₦airaland Forum

Kwara state governor abdul rahaman abdulrasaq has been sworn in for another term of four years on the platform of the all progressive congress (APC).

The governor was sworn in by the state chief judge Justice Abiodun Adebara, at the Government House, Ilorin.

Governor abdulrasaq who was recently elected as the chairman of the Nigeria’s governors forum was sworn into office alongside his deputy Mr Kayode Alabi.

Governor abdul razaq during his inaguration speech promised to reformed critical sectors in the state like education, healthcare delivery, civil service welfare, social safety programmes, general infrastructural upgrade and also to turn the state into an economic base where investors can come and invest without any fear of molestation.

“We are going to deepen the reforms and investments in the critical sectors like education, healthcare delivery, civil service welfare, social safety programmes, general infrastructural upgrade and renewals, focused expansion of our economic base, and promotion of a political culture that advances self-reliance and growth.

“Our spending priorities will be to complete all the ongoing infrastructural projects and iron out the business models to deliver maximum benefits to the people. Adequate attention will be focused on completing projects like the Ilorin International Conference Centre, the Revenue House, Innovation Hub, Visual Arts Centre, Sugar Film Factory, Osi and Ilesha Baruba campuses of the Kwara State University, industrial park, Shea Butter factory in Kaiama, among others.

” The General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover and the garment factory will be flagged off soon with huge economic benefits. The Ilorin Capital City Master Plan will be followed by a grander Kwara State Master Plan that will cover Kwara South and Kwara North for sustainable living.

“Affordable housing programme will be another priority of this dispensation. This will help civil servants and other citizens to own their own homes. It will also curb unplanned construction and support decent living conditions. In this wise, we will form partnerships with private and federal government agencies to develop new satellite towns already mapped out in the Ilorin City Master Plan as well as in GRA lands in parts of Kwara South and Kwara North,” he added.

“in addition to our Kwapreneur initiative that directly puts money in ideas mostly owned by young people, we will consider an annual multidisciplinary scholarship scheme that will be open to our best brains, especially at Postgraduate Level.”

“A major flaw in our developmental journey as a nation is a culture of government officials determining what projects are executed in a particular community. This has to be reversed, as we have tried to do in our first term, to allow for people-focused development.

“For this reason, we are setting up a bureau of integrated rural development to be domiciled in the Government House. It will liaise with communities to come up with their needs in order of priorities. This will allow the government to better deploy limited resources in a way that addresses popular needs. Our traditional institutions and community-based organisations will be major players in this regard.”

The governor said he would strengthened the relationship with the private sector to create jobs for the youths in the state.

“We shall also leverage our contacts and goodwill with the Federal Government to ensure timely completion of ongoing federal roads and adequate funding for new ones. We will intensify our lobby of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the dredging of the River Niger. This will save our people from the annual flooding that claims lives and farmlands. It will also boost economic activities in its tributary states like Kwara.”

“To strengthen our multifarious initiatives for a better future, I am hereby announcing optional six month maternal leave for female civil servants who wish to practice exclusive breastfeeding to boost life chances for our younger ones. This will also promote maternal health, among other benefits.”
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The department of mass communication federal polytechnic offa HND2 precisely, hold its enterpreneurship exhibition today.

The event took place at the department of mass communication premises.

The event is to show case the talent of each student and what they can do that can fetch them money in the nearest future.

Some of the businesses in which student ventured into at the exhibition were events management, shoe making, plantain making, bag making, hand fan making, paint making e.t.c.

The lecturer in charge of the exhibition mr olowokere encourage and charge the student to make good use of the opportunity because it is going to be useful for them in the nearest future.

PHOTOS

A former governor of osun state and pioneer chairman of the all progressive congress chief bisi akande has described the inability of successive governments to have develop­ment plans for critical sectors of the economy as the bane of Nigeria’s development.

Akande stated this in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during a lecture organised to mark the 97th birthday of the Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Faso­ranti, said the incoming gov­ernment of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu would put in place a development plan of between 20 and 50 years to end the low level of literacy in the country.

He explained that Nigeria is a failed state because of the inability to plan for the future and said “we fail to plan and, yet, we are surprised that we fail in almost all sectors as we are all lapsing into gener­ations of plan-less hypocrites.

“I can assure you that was not what we inherited. In this same country, we used to have a five-year capital development plan and a sev­en-year capital development plan. Now we only plan for the immediate next election!

