₦airaland Forum

...Inaugurates Empowerment Items Facilitated By State Lawmaker, Mustapha Hassan

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has vaunted that the All Progressives Congress, APC in Gombe State remains rock solid in terms of numerical strength and magnificent performance of its administration to show and therefore called on the party's membership in the State to guard against political wolf in sheep's clothing.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated this while speaking at the distribution of empowerment items facilited by the member representing Gombe South in State House of Assembly, Hon. Mustapha Usman Hassan at the APC square.

The Governor noted that citizens tend to appreciate the true essence of leadership when leaders cultivate the habit of doing those things that can improve their lives, saying "this is the main thrust of the APC administration".

He said his administration will continue to accord priority to policies and programmes that have direct bearing on the life of the common man, urging elected officials and political appointees to also strive in impacting on the lives of the electorate in whatever way they can.

He charged beneficiaries of this and other empowerment programmes in the State to utilize the items given to them for their social and economic emancipation.

The Governor, noted that the empowerment programme initiated by Hon. Mustapha Hassan falls in line with the All Progressives Congress, APC manifesto of meeting the social and economic yearnings and aspirations of the people.

He said the time has come for the APC in the State to flaut its life changing interventions for every one to see and therefore called on the people of the State not to hesitate in returning the favour by staying true to the leadership qualities of Hon. Mustapha Hassan.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya used the occasion to call on citizens of the State who are yet to obtain the Permanent Voters Card, PVC to do so while the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration lasted.

"Even for those of you whose voters card are missing or wear beyond recognition, the continuous voter registration offers you the opportunity for renewal".

The Speaker, Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, said the empowerment scheme could not have come at a better time when Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is taking pragmatic steps towards putting the State on the pedestal of sustainable development.

Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Siddi Buba, the Speaker observed that under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, the State has witnessed social, economic and infrastructural development with direct links to the yearnings and aspirations of the common man.

He congratulated Hon. Mustapha Hassan for initiating the scheme which he said will go a long way to changing the social and economic status of the people.

Initiator of the empowerment programme, Hon. Mustapha Hassan thanked Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for showing leadership which is robbing off on politicians in the state to contribute their qouta to the growth and development of their various communities and humanity in general.

He explained that he initiated the programme with the aim of alleviating poverty and improving the well-being of his constituents in support of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya's effort in that direction.

Speaking on behalf of the State Executive Council members, the Commissioner of Finance, Malm Muhammad Gambo Magaji said through the guidance of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, political office holders in the State have cultivated the habit of constantly empowering and changing the lots of the people they represent.

Representative of the Chairman of Gombe Local Government Council who is also the Deputy Chairman of APC, Sani Ya'u said the performance of Governor Inuwa Yahaya in all spheres of human endeavours is propping up the sleeping latent of politicians in the State to leave above board.

The District head of Doma, Alhaji Abdullahi Doma thanked Governor Inuwa Yahaya for executing projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the people of his domain as well as for his administration's efforts towards maintaining the prevailing peace in the State.

He equally expressed gratitude to Hon. Mustapha Hassan for initiating the empowerment programme which he described as one of its kind.

Items distributed included 8 cars, 25 motorcycles, 45 sewing machines, cash among others.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
( Press Affairs)
Government House
Gombe

27th March, 2022

APC Convention: Governor Inuwa Excited With Turn Of Events, Hails President Buhari Over Success Of Exercise

...Congratulates New Chairman, NWC Members

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Dan Majen Gombe), has congratulated former Nasarawa State Governor, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, on his emergence as National Chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), at the just concluded extraordinary national convention of the party.

The Governor, in a statement also felicitated with other national and zonal officers of the APC who were elected at the convention.

Governor Inuwa, particularly praised the leadership direction and guidance of President Muhammadu Buhari, which he said facilitated the consensus arrangement that produced the new crop of leaders of the APC and further consolidated the unity of the APC.

"The maturity displayed at the convention has demonstrated the spirit of unity of purpose and strong will of our members as well as indivisiblity of the force of our great party".

"Special appreciation must go to our leader and amiable President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR for providing leadership and guidance that saw to the successful and rancour- free conduct of the convention".

The Governor also eulogised the caretaker/extraordinary national convention planning committee, headed by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State for successfully superintending over the affairs of the APC within the period of its stewardship and for strengthening unity, understanding and camaraderie among party faithful".

While expressing confidence in the ability of the new NWC under the leadership of Sen. Abdullahi Adamu to strear the party to greatness, the Governor charged the new leaders to bring to bear their respective wealth of experiences to consolidate on the gains recorded so far and chart a new cause that will further boost the fortunes of the party and guarantee its victory in future elections.

Recall that out the 78 party officials elected during the convention, Gombe state produced 3, including Hamma Adama Ali Kumo (Deputy National Financial Secretary), Zainab Abubakar Alman (Zonal Women Leader) and Lamido Mohammed (Zonal Publicity Secretary).

The Governor urged the three officials of the party from Gombe state to demonstrate commitment in their new roles and to adequately represent the state, reminding them that the confidence reposed in them should be reciprocated with dedication and loyalty to the party and President Muhammadu Buhari.

Earlier on arrival at the Eagle Square, Governor Inuwa Yahaya proceeded to the Gombe State pavilion, where he was treated to a rousing welcome by delegates and supporters from the state who trooped in hundreds in solidarity with the Governor and the party.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
( Press Affairs)
Government House
Gombe

TeamNigeria4Change Promotes Sanwo-Olu's Achievements at APC National Convention

The chance of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to secure second term is now brighter as TeamNigeria4Change, a socio-political group on Saturday stormed Eagle's Square, Abuja venue of APC National Convention to promote his achievements

The group led by its National President, Bestman Nze-Jumbo wore branded T-shirt with pictures of different landmark achievements of Sanwo-Olu in Lagos.

TeamNigeria4Change becomes cynosure of all eyes with their solidarity display for Lagos State Governor.

Bestman Nze-Jumbo in a brief chat with newsmen said Sanwo-Olu deserves second term based on his unprecedented achievements and infrastructural development across the state.

"We here in Abuja to let's people see what the humane, brilliant, charismatic and calm Governor of Lagos is doing. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has delivered his campaign promises and will do much more for Lagosians"

Osun 2022: Court Gives PDP Go Ahead To Conduct Primaries

…Validates March 1 Ad-hoc Delegate Congress

… Ademola Adeleke’s camp rejoices

High Court sitting in Ikirun has given the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) validated March 1, 2022 delegate congress conducted by the party National Working Committee, FactualTimes reports.

Justice Onibokun while ruling in the case filed by seven PDP members affirmed that only National Working Committee of the party can conduct and supervise congress to elect Ward/local government/state executive members and ad-hoc ward delegates.

The judge therefore mandated PDP to use list of congresses supervised by the National Working Committee to conduct primary election for Osun 2022 governorship poll slated for March 8.


https://factualtimesng.com/osun-2022-court-gives-pdp-go-ahead-to-conduct-primaries/

...Awards Contract For Construction Of Roads Across Senatorial Zones Of Gombe

...Approves Procurement Of 13 Hilux Vehicles To Boost Security At LGAs

The Gombe State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approved the payment of external examination fees for twenty three thousand, six hundred and eighty final year students of secondary schools across the State.

The Commissioner of Education, Dauda Batari Zambuk disclosed this to journalists at the close of the 23rd session of the State Executive Council Meeting held at the EXCO Chamber.

He said the State Executive Council expeditiously granted approval of over four hundred and thirty five million, two hundred and Seventy two thousand, nine hundred naira for the payment of WAEC, NABTEB and NBAIS examination charges.

