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  • Tapgun is Irresponsible, Ungrateful – PDP Youth Coalition

    Tapgun is Irresponsible, Ungrateful – PDP Youth Coalition

    Ukandi Odey, Jos

    Former Nigeria Ambassador to Kenya and one-time Minister for Commerce and Industry, Sir Fidelis Tapgun, may be in need of a walking stick as he appears to be walking on banana pills in Plateau politics, with a coalition of PDP youth organisations dragging, challenging, and calling on him to resign as a member of the Board of Trustees.

    The group has also described Tapgun as “irresponsible, greedy, ungrateful, and a disgrace” because he should have resigned his BOT status and Party membership if he is at variance with goings-on in the Party.

    Distrusted by the PDP youth as a betrayal and doubtful party man, the Group, in a statement, described Tapgun who is also a former Governor of the erstwhile Plateau State as a “disgrace and an APC mole within the ranks of our great Party”.

    In a statement signed by the Group’s Chairman, Isa Musa and made available to news men in Jos, they said “for the record,Tapgun has been a member of the Damishi Sango camp since he made an attempt to re-launch his governorship ambition in 2015. Since then, after his rejection by the People of Plateau State, he became an APC mole in the PDP to date”.

    According to the youth groups, “it is very unfortunate, shameful, disgraceful and pathetic for a former Governor and former Minister of the Federal Republic to stoop so low and take his disdain for truth and honesty, in a crass show of shame, brazen lies, deceit, falsehood, distortion and misrepresentation of facts, irrespective of being an elder statesman, to the international stage”.

    The statement also said “as youths, we feel it is necessary and important not only to respond in order not to allow him mislead the general public, but to call for his immediate resignation as a BOT member of the PDP, because the time is now to protect the future of the state from selfish elders like Tapgun and his cohorts”.

    The statement noted that Sir Fidelis Tapgun has been a serial and habitual absentee from Party functions and activities, including scheduled Board meetings, and to that extent, his recent antiparty comments can be contextualized, and should thus leave the BOT .

  • NCPC delegates arrive Rome, Greece on pre- visit ahead of 2023 main pilgrimage exercise

    NCPC delegates arrive Rome, Greece on pre- visit ahead of 2023 main pilgrimage exercise

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, officials and State pilgrimage leaders have embarked on a Preparatory for the 2023 Main Pilgrimage exercise to Rome and Greece.

    The NCPC delegation arrived Rome, Italy on Saturday, 16th December, 2023 on a Pre- visit to visit some of the important holy sites and inspect some of the hotels that would be used by the intending pilgrims for the forthcoming Pilgrimage exercise which would commence by early next year.

    The delegation led by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam arrived Fiumcino International airport, Rome at about 1:30 pm local time, and were warmly received by the ground handlers.

    The delegation inspected some important Biblical holy sites in Rome and Greece.

    While in Rome, the delegation would visit Mamertine Prison, St.Peter,s Basilica, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, amongst others.

    The delegation comprised of the Permanent Secretary General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Maurice Mbaeri, NCPC directors and Chairmen and Secretaries of the various states Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards.

    In a statement signed by Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director/Head Media and Public Relations the Commission and the States Pilgrimage Leaders and Managers have resolved that Rome and Greece would be the next pilgrimage destination options for the December 2023 Main Pilgrimage exercise in view of the the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza, hence the Pre -Visit to the two countries.

  • APC-IGG National President Bags FAPPA Award On Promoting Good Governance.

    By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

    In a colourful event, the Association Of Public Policy Analysis (FAPPA) have Honoured the national President, APC Initiative For Good Governance(APC-IGG) for his contribution to good governance and national development,

    The ceremony which was graced by prominent personalities recorded success especially when the awardees were selected based on their various degrees of contribution towards the development of this great country without bias.

