Democracy is the government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation and the government of the people by the people for the people.

Distinguished Senator Smart Adeyemi has really demonstrated the meaning of Democracy by making his people a priority, hence, Kogi West Senatorial district pass vote of confidence on his leadership.

It's the talk of the town that Distinguished Senator Smart Adeyemi is a colossus of modern politics by giving hope to the upcoming politicians, even when he has encouraged others from opposition to decamp to the Progressives fold as his magnanimous act to the people continues.

Distinguished Senator Smart Adeyemi is a blessing to the good people of Kogi West Senatorial district in terms of social economic development of the five local Government areas, and the two major area where Distinguished Senator Smart Adeyemi has scored pass mark is the area of human capacity development, majority of youths in the five local Governments which made up of Kogi West Senatorial district are gainfully employed in different federal parastatas, government appointments and different types of Empowerment to encourage entrepreneurs in the Senatorial district, given transformers to the communities to encourage steady power supply in his constituency.

Every household in the Senatorial district always pray for this man of God, for the listening ears given to his people.

I join my faith with everyone that believe in the leadership of our Visionary and Quintessential leader that the Almighty God will continue to protect him, grant him good heart and above lead his steps to take Kogi West Senatorial district to the next level.

~Comrade Hamidu Jibrin Kupa

By Temibi Samuel

The senator representing Kogi West, senator Smart Adeyemi has revealed that it is too early for him to show interest to contest for any political office.

The senator who spoke through his Media Assistant, Femi Adeleye said that issues which will determine his readiness to contest are yet to be resolved.

"Our attention has been drawn to campaigns and publications calling for the Return of our Principal, Distinguished Senator Smart Adeyemi to the Senate"

"While we appreciate both your Individual and collective support for him, the Senator, through his office, wishes to state that it is too early to declare any interest to contest any position as critical national issues which will determine this are yet to be resolved. Through his media office, he has assured his well wishers and ardent supporters that at the appropriate time, the leadership of the party will determine what becomes in the best interest of Kogi West Senatorial District and Kogi State as a whole" he said.

In the coming weeks leading to the primary election of our great party, I will like to enlighten my constituents of my manifesto and our key focus areas when elected.

This Political manifesto is borne out of my desire and sincere commitment to serve my community where I was raised as a political being. I believe I can bring my pedigree, exposure and achievement, both in my personal and business life, to bear on the present situation in our Federal Constituency.

The present arrangement provides an opportunity for someone with the qualities to improve and build on the achievements on ground.

Our vision

To make Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency one of the most developed Constituencies in Kogi State.
To encourage transparent and accountable leadership by example for the unity and progress of Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.

To reconcile, integrate and harness the human, natural and material resources of Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.
To provide enabling environment for individual humanitarian development.
To create and increase the entrepreneurial spirit of the members of the Federal Constituency.

To use proper Legislation to bring about EMPOWERMENT, WEALTH CREATION, and REAL DEVELOPMENT.
To access various Ministries Department Agencies, private companies and other Non-State Agencies intervention programs that will lead to achieving the above vision.
To defend and protect the dignity of every member of the Federal Constituency through application of rule of law.
To uplift the hopes and aspirations of every member of the Federal Constituency through equitable distribution of amenities.

My primary focus for Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency would be anchored on a 3-point agenda;
EMPOWERMENT, WEALTH CREATION, and REAL DEVELOPMENT.

It is my belief that we can leverage on existing and new legislations to push this 3-point agenda. We will also lobby government and her relevant agencies to bring the much required federal presence to Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency. We are optimistic that these measures will significantly improve our Federal Constituency economically, politically and culturally. The critical areas requiring immediate attention include, in no particular order:
Education. Health. Tourism, and Culture. Employment Generation. Agriculture & Rural Development. Housing, and Urban Development. Information Technology & Communication. Road. Construction. Electrification. Water Supply. Industrialization. Transportation.

This will be achieved in all the sectors as highlighted below with a mixed role played by both the private sector and the Government.
I ask that you join me in changing the narrative. Together we can bring about the much needed joy to our community.
A New Dawn is here.

Solidarity greetings from the secretariat of the National Coalition Kabba-bunu Ijumu youth and students movement, an umbrella body that advocates, protects and defends the interest of the entire youth within the federal Constituency with a population of over 1 million active members.

We write you this day in regards to the forth coming 2023 election. Election is not in anyway new to us all, but the question we must ask is what has always been the result after the elections? "Complains"from every area, it is in line with this that we the leadership and members of the above mentioned organisation sat in kabba to deliberate, examine and finally take a decision on who can bring the needed and positive change we all want and prayed for. In an over 4hrs meeting, we took our time to look into the profile and impact of each of the aspirant from all political parties before their interest in contesting; we discover we are blessed with good heads and mind in kabba-bunu/Ijumu. But above all Mr Abayomi Bello appeared to have shown more positive direction towards the real development we all wanted, some of which we will be sharing here:

1) He has the highest capital investment by far within the federal Constituency among them all. The mega multi million dollar Omoboja farm project, is a project that can employ over 100 Kabba-bunu Ijumu youth directly, either to its oil milling section, animal feed production or live stock farm, outside this direct employment, our farmers will again be the major source for raw materials which will in turn increase the income to farmers. Increasing our agro-economic activity through distribution and sales within our people. Let’s think of the volume of wealth this single project is bringing to us, let’s think of it this way again, a man with this type of capital investment within the federal Constituency will be interested in the electricity, security,road network of our community as it In turn helps his investments thrive, other than someone who has absolutely nothing to lose if all this are not available.

2) Under his sologic care intaitive he has really touched and impacted lives positively some which includes;

His annual craft learning, mentorship and entrepreneurship program,

His loan and start up capital initiative for youth interested in doing business with no capital.

His annual purchase of JAMB Forms for as many interested students within the federal Constituency with over 1000 beneficiaries and counting.

His scholarship programs for the less privileged and gifted.

His cash, food and free medical outreach programs.

His annual Okun unity cup competition which is aimed at discovering, celebrating and tapping young sport talents and uniting us together in respective of religion or parties differences.

As a man who has selflessly done this and more before elective office, we, from the above mentioned organisation believe he will definitely do more if given the opportunity. In view of this, we are calling on our fathers, mother's, sisters and brothers to please forget about politics of highest bidder and look inward, toward capacity and someone with real love for his people.

Mr Abayomi Bello has proven he has it all.
We are calling on the delegates, leaders and elders of his party( PDP) to present him as their official flag bearer and we assure them of large scale victory in the general elections,as we continue to meet with 80 percent of the youth and students group, we are all set to tell him THANK YOU with our votes.

We cannot continue with the same system and expect a positive change, the time to act is now! Think about it

Kolawole Michael

Okun Liberation Movement's attention has been drawn to a badly written and hurriedly circulated illicit piece about the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Lokoja [FUL] Professor Akinwunmi accusing him of sexual harassment, mismanagement, and drunkenness.

Were it not for the enormity and weighty nature of these allegations, we would not ordinarily have responded to this plethora of lies from nay-sayers, knowing absolutely that it has become their character to indulge themselves in a pull him down syndrome, they have mastered perfectly the act of blackmail and will always show up whenever the tide is not to their favor.

While warning these enemies of our land to put a stop to this inglorious act of lying and blackmailing through a pseudo group or name, let us attempt to understand the piece and its badly written English and respond accordingly.

Okun Liberation Movement is surprised to read that the Vice-Chancellor of a glorious institution such as Federal University Lokoja, will stoop so low as to indulge himself with his friends in a hot romance with students of an institution he leads in an open place as described by the writer of the piece. Anyone who knows Professor Akinwunmi too well will know that since he has been given the mandate to lead the Federal University Lokoja, he has hardly had time for any social activities if he is not at his duty post holding meetings and getting involved in the institution's engagements, he is on journeys aimed at raising the standard of the institution and placing her on the global stead. What time is then left for the VC to get involved in parties and hang out that could lead to such drunkenness and sexual harassment?

If these nitwits who have nothing meaningful to do with their lives and time other than engaging in concocting frivolous allegations and lies against constituted authorities are a bit calculative and brilliant in their act of lying, they would know that Professor Akinwunmi is well brought up under the great African system of parenting, he understands the proverbial wise saying that warns a man clothed in white robes never to come close to another who carries palm oil. If they are sincere with their claims, wouldn’t they have provided the names of the ladies involved or harassed? Wouldn’t they have mentioned the name of the so-called hotel where these sexual acts and drunkenness are being carried out all the time? Wouldn’t they have mentioned the names of those involved in these illicit acts and those who also witnessed these acts when they were being perpetrated, instead of writing a disjointed article and engaging in guesswork to drive home an allegation that is dead on arrival?

