The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

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  • DSS connects Mamu to international terrorist sects

    DSS connects Mamu to international terrorist sects

    The Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, yesterday, gave the Department of State Services, DSS, permission to further detain the Abuja-Kaduna train kidnap negotiator, Mr. Tukur Mamu, for 60 days.

    The detention order, granted by Justice Nkeonye Maha, is to allow the security agency to conclude its ongoing investigations into Mamu’s alleged involvement with terrorists.

    It will be recalled that Mamu was, on September 6, arrested at Cairo, Egypt, while on his way to Saudi Arabia for lesser Hajj with his family members.

    He was subsequently brought back to the country and immediately taken into custody by the DSS.

    In an ex-parte motion it brought before the court, yesterday, the DSS sought permission to further retain him in its custody.

    The agency, in an affidavit it filed before the court, alleged that Mamu aided both local and international terrorist organisations.

    DSS, in the said affidavit that was deposed to by one Hamza Pandogari, maintained that Mamu who is the publisher of Dessert Herald, used the cover of journalism to perpetrate his deeds.

    It told the court that the detained publisher was on his way to attend a clandestine meeting with top terrorist commanders, when he was intercepted in Egypt through the help of the International Police, Interpol.

    The DSS alleged that preliminary investigations revealed that Mamu might be involved in terrorism financing, saying “the self acclaimed Kaduna train negotiator exploited the opportunity to perpetrate, aid and abets as well as render support to both local and international terrorist organisations.

    “The respondent was intercepted by the Nigerian foreign partners at Cairo, Egypt, on 6th September, 2022, while on his way to Saudi Arabia for a clandestine meeting with commanders and top leaders of terrorists organisations across the globe.

    “Upon his interception, and subsequent repatriation back to Nigeria, a duly signed search warrant was executed in his residence and office at No. 4, Ali Ladan Street, Sabon Kawo GRA and No. 14, Mamona Road, Anguwan Sarki, Kaduna State and various exhibits and items to establish his complicity with terrorists were recovered”, the affidavit read.

    More so, the DSS, told the court that following the execution of the search warrant, various incriminating items were recovered from Mamu’s residence and office.

    It listed some of the 34 recovered items to include; 151 dollars, 20 pounds sterling; 1, 530 Indian Rupees; one Saudi Riyald; 70 Dirham; one million, five hundred and six thousand naira; and 16 assorted foreign coins.

    The DSS also alleged that two packs of pump action cartridges; 16 ATM (auto-mated machine) cards from both local and foreign banks; seven cheque books of different banks; six laptops; four tablets; 24 handsets and three international passports belonging to Mamu; one firearm licence; eight pieces of Nigerian Army uniforms; 16 pieces of Nigerian Naval uniforms, were also recovered.

    “Preliminary investigation so far established, amongst others, the offences of logistic supplier, aiding and abetting acts of terrorism as well as terrorism financing against him. The defendant (Mamu) has used the cover of his profession as a journalist to aid both local and international terrorist groups.

    “The action of the defendant has orchestrated the untimely death of several security personnel in North Central and North East parts of Nigeria. The defendant has discreetly given several information to bandits and terrorists that escalated various acts of terrorism in Nigeria.

    (Vanguard)

  • FRONTIER DISCOURSE 2.0: Meet the 2022 Award Nominees, as voting begins Sept 14

    FRONTIER DISCOURSE 2.0: Meet the 2022 Award Nominees, as voting begins Sept 14

    As the preparations for the second edition of the Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series and Awards continue, The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine has provided a brief bio of the Nominees in the different categories for the Frontier Discourse Awards.

    In a statement, the Chairman of the Host Organizing Committee, Chijioke Ilegbune, said the Nominees were painstakingly drawn from different walks of life. Going further, he submitted that the purpose of the bio publication is to help voters and the public understand the reason(s) behind the nominations, while guiding them in determining whom to vote for.

    Ilegbune assured that voting would commence before the end of September 14 and would last for about 10 days.

    Governor of the Year

    1. Gov Dave Umahi is a Nigerian politician who is currently serving as the Governor of Ebonyi State.

    Some key achievements of his administration are the completion of over 20 roads within the capital city of Abakaliki and some federal roads, especially the Afikpo-Abakaliki Road and the Nkalagu Road. He has over 11 solid flyovers to the credit of his administration. He declared a state of emergency in the health sector and began the reconstruction of general hospitals in the state. It also built the first virology centre in the south east from scratch, to reduce Lassa fever deaths. Under Agriculture, the administration poured billions of naira into the sector as soft loans to farmers, targeting expanded rice farming. The plan worked and rice production tripled this year. The government also procured parboiling machines for its three rice mills. It is also partnering with the federal government and the central bank in this regard, with the objective of making the state the nation’s biggest producer of rice.