    Earlier in the nomination letter sent to Ambassador Musa Mohammed Tsoken before the event, the organisation stated that ” you deserved praise for your public policy analysis which has advanced civilisation, your capacity to handle complex policy issues, promoting transparency and ensure accountability has helped promote the good governance respectively”.

    The organisation opined that Ambassador Musa Mohammed Tsoken’s efforts will continue to shape a better society in public policy and government , where the FAPPA Africa Regional Representative, ZemsMathias, PH.D on behalf of the governing council congratulated Ambassador Tsoken for being a true nationalist.

    Responding to our correspondent shortly after the ceremony, Ambassador Musa Mohammed Tsoken lamented that the recent award has encouraged him to double efforts towards the national development under the aegis of APC-IGG as one of the most formidable APC Supports groups.

    ” As an awardee of the FAPPA’most active promoter of good governance, 2023, I would double my efforts to see that Nigeria becomes more progressive under the stewardship of our dynamic president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is trying his best to ensure that our fatherland remained more competent to developing world, and I cannot conclude my remarks without commending our able SGF Senator George Akume for giving his all time to national growth and development ”

  • Jaiz Bank Boosting Economy Through Entrepreneurship Promotion-Regional Manager.

    Jaiz Bank Boosting Economy Through Entrepreneurship Promotion-Regional Manager.

    By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

    The regional manager jaiz Bank PLC Hajiya Naimatu Abdullahi disclosed that economic progress through small and mededium enterprises MSMES has been one of the Bank’s considerations especially at present when the globe is advancing in the area of self-Reliance.

    She made this known while presenting a paper at the recent Chartered Institute Of Bankers Of Nigeria, adding that jaiz bank remained the best financial institution that provides flexible start up to the entrepreneur and the programme is certainly yielding success nowadays.

    ” In this regard, we encourage young entrepreneurs to join the jaiz Bank train in multiplying their business activities through the MSMES programmes and to achieve their planned targets like what is being promoted at present when the entrepreneurs remains committed to meeting their goals” She concluded.

    Hajiya Naimatu Abdullahi therefore commended the Kano CIBN leadership for keeping the flag of the Institute flying with success and reassured that in the near future, Nigeria’s economy would become stable as all hands remained on deck to actualize the objectives.

  • Security experts identify Criminal activities as major security threats in FCT

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    Security experts have identified prevailing Criminal activities in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, major security threat to lives and property in the Territory.

    The National Coordinator, Counter Terrorism Center, Office Of The National Security Adviser (NSA), Rear admiral Yaminu Ehinomen
    Momoh Musa (rtd), disclosed this at the weekend, during the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Award Night, organised by Abuja chapter of American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) International, in Abuja.

    In his keynote address on the topic: reflecting on 2023: A retrospective view of evolving threats landscape in Nigeria, Musa revealed that FCT is also grappling with its fair share of insecurity despite being the seat of government.

    He noted that the outer suburbs of FCT can be prone to varying levels of crimes with kidnappings and “One Chance” robberies as the most prevalent.

    “One Chance is a slang for a situation were armed robbers pretending to be commercial cab drivers/fellow passengers pick other unsuspecting passengers, rob them of all their valuables and most times push them violently out of the moving vehicle.”

    “One Chance robberies, sometimes involving dangerous weapons such as knives and firearms, have been on the increase in recent months and has spread from the outer suburbs to more central and metropolitan areas of the Capital City. ”

    “Additionally, the City has also experienced cases of kidnap for ransom and risk of terrorism like the Kuje Prison break in July 2022”, he stated.

    Meanwhile, the Security expert acknowledged the government efforts towards tackling insecurity in Nigeria, and stated that the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies have sustained offensive actions against criminal groups while enhancing intelligence gathering mechanisms to address the security challenges.

    “The Federal and States Government have continued to display the political will to combat the threats posed by criminal groups across Nigeria, he emphasized.

    However, with the realization that military approach alone will not defeat the various forms of violent extremist groups, Government has reviewed its approach and since 2015, its policy and strategic frameworks have been shaped by a whole of government and whole of society approaches while combining hard and soft powers, that is kinetic and non-kinetic measures, he said.