It is however so sad, that the misuse of social media and the access to cheap keypads does not allow the general public to have access to channels of the right information, it does not also allow bloggers and practitioners of these information mediums to practice the true tenet of journalism which has to do with investigation of allegation before publication.
A right-thinking group would have investigated and know that were it not for the fact that Professor Akinwunmi is developmentally oriented, he wouldn’t have risen to the level of a DVC in Nasarawa Sate University where he recorded unmatched records and unequal achievements before being selected on merit for the position of the VC of the Federal University of Lokoja, never has Professor Akinwunmi had any tainted record of sexual abuse, drunkenness or misappropriation of funds in Nasarawa or anywhere he has worked before now, the records are there for sane and discerning minds to see.

Those who know the VC can attest to the fact that he only takes wine on a rare occasion, he doesn’t keep late nights except on duties about his job, he doesn’t take beer, he has never been drunk or caught drunk at any event, social, formal or informal gathering. Where these harbingers of bad news got their information about his drunkenness beats our imagination. Prof Akinwunmi is a workaholic, he appreciates and rewards hard work, he has always benefitted from merit so he favors merit at all times.

Okun Liberation Movement is surprised that these pushers of bad news refused to see the many positive leaps that the university has made during the short period that the VC has taken over the helms of affairs as the VC of the school. Are they blind to the fact that the VC had to move activities to the permanent site of the university campus, amidst security tension in the nation even when it is not yet convenient to do so? Do they notice how many developmental projects and how much quality development the Prof has drawn to the permanent site even with the meagre funds and resources that are available to the school? We seek to know, what their parameters for development are, especially regarding a young institution that is daily competing and moving up the ranks amongst those institutions that have long been established?

Okun Liberation Movement is shocked that these people could go as low as accusing the VC and school authority of bribing the NUC to move the ranking of the institution upward, we are yet to know what they stand to gain peddling these humongous lies. For the records, there are procedures that an institution is meant to go through, there are also indices that would be checked before an institution can be ranked higher. The NUC is a big and complex organization that cannot be bribed in the discharge of her duties, it saddens our hearts for a person or group to think that an institution could bribe an organization like the NUC with just a sum of 2.5 million nairas. If this negative propagandist knows or seeks proper information, they would be aware that a body that came from Spain was also involved in the touting and ranking of the school, we, therefore, wonder how 2.5 million nairas will be enough to bribe two huge and respectable organizations.

At this juncture, Okun Liberation Movement, dare these rumour mongers and blackmailers to come up with all or any evidence they have at their disposal to prove their fictitious allegations or face the full wrath of the law. We have, however, reported these blackmailers and their publication agent ‘Kogi State News’ to the law enforcement agencies for proper handling. We are also giving ‘Kogi State News’ 48 hours to recant and tender an unreserved apology in not less than ten online mediums with wide coverage and long millage or risk legal actions, failure to do so.

Signed

Okun Liberation Movement

A political pressure group, Kogi APC Youth Vanguard in Kogi Local Government Area has commended the Senator representing Kogi West, Senator Smart Adeyemi, for quality representation in the Senate.

Alhaji Usman Yahaya, Chairman of the group, gave the commendation in an interview with NationalWatch in Lokoja, on Sunday.

According to him, both the party executive and members across the 11 wards of the council were impressed with Adeyemi’s record of achievement since assumption of office.

Yahaya said Senator Adeyemi had in no small measure advanced the party’s principles and ideals in all ramifications, going by the series of achievements recorded since elected into office.

He lauded the recent empowerment of some widows in the council with each of the widows going home with N10, 000.

“We in Kogi local government area APC are proud to associate with the laudable achievement of Senator Smart Adeyemi in his quest to bring succour and dividend of democracy closer to the people of the council and the constituency in general.

“It is a fact that Kogi LGA, like other six councils in the federal constituency, has continued to witness tremendous progress in the areas of youth and women empowerment; entrepreneurship and vocational development and provision of social amenities, through Smart Adeyemi.

“Senator Adeyemi had not only upheld the party’s principles and ideals of teaching people how to fish, but has shown greater commitment toward fulfilling his promises to the electorate during the last general elections.

“We are very hopeful and optimistic that these gesture will continue to attract more recognition, accolades and entrance of more members into the party’s fold, ahead of the next elections.

“With series of achievements recorded so far, we express our support and confidence in the ability and capability of the Senator.

“We must not fail to recognise some of the projects and programmes, including sinking of motorised boreholes, free distribution of UTME forms to prospective applicants, distribution of free eye glasses and training of some youths on the benefit of entrepreneur and vocations.

“Others are erection of street light poles in major locations,” he said.

Yahaya called for more support and prayers for the lawmaker and called on other elected leaders in Kogi West Senatorial District to assist them in bringing about the desired transformation envisioned for the area.

He, however, appealed to members of the APC to remain committed and dedicated in order to achieve more victories for the party in future elections.

The leading Aspirant of Yagba House of Representatives election, Engr. Folorunsho Olafemi has condemned the attack on banks and people of Egbe and Odo-Ere communities by unknown gunmen in the earlier hours of Tuesday, 14 of December 2021.

Engr. Folorunsho who described the attack as vicious and horrendous sympathized with the family and friends of the victims as well as the entire people of Egbe and Odo-Ere communities over the loss of their loved ones.

On Tuesday, gunmen laid siege on UBA bank in Odo-Ere and Access bank in Egbe while leaving 3 people dead.

Speaking through his platform, Engr. Folorunsho encouraged the people to be the bearer of positivity in society. According to him, such an attack on the communities could not have happened if it was not planned by the people who should ordinarily be a bearer of positivity in society.

"The events of yesterday have left us saddened but we remain resilient. Even as we mourn and sympathize with all who have been affected by these sad events, I want us to be torchbearers of positivity even when it seems all around us says otherwise. Please, let's be the encouragement tool and source of hope to our friends and families impacted or not. My love and thoughts remain with all" he said.

Senator representing Kogi West, Smart Adeyemi on Wednesday said serving legislators and all past public office holders should be made to account for property abroad.

Adeyemi while contributing to a bill seeking to repeal and reenact the money laundering on the floor of the Senate, said they should explain to Nigerians how they were able to acquire those properties.

The bills were sponsored by Sadiq Umar, senator representing Kwara north, and Suleiman Kwari, senator representing Kaduna north.

The Kogi senator said the bills are necessary because they will drive the federal government’s fight against corruption.

“This bill is furtherance of this government’s drive to fight corruption. There is no doubt that billions that have been siphoned abroad by those who have held public office,” Adeyemi said.

“This bill must take into cognisance public officers and their families. They should tell us how they got those properties. We should know who has acquired properties in the name of their families.

“Nigeria is bleeding out. Anybody who has held public office in the past should be made to give account. Even those who are sitting here.”

Earlier, Sadiq Umar, senator representing Kwara north, said his bill will make the fight against money laundering stronger.

“To make provisions for effective anti-money laundering legislation with the view of new techniques in money laundering,” Umar said.

“Money and terrorists have become bedfellows because of the advancement in technology.”

Also, Suleiman Kwari, senator representing Kaduna north, said the legislation will introduce provisions that will combat money laundering.

“The bill will protect those prosecuting the fight against money laundering. It will introduce certain provisions for law enforcement agencies to implement to combat money laundering,” Kwari said.

“The bill will positively impact the money laundering fight.”

On his part, Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south, said the bills should be supported because there is a fundamental problem in the fight against money laundering and corruption as a whole.

“This law should be supported by the national assembly to nip money laundering in the bud. The EFCC and ICPC are yet to be effective because there is a fundamental problem in the fight against corruption,” Ndume said.

“Let’s shift the burden of proof to the accused. If we do not give teeth to this bill we are processing, this will be another waste of time.

“The root of all the problems in this country is corruption.”

The bills passed second reading after they were put to voice votes by Senate President Ahmad Lawan.

The Olu Adde of Ekinrin Adde land, His Royal Majesty, Oba Anthony Bamigbaiye Idowu, ACA (Ahe-Maworo1) has set up a Seven-Man Organising Committee to coordinate the execution of Alede Olu-Adde Banquet (AOB) which will be an annual event to hold at the royal court of Olu-Adde on December 26th of every year.


According to the Secretary of Olu Adde in council Chief Tejumola Medaiyese, the novel initiative which is exclusively at the instance of the Olu-Adde himself, is to provide an auspicious opportunity of merriment with HRM and also an interactive/review of development session with all segments and critical stakeholders of the Ekinrin-Adde community.

The annual event will also afford HRM the opportunity to appreciate his subjects for their support and goodwill over the years.

