Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been sworn in as the fifth Senegalese President.
The 44-year-old Faye becomes Senegal’s youngest President as he took over from Macky Sall on Tuesday, April 2 in an event witnessed by African leaders in the new town of Diamniadio, near the capital Dakar.
“Before God and the Senegalese nation, I swear to faithfully fulfill the office of President of the Republic of Senegal,” Faye said before the gathered officials.
He also vowed to “scrupulously observe the provisions of the Constitution and the laws” and to defend “the integrity of the territory and national independence, and to spare no effort to achieve African unity”.
Source: Nations Newspaper
The formal handover of power with outgoing President Macky Sall will take place at the presidential palace in Dakar.
A total of 2,889 students studying education-related courses in Nigerian higher institutions have benefited from the N75,000 bursary awards, data given by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during the first quarterly meeting of the Federal Ministry of Education has revealed.
The ministry had in 2022 invited applications from qualified students studying Education courses in universities and colleges of education. During the commemoration of World Teachers Day in 2021, the Federal Government said students undergoing degree programmes in Education in public universities will get a N75,000 stipend per semester, while their counterparts undergoing the Nigeria Certificate in Education will get N50,000 per semester.
While giving statistics on Tuesday, Mamman noted that 2,889 students have so far benefited from the scheme.
While also sharing statistics from the other schemes under the Federal Scholarship Board, Mamman said, “345 individuals are beneficiaries of the Bilateral Education Agreement scholarship, 51 for the commonwealth scholarship, 2,122 beneficiaries under the Nigerian Scholarship Award and 724 beneficiaries under the Teachers Internship Scheme.”
Earlier, the Minister of State for Education, Tanko Sununu, noted that the quarterly citizenship engagement was aimed at creating awareness of the activities of the ministry.
He added that the engagement will “also promote mutual understanding with stakeholders and citizens; build and sustain public trust; and improve transparency and accountability in the sector.
A Deputy Commissioner of Police serving with the Force Criminal and Investigation Department, Alagbon, Lagos State, Gbolahan Oyedemi, on Monday, reportedly committed suicide in his private house in his hometown, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
it is reported that Oyedemi was the Aide de Camp to the late former Governor of the state, Adebayo Alao-Akala, during his 11-month tenure as defacto governor in 2006.
A source close to the family told our correspondent on the telephone on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital, that Oyedemi, who normally visited his hometown during the Easter celebrations, told his aides at the weekend to go to their various towns to celebrate with their family members.
The source said, “Yes, he committed suicide. His body was found hanging in his house yesterday (Monday). He stays alone, and he normally comes home for Easter celebration.
“This time, he told his aides to go and celebrate with their family members in their various homes. Only God knows what could have prompted him to commit suicide.”
All efforts to get the reaction of the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, were unsuccessful, as his mobile number was unreachable.
However, when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of FCID, Alagbon, DSP Eguaoje Funmilayo, confirmed Oyedemi’s death. Funmilayo further said the circumstances surrounding his death were still sketchy.
“No one can tell specifically what the cause of his death is until an investigation is carried out. There is no official statement from the Inspector General of Police yet.
“So, I won’t be able to tell you anything about it for now. No official statement is approved by the IG,” she added.
Otu Omenani Ojoto Akanasato has met with the Stakeholders Forum, Ojoto South Development Union, OSDU, over recent ugly developments in the community.
The meeting, which took place at the residence of the Chairman, Stakeholders Forum, Ojoto South Development Union, OSDU, High Chief Frank Okafor, alias Ichie 1 Igwulube Ojoto, and later at the residence of the Chairman of Stakeholders, Ojoto Progress Union, OPU High Chief Honourable Onni Umeokaka, alias Ichie Ebube Ojoto, was to submit a paper document containing ugly happenings in the community.
The meeting was also to inform the stakeholders forum of the recent failed attempt to assassinate the Chairman of the Otu Omenani Ojoto Akanasato, Chief Dr Anthony Uzokwe, popularly known as Nnayelu Ọfọ Ojoto.