    Earlier in his opening remarks, Chairman of the Abuja chapter of ASIS, Edward Orim stressed that criminal activities can only be tackled through collective participation of the strategic stakeholders.

    Orim, who has returned as the 2024 chairman alongside some executives, hinted that the Abuja chapter would leverage on the success of 2023, and continue with its relationship with FCT Administration in developing policies that will strengthen security architecture of the territory.

    He said, “Abuja chapter of ASIS International in 2024 will be leveraging on the success of 2023, to work with FCT Administration to develop policies that will enable the government win its fight against terrorism and other related crimes.”

    “We are also working with neighbouring states on how best to reach the grass roots as our members are also in those states, we have been working with NGOs and other bodies in area of training and retraining to address the security challenges.”

    “We need all stakeholders involvement to win the fight against all manner of crimes in the chapter.”

    “We are always making efforts to work with the office of National Security Adviser to draw measures that create more awareness and measures .”

    Furthermore, an awardee who is the Secretary, FCT Security Command and Control Centre, Dr. Peter Olumuji, who received an award disclosed that it was in recognition of the commitment of the FCT administration to security issues.

    He said, ” The award is a recognition of the good work the Administration has been doing, which I’m part of it. The award will spur us to do more of the good. I will continue with the enforcement against illegal activities”.

  • Sokoto Commissioner Inaugurate Chapter Confederation Of Secondary Schools Principals

    Sokoto Commissioner Inaugurate Chapter Confederation Of Secondary Schools Principals

    Sokoto State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education Muhammad Tukur Alkali, has inaugurated the reconstituted 16_ man state Caretaker leadership of the state chapter of the all Nigeria confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools ( ANCOPSS).

    The caretaker leadership has Muhammad Ikililu as president, while the following members are, Sanusi Bello Vice president, Musa Suleiman Mabera Secretary General, Mukhtar Isa Assistant Secretary General, Hauwa Abdullahi Treasurer, Mustapha Shehu Financial Secretary, Zaki Abdullahi PRO1, Balaraba Mohammed PRO2, Abdullahi Hamidu Assistant Treasurer, Asmau Ahmed Assistant Financial Secretary, Murtala Muhammed Sokoto Zonal Chairman Central, Labbo Tambuwal Zonal Chairman West, Sani Yusuf Gobir Zonal Chairman East, Zainab Aliyu Zonal Secretary Central, Zayanu m Umar Zonal Secretary West, Abdulkadir Buhari Zonal Secretary East.

    Speaking while inaugurating the new ANCOPSS executives, Mohammad Tukur said that they will hold away for the next six months pending the conduct of fresh elections to fill the vacancies.
    The commissioner charged the new leaders to live above board by deligently steering the affairs of the association to greater heights.

    Information Officer Of the Ministry, Ibrahim Iya also said Tukur Alkali, who was represented by the director senior secondary school, Dr kabir Garba Gobir said the state government reposes tremendous confidence in the new leaders of the association, urging them not to betray it.

    Responding, the ANCOPSS caretaker President, Muhammed Ikililu promised that they will justify the confidence reposed in them.

  • A’Ibom CJ calls for relocation of Uyo Prison

    A’Ibom CJ calls for relocation of Uyo Prison

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom, Justice Ekaette Obot has called for relocation of the centre to a more conducive place for better management of inmates.

    Obot said this in her closing remarks at maximum correctional centre in Uyo weekend after a-three day facility tour of correctional centres in the state.

    The Chief Judge during her visit reviewed the case files of inmates and at the end of the exercise in Uyo correctional centre pardoned 33 inmates.

    Obot during the visit, donated drugs, toiletries and mattresses worth thousands of naira to the correctional centre to help cater for the inmates and sanitation of the custodial centre.

    “I have seen that the facility is in a very need condition and I know it has been deteriorated by reason of used.