    2. Gov Nyesom Wike is a Nigerian politician and lawyer who is the sixth and current Governor of Rivers State.

    Governor Wike’s administration has ensured that virtually every sector in the state have been positively impacted since May 29, 2015. From December 21, 2020 – January 16, 2021, and in recent weeks, eminent citizens of Nigeria have joined him to commission projects in 11 Local Government Areas of the State.

    He has also exhibited the courage and boldness to speak truth to power, challenge national policies and decisions which tend to exploit the people, thus standing out as a fearless voice of the opposition.

    3. Gov Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde is a Nigerian politician who is the Governor of Oyo State since 29 May, 2019.

    As Governor, he has strategically placed bus terminals on Iwo Road, New Ife Road, Challenge Street, and Ojoo and ensured construction and rehabilitation of major roads to relieve traffic congestion in major cities.

    On security, his administration has provided CCTV cameras in strategic locations in the state; Provision of operational vehicles to the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, ‘Operation Burst’ and Amotekun; The ‘Light up Oyo’ Phase 1 and 2 projects through the installation of streetlights on 223.48km of roads in all zones.

    Healthwise, he has completed several Primary Healthcare Centres out of the 299 awarded during the year.

    Lifetime Achievement

    1. Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim was elected the President of the 4th Senate in 2000, and was appointed the Secretary General of the Federation in 2011, among other offices held. As Senate President, he passed sixty-five bills and seventy-two resolutions; one of the notable ones being the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Establishment Act. Sen. Anyim contributed immensely to our democracy and was a Presidential Aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party.

    2. Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife’s short administration as Anambra State Governor from 1992-1993 was one of due process and diligence. Notably, his move to mandate the Local Government Areas Chairmen to engineer programmes and projects to help open the rural areas, and take governance closer to the people, and how he gave the welfare of civil servants all the needed attention. At the Federal level, he served as Deputy Director of Planning, Federal Ministry of National Planning 1972-1978, member, National Constitutional Reform Conference Abuja, 2005. Chief Ezeife ran for President under Alliance for Democracy in 1999 and under UNPP in 2003.

    3. Prof. Lazarus Ekwueme is a renowned musicologist, actor and a scholar who has contributed immensely in African and Igbo choral music, and music in general. No one can talk about choral music composition in Africa without mentioning Prof. Ekwueme.

    One remembers with a nostalgic glee, his contributions to music as the coordinator of the Nigerian National Choir at the Black Arts Festival, Festac “77, and his music group, Laz Ekwueme National Chorale. Prof. Laz Ekwueme has composed over a hundred songs and has featured in countless Nollywood movies as a top actor.

    He’s the traditional ruler of Oko Kingdom in Anambra State.

    4. Chief, Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu is a diligent Igbo man, an engineer, architect, investor, and a nation builder. The likes of Amunike, Kanu Nwankwo and others that once played for Nationale FC now Heartland FC will forever be grateful to Chief Iwuanyanwu for his generous investment in the football club. Chief Iwuanyanwu has raised men through his media empire and his construction company; former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa once described him as the highest employer of labor in Imo State, aside the State. The Igbo nation extols him for his contributions in the Biafran War, as a philanthropist, for giving over 5000 students scholarship, for his investment in football and youth employment and empowerment.

    Business Personality 

    1. Rev. Surv. Ugochukwu Obiora Chime is the Managing Director, COPEN Group; a Fmr President of Enugu Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) and Fmr National President/Chairman of Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria  (REDAN). 

    He is a notable FMBN consultant in Real Estate Development, a Real Estate business mogul with many successful developments across the country to his credit. He is well known for his mentorship responsibility. He has continued to hold business classes to teach young ones the art of having successful businesses.

    Chime is widely acknowledged as one of Africa’s most influential business leaders and philanthropists. 

    2. Mrs Ifeoma Adanna Ezechukwu is the Founder & CEO of Kitchen Pastries and Foods Processing Nigeria Limited.

    Kitchen Pastries Nig. Ltd was born out of her love for cooking and baking right from her childhood inspired by her mum who remains her favourite cook. More than 18 years after leaving her mother’s tutelage, Ifeoma is making her own mark on the industry. 

    She’s also the Administrator of Our Lord’s Shepherd International School, Enugu. 