“We thank God that this time around, Nigerians have elected a leader who has planned for a long time to be our president. Asiwa­ju Ahmed Bola Tinubu is a well-known person to Baba Fasoranti and he is also an inheritor of the Awoist lega­cy of planning and integrity.

“When Tinubu was gover­nor of Lagos State, he did not just plan for his eight years in office; he did a Master Plan for Lagos State which has since been running for more than the past 20 years and which has transformed the city-state into the powerhouse of the Ni­gerian economy.

“Therefore, it is right and necessary to expect a 20 or 50 years master plan for Nigeria from President Tinubu which would transform this blessed country into a great one.”

Akande noted that the president of the country cannot do it alone but all hands must be on deck to move the country to the promise land.

He lamented the importation of foreign goods like cars, and telephone saying that a country cannot be developed when we keep on importing rather than exporting.

“But presently, to our col­lective shame, almost all the cars on Nigerian roads are imported. We import foods, wines, spirits, clothing, per­fume, body sprays, toothpick and toiletries and then turn around to complain that the naira is not strong.

“Let us, as followers, make the naira strong by changing our ways. Let us learn to make our own cars, produce our own food, drink our own wine and wear our own clothes because those individuals, corporate entities or coun­tries, who think deep daily, plan meticulously and work assiduously towards the real­isation of their plans would continue to devise all means to confuse, exploit and enslave the lazy, fun-loving and plan-less pleasure seekers.

“Every member of this audience has a telephone set. Some people may even have two or three. If you look out­side, you will see the latest cars manufactured in Europe, Asia and America.

“Most of us are wearing dresses made in other coun­tries, especially in Europe and Asia. Some of our women are wearing discarded hair from Asian or South American women. We love foreign wine and foreign cuisine. Yet, we complain.”
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A group known as Civil Rights Action for Democracy has called on president-elect, Bola tinubu to appoint plateau state governor Simon Lalong as the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) of the incoming administration.

The Pandora reported how the decision of the APC to nominate Godswill Akpabio, a former governor of akwa-ibom state, and Abbas Tajudeen, a house of representatives member from Kaduna, as leaders of the 10th national assembly had caused crisis within the party.

While Akpabio was nominated for president of the 10th senate, Tajudeen was also nominated as the speaker of the house of representatives.

The party also nominated Barau Jibrin, a senator representing Kano north, as deputy senate president, and Benjamin Kalu, the house spokesperson from Abia and as deputy speaker.

The nominations of these senators and reps for the head of the 10th assembly has sparked a lot of controversy in the party most especially the north central who were excluded in the power sharing formula.

The national co-ordinator of the civil society group Andrew Idoko, while speaking at a press conference explained that appointing the Plateau governor as the SGF would address “the concerns of the north-central region with regard to inclusion in governance”.

“A lot has been said about the zoning arrangement of the APC with regard to balancing along the lines of religion and ethnicity. This has indeed generated a discourse in the polity. As it stands, all regions in the country have been identified and earmarked for leadership positions, but the north-central,” Idoko said.

“As a body devoted to the ideals of democracy, it is our view that the north-central region was instrumental to the success of the APC in the presidential elections. The leadership acumen of the governor of Plateau state and chairman of the presidential campaign council was also instrumental to the party’s overall success despite the numerous hurdles that were before it.

“Governor Simon Lalong displayed a rare leadership style that emphasized competence and dedication to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. His plans and programmes, even as the governor of Plateau state in the last eight years, speak volumes of a man on a mission to contribute to the country’s socioeconomic development.

“It is our opinion that the APC as a party must, as a matter of urgency and necessity, encourage such credible leaders to continue to contribute their quota to the development of Nigeria through ways and means possible.

“The APC as a party must also ensure that the north-central region is adequately compensated for loyalty and dedication to the party as exemplified during and after the general elections in the country.

“One of the ways this could be achieved is the appointment of Governor Simon Lalong as the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) to reward the north-central region for their loyalty all the while and also to tap into his wealth of experience in our quest for sustainable growth and development.

“It must be stated that having Governor Simon Lalong as the SGF would go a long way in addressing the concerns of the north-central region with regard to inclusion in governance on the heels that the proposed leadership of the national assembly didn’t accommodate the north-central region for inexplicable reasons.