In the same vein, the Commissioner of Works, Engr. Abubakar Bappah also told journalists that council approved the construction of six roads across the State.

The road projects, which are part of the network 11-100 initiative, included the 17 KM Tashan magarya- Lamba - Zange-Bappah Ibrahima- Luggerewo- Jauro Bello- Papa to link with Pindiga Road in Akko Local Government Area, awarded at the cost of four billion, two hundred and thirty six million, seven hundred and eighty five thousand, five hundred and thirteen naira, fourteen kobo with a completion period of twenty four months.

The 40 KM Tappi-Kalajanga-Bomala-Alagarno-Dinawa-Dundehe-Damba Barde-Abuja/bula-Girgam-Shongo Sarkin Yaki through the Gombe western by pass was equally awarded at the cost of eight billion, five hundred and twenty five million, eighteen thousand, seven hundred and seven naira, eighty one kobo with a completion period of twenty four months.

The Filiya-Gwandum-Keffi-Yaburo-Gurwa-Shakram-Daja to Gundale road was also awarded at the contract sum of five billion, three hundred and ten million, one hundred and seventeen thousand, two hundred and fourteen naira with a completion period of twelve months.

Other roads approved for construction by the State Executive Council include the 10 kilometres Bojude to Dirri, awarded at the cost of two billion, one hundred and ninety six million, four hundred and ninety two thousand, eight hundred and thirty naira eighty eight kobo, the 10 kilometres Nafada link road at the cost of 2.55 billion naira and the 27 kilometres Kuri-Nasarawa lambam-Gelambam-Dasa junction to Tallasse awarded at the cost of eight billion, three hundred and eighty eight million, eight hundred and fifty four thousand, one hundred and fourty one naira, six kobo with a completion period of twenty two months.

The Gombe State Commissioner of works added that the State Executive Council has approved 20 percent mobilization fees for all contractors to mobilize to site.

Equally at the briefing, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo said the State Executive Council approved the procurement of 13 hilux vehicles valued at a contract sum of four hundred and thirty four million, three hundred and forty three thousand naira.

According to the Commissioner, the vehicles will be distributed to all the 11 Local Government Areas of the State to further boost the security of lives and property in the State.

The Commissioner of Information and Culture, Julius Ishaya Lapes who coordinated the press briefing, reaffirmed the commitment and determination of the Inuwa Yahaya- led administration to bequeath a legacy that will bear all the hallmarks of economic viability and social stability.

Source: https://factualtimesng.com/gombe-sec-approves-payment-of-external-exams-fees-for-over-23000-students/

In 2019, a false and Malicious allegation was made about a popular Prophet, Emmanuel Ameh, the founder of Divine fountain Prophetic Gospel Center in Kano State by one Osita Unchenna Enebelu on his social media that the man of God was caught bathing with human head, before God now exposed him this year. Osita Unchenna Enebelu has therefore published apology letter in Daily Trust Newspaper after police investigation.


"Following the false allegation against the man of God Prophet Emmanuel Ameh of Divine fountain Prophetic Gospel Centre Kano State Nigeria, a public apology has been published by the accuser via Daily trust news paper on 22/2/2022 ( page 10), to further inform the general public on the false accusation stating that the man of God was caught at the burial ground".



In a chat with newsmen Prophet Emmanuel said "the story happened in October or November some years ago when Osita Uchenna posted on his facebook that Prophet Emmanuel Ameh was caught bathing with human head at cemetery airport road kano State but he been arrested and now in prison".


"On that faithful sunday, some people came to my church and trying to insigate members against me by saying 'how can your pastor caught bathing with human head still be preaching on the altar'. my members were shocked".


The rumors spread across the kano State and the church of God to the extent that the pentecostal fellowship in Nigeria (PFN) tabled my matters in their church before Bishop Raphael Olowo told them that Prophet Emmanuel Ameh is not a pentecostal member so his issue can't be discussed. This is to show how the Malicious publication has negative effect on my ministry.


"Early this year, Osita Uchenna again commented on the facebook live programme of my church saying, " they will still catch you again in burial ground with your evil practice, deceiving blind and foolish people in your secret society business"


I quickly reported to criminal investigation department in Kano State (CID) to look into the matter and invite Mr Osita to provide an evidence against me about his comment on my church timeline. Because i don't want my name to be dragged in the mud again.


Police invited him and he admitted to his offence on what he posted on social media, he said he has never seen prophet Emmanuel Ameh in his life before, while Osita was in dentenion his Pastor, Benson from Bright Assembly Church Odutola called me and put a call to their general overseer in lagos Moses Aluko to plea on behalf of Osita.


I accepted the pleading due to christianity and love and withdrew the case at the police station, but told the general overseer that Osita Unchenna should write an apology letter in a national newspaper to redeem my image because his Malicious allegation has affected my ministry.

The popular Prophet, Emmanuel Ameh has warned people who are in a corner to attacked the prophet of God for doing nothing, saying God's anger will befall on you if you fall to stop attacking the annointed one.

By Adeyemi Obadimu

Firstbank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria's premier and leading financial inclusion service provider has warned her numerous customers to be wary of transacting any banking business with some identified numbers of scammers to avoid being duped.

Firstbank released the identified numbers on her facebook page and warned customers not to transact any business nor chat with them as the numbers were not affiliated with the bank.

In a concise message the bank stated, “Beware! Do not chat with these numbers, these numbers are not affiliated with first bank.”

The bank further cautioned Nigerians that the bank will never redirect anyone to a WhatsApp platform to treat complaints.

“Please note, Do not disclose your pins, passwords, OTPs, and other personal banking details to anyone as FirstBank will never ask for these details," the bank warned.

Meanwhile some customers also reacted on the page and gave first bank accolades, one Lynx Shawarma said; “you guys should create a live chat with Firstbank customer in the app.. This will reduce fraud and scams" and firstbank acknowledge his feedback, while one Sulaiman Rabiu Mani also comment that "A bank like no other first bank"

This is indeed a very commendable efforts from first bank Nigeria limited as they sensitize their customers on all social media platforms in other not to be a victim of fraudsters.

No doubt the fraudsters are everywhere online that use gimmick to dupe people in this country, thou this is not the first time firstbank will sensitise their customers on issue like this.


Here are the numbers advised by firstbank not to transact with 08027290097, 09124902399, 07083831458, 08028780354.

... As BudgIT Lauds Governor Inuwa's Rigorous Economic Policies, Programmes

In its 2021 State-of-the-states Report released recently which reflected on the states' performance in the year 2020, Gombe State, the Jewel in the Savannah ranked 7th out of the 36 states of the country by getting higher score points in the fiscal performance index owing to sound economic policies and good governance of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Dan Majen Gombe).

Gombe State beat all Northern states with the exception of Kebbi and Kaduna which came 5th and 6th respectively. Where Rivers, Ebonyi, Anambra and Lagos topped the list.

The report said, "despite the distortion of COVID-19 pandemic to local economies and government revenues worldwide, Gombe State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) witnessed a +25.50% year-on-year increase from N6.80 billion in 2019 to N8.54 billion in 2020".

BudgIT noted that Gombe State pruned its operating expenses by -22.8% from N42.88 billion in 2019 to N32.62 billion in 2020, with its overhead cost component experiencing the greatest cut of -47.16% from N9.89 billion in 2019 to N18.72 billion in 2020. This, the report said, has contributed immensely to the State's improvement in fiscal performance in the 2021 Report.

