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New year message: UNESCO Laureate, Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu congratulates Nigerians says it is time to embrace the hybrid educational system

By Maryam Aminu

UNESCO Laureate, Pro-Chancellor, and World Acclaimed Distinguished Professor and Chairman Board of Trustees of West Coast International University of Sciences Technology Management and Arts Formerly Known as West Coast University United States of America, Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu has congratulated Nigerians for the new year stating that the new year unfolds a new dawn which gives all Nigerians a leveled playing ground to make choose their political leaders within the next 4 years.

Stating further, he tasked Nigerians especially the youths to get involved in the election processes in other to have in power leaders that have the country at heart.

Aremu made this known in a new year message he signed on the 1st of January, 2023, and made available to journalists by his Senior Special Assistant on media, Emmanuel Daudu.

While reacting to the dilapidating educational system in the country, Aremu said, “education helps us get exposure to new ideas and concepts that we can use to appreciate and improve the world around us and the world within us.
When we improve our education and continue to learn, we can foster new connections, increase our marketable skills, and understand people better.
According to Benjamin Franklin, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”.

He further said, ” Kofi Annan once said, Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.”
“Edward Everett also once said, “Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army.”

“It is a high time Nigeria votes leaders that have a bias interesting in the education of its citizens. Education is the bedrock of every country. We need a President that is solely ready to invest in education. Not only to invest in it but to passionately and assiduously follow its implementation to a level that Nigeria has the best educational system in Africa”, he added.

Hon. Barr. Aisha Galadima Gana assures Nigerians of Good governance, campaigns for APC

By Emmanuel Daudu

The member, APC Presidential Women Campaign Council, member, PCC and Matron ANG Associates, Chief Barr. Aisha Galadima Gana has stated that Nigerians can only see more dividends of democracy if Nigerians give the mandate to the APC Presidential Candidate, Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

Barr. Aisha made this known in a new year message she signed and made available to journalists on Sunday, the 1st of January, 2023.

Chief Barr. Aisha Galadima Gana noted that sustainability and continuity in governance are essential and as such, for Nigerians to actually see the practical evidence of what President Muhammadu Buhari has laid the foundation for, the people of Nigerian should realize that the same party should be given that mandate to prove what it had brought to bear.
“Tinubu is one of the best ever political technocrats who has all it takes to make Nigeria a country of our dreams. He is a leader with no questionable character, he is a leader who believes in the masses and has the unity of this country at heart. A vote for him is a vote for the good of Nigeria, a vote for him is a vote to better Nigeria, and a vote for him is a vote for economic viability.
Until Nigerians get to the level of understanding how things work politically, it might not go smoothly. It is on this, I urge all Nigerians to give a block vote to APC in the February elections”. She added.

Stressing further in her new year message, thanked Her Excellency Aisha Buhari for her doggedness in leading women and giving them a leveled playing ground with their male counterparts in all spheres of discipline.

UN-Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria Dr. Raymond Edoh wishes Nigerians a Happy New Year, task youth on political involvement

By Simeon Monday

The United Nations Ambassador to Nigeria and the Nigerian Youth Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency, Dr. Raymond Edoh has congratulated Nigerians on the new year 2023 pointing out that Nigerians are at its strategic decision-making junction and the decision made determines the prospect and result Nigerians will harness from the macrocosm, Nigeria.

“We all are aware that we are already in the season of electing new political leaders. Yes, it is a new year, congratulations to us all. We thank God for the privilege of living as individuals and as a Nation. However, in this season, a lot of decisions both at individual levels and as a nation must be made. If we have been complaining of bad leadership, this season has brought us another opportunity to correct the ills we feel are bad. The long awaiting 2023 is here and as such we must make an informed decision so that we can be involved in the growth of the nation. How can we do this? We can do this simply by going out on that day of the election and casting our votes for candidates we believe has Nigeria at heart. Someone who can give us dividends of democracy, the candidates that have the poor masses at heart, the candidates that know what they are doing, the candidates that strongly believe in Nigeria and its people, both at the federal and state level.

Dr. Raymond made this known in a new year message he signed and made available to journalists by his senior special Assistant on Media, Emmanuel Daudu, in Abuja on Sunday, 1st January 2023.