“Let us emphasize that the suitability of Governor Simon Lalong as the SGF cannot be overemphasized. He is a dedicated and hardworking party leader who worked tirelessly and round the clock to ensure the party’s victory at the polls.”
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The central bank of Nigeria has express commitment to expand the forex exchange supply in the country.

The CBN governor godwin emefiele stated this at the third edition of the biannual RTt200 non-oil export summit with the theme, ’RT200: Challenges and prospects to success’, in Lagos.

He noted that the RT200 programme had made good landmark development in export proceed repatriation since its inaguration in February 2022.

, “I want to assure you that the bank is committed to strengthening and expanding foreign exchange supply into the market.

“Naturally, you all are important in this clarion call of expanding the supply of foreign exchange inflow into the economy.

“For exporters, flying the flag of Nigeria in the international market, the Bankers’ Committee and the CBN stand ready to partner with you to achieve your goals.”

Emefiele added that aimed to x-ray the challenges and opportunities associated with the programme and proffer workable solutions for successful implementation of the programme for greater outcome is moving forward.

“Available data shows that repatriation due to the programme increased by 40 per cent from $3.0bn in 2021 to $5.6bn at the end of 2022.

“The momentum for 2023 is equally showing strong numbers and impressive prospects. In the first quarter of 2023, a total of $1.7bn was repatriated to the economy while about $790m was sold at the I&E window year-to-date.” He said

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Ahead of the may 29 inaguration, president muhammadu buhari has moved all his belongings out of the aso rock villa for the incoming government.

The move is to allow for sustenance works on the residence in preparation for its next occupant, President-elect Bola Tinubu.

Our correspondent reports that most of Buhari’s aides have also been moving their personal belongings out of the seat of power in order to create space for Tinubu’s personal aides and key government officials.

On the nature of renovations in the main residence, a senior State House source told our correspondent that the 32-year-old presidential edifice was being coated with white paint, while some of its sections were being cleaned and fumigated.

According to the source “You know that most of the structure is white. So, the renovation will involve repainting of the stained sections and replacing fittings that have gone weak or bad. The furniture may not be changed. But that will depend on the new President,”

In a related development the wife of the president and first lady mrs aishat buhari recntly published a video showing her and the wife of the incoming president oluremi tinubu when mrs aishat took a tour with oluremi tinubu at the presidential villa. She said the glass house in the villa has since become the residence of the first family adding that the Glass House should remain in use as the transition base for outgoing presidents and their wives.

She said, “I have taken the incoming First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, around. She has seen the main house; we are now at the popular Glass House. The Glass House is a transitional home for outgoing presidents.

“I’m advising that the Glass House should maintain its tradition of being a transition home for outgoing presidents. As I am talking to you now, I am residing here with my husband.

“Only two of us here, I think it should remain so as a norm of the institution and of the house.”

The vice-chancellor of the cross river state university of science and technology Prof Augustine Angba, has advise and admonish student to shun cultism and examination malpractice.

The VC gave the advice during the combined matriculation of students admitted in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 sessions at the institution’s main campus, Ekpo Abasi, Calabar.

He told student to face their study squarely and shun all evil practices such as cultism and examination practices.

“Ensure to take your academic work seriously, shun cultism, stealing, examination malpractice, and all forms of deviant behaviours and other vices, and focus on why you are here. Remember that the university certificate is awarded based on character and learning. You are, therefore, advised to set your priorities right from the onset. If you miss it now, it will be difficult to correct the missing link,”

The VC also reminded the students to pay their tution fees as students who refused to pay their tution fees won’t be allowed to sit for any examination in the institution saying that the no fee no exam policy was still in force.

The VC specially thanked the visitor to the institution and the cross river state governor prof ben ayade for the growth and development of the institution.
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The Nigeria’s budget office has raise the alarm over president muhammadu buhari $800m loan request.

The request made 18 days to end the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government according to analyst will worsen Nigeria’s debt profile which has consistently maintained an upward trend.

The request for the loan, said to be for financing the National Social Safety Network Programme, was contained in a letter read by the senate president, Ahmad Lawan, to lawmakers on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday.

The letter goes thus “

Please note that the Federal Executive Council approved an additional loan facility to the tune of $800 million to be secured from the World Bank, for the National Social Safety Net Programme and the need to request for your consideration and approval to ensure early implementation.

