By Sobomabo Jackrich

I am Ambassador Sobomabo Jackrich, Executive Director of the Network For Defence of Democracy and Good Governance.

Today is the 27th memorial anniversary of the brutal execution of Ken Saro Wiwa and 8 others.

I stand with the families of Ogoni 9, and the Ogoni 4, ( AKA Ogoni 13 ) together with thousands of other Ogoni martyrs who paid the Supreme price, in the days of the struggle to restore our hope.

They paid the Supreme price for the Social, Economic, and Environmental Emancipation of Ogoniland, Niger Delta, Nigeria and Africa. May Thier gentle souls, rest in peace.

The year 2022 is historic for many reasons, as the 4th of December shall make it 30 years since the Ogoni people, under the Leadership of Ken Saro Wiwa, took their destinies into their hands and courageously crossed the Rivers of Fear and gave QUIT NOTICE to Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria and Joint Venture Partners.

They were seeking to actualize the hope of the Ogoni people for a better life. As our hero, Ken Saro Wiwa said in one of his last interviews, THE STRUGGLE IS ABOUT HOPE.

I quote:

The Struggle itself is about HOPE. If I didn't think that there was hope in the future, I will not be fighting.
I will not be encouraging anybody to struggle the way we are doing now!

Yes, there must be HOPE! (Ogoni) is a rich land. It is a well blessed land.
If we can get the oppressors out of the way. If we can get those practicing double standards out of the way. If we can get the pollution to stop. I am sure that Ogoni will be a happy land.

Ken Saro Wiwa's works, hopes and dreams were for our happiness.

One of our greatest political thinkers and scholar of blessed memory, Prof. Claude Ake, had this to say of the Ogoni struggle.

And I quote, "Ogoni is the Conscience of this country, they have risen above our slave culture of silence. They have found the courage to be free. And they have evolved a political consciousness which denies power to rogues, bullies, fools and hypocrites.

For better or for worse, OGONILAND HOLDS OUR HOPE. Battered and bleeding, they struggle on to realize our HOPES and to restore our dignity. If they falter we die.

And I have come today with the same message of HOPE, building upon the foundation of our fathers and heroes. And Yes, there must be hope.

As we reflect upon the great life and legacy of this GREAT MESSENGER OF HOPE! We must always remember his words, that " You can Kill the Messenger, but you cannot Kill the message. The Message of HOPE is still alive today.

Let's keep HOPE alive! For i see RIVERS OF HOPE flowing from Bane in Ogoniland through all parts of Rivers State, Niger Delta, Nigeria and Africa.

Let's work together to make this HOPE a reality.

Thank you!

The Nsukka United Front has unveiled the Theme for the third edition of it's annual ZIK's Merit Award Lecture which has the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as the Chief Host.

The theme, the Director-General, Chief Chineme Onyeke, revealed at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday is: Nigeria Of Our Dreams: Possibilities, Challenges And Reality.

The event is scheduled to hold at the Yar'Adua Centre in the Central Business District, Abuja, on November 16, 2022.


It will feature awards to deserving personalities and was instituted by Igbo Nsukka United Front a few years ago to immortalise the memory of the Great ZIK of Africa, late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who unarguably the doyen of the liberation struggle in Africa.

It is equally a deserving recognition of the unmatched effort of the great ZIK at placing the hitherto little known town of Nssuka at the centre of global discourse with the siting of Nigeria's first indigenous University, the University of Nigeria, in the town, as the first of its kind in the country.

This year's edition, being the 3rd in the series, has been programmed to be a spectacle with the array of star personalities expected to attend.

Already on the expected list of attendees include three sitting presidents in Africa, who are would be joining Nigerian president who is scheduled to be the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion. The Presidents from African countries are President Nana Akufo Addo of Ghana, President Julius Maada Wonie Bio of Sierra Leone, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

“These vising African leaders are will be availing Nigerians of their various experiences in managing diversities in their respective countries and how they are steering the courses of their nations towards sustainable peace and progress.

“Also expected are His Emminence Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Sa'ad, the Sultan of Sokoto, His imperial majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty, Dr Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha amongst other traditional rulers whose royal presence is expected to bring to the fore, the place of culture in Nigeria's national life as was seriously expoused by the great Owelle of Onitsha during his life time”, the Director-General said.

According to Chief Onyeke, personalities expected to receive different categories of awards, with some posthumously, during the event are: Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR; Chief Mbazulike Amachi, (the only surviving Zikist alive today); Mallam Aminu Kano (Posthumously), Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim (Posthumously), Mrs Margaret Ekpo (Posthumously), and Mrs Fumilayo Ransome Kuti (Posthumously).

While speaking on the Chief Host at the event, Chief Chineme Onyeke noted that the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has unreservedly shown “his support and unflinching commitment to the preservation of the legacies of the legendary Zik of Africa in an unparalleled manner.”

According to the organisers, some presidential candidates of political parties in Nigeria ahead of the 2023 general elections are expected to grace the event.

On the list are the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi; Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; Presidential candidate of All progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Prince Adewole Adebayo.

Chief Onyeke maintained that “these eminent Nigerians, from among whom, one will be the nation's president come next year, are expected to use the platform to send a message of hope to Nigerians.”

They are also expected to use the occasion to remind Nigerians, particularly the youths, that “election is not war and should be seen as a contest of ideas.

“Chief Allen Onyema, the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria's leading airline, Air Peace and Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are expected to be the lead speakers at this 3rd ZIK's merit award ceremony”, Chief Onyeke said.

Two other Nigerian celebrities; the delectable Nollywood Actress, inspirational speaker and politician, Kate Henshaw and the Entertainer, cum Broadcaster known for his funny skits with a massive online follower ship, Nedu Wazobia are due in Dubai for Seven long days for a life changing tour of this most visited destination in the world.

Dubai’s Department of Economy, and Tourism (DET) like always will also be opening its doors to other key media figures and personalities from across Africa to experience Dubai.

The African media celebrities are drawn from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Africa and Uganda.

The aim of this is to showcase the reality of the Kate and Nedu experience and open a window on Dubai’s offerings to the whole of Africa, through the eyes of Africans.

Kate Henshaw had this to say about the trip; “My last experience in Dubai was unforgettable. Every time I’m here I learn new things about myself and what I’m capable of doing.

“The last time I went skydiving... Stay tuned to find out what this visit has in store. I am so thrilled to be back here for another amazing Dubai experience”, she stated.

For Nedu Wazobia “DUBAI is one place I look forward to visiting every time. Like a kid that is so anxious to unwrap a box of gifts at Christmas, you never know what to expect. But you can be rest assured that the experience will be a thrilling one. On this trip, I look forward to another mind-blowing experience.

“I'm sure activities in the water parks will make me reminisce on my childhood. I can't wait to bask in yet another amazing Dubai experience”, he said.

Members of the Ikota Traders Association are protesting what they described as the ‘unlawful’ demolition of their business premises by officials of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment.

On September 15, the officials of the Environment Ministry led by Architect Gbolahan Oki and Engineer Omotosho, accompanied by policemen and thugs stormed the Ikota market and crushed and demolished to the ground property worth millions of naira. The Traders say they were not served any prior notice before the demolition.

In what appears to be a land grabbing scheme, the property, which is situated along the Eti-Osa/ Lekki Epe Expressway around Ikota First Gate near Mega Chicken busstop in Lagos State, was later reassigned to another business owner around the premises.

The Traders have demanded that they should be restored back to the property and duly compensated for their loss.

They made the demand in a protest letter titled: “Unlawful and premeditated demolition of the properties belonging to the Ikota Traders Association, and the planned re - allocation of the said; Land to a nearby business interest by name; Black Bell Restaurant and Time Square Mall.”

The letter which was signed by the president of the Ikota Traders Association, Mr Dipo Adebayo and the secretary, Mr. Hunter Gbasai, reads in part: “Precisely on Thursday, the 15th day of September, 2022, men of the Lagos State Planning and Environmental Monitoring Agency, the Lagos State Building Control Agency in Company of men of the Special Operations Task Force, and a Colony of thugs, miscreants and hooligans led by Architect Gholahan Oki and Engineer Omotosho invaded “our business premises lying along the stretch of Km 14, at the Lekki/Epe Expressway in a commando – style destroying and demolishing all of our assets, properties and business premises.”

The traders who said they have been operating legitimately at the business premises in the last 15years without any disturbances or disruptions from any governmental agency, added that they always paid all their respective components of statutory charges, levies, taxes and rates.

The traders alleged that despite being extorted by the Lagos State government official who demanded N2.5 million from them; the same people mobilized thugs and policemen to demolish their business premises.

“Lagos State officials demanded money from us and cash of N2, 000,000 (Two Million Naira) was paid to Architect Gbolahan Oki while cash payment of N500, 000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) was also paid to Engineer Omotosho respectively. On same payment day, Architect Gbolahan Oki told us that both BLACK BELL RESTAURANT and TIME SQUARE MALL building are illegal because the land was supposed to face the Estate not set at the back.

“In one full swoop, businesses running into several Millions of Naira were demolished and Lagosians in their hundreds who were otherwise gainfully employed at our businesses were thrown into the unemployment market. This is but a sad commentary in this suffocating economic time in our country.