Members of the committee are: Elder Deinde Toyin Komolafe, Director-General, Prince Ben Bolarin Faleke - Deputy Director-General, Ambassador Rufus B. Aiyenigba - Secretary, Mrs Remilekun Aiyedogbon - Member.

Others are, Mr Victor Adewale Adekanye - Member, Otunba Deji Toba - Member, Dr. Ekundayo Mejabi - Member.

"Begining from this year 2021, which will be the inaugural edition of the Banquet, this royal Mandate confers on the Team, the authority to establish necessary contacts with all Ekinrin-Adde indigenes at home and abroad, with groups and associations in the community, to plan, strategize and implement the initiative annually.The appointments take immediate effect. Ire Ekinrin-Adde a soju gbogbo gha o" the memo reads in part.

By Obafemi Babajide

For people in the grass root, the first government that directly touches their lives is the local government. People have argued endlessly about the need to concentrate funds and resources at the local level, sincere power of autonomy should be granted to the local government with the placement of checks and balances so that it won’t be miss used. Argue it with all your strength, power just like politics should be local because no matter how cosmopolitan you are, the first point of call either at where you live or work is your local government.

Intricately and because of the kind of government system we practice in Nigeria, aside from the local government level of governance, the two most important strata of governance that is saddled with legislating to represent the need of their localities are the state house of assembly and the federal lawmakers. Because of how the state governors totally pocket the state assembly, preference will be given to the federal lawmakers with a narrow down to the green chambers because of a more narrow scope in the constituencies they represent.

Legislating does not only involves raising of hands to concur, it goes beyond moving motions on issues or national emergencies, it also goes beyond speaking brighter grammar. It is however the best practice to put your best foot forward first, that is, send the best man for the job to do the job. It is called putting round pegs in round holes.

I have had interactions with different aspirants across our constituency I have heard rumours of those who are still warming up and in my small head, I have had to imagine what every one of them will bring to the table if elected.

I may be biased but life itself isn’t fair to all, I do not have that tingly inner exhilaration in my imaginative mind about other aspirants filling the space in the green chamber come 2023 like I do whenever my imaginative heed switches to that of Olaiya Micheal Olobatoke and I will tell you why.

I have had to ask him why he wants to run for this legislative seat against so many odds and his responses were the reason my mind leaps for joy knowing full well that for a long time since the creation of Kogi state, Kabb/Bunu/Ijumu will have an aspirant and hopefully, a HOR member whose core value and constituent is with his locality and who will legislate and lobby with a human face.

Imagine Olaiya Michael Olobatoke as your next HOR member, what does he bring to the table?

An astute entrepreneur, Olaiya Michael Olobatoke is a complete grass-root personality. Because he grew in his locality and at least spent his first fifteen years around Kabba and environ, Otunba Olaiya has the full grasp of what his constituent will need to stand tall in the league of constituencies.

A local man to the core, OMO is a great lobbyist. He knows where the shoe pinches, he knows where to lobby and what projects to attract to his constituency with his full lobbying weight. He won’t be selfish, he has never been.

A man with great native intelligence, Otunba Olaiya understands the implications of good education, he knows that majority of the problem that bedevils the nation in the area of kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling and insurgency emanated from the nations falling and failing educational standards. He understands that one of the reasons an Okun indigene will stand tall anywhere in the world is because we are vast in education. He knows that our local educational system which he passed through cannot be said to be as virile as what was obtainable in the time past. He also knows that a legislative emergency is needed if we will intend to witness successes and progress as of old.

A former NAN staff and a good journalist and communication strategist himself, OMO knows the value of communication. He does not intend to leave a communication gap, he sees his constituency as more of home rather than his office at the National Assembly. He will literarily hold periodic town hall meetings at different communities if he is given the chance to represent his people; this is to feel their pulse always and know where and what are their immediate priorities.

Otunba Olaiya knows the value of research and evaluation, this method he intends to employ at every period all the way. I am very sure that evaluating and re-evaluating will lead to prioritising, lobbying and securing needed employment opportunities for the fresh and young graduates which is also an issue that cannot be overemphasized.

Age on his side, his youthfulness, strong will, respect for elders plus passion to see Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu on a great level will not allow him to rest on his oars if allowed the opportunity to serve as our HOR member.

Take a deep breath, read and re-read all these laudable intentions which are woven around his adequate preparation and tell me if you will not be excited at the prospect of allowing him to represent us. He will certainly surpass our expectations.

Just like me, imagine his emergence, think it, work it, act it and let’s make it happen.

Babajide Obafemi writes from Ekinrin-Adde

By Temibi Samuel, Lokoja

Motorists plying through Lokoja Kabba to Omuo Ekiti Road have been stranded over the bad condition of the road.

This is sequel to the collapse of the road at Ikoyi in Ijumu Local Government area of Kogi State.

Alerting the public on the danger posed by the road, Bisi Kazeem, the Assistant Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps HQ in Abuja, advised that motorists who are coming from or to the South West should use Kabba/Asaya/Ogidi/Ikare route as alternative pending when the road will be fixed.

"Members of the motoring public and general commuters travelling from or to Southwest, through Kabba- Omuo Ekiti Federal Highway are hereby notified of a failed section of the road at Ikoyi under Ijumu local government area of Kogi State"

"This development has led to lack of free flow of traffic at the said portion of the road"

"In view of the foregoing, motorists, travelers, and the general public are hereby advised to use Kabba/Asaya/Ogidi/Ikare as alternative route to or from South West. The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing is already activating appropriate action to ameliorate the situation"

"The Federal Road Safety Corps solicits maximum cooperation of the motoring public on this development. The Corps will also continue to update the public periodically on further developments"

Director-General of the National Productivity Center, Dr Kashim Akor has extended his warmest wishes to Chief Edward Onoja, Deputy Governor of Kogi State on the celebrations of his 47th birthday Anniversary. In a statement, personally signed by the Director-General, Dr Akor praised God for the life of Onoja whom he described as a cultivated young leader imbibed with the wisdom of sage and baked with the scriptural fear of God.

" It is a thing of pride to associate with such personality as you. You are admirable and exemplify what a leader should be; kind, brave, foresighted and disciplined. You are a young leader gifted with the wisdom of a sage. It is my fervent prayer that those things you desire fall into place for you. "

On behalf of my family, my dependable team at the National Productivity Center, I extend my warmest felicitations as you celebrate what has been generally adjudged to be a beautiful and worthy existence. You are exemplary, pragmatic, astute and visionary. Continue to be the light that shines the path to a prosperous future, keep being the unifier and bridge builder you are and above all, stand in stoic image of God. Happy birthday Your Excellency.

Many prominent Nigerians including Director-General of the National Productivity Center Dr Kashim Akor have sent birthday greetings to Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment on his 69th birthday anniversary.


Dr Kashim Akor, in a statement wishing Senator Ngige well on Sunday, said the Senator- Governor is an 'ebullient reference of value,  patriotism and bridge builder’.

'You are a worthy patriot, whose traces of service to the nation has been legendary. you are true patriot with emulating strokes. Your manifestations in the services of the land have been exemplary and worthy of emulating.'

'On behalf of my family and the entire team at the National Productivity Center, I join many Nigerians in celebrating your many years of fascinating achievements, sacrifices and unblemished career as a patriot and professional. You are a national pride, and we wholeheartedly identify with your legacies. We salute your intellectual posture, inimitable patriotism and excellent work ethics and unrivalled leadership.'

Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige (born 8 August 1952) is the current Minister of Labour and Employment (Nigeria), appointed to serve in two terms under President Muhammadu Buhari's regime. He was elected senator for Anambra Central Constituency in April 2011. He was the governor of Anambra State in Nigeria from May 2003 to March 2006 under the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Chris Ngige is currently a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

By Obafemi Babajide

I had never been a fan of Temitope Balogun Joshua, I didn't hate him but I didn't like him either. This may be born out of the orthodox path to Christianity in which I grew into, even when I drifted into the Pentecostal side, I did so without my eyes fully closed. I might also not like him because of some harrowing experiences I went through as a kid in the hands of money mongers, self-styled prophets that thronged our house; it might also be because of the believes and stories surrounding him. I even ban anyone from watching Emmanuel TV in my house, I also remembered flinging off his church stickers which made their way into my living room, that is how much I detested him. Although, I never did a fact check but I just didn't like him and to twist the truth now is to writhe in lies.

Much as I do not like him, his death came as a rude shock to me, truth is, no one is super-human, but one would just think that with all the powers, anointing or grace that some men of God carry, death at some certain age or time is practically evitable. Fact is, because of the status they assume, we turn them to the god of men instead of men of God.