    3. Dr Samuel Maduka Onyishi is the Chairman and CEO of Peace Group of companies (Peace Mass Transit), Founder of Maduka University, Non Executive Director, May & Baker Nigeria Plc and founder of the Samuel Maduka Onyishi African Entrepreneurship Foundation (SAMOAEF). 

    He is considered a successful business mogul. On 7 January 2021, he took over Actis’s share in C&I Leasing through his company Peace Mass Transit to own majority stock worth about 55.82% of the company’s shares.

    4. Uchechukwu Igwe is the CEO Ntachi Osa Restaurant, a popular Enugu restaurant. He’s renowned for his ability to provide good and quality food for his teeming customers at a highly moderate price.

    His presence and influence in the restaurant industry of Enugu State cannot be overemphasized.

    5. Ogochukwu Ekwueme hails from Oko, Anambra and is the Executive Director of HH Robertson Nigeria Ltd, an aluminum and roofing sheets production company.

    His company also produces doors, windows and partitionings. A former manager of sales and new product development, Ekwueme who is the son of Nigeria’s former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme, is currently the Transition Chairman, Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra. 

    Woman of the Time 

    1. Dorothy Jeff-Nnamani is the CEO/Managing Director of Novo Health Africa Ltd, a Health Maintenance Organization providing health care across Nigeria and accredited by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). 

    She is the founder of Youth Entrepreneurship and Leadership Initiative – Yeli, a pet project she launched in 2021. She has continued to organize and sponsor a football competition, Yeli Soccer and gives out huge amounts as gifts to the winners.

    Nnamani, born in and from Enugu, is a community builder of repute.

    2. Bianca Ojukwu is a Nigerian politician, diplomat, lawyer, and businesswoman. Married to Late Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu (Ikemba), she was Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana, as well as to Spain in. 

    She was also Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs (Presidential Advisor), Miss Africa 1988, Miss Intercontinental 1989, Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 1988.

    3. Joke Silva is the Co-Founder, Lufodo Media Corporation. She’s also the Director, Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. 

    She has an acting career spanning over 25 years. She’s a Best actress in both leading and supporting roles in AMAA and the pioneer managing director of Malete Film Village.

    Joke Silva has been applauded and admired by many for standing firm and supporting her husband, Olu Jacobs through his health challenges. 

    4. Sola Sobowale (Toyin Tomato) hails from Ondo state. She’s an Award winning Actress, Movie Director and Producer, screenwriter, Brand Ambassador for Mouka mattress company. She’s reputed for her role in the 2018 Nigerian crime political thriller, King of Boys. 

    Youth Icon

    1. Rinu Oduala is a Human Rights advocate and community organizer, focused primarily on issues of equity, justice, humanity and community advancement. She is the executive project director at Connect Hub NG, a platform that documents, defends and advocates against state violence and police brutality in Nigeria. Rinu Oduala was one of the leading voices in the #EndSARS movement.

    Rinu Oduala is famed for her courage in being one of those who led the #EndSARS movement in Lagos state. She sat on the Lagos #EndSARS judicial panel. 

    2. Demola Olarewaju is a media strategist. He’s the Director of Digital Media Strategy in the PDP presidential campaign structure. He had a stint as the Head of Corporate Affairs of digital satellite company, TStv Africa. He was a Media strategist for former Minister, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro before 2015 and was part of the digital media arm of Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential campaign in 2015.

    3. Asisat Oshoala is an Award winning Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Primera División club FC Barcelona Femení and the Nigerian women’s national team. Widely regarded as one of the greatest African female footballers of all time and one of the best in the world, she is the most decorated African female footballer of all time, and a record five time African Women’s Footballer of the Year. In 2021, she was named in the Forbes 30 Under 30.

    4. Okeoga Darlington is an International human rights practitioner/public interest litigation expert based in Abuja. In the last 14 years, he has represented Nigeria in international youth debates/conferences in Asia, Europe and the USA. 

    He holds two masters degrees in International Human Rights Law, and Oil and Gas Management from the University of Pretoria and the South America University Delaware, USA.  At the University of Pretoria, he lead a team of researchers who reviewed the Gambian constitution that will soon be passed into law once it is assented by the Gambian President. He has also served as the Secretary General of Nigerian Model United Nations. 

    Media Personality

    1. Uche Anioke is a veteran media personality. He is the Executive Host of a lot of radio programs, including The Eagle, Housing Today, Soul Sistas, Freedom Square, Adam’s Bar, Ex Mobile Connect, Dispute Resolution Arena, the only radio program in the Southeast that deals with the resolution of conflicts, etc.

    He’s also the publisher of Freedom Square TV and Pens & Voices. 