“It is a testament to the desire to acquire ill - gotten wealth and a great disservice to mankind for our businesses to be singled out for demolition without any official notice whatsoever only for the same Land to be allotted to a nearby business interest.”


“The traders therefore demand the unconditional restoration of their properties, payment of compensation for damages suffered, the immediate stoppage of re-allocation and re – assignment of the piece and parcel of land, and a letter of apology from the Lagos State government, and prosecution of those involved in the illegal demolition”.

... Threatens To Sanction Errant Members




The Inter Party Advisory Council, (IPAC), Enugu State Chapter has commended the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Ammani and other security chiefs in the state over concerted efforts to ensure that the peace of the state is sustained even as political campaigns are commencing.


The commendation was contained in a statement jointly signed by the state IPAC Chairman, Chief Edwin Alor and IPAC Secretary, Hon. Elvis Ugwoke, after an interactive session between the Enugu State Police Command, other security agencies and political party leaders at the Police Officers' Mess, Agbani Road, Enugu.

IPAC Enugu State also disassociated herself from allegations of attacks and brigandage purportedly levelled against the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Enugu State by the State Labour party Chairman, Barr. Casmir Agbo.

The statement noted that "IPAC is a political association of all registered political parties. We are not opposition platform.

“We exist to promote the common interest of all the political parties”, IPAC leaders stated.

The association added that other political party leaders, including the deputy chairman of PDP, Hon. Innocent Ezeoha, the chairman of IPAC, Hon. Edwin Alor and other security chiefs have debunked the allegations as a pigment of the Labour Party chairman's imagination.

IPAC then explained that “aside the report from the leadership of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) from Awgu Local Government Area against the unruly conducts of some labour party members in Awgu Local Government Area, we have not received any other report of attack, victimization or brigandage by any other party.

“IPAC is surprised at the comments made by the Labour party chairman.

“We are glad that as the campaign period commences, Security Agencies have enlightened us on how to conduct our campaigns in order to achieve rancour free campaigns.

“All the political parties are advised to make available to the security agencies and INEC their campaign programs in order to ensure that there are no clashes and to ensure that campaigns are issue based devoid of name calling, mud slinging and hate speeches”, IPAC advised.

Cautioning their members and supporters on the need for peace to prevail before, during and after the elections, IPAC said that the association has a duty to guide her members appropriately in adherence to relevant provisions of the law.

“We have a duty to guide our members appropriately in adherence to Section 227 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Sections 78 and 92 of the 2022 Electoral Act as Amended.

“Further more, IPAC has a code of conduct guiding the conduct of our members. We shall not hesitate to invoke the relevant provisions to sanction any member who is found to disregard the established rules”, the statement concluded.

Former chairman of the Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC) in Enugu State and the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Barr Kenneth Ikeh has given insights into the preparedness of his party ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The governorship candidate, who spoke in a chat with newsmen in Enugu also spoke on the need to trust the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on its readiness to execute her constructional mandate of conducting free, fair and credible elections in 2023.

He vowed that his administration in the state “shall stop at nothing in ensuring that the people of Enugu State get a better deal come 2023 general election.”

According Barr Ken Ikeh, his party is a national party, which believes in equity and has a presidential candidate in the forthcoming February 2023 presidential election.

“APM is a national party who manifesto emphasizes service to the people with integrity and sacrifice.

"We cherish equity and social justice but we cannot sacrifice service to the people, the greater good of the people to a straight jacket zoning system that obstructs the emergence of people of high capacity and competence in the struggle for power.

“APM believes in the ability of any dedicated Nigerian irrespective of tribe or tongue to give good leadership to any part of the country.

“Therefore, the APM has prepared herself for the 2023 general election as you can see from INEC publications in respect of Presidency and National Assembly positions.

“Gladly, APM is the only political party that fielded a woman as her presidential candidate in the person of Her Excellency, Princess Chichi Ojei, a prominent Delta State born politician and astute administrator”, he said.

He said that he has presented himself to the people to serve the people, saying “I have also presented myself to serve the people of Enugu State and we shall stop at nothing in ensuring that the people of Enugu State get a better deal come 2023 general election.

“In the nearest future, APM will unveil her campaign Council members who shall prosecute her National and state campaigns”, Barr. Ikeh revealed.

On his party’s structure, the APM governorship candidate noted that “On the issue of structures, I tell you with sincerity that a good wine needs no bushing.

“We shall criss cross the length and breadth of Nigeria and spread the message of a new Nigeria anchored on social justice, empowerment and economic growth.

“We shall regenerate the can- do spirit of average Nigerian and together we shall see a new Nigeria in 2023.

“APM, her members and teeming supporters are ready, eager and willing to do everything within the law to ensure victory at the polls” he said.


On contentious issue of zoning and balancing political positions, which has become a big deal in some political parties, considering that he comes from the same senatorial zone as the incumbent governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, his party does not have zoning principle enshrined in her constitution, but conscious of the provisions of Section 14(3) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.



“The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) do not enshrine zoning principle in her constitution. However, APM is conscious of the provisions of Section 14(3) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is our conviction that every society must develop some peculiar feature to sustain social justice and equilibrium.

“All positions in the public service are not contestable. Therefore, if a credibly competent leader emerges, distribution of the common good will be done in a manner that will secure the loyalty of all the various component units that make up the polity.

“Due to the prevailing sense of entitlement and acclaimed support of the establishment for some candidates, the APM will spring up a healthy surprise and present hope for all those who have been victims of the injustice associated with zoning principle as we can see it destroying the older political parties.

“Honestly, the vast Nigeria youths will be happy to embrace a pragmatic, sagacious and performing president from any part of Nigeria to succeed the current president of Nigeria”, he said.


While speaking on the level of trust in INEC to execute a credible 2023 general elections, Barr. Ikeh said, “I will give you a YES and NO answer.

“This is because INEC established by Section 153(f) of the 1999 Constitution is a constituted authority with clear mandates as earlier postulated. Therefore INEC should be trusted to be ready to execute her constructional mandate.

“However, with the various reports and allegations of distortion of the Register of voters from Omuma in Imo State and the summersault by INEC that election will not be electronically conducted but only collation, it waters down the extent of trust on can place on the process.

“However, I advise all Nigerians to be vigilant in order to ensure that nobody plays with their intelligence”, he said.

Businessman and Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo, has expressed strong optimism that Olorogun David Edevbie will fly the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the upcoming governorship election in Delta State in 2023.


In a statement in Asaba at the weekend, 'Malik' as he is popularly known explained that the recent Appeal Court verdict which upturned the landmark judgement of the Federal High Court is a temporal setback that Olorogun David Edevbie will overcome and return his divine mandate just like in the order of the Davidic grace.


Chief Itiako Ikpokpo who is the immediate past ALGON Chairman of Delta State and onetime Deputy National President of ALGON also doubles as the Managing Director of Dunamis Transport gave reasons for choice of Edevbie as most popular, pragmatic, people-centric with innovative-people-oriented programmes in his manifesto.

He said that a new energy and positive disposition has become imperative to move Delta forward and consolidate on the gains of the past seven and half years.

Ikpokpo, the immediate past Chairman of Isoko South Local Government, made efforts analyze the chances of Edevbie.

He said that Judiciary will remain the last hope of common Man by guaranteeing justice and fair play.

Said he, "When we set out to support Olorogun David Edevbie's aspiration to govern our dear State, we did such in the knowledge that the journey will not be all smooth.

“Our confidence was however etched on our belief that only a man of Edevbie's depth of intellect, innovation, understanding, exposure and cooperate administrative experience best fits the leadership requirements needed to drive the Modernization goals of our dear State."

"I am confident that critical issues of law raised by Edevbie will be considered at the topmost echelon of our nation's judiciary, that at the end, Deltans will have the opportunity of having the best in the pack on the ballot."

He concluded by saying "As a critical member of the PDP, I believe in the unity of our party and remain committed to its overall victory come 2023.

“I look forward to this victory with the confidence that Olorogun David Edevbie will triumph in the collective interest of Deltans".

In continuation of his avowed determination to explore all developmentt avenues to bring the Local Governments and Councils in Nigeria up to speed, with international development benchmark, the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Kolade David Alabi has joined other high powered delegation, top Nigeria technocrats, development expert, multinationals and seasoned international investors to Rotherdarm, the Netherlands, on the sideline of the Africa Adaptation Summit Friends of GCA High-Level Dialogue for COP27.

The programme is a high profile global event centered on adaptation organised by the African Union, African Development Bank, International Monetary Fund, Africa Adaptation Initiative, and the Climate Vulnerable Forum.

The Africa Adaptation Summit is convened specifically to lay the foundation for an adaptation breakthrough for Africa at COP27 of which the ALGON National President, upon his recognition that Nigeria is among the frontline of a climate emergency which it did not create, has expressed optimism in leveraging the opportunity provided by the event to present the concerns and challenges of the local ecosystem with a view to finding solutions.

It will be recalled that available assessment report has highlighted Africa’s exposure to the impacts of climate shocks, which will affect millions of people across the continent of which Nigeria is a major risk zone given that these shocks are being compounded by indicators like food, fuel, and other fiscal crisis exacerbated by the Ukraine war, global hardship and the post multi-facetedd impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is on records that expert has continued to emphasize the need of this Summit, saying that now is not the time to neglect climate action.