Recall that the Inuwa Yahaya administration came to power when Gombe State was overwhelmed with debt to the tune of about N119 billion comprising of bonds, external and internal debt which the state government services every month despite the meager allocation it gets from the federation account. BudgIT revealed that, "as at December 31st 2020, Gombe’s total debt stock was N98.86 billion, making it the 25th most indebted in the country; with N84.97 billion Naira domestic and $36.55m foreign debt.

"The state spent N13.92bn on servicing internal loans and N616.68 million on servicing external loans in the 2020 fiscal year", the report affirmed.

Despite the economic downturn and the debt burden, the organisation expressed confidence in the economic policies of the incumbent administration in Gombe State under Governor Inuwa Yahaya, asserting that "Gombe state is moving in the right direction when it comes to blocking leakages of government revenues.

"In 2019, the state recorded improvement in 3 critical disbursement linked results under the SFTAS programme indicators (TSA, Biometric data capture for state payroll and BVN), the state can go even further by implementing a procurement law recommended by SFTAS to improve procurement practices", the report maintained.

Agriculture value chain, mineral exploitation, industrialisation and Public-Private Partnership, which Governor Yahaya give more credence to have also been identified by BudgIT as sectors capable of sustaining Gombe State on the right tract of economic development.

BudgIT is an independent civic organisation driven to make Nigerian Budget and public data more accessible and understandable across every literacy span. The organisation releases State-of-the-states Report annually to give accurate and reliable information about the true fiscal conditions of all the states in the federation.

Source: https://factualtimesng.com/gombe-ranks-7th-in-2021-states-fiscal-performance/

Royal Fathers, Aare Onakakanfo, Others To Grace BRIZTOM Entertainment Harachaman Concert Listening Party


... Plus Awards & Band bus Fundraising


All is set for listening party of popular Juju Gospel Musician, Dr Ayomide Thomas known as (Briztom).



The third edition of Briztom Harachaman Concert, Awards holding in Lagos on Friday February 18, 2022 will have in attendance important dignitaries across the state and top musicians including Aare Onakakanfo of Yourba Land, Iba Gani Adams, Royals fathers in Lagos and Ogun States, Popular islamic cleric, Sheik Jamiu Amin Olorun, yeye Jolaoluwa Opaleye, & other great musicians.

In a press statement made available to Newsmen, "said Briztom entertainment is a band that have a mission to spread the gospel of music all over the world and we do have our annual Concert every February".

The event will comes up at Glasshouse Event at Social Club Road Off Oja-Oba Abule Egba Lagos.

Briztom noted that the concert is non-religious and its basically to say give thanks to our creator.

He said fans will feel the undiluted vibes and enjoy good music in serene environment has he urged them to support his carrier and come enmass to grace His wonderful show and also buy tables and tickets.

By Adeyemi Obadimu

Nigeria’s leading infrastructure, mining, foods and manufacturing conglomerate BUA Group owned by Abdul Samad Rabiu is no doubt one of the top firm in the country that is boosting Nigeria Economy by reducing unemployment in the country, as a major employer of labour.

Meanwhile, boosting the infrastructure state of the nation is germane, mist especially in the creation of construction jobs and increase productivity by enabling businesses to operate more efficiently and effectively.

This is no doubt part of what BUA Group has been doing in our the Nation’s economical system.

It has also created more job opportunities for the masses.

BUA Group is already taking Nigeria to the next level economical because the group is now the leading employee of labour in the country and at the same time the impacts of their products as been sufficient in the market.

It would be recalled that BUA Foods is now a leading food and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) business, which processes, manufactures, produces and distributes food materials such as sugar, flour, pasta, rice and edible oils as well as packaged foods.

Meanwhile the CEO of the group Abdul Samad Rabiu has stressed his philanthropist and kind gesture to some sectors in the states through his foundation as he donated billions of naira to some state govement to tackle security, health challenges and agriculture for the masses.



Adeyemi Obadimu is a lagos state journalist/blogger based in lagos and write for NEWSEXTRA Online Newspaper.

...Traditional Rites Begins

The long awaited installation of a new monarch in Ikeja,which has been in lingo for more than 9 years seems to have been settled as the vacant throne has been filled with the installation of a prince of the land and a real estate expert, Tajudeen Muritala.
Prince Muritala was installed as the new traditional ruler for the capital of Lagos State after the royal families including Iyade and Oshoja, entitled to the throne picked him as their preferred candidate for the vacant stool and asked the kingmakers to embark on the traditional rites that certify him as the new Olu of Ikeja

As gathered, the kingmakers and chiefs including the Oluwo of Ikeja, Mureni Illo, were said to be coordinating the traditional rites for the new monarch to put the empty palace into use and lead the kingdom effectively.
In the video obtained by newsmen, Muritala was seen to have been installed as the new traditional ruler after being led to carry out the entire exercise which started in the early hours on Saturday as stipulated by the kingdom’s tradition.

From the visuals, Muritala was seen to have been crowned with the kingdom’s crown and was led to different historical locations within the community to perform all necessary rites.
Also, several indigenes of the kingdom were seen participating in the rites to ensure that the exercise remain successful and does not fall short of the expected standards

Speaking to newsmen after the installation of the traditional ruler, a member of the royal family, Jamiu Folami, described the installation as a welcome development and that it would put an end to the infighting that had denied the kingdom a monarch for about a decade.

Folami added that the families were happy that the throne of their fathers have finally been occupied and that all traditional rites expected to be conducted annually would now be carried out within the stipulated time.

The installation of the real estate expert as the traditional ruler followed the vacancy that had left the kingdom without any monarch after three brothers earlier handed the baton to decide among themselves who succeed the last monarch, Oba Rafiu Amore of Amore royal family, could not reach an agreement on who represents their family.

It was learnt that the battle for the throne did not only lead the brothers, Wasiu, Nurudeeen, and Shamsondeen Adeleye, from Ikeja kingdom Oshoja royal family, into disagreement but also led to death of one of them, Shamsondeen, who was said to have died barely two years ago fighting for the same course.

Source: https://factualtimesng.com/prince-tajudeen-muritala-emerges-as-olu-of-ikeja/

The three royal families in Ikeja, Amore, Iyade and Oshoja has debunked the rumour spreading around that one Tajudeen Muritala is the new monarch of Ikeja.

Prince Rafiu Afariogun - Head of Iyade Family, Prince Amidu Arubo - member Iyade, Mrs. Fatimo Balogun - prominent member Oshoja, Prince Isiaka Akinlabi - Oshoja, Prince Muka Shittu - Oshoja, Princess Idayat Folashade ILLO (Iyalode Ikeja/King maker) - Iyade family, Prince Amidu Arubo - Iyade family, Prince Kamorudeen Illo- Iyade were all present at a media parley to put an end to the rumour.

Speaking at the event, the only surviving kingmaker in Ikeja, Iyalode Folashede Illo said the families at no point in time agreed on Tajudeen Muritala.

Meanwhile Tajudeen Muritala is not from any royal family in Ikeja, he once claimed he is Iyade Family and we don't know him, she said.

However, it is the turn of the Oshoja to produce the next Olu of Ikeja, since oshoja family failed to bring anybody forward, the government now have the full right to switch to the next family which is Iyade after the years giving to them must have elapsed but the government is yet to call on Iyade.

Meanwhile, the Oshoja family who are suppose to present the next king in a letter to the governor, dated August 10, 2020, appealed to Sanwo-Olu to as a matter of urgency intervene by installing one out of the two remaining nominated sons of Osoja Family as the Olu of Ikeja land.