I had argued with some friends that he (TB Joshua) will wake up, I jokingly said at a time that it was probably a stunt, all these words I later regretted big time. Although I didn't go back to those I argued with to withdraw my statement back but deep down in me I realised it was a joke taken too far, so, I silently begged for forgiveness and quietly withdrew all my blasphemous words, after all, am not God and I wasn't the one who called him or who would judge him. As a human being, I am also with a lot of frailties, so, I am equally fallible.

The death of TB Joshua taught me few lessons, as much as that, his burial further taught me more.

Lesson number one: that no matter your status, greatness or closeness to the maker, death is inevitable; as inevitable as it is, only a few people will be allowed to know their set time. Beware, be prepared and always have an exit plan if you can.

Lesson number two: all your secret deeds shall be exposed while you are gone. They may be positives or negatives, all, everything will be laid bare. Just like we see a lot of good testimonies about TB Joshua, in fact, his good deeds to me outweigh his errors (if there are any). Nations stood still for him, encomium came from different quarters, unbelievable testimonies alluded to him made my ears tingle, people wept not because a prophet died but because a benefactor was lost.

Lesson number three: that one should be kind, good and try to affect humanity positively always. All works will be tested with fire, the good ones will stand like steel, the bad ones will burn off instantly. TB Joshua stood positively for humanity, humanity rose to bid him farewell when he was going to depart, whatever he did wrong will not matter anymore, nobody cares, nobody will listen. All we know now is how he fed the downtrodden, how he helped the widow, how he supported communities and nations and what he did to raise those who are down. Not what he did wrong, never will that matter anymore because his good deeds far outweigh them.

Either TB Joshua was called by God or not matters less now, no one was there when he was called, after all, God's ways are far from man's. He, like every other person will be solely answerable for their deeds. He has lived a good life, an unrivalled record of humanitarian services and giftings have been set. What more could anyone have asked for?

When will it be your turn?

Babajide writes from Lagos.

Ekinrin-Adde Community was on Saturday flooded with dignitaries who came to honour the Community's invitation to its annual day celebration.

Aside from the rich cultural splendour which was on display to commemorate Ekinrin-Adde day which took place at the Baptist High School's open field, one of the important parts of the event was the official launching of the sum of N100million nairas which will be channelled into reviving the dying Educational Institutions of the community and the conferment of Chieftaincy titles on 5 persons.

At the event, guests were seen been carried away by the full display of the Community's rich cultural displays and the calming atmosphere which was comforting enough for all guests and indigenes.

Addressing the invited dignitaries, the President, Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association (EACDA), Mr Wilson Abiodun Olorunleke said, Ekinrin Adde has through communal efforts, embarked on arrays of community projects which has made the community one of the leading giants in Ijumu Local government.

Mr Wilson emphasized on the importance of resuscitating the first secondary school in Ijumu and the other secondary school because according to him, Ekinrin Adde's penchant for quality education must be sustained.

He revealed that N100m will be needed to fast track the rebirth of the schools to their normal positions and achieve the success of giving the children quality education and a future.

The Chief launcher of the day who was also conferred with a chieftaincy title as Otunba Atuluse Of Ekinrin-Adde, Chief Michael Olaiya Olobatoke, while galvanising for supports and donations towards helping our children's education for future sake, donated two million nairas to kick start the fundraising.

Notable among the donors were, Hon Adewale Omofaiye, who announced a donation of One Million Naira, Hon Shabba Ibrahim who donated five hundred thousand nairas, Otunba Deji Toba of the United Kingdom who announced a donation of One Million naira.

The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja, Prof Akinwunmi, Speaker of Kogi State House Of Assembly, Mathew Kolawole, MD/CEO Last Wealth NiG, LTD, Chief Omolere and others were not left out in the donations to bring back to live, the dying education system of the community.

In the same vein, the Olu-Adde of Ekinirin-Adde, Oba Anthony Bamigbaiye Idowu was thankful to God for the success of the event.

Olu Adde of Ekinrin Adde, who said that the success of this year annual Ekinrin Adde day programme could not have been achieved without God Almighty.

He said that the maturity, oneness and brotherhood displayed at the event irrespective of religious, political and social statuses was impressive and noteworthy.

He described this year's Edition of Ekinrin Adde day as unusual, adding that the huge success recorded has again put Ekinrin-Adde community forward as the giant of self.

He appreciated those who contributed immensely towards the educational advancement of the community, he prayed that God will replenish their pockets in ten folds.

On the 19th of June 2021 about 3days to this time, Ekinrin Adde Community will be thrown into an atmosphere of felicity as the community has concluded arrangements to make the earth-shattering event in June an epoch-making one.

The Ekinrin Adde Day Planning Committee had before now, strained all nerves in making sure that dignitaries invited to the event savour every moment of their presence with the classical arrangements of the program.

What makes the event unique and a reference point is that the community celebrates its maiden yam festivity the following day to the big event thus making Ekinrin Adde day a grandeur event that captures the attention of people from far and near.

This year's edition comes with unusual relish from mountain hiking, eating of roasted yam, roasted maize, drinking of fresh palm-wine at the top of Akogba hill just a day to the main event, to the full display of the Community's cultural heritage. You would not want to be told of how the Community will be thronged by fervour young children and old ones.

Worthy of note is the number of dignitaries who have registered to grace the vivacious event. I'm talking of the men and women who have made their marks in society. The Olu Adde of Ekinrin Adde, Oba Anthony Bamigbaiye Idowu Olajubu has identified five of these dignitaries who will be conferred with chieftaincy titles.

One of the people to be honoured at the event is Hon. Adewale Omofaiye, an illustrious son of Ekinrin Adde, who is serving as the Commissioner of Environment in Kogi state. Omofaiye will be conferred with Otunba Olugbayi Of Ekinrin Adde Land this Saturday. Others to be honoured are, Hon Shabba Ibrahim, Member House of Representatives, representing Lokoja-Kotor/Kogi federal constituency as the Otunba Gbadeniyi of Ekinrin Adde, Hon. Dr Mamatu Tijani Aliyu, the FCT Minister of Federal Capital as Yeye Bobaselu of Ekinrin Adde.

Other eminent personalities expected at the event are Senator Representing Kogi West, Sen Smart Adeyemi, Hon Richard Femi Bamisile (BAFEM) Member Representing Ekiti south II Federal Constituency. Barrister Babatunde Irukera, MD Federal Competition And Consumer Protection Commission. Hon Tajudeen Yusuf, Member Representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency. Chief Olaiya Michael Olobatoke, MD/CEO McKesson Properties among others.

Hosting dignitaries are, Prof Olayemi Akinwunmi, the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Lokoja, Prof Shola Omotola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Babajide Kolade Otitoju, an internationally recognized and award winning journalist, Mrs Folashade Joseph, MD/CEO Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation, Mr Benjamin Akinola Fagbemi, Director, National Population Commission, ESV Olugbenga Collins Rotimi, MD/CEO Olu Rotimi&Co, Mr Oloyede Aiyeniko, Director, Procurement. National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Mr Adebayo Fagbemi, MD/CEO Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO), the list is endless.

No doubt, the forthcoming Adde day will go down in history as another great event of the year.

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PRESS STATEMENT,
BY PDP NORTH CENTRAL SUPPORT GROUP ALLIANCE FORUM.

28th May 2021

Aliyu Babangida is a sinking ship and should not drag Governor Wike into his predicaments.

We the People's Democratic Party North Central Support Group Alliance Forum wishes to condemn the recent comment made by the battered former governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu over our highly revered governor of River State, Governor Nyesom Wike.

Ordinarily, we wouldn't have dignified him with a response, following the response of the party in the state, dissociating itself from such careless and reckless statement. But to make our position clear, setting the record straight and making our voices heard on the matter, we make this salient and sincere response for the records.

It is no longer news that the frustrated former governor, who is looking for who to transfer his frustration and aggression to in other to gain cheap fame, worked against our party, during the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 and never denied the same.

For the unpopular former governor to have referred to Governor Wike as a dictator, it shows how lowly he reasons; this may have caused his level of inferiority complex since he can not match up with the capacity and track records of His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike, governor of River State.

Recalled that the battered former governor Babangida Aliyu's selfish ambition to bury a party he killed in the state has stalled the democratic congress in his state simply because he insisted that he will unilaterally handpick party excos against the popular wishes of party members in the state.

We do not have any doubt, however, that his ordained and handpicked excos will help him bury the party in the state come 2023 as we are very sure that in his characteristic manner, he will play his usual anti-party game.