Speaking in an interview immediately after presenting the documents, Chief Dr Uzokwe, who appreciated the forum for giving them audience, pointed out that their aim was to seek ways of making Ojoto people conscious of their extant community constitution, and transforming Ojoto into a town where everyone is protected.
He wondered what could be the fate of the common man in Ojoto community if he could be targeted for assassination, and advocated equal rights for all by ensuring reformation of the community for a better, secured and glorious future.
Chief Uzokwe further warned that if nothing is done to address the already escalating situation, it would make the people of Ojoto lose hope in the leadership of the community.
While the Chairman of the stakeholders forum of Ojoto received the documents presented to him, Chief Emma Nwabunike, popularly known as Ezego Ojoto, assured that the forum will go through the documents and get back to the Otu Omenani Ojoto Akanasato in the shortest possible time.
It was gathered that on the 18th of March, 2024, a group of young men attacked Chief Uzokwe at his residence where they shot at him.
Although some of the suspects were said to have been arrested and confessed to have been paid the sum of one million naira to carry out the operation, who paid or sent them still remains unanswered question.
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY ADF- YOUTH LEAGUE FROM HER MEETING OF 31st MARCH, 2024.
The scheduled ADF-YL meeting for 31st March 2024 could not hold as planned. On receiving the news of the death of Hon. Emmanuel Mok, the Chairman of Lagos State Chapter of ADF, the meeting was thrown into confusion and everyone was deeply touched by such a great loss to Ala Igbo. Hon. Emmanuel Mok was a dedicated and patriotic member of ADF and his sudden demise is a huge blow to the association and to the struggle.
A minute silence was observed for the peaceful repose of his gentle soul. ADF-YL unanimously voted and agreed to postpone deliberations on the agenda for the days meeting and thus recommended and adopted as follows
1. That ADF Youth League suspend every Political activity or engagement for the period of two weeks (1st to 14th April 2024) in honour of our fallen comrade, the ADF Chairman, Lagos Chapter.
2. That ADF parent body and her organs should also suspend every ADF engagement and political activity for the period of two weeks in honour of our fallen comrade, Emmanuel Mok.
3. That ADF Youth League should officially write the ADF parent body on the 14 days recommendation for the ADF kind consideration and adoption.
4. The chairman of ADF-YL Mr Emmanuel Agbowo will announce a new date for the next ADF-YL meeting at the expiration of the two weeks in honour of our departed Comrade.
Above recommendations became necessary, following the sudden loss of our great patriot, Hon Emmanuel Mok and the enormous crises that has befallen ADF as organisation where every reconciliation effort has met brick walls.
ADF Youth League is of the view that these 14 days period of mourning of ADF Lagos chapter Chairman, dear Emmanuel Mok should be used to reflect on the current crisis in our association and deeply come out with peaceful resolution which Emmanuel Mok has spent unaccountable hours on phone mediating for peace in ADF before his end on this earthly life. As individuals and as a group, we should know that what has brought us together is greater than what is threatening to divide us and we must not fail the next Igbo generation.
Dear Elders, fathers, mothers and colleagues, as we reflect on the transient nature of existence and the need for unity in ADF as a condition of achieving our goal of addressing the Igbo question in Nigeria, we, the ADF Youth, humble ourselves before you all and ask for all to forgive, forget and give peace a chance. Let ADF become stronger again with proper internal democracy and better ways of doing things.
May God grant Comrade Emmanuel Ifeanyichukwu Mokogwu eternal rest. Good night our great Igbo Patriot.
Enugu– HRM Igwe Ambassador L. O. C. Agubuzu(Eze Ọgbụnechendo of Ezema-Olo, Ezeagu LGA) has been replaced by HRH Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu (Igwe Ọgadagidi of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu, Nsukka LGA) as Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council.