According to a statement issued by ALGON media Office, it is therefore anticipated that the Hon. Alabi led ALGON will optimise and leverage on this unique window to harness climate-resilient solutions quickly and at scale.

“Good enough Nigeria is at the center of this conversation with it's critical stakeholders in attendance.

“It will also explore from the event how the adaptation summit will facilitate the generation of significant opportunities for job creation in the rural level, ensure increases in productivity for GDP growth and poverty reduction”, the statement added.


According to the ALGON National President, "The Summit is fundamental and has many transformational capacity for Nigeria and the African continent and that is why I considered it apt and prompt to ambush this opportunity for national gains.

“It is my hope that some investment opportunities in adapting to the hotter, harsher, and more unpredictable climate will be indispensable to unlocking our economic opportunities.

“What Nigeria needs, moving forward, is the persistent collaboration of the three Tiers of government, including the National Assembly to ensure rich legislation, political will and robust engagement that will affect meaningfully all sectors involved.

“I am optimist that Nigeria will move forward rapidly to embrace it's own market share in resilient and green growth pathway by harnessing the powerful synergies between adaptation, growth, and development available", he said.

The landmark ‘African COP’ at Sharm El-Sheikh, GCA, in collaboration with the African Union, African Development Bank, International Monetary Fund, Africa Adaptation Initiative, and the Climate Vulnerable Forum, is convening the Africa Adaptation Summit to lay the foundation for an adaptation breakthrough for Africa at COP27.

Many development expert have described the event as one which represents a historic opportunity for the global community to deliver on the Glasgow Climate Pact and the need to bridge the multibillion-dollar a year gap in adaptation finance for Africa and this excites Nigeria.


The media office noted that “ALGON under the leadership of Hon. Alabi is catalyzing new coalitions of partners and initiatives to accelerate action on the ground across Nigeria and Africa in line with the promise and campaign promise of it's National President David Alabi upon his re-election.

“The Summit assembled global leaders from across governments, international organizations, multilateral development banks, the private sector, mayors, civil society, youth leaders, and other stakeholders to raise the ambition on adaptation action for the continent.

“The Summit will also provide an opportunity to catalyze new coalitions of partners and initiatives to accelerate action on the ground across Nigeria, which is a major player, and other Africa Countries thereby keeping up the momentum and elevating ambition on adaptation ahead of COP27”, the ALGON media office added.


The high level event has its Co-chair, as His Excellency Macky Sall, President of Senegal and Chairperson of the African Union Co-Chair, His Excellency Ban Ki-moon, who was the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, Co-Chair of the GCA Supervisory Board Co-Chair, His Excellency Feike Sijbesma, Honorary Chairman, Royal DSM, Co-Chairman of the GCA Supervisory Board.

Also in attendance, alongside the ALGON delegation led by Alabi Kolade David Alabi its National President, include, His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana and Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, His Excellency Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Pre-COP27 Host, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, Global Champion for the AAAP, His Excellency Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark, His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Her Excellency Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations,
His Excellency Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund, and Akinwumi Adesina, President of African Development Bank Group.

Others in attendance are His Excellency Alok Sharma, COP26 President,
Leaders Roundtable, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization; His Excellency Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; His Excellency Werner Hoyer, President of European Investment Bank; His Excellency Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for Egypt and other notable leaders, heads of international organizations, Ministers, central bank governors, business leaders, mayors, civil society, and youth representatives.

The National Executive Council of the Association Of Local Governments Of Nigeria (ALGON) has announced the end of their 32nd NEC meeting with key resolutions, urging the Federal Government to immediately resolve and end the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities “with a view to achieving an all inclusive growth for national development.”

ALGON made its position known in a communique issued at the end of its 32nd National Executive Council (NEC) meeting concluded at the weekend in Lokoja, Kogi State, insisting that community policing strategy would best tackle insecurity in the country.


At the opening of the NEC meeting, while addressing the NEC members, Board of Trustees (BOT) and Management of the Association, the ALGON National President, Hon. Kolade David Alabi had welcomed the attendees who are representing various states from across the country and expressed happiness over the huge turnout at the meeting.


However, at the end of their meeting the 32nd NEC of ALGON in the communique also appealled to other tiers of government “to recognize Local Governments and Area Councils as a major state actor in the true spirit of federalism as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as Amended).”

The rest of the communique reads, “with respect to the 2023 forthcoming general election, the Association will unequivocally support and give its commitments to any presidential candidate that is committed for the actualization of full local government autonomy.

“The NEC is in support of community policing as a strategy of achieving effective security and safety of lives and properties in the country.

“The NEC is deeply worried and sympathizes with university students, parents and the general public on the prolonged but avoidable ASUU strike that has increased the general hardship on the citizens.

“The Federal Government is therefore advised to immediately resolve and end the ongoing strike with a view to achieving an all inclusive growth for national development.

“The NEC agreed unanimously to follow up on issues regarding constitutional review of the proposed Revenue Allocation formula increase from 22% to 35% in favour of the Local Governments and Area Councils”, the communique concluded.

In attendance at the ALGON NEC meeting were about 27 ALGON State Chairmen representing various LGAs and Councils in their respective states.

With an impressive attendance, Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, is at press time playing host to who is who in the leadership of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) from both National and State levels for the all important National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

The meeting is coming some months after it's last NEC meeting in Lagos, November 2021.

Addressing the NEC members, Board of Trustees (BOT) and Management of the Association in Lokoja yesterday, the ALGON National President, Hon. Kolade David Alabi welcomed the attendees who are representing various states from across the country and expressed happiness over the huge turnout at the meeting.

The meeting is a two-day strategic gathering with very robust deliberations on issues concerning the Association and national emergencies of which positions will be taken via an anticipated communique at the end of the gathering.

Some project sites executed by the Kogi State ALGON, Courtesy call to the State Governor, Yahaya Bello, and other project inspections at the Councils has been mapped out on the sidelines of the NEC meeting.

It will be recalled that the Kolade David Alabi led Exco has for over a year now held ALGON NEC meetings in the country's geopolitical zones, a critical decision which it's highest body has supported and is yielding fruits in terms of reaching out with the grassroots in line with it's slogan "service to the grassroots".

The meeting also affords attendees the golden opportunity to compare notes, identify with projects that are on-going as well as completed or commissioned projects in other areas and it's cost components for better service delivery and accountability to the rural populace.

Other benefits of the zonal meetings, which members have affirmed, include the opportunity it provides in peace building and as a strong unifier for the heterogenous mix of the country as well as social engineering.

In attendance are about 27 ALGON State Chairmen representing various LGAs and Councils in their respective states.

... Bootcamp Begins in September

The Princewills Trust is sending another set of winners of the Princewills - Trust Vision and Success Opportunity Challenge, to Dubai.

The non-governmental organization was set up under the auspices of Prince Tonye Princewill.

It is focused primarily on the promotion of human capacity, by any means possible, and has a host of novel projects and uniquely adapted intervention programmes to point to, from 2002 to date.

The Trust is deeply committed to providing humane services and the sustainable empowerment of the talented, the skillful, the hard and the smart working people, particularly in Rivers state, with the motto of leaving no group behind.

Over the years its outreach has extended to women empowerment programmes, medical missions, disability interventions, disaster recovery, graduate and post graduate scholarships, adapted orphanage programmes, skill acquisition programmes, talent hunts and various forms of youth mentoring initiatives including this one.

Therefore, Princewills Trust, in partnership with the Dubai Department for Economy and Tourism (DET) and CLR education consulting, have teamed up to organize this opportunity for winners of the challenge so they can get a first-hand experience of the world’s most popular destination; Dubai, as named by TripAdvisor in 2022.

The winners of the latest edition are Loveth Chikanka Ichemati, a 1st year student of English & Literature in the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

She hails from Nkpolu in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Alex Tamuno Miegbam, a Phd student of History and International Diplomacy, also from the Rivers State University.

She hails from Iwoma Borokiri in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The final winner is Idoniboyeobu Omiete Opubo, a 4th year student of Mechanical Engineering at the Afe Babalola University, Ekiti State.

He hails from Buguma in Asari Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The trio will be heading to Dubai in September for a one-week bootcamp/ tour of Dubai.

The Vision and Success Opportunity Challenge is a forum created by Princewills Trust, where ambitious young leaders pitch ideas and strategies for furthering their vision and success in life.

The objective of the challenge is to enable Nigerian university undergraduates and/or postgraduates envision viable career models and explore how to change their environment, from ideation to practice, while still pursuing their studies.


Prince Tonye Princewill, the founder of Princewills Trust, said that he "always get excited when a new set of students embark on these bootcamps.

“The post-trip reviews we have had from previous trips were so encouraging that we are considering expanding the scope of the challenge to include students from other states in Nigeria.

“The exposure is great for the kids, opening their minds to endless possibilities.

“Experiencing Dubai was a life changer for me, I hope it will be for them. I’d like to thank the whole team at Dubai Tourism and particularly the Africa desk, led by Stella Fubara and Christian Romer and the ever reliable CLR, led by Nneka Oduah. It’s your passion for our tomorrow, that’s made this possible”, he said.