“The Senate may wish to note that the programme is intended to expand coverage of shock responsive safety net support among the poor and vulnerable Nigerians. This will assist them in coping with the costs of meeting basic needs.

“You may wish to note that, the Federal Government of Nigeria under the conditional cash transfer window of the programme will transfer the sum of N5,000 per month to 10.2 million poor and low-income households for a period of six months, with a multiplier effect on about 60 million individuals. In order to guarantee the credibility of the process, digital transfers will be made directly to beneficiaries’ accounts and mobile wallets.

“The NASSP being a social intervention programme will stimulate activities in the informal sector, improve nutrition, health, education and human capital development of beneficiary households.

“Given the above, I wish to invite the Senate to kindly approve an additional loan facility to the tune of USD8OO million to be secured from the World Bank for the National Social Safety Net Programme.”

Buhari express hope that the loan request will be duly considered by the senate.

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Popoular Actor joseph momodu has debunked claims going round the social media that he was involved in a sex relationship with bobirisky..

Bobrisky had shared a sexual video with an unidentified man to market an aphrodisiac product.

The video released a sparked many reactions from the social media questioning the identity of the man and contemplating if it was joseph momodu.

Reacting to his instagram page clears the air saying that he was not involved in sex with bobirisky.

“My attention is drawn to a disturbing video trending online, about an influencer & a model Advertising a product, while the model used by this influencer shared striking looks with me accidentally, let it be known that it is not me, please, you people should stop insulting me already.” He wrote
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FRONT PAGE MAY 4 2023

The federal government on wednesday said the senate cannot stop the ongoing demolition going on at the muritala mohammed airport.

The minister of aviation hadi sirika disclosed this while briefing state house correspondent after the weekly federal executive council meeting chaired by president muhammadu buhari at the presidental villa abuja.

The disclosure followed a motion by the Senate ordering the government to halt the demolition, to allow the Committee on Aviation, chaired by senator Biodun Olujimi, to intervene.

Olujimi had drawn the attention of the upper legislative chamber to the warning strike by the Union of Air Transport Employees, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers.

Reacting to the matter the aviation minister hadi sirika siad the resolution of the senate is just advisory but cannot stop the federal government from carrying out his activities.

He said “It’s a structure that is made of wood and has been there for 40 years. It has caught fire twice, even during our administration. To give way for better development, given what Lagos has become, it is the gateway. We want to put hotels there, shopping malls, offices, cinemas and the rest, so that FAAN can make more money.

“Senate is advisory; it’s an executive function. We are not bound by any court of law, and government cannot be stopped from giving development to its people.

“Just the other day, some houses were demolished by the Lagos government on our camp. We have been on that issue for some time. We went up to the Supreme Court and won, and they had to give way for development. This is in national interest.”

“There’s no individual that can drag it out with government. If I want to pull down this hall and build a better one, who is going to stop me as a government?

“So, I think it is not an issue. They are just overheating it, and you know why. But we have a responsibility and mandate, and we are not shy. We are very bold to do all those things that are good for our people. We are also very responsive and a responsible government. Where it will affect the lives of the people, of course, we are going to do it.” sirika added
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The Nigerian senate has pleaded with the UK court over the sentence of a former deputy senate president ike ekweremadu along side his wife.

Ekweremadu is due for sentencing in a day time following his conviction by a UK court over organ harvesting involving a 21-year-old David Nwamini Ukpo who is from Ebonyi State.

The Senate4 resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion of privilege sponsored by Senator Chukwuka Utazi (PDP-Enugu) at plenary on Wednesday.

Senator Utazi in his presentation explained to the Senate that although the sentencing of the Ekweremadus was shifted to May 6, there was the need for clemency, given the good standing account of Ekweremadu.

Ekweremadu, who is a former Deputy Senate President for 12 years, and also former Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, had made enormous contributions in the development of democracy in Nigeria, West Africa and beyond.

“Whereas they are seen as a first offenders and they do not have any previous criminal records, considering that Ekweremadu was ignorant of seeking out a kidney donor to come to the United Kingdom and even applying to the British Government in Abuja for a visa for the donor.

“Whereas the Senate is not happy with the conviction of the Ekweremadus’ and ignorance of the law is not an excuse , but they were faced with these circumstances in a bid to save their dying daughter Sonia.

“This Senate is not in any way appealing to the conviction of the Ekweremadus’, nevertheless it is joining them in their plea by asking for clemency in the coming sentencing two days away.