This was contained in a public announcement issued by Prof Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government on Thursday, 28th March, 2024 captioned – “Governor Peter Mbah Reconstitutes Statutory & Other Bodies”
According to the announcement, other officers of the council are;
His Royal Highness, Igwe Julius Nnaji, 1st Deputy Chairman
His Royal Highness, Igwe G. N. Madu, 2nd Deputy Chairman
His Royal Highness, Igwe Hebert Ukuta, 3rd Deputy Chairman
His Royal Highness, Igwe Fidelis Nwatu, Grand Patron
His Royal Highness, Igwe Abel Nwobodo, 1st Grand Patron
His Royal Highness, Igwe Augustine Uzobuenyi Otiji, 2nd Grand Patron
His Royal Highness, Igwe H. C. Eze, 3rd Grand Patron
Igwe Asadu is a philantropist and a nurse who had a successful career in the United States of America, where he sojourned for 27 years. It is hoped that with his international exposure, he shall not only continue from where his predecessor, a career diplomat stopped, he shall go even here, in all ramifications.
Furthermore, by virtue of his appointment as Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Ọgadagidi automatically becomes Chairman, South East Council of Traditional Rulers, in lieu of Igwe Agubuzu. The post is zoned to Enugu State and the rule is that whoever is Chairman of the council in the state it is zoned to, automatically chairs the regional body.
Igwe Ogadagidi is a holder of many traditional and social titles. He took the prestigious Ozor title in 1994. He has been the Asogwa Ozalla since 2013. He is a member of the prestigious Oha Edem-Ani and Oha Edem. He is equally a member of Edem Project Group, a foremost group of elite from Edem who are evangelically committed to the development of Edem community. He is also a member of the Elite Peoples Club of Nigeria USA branch, amongst others.
The philanthropist believes in the inherent values of family life and is a husband of one wife. He is happily married to the love of his life, Lady (Lolo) Happiness Ederechukwu Asadu (Lolo Akudo) and the marriage is blessed with four wonderful children.
Other appointments included in the announcement are:
ENUGU STATE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION (ENSIEC)
• Professor Christian C. Ngwu, Chairman
• Solomon Udeh, Member (Re-appointed)
• Chinenyenwa A. Ogbu, Member (Re-appointed)
• Barr. George Obiora Ani, Member (Re-appointed)
• Arthur Ifeanyi Ede, Member
• Barr. Paully Eze, Member
• Emmanuel Ogbodo, Member
• Emeka G. Ukwuaba, Member
• Barr. Ifesinachi Umeobika, Secretary
Subject to the confirmation of the Enugu State House of Assembly
ENUGU STATE HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT BOARD
• Dr. Eric Ogbonna Odo, Chairman
Yes ,two years is enough to revolutionize the business of Governance and public administration in Anambra State. It took Prof Soludo less than two months to announce a major reform in the banking industry, a move that caused earthquake in the entire Country and beyond .
As a revolutionist and a reformer , Prof Soludo was awarded the best CBN Governor globally in three consecutive years Viz 2005,2006 and 2007. Of course , the entire South East and Ndigbo across the globe celebrated Prof Chukwuma Soludo ascension to the office of the executive Governor of Anambra State as well as the political face of Igbo Nation . Prof Soludo himself acknowledged during his inauguration the humongous expectations from the people and promised to hit the ground running .
The entire Nigeria populace awaited for Soludo miracles in the areas of security, law and order , economic transformation,human capital ,social agenda , Governance and value system .
Last week being 17th March ,2024, Prof Soludo marked 2nd year in the office amid mixed reactions . To some people , Solution Government is a miracle worker . To others , there was nothing to celebrate .
However , this write up will x-ray the success stories recorded by Soludo administration within the last two years as well as failed promises that would have laid a solid foundation for a prosperous Anambra State.
It is important to remind us that our dear people are very easy to please . They are politically naive and indifference. They hardly expect anything from people in Government . In fact , virtually provide almost everything by themselves. They provide internal security,they run umunna administrative structure, an effective merit driven Government .They build hospitals ,schools by themselves . They take care of their children and reatives . They use apprenticeship system to empower themselves . They dig boreholes for themselves and even construct internal roads within the communities among several other things . Hence , when Government execute a simple public task , people dance and celebrate like manna from the heaven . That is the reality .