Former governor Babangida Aliyu, who has been accused of diverting ecological funds of the Federal Government, released to Niger State in 2014, to the tune of about N1.940 billion should be more bothered about facing his criminal charges of eight-count money laundering charges.

We will advise that the jobless and out of favour former governor should stop holding onto straws by looking for cheap popularity and sympathy by attacking Governor Nyesom Wike. Instead, he should come out boldly to request help from Nyesome Wike the people's governor.

As it is now, our dear party needs more unity and peace rather than utterances that can divide the party if truly we are serious about salvaging our dear nation from the present clueless government come 2023.

We are calling and encouraging the leadership of our great party to disregard unserious entities, spurious and disaffection statements and entreaties, their pranks of supporting the NWC, while they are intentionally putting the party apart will never see the light of the day. Aliyu Babangida played this sinister script in 2015, he is at it again against the run-up of 2023.


Signed:

Joseph Martins.
Secretary-General General,
PDP North Central Support Group Alliance Forum

Abdulsalam Wasiu, the former Chairman of National Association Of Nigerian Students (NANS) Kwara axis has called for the modification of the compulsory one year service program for Nigerian graduates, Nigeria Youth Service Corps (NYSC)

The former Nans Chairman made the call on Saturday while reacting to the bill proposed by Member Representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, Hon Awaji-Inomnek Abiante on the need to scrap the program set up for Nigerians graduates.

Comrade Abdulsalam emphasised that scrapping the program will heightens the rate of unemployment as well as proliferating the rate of crimes In the country because according to him, the program affords many young graduates the opportunity to gather the little proceeds (Alawê) from the federal government to their own advantage. He said

"A lot of Nigerians have been advocating for the scrap of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme for some time now, while some are calling for its modification. However, the time to take a more drastic approach to the whole drama and take the bull by the horn has arrived"

"Interestingly, two weeks ago, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, who represents Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency of Rivers State at the National Assembly, Abuja, introduced a bill to scrap the National Youth Service Corps, which started on May 22, 1973, during the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon under Decree No. 24 of 1973."

"NYSC, which was proposed to be scrapped, was purposely introduced as part of strategies to foster unity in the post-civil war era. Other objectives include: to enable Nigerian youths acquire the spirit of self-reliance by encouraging them to develop skills for self employment, to contribute to the accelerated growth of the national economy, to develop common ties among the Nigerian youths and promote national integration, among others. Sadly, the programme has lost the main essence of its establishment. Therefore, a stronger view believes that it should either be scrapped or modified."

"While young people all over the world are fully engaged in the economy, agriculture, fintech, e-commerce, tech and other sectors, young Nigerians are compelled to waste a year after graduation."

"Taking a critical look in the aspect of unity as one of its core objectives, tribalism is still one of the major travails in Nigeria. Igbos are calling for Biafra; Yoruba youth are in a haste to have Oduduwa Nation; in the North, people are being killed like festive chickens, and people can no longer travel, in peace, by road again. So where is the unity?

"Looking beyond the security and unemployment reasons presented by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, the scheme is inconsequential in this modern age. It is a time-wasting endeavour made compulsory for graduates by a country that has failed to invest in its youth and has not given them a hope for the future."

"We live in an era where young people in their teens are doing amazing things because the country they live in has given them all it takes to succeed. They are not restricted because of their age rather they are encouraged to fly high as they can because of their youth. If anything is to hold you back in these countries it is because of the quality of your idea and work ethic.*

*Scrapping NYSC will not solve the problem(s) of unemployment rather add to it, because as worse as we perceive the scheme at this present time, it still favour some youth - in terms of work experience and automatic employment - in the world of work."

"Conversely, modifying the scheme to focusing on psychomotor domain where graduates will be posted to vocational or skill acquisition centres, will be better and reduce a lot of deviances in the country."

"The rate of prevailing unemployment of graduates after higher institutions in the country is alarming, yet each year, all the higher institutions in the country keep on churning out graduates in thousands into the labour market for jobs that are non-existent."

"The need for entrepreneurial development as a way of equipping the graduates with necessary skills that will enable them start up something on their own will be a better modification of NYSC."

"Federal government can establish a modern entreprenurship hub/vocational or skill acquisition centres across the 6 geopolitical zones of the country, post graduates to the zones that fall within the range of their states, then motivate them to learn skills of their choices. They should be empowered, with necessary resources, after the one year entreprenurship training. The knowledge they have acquired during the course of the training will, no doubt, boost the economy of the country and reduce the rate of unemployment."

"Also, it will reduce the rate of atrocities in the country. Youth dominates the larger percentage of bandits, kidnappers, robbers, cyber fraudsters, among other deviants. One of the prominent causes of these deviances is unemployment and not engaging in something legal that can bring food on their tables."

"Too much dependence on white collar jobs is failing. As such, the Government should direct the attention of graduates to modern skill acquisitions."

By Obafemi Babajide

Leadership anywhere in the world is a serious business, you need a sincere re-orientation and an enormous character re-programming and re-arrangements.

As a leader, people watch you keenly, your errors are louder and more magnified than your positives. Take, for example, a leader or ruler who lives on revamping and rebuilding progressively may not draw as much traffic of commendations at the time he does so much good; just wait till he/she takes or makes a wrong decision or approach, he/she goes viral like a quietly released human pollute in a densely air-conditioned board room where all maybe going well initially. The foul smell stays stuck, even when the bomb detonator is no longer there, the foul smell never goes away. Such is small negativity in the life of a leader, especially a soaring one like the Tinubus, Fasholas and co.

Senator Oluremi has had some unmanaged gaffes that could spell doom in so many ways to her and her husband's soaring popularity and acceptance. For me, I think she either needs to always take a deep breath, resample he thoughts and responses or she should rather go for anger management training, public speaking and responses or any other salient courses that can help her manage her ego and status.

How can Senator Tinubu in this age of social media go so uncouth as to calling someone you do not know a thug?

If she has the ranks and file of those Lagos politicians who wait on her husband under her footstep, what about pretending to be receptive and reasonable so that she can help her husband get inroads to other parts of Nigeria for his 2023 political ambition.

The other time, it was the same woman that was addlipping at the background in a viral video of Senator Smart Adeyemi's vituperation about the insecurity state of the nation.

The same woman did not follow the principle of washing your dirty linings inside your house when she openly confronted BRF for employment slots on the floor of the National assembly during his ministerial screening.

Is it not this same woman that refused to shake Saraki because he became senate president against their will when she was been sworn in in 2015 for her second term in office? The same woman had a brawl with Dino Melaiye at a point on the floor of the Senate some time ago.

It appears that we may be having another Alain Ngalani the kickboxing queen in the making as the First Lady of our nation if this awful behaviour is not nipped in the bud.

The most comforting part of the video for me was the other woman's quick response to the duchess uncouth sneer. She, not minding who Senator Oluremi is returned the savo, bullet for bullet and that settles it.

"Abi iru katikati wo ni anty Remi nse kiri bayi?

Counting from today, Wednesday, May 19, 2021, there are only 30 days (720 hours) away for the pace-setting Ekinrin-Adde community of Ijumu LGA, Kogi State to roll out the drums in celebration of the Emindin (New Yam) Festival and the annual Ekinrin-Adde Day Carnival holding on June 19, 2021, and which promises to be a bang!

Under the general superintendency of the National Executive Committee of the Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association (EACDA), the various activities lined up by the National Planning Committee to make the event colourful, splendid and spectacularly grand, having all received the royal approval of the Olu-Adde, HRH Oba Anthony Bamigbaiye Idowu, ACA (Ahe-Maworo I) and the Olu-Adde-In-Council.

Asides from the usual display of the community's very rich cultural heritage, this year's edition comes with unique additions, which are novel in every ramification. Chief amongst these additions is the special celebration by way of Reception Dinner in honour of some notable sons and daughters of the community, who, in their various fields of endeavours, have done the community exceedingly proud.

Amongst these illustrious Ekinrin-Adde compatriots are:
1. Prof Olayemi Akinwunmi, the first indigenous Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja.
2. Prof Sola Omotola, the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration, Federal University, Oye- Ekiti (who, arguably is one of the youngest Nigerians to have occupied such exalted position in any Nigerian University);
3. Mrs Folashade Joseph, MD/CEO, Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation, and
4. Mr Benjamin Akinola Fagbemi, Director, National Population Commission.

Others are 5. Mr Oloyede Aiyeniko, Director, Procurement, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA,
6. Mr Adebayo Fagbemi, MD/CEO Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company, NELMCO, Abuja, 7. ESV Olugbenga Collins Rotimi, MD/CEO, Olu Rotimi & Co., Abuja and, 8. Mr Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, an internationally acclaimed multiple award-winning investigative journalist and Director of Current Affairs, Television Continental (TVC), Lagos.

