Blessing Olugbuyi, emphasised that the key objective of the inaugural symposium was to honor and celebrate women in Nigeria while striving to eliminate their marginalisation, both nationally and globally.

"We aim to address the issue of gender inequality by advocating for increased representation of women, particularly in fields traditionally dominated by men such as science, politics, and technical jobs. Our goal is to ensure active participation and engagement of women in these areas," she said.

According to her, the symposium functions as a forum for dialogue, collaboration, and motivation to address the plight of the Nigerian woman.

She, however, expressed gratitude for the presence of esteemed speakers, experts, and advocates who share the organizations commitment to women's empowerment.

Appreciating support from UNESCO, PLAN International, UNFPA, UN Women, the French Embassy, Scholar Media Africa in Kenya, and other important stakeholders, Olugbuyi highlighted that CDHI has effectively conducted a series of educational and sensitization outreach programs on sexual reproductive rights in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Anambra, Kebbi Benue State, and others, as part of its commitment to enhancing the well-being of women and young people in Nigeria.

However, in order to facilitate the comprehensive inclusion of women and enable them to fulfill their potential, Olugbuyi urged policymakers, civil society organisations, and all stakeholders to promptly address the following areas: prioritising women's education, eliminating gender-based violence, and promoting economic empowerment.

Additional action points encompass ensuring equal political representation, guaranteeing access to quality healthcare, cultivating a culture of inclusivity and gender equality, and enhancing collaboration and accountability measures.

The symposium's focal point featured a discussion panel session, a short film on gender-based violence, a question and answer segment, and a group photograph with participants.

During the symposium, 20 women were selected for empowerment trainings after the event and business set up for 2 participants.

The symposium concluded with a powerful call to action led by Dr. Charles Usie and Blessing Olugbuyi. Participants urged the government and the international community to prioritise women's empowerment, well-being, and inclusivity.

The collective vision included prioritising women's education, eliminating gender-based violence, promoting economic empowerment, ensuring equal political representation, guaranteeing access to quality healthcare, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and strengthening collaboration and accountability.

In her closing remarks, Olugbuyi expressed gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and supporters, highlighting the unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality, women's health, empowerment, and inclusivity.

She called upon everyone to carry forward the spirit of the discussions, emphasizing unity in creating a future that uplifts women in Nigeria and beyond.

Caritas Development and Health Initiative remains committed to its mission of empowering women and contributing to the betterment of society.


Photo Caption:[i][/i]
L-R: United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), Rep Dr. Hamira Welye; National Programme Analyst UNFPA, Sheila Courage; Clemency Zere Ishaya; Dr. Lawrence Babatunde Aremu; Director Special Duties, NCCE representing Executive Secretary, NCCE; Blessing Olugbuyi, Executive Director, CDHI; Dr. Stephen Onyekwelu; National Programme Officer and Literacy Specialist, Representing the Head of Office, UNESCO, Abuja; and Country Director, Plan International Nigeria, Dr. Charles Usie, at a symposium to mark the 2024 Int'l Women's Day in Abuja.

Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal, has commended Jeje Riders Nigeria, a super bikers club, for donating a water project to Dadin Kowa Saminaka community in Gusau local government area of the state recently.

The governor’s commendation was contained in a press statement yesterday by the media officer of Jeje Riders Nigeria, Muktar Makarfi.

The statement said the Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal, represented by the director, Press, Zamfara State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mal Bashir Kabir Ahmad, hailed the bikers humanitarian gesture towards the state.

The governor while commissioning the water project said it will bring succour to the people of Dadin Kowa Saminaka and addressing the water shortage faced by the people.

He said the government welcomes complimentary projects in meeting the needs of the people of the state.

Governor Lawal further said that unlike the stories of Zamfara State in the past, the state has a new look today and the narratives have changed from insecurity to relative peace.

“It is also evident that development can be seen in every community in the state including the state capital Gusau. The government of Zamfara State has been providing the necessary infrastructures in rural community and only recently agricultural inputs were distributed to rural farmers to boost their farming.

“The government of Zamfara State calls on all indigenes of Zamfara all over the world to join hands with the government in bringing development to the state.

“The citing of the water project in Saminaka community is a welcome development and the government is pleased to be one of the
beneficiaries of the humanitarian gesture of Jeje Riders.

“The government of Zamfara State is open to partnership with Jeje Riders to bringing more development to the people of the state.

“Jeje Riders has endeared itself to the people of Zamfara State by this initiative. We understand this is not your first humanitarian project, we were told of a similar gestures in Gombe, Kaduna and other places.