    Anioke is the President of the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA). He’s also the Publisher/ Managing Director of Acena Ventures. He was previously a Commissioner for Youths and Sports and Chairman of Awgu Local Government, in Enugu State.

    2. Chima Christian is a change maker, public policy analyst and good governance advocate. His social media posts, newspaper articles, conference speeches, television and radio appearances are focused on Nigeria’s socio-political issues.

    Chima’s views are bold, issues-focused, nuanced and carefully-considered. And, he communicates them so eloquently.

    Chima’s approach is unique. He does not just highlight what is wrong, he offers workable public policy alternatives through his periodic interventions.

    3. Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa has a background in Education, Security and Multilateral Diplomacy. He is a social entrepreneur, public affairs analyst, the convener of #YouthDecide2019 and the brain behind One Nigeria Reality Project, endorsed by the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

    He is the Convener of the Annual Employability and Entrepreneurship Summit (EES) since 2015 in Enugu State and the Author of the classic THINK GLOBAL. He is the Executive Director of LEAD NETWORK, Principal Partner at H-Formance Consulting and the founder of CEO Media Agency.

    Okenwa is renowned for his mastery in analyzing political issues on different TV and radio stations across the country.

    4. Anastasia Odochi Uchenna is an On Air Personality and radio broadcaster at Magic FM, Aba.

    5. Okey Odogwu is the General Manager of Dream 92.5Fm and Prime Sports 104.9Fm, Enugu. A renowned and refined manager, he oversaw the set up and running of the Prime Sports 104.9Fm 

    Humanitarian Service

    1. Chris Baywood Ibe also known as Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe is a Nigerian entrepreneur, philanthropist and social activist. He is the President and CEO of Baywood Group, a Nigerian conglomerate involved in oil & gas, engineering, construction, procurement and Aviation.

    A society where communities are informed, healthy and free of poverty: this is the vision that drives his humanitarian agency, Baywood Foundation, established in 2008. From inception, it swung into action, like a relay runner, changing lives of indigent population and marginalised individuals.

    Through this platform, he has provided free multidisciplinary health services, youth and widows’ empowerment programmes and community development projects in Enugu State and beyond.

    2. Maurice Akueme is the Founder/CEO of The Maurice Akueme Foundation. A UK based accountant, entrepreneur and philanthropist, he is very passionate about humanitarian work and also believes in giving back to society.

    The Maurice Akueme Foundation is a UK & Nigeria based charitable foundation with the stated objective to alleviate, palliate and empower lives.

    Through the Foundation, Akueme has been able to touch the lives of people too numerous to mention.

    3. The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.

    Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.

    4. Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo is an accountant, businessman and politician.

    He is the founder of Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo Foundation, a Foundation built to give hope to the less privileged in the society, focusing on humanitarian services such as widow support, medical care, education support grant, youth empowerment programmes to mention but a few. His foundation is a household name all over Anambra State for the far-reaching medical and educational touch on the citizens. From the records of the Foundation, over 44,000 people from 22 communities in Anambra Central Senatorial Zone have benefited from the various programmes of the Foundation.

    Public Service

    1. Dr. David Okelue Ugwunta is a seasoned academic with specialization in Banking and Finance. He has a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in Banking and Finance from the University of Nigeria. His research interests are in finance, accounting, and overall macroeconomics. 

    Dr. Ugwunta has been serving as the Enugu State Honorable Commissioner for Budget Enugu from 2019 till date.

    2. Hon. Orji Uchenna Orji is the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information. He has been adjudged one of the best among his equals due to how he manages his office as the powerhouse of information of the state. He’s outstanding in the way he ensures he has a full grasp of the details of the projects, programs and policies of the administration and gets it out to the people accordingly. He’s a doyen in his office.

    3. Hon. Mrs. Adaonah Kene-Uyanwune is the Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development Enugu State. She is a sound technocrat, a talented and goal oriented leader with a proven track record of progressive responsibility in public sector revenue and finance management. She has brought an integrated public finance management system to enthrone the agenda of the present administration on prudent  management of public funds, accountability and transparency. Her commitment and dedication in steering the leadership of most world bank assisted  programs have attracted grants to the state for meeting the eligibility and disbursement criteria for the State like the State fiscal transparency accountability and sustainability program(SFTAS) of the World Bank which is a performance for result program for strengthening fiscal sustainability. Among other positions she has held in the state, she was also a former Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Revenue Generation; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Revenue and Financial Matters.