Another major highlight of the event is a One Hundred Million Naira (#100,000,000.00) Social Infrastructure Development Fund for the scaling-up of the community's social infrastructure, with a special focus on the education sector. Ekinrin-Adde Day read2021 comes under the distinguished chairmanship of the Baareselu Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba Land and Chairman, House Committee on FERMA, Hon Olufemi Bamisile (MHR), and Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, Honourable Minister of State, FCT as Chairlady of the day. Chief Olaiya Michael Olobatoke, MD/CEO, McKesson Properties will serve as the Chief Launcher of the occassion, while the Special Guests of the day are: Barrister Babatunde Irukera, Executive Vice Chairman, MD/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Abuja and Hon. Taofik Isah, Chairman, Ijumu Local Government Area. Other important guests expected at the event also include Senator Smart Adeyemi, Hon. Tee Jay Yusuf (MHR), Hon. Shaba Ibrahim (MHR), and a host of others.

This year's edition of Ekinrin-Adde day celebration, as usual, promises to be a pod of glamorous outing for all, as the Ekinrin-Adde community which is fast emerging as a major tourism hub in Okun land, will once again put on display, its captivating tourism potentials and rich cultural heritage. Participants will certainly have a great treat of the community's warm hospitality.

The Olu-Adde-In-Council and the national leadership of the EACDA have taken very good security measures and assured all indigenes and invited guests of a highly secured environment, memorable and fun-filled day as they turn up en mass for this year's event which will start by 10 am prompt at the Baptist High School ground, Ekinrin-Adde.

The turnout for this year's event is expected to be huge, as all the invited dignitaries are very excited and have expressed a sense of appreciation to HRH the Olu-Adde and the National Executive Committee for their being nominated for honour at such a big community event, and have all confirmed they will be physically present at the event. This is, therefore, to ring the bell to draw the attention of all sons and daughters, home and in diaspora, as well as friends and well-wishers of the community that the much-awaited BIG Day, Ekinrin-Adde 2021 is nigh! We pray that God will keep all of us and the Ekinrin-Adde community safe beyond the date, and grant us very clement weather to have a great event. Ire o.

Adewale Victor Adekanye, National Publicity Secretary, Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association, EACDA.

By Samuel OJ Temibi

One time Yagba West Chairmanship Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Comrade Ajagun Opeyemi Samuel has condemned the gruesome murder of Hon. Solomon Adebayo, otherwise known as Akeweje.

Hon Solomon Adebayo, a Pension Board Commsioner was gun down by suspected Fulani herdsmen few days ago at Eruku on his way back from Ilorin, Kwara state, while Yagba West Council Chairman, Hon Pius Kolawole who was in the same car with the late Pension Commissioner was kidnapped and taken to unknown destination.

Ajagun, in a chat with this reporter on Monday, said that the proliferation of criminal elements across Nigeria, especially in Kogi state and the untamed activities of these elements is a signal to note that Nigeria's leaders are no longer in charge.

He said that the security operatives must stand up and beam its search light on the perpetrators of the killing and kidnapping of the notable sons of Yagba Land.

Ajagun, in an infuriated manner said that Nigerian politicians who are saddled with the primary onuse of ensuring the security of lives and properties have not only slumbered, but confused and lack the man power to mitigate the upsurge incidents of killings and kidnappings of the innocent citizens across the country.

"This evil machination must stop, the security institution must stand up and defend the people before the country is thrown in a state of anarchy. This particular incident that happened in Yagba Land must be investigated to a reasonable conclusion and the perpetrators must not be spared at all"

Ajagun said that, although Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello has continue to wage war against insecurity across the state, he must double his efforts at a time like this.

While sending his condolence message to the family of late Hon Adebayo, Ajagun described the deceased person as a humble, intelligent and a fine young man who has dedicated his time and energy to the development of the state while he was alive.

Ajagun wondered why people like the late Akeweje and an incumbent council chairman will be susceptible to Fulani's attacks. "If an incumbent local government chairman can be easily kidnapped just like that, what can we say of an ordinary farmer in the farm" he asked.

He called on the state's commissioner of Police, Williams Ayade to lay siege on forests across Yagba Land and rescue the kidnapped chairman at the drop of a hat.

"I want to specially call on Okun Development Association to partner with the relevant authorities in a bid to put a stop to the security mess across our land before it degenerate to another thing. The influx of Fulani herdsmen must be rejected by all, our representatives both at the state and federal levels must rise and speak up in our favour before we are all consumed.

Ajagun said that he would make himself available in any activities that will see to the security of his people in Okunland.

By Obafemi Babajide
 
Women today, are leaving no stone unturned in proving their mettle, creating exemplary behaviours, setting goals, setting and breaking records and imprinting their footprints on the golden shores of time. In the Africa of today, women are rising against the challenge of been labelled weaker sex, they are daily taking the front burner, they are making headlines. Most importantly, they have shown even their male counterparts, signs of their preparedness to rule or lead the governments of states and nations of Africa and the World. 
 
 In recent decades, great women have led government organisations, parastatals, MDA’s and even nations of Africa and have excelled beyond expectations. Women like Professor Dora Akunyili, Madam Oby Ezekwesili, Madam Aruma Oteh and Madam Ngozi Okonjo Iweala who now is the Director-General of World Trade Organisation [WTO]. We have seen examples of Madam Ellen Sirleaf Johnson who did well as Liberia President and the first female President in Africa from 2006 to 2018 and now Madam Samia Suluhu Hassan, the new Tanzania female President.   
 
In this order of great women is Mrs Folashade Joseph another good example of a girl child, who defied all odds in getting to her present status and who does everything humanly possible to excel wherever she finds herself.   
 
Appointed as the MD/CEO of Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation [NAIC], on the 10th of April 2017, Madam Folashade Joseph, in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s policy of ameliorating the suffering of Nigerians and moving our national economic dependency from oil to agriculture and other viable sectors, set the wheel rolling with utmost urgency. 
 
Mrs Joseph, like the biblical verse, had set her hand on the plough, there won’t be time at all to look back. She is a woman under authority and instruction to deliver; the progressive change was her mandate, success was her target, that success she will toil for day and night, and that success she must achieve.  
 
Her first assignment was to look into re-aligning NAIC with the primary reason why it was created in 1987 and was then named Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Company which was later in 1993 renamed Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation by the enabling act 37 of 1993.
 
This primary mandate of NAIC is to operate the Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Scheme [NAIS]. The scheme which Mrs Joseph re-calibrated NAIC back towards is a mechanism modelled to shield farmers from the effect of natural hazards. Farmers, especially peasant, subsistent, including those who do farming as an MSME are mostly affected or even sent out of businesses through natural hazards and untoward disasters. 
 
The main goal of NAIC is to make farming beautiful and enticing. Madam Folashade Joseph has succeeded in this wise by re-assuring farmers of the government’s determination to keep them in business by undertaking to give them covering through seamless insurance arrangements that will ensure a win-win situation for all.
 
From the big farm owners, down to the subsistent farmers, NAIC has models of pocket-friendly insurance policies at 50%, which is paid by the government and covers all risks and hazards.

Since her appointment, settlements of claims in NAIC has been prompt. To this end, the majority of farmers and those who had claimed settlement with NAIC, had expressed confidence and satisfaction in the way matters are now been handled, there is however a huge increase in the confidence level of farmers patronising NAIC because of them believing that it can now effectively handle their risks.
 
Her staff welfarism and training programme is top-notch. Mrs Joseph believes in training and re-training of staff for the optimum result-oriented environment. On her resumption and in line with her vision of making the corporation the leading Agricultural Insurance Organisation, Mrs Joseph immediately built and commissioned a new ultra-modern conference hall which was to assist in the delivery of an efficient, safe, productive and energy optimising environment; which will also reduce operating cost, increase staff orientations, re-orientation, training and as well generate additional income to NAIC through other outside users. 
 
She has also created a farmer's friendly environment by ensuring that her staffs go round the nation training and sensitising farmers on how best to go about their farming businesses in other for them to gain a high yield and to also avoid common and unnecessary natural hazards and risk. She has made sure that her staffs allay people’s fear of the wrong notion that insurance companies are reluctant or reneges when it comes to settlements or payment of claims. 
 
Because NAIC is government-owned and they are the sole underwriter of agricultural risk, Mrs Joseph is firm on operating the NAIS scheme of subsidising premium dues to the tune of 50%; this however means that the farmers pay 50% while the Federal Government and the State Government where the project is located pays 37% and 12.5% respectively.
 