Dr. Raymond Edoh in his new year message gave lots of democracy quotes among which a few are, “Every citizen of this country should be guaranteed that their vote matters, that their vote is counted, and that in the voting booth, their vote has a much weight as that of any CEO, any member of Congress, or any President.” Barbara Boxer
“Voting is a right best exercised by people who have taken time to learn about the issues.” Tony Snow
“Voting is fundamental in our democracy. It has yielded enormous returns.”
“I believe that voting is the first act of building a community as well as building a country.” John Ensign
“Voting is the foundational act that breathes life into the principle of the consent of the governed.” DeForest Soaries
“Never turn your back on a threatened danger and try to run away from it. If you do that, you will double the danger. But if you meet it promptly and without flinching, you will reduce the danger by half. Never run away from anything. Never!” Winston Churchill
“Do the unexpected. Take 20 minutes out of your day, do what young people all over the world are dying to do: vote.” Rick Mercer
“Vote early, and vote often.” Al Capone
Democracy:
“Democracy is not something that happens, you know, just at election time, and it’s not something that happens just with one event. It’s an ongoing building process. But it also ought to be a part of our culture, a part of our lives.” Jim Hightower
“No one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime. Young people must be included from birth. A society that cuts off from its youth severs its lifeline.” Kofi Annan
“So long as we have enough people in this country willing to fight for their rights, we’ll be called a democracy.” Roger Nash Baldwin
“Anti-democracy…is a virus that exists, and pro-democracy is the antibody to that virus, and I think we have to become vigilant, and we have to stay on top of the issues of democracy and freedom.” Harry Belafonte
“The primal principle of democracy is the worth and dignity of the individual.” Edward Bellamy
“Democracy is the ultimate, positive revolution because it gives each and every individual the power to control their lives. And we can work together to create a just, sustainable world.” Bill Blackman
“The only title in our democracy superior to that of President is the title of citizen.” Justice Louis D. Brandeis
“We preach the virtues of democracy abroad. We must practice its duties here at home. Voting is the first duty of democracy.” Lyndon B. Johnson
“I’d like people to be educated on the voting machines, making sure that our democracy isn’t being hijacked by computer technology. There’s no reason there can’t be a paper trail on those machines.” Eddie Vedder
Democracy is about voting and it’s about a majority vote. And it’s time that we started exercising the Democratic process.” Debbie Stabenow
“Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.” Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity.” Naomi Klein

“What I am saying in essence is, Nigerians especially the youths should understand that they have over 70% of deciding factor of who becomes a political leader in this country if they are involved in voting during elections. Over the years, instead of the youths realizing their political worth, they are used to truncating the process, yet at their expense. What a political higgledy-piggledy! It is a slap on us as youths.

“Just as I have said earlier in my various previous interviews, this election would be one of the best and most peaceful elections in the history of Nigeria. Sure! It will! Why do I say so? As a Nigerian youth leader within and in the Diaspora I have led other youth leaders to put measures in place to curb electoral violence ahead of the February election and others. We have mobilized these measures to ensure a peaceful election. I know what I have led other youth leaders to put in place as structural measures. And if any youth tries anything funny, he or she would assuredly be caught in the web of the measures put in place.

” It hurts me when youths tend to allow selves to be used by politicians to cause violence. Yes, the youths! Have you seen a 70-year-old or 50 years old person perpetrating electoral violence? Not at all! I urge us all the youths to use our energy positively to make the electoral processes peaceful.

“It is another opportunity to correct our ills by doing informed voting. As a youth, you are yet, to get your PVC, you are the problem of this nation. What are you still waiting for? Go and get your PVC and be ready to vote on the days of the elections. It is your right to exercise your political franchise”.

Speaking on violence, he charged the youths not to get involved in political violence as he described any who would be involved in such an act as an enemy of Nigeria, stressing that not one of such persons will go scot-free without being cut up with the law.

While expressing optimism about the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari in conducting a free and fair election pleads with the President to keep to his words so that Nigerians can decide who becomes their next president legitimately.
“Mr. President, all I plead you to do for us is to keep to your words of conducting a free and fair election. I wish to draw to your notice that the National community is watching, Past Presidents are watching, the youths are watching, the military is watching and all political stakeholders in Africa and all around the world are watching. Your Excellency, please don’t disappoint Nigerians by doing the contrary of what you said. We know you as a man of integrity, please maintain your integrity to the end. You understand that Nigerians love you, they trust you, they believe in you, please Mr. President don’t turn us down.”

However, he thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for a well-done leadership and for considering the youths in strategic leadership positions, giving an example of Comr. Blessing Akinlosotu who he added as Member, Nigerian Climate Change Council.
“Mr. President, we understand and have seen lots of initiatives ranging from security, economic, political, and otherwise but the persons in charge of the implementation have drastically failed in their roles thereby frustrating your achievements. Against this backdrop, we plead with you to help us achieve a free and fair election so that these challenges can be handled once and for all. This is the pleading of the youths. You are our father, and we know you will listen to the yearning of your children, the youths of this country. Please hear our plead, our father, President Muhammadu Buhari”.