    4. Engr. O.A Obasi is an outstanding engineer, and as the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Works under Governor David Umahi administration, he has shown why he is the best for the job. Ebonyi State is said to be booming with construction projects; roads, bridges, flyovers, structures and many more. It is right to say that over 60% of the projects are already completed or at the verge of that. His diligence and professional attitude in his office solidified Gov. Umahi’s determination that brought about the success of the numerous projects done so far.

    Literary Icon

    1. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe hails from Nanka, Anambra State. She’s best known for her 2019 family saga novel, The Son of the House, which she won the Nigeria Prize for Literature awards for in 2021. 

    In 2019, she won the award for the best international fiction book at the Sharjah International Book Fair. In 2021, she won the SprinNG women authors prize. Her novel was also nominated for the Giller Prize in 2021.

    2. Ken Ike Okere, the Slam Master, is a writer and a poet who has contributed much in the growth of art and literature in the country. As the Director, FRCN Lagos in 2013, he co-founded the Eko Literary Society. He’s also among the founders of Abuja Literary Society and in 2015 when he was appointed the Director, FRCN South East Zone, headquartered at Enugu Coal City Fm, he founded the Enugu Literary Society that has flourished since 2016 to this date, not to mention his contributions to the growth of Life in My City Art Festival (LIMCAF), that promotes art and awards artists from all around the country. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Enugu Literary Society wouldn’t have survived this long without Mr. Ike Okere. He continues to make loads of sacrifices to ensure art and the literary stand tall in the country. 

    3. Adachukwu Onwudiwe is the Founder of Crater Library & Publishers – a digital library and publishing platform that pre serves intellectual heritage and provides access to literary, scholarly and research resources.

    Onwudiwe is also a festival manager of the annual Crater Literary Festival. In ad dition, she is a researcher, writer, and a member of the creative team of Afro chives NFT which is dedicated to curating and archiving obscure stories in African cultural history.

    4. Othuke Umukoro is from Olomoro, Delta State. He’s an Award winning African poet. He won the 2021 Brunel International African Poetry Prize.

  • JUST IN: Appeal Court Reserves Judgment In Nnamdi Kanu’s Suit Challenging Charges Against Him

    JUST IN: Appeal Court Reserves Judgment In Nnamdi Kanu’s Suit Challenging Charges Against Him

    The Court of Appeal Abuja has reserved judgment on an appeal filed by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, seeking to quash the terrorism and treasonable felony charge the Federal Government preferred against him.

    The IPOB leader, who is currently facing trial before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, had approached the court of appeal to query the legal competence of the charge pending against him.

    He is praying the court to review the April 8 ruling of the trial court which struck out only eight out of the 15-count charge.

    Insisting that the charge FG entered against him had no basis in law, he is also urging the appellate court to order his release on bail, pending the determination of his appeal.

    Though the appeal was initially fixed for October 11, following an application the embattled IPOB leader filed for abridgment of time, the appellate court brought the matter forward for hearing.

    (Channels)

  • JUST IN: Lady offers her kidney to SAVE Sonia, Ekweremadu’s daughter

    A 24-year-old lady, Annastasia Michael, has written an open letter to the daughter of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Sonia, offering to donate one of her kidneys to save her life.

    This is coming after the 25-year-old Sonia Ekweremadu made an appeal to members of the public to donate a kidney to save her life.

    Responding to the appeal in a Facebook post on Monday, Annastasia said she was ready to offer one of her kidneys to Ekweremadu if none of her family members could do that, adding that it is to prove that women can help women.

    Annastasia also stated that she is making the donation for free, praying that her kidney should match Sonia’s.

    She disclosed that she had already forwarded a mail to the email address provided by Sonia.

    Read her full post below:

    “Kidney donation To Sonia Ekweremadu.

    I (Annastasia Michael Olamma) want to donate one of my Kidney to Sonia Ekweremadu to save her life. I have made up my mind to do this to prove women can help women.

    If any of her relatives mum, dad, siblings, cannot give out their kidney to save their Bloodline then i will donate my own to save Sonia and I demand nothing in return. I pray it matches with her own.

    I am 24 years old, I don’t take alcohol and I believe my kidney is very healthy to donate.

    I have sent message to her email @helpsonialive@gmail.com and anticipate for her reply.

    May God heal you 🙏😢

    #womensupportingwomen

    #helpsonialive

    #sonialivematters.”

    (Punch)

  • Ruto officially sworn in as Kenya’s president

    William Samoei Ruto has officially been declared President of Kenya following his swearing-in ceremony, which took place at the Karasani Stadium, Kenya.

    He was sworn in by the Chief Judge, Martha Koome, on Tuesday at a ceremony held in the packed Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani.