“That clemency may be extended to the Ekweremadus’ considering that all of the convicts are first offenders.

“That since the matter was in the United Kingdom, that a novel approach in sentencing of the convicts be adopted by tempering justice with mercy, as the publicity already given to the trial was enough warning to the would-be offenders in the future.

“That considering the long history of good relationship existing between Nigeria and the British government and considering that this is the first time that the Senate is making this kind of plea on the British government to yield to our request for clemency for the Ekweremadus’ in their sentencing.” Utazi said

Reacting to utazi’s presentation, the president of the senate ahmad lawan said “Distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu served for 12 years as Deputy Senate President and he put in so much effort to the development of the Parliament across Africa, and in the world.

“He was not found wanting and so what has happened is very unfortunate.

“I have written a letter to the British judicial authorities about three weeks ago on behalf of the Senate seeking Clemency, given the history of Senator Ekweremadu.

“We are now using this particular intervention, to seek for clemency in the sentencing , the conviction has been done, but we are seeking clemency because this is the first time, our colleague,a patriot,a leader, a great leader, a very peaceful man is getting involved in this kind of thing.

“Had we all known that this would be the case, certainly we would not have gone into that kind of situation.

“Because we are law abiding citizens and we respect our country and its laws and laws of other countries,” Lawan stated.
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Rivers state governor hyesom wike has declared wednesday and thursday as a public holiday to honour the president elect bola tinubu ahead of his vist to the state.

Wike, in a state broadcast on Tuesday, said during Tinubu’s presidential campaign visit to Rivers State, he had indicated intention to have him commission some strategic projects in the state after the general elections.

He said a formal invitation was sent to the President-elect after the general elections, which he politely accepted.

According to him, by this visit, Tinubu will join the long list of distinguished Nigerians the state had hosted to either flag off or commission landmark projects.

“For us, it is an honour to the government and people of Rivers State to host the President-elect on this historic visit. Consequently, I urge all Rivers citizens to come out en mass to receive our President-elect, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and display the traditional Rivers hospitality as he commissions these legacy projects to God’s glory and the advancement of our development.

“Given this, I hereby declare Wednesday, 3rd May 2023, a public holiday to enable the people of Rivers State to receive our President-elect rousingly.

“Furthermore, all shops and business premises along Rumuola to Rumuokwuta roads in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State shall remain closed from 8.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 3rd May 2023. I urge all labour unions and security agencies to comply with this closure order.”

Governor Wike has therefore, enjoined Rivers people to come out in great numbers and give, ” our amiable President-Elect a rousing welcome during his visit.”
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Coalition of members elect of the house of representatives has pledge not to tamper with the APC zoning formula.

The coalition, which consists of members-elect from the APC, Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), the Labour Party (LP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Young Progressive Party (YPP), said their aim was to promote the independence of the legislature and to strengthen the unity and oneness of the country.

The chairman of the coalition, Usman Bello Kumo, while speaking at the inauguration the group, in Abuja, said the lawmakers-elect do not have any favourite candidate among all those who have indicated interest in the leadership of the House in the 10th assembly

According to him, “our driving force is ‘Nigeria’s Unity and the Stability of the 10th House of Representatives.’ In ensuring the above, we have resolved to go by the decision of the majority party, which is the APC, in deciding which zones produce the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.

“We believe that the APC would do the right thing, and once the zoning is done, we would decide on the next line of action. We would be guided by capacity, competence, experience and other leadership qualities.

“However, as of today, ladies and gentlemen, we do not have any preferred aspirant for the office of Speaker and Deputy Speaker. But we note that a number of our colleagues, all of whom are eminently qualified, have declared their interest in the seat of Speaker.

“Our message to Nigerians at this point is that we are ready to work for the betterment of our country and the citizens. To achieve that, we have to work harmoniously with the Executive Arm
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FRONT PAGE 3RD MAY 2023

The first batch of the evacuated students in sudan are expected to arrive Nigeria today (wednesday).

According to the Chairperson of the Nigerian in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the air peace air craft landed in egypt yesterday.

She said: “The Embassy in Egypt has successfully moved all evacuees from the Sudanese side to the Egyptian side of the Arqeel border.

“Priority was given to female students in the orderly movement of 449 across the border.

“The students are now being prepared for their departure to Abuja through Aswan Airport.”

Azman Air has also received the approval of the federal government to airlift Nigerians.

