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The Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has reiterated the call for a united and strong Nigeria whose central and historic position on the black continent must be realised for the black race to take its rightful position.
He made this call when the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) paid him a courtesy call cum condolence visit on Thursday.
The National President of CAN, Rev. Dr Samson Ayokunle, had led some Christian Associations to the government house to pray for the repose of the soul of the late mother of the Governor, Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola, who passed on recently.
Rauf Aregbesola
Aregbesola said Nigeria must not fail as a nation if it is to fulfil the roles and responsibilities history placed at its doorstep as the champion of the black race.
According to him, a united Nigeria is capable of taking the black race to its rightful place, stressing that Nigerians should always remember that they are the only race that can make a mark in the world.
The Governor, who called for other bodies like CAN to support and pray for the country, added that for the black man to have headway in the world, then Nigeria must not fail.
He explained that for Nigeria live up to performing its roles in uplifting the black race in the world then all hands must be on deck to support it to achieve the goal of making the black man important.
He said, “We need to begin to realise as a nation that we are the only black nation that can assist the black man to make a name in the world.
“Nigeria must not fail, if we must achieve this task and play this big role on behalf of all black race, we should all begin to work towards supporting Nigeria to achieve it.
“I want to call on all well meaning groups and bodies in Nigeria to believe in the Nigerian dream and work towards realising it.
“We need to believe in ourselves as a nation for others to believe in us because this is the only way the black man from any part of the world can have a face.
“We need to begin to see Nigeria as project which must not fail and must never fail. Failure of Nigeria will be a disaster for the black man anywhere in the world,” Aregbesola stated.
He thanked the CAN president for the condolence visit saying that he is happy that his mother died at a good time without stress, praying for all to have the opportunity of exiting the world at a time one will be celebrated.
“For my mother to have had the privilege of giving birth to me, I can say that she died a very good death and am grateful for that.
Delivering his condolence message, CAN President, Rev. Dr Samson Ayokunle, said it is worthy of note that the late mother of Governor Aregbesola spent quality life while on earth, saying the quality of the life she lived was portrayed through the achievements of Aregbesola as a governor.
Ayokunle, who is also the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, also added that Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola died at a good time because she died at time when her demise brought about a lot of honour to her.
He noted that the quality of life she lived is made manifest in the lives of her offspring, Governor Aregbesola inclusive, saying the good and hard work of the Governor must have been taken from Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola.
“We at the CAN Headquarters received the news of the death of Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola with a great shock.
“We are grateful to God that she led a quality life, which is made manifest in the lives of her offspring of which you are one of them.
“It is my prayer that God strengthen you, the Aregbesola family and the entire state to overcome the loss.
“He will strengthen you so as to continue to impact on your generation positively,” Ayokunle said.
BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME PORT HARCOURT – There was jubilation at the 6 Division, Port Harcourt Thursday when soldiers from 29 Battalion in returned home after taking part in the the war against dreaded Boko Haram insurgent in Nigeria’s restive North East.
A soldiers from 29 Battalion Spokesman of the Division, Colonel Aminu Ilyasu said the soldiers served under various units in the Operation LAFIYA DOLE, adding that they came back following rotation of troop for the military operation in North East ordered by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.
He explained that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur ordered that soldiers that had overstayed in the Operation LAFIA DOLE operation in North East be replaced.
The General Officer Commanding the Division, GOC, Major General Enobong Udoh welcomed the soldiers, assuring them of their welfare. He said they should remain professional in their conducts, saying they would deployed for operations under the Division.
A batch of 128 Nigerians deported from Libya arrived in Lagos on Thursday aboard a chartered Airbus A320 Afriqiyah aircraft with registration number 5A-ONA
ThE aircraft landed at 5.35p.m at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The deportees, comprising 126 male, two female, were flown back into the waiting hands of officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Police.
Also on ground were officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The two females and four male deportees had medical cases.
The Director General, NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Maihaja, represented by Mr Suleiman Yakubu, Zonal Coordinator, South West, NEMA, used to occasion to counsel Nigerians not to be deceived by phantom promises in their quest for pastures.
He said that one of those who returned had sustained bullet injuries all over his body had been stretchered into a NEMA ambulance.
Maihaja said the victim would be taken to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for proper medical attention.
He advised Nigerians to stay back and contribute their quota to the socio-economic development of the country.
"There are a lot of things you can do in Nigeria here. You don't have to travel outside the country in search of greener pastures.
"My advice to parents is to keep tab on their children and to ensure that they know where their children are going and not to be deceived by phantom promises," he said.
Maihaja said NEMA and some state governments had put various schemes in place to help rehabilitate and reintegrate returnees into the society.
The Director-General, National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Mrs. Julie Okah-Donli, had on Wednesday said that 540 Nigerians were set for deportation from Libya, beginning from Aug. 10.
She had said that the deportees would be brought back to Nigeria in three batches.
Thousands of Nigerians have been flown back from Libya, with some voluntarily returning with the help of the International Organisation for Migration.
A 22-year-old man in Abeokuta, who has allegedly contacted Lassa Fever, is under medical observation at the State General Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta.
The patient, whose name was not given, was said to have returned from a trip to Lagos when he came down with the symptoms.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Babatunde Ipaye, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with Newsmen on Thursday in Abeokuta.
He said the patient had been placed under watch.
"He (patient) is resident here in Abeokuta; he travelled to Lagos and returned with the fever.
"He is currently at the state General Hospital Ijaye where he is under medical observation.