Her term in office has seen to extending the scope of NAIC not only to agricultural insurance businesses but to underwrite other policies in businesses such as fire, burglary, workmen compensation, motor, marine, hull and cargo, goods in transit and performance bond because the act enabling the corporation empowers it to do so since they are also necessary for the Agric-Businesses across the value chain.
 
It is therefore not a surprise that in line with the Buhari’s next level agenda, the President through the Minister of Agriculture, deemed it fit to re-appoint Mrs Folashade Joseph, a trailblazer for a second term in office which started on the 12th of April 2021.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Ijumu chapter has suspended Ijumu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Taofiq Isa over gross misconducts and mismanagement of funds.

In a letter signed by the local government chairman, his secretary and made available to journalists, the chairman was alleged to have misappropriated millions of nairas and was also alleged of involving in anti-party activities.

The letter further fingered the local government chairman in series of misconducts and atrocities ranging from the personalization of the party, diversion of social items, factionalization of the party, continuous absence at his duty post and so on.

The party noted that the unregulated conducts of the Chairman and his continuous exhibition of arrogance is scandalous, repressive, reprehensive and will no longer be tolerated.

The copies of the letter are hereby made available to members of the public below.

By Obafemi Babajide

Fate they say plays a major role in enthroning and dethroning leadership. One might be lucky if fate brings the right leadership card, one might just be negatively lucky, to have had to deal with the wrong card. In a situation where one is not allowed to freely choose who rules, one might have to deal with the choice of fate until prayers are answered and the same fate that brought the same anarchical leader takes him or her away for peace and progress of the land.

Have you watched the video being circulated by His Transcendence, my lord the chairman of Ijumu LGA and his foot soldiers? If you haven't, you might not be missing much. I have watched the video and was moved to tears. I was moved to tears, not for the major actor in the video but because Ijumu land who has a long list of Professors, an A-list of civil servants and professionals fell into this kind of unwholesome leadership melee.

While I was a teenager, one of the books that got my attention was a play written by Ola Rotimi, titled "Our husband has gone mad again". It was a satire woven around politics and polygamy.

The lead actor, Major Rahman Taslim Lajoka-Brown was a man who went into politics to self seek not to serve his people. He was often referred to as mad by his harem of wives whenever he displayed his madness tendencies. I can't really recollect what happened to him at the end of the day but I'll recommend you read the book and draw your own comparison of our present-day Ijumu LGA and her leadership.

Where it not that I don't disrespect constituted authorities no matter how they got to power, I would just have said, it appears that our local government chairman in his characteristic manner has gone mad again!

How do we explain those flippant and uncouth words coming out of the vocal cavity of a supposed honourable chairman at a public function? How do we rationalize the plethora of jumbles we've had to deal with rather than speak about live-changing projects and programmes for the local government.

Why can't he draw strength and examples from people like Honourable Olumoko a one time chairman of the same local government with a phenomenal record of achievements?

What first caught my attention was how freely Mr chairman spoke and referred to someone as his concubine in public, this is a man with a retinue of wives and a cortage of hidden paramours.

In a saner clime, the people he governs would have demanded his immediate resignation for indecent behaviour and fouling the atmosphere but who dares do that here in Nigeria.

Another one that caught my curiosity was the way he spoke disdainfully and lowly of his fellow appointees and elected officers. He sounded the battle knell and subtly vowed to disarm them because they have gathered against their benefactor.

He played god! He was boastful about those he had enthroned and was sure he was the alfa and omega of their sinking ship, the APC.

According to him, he single-handedly enthroned all politicians in Ijumu land, he did likewise to produce the governor and will stop at nothing to make the governor the new president of Nigeria come 2023. Can he make anyone a ward councillor? Can he even control his immediate household? What a muffling hallucination.

Isn't it baffling that while GYB is busy looking for more members to join the party, my lord chairman is sending party members the other way. While his boss and governor is uniting party stalwarts, 'oga' chairman is busy fanning the embers of discord.

If he can be so blessed by God to enthrone, why can't he dethrone?

Let's even take side by side his achievements with a few of those he mentioned because he alluded to the fact that he is more of a free spender than them. Names like Honourable Omofaiye and Kilani Olumo not to even mention Senator Smart Adeyemi which he brought into the issues would have been preferred to take charge of the affairs of a local government than this jamboree self eulogising fang.

Ade Omofaiye was a four-year(one term) assembly member of Ijumu constituency with enduring legacies and progressive feathers to his cap. I dare my lord the chairman, to bring out the list of his transformational projects and those donations he has done to communities, only then would I ask that Omofaiye makes available his projects and donations, lest we forget.

Honourable Omofaiye having passed the baton to Hon. Kilani a fine breed rancour-free gentleman who is empowering widows and youths and who is also blazing the trail in law-making at the states assembly.

Could Mr chairman reel out his achievements aside from buying motorcycles and cars for his sycophants and concubines, then I shall seek also to publish the silent but lasting legacies of these gentlemen amidst the tight and declining economic situations.

Why should an in house issue become a public discussion by someone who sees himself as the leader of a party at the grassroots when nobody sees him as one!

This and more became a burden in my mind after watching this show of shame being spread around like a song of victory by the leader of a nitwit group and his unreasoning cult followers.

When, just when shall Ijumu be free from this Goliath that held us bound?

A civil society group known for its consistent agitation for good governance and accountability from public office holders under the nomenclature of Kogi Good Governance Iniatives (KGGI) has revealed its plans to drag kogi lawmaker to court for an alleged dual identity and fraud in his certificates.

The group in a statement by its secretary, Mr Odunayo Olowolaiyemo said one of the main assignments of the group is to beam its light on political office holders and engage anyone found guilty of infidelity.

The group expressed readiness to use all legal means to investigate the allegation leveled on the lawmaker and do justice appropriately.

"We are approaching the court this week to make sure that a top government official in the government of Alh. Yahaya Bello vacate his office for contesting elections with credentials suggesting dual identities"

"We want to assure Kogites and the general public of our determination to use all legal means to oust any unqualified persons within government space" he said

The group assures the public of more detailed facts to be released as it commences the legal battle against the unidentified lawmaker.

By Samuel OJ Temibi

Candidate of Social Democratic Party in the Yagba West Chairmanship Election, Comrade Ajagun Opeyemi Samuel has called for the cancelation of what he described as a "Kangaroo" election which took place in Yagba West Local Government yesterday.

Ajagun made this statement while reacting to the non availability of election materials in the local government.

Ajagun expressed worries over the manipulation of the council elections stating that there was no election across the local government.

He added that the state's electoral umpires were no where to be found at his ejiba polling unit and across the local government expressing shock over how the fictitious figures being disseminated on the social media were recorded.

"My experience today in the just concluded kangaroo election by Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) indicates how bad our electoral institution can be manipulated for personal interest. I want to let the world know that there was no election today across the local government area. I hereby reject the processes that gave birth to the declaration of the APC's candidate as the winner of the imaginary election and calls for concellation of the unrealistic result and proper investigation into the activities of the returning officers and the security officers dispatch to conduct the election in Yagba West must be done to ensure justice is served"

"I was in my polling unit 7 of Ejiba Ward throughout today to cast my vote and to be voted for till 3pm and we didn't receive the election officers nor the sensitive materials. I also have evidence of the 100 polling unit of 14 ward across Yagba West Local Government where none voted"

"What happened today is an embarrassment to democracy and insult to our constitution where there's no vote, yet the returning officer made announcement formulating figures without proper election. It worries me to know that our people who left their farm, businesses and other daily engagements were disenfranchised by the evil perpetuators in our local government"

Ajagun said that the ruling All Progressives Congress had no popular candidates in the council election stating that he had 95% chances of winning the election if it was not manipulated.

"I want to sincerely appreciate you all once again for your Love, Support and Solidarity bestow on me ever since the beginning of this struggle to liberate the good people of Yagba West. I want to reassure you all that the vision is real, the determination is strong and the mission will be achieved soonest"

By Samuel OJ Temibi

Kogi state government has lost a whopping of 44 billion naira to the #EndSars protest that was reportedly highjacked by "hoodlums and "irate citizens of the state"

Speaking on Friday, Hon Commissioner for Finance And Economic Planning, Idris Ashiru who is the chairman of the committee set up by the governor to ascertain the level of damages done in the heat of the #EndSars protest across the state and to give report on the number of items that was carted away, said that a total number of 4,604,182 items and facilities with a total value of N44,640,336,131.34 has been determined as either "carted away or destroyed"

On the Oct 3rd, Nigerian youth came out en masse to protest against police brutality, unjust harassment and killing of innocent youth across the state, a development that left all states being been shutdown due to road blocks occasion by the protest. Kogi state was not left out in the struggle to put an end to the "unconstitutional conduct" of the police, however, reports has it that, some people bursted into the state's warehouse, public properties and carted away items worth 44 billion naira. The worst is, the state reported that hoodlum carted away an expensive medical equipments.