With the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in achieving its competitiveness vision to position the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the emirate’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators.


DET is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai’s business and tourism sectors.

It is also responsible for the licensing and classification of all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents, among others.

The Executive Chairman of Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State and the state ALGON Chairman, Hon. Willie T. C. Okoliegwo, is to confer the prestigious Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Humanitarian Personality Award by the International Peace and Governance Council headquartered in Atlanta Georgia USA.

The event holds in Abuja today, Friday, August 19.


The award was after rigorous profiling and background check on the Chairman as he bags the highest honour of the Grassroots Ambassador of Peace Award.


This followed the adoption of the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable development in 2015 alongside the international Peace and Governance Council (IPAC) USA in it's patriot stand towards rewarding examplary political office holders at the Grassroots level knowing the value-multiplier effect of such impact in strengthening and growing good model of leaders at that level.

Highlights of the august event will feature the Pan African Leadership Symposium and Honours organized to build capacity of African leaders, entrench peace, develope skills and domesticate some negotiation designs for community peace building.

Imo which has came under attack in the recent times need such reward incentive to good leaders who are supporting the return of peace and tranquility across the Communities.

The event Chairman and Head of the Organizer, His Excellency, Amb. (Dr) Jonathan Ojadah Daniel, in a letter to the Imo State ALGON Chairman said noted that “after much scrutiny and findings about you from your local government area and the national headquarters of ALGON in Abuja, the nomination committee of the international peace and governance council wish to congratulate you as a deserved recipient of these coveted honour of The Grassroots Ambassador Of Peace Award.

“Following the adoption of the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development in 2015, International Peace and Governance Council (IPGC), USA contributes to the follow-up towards the realization of Peace, Justice & Poverty Eradication (ECOSOC Resolution 2015/16).

“We are in collaboration with Arise O Nigeria Centre For Leadership & Enterprise Development to host the 8th Edition of Pan African Leadership Symposium & Honors (PALESH) to commemorate the United Nations World Humanitarian Day”, the nomination letter stated.

The organisers added that “the SDG Awards aims to honor outstanding personalities who have contributed positively in Peace Dialogues/Conflict resolutions, grassroots community development, massive youth & women capacity building while uniting leaders who have strong passion for human'ty and serving as catalysts of social change in the society.

“The SDG Awards is a way of celebrating individuals who championed the promotion of Peace, Justice and empowerment of youths and women in accordance with the UN declaration.

“In line with the IPGC tradition and in honor of your great achievements, IPGC is pleased to honor you with Leadership Excellence and Sustainable Development Goal SDG grassroot Ambassador of peace Award.

“This recognition is to recognize your passion for humanity and your charitable endeavors which have impacted lives of many children, youths and women through the efforts of your Leadership Social responsibilities in your Local Government”, the international council said.

Hon. Okoliegwo will be honoured alongside other notable African leaders, including His Excellencies, Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya; Yoweri Museveni, President Of Uganda; Felix Tshisekedi, President Of Democratic Of Congo; Mrs Emmerson D. Mnangagwa, President Of Zimbabwe; and Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, Prime Minister of Cameroon.

SunCity Africa Crime watch reports that the Chairmanship Candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr Emmanuel Ajah for 2022 Ivo Local government election in Ebonyi State, has been indentified as one of the culprits in the murder of Mrs Catherine Chukwu Okorie.

Mrs Catherine Chukwu Okorie from Amaonye Ivo LGA was murdered on 18th January, 2017 by her kidnappers who eventually forcefully took away her life.

According to a police investigative reports, Mr Emmanuel Ajah was among those arrested over his connection to the crime. He was later remanded in the Abakaliki correctional centre until sometime in 2019 when he was granted bail following induced actions of high profile politicians from the Ishiagu community of Ivo LGA.

This media organization gathered that the tempo which Mr Ajah was released from the correctional centre was based on ill-health leaving many to wonder why would a bail be granted on such a heinous crime with sufficient evidences on his association to the murder of late Mrs Okorie.

Mr Emmanuel Ajah recent emergence as the Candidate of APC for Ivo Local government area for the council election has raised dust in the area. Already, the Ivo Youths Forum has rejected his nomination and Candidacy stressing that he is made to be in the prison and not in the exalted office of chairmanship.

In a communique issued at her meeting held recently, they called on the governor of the state to immediately and change his nomination stressing it will further jeopardize the security of the Area.

The communique read in parts "That we are not oblivious of the relative peace, tranquillity and harmony we have experienced and enjoyed since around 2017 (when Emmanuel Ajah and others alleged to be members of his gang) were arrested, detained and subsequently charged for murder, kidnapping and armed robbery until recently when some of them were released on bail.

"That we are also very aware of the travails Ivo Local Government Area especially Ishiagu Community had gone through in the past; wanton killing, kidnapping and armed robbery. Very recent cases are; the killing of one Comr. Chibuenyi Stephen Okorie, a final year student of Political Science, Abia State University; the kidnap and subsequent gruesome murder of Mrs. Caterine Chukwu; the attack and armed robbery of Mr. B. P. Osita just to mention but a few;

"Worried that all these heinous crimes from police report following from their investigation fingered Mr. Emmanuel Ajah as being actively involved in omission and or commission of which he is still facing trials in various courts in Nigeria for the said crimes;

"Disturbed by the fact that Mr. Emmanuel Ajah confessed in his voluntary statement to the police that he benefited from the proceeds of crime from armed robbery of Mr. P. B. Osita to the sum of one hundred thousand naira only (N100,000.00) as his own share for linking and giving the armed gang necessary information to execute the said armed robbery".

"Perturbed, disturbed and baffled that Mr. Emmanuel Ajah is only on BAIL ON HEALTH GROUNDS; as he was only granted bail on the ground that he has a COMMUNICABLE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE (TUBERCULSIS) and may infect other inmates if allowed to stay at the correctional centre;

“Surprised at the rumour making the round that the All Progressive Congress, APC nominated and subsequently adopted Mr. Emmanuel Ajah as their consensus candidate;"

"Considering the fact that Mr. Emmanuel Ajah is still sick with COMMUNICABLE DISEASE and facing series of criminal trials within and probably outside Ebonyi State";

"Conscious of the fact, implications and or likely embarrassment the probable conviction of Mr. Emmanuel Ajah may cause us as Ivo people having regard that APC is the ruling party in our dear State, if eventually/ unfortunately Mr. Emmanuel Ajah is elected as the Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area"

"That we are aware that the Governor of Ebonyi State attended the burial of one of the victims alleged to have been committed and or supervised by Mr. Emmanuel Ajah, wherein the Governor promised to do everything within his powers to ensure that those behind the said kidnap and gruesome murder of Mrs. Okorie were brought to book, prosecuted and brought to justice".

"The governor went further to honour the said victim by constructing and naming a road after Mrs. Okorie".

"We are shocked that those fingered and indicted by the Police investigation report to the said crimes and that are still facing criminal trials rather appears being rewarded or better still ‘compensated’"

"That we are convinced that the emergence of Mr. Emmanuel Ajah as Ivo Local Government Chairman, criminals will be emboldened and crimes which had since 2017appeared to have been diminished, shrank and truncated will sure reinforce itself and fight back."

"It is our finding that Mr. Emmanuel Ajah is facing trials in the following cases;
Case No: HSC/3C/2017 - Murder
Case No: HSK/4C/2017 - Kidnapping
Case No: HSK/7C/2017 – Armed Robbery"

"We therefore resolve that we shall bring this communique to the further notice of all the security agencies requesting them to investigate the facts of this communique and give security advice and or reports as maybe appropriate with respect to the matter in issue".

"It is our further resolve to write to the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State as the leader of the APC in Ebonyi State. Also, we shall notify the Executive Chairman, Ivo Local Government Area for them to reconsider their position in this matter and save the live and properties of our people"

"That we shall be left with no other option than to use other legitimate conventional means to pursue our demand starting from the National body of the APC if we are not satisfied with the response emanating from this communique. A stitch in time saves nine".

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and a Coalition of National Civil Society Organizations (C-CSOs) have called for the immediate resignation of the current Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, and the arrest of the former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi for defying the Federal government on matters relating to the Treasury Single Account (TSA), and operating two secret foreign accounts were payments are made and the funds are looted at will by the management and the supervising Minister while he was in office.

Recall that the Minister of Transportation had recently resigned to contest in the presidential election of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).


In a statement jointly signed by the CNPP Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu and the Secretary of the C-CSOs, Alhaji Ali Abacha, the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria and the amalgamation of over 21 civil society organisations, said that “from every indication, those closest to President Muhammadu Buhari have become the most notorious in defying presidential directives and making a mess of the anti-corruption posture of his administration.”


The CNPP and the C-CSOs said that a recent media report by investigative news portal, Pointblank.com, revealing that “the accounts are plundered by the management and the supervising Minister since it is not within the records of the Federal government”, has again put in doubt the debt of the commitment of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, and the APC as a political party, to the fight against corruption in the last seven years.


