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The Vice Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie has urged Nigerians to give the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration a chance, saying he means well for all Nigerians irrespective of our tribal differences.
Prof. Ernest Izevbigie
He disclosed this at the Benson Idahosa University Annual Staff Orientation.
He noted that the president is a disciplined man working towards creating a better Nigeria.
He said, "To govern a country as big as Nigeria, you need a lot of vigor, support, and good people who will work with you to drive home your positive intentions.
"But I think he needs to revisit some of the people working for him, this is mid-term and people are already beginning to give their own assessment.
"Let him look at deliverables, I am always particular about deliverables because that is what propels me to do certain things and attain milestones." he said.
Prof. Izevbigie urged the President to look at the novelty and not to settle for status quo, adding that it is never wrong to sort new ways of getting things done.
He further encouraged him to seek advice from elder statesmen who have demonstrated capacity in leadership and good governance.
On the clamour for restructuring, he said political scientists know better.
In my area, Biochemistry, Medicine, I am not afraid to speak my mind.
"On the issue of Fanta and sprite, Benson Idahosa University has been on the fore front in bringing the scientific consensus to bed. So, when it comes to politics, let the Political Scientists pontificate because I can't claim to be an expert outside my field."
The don charged all staff members of the university to renew their commitment to their respective duties as they resume for the 2017/2018 Academic Session.
According to him, the essence of the Annual Staff Orientation exercise is to further gain employee's commitment, reduce anxiety among staff members and place Benson Idahosa University as the preferred brand among tertiary schools in Nigeria.
Professor Izevbigie expressed his appreciation to God, as well as to the University Council, Management and Staff for their commitment, hard work and dedication towards the successful completion and achievements recorded in the last academic year.
He described the cooperation of his Principal Officers as unique and commended members of Staff for their unflinching loyalty and unswerving allegiance.
Highlighting the achievements of the 2016/2017 Academic Session, he said the university has continued to demonstrate capacity in academic excellence.
He said, "Recently we just came back from JAMB stakeholder's summit where Benson Idahosa University ranked 10th most preferred private university in the country. Our products are doing well. The 2015 best graduating student, Ibude Ben Ikem, just got a scholarship from University of Greenwich, south-east London to study forensics."
He announced to the staff members the university's undying interest in grantmanship and research. He further reassured members of the public and the university's stakeholders that the institution will continue to strive towards the vision of its founding father in making Benson Idahosa University rank among the best Universities in the world.
Prof. Izevbigie hinted that the entire academic programmes of the university would be reviewed, while new programmes have been introduced to enhance the global competitiveness of the institution.
Frontline contender and candidate of the pan-Igbo United Progressive Party (UPP) for the November 18, 2017 Anambra governorship election, Chief Osita Chidoka, has vowed to restore the Igbo voice in Nigerian politics.
Chidoka who spoke while receiving the UPP primary certificate of return from the National Chairman, Chief Chekwas Okorie, at the party's national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, said his emergence as the candidate of the party signals a new beginning for the people and the resistance against the 5% relegation of the people of the southeast.
Chief Chidoka who received the flag of his party for the poll also vowed to pursue the party's ideology of self-determination.
Chief Osita Chidoka receiving the UPP primary certificate of return from the National Chairman, Chief Chekwas Okorie in Abuja
The former aviation minister said his candidature marks the end of an ideologically vacuous and imprudent government that holds no hope for the people while kick-starting a new era where the people can now vote for a governor of their choice and not for persons sponsored by godfathers.
According to Chidoka, "today, Anambra state is about to start a new beginning in the pursuit of our ideology as a people; the ideology of the UPP, which is the ideology of hardwork, creativity and the fear of God; the ideology of the restoration of our homeland and the rebuilding of our capacity as a people."
Chief Chidoka also vowed to pursue "the ideology of self determination and right to determine our role in Nigeria, where no man is oppressed."
He said, "Indeed, it is the pursuit of the ideology of re-enacting our people's hopes and aspirations, the desire to be recognised as a free constituent of the country and where they are not relegated to being a mere 5 percent in Nigeria.
"Let it be known that the UPP has come to restore the Igbo voice. No more would Anambra state be ruled by an ideologically vacuous and bankrupt party. In 2003, Chief Chekwas Okorie founded the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) on the idea that all the grievances of ndi-Igbo would be channeled through a political party to engage the other parts of the country. Unfortunately that dream was betrayed. APGA became an electoral vehicle meant for the election of people whose desires and interests are the maximization of their personal capacity and not the welfare of the people.
"That is why today, neither APGA as a party, nor the government of Anambra state, has any position on the agitation for the actualization of Biafra by ndi Igbo. They have no position on the issue of restructuring. They have worked with PDP and they are willing to work with APC. APGA as a party is adrift and we want to send it to its final funeral, and on this mission we have the full backing of the Anambra people. "Our greatest resource is human beings and I will continue to stand by them. The banner I receive today is the banner that will do away with all that is wrong with us and promote all that is right. It is a banner that will question the history that makes us a people who though renowned globally as hard working people, are here in Nigeria, struggling to exert ourselves in our various endeavors", he said.
Chidoka, who revealed that his campaign and the vision of the UPP have since penetrated the nooks and crannies of the state with strong bonding with the people, said his candidature has for the first time presented Anambra voters with the opportunity of electing a governor of their choice as against the situation in the past where they are left with no option than to choose among stooges of political godfathers.
"No more shall Anambra state people be voting for persons who are sponsored by godfathers of people that are not contesting in the election, but whose major intent is to fleece the state and line their pockets and those of their party members and deprive the people", Chidoka stated.
Speaking while handing Chidoka the certificate of return and INEC nomination form, UPP National Chairman, Chief Chekwa Okorie said the UPP is the only party that has the full backing of the ordinary people adding that its victory at the poll has become inevitable.