"We have carried out the first test.The first sample was positive. It shows some reactions, but we need to carry out another confirmatory test.
"We are doing everything to see whether it is a confirmed case, the patient's temperature was high, but, today, it has reduced considerably.
"By tomorrow, we should be able to confirm whether it is Lassa fever or not. Meanwhile, the patient has been isolated", Ipaye said.
The Commissioner said the government had commenced preventive measures against the infection.
Two persons, including a 36-year-old pregnant woman, died at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, after being treated for Lassa fever.
The Black race is mired in a state of war. But only one side is fighting. That, unfortunately, is our adversaries—our myriad competitors in the ceaseless struggle for survival.
Collectively, we are a carpet on which the world not only tramples but also empties its bowels, in contempt. Almost everywhere, a Black image invites aggression, symbolic and/or real.
Symbolically, foreign art-forms routinely assault the moral and aesthetic integrity of our kind, while the preferred pastimes of U.S. policemen appear to be gunning down Black men.
Racial survival
Below the Sahara, African states evince no strategic awareness—continuing to violate, all known rules of racial survival.
Hardly a whimper is heard, for instance, as China and India dump millions of their people into East and Central Africa, in what amounts to a surreptitious invasion.
When will our quiescence end? And after it ends, what then? Which new paradigms must we adopt, in formulating a modern survival strategy?
Lying beside me, as I type these lines, is a lucid prescription for a 21st century paradigm shift. It is inscribe in a 900-page biology text, which details the rules and principles that govern life on our planet.
Pressingly pertinent, are the precepts of evolutionary theory, with its emphasis on the reproductive process—the sequence of cultural and chemical events, that result in the successful rearing of offspring.
Evolutionary logic imposes a cardinal condition for species success: That being proficiency at sex and/or warfare. Inhibited mating and uncompetitive behavior, lead inexorably to group extinction.
Entitled Biology: Life On Earth, the text lists five "kingdoms" of living things–"monera," "protists," "fungi," "plants" and "animals".
It makes no mention of "humans," as a separate category—nor do any of the countless other credible sources I've consulted. Biologists invariably classify us as "mammals".
Humans are, indeed, mammals: And mammals are animals! Hence we are subject to the same natural laws, and exhibit the same drives and instincts, as other members of the animal kingdom.
"We too are organisms," write Teresa and Gerald Audesirk, the co-authors. "We evolved in response to the same sorts of survival needs.
"Our bodies and those of all other living creatures," they continue, "consist of the same basic set of chemicals. The same processes allow us to survive and reproduce".
Procreation is our reason for existence. But how can the "processes" that enable us to "survive and reproduce," find expression in the arts, education, diplomacy, social policy, etc.?
Such questions are rarely, if ever, raised in public discourse—not to mention policy deliberations. Yet the ramifications are far-reaching and impinge heavily on African genetic and strategic interests.
Impervious to the precepts of biology, Blacks domiciled in North and South America, Asia and the Middle East are continuously cannibalized genetically, due to unprincipled reproductive behavior.
On the continent, evolutionary indifference has led to, among other things, ill-considered domestic priorities and outright childish diplomacy.
Lamentable examples include the suicidal mass importation of Asians, funding football and "Women's Ministries" instead of investing in steel or arms factories and agreeing not to acquire nuclear weapons.
I alone, cannot offer definitive answers. But by exploring urgent issues, from a biological perspective, my aim is to encourage, and contribute to, a much-needed paradigm shift in Black thinking, globally.
In biological parlance, the time has long-since arrived, for our intellectuals, activists and political leaders to take a hemispheric leap—and join the rest of the world, in using the left side of the brain!
"Hemispheric," in this context, refers to the brain's physical and functional divide. Generally speaking, the right half accommodates emotions, while the left deals with analysis and projection.
Right hemisphere behavior sufficed in times past, because the issues were clear-cut and largely emotional. White "slaveholders," "segregationists," and "colonialists" presented visible moral targets.
But with "independence" and the end of apartheid in Africa and the removal of "No Negroes Or Dogs Allowed" signs in the U.S. South., visible targets started to vanish.
Alas, the leopard now prowls in antelope's skin! This change has thrown Black elites, everywhere, into confusion, as threat-perception becomes increasingly complex—and more demanding intellectually.
Insights from science
The new paradigm impels us to use insights from science, to X-ray the leopard's disguise. Theory, logic and racial self-interest—not moral declamations—must now inform and guide our struggle.
These essays, therefore, are intended as battlefield flares: Bursts of insight, ignited in Nigeria's beclouded intellectual atmosphere, to illuminate survival issues and expose hidden racial threats.
The Commissioner of Police in Delta, Mr Zanna Ibrahim, said three police officers had been dismissed from service for hijacking a petroleum tanker in the state.
Ibrahim said the dismissed policemen were also being prosecuted.
He disclosed this in Asaba while presenting to newsmen the culprits alongside 21 other suspects who committed various crimes ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, car snatching, cultism and murder.
He said that the dismissed policemen had served in three different places in Edo, Delta and Imo, and had connived with two civilians.
The commissioner said that the two civilians had earlier been arrested, tried and sentenced to prison.
He said that the five-man gang confiscated the petroleum tanker which was carrying about 33, 000,000 liters of petrol along Agbor/Benin Expressway, tied up the driver and the conductor and took away the tanker, but that luck ran out of them.
He gave the names of the dismissed policemen as: Sgt. Christopher Onyegho (Ex-F/No.375631), Sgt. Nwakem Enonzim (Ex-F/No.413318) and Sgt. Michael Chimaera (Ex-F/No.441254).