Kwara journalist canvasses improvement in prison inmates’ welfare

A Kwara State-based journalist, Dare Akogun has urged well meaning Nigerians to contribute to the wellbeing of prisoners and the prison service in general, saying that the government cannot do it alone.

Akogun, who is a Senior News Editor with Ilorin-based private radio station Sobi FM, recently celebrated his birthday with inmates of the Mandala Medium Custodian Centre, Ilorin, where he fed the 430 inmates held at the centre and donated clothing and other items.

The journalist, alongside his brother, AbdulRasheed Akogun, another journalist, were remanded in the custodian centre in October 2022 over defamation allegation brought against them by a Kwara State government official.

The charge was later withdrawn after the duo had spent six days at the centre.

Accompanied by friends and colleagues, Dare Akogun said that prison inmates are also part of the society who must not be discriminated against, but rather shown love and compassion and be well catered for.

He said: “When I was here in October this year, so many people took their time to visit me in this place, and their words of encouragement helped me a great deal to cope during the period I was here.

My time inside here made me realise that life inside the prison is a lesson that can only be learnt only if it’s experienced.

”I decided to celebrate my birthday with you guys in reciprocation of the love I was shown while I was here, and the support of well-meaning Nigerians who supported this cause with donations that have made today possible.

”I want to use this opportunity to call on well-meaning Nigerians to always remember prison inmates not only in times of celebration, but everytime they believe they have whatever it takes to support them and make their stay in prison conducive”.

The Officer in Charge of the centre, Assistant Controller of Corrections Oyedele Asiyanbi, commended Akogun and his friends for remembering the inmates despite their tight schedule.

Asiyanbi said that private individuals can do more to ensure that prisons are conducive for inmates, as the seclusion is meant to reform them to be good citizens whenever they are released back into the society.

“I want to urge you to use your medium to enlighten the people and call on well meaning Nigerians on the need to inculcate the habit of visiting the prisons for motivational talks and donating items that will make the prison conducive for inmates”, he said.

Zulum visits Indian University, explores partnership on lecturers’ training, others

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum was on Wednesday at Amity University, at Noida in New Delhi, India.

Established in 2005, Amity University ranks amongst top Universities in the world according to a 2016 record. The University offers over 300 postgraduate and undergraduate courses with more than 15,000 research and publications.

Governor Zulum at the visit, announced the desire of his administration to partner with Amity University on training of academics from Borno’s tertiary institutions, exchange of research and technology on aspects of Agriculture, Energy, Medicine, Engineering and Applied sciences.

The Governor noted that agriculture is one of Borno’s priorities, and his administration will focus on training in post-harvest losses to attain food sufficiency.

He said potential partnership with Amity University will also focus on climate change conditions, that can improve resilience of crops, and fight desertification.

Zulum explained that a technical team from Borno will plan a visit to Amity University in early 2023 to formalize collaboration between the University and the Borno State Government.

The Governor was received at the University by Dr W. Selvamurthy, President of Amity Science, Technology and Innovation Foundation & Director General for Amity Directorate of Science and Innovation & Chancellor of Amity University and other senior officials of the institution.

In a power-point presentation, Amity University highlighted its activities with possible areas of collaboration.

Governor Zulum, before departing the University, met with Nigerian students studying at the Amity University. He charged them to dedicate themselves to their studies and exhibit good character.

Zulum’s delegation included Mr Regeh John, an official of the Nigerian Embassy in India, Alhaji Ahmed Sanda, the Governor’s special Adviser on protocol, Engr. Adam Bababe, Executive Secretary, Borno Geographic Information Service and Engr. Bawu Musami, SSA on Technical Matters to the Governor.

Transport Day Kicks Against Hiked Third Party Motor Insurance, calls for immediate Reversal

Lagos-December 29, 2022- The Editorial Board of Transport Day newspaper, has frowned at the recent hike in third party motor insurance premium as issued by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

It would be recalled that the commission had in a recent circular issued on December 22, 2022, and signed by L.M Akah, Director, Policy and Regulation, announced increments on motor insurance premium to commence January 1, 2023.

The Board of Editors wondered why NAICOM which has woefully failed in enlightening motorists on how they can make claims when there is a need, is now increasing the premium at a time when the purchasing power of most Nigerians was heading south.