“This project has shown that that you people don’t just ride super bikes for fun but also observes the needs of the society and where you can come for the people,” Governor Lawal said.

In a brief remark, leader of the Jeje Riders team to Zanfara and member of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Alheri Senchi, said the aim of citing the project in the community is to provide clean and healthy water that everyone can benefit from.

He said similar borehole projects have been completed by Jeje Riders in other communities, and more are yet to come.

“The primary concern of Jeje Riders is not just about riding for fun but also giving back to communities, which involve charity, donations, and other related activities nationwide.

“This club’s first and foremost priority is about life and safety. Jeje Riders Nigeria supports both national and international organisations that provide and promote health facilities, food support, and medical assistance.

“Several donations have been made to support hospitals, schools, and communities,” Senchi said.

The representative of the Emir of Gusau, Ubankasar Damba Samba Chiroma, in a statement hailed Jeje Riders for considering a community under his Kingdom for the water project.

He said water is one of the major needs of the people and that Saminaka community will do all it can to maintain the project.

Dignitaries that graced the occasion include: the Talban Saminaka, Surajo Abdullahi; Mai Anguwar Dadin Kowa Saminaka, Mal. Bashir Alhassan; and Kachallan Saminaka, Mal. Nura Hassan.

A Civil Society Organisation under the aegis of Transparency and Accountability in Public Service, has called on the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to be wary of some top management staff of the Administration who have extended their tenure for selfish ambition.

The group in a statement issued by the National Coordinator, Barrister Chidi Ejifor, and made available to journalists said public servants extending their tenure has raised questions amongst civil servants of the Administration.

The Coordinator maintained that in recent scrutiny, a top public servant has come under the spotlight for overstaying his designated service years, sparking concerns about transparency and accountability within the public sector.

The group alleged that the current Director of Operation Planning and Strategy in the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Prince Samuel U. Atang, has consistently amended his service records, thereby elongating his stay in service.

According to the group, "we have empirical evidence to show that Prince Samuel U. Atang has overstayed his welcome in public service.

"Recall that one Mr. Senen Udo, who retired from the services of Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in July 2021, was Atang's mate during the one year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

"It is also on record that when Mallam Bashir Mohammed, was appointed as Director of Human Resource management, Prince Atang could not hide his grievances and told everyone who care to listen that he was the officer who documented Bashir at the point of entry into the service.

"He alleges that they gave the position to his junior because he is not from the northern part of the country.

"By and large, those who served with him, and those he documented as staff have left the service after putting in 35 years or attaining 60 years of age. Atang remains the "old soldier never dies or the last man standing".

Ejifor affirmed that the prolonged tenure of this individual has raised questions about the adherence to established guidelines and the potential impact on organizational dynamics.

He also noted that while public servants play a crucial role in serving the nation, it is essential that their terms of service are respected to maintain a fair and equitable system.

In his words: "The overstaying of service years not only violates established protocols but also presents a challenge to the principles of meritocracy and the infusion of fresh perspectives within the public sector.

"This situation prompts a broader examination of the institutional mechanisms in place to monitor and enforce adherence to service timelines.

"Addressing such cases is crucial not only for maintaining the integrity of the public service but also for fostering a culture of accountability and responsibility".

He, therefore, called on the FCT Minister to critically look into the issue with a view to rebuilding trust and maintaining the credibility of the public sector.

Investment Scam is projected to astronomically increase by 13 Percent in Nigeria if concrete steps are not taken to check the ugly trend.

A fraud prevention expert, Olufemi Odebode who gave the warning insisted that a recent study by the ICIRnigeria.org indicated an increase on the average loss per victim rose from $8,142in 2021 to$12,859in 2022 due to investment, romance and cryptocurrency scam. Unfortunately, only 4.2 percent of stolen funds were recovered.

Speaking to select media organizations in Abuja, Odebode, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Legwork Herald Ltd insisted that the way out of this unfortunate quagmire is for investors and business owners to engage professionals for the purpose of background check and due diligence before they engage in any transaction.

"Do you know that 8.8billion naira (ftc.gov release.) has been lost to investment scam in Nigeria and its projected to increase by 13 Percent in 2024?.

“The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede is quoted to have said he discovered that within three years Nigeria lost N2.9trillion to contract scam which was meant for some government projects but diverted into personal use by contractors.

"Are you also aware Nigerians have lost over $10,000 to fake jobs offers in the UK alone? This is as according to international organization for migration.