"During my last briefing I informed you about the three serving policemen who were involved in robbing a Petroleum Tanker, and were undergoing department disciplinary measures.
"The department proceeding has been completed and the policemen have been dismissed and arraigned in court for prosecution," Ibrahim said.
He also said that the command had recovered several locally made guns, ammunition, a Sienna bus, and some cash from the 21 other suspects, adding that the culprits would be charged to court on conclusion of investigation.
Bestselling author, Pastor Reno Omokri has described as lies, the report claiming that over ₦11 trillion was wasted in the electricity sector during the Obasanjo, Yar'Adua, Jonathan years.
Pastor Omokri who was the former aide to the ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has exonerated Jonathan from the claims made in the report by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP).
Omokri said Dr. Jonathan, as against the claims in the report, brought much succour and development in the sector during his years as President of the country.
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan
The statement read thus:
“My attention has been drawn to the story ‘Obasanjo, Yar'Adua, Jonathan wasted N11tn on electricity –SERAP’ publishedmost prominently in The Punch newspapers on August 10, 2017and less prominently in other papers.
While I cannot speak for others, I can certainly say that as touching former President Goodluck Jonathan, the story is false and is the fruit of the laziness of the researchers who could have taken advantage of the Freedom of Information Act that Dr. Jonathan signed into law in May, 2011 to get records and data from relevant government ministries, departments and agencies that would have given the a fuller picture instead of the narrow view they have.
Former President Jonathan could not have wasted ₦11 trillion or any other amounts of money for the simple reason that he was the Nigerian President who privatized the Power Sector beginning on August 26, 2010 when he launched the roadmap to power sector reforms and culminating on October 16, 2012 when the winning bids were announced for the sale of power generating and distributing companies.
SERAP may do well to remember that on Monday the 30th of September 2013, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Former President Jonathan successfully handed over the bulk of Nigeria’s Power Infrastructure to successful private sector bidders after they had made payments for the assets they acquired.
At that event, he said “I congratulate our new owners who have taken over the engines and cables that are expected to drive not just the electricity industry but also the socio-economic well-being of the nation”.
In total, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria was split into six generation and 11 distribution firms, all sold separately, for about $2.5 billion for which the Jonathan administration received much deserved praise.
In fact, rather than wasting money, the Jonathan administration generated money for the federation from the sale of these assets which were seen to be transparent and followed global best practices.
Between May 6th 2010 when he was first sworn in as President to May 29, 2015 when he handed over power, the budget for the ministry of power under Dr. Jonathan was not up to ₦400 billion in total for the simple reason that his administration had succeeded in transferring most of Nigeria’s power assets, liabilities and personnel from the public sector to the private sector.
As such, it is evidently clear that any allegations that the Jonathan government wasted trillions is not a well thought out allegation at best and is a figment of the imagination of the makers at worse.
I do hope those papers which published this false report against the person of former President Jonathan and the administration that he led will be honorable enough to set the records straight for posterity.”
With some hours to Saturday’s Non-Elective National Convention of the PDP, Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee and Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, said the party was set to welcome high profile Nigerians defecting from other parties into its fold.
Okowa stated this Thursday while inspecting the Eagles Square, venue for the Convention, assuring that arrangements have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
Gov. Okowa
“We just came to see what is on ground. I believe that our people will be safe because we have everything under control, we are not expecting any hitches at all.
“We are doing very well as a party and as a committee. In this kind of planning, you will have some challenges here and there but there are solutions being proffered for everyone of it and we are confident that we are on the right track and it shall be well on Saturday”
He stated that some prominent Nigerians will join the party within the next three weeks.
“This is a new PDP and with the excitement we saw after the supreme court victory, we did see amongst Nigerians and not only PDP followers, I believe that a lot of people who thought that the party was going to implode by itself will realise that we are back alive and ready to offer what it takes to better the lives of Nigerians.
“Many of our members that left earlier due to one form of disagreement or the other will return back to their party because the National Caretaker Committee has constituted a Reconciliation Committee as well as a Contact and Mobilization Committee to reach out to them.
“From the way things are going presently in this country, I believe Nigerians will realise that PDP is the only alternative that can bring Nigeria out of her present economic challenges,” he added.
Similarly, National Chairman of the Party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi has assured members of the party that the issues relating to the South West zone of the party have been resolved.
In his words, “In politics there are always issues but what is important is that we sit down and resolve the issues in a civil manner.”
Pastors-in-charge of regions to have assistants New position equivalent to that of regional pastors More promotions coming LAGOS—THE Governing Council of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG has appointed two special assistants for the wife of the General Overseer, Pastor (Mrs.) Foluke Adeboye. They are Pastor (Mrs.) Shola Balogun until recently the Pastor-in-Charge of Province 34 and Pastor Deola Mensa until recently Pastor-in-Charge of Province 15 with headquarters in Surulere, Lagos.
Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye, wife of General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God anointing the newly ordained Assistant Pastor at the ongoing 65th Annual convention of the church at the Lagos -Ibadan expressway headquarter of the church. Photo Lamidi Bamidele
The General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye reiterating the announcement at a council meeting Monday night on the opening day of the 65th annual convention of the church, after a meeting of the Governing Council of the church, the highest organ of the church, said their new positions are equivalent to that of regional pastors.