He urged INEC to ensure a credible poll using its automated system to directly transmit results from the polling units to its central server to ensure that nothing but the will of the people as directly expressed at the polls, prevails.
The Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, yesterday released a report on the Accident involving Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Bell 427 helicopter with registration 5N-POL at Kabong, Jos South LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria on the 14th of March, 2012 that killed a serving Deputy Inspector General, Operations, and said the flight crew, including the pilot, were not qualified to fly the aircraft.
Addressing aviation reporters at the Bureau's headquarters in Lagos, yesterday, the AIB Commissioner, Engr Akin Olateru said investigation revealed that one of the "Probable Causal Factors" was that the crashed helicopter pilot's medical had expired as at the time of accident. The pilot Simulator recurrency had also expired as at the time of accident. The co-pilot was not type rated on the helicopter (Bell 427), and the engineer that released the aircraft prior to the flight had no type training and type rating on the aircraft type.
The AIB report on the police helicopter was one of the three accident reports released yesterday. Others are report on the serious incident to Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Tampico TB9 aircraft with registration 5N-CBC which occurred at Zaria Aerodrome, Kaduna, on the 6th of October, 2008; and
AIB Bulletin on the Ground Collision incident involving two aircraft belonging to Air Peace Airlines Limited: Boeing 737-500 with registration 5N-BQR and Boeing 737-300 with registration 5N-BQP, which occurred close to Bay 4 of the Domestic Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria on the 20th of April, 2017.
According to the AIB report: " The helicopter 5N-POL was operated by the NPF and was registered under the private category with the NCAA. All relevant stakeholders were notified".
"On Tuesday 13th March, 2012, the flight originated from Abuja airport to Jos Prison Service football field as a ferry flight. The purpose of the flight was to convey the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Operations from Jos to Abuja. The aircraft had initial contact with Jos Control Tower at 1350hrs en-route and reported ETA to be 1400hrs".
"The following day, 14th March 2012 at 0930hrs, a police fuel bowser that had arrived Jos from Abuja the previous day, fuelled the aircraft which had been parked overnight at the Jos Prison football field.At 0958hrs, two-way communication was established between the helicopter and ATC."
"The pilot reported endurance of two hours, five persons on board, maintaining an altitude of 4000ft, and that it was a patrol flight around Jos city. The pilot also reported that he would be landing at the Police Headquarters, Jos and would call the Control Tower when re-joining for another patrol. The helicopter landed at the Nigeria Prisons Service football field, Jos (customarily used as a landing site for the Police Headquarters, Jos) at 1058hrs".
"At about 1150hrs, the helicopter lifted up with four persons on board including the DIG. The Control Tower was notified at about 1155hrs of the helicopter's crash at Landir village, Kabong area near Jos metropolis and that all four persons on board were fatally injured. The accident occurred in daylight at a coordinate of N09°55.229, E008°51.853."
"The investigation identified the following probable causal factors: Probable Causal Factors: The cause of the accident cannot be conclusively decided but the investigation discovered series of discrepancies and non-compliance with Nig.CARs which includes: Pilot:The pilot's medical had expired as at the time of accident,Simulator recurrency had expired as at the time of accident".
"Co-pilot:The co-pilot was not type rated on the helicopter (Bell 427). Engineer:
The engineer that released the aircraft prior to the flight had no type training and type rating on the aircraft type."
"Three Safety Recommendations were made:4.1 Safety Recommendation 2017-001. NPF Air-Wing should provide the proper funding, conducive working environment, develop and implement a robust training programme for its technical/operational personnel, with adequate supervision and approved equipment to enhance safety".
" Safety Recommendation 2017-002: NCAA should ensure that NPF Air-Wing complies with its AMO requirements ".
" Safety Recommendation 2017-003: NCAA and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) should launch an independent inquiry into Aviation fuel quality in Nigeria. The resulting report should focus on the vulnerability and risk of each step in the distribution process. This should yield firmer regulatory oversight mechanism that ensures international quality of aviation fuels used in Nigeria".
ABUJA- Chairman, National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi has enjoined party members to be guided by the principles of mutual accommodation and the knowledge that power comes from God.
Makarfi stated this yesterday while inaugurating caretaker committees for Lagos and Kwara States at the PDP national secretariat, Abuja.
According to him, knowledge of the infinite power of God to give and take would enable people to live together with little or no rift.
“Power comes from God; In whatever we do, let us be guided by this singular knowledge. You can’t be too smart for God. You can’t be too rich or too poor. You must always have mutual accommodation for one another. This guiding principle will make it easier for us to live with one another,” Makarfi counselled.
The NCC Chairman also urged the committee members to brace up with their enormous responsibilities which he said include the setting up of local government and ward caretaker committees as well as preparations for the congresses at the ward and local governments levels.
In his words, the ‘real politicking’ is at the ward and local government levels where those vying for offices at the forthcoming congresses ought to make themselves known to the electorate with their policies and programmes.
“So you can begin the more difficult job. Your responsibility is to set up local government and ward caretaker committees. That is where the real politicking is. There is intense politicking at the local government and ward levels so that we can begin preparations for the congresses at the state, local governments and wards.
“A state that has 30 local governments for instance has to set up 30 caretaker committees. Not everyone can find accommodation in the caretaker committees. Those who want to aspire into the elective offices should not aspire to be members of the caretaker committees.
“As you consult to constitute caretaker committees , bear this in mind: Let those interested in elective offices begin to present themselves to the card carrying members of the party,” he advised.
The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has made a case for a global digital database that will have the information of victims of enforced disappearances across the world.
Obaseki made the recommendation on the occasion of the United Nations International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, observed on August 30, each year.