    Amid cheers from the excited crowd, Ruto swore an oath of allegiance and another oath for the execution of the functions of the office.

    Ruto also appended his signature to the corresponding documents, as seen in the live broadcast monitored by our correspondent on Tuesday.

    With his inauguration, Ruto becomes the fifth president of Independent Kenya, and the second ethnic Kalenjin after the late Daniel Arap Moi to hold the office.

    Hours before his inauguration, the outgoing president Uhuru Kenyatta congratulated Ruto on his victory in the August 9 poll.

    Kenyans quoted Uhuru as saying, “As a hallmark of our democracy, therefore, I will, before God and my fellow countrymen, handover the instruments of power to our new president at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani and with that, the fourth administration will come to an end and the tenure of the fifth administration will begin.”

    “My family and I join all Kenyans in wishing the very best to our next President Dr. William Samoei Ruto and extending to him our warmest congratulations for receiving the mandate of Kenyans to lead us as our 5th president.”

    The Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, was also at the swearing-in ceremony.

    Osinbajo’s media aide, Laolu Akande, made this known in a tweet which read, “VP Osinbajo now in Nairobi, Kenya where he is representing Nigeria at the inauguration of Dr. William Ruto as Kenya’s fifth President today.

    “On arrival, VP congratulates ‘the people of Kenya on this celebration of democracy,’ and added, ‘God bless the Republic of Kenya’.”

    (Punch)

  • Buhari arrives Imo on working visit, to commission completed projects

    Buhari arrives Imo on working visit, to commission completed projects

    President Muhammadu Buhari has on Tuesday arrived Imo state where he is on a one day working visit to commission projects that have been completed by Governor Hope Uzodimma-led administration.

    The roads to be commissioned is the first phase of 56km Orlu-Okigwe road and the Orlu -Owerri road.

    Upon his arrival, the governor Uzodinma and other stakeholders received the president at the tarmac.

    Recall that Buhari paid an official visit to the state on Thursday, September 9, 2021, where he launched projects and had talks with Igbo leaders.

    His second visit, next week, is expected to base “sundry matters but largely for the commissioning of completed projects by the 3R Government.”

    This was contained in a statement by Dr Paul Ihunanya, titled ‘As Buhari visits Imo again’ released on Saturday

    The statement also reads that the President will “be the commissioning of Owerri-Orlu road, a Federal Road built by the 3R Government and the newly built & furnished Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA) Complex.”

    It read, “In the penultimate month, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma had hinted on President Muhammadu Buhari’s working visit to Imo State for sundry matters but largely for the commissioning of completed projects by the 3R Government.

    “This is the second visit by Mr President within a space of roughly one year. During the last visit, Governor Hope Uzodimma gathered Igbo leaders for the reception of Mr President and utilized the opportunity to galvanize relationship between the Igbos and the Federation, with a focus on the inclusion of Igbos in the administration and development of the nation.

    “Mr President’s second visit to Imo, within a year, is a clear indication on the unprecedented developmental drive of the 3R Government. Top on the President’s itinerary during the visit would be the commissioning of Owerri-Orlu road, a Federal Road built by the 3R Government and the newly built & furnished Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA) Complex.

    “It will be a period of roll call, on the projects of the 3R Government and a showcase to the world, on the achievements of the Shared Prosperity administration of His Excellency, the Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma.”

    (Vanguard)

  • INEC reassures Nigerians of efficient vote counting systems

    INEC reassures Nigerians of efficient vote counting systems

    Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has, again, promised Nigerians that their votes would count in the forthcoming general elections, stressing that measures have been put in place to ensure efficiency of systems as well as adequate and trained manpower.

    It, thus, encouraged Nigerians who are eligible and had obtained their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) ahead of 2023 elections to come out en mass and participate in the voting process in next year’s general elections.

    INEC assured Nigerians that the Commission has consistently improved on its manpower and systems, adding that the new Electoral Act had further increased public confidence, particularly the electronic transmission of results right from the polling units to the INEC database.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, who spoke at an event to mark the end of the phase one of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) in Abuja, on Monday, appreciated the enduring commitment and support of the EU towards the strengthening of democratic institutions and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.

    He commended the support received so far from the EU and other international partners which, he said, has helped INEC in policy formulations, improvement in systems and manpower, and other interventions in the past years.

    He said: “INEC was a key beneficiary of the first phase of the EU-SDGN programme conceived under the National Indicative Programme 2014 – 2020. We received various supports in the areas of training and capacity building for staff, engagement with stakeholders, voter education and public enlightenment and the promotion of inclusivity.