It will deploy its 409-seater Airbus A340-600.

“Evacuation is expected to commence from Tuesday as we await final clearance from Egypt to depart,” the airline said.

The matter was discussed on the flour of the house of representatives yesterday. during the discussion gbajabiamila express displeasure towards the country’s plan to such emergencies.

“The House is aware of ongoing difficulties with the evacuation efforts and the Federal Government’s response to the developments in the Republic of Sudan.

“The House is aware of ongoing difficulties with the evacuation efforts and the Federal Government’s response to the developments in the Republic of Sudan.

“The conflict in the Republic of Sudan reminds us once more of the fragility of nations.

“In pursuing our political objectives, we must never lose sight of the fundamental truth that in war, everybody loses; in peace, everybody can win.

“All our personal, partisan and sectional interests must always succumb to the overarching and overriding interest of ensuring the unity and stability of Nigeria.

“If we fail in this regard, nothing else will matter, and none of us will be absolved in the judgment of history.”

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Ebonyi state governor dave umahi has paid a courtesy visit to president muhammadu on his intention to contest for the 10th senate president.

Briefing state house correspondent after the meeting the APC will be taking the right step to allow justice, equity and fairness to guide its judgment when zoning leadership offices for the 10th Senate.

Umahi who will be representing ebonyi south senatorial district in the 10th senate explained that the south east contributed immensely to the victory of the president elect bola tinubu in the last general election.

“I think that every region clamouring for the presidency of the Senate to be zoned to it is the right of such people. If you look at the true reflection of our society, you will agree with me that the right thing to be done by our leaders without prejudice to their rights and thinking is that the South-East deserves the number three position.

“This is very important and I have always said that you can deliver somebody by the reason of the majority votes of particular regions but you also need the cooperation of the minority people to have a holistic nation to govern.

“So, for inclusiveness, unity of the country and for everybody to be carried along, the Southeast deserves the position and so far, nobody has been able to say this is the reason why the South-East should not be given that position and I am pleading for that,” he said.

Going further umahi argued that even before the general election, the south east has contributed to the development of APC.

“I know what effort we made as a people for the unity of the country. I know the way we were regarded and we understand that we are stronger while we are together and we made vows to our people while we were campaigning for APC, we assured them that we belong to an equitable and fair Nigeria.

“Now it has come to a point where that position we took should be put to practice and that is what we are begging for because the chain is as strong as the weakest link and it is time for healing, inclusiveness as well as the time to move this country forward,” he added.
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The trade union congress (TUC) has disagree with the federal government of the planned privatization of NJPOST,TCN and the FMC nation wide.

The president of the union (TUC) Festus Osifoh disagree on the move by the federal government to privatize this entity even when the current administration is about to elapse.

The TUC president expressed dismay over the arbitrary takeover of the management of road transport operations from its affiliate, the Road Transport Owners Association (RETAN) by some state governments in the country.
TUC President warned that Nigerian workers were opposed to the plan to sell public assets establishments especially at the twilight of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

“In similar breath, we say no to the privatisation of the TCN because if you have privatised the generation companies (GenCos), Distribution Companies (DisCos) and today they are performing at the sub-optimal level, what is the rational to tell the Nigerian people that you are going to also privatise the TCN? So for us it is also not acceptable.”

Osifoh alleged that the Federal Ministry of Finance was planning to release N8 billion to pull NIPOST assets down and strip them of their relevance completely.
He also alleged that a major part of the N8 billion was to be given to private companies that would manage the assets.

“We wonder why is it that when government manages a particular establishment, the first thing that it does is to strip it of its assets? Who are they going to give these assets to? We have been wondering.
“We say no to this. It is fundamentally not correct because NIPOST is a national asset. You can go to different parts of the world and see how the national postage services are being managed.”


“We even learnt that recently, the Ministry of Finance released the sum of N8 billion to completely pull these assets down and strip it of its relevance. And part of this money is been given to the companies that will manage those assets and only a paltry sum of about N600 million is being given to the NIPOST.
“Why should we be engaging in this, in the twilight of the life of this administration? We hereby call on government not to disburse that money, but to keep it intact and let the next administration come and we will have deliberations with them. If they go ahead with this plan, they will have Nigerian workers to contend with,”
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The trade union congress (TUC) has disagree with the federal government of the planned privatization of NJPOST,TCN and the FMC nation wide.