He noted that "over the years, the number of victims of enforced disappearances has been on the increase while the face of the oppressive act keeps changing from people who oppose draconian military governments to civil rights agitators, and innocent women and children during internal strife such as the Chibok girls, as well as witnesses of the act, all in a bid to propagate terror."
The governor explained that "with a global database shared by security agencies across the world, the search for the victims of this dastardly act would be easier."
He condemned any act designed to instill fear and spread terror and stressed: "that civility and not barbarism should rule the world."
He commended the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari at rescuing all the missing Chibok girls and urged Nigerians to keep faith with the APC-led administration.
The United Nations General Assembly in 2010 adopted August 30 for the observance of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, with the maiden edition in 2011.
In a new twist to the controversy surrounding the retirement or otherwise, of Senator Isah Hamman Misau from the Nigerian Police Force, the Police Service Commission has invited the Senator to appear before the Special Investigations Panel with his letter of retirement which he claimed was genuinely issued to him for authentication.
Recall that while the Force headquarters stated that the former Deputy Superintendent of Police absconded from duty while still facing 'Pending Disciplinary Matters', which is tantamount to be a deserter, Senator Misau insisted that he genuinely retired from the police force.
A statement signed by Ikechukwu Ani, Spokesman for the Commission on Wednesday said, "The Police Service Commission has invited Senator Isah Hamma Misau, Chairman Senate Committee on Navy to appear before its Special Panel investigating allegations surrounding the now rested recommendations on Special promotions in the Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday, 6th September, 2017 at 11.00am.
"The Commission in a letter signed by the Chairman of the Special Panel, Hon. Justice O. Adekeye, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, titled, "Re: Retirement from the Nigeria Police Force of AP 57300 DSP Mohammed Isah Hamma – Invitation to appear before Police Service Commission Panel" stated that the immediate issue for investigation is the genuineness or otherwise of the two letters of Retirement supposed to have emanated from the Police Service Commission in connection with this retirement".
"It noted that it received correspondence from the Nigeria Police Force Special Investigation Panel (SIP) Force Headquarters dated 28th August, 2017 relating to the Senators retirement from the Nigeria Police Force".
According to the letter, "The Police Service Commission, the only organ saddled with the statutory responsibility of issuing letters of retirement to all Police Officers except the IGP has a vital role to play in determining the authenticity of this letter"
"Senator Misau is invited to appear before the panel with the original copy of his letter of retirement for authentication."
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has a knack for falling below our expectations just when we think it is about getting it right. I have always shared the Union's reservations with government's poor budgetary allocation to the education sector and penchant for reneging on agreements reached with ASUU dating back to 2009. But waking up to the realisation that part of ASUU's six-point condition for calling off its ongoing strike is the exclusion of its internally-generated revenue from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) is sobering and questions the prudent management of cash resources by the university body.
ASUU went up in arms against the TSA earlier this year, claiming the inclusion of university funds in the policy was an infringement on its autonomy and a limitation to lecturers' access to hard-earned foreign grants. I had argued at the time that the inability of the TSA to process payments and collections made in foreign currency was indeed limiting, but a justifiable enough reason for ASUU to pressure government to speedily activate the foreign component of the TSA to serve their needs. However, ASUU's current demand is mischievous and suspect, considering government's ongoing efforts to enforce erring MDAs' compliance with the TSA. Indeed, one is tempted to think ASUU wants a return to the dark era when the management of university funds was shrouded in secrecy while developmental projects were left abandoned.
Our tertiary institutions have a propensity to mismanage scarce resources while pointing fingers at government for dilapidated infrastructure and paucity of funds. The reports on their shenanigans are staggering, and leave one with no iota of doubt that the fate of the students whose future they claim to shape is imperilled. It is ironic that in December last year, the same ASUU petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the management of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) over alleged N2 billion fraud. According to the petition, UNILORIN had been operating under the pretext of keeping a stable academic calendar to silence whistle blowers while perpetrating pension fraud, unremitted deductions, extortion from students, contract inflation and kick-backs; as well as unlawful payments to ex-principal officers of the university.
A few months ago, the top management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso were found to operate 97 different bank accounts and HMOs. In the past 5 years, the institution has reportedly received a cumulative N13.7 billion from owner states which it has failed to remit into the TSA in compliance with policy. More recently, the management of the prestigious University of Ibadan (UI) was alleged to have declined auditing its accounts between 2010 and 2015.
The amount of funds unaccounted for by the management of the institution was so convoluted that external auditors were at a loss how to proceed. However, their summation was that UI was grossly unprepared to adopt the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) for its financial reporting process. Note that UI was one of the universities vociferously opposed to the inclusion of university funds in the TSA on grounds that it would deny them administrative autonomy.
The summation is that our universities have not displayed the maturity that independent management of funds – even internally generated funds – demands. And it is disappointing that rather than push for government's compliance with its earlier 2009 agreement, ASUU has elected to use this impasse as a plank to advance its selfish anti-TSA agenda while our students sit idle at home, susceptible to all manner of social vices.
Nigeria has not displayed the will for positive change; hence the high level of aversion to the TSA displayed by several MDAs in recent times. Last time we checked, some elements in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) argued for exclusion over claims that funds meant for healthcare delivery to the indigent were 'trapped' in the TSA. Sometime later, their mischief was exposed upon the discovery that an estimated N2.1 billion of NHIS funds was misappropriated while ailing pensioners were left to their fate.
As we speak, the Federal Government claims it has lost over N70 billion of public funds lodged with commercial banks in contravention of its policy which stipulates that all revenue generated by MDAs should be deposited in the TSA. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has also been found to be fleecing Nigerians of their hard-earned money all in the name of passport processing. This practice has persisted because the TSA policy of e-Payment for immigration services was contravened in favour of cash payments, leaving a lot of room for racketeering.