    “I pray by God grace that God will touch those in authority, who have the resources to help you out here ro renovate this structures or better still relocate to a better location for better management of the inmates.” She said.

    The CJ had earlier pardoned four inmates in Ikot Abasi, six in Eket and 14 in Ikot Ekpene correctional centres in her previous visit two days ago.

    Obot, who expressed displeasure with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) over no case file, urged him to put more effort and direct his subordinates to sit up and do things properly.

    She called on the police authorities to be diligent in prosecutions of suspects and respect citizens human rights.

    “I thank you the DPP, although the Ministry perform so badly here in Uyo, but I was impressed in our outings in Ikot Abasi and Eket.

    “So, I don’t condemned them totally. I think you take things for granted a little bit and you think your subordinates are doing what they ought to do.

    “You must keep a very safe eye on them and make sure things move properly,” she said.

    The CJ commended all judges, magistrates, law officers, Controller, Nigeria Correctional Service, Akwa Ibom Command and all his officers, the Officer Incharge, Legal, Nigeria Police Force, Akwa Ibom Command for their support throughout the three days visit.

    In his remarks, the Controller, Nigeria Correctional Service, Akwa ibom Command, Mr Julius Ezuqwu, thanked the chief judge for her resilient and motherly disposition in handling the cases.

    Ezugwu said that the visit by the chief judge has brought relief and succour to the inmates, who are always happy seeing her.

    He expressed gratitude to Obot for the drugs, toiletries and mattresses donated to the correctional centres and inmate.

  • Group rejects Reappointment of Dr Maikeffi as rector, Nasarawa college of agriculture.

    From Leo Zwanke, Nasarawa

    A concerned group for good governance in Nasarawa State, has raised concerns about the intensive lobbying for reappointment by the former rector of College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia, Dr Yahaya Musa Maikeffi.

    The group in a statement signed by it’s secretary, Yakubu Liman Saidu and made available to journalists in Lafia, on Sunday, said the re-appointment of Dr. Maikeffi, as rector is capable of impeding the progress of the institution.

    The statement opined that Dr. Maikeffi, served the institution in various capacities ranging from deputy rector, to acting rector and substantive rector, for good 8 years, but he failed.

    “Dr Maikeffi, was deputy rector for four years, he acted as rector for one year and he was appointed substantive rector for four years, where he only succeeded in taking the institution ten years backward, so what does he want?”

    “We reliably gathered that Dr. Maikeffi, is among those shortlisted for screening and interview for the position of rector and with the clandestine moves he is making, the pendulum might swing his way, which in our opinion will be disastrous for the institution” the statement added.

    The group argued that Dr Maikeffi, couldn’t complete some projects he inherited or started, he drew many staff back by demoting them and so many atrocities he committed during his tenure.

    It called on the governing council of the institution not to screen him, talk more of interviewing Dr. Maikeffi, for the office of the rector of the college.

    The statement also called on Governor Abdullahi Sule, to look the way of other qualified candidates that will bring peace, progress and positive development to the institution.

  • NGO Empowers 500 Women in Kogi, Tasks them on Peaceful Coexistence

    NGO Empowers 500 Women in Kogi, Tasks them on Peaceful Coexistence

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    No fewer than 500 women at the grassroots were empowered in Kogi with cash by the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Connected Development, Ambassador Hamzat.

    The Philanthropist who kick started the empowernment programme from Adavi, Kogi-Koton Karfe, Okehi and Okene local government areas of Kogi State said it was part of the post election sensitization advocacy at the grassroots on the need to sustain the existing peace in the state and to set agenda for the incoming administration in Kogi State.

    Addressing the beneficiaries during the post election sensitization and advocacy in Okene on Friday, Ambassador Lawal, said the empowernment is a token to appreciate women for coming out en-mass to cast their ballots peacefully during the November 11, 2023 off-cycle governorship election in Kogi State.