However, Government is about perception,it is about given the people hope . It is about creating happiness for the people .It is about providing adequate security and economic prosperity for the people.
With a population of over 5 million people living in Anambra State , the major responsibility of Soludo Government is to organize her citizens towards a desires destination, inspire the abundant human resources to productive Anambra State.
On the security , the security situation has improved. There are few cases of kidnappings , car snatching ,cult war, hired assassinations but State Government has always responded to reassure the people that they are still in charge. However , Anambra state cannot exist in isolation. The high unemployment rate in the Country is encouraging crime rate .
On law and order , no significant improvement has been noticed . The rate of dispensing justice is still slow hence public confidence has not been restored . Court operations are still analogue driven that cases of missing files are still recorded on daily basis. The judicial officers are still poorly renumerated. There is no noticeable reform ongoing in state judicial system .
On urban and rural development planning, It is expected that Soludo Government will show his employers (Ndi Anambra) during the first six months Anambra State Master plan in 3 D drawing indicating the various new cities in locations like awka ,Onitsha ,Nnewi ,Ihiala and ekwulobia . Such masterplan with central sewage , drainages , road etc and such city plans would have inspired Ndi Anambra across the globe to participate in building a new Anambra in more systematic and organized manners . A good example is Abuja masterplan and appointment of El-Rufai to implement the master plan . Soludo has always said that 97% of Anambra wealth is at private pockets and the sure way to get 40% of the money into public work is to show managerial abilities and connect with the people emotionally . Government has enormous capacity to organize factors of production to ensure that good behavior is encouraged while bad behavior is sanctioned accordingly thereby maintaining law and order. In the last two years , urban and rural development plans are not yet visible and may be in the drawing board.
On Road construction, Prof Soludo Government should be commended for building many strategic roads across the 21 local government. Since the creation of the State ,no administration has shown such commitment in rebuilding several failed roads as well as commencing new ones and completing them at a record time . Just within 2 years , Soludo Government has awarded about 450 km of roads , exceeding record of most Governors that have spent 8 years in Office. However , there are few instances where indigenous contractors failed to live up to expectations. Again , it is expected that Prof Soludo would have developed a data bank of all the Urban and rural roads showing the state of the roads as at the time of inauguration and come up with public private partnership funding model that will facilitate the building of all internal roads in various estates scattered around the State . Again , it is the exclusive responsibility of the State to organize citizens to achieve a desired development agenda.
On Food production, the ministry of Agriculture is not visible in the last two years . There is no noticeable incentive for massive food production . Anti open grazing law has not been enforced as promised by the State Government some 18 months ago. Hard working Farmers have recorded losses because of open grazing in the last two years even without any form of incentives from Government. Soludo Government has not developed database for real farmers and the location of their farms . Few days ago , Ogbaru men ,women and children decided to enforce anti open grazing law by ejecting all the herdsmen and their cattles within the Local Government since State Government has failed to enforce the law they enacted. The implementation of palm and coconut seedlings distribution showed that the ministry of agriculture has no plan . The seedlings were distributed to people without any record. Soludo Government claimed that more than one million seedlings have been distributed to families in the last two years. However , the policy was poorly executed as Government cannot track the performance of such public investment. Claims that families will be empowered when the palm trees start fruiting are mere theoretical .Again , Soludo Government promised that Cooperative Societies will be used to empower the ordinary people including party members at ward levels. A call to State Cooperative Office indicated that they have not heard anything from Government. The Government has not encouraged farmers apart from sharing seedlings . There is no Agricultural masterplan to mechanize and modernize the farming practice in the State.
On education, Mr Governor insistence on merit based recruitment of Teachers endeared him to many progressive minded people. However , nobody has seen the government education policy even as the number of students keeps increasing . As the case with other States in Nigeria,private schools see failure in public schools as an opportunity to exploit parents . Public Schools have continued to be a dumping grounds for the sons and daughters of nobody while the working class battle to pay their children school fees in private schools.Even with the implementation of free basic education,the contents of our education still belong to the dark age . The competitiveness of Students from Anambra is majorly because of parents huge investment on their children education. ! There is unsustainable class struggle going on as many families see public schools as being inferior and this has psychological effects on pupils. The household income is dwindling by the day even in the face of high cost of living and galloping inflation . It is expected that Soludo Government will address the widening gap between public and private schools ,look into why people send their children to private schools ,look at their school fees structures and even how much they pay their teachers.People are really suffering , unfortunately,nobody wants to speak out for fear of the obvious.