Consequently, the Comptroller-General of the NIS, Muhammad Babandede, has directed that henceforth, all payments for passport processing must be done online and through designated banks. The case is no different with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI). The House of Representatives Committee on Telecommunications recently resolved to probe the activities of the DBI management for alleged non-compliance with the TSA policy and suspect N1.2 billion disbursements for capital projects and procurement in the 2016 budget. Consequently, it has demanded a comprehensive audit of DBI's account in the last five years. But it is instructive to note that none of this would have happened if all the MDAs had complied with the TSA policy.
In my opinion, the case with the TSA is simply calling a dog a bad name in order to hang it. Since the policy was fully implemented in 2015, it has exposed the rot in the public financial system and continues to instill a culture of probity and accountability that has been sorely lacking in the country all this time. We need to unite against selfish interests who want the policy to fail so they can perpetuate their mindless looting of the treasury while a cycle of financial mismanagement persists. ASUU should not be allowed to win this battle since it is motivated by selfish interests whose price our students will continue to pay for years to come.
*Njemanze is an Abuja-based public affairs analyst
The Edo State Executive Council on Wednesday approved the bill for the Edo State Health Law 2017, from the Ministry of Health, seeking to domesticate the National Health Act of 2014.
The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Paul Ohonbamu, who addressed journalists after the weekly meeting, said that: The immediate benefits of the bill includes the remodeling and standardization of the health system in the state particularly, the primary healthcare sub-sector which covers 70% of the state's health challenges."
He explained that the proposed Edo State Health Law 2017, "will also reduce the burden on the tertiary and secondary health care systems and provide the legal authority for the state to establish the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Board and the proposed Edo State Contributory Health Commission, with shared responsibility for funding from the three tiers of Government, beneficiaries and partners to ensure Universal Health Coverage."
The EXCO headed by the Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, also approved the introduction of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (GIS) Agency, that will automate land administration and development control in the state.
The agency will also undertake the aerial mapping of Edo State for the formation of a geographic information system and improve the ease of doing business in the state.
"EXCO reiterated its earlier position that all structures under the high tension electricity transmission lines be removed."
Ohonbamu further said: "To show the seriousness of the matter, EXCO ordered the immediate relocation of a public school, Etete Primary School, which has been in that location for decades."
According to him, "The Chairman in Council is particular about the health and safety of pupils of the primary school and has ordered that they should not resume next academic session in that location." He assured that the affected pupils, teachers and parents would be informed of their new location before resumption date for the next academic session.
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARDs), has issued a nationwide strike notice effective Sept. 4.
Dr. Olusegun Olaopa, the President of NARDs, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, announced this on Wednesday in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan.
Olaopa said the resident doctors would commence an indefinite industrial action on Monday to press home their demands.
According to him, the action is sequel to a statement signed by Drs. John Onyebueze and Aneke Emmanuel, National President and Secretary of NARDs, respectively.
The statement said it was resolved at the NEC meeting of NARDs held in Abuja on Aug. 26 to embark on the strike.
"Neither the federal nor state governments has shown commitment to the resolution of issues at stake nor honoured previous agreements.
"Consequent upon this, the association resolved to proceed on a total indefinite industrial action from Monday, September 4, 2017, until all these issues are permanently resolved.
"Nationwide pre-strike protests against this injustice are to hold in all our branches and states of the federation on Aug. 30, 2017.
"All heads of tertiary health institutions who have received funding for payments to our members should be directed to pay same immediately," it said.
The members of NARDs are demanding for the resolution of persistent shortfalls and unpaid arrears of salaries earned in both federal and state tertiary health institutions.
Other issues are the enrolment of resident doctors into the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) since 2003, and non-implementation of adjusted House Officers' Entry grade level equivalent since 2014.
The resident doctors are also asking for the resolution of issues around their stagnation of promotion and non-promotion of members who have met requisite criteria despite all collective bargaining agreements and circulars.
Resident doctors in UCH had on Jan. 6, embarked on a one-day protest rally over non-payment of their November and December 2016 salaries.
*As FG blames private sector in composition of Minimum Wage C’ttee
*Awards $5.792bn contract for Mambila Hydro Electric Plant
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
ABUJA– VICE President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has been appointed to lead the Federal Government Negotiation Team to interface with the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to resolve some of the contentious issues.
Yemi Osinbajo
Already the Vice President was lurked in a meeting with the government team yesterday and was expected to schedule meeting with the leadership of ASUU after.
This is as the Federal Government has blamed the private sector of being responsible for the delay in constituting the Minimum Wage Review Committee.
Meantime, the Federal Government has awarded a contract sum of $5.792 billion for the Mambila Hydro Electric Power Plant in Taraba State expected to be completed within six years.
The decision to hand over the Federal Government Negotiation Team to Prof. Osinbajo was reached at the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday.
Briefing State House correspondents after FEC, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige expressed the government regret over the prolonged strike which has paralyzed academic activities in the nation’s universities.
Ngige said, “I want to say that the government sympathises with the parents even with the students who are supposed to be taking their degree exams and promotion exams now but have been forced by circumstances beyond their control to be at home.
“I have my child at home as we speak. So, government is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that we reach a conclusive agreement with ASUU so that they can go back to the classroom.
“This is the first national strike that this government is facing and we want to discuss.
“At Council today (yesterday), the Vice President has ttaken over some aspects of the negotiation and discussion. So we are continuing the meeting in his office and when we finish the meeting, we will get back to ASUU with another round of meeting.
“We are hopeful that with another round of meeting, we will be able to go an appreciable extent to solve some of the outstanding issues that have prevailed them from going to work.”
FG blames private sector minimum wage delay
Senator Ngige heaped the blame on the delay to constitute the committee to review the minimum wage on the door steps of the private sector that was yet to send its representatives to the committee.
He said, “The national minimum wage committee the government side is ready.