In a statement signed by the Editor-in-Chief of Transport Day newspaper, Frank Kintum, the board wondered why only a few days notice was given to motorists when the increment was as high as 200%.

According to the Board, “how do you want the ordinary motorists to adjustment to an alarming 200% increment by making an announcement just a few days to implementation”.

Hence, the editors called on road transport operators and motorists to use all available legal means to resist the move as soon as possible.

The editors finally urge relevant stakeholders to call for the immediate sack of the Commissioner of Insurance/Chief Executive of the NIC, if the commission refuses to revert the arbitrary and inhuman increment.

Moreso, the Editorial Board of the newspaper called on President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the NAICOM to immediately revert the increment to N5000.

2023: Ajia assures NATE of standard legislative support, if elected

Ajia, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for House of Representatives in Asa/Ilorin West, has promised quality legislative support to strengthening technologies in Engineering, if elected in 2023.

Ajia made the pledge at the induction/public lecture and award ceremony organised by the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) on Wednesday in Ilorin.

He spoke on: “Skills, not Degree Matters Now in Nigeria: Benefits and Challenges Overview”.

Ajia stressed the need to support the association with the necessary legislative teeth to make it achieve the essence of its establishment.

According to him, technology gives engineers the direction setting and focus to achieve their objectives, it simplifies work for them and with it, “we are having designs that give ways to engineering works today”.

The PDP candidate maintained that without technologies, nothing much can be achieved in this present world.

“Without technology, particularly the internet and technical system, no business can thrive, technology has made so many things simple.

“Without technology education, agriculture, health and other sectors cannot produce expected outcomes,” he said.

He however urged government to support NATE with the needed legislation that would help the association achieve its vision and mission, and contribute to nation building, growth and development.

Ajia assured the association that he would support the association with enabling law that would help to achieve its noble ideas and values, if given the mandate.

“There are so many challenges faced by the engineering sector and nation in general and I will do my best as a legislator to secure the future of the association,” he promised.

He urged the members of the association to take the 2023 general elections seriously and partake in it, so as to rescue Nigeria from total collapse.

“Tech innovations and other systems that are gaining ground are computer-aided design, manufacturing (CAD/CAM), model-based design, simulation, collaborative software, machine vision, and augmented and virtual reality tools, among others,” said the legislative flagbearer.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Award of Merit was presented to Ajia in recognition of his meritorious services to the society through his interventionist organisation, the MAI Foundation.

SDP Presidential Candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo Urges Christians To Condemn Injustice

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has advised christians to call out injustice and corruption as a way to make the society better.

He made this known on Sunday December 25 when speaking during the Christmas concert oganised by Apostolic Faith Church Ondo State, at his residence.
Prince Adebayo said when public offices steal funds, the church should not encourage them by keeping silent but condemn it, as that is the only way God will have mercy upon Nigeria.

“My only advice to the church is, when they see people in public offices who have stolen fund, they shouldn’t say God has blessed you. When someone does injustice in politics, the church should cry out and say this is injustice. If the church does this, God will have mercy upon Nigeria and truth and justice will come”, he said.

The SDP presidential candidate, while commending what the church is doing in the state, said he will provide more infrastructure in the state.
The most important thing is power is useless. Purpose is more important. And everything that is kept in your hand is a trust from God. Even our own life is a trust. It doesn’t belong to you. If you live for 50 years and 100years it’s not because you have the best doctor. Is because God has a mission for you, He wants you to fulfill. I talk to my friends running for office. Those of yesterday have gone.

The most important thing is, when you are here, make mark. We are here just like a shadow. Then we should do our best.
“We’ll do all the roads, as for the lights we have enough lights, the 615 solar lights we earlier commissioned is just one third, more will come. There’s no part of Ondo you will go and there will be no light”.

For her part, wife of the SDP presidential candidate, Queen Lilian Adebayo thanked everyone for gracing the event, while expressing hope that with God’s help and the vote of the people of the state, Prince Adebayo will emerge a winner at the polls.

She said, “It is a great privilege having the church here, I want to thank you all, especially for the playlet by the children which inspires me, it shows that man has no power, it is God who will do the choosing for us even for the position my husband is aspiring for. I know people will have to go out to vote but I know that God will do it”.

The highlight of the event was when gifts were presented to Prince Adebayo by different persons, and also the exchange of gifts between himself and little Ondo children.

Members of his entourage were – Chief Silas Alani, SDP southwest chairman, Mr Patrick Anethua SDP member Edo north, Godwin Osigbeme, Ambassador Rufus Aiyenugba SDP National Publicity Secretary.