It is also noteworthy that the Osoja Royal family forwarded a letter Dated 22nd December 2014 with Ref No: ORH/AD/2014/03 containing three names of its sons (Prince Shamsideen Adeleye (now late), Prince Nurudeen Adeleye and Prince Wasiu Adeleye) and asked the government to pick based on merit, a person with an impeccable and unquestionable character, which the government had since been acting upon, now seeing one Tajudeen Muritala baffles all the royal families in Ikeja.

The Oshoja and Iyade Royal Family of Ikeja wants to use this medium to send a note of warning to whom it may concern, to henceforth desist from infringing on any of the two family’s rights, hence making claims that can jeopardise the already existing progress in respect to the filling of vacant seat of Olu of Ikeja by the family.


They also called on security agencies to kindly invite Mr Tajudeen Muritala and investigate his claims to put him in order.


All efforts to reach out to Tajudeen Muritala prove abortive as at the time of filling this report.

12th January, 2022

Gombe Governor Hails Senate President,  Ahmad Lawan at 63

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya ( Dan Majen Gombe) has described the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan as a courageous, visionary and progressive leader with uncommon penchant for the unity and stability of Nigeria. 

The Governor,  in a goodwill message to mark the 63rd Birthday anniversary of Senator Ahmad Lawan today, 12th January,  2022, hailed the sterling leadership qualities of Sen. Lawan in leading a united and cohesive National Assembly that is working for the progress of the country.

He commended the chairman of the National Assembly for bringing to bear his academic and political acumen in the discharge of his responsibility to the admiration of all well-meaning Nigerians.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya further said that “Mr Senate President, we in Gombe State, the North-East and indeed Nigerians as a whole are proud of your sterling leadership of the National Assembly which has helped greatly in stabilising the polity, deepening democracy and building the nation.”

The Governor added, “As your family, friends and well-wishers join you to mark your birthday, we wish you Allah’s guidance, protection and more blessings as you continue to preside over the apex legislative body and help to build a united senate and enduring legislature that will be the pride of Africa.”

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
( Press Affairs)
Government House
Gombe

The Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa led faction of the Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) has said Senator Abdullahi Adamu’s body language and utterances may affect the objectivity of the APC reconciliation committee.

Kwara APC in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Barr. Sharafdeen Ibrahim described statements credited to the party reconciliation committee Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu during his visit to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as prejudicial.

Recall that Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRazaq, Rafiu Ajakaye quoted as saying the committee was in Kwara to reconcile ‘genuinely aggrieved’ party members, stressing that they won’t allow anybody rubbish nor say anything untoward about the State government.

The release read: “Our attention has been drawn to the press statement credited to the chairman of the National Reconciliation Committee Senator Abdullahi Adamu (former governor of Nasarawa state) where he was quoted to have said “I am in Kwara state to reconcile genuine aggrieved members of the party in the state” He stated further that, “we will not accept any action or utterances that can deepen division or rubbish APC led administration in the state”.

“While we find it difficult to place his definition of “genuine aggrieved members of the party in the state” we want to state here categorically that we take very strong exception to such prejudicial remark from a man who is expected to be neutral in view of the volatile nature of his assignment. We view such belligerent tone as a prelude to what to expect as the outcome of his committee’s report.

“It is our belief that anyone who uses reason to escape history will end up repeating history. We assumed that a prudent statesman heading a reconciliatory committee of this nature would approach his job with caution and tact rather than resorting to emotions by referring to his previous relationship with one of the parties to the dispute with blame able nolstagia. This is a clear case of a judge descending into the arena of dispute.

“Needless to say that prior to the arrival of committee in the state on 10th of January 2022, the parties had been requested to make their presentations in writing which we did. However, while we appreciate the intervention of the committee in finding lasting solution to the lingering crises in the Kwara APC, we noticed the unpleasant body language and conduct of the Chairman were at variance with the stated objective of the committee.

“Further, even if the committee chairman has a long-standing relationship with the partrach of Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq’s family, it is indecent to use the venue of the meeting to express sentimental attachment as it is suggestive of bias.
At this juncture, we are not in anyway insinuating or impugning on the integrity and character of members of the committee; we know them as men and women of impeccable character.

“Finally, having done what is expected of us by articulating our grouse and proffering what we (in our humble views) consider as way forward to the committee, we hope the leadership of the party at the National level will do justice without fear or favour in the over all interest of the party”.

Information has surfaced on how an operative of the EFCC, Habibu Aliyu harassed and Allegedly collected a whooping sum of N70M from the mother of Ahmed Mazangari, Hajia Fatima Mazangari, who was engaged as a consultant software engineer by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation in 2011 to perfect the functions of a document Management system designed for archiving Pensioners Files in Nigeria.

Ahmed and his mother, Hajia Fatima Mazangari alongside three others were arraigned before Justice Abubakar Talba of the FCT High Court, Gudu, Abuja in suit number: FCT/HC/CR/221/2015 by the EFCC in connection with a N1.2bn pension scam.

Hajia Mazangari was neither a public servant nor a pensioner but only got involved in the scandal when her son allegedly transferred some money into her account for personal use, which EFCC considered to be part of the Pension Funds.

Hajia Mazangari in a petition sent to the Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami and dated 14th January, 2020 by their Lawyer, Ibrahim Salawu Esq, a copy obtained by our Correspondent in Abuja on Tuesday, said Habibu Aliyu (former staff of EFCC), Ruqqaya Ibrahim, (currently a Staff of EFCC), Mohammed goje (Currently a Staff of EFCC) and one Mustafa Gadanya (former staff of EFCC) had on several occasions stormed her Family house in Kaduna, insisting that she, her son and his associates are neck deep in the Pension scam and as such would be dealt with and face prosecution.

Hajiya Mazangari was however told by Rouqayya Ibrahim and Mohammed Goje, that the situation could be better for them if she and her Family can part with some money (N200m), to be used to settle Management.

“Our client wondered how or where she will be able to raised that kind of money, according to the Operatives, is this part of the (N1.2 Billion) alleged to have been embezzled as a result of the Biometric Exercise embarked upon by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation under Stephen Oronsaye in 2011. The Office through the Director of Pensions (Mrs Lawal) and (Late permanent Pensions, Secretary Charles Bonat) alledgedly engaged her son (Ahmed) as an IT Consultant.”

“She was however assured by Ruqayya lbrahim who on her way out of thier Family house in Kaduna, during one of thier commando style raids, slipped a piece of paper with her (Rouqayya’s) telephone number and a figure of N31 Million scribbled on it, to Hajiya Mazangari, ostensibly being the first payment to be made available for sharing to the Operatives and EFCC Management”.

“Shocked and bewildered, our client now had to contend with the reality of either succumbing to this cheap but threatening blackmail or refuse and lace the wrath and vengeance of these duo.”

The Mazangaris failed to meet up with the first alleged financial demand until after they had consulted and made arrangements with a Family Friend who happens to be Habibu Aliyu’s blood elder brother (Adamu Aliyu),. After the consultation, Alhaji Adamu Aliyu pressurized Hajiya Mazangari to pay EFCC Operatives, the money, or risk jail. “They kept coming back for more and more money”

“May we also disclose that during arraignment of the matter, Habibu Aliyu’s elder brother cajoled Hajia Mazangari to “give them more money” so that the matter would die”, the petition reads.

“This Sir, Hajia Mazangari was wary of but the overbearing persuasion of Habibu Aliyu’s elder brother (her in-law), the public disgrace and the harrowing experience in detention pending perfection of bail, the constant harassement, and threats, made her succumb to the sinister proposal of Plea Bargain”

“Sir, Hajia Mazangari raised a Bank draft of N8 million in the name of EFCC Clients Account which was handed over to Habibu Aliyu.”