We have on the government side four ministers – ministers of labour and employment, finance, budget and planning, I can’t remember the last one now but we have our team ready.
“We also have Head of Service of the Federation, Acting Secretary to the Government of the Federation on the government team. The chairman will be unveiled when we have full component of the committee.
“The aspect that is delaying from inaugurating the committee is the organized private sector. The organized private sector has eight representatives of which Nigeria Employers Committee Assembly has four nominations, we have not gotten their nominations.
“Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has two nominations, their nominations just came in yesterday. Nigeria Association of Small Medium Enterprise one, they have not sent in their nomination. NACCIMA have not sent in their nominations.
“So we are waiting fir these nominations, when they come in the government will nominate the chairman and inaugurate the committee.”
FEC approves $5.792bn Mambila Hydro plant
Also addressing journalists, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola said that FEC approved the award of engineering as well as electromechanical works contract worth $5.792 billion for the Mambila hydro electric power plant in Taraba state.
Fashola said that the project designed to deliver 3,050 megawatts of power began in 1972 but made no significant progress since then, adding that the contract awarded to a joint venture with a Chinese civil engineering company will be completed in 72 months which is about six years.
Giving insight into the scope of work to be handled by the firm, the minister said funding for the project was expected to come from the Chinese government through their Exim bank.
He said, “It requires the construction of four dams. One of them is about 150 meters in height , the immediate two are 70 meters in height and the smallest of them is 50 meters in height……
“It also include 700 kilometers of transmission line. It will be in Taraba state in the area called Gembu, and it will unlease the potential that have been reported about Mambila, including agriculture, tourism and energy.”
The minister noted that when completed, the project will help Nigeria strike a big blow on the climate change issue and fulfill it’s commitment under the Paris agreement.
He said, “We have overcome the gas challenges and the vandals and pipeline repairs have progressed. And that has impacted success on the generation side. Our power is going to come from sources, hydro, gas, solar and that is why we are investing in Mambila for more hydro. This is so that when one source is vulnerable we can rely on another’s source.
Former governor of Kaduna state, Col. Abubakar Umar has warned the federal government not to re-arrest the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu saying doing so would be “dangerous and politically unwise”.
In a statement issued in Kaduna, Col. Umar. Said Kanu is not a “common criminal” but a “bitter young man fighting for a fairer deal for his Igbo kinsmen”.
The statement reads:
“Reports in the media indicate that the Federal government has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to revoke the bail granted Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and have him rearrested. This is both dangerous and politically unwise. Mazi Kanu is not a common criminal as the government appears to think. On the contrary, he is a bitter young man fighting for a fairer deal for his Igbo kinsmen. His seeming militant approach is the result of the strong arm tactics with which the Federal Government deals with him. His long incarceration before a court granted him bail testifies to this.
“Like Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, many Igbos genuinely feel marginalized since they belong to the category of those who gave Mr President only 5% of their votes and appeared to have fallen out of his favour.
“President Buhari's insistence that the unity of Nigeria is a settled issue is a nationalistic wish and is no surprise coming from a veteran of civil war fought to keep the country one. However, this does not take into account the mood of the nation as indicated by the growing agitations for self determination, restructuring and many other similar demands. If indeed the President is able to ignore and silence those agitators, it will be a case of suspended animation. All indications are that Nigeria has become so polarized that it requires a strong personality like General Buhari to sustain its fragile unity.
“Most Nigerians are convinced of the need to maintain Nigeria's unity, cognisant of the enormous benefits all sections drive from a large, diverse and resource rich country. The Federation also provides a security umbrella to all the federating units which enhance their survivability and prosperity. It is difficult to see how any of them can fare better out of the federation. But the fact that there are growing agitations for self determination, restructuring and other similar demands speak gravely of the way the federation is being governed. Nigeria's unity can only be guaranteed when all its citizens feel they are getting a fair deal; when all its component parts are treated justly and equitably.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Adeyanju and other similar agitators might seem like felons or even anarchists. But as often happens over humanity's turbulent history, appearances can be deceitful. One man's terrorist could well be another man's freedom fighter. In any event, despite what the security agencies might feel, there is nothing to fear from Mazi Kanu. He and his compatriots are people who love their country dearly and are willing to take a risk with their lives while blowing a whistle on some of our bad habits. It will be a tragic mistake to treat them as common criminals. It is evident that they are fighting a cause millions consider entirely legitimate.
“Until our democracy learns to accommodate dissent, vigorous, robust, even if inconvenient, it will be incapable of serving our common good” he said.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has said that it has recovered over four hundred and nine billion Naira (N409) and another sum of sixty nine million, five hundred thousand U.S dollars ($69.5m) from looters nationwide between January and August 2017.
The commission also said that it has secured a total of 137 convictions so far.
This was disclosed to newsmen by the commission's acting chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu
Magu
He spoke at an interactive meeting with media executives that held in Abuja.
"Between January and August 30, 2017, the EFCC recovered N409,270,706,686.75; $69,501,156.67; 231,118.69 Pounds; 610,816.20 Euros; Dirham 443,400.00 and 70,500.00 Saudi Riyal," he said.
"Over a month ago, the Commission recovered over N329billion from a group of oil marketers for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation."
The session, which provided media editors from the print, online and broadcast media platforms, an avenue to engage with the EFCC boss, was also utilized by Magu, to intimate them of the resolve to remain unrelenting in the fight against corruption.
"In the area of prosecution of cases in court, we are also making progress despite the antics of some persons accused of grand corruption to delay trial," Magu said.
He urged media men to see themselves as partners in progress, noting that the EFCC could not alone win the war against corruption.
"From what we read in the papers these days, it is either somebody is fighting Magu or Magu is fighting other people," he said, adding that it was obvious journalists want to sell their newspapers.