The RCCG Governing Council, the highest organ of the church is made up of 18 members, with Pastor Adeboye as chairman. Other members include Pastors David G. Kuo, Ezekiel Odeyemi, Elijah Daramola, Gbadebo Lawal, Joseph Obayemi, Johnson Odesola and Remi Obayemi.
Adeboye also announced the promotion of the National Youth Pastor, Pastor Belemina Obunge to the rank of an Assistant General Overseer, adding that there will be more promotions in the church hierarchy this new year because the Governing Council has just approved the creation of more provinces in the country which will give room for more Pastors-in-charge of such new provinces.
New Assistant Pastors and the Provinces
Pastor Johnson Odesola, Assistant General Overseer to General Overseer on Admin and Personnel, Redeemed Christian Church of God anointing the newly ordained Assistant Pastor at the ongoing 65th Annual convention of the church at the Lagos -Ibadan expressway headquarter of the church. Photo Lamidi Bamidele
In addition to the heads of such provinces, he asserted, there will also be new assistant Pastors-in-charge of such provinces. He also announced that Pastors-in-charge of Regions will henceforth have assistants, pointing out they will have a co-ordinator in the person of the National Overseer, Pastor Joseph Obayemi.
Displeased by rising cases of corruption in the country and the church, the General Overseer sounded a note of warning to staff of the church at the convention which regarded as the annual general meeting of a corporate organisation, saying that henceforth any auditor who asks for gratification when they come to do their work, the ministers should blow the whistle by giving the names of the auditor, amount and when given, so that such would be dealt with.
According to him, the same applies to National Elders who do the same thing when they go to investigate issues.
Announcing new policy directions of the church to position it for the expected unprecedented growth, Pastor Adeboye urged young male members of the church who are qualified to marry, with good qualifications and jobs to go and marry in order to stop our daughters from being married by Muslims.
As expected there will be mass transfers of pastors in the mission this year, he said, adding that any pastors who have spent three years in their current location shall be moved.
Doubling of membership
On the issue of growth in line with the mission’s dream of doubling its membership, he said some regional and provincial pastors who have not measured up in their records were looked into were recommended for sack, but the Governing Council prevailed on Him (G.O.) to temper justice with mercy and have given such ministers another chance of one year.
In the meantime they would be demoted to an acting capacity, stressing “if after at the end of next year, they do not measure up, they shall be removed. If they do well, they will remain. What that means is that they have been demoted.”
According to the 75-year old General Overseer, the mission’s School of Discipleship should be taken much more seriously, stressing that there would be nothing like accelerated SOD again, “all those who passed out of the school without doing manual labour should go back to the basics where manual labour was the integral part of it.”
He emphasised the need for manual labour for disciples, stating that “the hand that cannot do manual labour cannot heal the sick,” just he stressed the need for every member of RCCG to take the annual evangelical Programme tagged Lets Go A-fishing must be emphasised.
“It’s not for fun. Let’s Go A-fishing is a programme God gave us to reach to people who are relaxing during festive seasons and win them to Christ,” he said, maintaining that if we are going to have dominion we have a price to pay.
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God preaching at the ongoing 65th Annual Convention of the church. Photo Lamidi Bamidele
He also told the church members that from the new year, every third Sunday will be devoted to the teaching of church doctrines and the purpose is that with the expected explosion of membership there is need to prepare committee members who will train the won souls.
Sources close to the church told our reporter that the mission now has presence in more than 195 countries, with over 32,000 parishes in Nigeria. There are over 730 branches in the UK and Ireland.
5,658 graduate from Bible College
As part of its manpower development in preparation 5,658 persons yesterday graduated from the Redeemed Christian Bible College, RCBC. The graduation ceremony on the third day of the on-going 65th annual convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, with the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye as visitor, started at 8.00 a.m. when the graduands filed out.
According to the Provost of the school, Pastor Babatunde Adedibu, the graduands were drawn from different campuses within and outside the country who received certificates in accordance with their course of study and duration of their programmes. Some graduated with doctorate degrees, others with masters, bachelors and diploma certificates.
He further explained that the RCBC is part of manpower development programme of the fast growing Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG.
In his words: "Redeemed Christian Bible College is responding positively to forces of globalization and migration by appropriating technological approach in the delivery of theological education. Online programme of the College is attracting a lot of attention across the globe, we are having students from Australia, North America, Greece, United Kingdom, some of these ones are graduating with us today.
Building a legacy
"We are committed to enhancing and building on the legacy we inherited from the preceding administration. To this end, we have completed the construction of our ultra-modern hostel for our female students and we are building with the future in mind,” he said, calling on past students of the college to contribute to the development.
Extending fatherly blessings to the graduands, the Bible College and its lecturers, the general overseer of the church, Pastor Adeboye prayed that the graduands will not leave the school with an ordinary certificate but with God's auction and power, adding that God will use them mightily for His Kingdom work.
Earlier on the opening day, the mission ordained over 8,230 deacons and deaconesses to assist the leadership pilot the affairs of the church.
At exactly 8.50 a.m. Pastor Adeboye made the familiar pronouncement: “I ordain you deacon and deaconess in the Redeemed Christian Church of God in the name of God the Father, God the son and God the Holy Ghost. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose will be loosed in heaven.”
That declaration preceded the laying of hands by senior ministers of the church on the candidates who had maintained a rare spiritual discipline in the last couple of days leading to yesterday’s exercise.
Adeboye admonished them to give priority attention to the Word of God and pray in their individual lives and ministry for them to do exploits in their various callings, stressing that a true minister of God, no matter what title he/she chooses, must be one who has the capacity to maintain his/her home.