They said “Sir, we were taken aback when a short period later, Hajia Mazangarí’s Account Officer from the Bank, called to inform her that one of the EFCC Operatives hounding her, had approached the bank and requested that the Bank Draft
earlier issued by her, be cashed into another personal account”

“The bank turned down
the request on the basis that the Draft has to be re-issued in the name of the new person.”

“Our client’s bid to retrieve the old Bank Draft through her solicitor got Habibu Aliyu and Rouqayya Ibrahim furious and the hostility escalated.”

“It is as a result of this unending malice, torture and humiliation that we passionately plead to you sir, to save our client who has been run aground by people with personal vendetta disguising as public officers”, the petition reads.

In a related development, the counsel to Ahmed and Fatima Mazangari, Barrister Ibrahim Salawu, has appealed to the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice U.I Bello to reassign their case to another court.

Salawu in a letter addressed to the Chief Judge, FCT High Court, and dated 28th May, 2019, said the presiding judge in charge of their case had been elevated to the Court of Appeal, adding that court was not sitting as a regular court, hence the need for the case reassignment to another court.

However, all efforts to reach EFCC proved abortive as at the time of filling this report.

Source:https://factualtimesng.com/pension-scam-efcc-operatives-allegedly-collect-n70m-from-mazangari-to-kill-investigation/

5th January, 2022

Earlier today in Abuja, the National Reconciliation Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) met with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and Senator Danjuma Goje at an enlarged meeting attended by the National Chairman of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee and Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni and other party bigwigs, including former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Senators and former governors among others.

The meeting was held at the residence of the former Governor of Nasarawa State and Chairman of the APC reconciliation Committee, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu.

Both Governor Inuwa Yahaya and Senator Danjuma Goje were given opportunity to present their respective positions on the seeming misunderstanding and conflict in the APC in Gombe State and a robust discussion was held with a view to unravelling what the problems are, and how best to proffer solutions and resolve the differences as well as cement all cracks within the party in the State ahead of the national convention and preparatory to the 2023 general elections.

This meeting was a continuation of the earlier one held in Gombe when the Abdullahi Adamu- led committee interacted with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and other senior party stakeholders, with a view to addressing perceived grievances and disagreements arising from the recently concluded party congresses in the State.

Although after that meeting in Gombe, Sen. Adamu told journalists that it became clear to his committee beyond any reasonable doubt, that Gombe state APC is intact and stronger under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, he however indicated that they will leave no stone unturned to explore all ways of cementing all cracks, integrating members and strengthening the unity in the party.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
( Press Affairs)
Government House
Gombe

Gombe State Government has commenced the payment of second tranche of backlog of gratuity owed 2015 retirees in the State.

Recall that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya had last week released the sum of seven hundred and fifty five million naira in addition to the like sum earlier approved, making it a total of one billion, five hundred million naira.

Speaking at a brief ceremony to mark the commencement of the issuance of cheques to the retirees, the State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya vowed to ensure that the retired civil servants get what they deserve from the Government, stating that despite the meagre resources available to the State, his administration would continue to bring relief to the entire workforce in the State and its senior citizens.

Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, the Governor remarked that no civil servant who served the State meritoriously up to retirement period will be treated with disdain.

He reiterated his commitment towards off-setting backlog of inherited gratuity and continue to do so until all verified retired civil servants in the State get their entitlements.

He called on retirees in the State to remain calm as the State Government under his leadership will not develop a cold feet towards the payment of entitlements due to civil servants whether in active service or in retirement.

The Governor said despite inheriting a humongous amount of liabilities in pensions and gratuities, his administration will continue to work out modalities within available resources to see to it that retired civil servants collect and enjoy the fruits of their labour.

"We are determined to ensure that workers who have served the state and retired enjoy dignified and comfortable retirement life. This is exactly the reason for the payment of outstanding liabilities of gratuity".

Governor Yahaya decried that Local Government retirees in the State have not received their gratuities since 2012, disclosing that he had already set up a committee to ascertain the records with a view to paying them soon.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Gambo Magaji said so far over 3 billion naira has been paid by the present administration from the backlog of gratuity left behind by the previous government.

stressing that the government is not celebrating the payment which has dragged since 2015.

“We had started with the first tranche of payment for 2014 and we are now paying 2015.

He assured that government will continue to remain responsive to the yearnings of the senior citizens even as he emphasized that Governor Inuwa Yahaya had put machinery in place to address the plight of local government retirees.

Earlier speaking, the Committee Chairman on verification and the payment of gratuity, Muhammad Buba Gombe, who is also the the State's Auditor- General, said the seven hundred and fifty five million naira earmarked for the payment of the 2015 second phase of gratuity represents second 50% in succession.

He explained that about seven hundred 2015 retirees are expected to benefit from the second phase of the payment.

Buba Gombe maintained that the State Government under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has put machinery in motion to ensure the systematic and steady payment of liabilities owed in pensions and gratuities.

Appreciating the State Government’s gesture, the Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Gombe State, Adamu Danjuma thanked Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for deeming it necessary to settle the backlog of gratuity retired civil servants in the State.

He expressed confidence in the administrative acumen of Governor Inuwa and his commitment towards the continuous payment of outstanding liabilities. He assured of support and solidarity of the senior citizens.

Source: https://factualtimesng.com/governor-inuwas-administration-pays-over-n3bn-gratuity-backlog/

Kosofe LG Vice Chairman Buried Father In Grand Style


...Says i Will Miss My Father Morning And Evening Prayers.

Oworosoki town in Lagos State on Monday attracted crème de la crème in the society attend final burial of late Oloworo of Oworosoki, Oba Saliu.

The late Oloworo who passed on few months ago contributed immensely to the development and growth of the town during his reign.

One of the sons of late Oba Saliu who is thehe Vice Chairman of Kosofe local government area, Hon Babatunde Saliu in a chat with newsmen described his father as a great man.

According to him, he was a great man and attracted alot of development to the community within his 25 years on the throne.

"He transformed the community; before Oworosoki is full of criminals but my father curb their activities as the king. We thank God for his life well spent.

"I will miss so much about him, most expecially his early morning and evening prayer because that has really helped my life."

Hon Babatunde Saliu appreciated all dignitaries that grace the occasion including the high chiefs, all the honorables and the traditional rulers in Lagos State and beyond.

The Executive Chairman Kosofe local government area, Hon Moyosere Ogunlewe, President Yourba tennis club and principal member honorable dayo bush, musbau aigoro, Al-Hujjaj, All local government vice chairmen in lagos state and SSA's to Governor Sanwo-Olu, permanent secretaries and others attended the final burial held at oworosoki in lagos.

King Sunny Ade thrilled the audience with his evergreen juju music.

24th December,  2021

Christmas: Gombe Governor Felicitates With Christians, Urges Prayers For State, Nation

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has felicitated with the Christian community in the state, as they join other faithful all over the world to celebrate this year’s Christmas.

The Governor, in a goodwill message, urged them to use the period to pray for peace, security and prosperity of the state and the nation. 

He enjoined the Christian faithful and the entire people of the state to rededicate themselves and remain steadfast in prayers against all the challenges bedevilling the state and humanity in general.

"We are indeed in a trying moment but I am optimistic that with collective commitment, sacrifice and by turning to God through prayers we shall overcome all the trials and emerge stronger".

The Governor assured of his administration’s commitment to continue to initiate and execute policies and programmes that will impact positively on the lives of the citizenry and promote unity and peaceful coexistence in the state.

He said: “On this significant occasion of Christmas, I extend my best wishes to the Christian community and the entire people of the state. This period reminds us of God’s love for humanity and the need to uphold the virtues of compassion, tolerance and love. It also provides an opportunity for reinforcement of unity of purpose, bond of brotherhood and dedication in service to God and humanity as exemplified by Jesus Christ.”