According to the CNPP and the C-CSOs, the two foreign accounts held at Citibank N.A. 111 Wall Street, New York, New York 10043 with ABA CODE 021000089, and Citibank N. A. Canada Square, Canada Wharf London E145LB for NPA Service Boat Revenue Collection, irrespective of orders by the President to the contrary must be publicly investigated.


“For effective and meaningful investigation, the current Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko must immediately resign his position as he cannot be a judge in his own case.


“As for Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, we call for his immediate arrest for diligent prosecution as well as the institution of open investigation of how he prosecuted his failed presidential ambition.


“We also demand immediate investigation of the ex-minister's sources of funding for his ongoing construction of a mansion with an underground at Ambassador Desmond Akawo Street, Guzape, Asokoro District, in the heart of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.


“It is reasonably believed that the funds used by the ex-Transportation Minister to prosecute his presidential ambition and for his ongoing construction of his Asokoro mansion are part of the proceeds from the plunder of the illegal foreign accounts.”


The CNPP and the allied civil society organisations insisted that “reports of port charges and other lucrative charges from NPA being stashed into the illegal accounts and shared by the fomer Minister and the NPA boss is the highest level of betrayal of the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari and therefore demand immediate action.


“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), must, at this instant, begin to investigate and initiate the processes of recovery of all the proceeds of this economic crime as part of its effort to redeem the image of the President Buhari administration as one which fights corruption only in the media”, the statement concluded.

A large cross section of traders and members of the Opi Market Amalgamated Traders Association (OMMATA) has petitioned the Nsukka Local Government Area Chairman, Barr. Walter Ozioko, over plot by politicians in Opi Nsukka to turn the market into their money spinning machine for their selfish interests.

The traders, through their lawyer, Barr. Joseph Ogbuka, the founder and Principal Partner of The House of Laws, urged the local government boss to urgently put a halt on the proposed Kangaroo selection being orchestrated by the said politicians.


The petition was titled “A Formal Petition Against Some Internally Displaced
Political Contractors in Opi who have Forcefully Hijacked the Opi Market Amalgamated Traders Association (OMMATA) not According to the due Process of the Constitution of the Association with a View to Criminally Convert the Market and the Traders Therein into Their Private POS through the Imposition of their Hired Agents and Surrogates as the Executive Leaders of the Association Through a Kangaroo Selection Process Contrary to the Express Provisions of the Constitution of the Association: A Call for your Urgent Intervention by Promptiy Putting on Hold the Proposed Kangaroo Selection Exercise (Election) Billed to Take Place Tomorrow in the said Market and Conduct Dispassionate Investigation into the Scandalous Racket of Impunity by these Agent Provocateurs and their Sponsors.”


The three-page petition, which identified the arrowhead of the cabal behind the plot and usurpation of the constitution of the market association as Dr. Dan Shere, reads:


We are constrained to convey to your office the pathetic outcries of a large cross section of traders and members of the Opi Market Amalgamated Traders Association (OMMATA) as well as the lamentations of petty traders in the said market who carry their trade wares on their heads, hands and barrows
without stalls.

We shall hereinafter refer to all of them as our clients and it is on their behalf and instructions that we anchor this Petition to your office for your urgent intervention and necessary
action.


The outcries of these traders reveal a satanic collabo by some internally displaced polltical jobbers and contractors in Opi Nsukka to hijack not just the Ahor Opl Market but even the traders and members of (OMATTA) trading in the market by manipulating the association through the imposition of their hired agents as mercenaries as the executive leaders of the Association by means of a Kangaroo selection exercise contrary to the express provisions of the constitution of the Association on how the election of its officers will be conducted at the end of every term of four years.


We are reliably informed that the arrow head of the Cabal who have vowed to hijack the association and privatize it and all its paraphernalla of members for their personal aggrandizement is Dr. Dan Shere and his gang of political foot soldiers.


They have forcefully seized the reigns of power over the association since the year 2017 for a four years term which terminated in the year 2021 but have since then not anly held unto the power of control over the association contrary to the express provisions of the constitution of the Association as express in Articles 8, 10 and 12 of the
Constitution of the Association but have also perfected another arrangement to foist and impose their hired agents and surrogates through a Kangaroo selection process billed to take place tomorrow in that market under the guise of an election contrary to the clear provisions of the constitution of the association.


The profiteering motive of these political merchandize on the fortunes of members of OMMATA is obvious and can be attested to by the fact that these hired agents who were imposed on the market since the year 2017 and have been packaged again to be re-imposed on the association either directly or through their underlings have refused to account for their stewardship to the association for the tenure of their plunder and looting of the treasury of the association since the year 2017.

Instead of rendering account to the members of the associations as required of them under the constitution of the association they rather render daily returns in commissions and rebates to their sponsors and overlords.


To meet the financial targets set for them Government in such a market which is to administer, and manage
the market and collect stallage fees from traders, it does not include or extend to the power to run, operate, oversea or regulate the association of traders or members of an associations of traders in that market.


This point of distinction is clear as the constitution has ordained every citizen with a sacrosanct right to freedom of Association which includes the right or freedom to freely organize and oversee their association without any interference from anybody or authority.


Thus while it is conceded that the powers of the Nsukka Local Government can be used by these gold diggers at Ahor Opi to administer, manage and regulate the market as well as collect lawfully approved levies like stallage fees from traders, it is arbitrary, even criminal for anybody or group to hide under such powers to attempt to hijack the association of traders in the market from the management of its members contrary to the express provisions of the constitution of the traders in the said market as well as the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Ahor Opi market has a valid and subsisting constitution which regulates and governs the tenure of offices, the election of officers of the association, the condition for the valid conduct of the election, the eligiblity for the members or aspirants to any executive position in the association as well as the mode of the election and other
post-election matters.


In the purview of all these clear and unambiguous provisions of the constitution of the Ahor Opi Amalgamated Traders Association, it is highly reprehensible and abominable to allow a primitive gang of horse traders and their political sponsors in Opi to hijack the association, as well as the right of its members to oversee it according to its constitution or be allowed to set aside its constitution and dictate for the members of the association according to their own whims and caprices in flagrant repugnance to the authoritative pronouncement of the constitution of the association.


It is the above litanies of outrageous atrocities at Aho Opi Market which they want to reinstate with another Kangaroo selection of hired mercenaries of the self acclaimed emperors of the market that necessitated this formal intervention by way of this petition anchored to your office and to the office of the Governor of the State to promptly intervene in the situation at Aho Opi market today by putting on hold the proposed Kangaroo election of another regime of agents to be imposed on the association so that these scandalous orgy of criminal impunities against the constitution of the traders in the market and the traders themselves as well as their dignity and liberty can be dispassionately investigated and redressed before the members of the association can be aliowed to elect their executive leaders in accordance with their constitution for another four years tenure.


This is for your information and necessary action.

The Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Enugu State chapter, has decried what it described as politics of calumny, bitterness, acrimony and falsehood against Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, saying that they have, for sometime now, “observed the trending political issues in the social media and other news prints in Enugu state.”



In a statement jointly signed by the state Chairman, Chief (Hon) Dr Afam Samuel Ani, and the state Secretary, Hon. Aduaka Anthony, the members and executives of the state chapter of the CNPP noted that “it is rather unfortunate and smacks of the truth against the person of the incumbent Governor of Enugu state Rt (Hon) Dr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.


“For record purposes,the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) primaries for House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate and Governorship were slated for 21st to 25th May, 2022.


“All interested candidates who procured the forms were given a level playing field to participate. At the end, the delegates spoke through the ballot box and Barr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah emerged victorious in the governorship primaries. The Enugu state people breathed a sigh of relief”, the CNPP said.


The CNPP noted that “to prove his magnanimity in victory, Barr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah was never carried away by the victory. He solicited the hands of fellow contenders in building another phase of Enugu State.


“However, some of them were recalcitrant. The greedy ones among them went in search of alternate political party. This was never viewed from a negative perspective as this could satisfy their ambition to Lion Building.


“It is rather unfortunate that some decided to pull string on the incumbent Governor of Enugu state. They went about cooking up falsehood and innuendos against Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.


“One of these politics of bitterness falsehood was a recent publication by one Brendan Okpe, if real name,who was used as a tannoy by some Enugu political hedgehogs to do this yomans job.


“In his publication, Mr Okpe tried all possible avenue to give the impression that Nsukka people are no longer happy with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.


“He said that after the monumental betrayal of Nsukka interest in the gubernatorial primaries by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, that he has gone further to stop the ambition of Hon Barr Chijioke Edeoga.


“He went further to say that Chief Everest Nnaji was being projected by the state government to replace Hon Barr Chijioke Edeoga in the gubernatorial position in Labour Party and that the financial inducement to INEC for that purpose failed”, the CNPP noted.


CNPP Enugu state chapter then asked Brendan Okpe the several questions, includin “Was he among the delegation sent to present the money to INEC officials?


“Is Chief Everest Nnaji or any other, not eligible to vie for gubernatorial position in Labour Party against Hon Barr Chijioke Edeoga?


“The Obidients movement you mentioned, is it focused at Presidential ticket or state? And so, what makes one jittery in Enugu State?


“Do you think that Barr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is a colossus with feet of clay?”, the statement stated.