    Lawal who is also an international election monitor noted that as a philanthropist he has to complement the effort of the state government in eradicating poverty at the grassroots and urged other spirited individual and corporate organizations to consolidate on what government had been doing to ameliorate the suffering of the less privileges in the state.

    “Recently, Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello launched ministry of humanitarian affairs and started with palliative and empowernment programme and I think that as CSO, individual and private sector we should consolidate on what government is doing to eradicate poverty especially at the grassroots.

    “This cash empowernment which is N5,000 per recipient. We targeted 500 people in different wards across the state. We have reached out to 100 vulnerable people in Koton-Karfe at Ohimeyge Igu palace, 200 people at Oboroke in Ihima, 100 beneficiaries at Abuga Ozuja ward in Okengwe and 100 people at Onyi-koko ward in Okene.

    “This empowernment is mainly meant for women because they are peace builders and the fabric of the society. I am using this medium to appealed to women to prioritize the education of their children and wards. I am here today because of how much my mother has invested in me through education and I want every parents to do same” he advised.

    Ambassador Lawal also took the post election advocacy to Onoziomi central mosque in Adavi LGA where he charged Muslims faithful to remain peaceful even in the face of provocation, noting that Islam is a religion of peace.

    One of the beneficiaries of the empowernment Mrs. Hafsat Suleiman from Oboroke in Ihima community, described the gesture as a big relief to women at the grassroots adding that “this is the first time an individual will come to the ward for post election advocacy and also presenting cash to the people.”

    She thank Ambassador Hamzat Lawal for his kind gesture and urged other well meaning Nigerians to emulate him.

  • A philanthropist promise to complement Govt efforts In uplifting Vulnerable in Kogi

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    A Kogi born International Philanthropist, Amb. Hamzat Lawal, has expressed his commitment towards alleviating the suffering of the vulnerable persons in Kogi state.

    Ambassador Hamza Lawan who disclosed in Koton karfe, while on a courtesy visit to the Ohimege Igu, Alhaji Abdulrazak Isa Koto, said the concerted efforts of the Federal and State governments ameliorate the less privileged should be complemented by organisations, agencies, and spirited individuals to reduced the hardship as a result of present economic realities.

    Amb. Hamzat Lawal Ambassador Hamzat Lawal is referred to as a global citizen, community organizer, award-winning advocate and humanitarian, whose gesture cut across religion, tribal and political consideration.

    Amb. Lawal told the Ohimegye Igu-Kotonkarfe in council, His Royal Majestic, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Sani-Koto that he was in his Kingdom to seek his royal blessing and as well launch an empowerment programme.

    According to him, he has entered into partnership with the Kogi local government chapter of National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, being a grassroot organization that is very close to the downtrodden.

    He commended Ohimegye for his prayers, guidance and support leading to victory of Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Kogi State Governor-elect.

    The Humanitarian described Ohimegye as one prominent King people listen to, urging him to continue to sustain peaceful coexistence among the people in his domain.

    “I have done series of empowerment in Kogi State, but this is the first time I’m doing it in Koton-karfe, Kogi LG. I am doing this because of my friend and brother, Alhaji Isah Abubakar Ada Abu who is so passionate about development of his people.”

    “I want you to also pray for outgoing Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello and incoming Governor, Ododo Ahmed Usman, so that the Kingdom and State will continue to prosper.”

    Amb. Hamzat Lawal used the occasion to commend the outgoing Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello for his balanced and fair administration to the people, saying that he has ensured equal distribution of wealth across the State through out his tenure.

    In his remark, Hon (Comrade) Isah Ada Abubakar told Ohimegye that the visitor has come to empower 100 persons from the area and that he needed his royal blessing before launching the programs.

    He appreciated the humanist for considering his people worthy for empowerment and prayed God to continue to strengthen him, grant him sound health, long life and prosperity.

    Highlight of event is presentation of 5000 naira to 100 recipients at Koton-karfe Kogi, Kogi local government area. .