"But seriously speaking, instead of fighting ourselves, we should be united in fighting the common enemy, which is corruption," he stressed.
Magu used the opportunity to stress that he had no personal grouse with anyone, explaining that "I am not after anybody and have no issues with anybody. Those who think they have issues with me will soon discover that I mean no harm".
"What drives me is the passion to do what is right by ensuring that we fight corruption to a standstill in this country."
He further gave assurance that the EFCC will not rest on its oars, noting that, "We believe there is still a lot to be done which is the reason why we are actively seeking the support of all stakeholders, including the media."
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja received members of the victorious D'Tigress, showering the players with N1 million each and the officials N500,000 each.
The President, after announcing the donation shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), urged the team to remain focused.
"You should work towards winning the forthcoming 2018 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Spain,'' he said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, attributed the achievement of the D'Tigress in Mali to the "silent reforms'' embarked upon by his ministry.
He said his ministry was determined to restore the old glory of sports in the country.
President Buhari had on Monday, in a statement, congratulated the senior national women basketball team for winning the 2017 FIBA Women's AfroBasket in Mali.
The team had, with the victory, also qualified for the 2018 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Spain.
The President commended the players for displaying "uncommon strength and confidence''.
He had urged members of the team and their handlers to remain focused and dedicated even as they prepared for greater glory to Nigeria at the forthcoming FIBA World Cup.
The D'Tigress had beaten Senegal 65-48 points in the final to win the competition.
The team had recorded no loss in all their games before reaching the final.
The last time Nigeria won the competition was in 2005, after their first win in 2003.
The Delta Government on Wednesday inaugurated a Technical Working Group (TWG) for the State Strategic Health Development Plan (SSHDP).
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Azinge, who inaugurated the committee members in Asaba, said their task was develop a SSHDP document toward laying solid foundation for the development of the health sector in the state.
Azinge, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Minnie Oseji, urged the TWG to take the assignment seriously as it had implications for proper funding of the state's policies, programmes and projects.
He said the strategic health development plan must contain necessary mechanisms for verifying outcomes of government interventions and be able to influence government policies and decisions.
The commissioner urged the group to avail themselves of priorities of Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa's administration in the health sector and ensure they were given priority in the plan.
He pledged the ministry's readiness to support the working group to facilitate its work and sought the cooperation of other Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Earlier in an address, Dr Simeon Onakughotor, the Costing Consultant, Delta Strategic Health Development, gave an overview of the project and task before the TWG.
He said the Federal Ministry of Health was currently developing a new National Strategic Health Development Plan for 2017 to 2021, being the second in the series following the expiration of the initial 2010 to 2015 plan.
The consultant further explained that the plan has two main components: namely a component for each of the 36 States and the FCT to be known as the State/FCT Strategic Health Development Plan.
According to him, the second is the federal component to be known as the Federal Heath Development Plan.
He added that "on completion of the two components, they both will be merged to constitute a National – State Health Development Plan for the period between 2017 and 2021."
In his contribution, Dr Tarry Asoka, the Planning Consultant, Delta State Strategic Health Development, said the plan was expected to be used as annual operational plan for the state.
He said the plan would inform the budget for the sector and the basis for which international donors would engage the state government.
Asoka advised the TWG to be specific and try to prioritise its plan while following the framework to cater for local councils in the state, especially those in the coastal areas with distinct peculiarities.
AS the issue of hate speeches continue to re-echo in Nigeria, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has called for the use of appropriate legal channels for the people to address their grievances.
Governor Okowa made the call on Wednesday when Hon. Mathias Eto, Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission led members of the Commission to pay a courtesy call on the Governor in Asaba.
According to the Governor, “there is no doubt that because of the recession, people are easily getting angry but, it is time for us as a people to realise that there are several constitutional avenues for us to lay our complaints.”
Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (5th right) ; Head of State Civil Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko (5th left) and Commissioner for Information, Patrick Ukah in a group photograph with the State Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission, Sir Mathaias Eto and his team during their courtesy call on the Governor in Asaba.
“People should try to have more reasonable means to engage the Nigerian state peacefully, rather than engage in hate speeches that generates tension,” he said, adding, “when these types of speeches are heard outside the shores of the country, it will discourage foreign direct investments and make local investors to be cautious which will further endanger our fragile economy.”
The Governor reiterated, “to achieve law and order in the society, there must be equity and fairness in our activities because, any society that cannot ensure law and order will be in anarchy.”
He commended the Public Complaint Commission for the roles it is playing to stabilize the polity, assuring, “anything that will help us achieve peace in the state will be welcomed; as a government, we have a lot of avenues for peace building and to cement the existing peace and unity in our state.”
Earlier, Hon. Eto had in an address, observed that with Governor Okowa’s antecedents in governance, Delta State is in a safe and capable hands.
He stated that the Commission was committed to peace building and reduction of crime in the society, adding, “if the vision, mission and spirit of the founding fathers of the Commission was upheld and the Commission given the proper attention and cooperation it deserves, the massive agitation and criminality prevalent in the country today may have been at the barest minimum.”
Rev. Felix Omobude, the National President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has advised Nigerians to hold their elected leaders accountable and demand for their rights.
Omobude gave the advice while addressing newsmen at the Living Faith Church, Lokongoma, at the end of his two days Apostolic visit to Lokoja, Kogi.
He also urged the politicians and leaders at all levels to rule with the fear of God, advising them not to forget their political campaign promises to the people.
"Indeed, I am calling on Nigeria populace to hold their elected people accountable, remind them of those promises and demand that they fulfill them.
"I am also urging the people to join hands with the Federal Government to build Nigeria of our dream; Americans built America; Britons built Britain, Nigerians must build Nigeria," Omobude said.
On the anti-corruption war by the Federal Government, the cleric expressed his support for the fight.