The president of the union (TUC) Festus Osifoh disagree on the move by the federal government to privatize this entity even when the current administration is about to elapse.

The TUC president expressed dismay over the arbitrary takeover of the management of road transport operations from its affiliate, the Road Transport Owners Association (RETAN) by some state governments in the country.
TUC President warned that Nigerian workers were opposed to the plan to sell public assets establishments especially at the twilight of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

“In similar breath, we say no to the privatisation of the TCN because if you have privatised the generation companies (GenCos), Distribution Companies  (DisCos) and today they are performing at the sub-optimal level, what is the rational to tell the Nigerian people that you are going to also privatise the TCN? So for us it is also not acceptable.”

Osifoh alleged that the Federal Ministry of Finance was planning to release N8 billion to pull NIPOST assets down and strip them of their relevance completely.
He also alleged that a major part of the N8 billion was to be given to private companies that would manage the assets.

“We wonder why is it that when government manages a particular establishment, the first thing that it does is to strip it of its assets? Who are they going to give these assets to? We have been wondering.
“We say no to this. It is fundamentally not correct because NIPOST is a national asset. You can go to different parts of the world and see how the national postage services are being managed.”

“We even learnt that recently, the Ministry of Finance released the sum of N8 billion to completely pull these assets down and strip it of its relevance. And part of this money is been given to the companies that will manage those assets and only a paltry sum of about N600 million is being given to the NIPOST.
“Why should we be engaging in this, in the twilight of the life of this administration? We hereby call on government not to disburse that money, but to keep it intact and let the next administration come and we will have deliberations with them. If they go ahead with this plan, they will have Nigerian workers to contend with,”
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The majority leader house of representatives al-hassan doguwa has joined the race for the 10th assembly speaker of house of representative.

He said his reasons to contest for the positions was because of the passion for nation building.

In his letter ““I am delighted to congratulate you on your election to the 10th Nigerian National Assembly.

“The call to leadership is one laced with responsibilities and unalloyed commitment to the commonwealth of Nigerians, expressed through an unanimous ballot casting which led to your victories in your various States.

”The journey to nation-building has commenced, and we are here once again to steer the ship where the collective voices of the Nigerian people, whose trust has been vested in us, have been total to an admirable end.

”I want to use this opportunity to communicate my desire to contest for the office of the Speaker of the House. My passion for nation-building has fueled my desire to seek this office

“At this critical time when various divergent views of governance exist in different zones in the nation. Now is the time to align all our interests, aspirations, and trust to work together for the common good of Nigerians.

”At the same time, discard ethnic, geographical, religious, or political bias that could hinder our collective efforts in this representation. As we look forward to formulating impactful policies for the growth of our nation, I implore us all to bear in mind that all back home will see the results of our stay at the Assembly, thus the need to come together to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.

“The road to national transformation is not easy, which is why I will use my vast “Legislative Experience and Patriotic Zeal” for all representations within the House of Representatives. Nigeria needs brave leaders whose doggedness can help reduce the myriad of challenges; I am sure we can achieve this with you on board.

”Thank you, and congratulations again, as I look forward to seeing you at the National Assembly.”

The recent declaration of doguwa to contest for the speakership of the 10th house of representatives increased the number of contestants to 11.

Other contestants include Deputy Speaker Idris Wase (APC, Plateau), Ben Kalu (APC, Abia), Muktar Betara (APC, Borno), Sada Soli (APC, Katsina), Tunji Olawuyi (APC, Kwara) and Abubakar Makki (APC, Jigawa).

Others are Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau), Tajudeen Abbas (APC, Kaduna), Aminu Jaji (APC, Zamfara), and Miriam Onuoha (APC, Imo).
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The Chief Executive Officer of CFG Advisory, Mr. Tilewa Adebajo has called on the Nigerian government to halt borrowing and focus more on debt restructuring in order to rebuild the economy.

Adebajo made the call on Morning Show of ARISE NEWS Channels, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, said the official total debt profile of Nigeria is alarming.

Juxtaposing America’s Debt-to-GDP Ratio, which is over 101 per cent, to Nigeria’s Debt-to-GDP Ratio, which is 40 per cent, Adebajo said the US government spends a single digit of 8 percent to aid her debts, while Nigerian government spends double digits of 96 per cent to aid her debts.