The CNPP noted that in the past 24 years of democracy in Nigeria, three Governors have been in saddle of the leadership in the state, insisting that “Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has penned down his name on marble in the state in general and Nsukka in particular.


Taking a close look at the Governor's key developmental strides in Nsukka and it's environs, the CNPP itemised the State University of Medical Sciences, Igbo Eno, State Secretariate Annex in Nsukka, the 5000 seat capacity ultra modern Nsukka Township Stadium, the Amenity Hospital in Ogurute, the 12km Opi - Nsukka dual carriage road to UNN gate, that used to be known as second Adada River and the 26.66km Ukpabi - Nimbo - Ugbene Ajima - Eziani Road.


The political parties also listed the 22.443km Neke - Mbu - Ogbodu Aba-Obollo Etiti Road as part of the key foot prints of Governor Ugwuanyi in Nsukka.


“Else we forget, let us also remember that under his leadership as the executive Governor, that he has been prompt in paying workers salary as at when due,not minding the economic hardship the country has been facing all this while even when some states can't meet up with the payment of worker's salaries.


“Did we also forget that workers were been owed backlog of salaries before his coming in as Governor and what did he do when he came in, He cleared all, etc. The list is endless. Nsukka has never had it so good.


“After all these, Brendan Okpe was able to say that the Governor has faced unprecedented rejection in Nsukka land.


“We see this as a baseless claim and see it as statement meant to satisfy the wants of his paymasters.


“We also see the alleged rally in support of Peter Obi in Nsukka as orchestrated to drive home their inordinate ambition.
We the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) Enugu state chapter (the voice of the masses in Enugu state) wish to warn the detractors under any guise to desist from disturbing the peace Enugu state has enjoyed for the past 7 years and still counting.


“We will not fold our hands and watch any political miscreant bring to ridicule the administration that has transformed the life of Enugu state citizens including the down trodden, positively.
Politics should be played by the norms of the game and not to bring unrest among the populace.


“CNPP will go all out to a peaceful protest to denounce and counter negative actions against the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi which has brought relief and succor to the citizens of the state”, the statement concluded.

Prominent pan-Igbo sociopolitical pressure organisation, the South East Revival Group (SERG), has declared that even though Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike of Rivers State knows what is good for him as a politician, Nigeria is in its most slippery political period such that any political move or decision at the current season must never be hastily undertaken by any wise politician.

The SERG, in a statement signed by its President and National Coordinator, Chief Willy Ezugwu, while reacting to the recent visit of All Progressive Congress (APC) governors from the South West of Nigeria to the Governor, the South East group counselled Governor Wike to be careful and patient in taking any political decisions in order not to lose the goodwill he has been able to earn from the masses over the years as a performer.

“As audacious supporters of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who is one of those we consider to be outstanding in the build up to the recently concluded presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), we sincerely counsel the Rivers State Governor to be very cautious in taking political decisions at this time.


“Whether the Governor is agreived or not, even though we know that he was betrayed during the presidential primary of his party, the political terrain in Nigeria is too slippery for hasty decisions by any wise politician in the country.


“For keen observers of political trends in Nigeria today, it is clear that the younger generation has largely taken over control of the country's politics ahead of the 2023 presidential election just as they did in 2015.

“If the older generation of politicians are not careful, they will completely lose relevance in the coming months as campaigns begin.

“It will be suicidal for any politician, who is loved by Nigerians, like Governor Wike to swim against the prevailing national political tides.

“Obviously, those who redirected the politics of the country in 2015, have also taken a position in the current political era.

“Nigerians had yearned for a new bread of leaders (those who belong to the younger generation of politicians) to emerge as presidential candidates across key political parties in Nigeria, but they got disappointed when politicians that ought to have retired from active politics were given presidential tickets to the chagrin of the younger people across the country.

“Apart from the fact that the older generation of politicians who won presidential primaries are largely seen by the youths as corrupt and desperate, Nigerians have been in pains in the last seven years are not keen in repeating the mistake of 2015.

“For this reason, a critical mass of disenchanted citizens, who have been at the receiving end of misused Nigeria's commonwealth since 1999, which obviously worsened in the last seven years, have now produced a candidate of their choice.


“In the light of this, only wise politicians will look before they leap ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

“We, therefore, urge Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike not to miscalculate or stand on the way of the Nigerian youths, being one of our few leaders who have so far distinguished themselves in the last seven years of misery and pains among the masses”, the group counselled.

... Says Insecurity Worrisome

... Makes Strong Case for Strengthening LGAs and Councils As Panacea for Checking Rising Insecurity and Underdevelopment



The National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon Kolade David Alabi, has in his Eid-el Kabir message to millions of Muslim faithfuls all over the Local Governments and Area Councils in the country.


Alabi noted that today’s reality has shown that while the country celebrates with their Muslim faithfuls, everyone needs to be constantly vigilant against all manner of insecurity and other concerns.

He pray God to grant all faithfuls their heart desires and wished them a peaceful celebration.


In his view, "The Local government system is very crucial in the development of rural areas and can tackle the growing level of insecurity in Nigeria if allowed to function properly through provision of the enabling environment and enjoying a constitutional protection".

Honestly, issues like economic empowerment, job creation to get more people busy and off from all societal vices will be a real game changer.

Everyone have seen clearly that a firm function of the Local Government system is an asset to the Nigerian society looking at Some facts on grounds in many states that are free", this is why the LGAs need not to be toyed with especially in the emerging Constitutional Amendment, we have all seen lately how insecurity has escalated beyond imagination despite the government's huge investments in security" Alabi was quoted.

He further stated that experience has shown that the Councils were too valunerable of which it has become imperative that having a stronger collaboration within the entire security agencies in sync with the rural communities through volunteerism aimed at policing the entire environment to provide a robust incident response plan to check the rising insecurity will yield meaningful result.

The ALGON President regretted the absence of state policing of which its advantage could have been visible through community engagements that would have been well positioned ro it's obvious reduction.

He also called for proactive approach that will enable stronger strategies to contain potential breach and help in making the most informed decisions through local intelligence gathering since according to him every attack comes from one local government or another.

He believes that one of the primary causes of failure of the entire security efforts has been 'planning in isolation of the local authorities in various Communities without the active involvement of the Councils.

He lamented a situation whereby many councils are underutilized as a supposedly strong institution and call for a new approach that will bring the Councils up to speed.

While he bemoaned the situation, he concluded by expressing confidence in the democratic process of which, according to him, will continue to get things better moving forward.

The Government of Enugu State has appointed Mrs. Ihuoma Eze as the Acting Project Coordinator of Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project.

The Communication Officer, Enugu APPEALS Project, Ambrose Igbokwe, in a statement explained that the project is a World Bank Assisted Project with the objective of enhancing the productivity of small and medium scale farmers in Enugu State.

In a letter signed by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government; Professor Simon Ortuanya, the appointment by the State Governor; Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, became effective as from 1st July, 2022.

Mrs. Ihuoma Eze has been part of the Management team of the Enugu APPEALS Project since its inception in 2019, as the Women and Youth/Livelihood Specialist of the project until her new appointment. She has also worked in the Nigerian Watershed Erosion Management Project (NEWMAP) in the state.

Mrs. Eze holds a Master of Science Degree in Parasitology from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

She has attended several trainings, workshops and seminars on World Bank project implementation at various times. She comes in with a wealth of experience in world Bank Assisted Project Management and implementation.

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has warned of the implications of ongoing plot of by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to change its own rules at the end of the game to favour preferred aspirants in Abia State, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stick to the rules of the game in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022 to safeguard the country's democracy.

The CNPP in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, noted “with dismay that the APC, which is supposed to be a shinning light for all political parties will engage in a manipulative process against its own rules.”

The CNPP's statement was issued on the heels of a move by the APC to replace candidates that emerged after its direct primaries in Abia in line with its request to INEC in its own letter dated 25th May, 2022, with reference no. APC/NHDCINEC/19/022/61, in which the party adopted direct primaries mode of election in Abia, Benue and Osun States.

The letter notifying INEC of the mode of primaries was signed by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu and the National Secretary, Senator lyiola Omisore, and in response, the Commission monitored the primary which produced the immediate-past Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uche Ogah, as the APC governorship candidate in Abia State.

The CNPP then noted that “We are worried that the APC, after the primary election in Abia State, turned around to plot to upturn the outcome of the direct primary election in a fresh letter backdated to 26th May 2022 notifying the commission "that Abia State was inadvertently included among states for direct primaries”, which we see as a bad omen ahead of the 2023 general elections.


“The CNPP, therefore, strongly condemns this unhealthy development and calls on INEC and the APC to thread with caution and play politics according to the rules as that is the only way to deepen the country's democracy and promote good governance in the interest of the people.

“Nigerians, and indeed the whole world, are watching as the attempt to submit a fresh letter to the commission today, June 16, 2022 after the primary election has long been won and lost is a coup against democracy that cannot be tolerated in a sane clime and must not be allowed to stand”, the statement read.

In compliance with the provisions of article 84 (12) of the electoral Act 2022, a novel prescription for potential aspirants holding political appointments not to be qualified to vote as a delegate or to be voted for at the party convention or congress for the purpose of nomination as candidates for any election, Senator Dr. George Akume has resigned.