While prescribing the solution to the malaise, Odebode said "Background check as the name implies is a process conducted by an organization to verify whether a person (usually an employee or a person of interest) is who or what they claim to be. This process has saved many diasporas and companies from engaging in illegal business, investing funds on plausible properties or project back at home.

"It gives you an in-depth knowledge about a business or project, up to-date research, verification and information about the project or business. Here, at Legwork Herald Limited, we’re an international business management consulting company.

"We offer background check solution among many other solutions providing the bridge between you and the truth.

"LEGWORK as a member of SPBS- Society for Professional Background Screeners of Nigeria, Is well on its way to becoming the leading solution needed to avert scams and help save your money.

"Give your brand the protection needed, improve you hiring decisions and prevent you falling victim of fraud. Background checks at national level contribute to safeguarding against a range of threats, including insiders risk, criminal activities, and potential incompetence.

'By ensuring the integrity and sustainability of individuals in key positions, mitigate the risk of losses associated with security breaches, economic downturns and reputational damage.

"Moreover, implementing comprehensive background checks across all levels and sectors ranging from government official, private businesses, leaders and employees can create an environment of trust, accountability and efficiency. This in turn attracts investments, encourages economic activities and supports overall GDP growth for the nation."

The Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has issued a heartfelt statement mourning the death of former Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

Governor Akeredolu passed away earlier today, sending shockwaves through the Nigerian political landscape.

In the statement signed by her Media Adviser, Emameh Gabriel, Onyejeocha described the news of Governor Akeredolu's passing as a "huge shock" and a "shadow falling over Ondo State." She went on to highlight his remarkable career, praising his "staunch advocacy for democracy," his "keen legal mind," and his unwavering support for women's empowerment.

She said: "Governor Akeredolu's legacy extends far beyond his official title. He was a champion for democracy, a brilliant lawyer, and a true advocate for women. He consistently created platforms for them to rise and demonstrate their leadership capabilities."

Despite the grief, Onyejeocha urged everyone to remember Governor Akeredolu not for his absence, but for the "vibrant energy he brought to life." She emphasized his dedication to his family, state, and country, and the lasting impact he has left behind.

"The sun may have set on his earthly journey, but Governor Akeredolu's light lingers, illuminating the path forward for future generations," Minister Onyejeocha declared. "His life inspires us to uphold his values, fight for what we believe in, and leave our own lasting marks on the world."

The statement concluded with a poignant message of condolence to Governor Akeredolu's family and a final tribute to his legacy.

"Rest in peace, Governor Akeredolu," Minister Onyejeocha wrote. "Your star will forever shine in the constellation of those who made Nigeria a brighter place."

Nigeria’s umbrella body for sport bikers, the Superbike Clubs Association of Nigeria (SCAN), has elected a new executive to lead the association.

The election held in Jos, the Plateau State capital saw the election of an exco made of 11 members at the annual general meeting of the association.

In a statement signed by the chairman, Board of Trustee (BOT) of SCAN, Mr Mustapha Ibrahim, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Friday stated that 11-member exco were elected to lead the association in 2024.

Ibrahim stated that Mr Hussaini Misari (Ghost) was elected president; Mr David Julius (Thumderboat) elected vice president while Mr Abdullahi Daku (Doer) was elected as secretary general.

Others are: Mr Nengar Terfa-assistant secretary general; Mr Geofrey Ojeabulu (Suspense)-treasurer; Mr Raymond Yakshut (Rayhonest)-financial secretary and Mr Salisu Abubakar (Tangland)-welfare officer.

Also elected into the new exco include Mr Umar Abubakar (Manager)-internal auditor; Mr Olu Abel-provost; Mr Muktar Makarfi (Arewa)-media and publicity and Mr Dakwai Lengs as national road captain.

The statement added that the new exco would be inaugurated in Kano on the 2nd of December, 2023.

Meanwhile, members of the association also paid a humanitarian visit to an Internal Displaced People's (IDP) camp in Mangu local government area of Plateau State where food items worth about N1.5m were donated to the residents.

Some of the relief materials donated included food stuff, noodles, malt drinks. blankets, bottled water, clothes among others.

Receiving the relief materials on behalf of the IDPs, Camp coordinator, Mr Markus Enoch Gumwesh, appreciated SCAN for the donation.

He assured that the materials will be distributed equitably.


Photo caption: Members of Superbike Clubs Association of Nigeria (SCAN) during a humanitarian visit to the camp of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State recently.