According to him, I believe it is a positive fight and Nigerians should join hands with the government to create a clean society.
Omobude, however, expressed concern that a lot still need to be done, saying the fight against corruption should be carried out without targeting a group of people, but should be a holistic approach.
"You don't pass through the Nigeria Airports without seeing someone asking you for something; you still don't pass through public offices without someone expecting you to do something.
"This is an embarrassment to our nation; the anti-graft war must be holistic," the PFN national president said.
He commended Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi, for his warm reception, urging Christian leaders in the state to continue to pray for leadership in the state.
According to him, the Church has what it takes to heal the state and prayed God to uplift Kogi and give divine wisdom to its leadership to be able to harness the state's abundant resources.
The Apostolic visit to Kogi by the PFN national president was well attended by leaders and members of Pentecostal churches across the 21 local government areas of the state
Latest addition to the Super Eagles Ola Aina has spoken about representing Nigeria after spells with the English age grade teams.
Aina
After playing his part in Hull City’s win against Bolton, the on-loan right-back flew out to join up with the Super Eagles ahead of a back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against Cameroon.
Aina understands that the games could make or mar the Eagles chances of joining the Russia train and is already looking forward to the whole experience.
"It was a very proud moment to get called-up by Nigeria and the prospect of representing my country for the first time is very exciting," he said.
"Everyone wants to play at the highest level and that's what international level is. For me, it's very exciting and I want to do really well.
"We've got an important two games against Cameroon coming up and I'm really looking forward to the whole experience.
"It should be two good, but very tough games. They're a physical side and will no doubt be in good spirits after winning the African Cup of Nations in February.
"As I say, it will be tough but I'm very much looking forward to both matches and hopefully playing in the Super Eagles' colours."
Aina switched international allegiance in March after spending time at a Nigerian training camp in Barnet.
"It was an introduction to it all to see what I thought of it," he explained.
"I hadn't played for England at any level for quite a while, and international football is something that I wanted to experience. Also, Nigeria is where my origins are.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the training camp and that was a key factor in my decision to switch."
Come September 1, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will be hosting their arch rivals, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a high octane Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Many analysts are apprehensive over the ability of the Super Eagles to defeat Cameroon, who are currently the African champions given the rather lack lustre performance of the team against South Africa in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier played last June where the team lost 2-0 to the visiting Bafana Bafana.
Super Eagles training
But with the return of notable players like captain, Mikel Obi, Chelsea wing back, Victor Moses, defender William Troost-Ekong and striker, Odion Ighalo, many analysts believe that will surely be a boost to the Super Eagles.
Proprietor of JC Raiders FC of Jos, Lumumba Adeh who spoke on a radio programme monitored in Abuja over the weekend said that Nigerians should not continue to judge the Super Eagles based on the defeat to South Africa last June because no two matches are the same.
"I am speaking as somebody that played the game and today I am also managing football. I know that there are no two matches that are strictly the same. Also I believe strongly that the return of the likes of Mikel, Moses, Ighalo and Ekong can make all the difference."
If previous records are any thing to go by, there is little or no reason for Nigerians to be apprehensive. Since 1960 when the two countries played for the first time, they have confronted each other 20 times with the record favouring Nigeria with 10 victories, four defeats and six draws.
Stretching it further, of the 20 times they have clashed, six of them are just international friendlies. Again Nigeria has the upper hand with two wins, one defeat and three draws.
But at times records do not determine the outcome of a game; and this means that we must be very careful with records because if we over relax, it has a way of encouraging complacency while at the same time gingering the Lions to up their game.
My take from the above is that we must respect Cameroon yes, but we must not be seen to be afraid of them because of some recent developments since they are now the African champions. Nobody goes to a battle from a position of fear and expect to come out victorious.
The NFF must also do what is necessary to draft their in-house psychologist, Dr. Robinson Okosun into the team. It is rather absurd that for certain reasons we are yet to find out, they will abandon their trained psychologist while everyday we see reasons why he should be there.
Alternatively, if they believe they are not ready to give their own staff the opportunity to practice what he knows how to do best; they should spend the extra money and provide a psychologist for the team. A national team is supposed to have a qualified psychologist who should gauge the mood of each player at a particular time and advise on how to approach him.
However, a careful look at the team released by the technical adviser, Gernot Rohr, one can say that most of the best legs Nigeria can boast of at the moment were included but one area of concern is the goalkeeping area which has been a suspect since the sickness of first choice, Carl Ikeme.
The likes of Chippa United FC of South Africa goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi and FC Ifeanyi Ubah safe hands have not really given Nigerians that reason to believe in them. That ugly development has resulted in the call in certain quarters for the recall of former goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama who has left the team for the past two years.
Another area of concern in my view is the left back area where we seem to have only one natural left footer, Elderson Echejile. My worry stems from the fact that he is aging and may no longer be at the peak of his career. It will really be a huge task for him to tame the likes of Vincent Aboubakar and Christian Bassogog.
There is also the rumour in football circles that some of the players especially those plying their trade in England were included because we want to help them get the mandatory 75% appearance for their national teams which will help them get their work permit. I don't think that such a make or mar encounter is one to be used to please any individual or group. We must field our first 11 because the Cameroonians are not coming here to joke.
Many analysts are of the view that given the form of the Lions who also had the opportunity of playing at the last FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia earlier in the year, the Super Eagles handlers must make sure that part of their preparation is to ensure that the boys were in good physical shape ahead of the encounter.
We all know that the Cameroonians always play physical football, therefore we must assemble boys who are physically fit to match them strength for strength because that is the only way we can upstage them.
However, if we do all that is necessary we will surely get the desired result. After a look at the teams where the Lions are plying their trade, I did not see any one of them in such high flying teams and that suggests that the Super Eagles must not show too much respect to their Cameroonians in the two legged encounter.