    “The support went a long way to complement INEC’s efforts at strengthening organisational and planning capacity, improvement of internal and external communications, more frequent consultation with stakeholders and advocacy for increased participation in the electoral process.

    “The combination of these actions and activities not only enhanced public confidence in INEC, but provided valuable assistance in strengthening the integrity and credibility of the electoral process. A major achievement in this regard is the progressive provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

    (Sun)

  • Senate orders security forces to take action against terrorists, oil thieves

    Senate orders security forces to take action against terrorists, oil thieves

    At a meeting with military and intelligence chiefs to review progress made in the fight against insecurity, the lawmakers, lamented the massive loss of crude oil to illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta and the impact on the economy.

    The meeting was a follow-up to a similar one held in August and was presided over by Senate President, Ahmad Lawan with Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, other principal officers of the Senate and chairmen of security related committees of the senate in attendance.

    Also present were Chief of Defence Staff, three service chiefs, Inspector General of Police, Directors-Generals of National Intelligence Agency(NIA), State Security Service(SSS) and Commandant General, National Security and Civic Defence Corps while the Acting Comptroller General of the Immigration Service was represented.

    Lawan said before the senate went on its annual summer recess, lawmakers had expressed concerns with respect to the security situation in the country.

    He tasked security agencies to arrest oil thieves and ensure they are prosecuted.

    “Those who have made every effort to steal our oil at an industrial scale, I’m sure some of them may not be that lucky to escape. We want to see trials of people who are caught because when that happens, citizens will know that nobody, no matter how high that person is, can go scot free if he or she decides to get involved in this kind of criminal activities.

    “Of course, I will appeal to our courts – judiciary – once we have cases like this, we must give expeditious consideration, because these are the issues that, today, are militating against our stability and even against our democracy.

    “We lose so much of our oil. As at the last count, the report was that we export just little above 900,000 barrels. And that is just about 50 percent because it is supposed to be 1.8million barrels per day and that is halving our revenues and our resources for development. So I want to appeal to the judiciary to give a special consideration once a suspected oil thief is taking to Court. We must prosecute them. It is not enough to just take away whatever they have stolen and say go and sin no more.”

    Lawan said the lawmakers would continue to engage security agencies in the fight against insecurity.

    He said after the last meeting, there had been remarkable difference in the fight against insecurity by the armed forces and other security agencies. “We are very proud of that. We pray that this continue because we have seen the initiative and it is for us to finish the job. When Mr President spoke of ensuring that we return to normalcy by December 2022, I’m sure he had in mind what you have been doing recently.”

    (Sun)

  • FG inaugurates $200 million World Bank IDEAS project

    FG inaugurates $200 million World Bank IDEAS project

    The federal government on Monday inaugurated the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project to address challenges facing the nation’s education sector

    The federal government on Monday inaugurated the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project to address challenges facing the nation’s education sector.

    The World Bank is supporting the IDEAS Project in each participating state with a $200 million credit facility for its smooth implementation.

    The project has four components with the core objective of enhancing the capacity of the Nigerian skills development system to produce relevant skills for the formal and informal sectors.

    The first component aims to provide a grant for the rehabilitation and upgrading of federal and state technical colleges to transform their operational models into public-private partnerships, in which industry partners assume a prominent role in institutional governance, management and planning, training and service delivery.

    The second component will deliver a comprehensive capacity development intervention package for improving and modernising informal apprenticeships in selected informal sector clusters.

    The third component will improve the availability of appropriately skilled and competent technical teachers and instructors in the skills development space throughout the country, including teaching staff of private skills development institutions, starting with teaching staff in technical colleges.

    The fourth component will be rolling out the Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework reform, which involves curriculum development and revision based on the National Occupational Standard and training and certification of assessors and trainers.

    The inauguration was marked by a workshop organised by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the World Bank to ensure the success of the IDEAS project.

    The workshop, held at the Banquet hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was for monitoring and evaluation officers in the education sector.

    Education minister Adamu Adamu said the IDEAS Project’s successful implementation would help Nigeria grow its economy.

    (NAN)

  • VP Osinbajo arrives Nairobi for Rutho’s inauguration

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has arrived in Nairobi, to represent Nigeria at the Kenyan presidential inauguration.

    The event, which comes up on Tuesday at Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi, will be Kenya’s fifth presidential inauguration.

    Mr Osinbajo was received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, by former Governor of Kwale County, Salim Mvurya, Nigerian Ambassador to Kenya, Yusuf Yumusa and other senior government officials.