SDP’s Adewole Adebayo Gives Christmas Message, Promises Better Lives for Citizens

The presidential candidate of the Social democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo has promised his party will produce a government that will make provisions for families and protect families all year round.

This was contained in Prince Adebayo’s speech to mark the Christmas day celebration on Sunday December 25, 2022, at his residence in Ondo State.

In the spirit of the season, he said under his government, the entire cities of Nigeria will become a happy family all together.

He said, “This is the season that we celebrate with family and we all come together as a community to commemorate the birth of Christ. It is a great gift given by God Almighty to mankind leading eventually to Easter, the glorification of man who is created”.
“We celebrate this season together and we share things together, we fellowship with one another, just imagine if we did this all round the year, just think about it, to have a government that makes provisions for family, protects families, and we come together to raise families for this country and the entire cities of Nigeria becomes a very happy family all together. That is the promise we make for 2023 and that’s the new spirit”, he said.
“We wish you, your family and your community and one dearly beloved by you merry Christmas and happy new year”.

Prince Adebayo gave the speech together with his wife and his daughter on behalf of his entire family.

NDLEA intercepts Xmas Colorado, cannabis juice consignments at Lagos airport, seaport

…2 dock workers, businessman, 9 others arrested in Lagos, Kano, Imo, Abuja

Consignments of Colorado concealed in vehicles imported from Montreal, Canada and packs of cannabis juice flown in from South Africa, meant for distribution ahead of the Christmas festive season, have been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Tincan seaport, Apapa and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, both in Lagos state.

At least, 12 suspects including two dock workers and a wine shop businessman have so far been arrested in connection with the two seizures as well as the recovery of 152 kilograms of skunk from two dealers in Kano; 100,000 pills of Tramadol in Imo state and 520kgs of cannabis hidden in soft drinks crates loaded in a truck coming to Abuja, the nations Federal Capital Territory.

At the SAHCO import shed of the Lagos airport, the search of a consolidated cargo from South Africa led to the discovery of smuggled bottled Cannabis juice with a gross weight of 16.50kgs on Wednesday 21st December. Investigations by anti-narcotics officers subsequently led to the arrest of four freight agents: Soremekun Olalekan Wasiu; Olufisayo Dayo; Moruf Olusegun Bashir and Imole Moses Ajayi, whose statements eventually led to the arrest of the consignee, a wine shop business owner, Emebede Chuka, the following day Thursday 22nd Dec.

Also, an attempt to export quantities of cannabis and ecstasy pills also known as MDMA concealed in beverage drink, Bournvita, containers to Dubai, UAE, through the NAHCO export shed on Friday 23rd Dec was frustrated while a vulcaniser given the assignment for a fee of N4,000, Iyanda Ogunleye Yaya has been arrested.
In the same vein, a consignment of 185 parcels of cannabis Indica, popularly called Colorado weighing 61.3kgs have been seized during a joint examination of a container at the Tincan seaport, Lagos. The container marked MSCU5206726 from Montreal, Canada was declared as containing three units of used vehicles but upon a 100% examination, it was found to contain two vehicles; a 2009 Toyota Corolla car and a 2009 Ford Econoline bus as well as used car engines, bicycles, shoes and other items including the drugs. Two dock workers: Abdulquadri Abdulazeez and Ogbuji Kenneth are already in NDLEA custody in connection with the seizure following their initial arrest by the Port Security and the Police.

In Kano, two suspects: Nura Zakariya’u and Alkasim Abubakar were arrested along Zaria-Kano road, Kwanar Dangora, with 161 blocks of cannabis weighing 152kgs and various quantities of Exol and Codeine based syrup, while a total of 100,000 pills of tramadol were recovered from a suspect, Amaechi Johnson in Imo state on his way to Onitsha, Anambra state. Similarly, a total of 708 kilograms of cannabis were recovered by operatives from a bus at Ehinogbe, Owo area of Ondo state on Tuesday 20th December.

In his reaction to the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) CON, OFR commended the officers and men of the MMIA, Tincan, Kano, Ondo, Imo and FCT commands for their vigilance, professionalism and robust working relationship with other security agencies in their areas of responsibility, urging them and their compatriots across the country to ensure no gram of illicit substance escapes their checks into the streets during the festive season and beyond. He wished them and their families a Merry Christmas celebration and a prosperous new year in advance.

Femi Babafemi
Director, Media and Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Sunday 25th December 2022