Admonishing newly ordained ministers
President/founder of Doulos Ministries, Pastor Charles Achonwa, in a short sermon after the ordination also admonished the newly ordained ministers exhibit the training they have received over the years, saying to reach “your goal in ministry you need the grace to bear shame, pain and maintain your reputation.”
Drawing inspiration from the Bible, Achonwa stressed that JESUS has said that every knee must bow at the name of Jesus, but challenged them on “how many knees will bow because of you? As a soldier of the Cross you must strive to do all within your means to be part of the army that will make all knees bow before the name of the Lamb.”
Pastor Achonwa explained that for any minister of God to enjoy the fullness of God, he/she must allow the Word of God to change his/her attitude, lifestyle and also activate it in his/her individual lives, pointing out that the minister who lacks the passion to conquer cannot go beyond a mediocrity.
“On the second day, 2,236 persons were ordained as assistant pastors. T?he candidates were officially presented by? RCCG? National Overseer,? Pastor Joseph Obayemi?, after the opening prayers. The cleric invited them to the altar where the?y received blessings? from elders and leaders of the church.
After the formal ordination, Rev. Joe Olaiya in a message titled; 'The God of all Flesh,'? charged them not to disappoint God but be led by His spirit always, warning that those who choose to operate with other spirits would be rejected by God.
As Makarfi Assures Of Resolution Of South West PDP Crisis
AHEAD of the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] Special Non-Elective National Convention, Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee and Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has said the party was ready to organize a successful Convention.
Governor Okowa stated this on Thursday while inspecting the Eagles Square, venue for the Convention assuring that every necessary arrangements have been taken care of.
. Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (middle); PDP National Technical Committee Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makafi (2nd right); Senator Ben Obi (right); National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adayeye (2nd left) and National Organizing Committee PDP, Senator Abdul Ningi, during an Inspection at Eagle Square Abuja.
“We just came to see what is on ground, I believe that our people will be safe because we have everything under control, we are not expecting any hitches at all, we are doing very well as a party and as a committee, in this kind of planning you will have some challenges here and there but there are solutions being proffered for every one of it and we are confident that we are on the right track and it shall be well on Saturday“, he said.
Senator Okowa assured that high profile Nigerians will join the party within the next three weeks, stressing “This is a new PDP and with the excitement we saw after the supreme court victory amongst Nigerians and not only PDP followers, I believe that a lot of people who thought that the party was going to implode by itself will realise that we are back alive and ready to offer what it takes to better the lives of Nigerians”,
“From the way things are going presently in this country, i believe Nigerians will realise that PDP is the only alternative that can bring Nigeria out of her present economic challenges.”, he added.
Many of our members that left earlier due to one form of disagreement or the other will return back to their party because the National Caretaker Committee has constituted a Reconciliation Committee as well as a Contact and Mobilization Committee to reach out to them.
In a related development, National Chairman of the Party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi has assured members of the party that the issues relating to the South West zone of the party have been resolved.
According to Makarfi, “In politics there are always issues but what is important is that we sit down and resolve the issues in a civil manner.
“Yesterday we had a long meeting with the leaders from the zone to resolve the issues and no matter what you are doing as a political party you must lose some members and also gain others.
“As a party we will continue to work hard not to lose anybody, but will work much harder to bring in more members to the party” he said.
Ahead of Saturday's non-elective convention of the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), former President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark, has urged members to ensure a hitch-free exercise that would strengthen the party.
In a statement by Mr Paul Mumeh, his Media Assistant, Mark called for a peaceful outing in the convention scheduled for the Eagles Square, Abuja.
He expressed optimism about the future of the party after the convention, but warned members that the party could not afford to make another mistake.
The PDP has just survived a protracted leadership tussle which lasted about two years and was settled by the Supreme Court about a month ago.
Mark is one of the party's leaders, who remained steadfast in their commitment to its survival while the challenge lasted.
He said that having just survived the ugly phase, "I am impressed by the renewed enthusiasm and commitment of members towards rebuilding the party after the protracted leadership tussle''.
Mark, therefore, charged the Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa-led Special Convention Committee not to leave any stone unturned to guarantee a hitch-free exercise.
"We have come this far through a tortuous journey. We cannot afford to make another mistake that could affect the fortunes of the party in the days ahead," he said.
He recalled his pledge never to dump the party after it lost to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 general elections.
"Even if I will be the last man standing in the PDP, I will remain in PDP. I have no reason whatsoever to leave the party.
"I have risen to where I am on the platform of the party. The PDP has a manifesto and I believe in it.
"Those who are decamping from PDP to APC are fair-weather friends of the party.
"So, the point I want to make is that I remain in PDP and I will work hard with other faithful members to bring it back.
"This is democracy; there will always be a winner and a loser in every election. Both parties must accept the outcome in a free and fair contest and move on," he had said.
A civil society organisation, Office of the Citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria(OCFRN) has commended the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for suspending the on-going promotion exercise in the Nigerian Police Force(NPF).
OCFRN's convener, Mr Pelumi Olajengbesi, who briefed newsmen on Thursday in Abuja, said that the action had shown that the Federal Government was responsive and responsible.
Olajengbesi, under the auspices of United Global Resolve for Peace (UGRFP), had recently called on Osinbajo to intervene in alleged one-sided promotion exercise in the Nigerian Police Force .
He said the group petitioned the Acting President, Inspector-General of Police and Police Service Commission (PSC) over allegations of ethnicity, nepotism and favouritism in the promotion exercise.