Governor Inuwa called on the Christians to reflect on the lessons of the season, which he said, presented an opportunity to love and share.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Wednesday visited the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning at her office in Abuja.

The Governor was accompanied by the Gombe State Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Gambo Magaji.

Apart from discussing matters of national interest, Governor Inuwa used the opportunity to present to the Minister, copies of Gombe State 10-year development plan which is a document that encapsulate an ambitious plan, loaded in socio-economic aspirations and broad in clear objectives of the APC-led administration in Gombe State.

The 10-year development, also known as Development Agenda for Gombe State ( DEVAGOM) is a fitting answer to the remodeling of the state’s pathway towards a realistic and consistent socio-economic development paradigm, properly articulated as a long term visioning and planning that draws on the findings of the 2019 Needs Assessment Report commissioned by Governor Yahaya immediately he was declared governor-elect.

Governor Yahaya hopes that the Hon. Minister of Finance will find the document interesting as it mirrors the essentials of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the basic categories as index of development, which incidentally also has same year (2030)as expiration date for relevant assessment and reflections on the inherent aspirations and deliverables.

As stated in the foreword to the document by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, “ The Gombe State Development Plan, with a vision of growth, development, peace and prosperity for all, maps out the way forward for Gombe State and its people to realize their full potentials.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Wednesday visited the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning at her office in Abuja.

The Governor was accompanied by the Gombe State Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Gambo Magaji.

Apart from discussing matters of national interest, Governor Inuwa used the opportunity to present to the Minister, copies of Gombe State 10-year development plan which is a document that encapsulate an ambitious plan, loaded in socio-economic aspirations and broad in clear objectives of the APC-led administration in Gombe State.

The 10-year development, also known as Development Agenda for Gombe State ( DEVAGOM) is a fitting answer to the remodeling of the state’s pathway towards a realistic and consistent socio-economic development paradigm, properly articulated as a long term visioning and planning that draws on the findings of the 2019 Needs Assessment Report commissioned by Governor Yahaya immediately he was declared governor-elect.

Givernor Yahaya hopes that the Hon. Minister of Finance will find the document interesting as it mirrors the essentials of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the basic categories as index of development, which incidentally also has same year (2030)as expiration date for relevant assessment and reflections on the inherent aspirations and deliverables.

As stated in the foreword to the document by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, “ The Gombe State Development Plan, with a vision of growth, development, peace and prosperity for all, maps out the way forward for Gombe State and its people to realize their full potentials.

In the spirit of Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya ( Dan Majen Gombe) has released the sum of 25 million naira to the Christian community in the state.

This is part of Governor Yahaya's gesture to the Christians in Gombe State to enable them mark the yuletide with ease considering the present economic hardship.

Apart from the 25 million naira, Governor Inuwa also doled out 2,000 bags of rice, 500 gallons of Vegetable oil, 500 cartons Sphagetti, 200 bags of Sugar and 200 cartons of Tomato paste to the Christian faithful.

Recall that already, Governor Inuwa Yahaya had approved the payment of December salary to all the civil servants and political appointees as well as local government employees in Gombe State since Monday, 20th December, 2021 to facilitate a more joyous Christmas celebration for our Christian brothers and sisters.

This gesture by the Governor is in line with his resolve to improve the welfare of the good people of Gombe State.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director General
(Press Affairs)
Government House
Gombe

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya ( Dan Majen Gombe) has approved the appointment of 3,078 Development Facilitators across the 11 local government areas of the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi who conveyed the approval of the Governor, said the new appointees will serve as community representatives across all the 114 wards of the state to facilitate community engagement in the areas of sensitization and enlightenment on government policies and programmes as well as inter- governmental relations between the State and Local Governments.

According to the SSG, "There will be 20 Development Facilitators I and 250 Development Facilitators II for each Local Government that has 10 Wards while for those with 11 Wards, they will have 22 Development Facilitators I and 275 Facilitators II each".

All the appointments will take effect from 1st January, 2022.

Source: https://factualtimesng.com/gombe-governor-appoints-3078-development-facilitators/

Emmanuel Table's Put Smile on Less Privileged Faces in Lagos


A non governmental organization, Emmanuel's Table has awarded scholarship to 60 students of university of Lagos and Lagos university teaching hospital (LUTH).

Emmanuel's Table during event held at Zone Tech in Gbagada, Lagos on Saturday promised to pay school fees of beneficiaries throughout their years of study in the university.

The NGO also empowered 30 business women with N80,000 each to boost their businesses amidst the economic challenges in the country.


While addressing the women, Mr Ifeanyi Akogo said the program is yearly event but could not hold in 2020 due to coronavirus.

"This is how the organization as been putting smile to peoples faces since 5 years ago". He noted.


One of the beneficiary of SME support who was empowered 2 years ago Mrs feyi noted that Emmanuel's table gave her capital to start business and she is happy now to also drop token out of the gain to support this year empowerment programme.

In her remarks, Owolebi Comfort who is past benefiary appreciated the organization for the wonderful job they did for them, " we heard about this wonderful intiative two years ago from our lecturer and me and my colleague benefited they supported our school fees, now we are finished.

Meanwhile, the CEO of the organization Mrs Tobiloba Boshoro who was represented by her husband Mr Niyi Boshoro appreciated everyone present including the special guest at the event Mr Olayinka for their immeasurable support.

Mr Boshoro disclosed that the organization started as a prayer group before God inspired them to start given the needy, since then they have been helping the needy and lifting women up finiacially to attain values.

The foundation partnered with institutions like UNILAG and LUTH for proper selection while selecting the students.

"If i want to go back to the past i will start mentioning good deeds and peoples that this foundation have touched thier lives positively, but i want to pray for my wife and her partners including everyone present here that God will lift you up more" Niyi Boshoro added.


All the beneficiaries thanked emmanuel's Table for thier kind gesture and prayed that God will continue to provide for them to do more for people.

Emmanuel Table's Put Smile on Less Privileged Faces in Lagos


A non governmental organization, Emmanuel's Table has awarded scholarship to 60 students of university of Lagos and Lagos university teaching hospital (LUTH).

Emmanuel's Table during event held at Zone Tech in Gbagada, Lagos on Saturday promised to pay school fees of beneficiaries throughout their years of study in the university.

The NGO also empowered 30 business women with N80,000 each to boost their businesses amidst the economic challenges in the country.


While addressing the women, Mr Ifeanyi Akogo said the program is yearly event but could not hold in 2020 due to coronavirus.

"This is how the organization as been putting smile to peoples faces since 5 years ago". He noted.


One of the beneficiary of SME support who was empowered 2 years ago Mrs feyi noted that Emmanuel's table gave her capital to start business and she is happy now to also drop token out of the gain to support this year empowerment programme.

In her remarks, Owolebi Comfort who is past benefiary appreciated the organization for the wonderful job they did for them, " we heard about this wonderful intiative two years ago from our lecturer and me and my colleague benefited they supported our school fees, now we are finished.

Meanwhile, the CEO of the organization Mrs Tobiloba Boshoro who was represented by her husband Mr Niyi Boshoro appreciated everyone present including the special guest at the event Mr Olayinka for their immeasurable support.

Mr Boshoro disclosed that the organization started as a prayer group before God inspired them to start given the needy, since then they have been helping the needy and lifting women up finiacially to attain values.

The foundation partnered with institutions like UNILAG and LUTH for proper selection while selecting the students.