Giving reports to the governor, the committee made recommendations on how to replace the items as well as compensate private citizens whose stores were vandalized.

“Budgetary allocations to be made in 2021 appropriation bill for the replacement and reconstruction of some of the items and structures vandalised or carted away.

“The state government will like to seek the intervention and support of the federal government, donor agencies and corporate organizations,” Ashiru said.

The governor, however said that, youth should not allow disgruntled politicians and those who are not loyal , those that are not patriotic, those who have no interest of this country to use them.

The Governor urged security agents to return to their duty posts, assuring them that the President is equal to the task of reforming the police.

By Obafemi Babajide

At a time the nation became stuck in the frailties of leadership, especially vibrant, youthful and purposeful one's; the yearnings for a Moses, who despite human shortcomings, will lead Kogi and Nigeria out of the dangerous moat, is audible to the deaf and clearer to the blind.

What is leadership and who is a leader?

Leadership is an art expressed by the demonstration of characters worthy of imitation, emulation and inspiration.

Leadership is not only the ability to take control, regulate or take charge, but it also entails leading by example; at least showing light, exhibiting a result-oriented or induced character.

A leader may wish to lead from the front, within or the back, once you make an impact or influence others positively, you will be termed a great leader no matter your age, level or social standing and affiliations.

Olobatoke Micheal Olaiya, ticks all the boxes of a creative, clever, cerebral, competent, thoughtful, serious, and purposeful leadership in youthful representation.

Mike, a good listener with no penchant for filibustering and deodorising, is the next sophisticated alternative in efficient youthful leadership.

The Kabba born philanthropist, who's charity began from home typifies the assertion and believes that you don't lead people by what they hear you say to them; you lead by what they see you do, simply put, your actions and inactions must not be fake or vague.

For the plus-size but swift Olaiya who cuts across party and religious lines, leadership and representation might be on it's lowest ebb at this period but every voice deserves to be heard because every life matters.

Going by the recent EndSARS protest that rocked the nation so badly, one might not need a soothsayer to know that the leadership of the nation has to shift from a gerontocratic system to a blend of the youth and the experienced seniors.

It is also clear, that the citizens of our dear nation, will defile party, religious, gender and tribal affiliations in choosing who leads them this time.

Watch out and team up with this vibrant emerging leader, he is OBJECTIVE MATURE ORGANISED (OMO), he is the face of hope!

Your Excellency Sir, given time factor and to make publication of this open letter easier for the media, I will make it short and straight to the point.

In your long relationship with Enugu State APC, I besiege you to consider sportsmanship for once, by conceding victory to APC in the Isi-Uzo state assembly constituency bye-election, which will hold on 5th December 2020.

Like the PDP and other political parties, APC exists solely to field candidates in elections and hopefully win and implement or influence implementation of its manifesto in full or part.

In Enugu State, it has been highly odd that APC that is in control of the Federal Government, that is in control of majority of the states, that controls both chambers of the National Assembly, that is unarguably the biggest political party in not only Nigeria but in the whole of Africa since 2015, has not won any election since same 2015 that you have been PDP governor in the state.

Yet, in Enugu and Abuja, much is said about your closeness to APC. Between 2015 and 2019, many Enugu State APC chieftains - perhaps naively - swore that you would decamp to APC ahead of 2019 general elections, on the basis of which it is said that Enugu State APC did little or nothing to prepare for 2019 primary and general elections.

With hindsight, Enugu State APC should have learnt from our experience of 2017 local government area elections conducted by your Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC). In those elections, despite a measure of spirited campaign by your friends in Enugu State APC, you awarded all chairmanship and councillorship positions to your party, PDP.

In spite of this potential lesson and for reasons best known to them, some Enugu State APC leaders still believed the rumour that you would decamp to APC - presumably with all or most of the elected and appointed officials of your state government - before 2019.

Close to 2019, some of the said Enugu State APC leaders even led you to the Presidency, who you persuaded that APC was safe in your PDP hands!

I knew of Maradona of Argentina (may his soul rest in peace) as I knew of the Minna maradona, but none compares to your dribbling skills. I mean, how could you have persuaded the Presidency under APC and in control of all government organs involved in INEC-organised elections to rely on you - a PDP governor - to dash 25% of the votes cast in the presidential election to President Buhari in exchange for your own re-election and re-election of all other PDP candidates (senatorial, house of representatives and state house of assembly) in 2019?!

Even more shocking to me is that no questions have been asked since, instead of the 25% you had promised President Buhari, he scored only about 5% of the votes cast in Enugu State - his second worst in Nigeria.

You may have got away with that monumental dribble, as you had got away with unfilled expectation of your defection to APC since 2015, but no maradona always gets away with hand-of-God antic. A time must come when the dribbler must play straight and honourably.

For you, that time has come and the test ground is Isi-Uzo. Having recently learnt few lessons from our past experiences with you, we approached Isi-Uzo with clear determination to win, starting with reconciliation and unity of Enugu State APC (you should be happy about this) and our choice of candidate.

As one who believes so much in "hand of God", let me inform you that hand-of-God is clearly in APC's Isi-Uzo campaign. One evidence of that is that, against APC's excellent candidate whose record of entrepreneurship and philanthropy in Isi-Uzo is unrivalled, PDP is fielding a candidate wrapped in cultural sacrilege.

Another evidence was what I personally witnessed during our campaign flag-off at Eha-Amufu. On that faithful day, as we arrived Eha-Amufu for the flag-off, thick rain-bearing cumulus cloud that hung over treetops, as if rain makers had been paid by PDP to visit heavy downpour upon us, miraculously receded back into the distant skies.

As Chief Security Officer of Enugu State, your security reports may have shown to you what most close observers of the Isi-Uzo bye-election anticipate will be an embarrassing but deserved defeat for PDP in the order of about 95% for APC, 4% for PDP and 1% for other parties.

If PDP's knowledge of what will befall your party in Isi-Uzo is the reason why APC's candidate, his family, his campaign handlers and supporters are being threatened with violent attacks, murder, arson and other forms of intimidation, I must advise against such. Not only have we made reports to all the security agencies, we shall defend ourselves if attacked.

In the spirit of sportsmanship, however, I appeal to you as my governor and friend, to honourably concede Isi-Uzo to APC. God has given us the state constituency, and you should not fight God.

Finally, sir, with the wind of change blowing all over the South-East, which South-East APC Presidency Project 2023 is playing a major role, if you didn't defect to APC before now, we expect and will warmly welcome your defection if you concede Isi-Uzo to us.

Our candidate, Engr Prince Macdonald Ejiofor Okwor, would, as Minority Leader of Enugu State House of Assembly, host your reception into APC.

And, on his presentation to President Buhari as the first elected APC person in Enugu State, which Senator Ken Nnamani would lead, I can see you in that delegation.

Leave Isi-Uzo for APC for the good of Enugu State in the emerging 2023 Nigerian scenario in which PDP should virtually die in the South-East for Nigeria to become peaceful, united and prosperous - with a South-Easterner as president of Nigeria on APC platform.

Your purported friendship with Enugu State APC will remain worthless and mere deception if APC does not win this one election.

Kindest regards,

Dr. Chinedu Jideofo-Ogbuagu
Member, Enugu State APC National Coordinator, South-East APC Presidency Project 2023.
09052910866, 08023163451

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By Babajide Obafemi

This endsars protest is gathering momentum every day. The crowd of youths gathering with passion, energy and the relief materials been shared to re-energise protesters is unprecedented.

My simple advice to Mr President or his advisers is that PMB needs to address the nation, most especially the protesters by himself using a calm, soothing and pleading language.

The economy is bad no doubt, but, APC knew this before pledging heaven and earth to resuscitate it. The endsars protest is beyond police brutality, it goes down to announce the difficulty people go through to make ends meet. It goes down to announce how cruel government policies of increasing fuel and electricity tariff immediately after lockdown are. It goes down to say that those who wrote PMB's independence speech, compearing our petroleum sales tariff to that of Saudi Arabia are myopic.

PMB needs to talk now, brutality or forcing this protest to stop could snowball it to something else. If the protest is not happening in a few northern states, the south here is almost on total shut down. It doesn't take too long before it will spread like wildfire.

The time to act like elders who knows what they are doing is now. You can't match the energy, unity or commitment of the youths, you can only use wisdom.

Wisdom is highly required now!

I stand with the youths in ending police brutality and economic hardship.

Obafemi writes from Lagos.