The legal practitioner, who is also the executive secretary of UGRFP, had alleged that no fewer than 72 aggrieved policemen had lodged complaints with the group over denial of their promotions.
The Spokesperson for the PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, however said the commission had not released the names of the successful candidates.
He said that the complainants should have waited for the list before accusing the PSC of injustice.
"Recently we petitioned the Acting President, Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission on the on-going promotion in the Nigerian Police Force.
"There were alleged irregularities in the process of the promotion; we want to commend the Acting President for displaying a high sense of responsibility.
"We are glad to receive the decision of the Acting President suspending the Police Service Commission promotion.
"This is a demonstration of the fact that this administration will stand against any act that is corrupt; that this administration is concerned about the welfare of all Nigerians,'' Olajengbesi said.
He urged the leadership of the Nigerian Police Force to eschew favouritism from the process and ensure that it complied with the relevant rules and regulations.
Olajengbesi also called on the Police Service Commission to ensure compliance with extant rules with regards to promotion in the Nigerian Police Force
According to him, the concept of OCFRN is the belief that every Nigerian citizen by default and by the constitution occupies a very important office.
He said that the initiative was in pursuit of OCFRN's mandate as civil rights activists and social crusaders, giving voice and vision to the voice of the genuine emancipation of the Nigerian people
23 organisation have received benefited from grant making non-profit organization, Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation’s 2017 grant scheme.
Act Foundation, Thursday, announced the recipients of its awarded 2017 Grant Scheme to include organisations operating in areas such as in health, entrepreneurship, environment and leadership.
While delivering this announcement, the CEO, ACT Foundation, Osayi Alile explained the various stages involved in the selection process of the deserving organizations.
L-R: Head, Programs, ACT Foundation, Ndifreke Okwuegbunam; Manger, Financial Services, Generation Enterprise, Wunmi Akinde and Managing Director, Generation Enterprise, Bunmi Otegbade during the ACT Foundation 2017 grant disbursement ceremony, recently in Lagos.
"Our desire to change the world cannot be done by us alone and so we are excited to announce that we have selected 23 deserving nonprofit organizations to partner with in order to achieve our aim of creating positive social impact in our world."
"We are assured that our collaboration with these organizations will help in creating the desired change we deserve," Alile said.
ACT Foundation 2017 grant cycle which began in May 2017 saw over 300 non-governmental organizations apply for the grant. Successful applicants were then requested to submit their proposals which was scrutinized by a 12 man selection committee. The due diligence exercise produced 23 non-governmental organizations which are recipients of the 2017 ACT Foundation Grants.
The Foundation noted that this being its first year of existence, focus will only be given to the western part of Nigeria to ensure for effective and efficient implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects.
The 2017 ACT Foundation grants aims to mitigate against health issues such as malaria, cancers such as breast, cervical and prostrate as well as maternal and child health with a special focus on infant and young child feeding. Awarding organizations in the areas of leadership will focus on thought leadership and youth leadership. The grants intervention in the areas of environment and entrepreneurship will focus on waste management; and skills acquisition and financial literacy respectively.
Also speaking about the grant, Executive Director, Sebbecly Cancer Care and Support Centre, Dr. Omolola Salako noted that the 2017 ACT Foundation grant will go a long way in reducing the women at risk of cervical cancer in Lagos State. She also expressed her delight in partnering with an organization that is determined to fight against socio economic issues in the country.
Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation is a grant making non-profit established to support local, national and regional non-profits working to address challenges and associated vulnerabilities in the African continent.
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru ABUJA – THE Federal Government Thurusday said that the 2018 budget proposal will be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration and passage as was already promised.MINISTER OF BUDGET AND NATIONAL PLANNING, SEN. UDOMA UDO UDOMA
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma who gave the assurance while briefing State House correspondents at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja where members of the Federal Executive Council were having a retreat on the 2018 budget said that the delay in the presentation of the budget estimate to the National Assembly was as a result of the annual vacation the lawmakers had embarked on.
He also said that the focus of the retreat with the theme "Building Synergy For Effective ERPG Implementation".was to review the Economic Recovery Growth Plan, ERGP, of the Federal Government as well as the performance of the 2017 budget.
According to him, “It (the retreat) was basically about the ERGP and preparations for the 2018 budget and linking the plan with the budget and we will be briefing cabinet members about the linkages between the plan and the budget.
“Basically we have to keep on reviewing at every stage, so this review is looking at where we are, what needs to be done and what steps we need to take in areas that we need to fast rack.
“We need to review what we are doing at the stage of implementation. So this was the purpose of the meeting.”
On the level of performance of the ERGP and the 2017 budget, he said a remarkable achievement had been recorded so far.
He said, “We are moving ahead in terms of the modalities that have been defined. This is not the time to actually say what stage and so on. We will be giving briefings and so on.”
Commenting on when the executive will submit the MTEF for the 2018 budget estimate to the National Assembly, the Minister said it would be as soon as the members of the National Assembly come back from their annual vacation.
Udoma said, “National Assembly is on break so nearer the time they will resume in September but ours is to follow the fiscal responsibility act which has some timelines and we are trying to keep strictly by those timelines.
“So the budget will get to the National Assembly by October that was our commitment. We will go all out to make that happen, we made a commitment that we will do that on our part and we intend to deliver on that commitment. This is a government that delivers on its promises.”