In the last two years , Government has not built any model school or technical school to meet the challenges of 22nd century just as promised some months ago. Most public schools in the rural areas have no electricity. It is becoming waste of time and resources teaching students abstract topics that cannot address problems in digital age. We are simply wasting our most precious resources – human resources , we have to train them to be productive. Again ,one cannot give what one does not have ,however , Government wage structure cannot attract the best brain in the public schools .No doubt , female teachers have taken over public schools that one can hardly see a young man teaching in Government schools,the ratio of Male to female is 1:20 . Our teachers are poorly renumerated.Soludo Government should introduce performance bonus , car and housing loan at single digit lending rate . Prof Soludo as a Teacher should pay Teachers living wage . Good wage is highest motivator of labour , therefore ,teaching profession should earn the highest pay to attract the best hands and empower young people rightly.
On Sanitation , the initial disappointment that greeted the administration during the first four months have died down. Sanitation Contractors are living up to expectations.The mounting of waste materials have disappeared around the State . Within the last two years, the management of waste materials has improved significantly but it is expected that companies into recycling will assist to convert waste to wealth.Alex Otti model on waste evacuation should be copied . In Aba, waste evacuation is done in the night such that in the morning,mounting of waste materials vanish like spirit.It was like a magic but good incentive system is at work .
On Housing , nobody has seen the blueprint on Housing policy apart from the Government signing MOU with few Property Developers . There is no justification for the kind of rent tenants pay in the cities considering the income level of Residents in the State. In Awka for instance ,a Tenant pay as high as N1,500,000 per anum for a three bedroom flat. How much is minimum wage? How much do average people make in Awka? Tell me why people should not collect bribe to make both ends meet? It is expected that Soludo Government will attract special funding for execution of low cost mass housing and building of new cities. Awka 2.0 and Onitsha 2.0 are still in the planning stage . Soludo Government has not inspired the people in this regard. It seems that provision of housing is not in government program. This is why every community in Anambra state is into land speculation and land agency including youths development levies .This is because of lack of economic opportunities.
What of job creation ! Agricultural sector is known to be the highest employer of labour ! I have not seen any plan to establish farm settlements and give Cooperative Societies access to free land or grants or single digit lending. There should be a well defined roadmap to drive agricultural revolution,investors are waiting to see such and Government must play public interest role to show people direction.If Soludo Government could approve about N6B to build a new Government House or about N3M billion to build fun city, what stops the same government from building modern mechanic / industrial/ farm / arbattoir villages where primary and secondary school students will be attracted to undergo industrial training even undergraduates and graduates . Soludo Government should have used the last two years to build those industrial parks and farm settlements that would have given job opportunities to millions of our youths . Perhaps ,170,000 jobs Soludo Government promised every year were no where to be seen! Government initiates ,designs projects and invites investors to partner . These things are not rocket science .
To be continued…..
Ndubuisi Anaenugwu writes for Good Governance Ministry (GGM)
he Board of Trustees of Labour Party has stepped in to take control of the party following the end of Mr. Julius Abure’s tenure as head of the National Working Committee.
A statement by the party’s BoT Chairman, Sylvester Ejiofor, said the takeover following the “expiration of the tenure of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party led by its National Chairman, Julius Abure.”
The LP returned Abure as National Chairman at a convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State. Some national officers of the party were also returned.
But the BoT said it was taking over to avoid any leadership vacuum.
The statement said the BoT of the party, in consultation with major stakeholders, will soon communicate the processes for the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive national convention.
The statement reads: “This is in line with the March 20, 2018 Federal High Court consent judgment delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole which recognised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as the owners of the LP and mandated that an all-inclusive and expansive National Convention of the LP be held.