“Nigeria therefore cannot continue to service debt, but should rather restructure her debt financing in order to grow the economy, before economies of the world force us to restructure our debt financing. Nigeria therefore needs internal debt restructuring as a matter of urgency,” He said

He advised the in-coming administration on how best to restructure Nigeria’s internal debt profile.

He said the government must first reduce the current double unit interest rates to a single digit interest rate, in order to grow the economy much faster. He said the current bank’s lending rate of 30 percent remained high and a declination to business growth.

“Nigeria must tame inflation in order to drop interest rate to a single digit. Nigeria must unlock the different financial restrictions and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive,”

Speaking on the issue of economic stagnation, Adebajo said Nigeria should begin to focus on social infrastructure, healthcare and education.

According to him, Nigeria has no working refineries across the county, even though Nigeria is one of the largest producers of oil in the world.

“If only Nigeria can put its social and economic infrastructure in place, Nigeria can become a $1 trillion economy and compete with other economies. It is not rocket science to achieve it because the country has technology savvy organisations and individuals that can help the country achieve it. There are several institutions that the government needs to refocus and make them economically viable.

“Currently, our Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is less than N1 trillion. What is saving Nigerian government is the inflow of start-up capital from around the world because most global Venture Capitalists (VCs), still believe in Nigeria and African startups and have continued to invest in startups in Nigeria and other African countries, and that is the reason Nigeria still remains the largest economy in Africa,” Adebajo said.
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Nollywood actor yul-edochie has recount how he spend his last moment with his late son.

The teenager kambilichukwu died on March 30, 2023, after he developed a seizure in school while playing football with his classmates.

In a instagram post Edochie shared details about his last minutes with his son. He revealed that on the day of his son’s passing, his son came into his room dressed for school to inform him about an upcoming inter house sports competition, which he had promised to attend.

“On that Wednesday morning, you came into my room, dressed up for school. You told me your school will be having inter-house sports on Friday and I promised you’ll be there. You were so excited. You told me you won a gold medal in swimming. I congratulated you. We joked about your height, then you left for school in your ever-cheerful manner. And you never came back home again. I can’t question God. My dear son, just 16 years with us here on earth, but you made your mark.

Great son. Calm, cute, brilliant, always cheerful, outstanding footballer, gentle and loving soul. You’re an angel. We miss you. We love you, Kambi. Daddy loves you. But God loves you more. Rest well, Son. Till we meet again. Rest in Heaven with God. My dear son, Kambi Yul-Edochie. Kambi yooooooo!” He wrote.
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YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO MISS THIS EDITION

The senator elect from the the south west have debunked the rumour going round that they are rooting for Godswill Akpabio as the next senate President of the 10th Senate.

A senator-elect, who doesn’t want his name mentioned , said the ambition of Akpabio is sponsored by three senators from the South-west.

“They told the president-elect on Tuesday night that all of us from the South-west are supporting Akpabio for Senate President, but the president-elect discovered it was untrue on Wednesday morning.
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Students in offa kwara state has applauded the joint admission and matriculation board (JAMB) over the smooth conduct of the excercise.

Our correspondent who moved around the CBT center located in the federal polythechnic offa observed that every where was calm and the computers were perfectly working.

Students who spoke to Pandora newspaper limited said they were happy over the conduct of the exercise going further they also said they were given enough time for the examination.

The UTME was earlier scheduled to earlier scheduled to begin on April 29, 2023, had been brought forward to April 25, 2023.
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The national examination council (NECO) has reschedules the 2023 national common entrance examination which was billed to take place on Saturday, 29 April.

In a statement released by the Council on Wednesday and and made available through its spokesperson, Azeez Sani, the examination was rescheduled as a result of low registration of candidates, thereby giving opportunity to more schools to register their candidates for the examination.
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President muhammadu buhari, President elect asiwaju bola tinubu and Governors have mourn the passing of a renowned journalist peter enahoro popularly known as peter pan.

His death was announced in a statement by a fellow journalist, Ms Bunmi Sofola, on Tuesday.

“Regret to announce the passing on of our iconic journalist Peter Enahoro ‘Peter Pan’ today in London at the age of 88. RIP.
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Three members of the house of representatives from imo state have dumbed the peoples democratic party (PDP) for the all progressive congress (APC) along side their supporters.

The state Governor, Hope Uzodinma received the decampees into the party at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square, in Owerri, the state capital on Monday.
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