"If i want to go back to the past i will start mentioning good deeds and peoples that this foundation have touched thier lives positively, but i want to pray for my wife and her partners including everyone present here that God will lift you up more" Niyi Boshoro added.


All the beneficiaries thanked emmanuel's Table for thier kind gesture and prayed that God will continue to provide for them to do more for people.

Emmanuel Table's Put Smile on Less Privileged Faces in Lagos


A non governmental organization, Emmanuel's Table has awarded scholarship to 60 students of university of Lagos and Lagos university teaching hospital (LUTH).

Emmanuel's Table during event held at Zone Tech in Gbagada, Lagos on Saturday promised to pay school fees of beneficiaries throughout their years of study in the university.

The NGO also empowered 30 business women with N80,000 each to boost their businesses amidst the economic challenges in the country.


While addressing the women, Mr Ifeanyi Akogo said the program is yearly event but could not hold in 2020 due to coronavirus.

"This is how the organization as been putting smile to peoples faces since 5 years ago". He noted.


One of the beneficiary of SME support who was empowered 2 years ago Mrs feyi noted that Emmanuel's table gave her capital to start business and she is happy now to also drop token out of the gain to support this year empowerment programme.

In her remarks, Owolebi Comfort who is past benefiary appreciated the organization for the wonderful job they did for them, " we heard about this wonderful intiative two years ago from our lecturer and me and my colleague benefited they supported our school fees, now we are finished.

Meanwhile, the CEO of the organization Mrs Tobiloba Boshoro who was represented by her husband Mr Niyi Boshoro appreciated everyone present including the special guest at the event Mr Olayinka for their immeasurable support.

Mr Boshoro disclosed that the organization started as a prayer group before God inspired them to start given the needy, since then they have been helping the needy and lifting women up finiacially to attain values.

The foundation partnered with institutions like UNILAG and LUTH for proper selection while selecting the students.

"If i want to go back to the past i will start mentioning good deeds and peoples that this foundation have touched thier lives positively, but i want to pray for my wife and her partners including everyone present here that God will lift you up more" Niyi Boshoro added.


All the beneficiaries thanked emmanuel's Table for thier kind gesture and prayed that God will continue to provide for them to do more for people.

Emmanuel Table's Put Smile on Less Privileged Faces in Lagos


A non governmental organization, Emmanuel's Table has awarded scholarship to 60 students of university of Lagos and Lagos university teaching hospital (LUTH).

Emmanuel's Table during event held at Zone Tech in Gbagada, Lagos on Saturday promised to pay school fees of beneficiaries throughout their years of study in the university.

The NGO also empowered 30 business women with N80,000 each to boost their businesses amidst the economic challenges in the country.


While addressing the women, Mr Ifeanyi Akogo said the program is yearly event but could not hold in 2020 due to coronavirus.

"This is how the organization as been putting smile to peoples faces since 5 years ago". He noted.


One of the beneficiary of SME support who was empowered 2 years ago Mrs feyi noted that Emmanuel's table gave her capital to start business and she is happy now to also drop token out of the gain to support this year empowerment programme.

In her remarks, Owolebi Comfort who is past benefiary appreciated the organization for the wonderful job they did for them, " we heard about this wonderful intiative two years ago from our lecturer and me and my colleague benefited they supported our school fees, now we are finished.

Meanwhile, the CEO of the organization Mrs Tobiloba Boshoro who was represented by her husband Mr Niyi Boshoro appreciated everyone present including the special guest at the event Mr Olayinka for their immeasurable support.

Mr Boshoro disclosed that the organization started as a prayer group before God inspired them to start given the needy, since then they have been helping the needy and lifting women up finiacially to attain values.

The foundation partnered with institutions like UNILAG and LUTH for proper selection while selecting the students.

"If i want to go back to the past i will start mentioning good deeds and peoples that this foundation have touched thier lives positively, but i want to pray for my wife and her partners including everyone present here that God will lift you up more" Niyi Boshoro added.


All the beneficiaries thanked emmanuel's Table for thier kind gesture and prayed that God will continue to provide for them to do more for people.

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya ( Dan Majen Gombe) has sent his felicitations and best wishes to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR on the occasion of his 79th Birthday today.

In a goodwill message he personally signed, Governor Inuwa praised the president, noting that under his leadership, Nigeria has witnessed tremendous growth in many facets of human endeavors despite numerous challenges.

"You have consistently demonstrated exceptional courage, uncommon integrity and sincere patriotism while piloting the affairs of the nation.

"You have equally remained consistent in dealing with the problems of corruption, insecurity and other socio-economic challenges through various reforms and interventions in line with your change mantra.

The Governor also observed that with president Buhar's style of leadership, today, Nigeria is steadily regaining its past glory and winning investors’ confidence and earning global respect and recognition.

Governor Inuwa Almighty Allah to continue to grant the nation's leader good health and more wisdom to keep on with the task of repositioning the nation and serving humanity.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
( Press Affairs)
Government House
Gombe

Federal Roads A Nightmare To The Country Says NIDGG



The Nigerians in Diaspora for good governance has call on the federal government to swing into action and repair FG road who are terrible bad because it's now a nightmare for the country. In fact, most of the roads have become deathtraps and kidnappers havens.

In a statement made available to Newsmen by Wale Skoat the president of NIDGG, says if we have a good road, the rate of kidnaping will reduce seriously in this country, no kidnaper will stand on a free and smooth road, our government have neglected the needful.

Nigerian roads are generally either in a state of disrepair, poorly maintained or altogether untarred.

With Nigeria boasting of the largest road network in Africa, it is not surprising that only about 60,000km out of its estimated 195,000km or road network is paved.

The group pointed out to many bad roads in the country, for example moro community in Kwara North senatorial district, the bridge is at the verge of collapse as we speak.

The road was later closed by the federal government says they will start work soon, ever since then the bridge is yet to receive any palliative or action from the government, what is our leaders doing with our budget?.

The group also condemned Sango-Ota road that is yet to receive attention by the government, "for how long are we going to call them out before they do the needful for us in this country", our leaders are capable of looting our treasury, but failed to fix our roads because of thier greed and selfish interest.

Investigation reveals that the federal government has budgeted about N1.2 trillion for roads in five years, yet our roads are terrible bad. The two mentioned roads are not the only bad roads we have in this country it is everywhere.

Nigerians in Diaspora for good governance is a nonprofit corporation that tells good governance or bad the needful and we also care for the welfare of Nigerians.

Our group aims and objectives is to tell our leaders the right things to do for the country in all areas, we are not concern about roads alone, we care about all sectors and we will continue to speak at appropriate time. If our government do well, we will applaud them, if they fail we will call thier attention to it. That's our stand.

Kwara 2023: Time for a New Choice – A Rejoinder.

By Mas'ud Adebimpe.

I have just read an article credited to my brother, Alhaji Wahab Oba. Considering that discussions, debates, arguments and counter-arguments are the key ingredients of democracy, I must sincerely appreciate Alhaji Oba for finding the time to enrich public discussion with his intervention.
I have also found his argument persuasive indeed just like all similar arguments on this subject matter of Kwara North governorship agitation. Like such previous arguments, it was also evident that he was not writing from the position of an objective analyst, or even a political observer.

The only difference in his own case is that from the obvious contradictions contained in the first three paragraphs, one could deduce that he was struggling to convince the reading public about a particular idea that even he himself may not have totally internalised. This is understandable. After all, no matter his motivation, no sympathiser can grieve more than the bereaved.