By Dirisu Yakubu ABUJA – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Thursday screened candidates for the November 18 governorship election in Anambra State.Chairman Capital Oil, Mr. Ifeanyi Uba being shielded from correspondents after appearing before the Anambra State PDP Governorship Aspirants Screening Committee at the PDP Headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Wuse, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida 10/08/2017
The screening process which began few minutes at 10: 30 AM at the party national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja was attended by six of the seven aspirants including Prince John Okechukwu Emeka, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Honourable Linda Ikpeazu, Oseloka Obaze Senator Stella Oduah and Dr. Ifeanyi Uba.
Chairman of the screening committee and former Minister of Police Affairs, Adamu Maina Waziri while welcoming the aspirants urged them not to forget that the entire PDP family has everything to lose if Anambra is lost to a rival political party on November 18.
“Each one of us has everything to lose if we lose Anambra State,” he said in his opening remarks, while promising that the screening committee would do its job fairly and justly.
The former Minister also added that in line with the PDP constitution, the N6 million fee for the collection of nomination and expression of interest form for women aspirants was waived as a way of encouraging the female folk to take active interest in partisan politics.
Shortly before the commencement of the exercise, Waziri told newsmen that the screening committee had received a petition against one of the aspirants, but failed to reveal the identity.
Meanwhile, Ubah who was the last to be screened was whisked away by a retinue of aides, after spending hours with the screening committee. As at the time of filing this report, it could not be established if he scaled the screening or not.
L-R : Committee Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri; Anambra State PDP Governorship Aspirants, Mr. Oseloka Obaze; Prince Okechukwu Emeka; Dr. Alex Obiogbolu; Mr. Ifeanyi Uba and Hon. Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu during the screening of the aspirants at the PDP Headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Wuse, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida 10/08/2017Chairman Capital Oil, Mr. Ifeanyi Uba being shielded from correspondents after appearing before the Anambra State PDP Governorship Aspirants Screening Committee at the PDP Headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Wuse, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida 10/08/2017L-R: Committee Secretary, Casmir Ugwu; Committee Member, Moshood Salvador and the Chairman, Anambra Gubernatorial Primary creening Committee, Adamu Maina Waziri discussing during the screening of the aspirants at the PDP Headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Wuse, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida 10/08/2017L-R: Anambra State PDP Governorship Aspirants, Senator Stella Odua; Hon. Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu and Mr. Oseloka Obaze during the screening of the aspirants at the PDP Headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Wuse, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida 10/08/2017L-R: Anambra State PDP Governorship Aspirants, Senator Stella Odua; Hon. Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu; Mr. Oseloka Obaze and Dr. Alex Obiogbolu during the screening of the aspirants at the PDP Headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Wuse, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida 10/08/2017L-R: Anambra State PDP Governorship Aspirant, Prince Okechukwu Emeka; Screening Committee Secretary, Casmir Ugwu; Committee Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri; Other Aspirants, Hon. Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu; Mr. Oseloka Obaze and Dr. Alex Obiogbolu during the screening of the aspirants at the PDP Headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Wuse, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida 10/08/2017L-R: Anambra State PDP Governorship Aspirants, Senator Stella Oduah; Hon. Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu; Mr. Oseloka Obaze; Dr. Alex Obiogbolu and Prince Okechukwu Emeka during the screening of the aspirants at the PDP Headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Wuse, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida 10/08/2017
By Evelyn Usman Another ritualists’ den has been uncovered in Lagos, barely 24-hours after a similar discovery was made at Ojokoro, along Lagos/Abeokuta expressway. Another ritualists’ den has been uncovered at Ile Zik in Lagos, The den located in an underground tunnel was uncovered at Ile-Zik , also along Lagos/Abeokuta road. But in this case, the suspected ritualists were prevented by policemen led by the Commander, Rapid Response Squad, RRS Olatunji Disu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
As at time of writing this report, five suspects said to have been smoked out from the man hole have been arrested .
ABUJA- A coalition of Niger Delta agitators on Thursday handed down an ultimatum to Northerners and Yoruba from south west zone resident in the region to vacate before October 1. The coalition also said that it is set to resume the bombings of major oil and gas installation in the coastal region.
Made of up 8 frontline groups, the agitators also dissociated itself from the leadership and membership of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, warning the Federal Government to stop dealing with the body on their behalf.
Recall that PANDEF led by eminent leaders of Niger Delta including a former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clarke met twice with Acting President Yemi Osinbajo recently at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting was principally to articulate lasting solution to the challenges of the people in the region.
But in a statement signed by the leaders of the groups, the agitators said that they had resolved to declare Republic of Niger Delta on October 1, also mandating the federal government to return all the oil wells given to non indigenes of the region to them.
They also congratulated the Yoruba for their intention to declare Oduduwa Republic, saying that they would work in tandem with the South East and Middle Belt to achieve economic and diplomatic developments.
The signatories to the statement included General John Duku (Niger Delta Watchdogs and Convener Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators); General Ekpo Ekpo ( Niger Delta Volunteers); General Osarolor Nedam (Niger Delta Warriors) and Major-Gen. Henry Okon Etete (Niger Delta Peoples Fighters).
Others were Major-Gen. Asukwo Henshaw for Bakassi Freedom Fighters; Major-Gen. Ibinabo Horsfall for Niger Delta Movement for Justice; Major-Gen. Duke Emmanson for Niger Delta Fighters Network and Major-Gen. Inibeghe Adams for Niger Delta Freedom Mandate.