Senator Akume secretly resigned his appointment as the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs to enable him exercise his function as a national delegate in the Presidential Primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Akume, a two-term governor and a three-time Senator, was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari into the federal cabinet in 2019.

It was gathered that others who resigned their appointment alongside their leader are Hon. Mike Msuaan, a member of Governing Board, Federal Polytechnic, Wannune and Chief Simon Shango, the Board Chairman, College of Education (Tec), Isu, Ebonyi State.

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has called on the media to publish their stories after fact-checking in order not to misinform the public.


The CNPP spoke while reacting to recent reports indicating that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele has been sacked by President Muhammadu Buhari.


In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in the country said it was mischievous for some media platforms to have fabricated the story.


“For us, the CBN governor has done the needful by withdrawing the case he instituted against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) seeking not to be disqualified as an aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Having done the needful in response to public opinion, it is mischievous for some section of the online media to deliberately misinform the public contrary to the constitutional duty to inform and educate the people”, the CNPP stated.

Ahead of 2023 presidential election, the best of Nigerians from all works of life have been eyeing the top Nigerian job. One of the best brains in the race is the former Aso Villa Chaplain and founder of Able Access Alliance (AAA), Rev. Prof. Yusufu Ameh Obaje.

Prof. Obaje declared his interest in the presidential race at a media briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.

In a time like this that Nigeria is observing unimaginable increase in kidnapping, widespread lawlessness and general insecurity of lives and properties, the former Aso Villa Chaplain has made himself available to help curb the many Nigeria problems bedeviling the country, especially in recent times.

At his declaration, he stated that “Its is our choice and it is certainly our decision; we only need to resolve to identify a leader who will lead us to successfully recreate Nigeria of our collective dream.

“I therefore present myself as the leader that Nigeria needs at such a time like this. My leadership style is going to be God-centred, people focused, ideologically rooted, spiritually redemptive, intuitionally sensitive, religiously tolerant, love driven, ontologically confirmative, anthropologically humane, mission guided, vision actualised, purpose propelled, administratively inclusive, service oriented, courageously demonstrated, accountably exemplified, sacrificially imperative, morally emulative, transparently evidential, intellectually creative, philosophically persuasive, inspirationally instructive, critically objective, characteristically transformative, revolutionary decisive, practically profitable, existentially relevant and result manifested.

“Let me remind us of the fact that the above leadership style is imperative on the basis of the enormousness, gravity and compelling nature of the problems confronting our country Nigeria.

“Consequently, together we shall embark on: spiritual revolution, intellectual renaissance, citizenship transformation, patriotism reawakening, administrative reconstruction, constitutional recreation, ontological revolution, anthropological redirection, ideological redemption, cultural regeneration, moral revolution, political reconstruction, economic revitalization, agricultural revolution, infrastructural reconstruction, national policy redirection, industrial revolution, anti-corruption redirection, national security recreation, power supply revolution, health-care revolution, peaceful renaissance, social rebirth, sports development recreation, international relations redirection, information technology revolution, mineral resources redevelopment, rural development renaissance, youth development redirection, women development reactivation, shelter-for-all transformation, civil service reformation and holistic contextualisation.”

Obaje outlined aspects of his recreational agenda for Nigeria.

“If by the grace of God and the will of the people, I am given the opportunity, then I will do differently what makes me different from others by radically transforming our security and intelligence architecture, ensuring quality education, women involvement in all spheres of life, improving the Nollywood sector and other social activities.

“Having served in the board room and corridors of power, I have the experience needed to lead Nigeria to the country of our dream”, he said.

He disclosed that the most dangerous department of life is spiritual, not politics, and as such he is not scared to join others in the race.

The All Progressives Congress , APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, may not participate in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Rivers State.

The APC is enmeshed in an ego battle between Rt.Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Magnus Abe that led to its exclusion in the 2019 gubernatorial election. This protracted ego battle is festered by the recent schism in the camp of Rt. Hon. Amaechi with the foisting of an unpopular aspirant on the Party.

The imposition of one Arc. Tonye Cole on the party in the State has not gone down well with most people who believe that Mr Cole is not just an outsider, but quite unpopular and arrogant and as such not capable of winning even a local government chairmanship election in Rivers State.

Moreso, people are also scared that the fate that befell the APC in Bayelsa State in the last gubernatorial election may befall the APC in Rivers State.

Arc Tonye Cole is said to have a questionable NYSC certificate. While in 2019 he presented only his School Certificate for fear of disqualification should he present his degree certificates since he never did his compulsory one year service, the sudden presentation of a letter from the NYSC affirming that he served and his discharge certificate is missing is suspicious. The said letter was issued in 2018.

Questioning the veracity of the letter, one would wonder why a letter issued in 2018 was not tendered for the 2019 guber elections!

Furthermore, the letter is a proof that Mr Cole graduated under the age of thirty -thus making it compulsory for him to embark on NYSC. Therefore, even if he presents just his school certificate,it is perjury because he deposed to an affidavit to that effect. And so, even if he wins the primaries and the elections, the courts will serve him the Bayelsa treatment.

Another problem the Party is likely to face is anti- party activities. Many who are not pleased with the imposition of Cole have sworn to work against the party in the general elections.

The PDP is not left out. Granting the prayers of Hon. Farah Dagogo, a federal high court has restrained the PDP from participating in the forthcoming guber elections in Rivers State pending the determination of the suit brought before it by Hon. Dagogo who was arrested,detained and charged to court by the Rivers Staate Governor, Nyesom Wike on trumped up charges.

Hon. Dagogo was arrested on the day he presented himself for screening at the party's zonal office in portharcourt.

The die is cast and it is hoped that the politicians will play their kind of politics and play themselves out of the game.

The largest democratic gathering organized in Africa is ongoing in Kisumu, Kenya. The summit which is the 9th edition is being organized as part of journey towards the African Renaissance

Reacting to the strategic development event, the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Kolade David Alabi has sent his goodwill message to the ALGON Delegation.

Hon. Alabi noted that with the Africities Summit which is designed to strengthen the role of regional development of the continent and facilitate in building the intergration as well as uniting Africa from its vast diversity beyond boundaries, it was timely to use the opportunity to engage other African leaders like Ministers, Mayors, elected officials of both local and regional governments, Civil Societies, Development Partners, Economic actors, traditional authorities, representative of African Diaspora, Research experts and other critical stakeholders to objectively dwell on the goals of the Summit.

Alabi noted that he was specifically happy that the Summit is looking into appropriate shared strategies that will improve the living condition of people at the rural level which according to him was the key reasons for creating the local government.

In his address during Tripartite Dialogue Meeting between Ministers, Mayors and Leaders of Local authorities and other Development Partners, the Deputy National President of ALGON, Hon. Maifata Aminu Muazu and Chairman of Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarwa State, commended the organizers of the meeting and pledged to take home the message of the event to Nigeria and ensure it is cascaded down to the rural populace.

Earlier the Imo State counterpart and ALGON Chairman in the State who is also the Executive Chairman of Oru West Local Government Area, Hon. WIlli T.C. Okoliegwo noted that the meeting provided unique opportunity to interact and bring about inspiring social networking with grassroots Leaders.

One of the organizers Prof. Anyang Nyong'o, who is the Governor of Kisumu City, Kenya expressed happiness that Kenya is playing host to the August meeting.

He said he is optimistic that with the general architecture of the summit, the involvement of women and youth made it inclusive and brought everyone up to speed with the Africities Investment Summit component where Women and Youth leaders under the Africities elected officers had open Session with their General Assembly REFELA form Women and General Assembly for YELO.

Nigerian Director General of ALGON, Mrs Binta Adamu Bello and the Director Legal and Administration, Barr. Mrs Evan Enekwe were all in attendance.

The last Africities was held in Marrakesh, Kingdom of Morocco in the year 2020 with well over 8,300 participants, 77 countries, 20 Ministers, 3000 local elected officials and Mayors in attendance.

The Summit which started on Tuesday May, 17 will end on Saturday May 21, 2022.

The Special Adviser to the lmo State governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and former Focal Person on the Nigerian Social Investment Programs (NSIPs), Princess Christina Eligwe-Ude, has picked the Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms to contest for Orsu, Orlu, Oru East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.


She made this known during a chat with reporters on Tuesday.

“I am coming out again to serve my people, because it is the turn of Oru East LGA and if elected, I would bring about quality representation and attract projects that would add value to the Federal Constituency”, she stated.


The aspirant who also contested in the last general election for the same position said “I declared my interest to run for the seat last week when I visited the APC Secretariat on Okigwe Road.”

She told the party executives that she decided to run for the office because she is qualified and fit to represent the Federal Constituency in Abuja.

“I sought advice from my people before the declaration took place”, she noted, adding that the time has come for a woman to be given a chance in running the affairs of the constituency, considering the numerous challenges the constituents are facing at the moment.


Princess Eligwe-Ude further said that she is vying for the position in order to work and better the lives of the good people of Oru East, Orlu and Orsu Federal Constituency.

She also assured her people that her leadership will be loyal to the people of her constituency and promised to build offices in the three local government areas that comprise the Federal Constituency.