I also noticed how the writer started by bemoaning the poor performance of the incumbent Governor, only to switch completely to discussing issues bothering on marginalization and "covenant breakers." This sleight of hand alone is suggestive of intellectual dishonesty, which undermines the premise of the rest of his argument. But don’t let us dismiss him so quickly. He is my brother.
If Alhaji Oba was truly bothered about the development of Kwara State and, like he seemed to do in the first two paragraphs of his article, believes the incumbent Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has failed the State, one would rather expect him to limit his arguments to the capacity of the likely candidates he believes could do a better work, even if all his choices would be from Kwara North. Unless of course, if his argument is that the magical solution to all the problems of underdevelopment in Kwara State today, including the poor governance under AA is the zoning of governorship to Kwara North in 2023. I doubt that even he can indulge in such absurdity.

However, not all of Alhaji Oba's arguments are bereft of logic, even with his ill-disguised bias. His argument that Kwara North deserves to produce a governor can hardly be faulted. The problem is when he begins to confuse what the political elite in Kwara North want and what the ordinary, much suffering and much suffered people of Kwara North want.

In Kwara North today, we have three categories of people as far as this agitation is concerned. We have the few political elite who only want power for themselves and are now disguising their personal ambition as a collective aspiration of the people. Then there are a few educated elements who are genuinely driven by a sense of patriotism and who don’t care much for power or the benefits. Unfortunately, this group does not even care who becomes governor, as long as that person is from Kwara North.

In the last category are the majority of the people of Kwara North, the farmers, the fishermen, the traders, the army of unemployed youths. These ones are too poor to want anything more than a better life for themselves and their children. And they don’t care whether the help they need will come from a Kanuri man or and Igbo man. More importantly, these people can hardly make a distinction between a governorship position or any other political position. And they know people who have held important positions in their localities. People who have been Deputy Governor, Speaker and members of House of Assembly, Distinguished Senators, Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, Honourable Commissioners, Local Government Chairmen, Heads and Members of Boards of government agencies, party Chairmen, Special Advisers, Special Assistants etc. They know all these people and they can only ask, all these positions these their people have held in the past, how has it benefited them?

Alhaji Wahab Oba, and all these other people who are pretending to love Kwara North more than they love themselves; dyeing their cloths in deeper indigo than the bereaved, are conveniently forgetting this fact. They have anchored their argument for the marginalisation of Kwara North on the singular position of the governor as if that is the only position of impact. It is not.

If Kwara North is backward today in terms of all indices of human development and infrastructure, it is not because they never produced a governor; rather it is simply because their political leaders over the years don't really care about their people.
The benefits of the positions that they have held had only reflected on them and their families and had not impacted on the living conditions of the people. However, the people of Kwara North may be poor, but they are not stupid. They know that these politicians who claimed to be fighting for the masses, are also eating everything on behalf of the masses. That’s why our campaign train was stoned and humiliated in the very village of one of them who is now posturing as champion of Kwara North. Politicians appear to have a short memory. But the people do not forget.
How I wish that the governorship aspirants in Kwara North today are marketing themselves on the basis of their track record of performance and service in the positions they have held in the past. It would have been easier for us to chose. But to ask us to make a political decision that would determine the direction of our life based solely on zoning or quota system is simply outrageous and selfish.

What I can understand my brother, Wahab Ọba to be saying is that we should hand the governorship ticket to Kwara North so that they can bring development to Kwara North. In other words, we should elect a governor from Kwara North for Kwara North, then why should the rest of the State support you?

This is the crux of the matter. You accuse Mr. A of marginalising you. Then you want that same Mr. A, whom you have defined as your enemy, to support you to get to power so that you can redress your perceived marginalisation. Mr. A will either be stupid or suicidal to support you. Afterall, who will risk handing over a loaded gun to someone who sees him as enemy? My brother, Wahab Ọba, that is not justice and equity. That is suicide. And in Islam, suicide is a grave sin before Allah.

If anybody from Kwara North desires to be governor, it is absolutely within their rights to do so. But what they need to do is to convince the rest of the State that they are the best option that we have and that supporting them would be in our collective best interest. It is naive for the politicians in Kwara North to think that anyone will hand power to them based on moral suasion alone. This is the biggest mistake they are making. The entire argument of Kwara North for governor has been built on the mantra of fairness, equity and justice. But I am sorry to say, power is not about justice or equity. It is about interests. If the rest of us are not backing the Kwara North horse, it is because we are busy tending to our own horse. We are not promoting what you have defined as your interest only because we want to protect what we understand as our interest; not because we don’t like you or we think less of you.

At the moment, the Kwara North agitation, the way they have been threatening everybody, is sounding as if they are on some kind of revenge mission against the people they consider as oppressors. This is sending dangerous signals across Kwara Central. This is democracy, and we are open to debate. Let the Kwara North agitators convince the rest of us why a governor from that zone is in our collective best interest at this time.
My brother, Wahab Ọba, and his like should stop this cheap blackmail because it is not working. If your best argument is that your people are suffering, we should therefore give you power so that you can take care of your people. What about our own people? But we all know that this has nothing to do with the people, whether people of the North, Central or South. And in that hypocrisy lies the real tragedy.

The reality today is that if the PDP must have a fighting chance in the next election, it must be willing to eschew emotion and take its decision based on cold calculations. Anything short of this, we should be prepared to face another defeat. The truth is that majority of voters do not belong to any political party. In 2023, they will vote only for a candidate (not party) that best appeal to them. Let Kwara North focus on giving us that candidate. It is as simple as that.
No part of the state is an island or can do without the other. For this very reason, what we need is a governor for all of us, for all of Kwara state. Not a governor for North or Central or South. And after four wasted years of the Otoge misadventure, even APC members are looking to our party to bail them out by bringing forward an obviously better. alternative to the current governor. If we fail to do that, my bet is they would rather stick with the devil they know and wait i get caught fort out for another four years..

Adebimpe is former Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

UNICEF commends Gombe on policy to end poverty among children, women

Danjuma Williams, Gombe

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Gombe State Government for initiating the social protection policy plan aimed at improving the lives of the people of the State.

Mr Yusuf Auta, the Social Policy Specialist, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, made the commendation in his goodwill message at the commencement of a five day workshop on the development of implementation plan and costing of Gombe social protection policy.

The workshop is organized by the budget planning and development partner coordination office, Gombe State, in conjunction with UNICEF.

According to Mr. Auta, "With the effort of the State Government as clearly expressed and visioned in its social protection policy document of providing "Better life for all", the children of the state will grow in an environment that will enable them to compete favourably with children all over the world".

He said the policy document, if well implemented, would place the state on the path of growth and development.

He also said, the policy would promote the well-being of children and women in the state adding that "UNICEF is happy to be part of this process because it affects the lives of women and children. UNICEF pays attention to women and children because it is the credo of development".

Expressing optimism in the success of the policy, He quoted the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report which stated that 'Gombe State has the lowest poverty rate in Northeast Nigeria'.

According to him, "Gombe State is one of the states with the lowest poverty rate in the North-East according to the 2019 Poverty and Inequality in Nigeria by the National Bureau of Statistics, 2020".

He explained that the figures were also captured in the state's social protection policy document recently developed adding however that there is multi-dimensional poverty among children in Gombe state like all states in Nigeria.

He explained that a child is multi-dimensionally poor if deprived in any three of the following: nutrition, health, water, sanitation, education, housing and information.

While assuring UNICEF's continued support to the state with technical assistance to address some of the policy's issues, Mr. Auta said, "Social protection policy provides the platform for UNICEF to support women and children to have a better life.

"So, we are here to come up with an implementation plan which will be in accordance with the budget provision of the state," he said.

The meeting had participants from government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), traditional institutions, development partners, academia and the media, among others.