“Following the expiration of the tenure in office of the immediate past National Working Committee of the LP headed by Mr. Julius Abure, the BoT, in line with the party’s constitution, has stepped in to steer the affairs of the LP. This step is to avoid any leadership vacuum in the LP.
“Furthermore, the BoT of the LP, in consultation with major stakeholders in the party will soon communicate the processes for the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive national convention of the LP. This is in line with the March 20, 2018 Federal High Court consent judgment delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole which recognised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as the owners of the LP and mandated that an all-inclusive and expansive national convention of the LP be held.
“The decision of the BoT is also in furtherance of the agreement signed between the former national chairman of the LP, Mr. Julius Abure, and the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on 27th June, 2022, which was mediated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“While we commend members of the LP, especially workers, students, youths, market women and men, Obidients, and candidates on the platform of the LP for their contributions and fidelity to the ideals of the party, the BoT promises to quickly set in motion processes for the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive national convention.
“Unlike the charade that took place today in Nnewi and in tandem with the principles of popular democracy, the all-inclusive national convention will start with grassroots congresses at ward, local government, state and ultimately at the national level.
“This process will not leave any genuine member of LP out and will be held in the full view of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), media, civil society, security agents and the general public.
“We commend the leader of the LP, Mr. Peter Obi and key stakeholders in the LP for declining to deodorize the malfeasance that took place in Nnewi with their presence.
“The BoT assures all stakeholders that we are committed to reclaiming and repositioning the LP as the vehicle for the socio-political emancipation of our dear country, her working people and populace.”
Documents by Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has exposed the sources of funding for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The NFIU has also uncovered 27 cells belonging to the IPOB in 22 countries across the globe, including the United State of America and the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
The NFIU said the US and the UK house the largest numbers of these IPOB cells per country, with seven and six operating IPOB cells respectively in both countries.
Details of the development were revealed in a newsletter exposing the funding of terror activities in Nigeria by IPOB, bandits, and other terror groups through global crowdfunding and on sports betting platforms.
Recall that the Federal Government had in 2017 proscribed IPOB and designated the self-determination group a terrorist organisation.
IPOB’s leader, Nnmadi Kanu, is currently being tried on terrorism-related offences by the government.
The NFIU, in the document, titled “Counter Terrorism Financial Newsletter,” linked the running of IPOB to 54 individuals across the globe.
“The NFIU confirmed that the diaspora affiliates of the IPOB group have spread over 22 countries across the globe. Further analysis exposed 27 entities across the globe registered in the name of the group, the US and the UK had the highest number of registrations, having seven and six registered entities, respectively,” the document stated.
“The analysis further indicates that the group has several bank accounts in different countries where funds are being received from various contributors with the narrations ‘Monthly Dues, Services and for ESN’, among others, then later disbursed for various operations.
“It was confirmed that one of the major sources of revenue for the group is crowdfunding by several individuals abroad, mostly Nigerians.
“It was observed that over $160,000 was disbursed to Transmission, Media, and Broadcasting companies in Bulgaria, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
“The analysis profiled the leader of the group, his addresses, and mobile numbers abroad with other 53 individuals associated with the dissident group. The report was forwarded to Law Enforcement for further investigation,” it added.
Val Ozoigbo has released a video clip titled #WakeUpSeries# to Wake up Ndi Anambra on the task of holding those in Government accountable . The full statement reads ”The time has come to critically assess the results of your tax money and the performance of the “Solution” Governor.
After two years, it is time to exercise your duties as a citizen, the duty to assess the state of your roads, the economy, security, human capital development indices and many more, in Anambra State.
It is time to ask Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo if he has kept to the promises made in his manifesto and during his campaign.
Wake up Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, after 2 years of grace, it is time to be held accountable.
Ndi Anambra, embark on this journey with me, as we evaluate the results of the last two years of governance in the #WakeUpSeries.
I will be releasing a series of videos where I’ll critically analyze the state of our home, under the current government. Stay tuned as we pursue integrity, transparency and accountability”’