Interestingly, Amaju Pinnick, the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has assured that his board will put in place all that is necessary to ensure that the Eagles tamed the Lions when they clash this Friday to brighten their chances of picking the sole group ticket to Russia. All hands must be on deck to ensure that such comes to past.
Pinnick who spoke to a foreign media channel last week said his federation has done all that is necessary to see the country qualify. He revealed that already his advanced team has gone to Cameroon and has secured a good accommodation for the team; he also assured that every other necessary action will be taken when it is due.
They must match words with action by ensuring that the boys got everything due to them so as not to have any unnecessary distraction. And most importantly, the team must not embark on self destruct like they did three years ago when they failed to qualify for the 2015 AFCON.
Also as important is the fact that the Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr must be made to know that the mentality of Nigerian players is miles different from that of the European players he has been sued to. This means that the idea of allowing the players any slim opportunity to mix and interact with their friends and relations before the match must be avoided. This is not the time to allow them to socialize and party before the game; the camp commandant must be at the top of his game this time around.
They must remember and know it that a defeat here in Nigeria may as well mean a goodbye to the Russian aspiration because if that happens, there is no tactic the Cameroonians will not employ to also win at home to go top of the group with an unassailable eight points. We must avoid the situation where we will begin to do the catch up and the unpalatable permutation of who will drop a point and who will not.
Drawing from what happened in the past, it should be given that part of the arrangement which the NFF claims it has tied up includes the smooth arrangement for the aircraft that will fly the team to Cameroon as soon as the game in Nigeria ends.
Recall that during the ill-fated AFCON 2017 qualifier against Egypt in Kaduna, the Super Eagles had to go through a rough experience of returning to Abuja by road before waiting for about nine hours inside an aircraft before flying to Egypt. Surely, such may have contributed to that second leg defeat.
The NFF must ensure that we avoid all those unforced errors which we usually make during big occasions like the one at hand. We are still remembering how South Africa almost walked-over Nigeria in Uyo last June just because the NFF forgot to produce the match balls.
Then it was said that balls had been lying at the Apapa port awaiting clearing by the NFF but the leadership seemed not interested in delegating responsibilities. If South Africa had refused to provide their own ball, they would have walked-over Nigeria at home.
Against Cameroon, given the seeming bad blood that may have existed due largely to the role the NFF president Amaju Pinnick played in the ultimate defeat and retirement of Cameroon's Isah Hayatou as CAF president, they may not spare us if such a golden opportunity presents itself to them.
On the other hand, the fans who are always the 12th player must be ready to roar and shout their darling team to victory. The support must be total and complete and unrelenting even if the goals do not come in time.
In fact all football stakeholders must rally behind the NFF at a time like this. This qualification must be seen by all and sundry as a Nigerian project and not that of the NFF. If we qualify for the World Cup, it is the Nigerian flag that will be hoisted and not that of any single individual or group.
It is delightful to hear that the federal government has long approved all the funds that would be needed to prosecute this match. We equally hope that the release has been effected in good time to ensure that there is no room for excuses from any quarters.
The Senate Committee has already promised that they will continue to assist the NFF to ensure that whatever it takes to avoid what led to the disappointing defeat to South Africa in the AFCON qualifier in June is avoided in the two legs against Cameroon.
According to Senator Obinna Ogba, the chairman of the committee, the committee will mobilize to be in Uyo to render any necessary support and assistance to the NFF to make sure victory is secured.
Truly, that is the way to go because football is very dear to the heart of Nigerians. One can effectively argue that football is one factor that has a way of bringing Nigerians together irrespective of race or religion. So we must at all times continue to do whatever we can to help the national team to coast to victory against their arch rivals.
By Bashir Bello KATSINA – President Muhammadu Buhari has on Wednesday arrived Katsina on his way to Daura, his hometown for the Eid-el-Kabir sallah celebration.PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI WAVES AS HE DEPARTS THE UMARU MUSA YAR’ADUA AIRPORT, KATSINA ON THURSDAY (24/9/15) FOR NEW YORK TO ATTEND THE 70TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Buhari landed in the Nigerian Air Force Presidential jet 5N-FGT at about 4pm at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua international airport in Katsina state.
He was received at the airport by the state Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, other top government officials, Emirs of Katsina, Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman and his counterpart from Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruq.
President Buhari after the airport ceremonies proceeded to the helipad area of the airport where he boarded a helicopter to Daura, his hometown and where he is expected to spend the Sallah break.
The President’s arrival for the Sallah festivity was the first since his return from the medical vacation trip to the United Kingdom.
A major problem that many top phone manufacturers are encountering is the cloning of their brands. This trend continues despite the painstaking efforts to make cloning difficult. Despite this, the counterfeiters are having a field day faking these brands and it has made it hard for users to differentiate between counterfeit and original phones. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares tips for identifying a fake device.
Smartphones
Packaging
Manufacturers of counterfeit products are sometimes careless with packaging. Phone makers will always take care of the smallest details of design and packaging of their own goods. So, take a close look at the package, paying attention to the print quality ensuring consistency. In addition, ensure nothing should be loose inside.
Look at the wires and plugs
The quality of the wire is an important sign of a counterfeit product. If it is original, a plugged-in cable will sit firmly and evenly, while in a fake, you will see loose parts.
Check the user manual
The user manual is one of the easiest ways to identify a fake gadget. Every relevant information about the device must be there in the language of the country of purchase. If it's written in some other language and you cannot read it, then it is a cloned brand.
Look at the fonts
All fonts and symbols on the gadgets must be similar, readable and regular. If this is not the case, it means the phone is fake or counterfeit.
Pay attention to the material
The material used for making a phone can either be high or low-quality. Popular brands don't cut back on materials. The plastic covering the phone must be smooth, without any creases.
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