The statement read in full: “At the general council meeting of the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators (CNDA) involving surveillance department, intelligence department and commanding officers held today to deliberate on the recent development in the Niger Delta and Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) meeting with the Acting President, after hours of careful deliberations, we unanimously resolved as follows:
“To commence Operation Zero Oil in the Niger Delta from September 10, 2017 as a preparation for the actualization of Niger Delta Republic
“We totally condemn the recent meeting between PANDEF and the Acting President; we see it as another plot to deceive the Niger Delta people. First and foremost, the meeting was marred with inordinate greed of the PANDEF as they did not involve the representatives of the Agitating groups and youths leaders. We wish to let the Acting President to know that those he met have no capacity and cannot solve the current crisis in the Niger Delta; therefore they cannot represent the militants or speak for the Niger Delta people.
“The Coalition unanimously adopts to stand by the previous demands, which are: 100% percent control of our resources.
“The Federal Government should hand over all oil blocks owned by the Northerners/Yoruba to Niger Delta indigenes.
“All Oil companies operating in such oil blocks/wells should vacate October 1st, 2017.
“Relocation of NNPC to any of the Niger Delta state and replacement of the Group Managing Director with an indigene of region.
“All the Multinational Oil, Gas, Servicing and Marine Companies must relocate their operational base to the Niger Delta; sign a new Memorandum of Understanding with Niger Delta people which would include Niger Delta indigenes being paid same salaries with foreigners.
“We demand independence and sovereign Republic of Niger Delta, all the companies and business owned by the Northerners / Yoruba in Niger Delta should be vacated before 1st October 2017, we accept and congratulate the Yoruba for demanding Oduduwa Republic and we wish them success.
“We hereby call on all agitating groups to resume attacks/bombings on all oil/gas pipelines, especially the exporting lines across the Niger Delta region from September 10, 2017. This is to ensure zero oil/gas production before October 1, 2017.
“We shall work to interface with more patriotic and zealous Niger Delta people to work out new collective approach that will ensure total freedom and complete control of our resources by any means necessary.
“We shall from henceforth, fight to liberate ourselves from the shackles of neo-colonialism and rule ourselves under a Niger Delta Republic, with diplomatic and economic relations with the peoples of the South East and Middle Belt.
“Finally, we want to inform the federal government of Nigeria and the general public that we no longer recognize PANDEF under the present leadership as they are working against the interest of the Niger Delta people.”
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has said that the negative economic impact of Boko Haram activities in the North East is estimated at $9 billion (N274.5b)
Buratai, represented by Maj. Gen. Peter Dauke, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 division Lagos, made the assertion on Thursday at the first annual conference of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCON).
The paper is titled Counter- Insurgency and Role of the Nigerian Army in Creating Conducive Environment For Nigeria`s Economic Development.
Buratai said, of the figure, Borno had the highest impact estimated at $5.9 billion (N180b).
He said that loss of agricultural production in the North East caused by Boko Haram activities was $3.5 billion (N107b).
The army chief said Borno had 95 per cent of the 400,000 houses damaged by Boko Haram.
According to him, the restructuring of the army`s operations in the zone in 2015 yielded fruitful results.
"This restructuring changed the counter insurgency strategies by adopting aggressive posture, effective command and control, efficient use of weapon and logistics with particular attention to welfare of the troops," he said.
Buratai said the new strategy led to the recapturing of territories occupied by the insurgents, rescue of about 300,000 hostages.
"Furthermore, not less than 1,009 Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered voluntarily, while 1,140 others have been arrested and another 1,500 confirmed boko haram terrorists are under investigation, he said.
He stated that with improved security, the Borno Adamawa and Yobe governments had embarked on reconstruction of damaged schools, bridges, hospitals and other critical infrastructure aimed at recreating socio-economic activities of the areas.
Buratai said in keeping with its constitutional mandate of defending the nation, the army would ensure that the right atmosphere to promote economic development was maintained in the country.
The Acting President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN has said that excuses was no longer tenable in its quest to deliver sustainable socio-economic development to Nigerians, by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and that it will no longer accept excuses that suggest such progress is not attainable.
Prof. Osinbajo speaking today at the Cabinet Retreat on the Economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP) and the 2018 Budget preparation which featured guest speakers including Dr Idris Jala, a former top official of the Malaysian government said: ‘after listening to Dr. Idris Jala all I can say is as the opposition leader in Malaysia said this is what I have been saying for the past 50 years!
‘But seriously he is so right, the challenge is this, the discipline to be unreasonable in our targets and objectives. The discipline of attending the labs diligently and accepting to be locked in a room for as long as it takes to iron out what it is that needs to be done.
‘I like the point also that Dr Jala made that the excuse that it won’t work here, the Nigerian factor, or some say exceptionalism, or the acceptance of failure before you even start is certainly not tenable any more.
‘We simply have to accept that there is nothing Nigerian about failure, because as we know in our personal lives, failure and success are commodities on offer to everyone all over the world and every individual and every country makes a choice of which to buy and I will say on our behalf that we will choose success.
‘Dr Jala I have heard motivational speeches, but this is one I think that challenges our whole legitimacy as persons entrusted with leadership.
‘I think it goes beyond motivational speech, I think it really challenges the core of our relevance as leaders and I am challenged and I know that many of us here are and I think that we will do what we need to do to make sure that we see through the labs that we have to identify specific areas where we will do this labs. We must see to it that this works.
‘I want to thank you again for this exceptional moment you have taken us through and to thank all of you also for taking the time to come. So the work has just begun.’