    Deputy President, William Ruto was on 15 August, declared winner of Kenya’s presidential election held on 9 August.

    Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman, Wafula Chebukati, said Ruto had won almost 7.18 million votes or 50.49 per cent, against 6.94 million or 48.85 per cent, for his rival, Raila Odinga.

    Kenya’s Supreme Court, on Sept. 5, upheld Rutho’s electoral victory.

    The vice-president is accompanied on the trip by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada and the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu.

    Nigeria and Kenya, both former British colonies, enjoy good diplomatic relationship and had signed agreements on trade and agriculture, among other areas of cooperation.

    (NAN)

  • Kanu’s lawyers boasts of readiness ahead of court appearance today 

    Kanu’s lawyers boasts of readiness ahead of court appearance today 

    Leader of the Indigenous People of BIAFRA (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor has said the separatist agitator’s legal team was ready for today legal battle.

    Kanu is expected today at the appellate court against the federal government in Abuja.

    Kanu’s lawyers are expected to be spearheaded by Mike Ozekhome, SAN, according to a statement by Ejiofor on Monday.

    Ejiofor made the statement after their routine visit to Kanu at the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    The statement partly read, “Today’s (Monday) visit was eminently led by the legal Iroko of our time, the indefatigable Lead Counsel to Onyendu-Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN.

    “It was a reassuring visit where details of tomorrow’s (Tuesday) strategic legal fireworks was distilled by the erudite Silk.

    “The legal team, ably led by Chief Ozekhome, SAN, is ready and well prepared for tomorrow’s (Tuesday) outing as no stone will be left unturned.

    “Kanu specially requests you all to intensify your prayers and supplications and also extended his profound love and deep sense of regards to you all.”

    (Vanguard)

  • Sonia Ekweremadu appeals for donation of Kidney, says Dad diagnosed with acute kidney damage in incarceration

    Sonia Ekweremadu appeals for donation of Kidney, says Dad diagnosed with acute kidney damage in incarceration

    Sonia Ekweremadu, daughter of embattled former 3-term Deputy Senate President and current senator, Ike Ekweremadu, has appealed to the public to come to her aid by donating a kidney to her.

    In an emotional post made on her IG account, @soniaekw, the 25 year old said she was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease, FSGS Nephrotic Syndrome, in 2019.

    She noted that she had to make the appeal public because none of her family members could donate their kidney due to the genetic origin of the ailment.

    Her appeal reads: “I, Sonia Ekweremadu, hereby appeal to the general public to come to my aid and save my life.

    “I am 25 years old and a graduate of Media and Communications, University of Coventry. I dropped out of my post graduate studies at the University of Newcastle in 2019 when I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease, FSGS Nephrotic Syndrome. My family has battled to save my life and has taken me to various hospitals, but the illness persisted and kept degenerating. I am alive today by the special grace of God. I am presently in London, UK, receiving 5 Hours of dialysis 3-4 times a week. This is at the expense of my family as I am not qualified for NHS due to my immigration status.

    “The last 3 years have been extremely challenging. The charges being faced by my parents in London presently, are directly connected to my illness and have complicated matter for me and my family. I do not intend to delve into details of this unfortunate development as the matter is still in Court. I am however optimistic that the truth will prevail and it will end in praise to God.

    “In the circumstance above, I am appealing to anybody whom it may please to assist me willingly with a kidney donation in the name of God.

    “This appeal would have been utterly unnecessary as every member of my family is eager to donate their kidney to me, knowing that I would do the same for any of them. Regrettably, comprehensive medical examination showed that my case of nephrotic syndrome is a genetic illness and the doctors advised against donation from any of my family members, as it would likely reoccur”.

    She stated that Ike Ekweremadu had been diagnosed of kidney issues while being held incarcerated.

    “In the time that my father has been incarcerated, he has been diagnosed with acute kidney damage.

    “Anybody that is moved by this appeal and wishes to donate his or her kidney to me may send an email to helpsonialive@gmail.com and include his or her name, phone number, email address and place of residence.

    “Please, note that under the laws of England and Wales, organ donation must be purely driven by compassion and therefore no reward is involved.

    “Finally, I have decided to commit and dedicate myself to helping people with the challenges of kidney disease, upon my full recovery. Thank you and God bless you”.

    Recall that Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, were arrested by a UK court on charges of organ harvesting of a minor. Documents of the alleged minor, David Nwamini Ukpo, showed that contrary to his claims, he is not a minor.

    Beatrice Ekweremadu was later released on bail but Ike Ekweremadu has been behind bars, with the next adjournment for October 4, 2022.