Princess Eligwe-Ude recounted how she, in the past years, has been actively engaged in her community and attempted to be part of the solution to the problems the constituency.

Senator Prince Bassey Otu, the Cross River State consensus governorship candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has sent a thank you message to the people of the state.


In his message on Wednesday, Senator Prince Bassey Otu expressed gratitude to all his fellow governorship aspirants for their understanding, cooperation and sacrificial love for our dear State and Party.


The message reads, “My Dear Cross Riverians,

“A couple of days ago, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, ably led by our dear Governor, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, together with the State Party Chairman and all governorship aspirants met to decide on who will become our Party's tlag bearer, as we prepare for the 2023 general elections.


“By sheer grace, fate and the will of God and the people, I emerged as the consensus candidate to fly our Party's flag at the polls.


“That decision would never have been possible without the strong leadership of our dear and amiable Governor, the Party Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, and his EXCO, Party Elders, as well as other aspirants.


“Wish to pay my honest and sincere respect and debt of gratitude to all my fellow governorship aspirants for their understanding, cooperation and sacrificial love for our dear State and Party.


“We all emerged victorious from the meeting and will win together in the forthcoming governorship election.


“I am grateful to all Cross Riverians for their extreme show of love, since the
news of my emergence became public.


“It is obvious that our people are willing and ready for consolidation and further progress to propel us all to higher neignts.


“As we prepare for the general elections, I urge all Cross Riverians to go out in their numbers, register and obtain their Permanent Voters Card which is our most powerful weapon.


“In no distant time, plans for our dear state shall be unveiled accordingly.


“We however, assure our vibrant and very intelligent young men, women and all others that, in every step we take towards realizing our collective dream, they will be actively involved with the promise of full participation in the governance and management of our commonwealth.


“Our people are willing, able and ready to work for thee continuation of our collective developmental aspirations by massively supporting me to achieve victory in the forthcoming Elections.

“Thank you”, Senator Prince Bassey Otu said in his message to the people of the state.

... As He Woos Massive Supports Ahead Of Polls


The youngest aspirant for Imo State House of Assembly, Ihitte/Uboma State Constituency in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, Comrade Nonso Emecheta in a recent meeting with youths from his constituency, held at Isinweke, had won the hearts of the youths after telling them to stone him if he fails to fulfill his campaign promises.

Comrade Nonso Emecheta at the gathering of young like minds gave a synopsis of his manifesto termed 'The Nonso Solution: A People-Centric Manifesto'. An ideological framework that will guide his service to his people if voted to serve.

In his words: "I have crossed the Rubicon to salvage the dwindling fortunes of my people and I challenge our youths to stone me to death if I fail to perform."

However, his unprecedented reassuring statement of total commitment to the amelioration of the human condition in his constituency was greeted with boisterous ovation and wide acceptability as the participants were convinced that having put his own precious life in the line of service to his people, it will not be out of place to say that he did not come to plunder but to render selfless service to his people.

When asked the political party he intends to use to contest in the election, he told them that as a human right activist and an incurable social crusader, it is only natural to use a political party that is in sync with the struggle for the emancipation of the people from the manacles of poverty, deprivation and sub-human condition that gives a level playing field for young activists like him to contest.

He disclosed that the party is no other than African Action Congress (AAC) whose National Leader is Comrade Omoyele Sowore, an unrepentant human right activist who has written his name with indelible ink on the front pages of our national struggles.

The youngest aspirant in Ihitte/Uboma State Constituency, who is the current South East Coordinator of the Not Too Young To Perform (NTYTP) Leadership Development Advocacy movement reiterated his commitment to the betterment of the lots of his people.

He described himself as “the harbinger of a new dawn” and stated that there is no fundamental reason why his constituents will continue to experience the worsening form of human degradation through unremorseful culture of primitive exploitation, weaponization of poverty and the pauperization of the people when he has the humane disposition, political will and magic wand to put paid to the untold hardship rocking his constituents.

On the whole, the atmosphere was agog as youths were enthralled by the youngest aspirant's sincerity of purpose, wisdom, oratorical prowess, radical mission and result-oriented vision and they pledged their supports for him with the agreement that they will hold him by his words.

The Deputy Governor of Katsina State, QS. Mannir Yakubu recently resigned his appointment as the Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the state to pursuit of a higher political office in compliance with Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended).

He was appointed as Commissioner in 2015 by Governor Aminu Bello Masari in line with the administration’s Restoration Project agenda.

The state’s Restoration Project in the agricultural sector was aimed restoring the state's lost glory, which hitherto supported Katsina State economy and that of Nigeria at large.

QS. Mannir Yakubu made giant strides which has repositioned the sector in the state since his assumption of office as the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

One of the foremost achievements recorded under his tenure was the launch of the Farmers Data and Information System, which was aimed at collating farmers' data and sourcing information from farmers directly to enable the ministry get insight into the challenges and opportunities the farmers face.

After successfully executing the project, a total of 1,300,000 farmers’ data were collected and achieved for short-term, medium-term and long-term planning purposes.

Armed with the available data, the then Commissioner proceeded to procure improved seeds for farmers annually.

The Ministry made available a total of 15,000 metric tons of improved seeds to Katsina State farmers.

The seeds assisted the farmers' production in both quantity and climate change resilience. In addition, the Ministry made available agrochemicals which were supplied at 50% subsidy to the farmers.

Under the QS. Mannir Yakubu's tenure as Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Katsina State installed Automatic Weather Stations in all the 34 Local Government Areas of the state.

This gave the State, in partnership with Nigerian Metrological Agency (NiMET), the ability to predict Seasonal Rainfall patterns in all the LGAs for farmers' guidance in agricultural practices.

In order to assist farmers engage in precision, the state initiated its soil mapping project.

Soil mapping is the process of delineating natural bodies of soils, classifying and grouping the delineated soils into map units, and capturing soil property information for interpreting and depicting soil spatial distribution on a map.

To achieve the soil mapping project, Katsina State partnered with OCP of Morocco and soil nutrients map was produced for farmers’ guidance on fertilizer usage and for easy identification of seed varieties suitable for each zone in the State.

The former Commissioner also launched the Farm Power initiative, which saw Katsina State distribute no fewer than 150 tractors to farmers. The distribution has made it easier for farmers to have access to farm mechanization by ensuring that the tractors remain within the State for farmers’ benefit with zero interest.

Under his tenure, irrigation farming got a boost with a view to ensure all year-round crops production. QS. Mannir Yakubu facilitated the rehabilitation of 16 irrigation sites and construction of 7 irrigation dams.

In addition, the state spent about 100 million naira annually on Jibia Irrigation Project, a Federal Government Project where 3,500 hectares are cultivated.

The state further procured and distributed over 1,500 water pumps across the State to irrigation farmers and and made available sufficient fertilizer needed for dry season operation each year since 2015.

QS. Mannir's tenure saw the resuscitation of extension system in the agricultural sector in the state.

On his appointment, the former commissioner met only 83 agricultural extension agents in the Ministry of Agriculture. Since then, the number has increased to 361, with at least one extention agent per ward.

To facilitate easy access to rural farmers, the Ministry procured brand-new motorcycles for each of the 361 extention agents.

The Ministry also carried out seven trainings for extension staff, and sponsored three of its officials to Thailand and another three to Japan on various agricultural extension capacity building for three months each.

Since 2016, fertilizer distribution in Katsina State presented an unprecedented move that has been fantastically progressive with about 150,000 metric tons of fertilizer supplied to the farmers at the polling unit levels under the Agriculture Ministry's Smart Inputs Distribution System.

This is a quantum leap when compared with 120,000 tons of fertilizer distributed in 16 years by the previous administrations in the state.

This feat was achieved by the former commissioner despite the disruption to fertilizer supply chain in 2020 as a result of the global COVID-19 Pandemic which curtailed availability of the inputs.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources also embarked on other infrastructural development projects.

In this light, Katsina State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources has established a 10-ton tomato procession plant at Kokami area of the state.

The Ministry has also set up five vegetables drying plants across the state, four agro-processing centers, and many agro-value chain machineries to farmers.


Partnerships

The ministry also explored partnership options to improve the lots of farmers in state.

Katsina State, in partnership with IAR/ABU Zaria, undertook dry season cotton production, the first of its kind in Nigeria, with the aim of restoring the State’s position as number one cotton producer in the country.

The trial was a huge success and the farmers are now well-equipped with modern methodology and seed varieties for dry season production.

The State also facilitated the participation farmers in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) managed Anchor Borrowers Program in which about N16 billion was received by farmers as loan for rice, cotton, maize, and other crops production.

The Ministry equally keyed into the IFAD PROJECT, Fadama Project of World Bank, and other agro development initiatives which were also executed in the State within the tenure of QS. Mannir Yakubu as Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The positive impact of the several interventions initiatives by the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources was on the agricultural production and the economy at large.

Available information showed that farmlands currently under cultivation in the state has increased by 105% while crop production jumped to 141%.

In Katsina State, the agricultural sector has evidently created 1,281,106 short term jobs, 299,413 permanent jobs and available data also showed that the economy had a cash inflow to farmers to the tune of N15,768,799,560.00 and N510,957,463.90 to the government as revenue between 2015 and 2021.