Humanitarian Ministry Donates Food Items to Victims of Maiduguri Monday Market Fire

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq has presented food items to victims of Maiduguri Monday Market fire incident in Borno state.

Nneka Ikem Anibeze,
SA Media to the minister in a press release on
03-03-2023, said, the Minister made the presentation to the Governor of Borno state, Prof Babagana Umara  Zulum on Thursday when she paid a condolence visit to the state government.

Among the food items presented include 20 bags of 25kg rice, 10 cartons of macaroni and Spaghetti and 5,000 gallons of vegetable oil.

The Minister who accompanied His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR to visit the ruins  left of the Maiduguri Monday Market,  expressed sadness at the complete destruction of the biggest trading hub in the North East region while briefing the President.

“Your Excellency, on behalf of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, I deeply sympathize with the state government and people of Borno state on this unfortunate fire incident. I have directed the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA to assess the level of damage but from what we are seeing now, it appears nothing was left by the inferno. Everything here was burnt.

“After the assessment, the Ministry will submit a full report to Mr President to seek special intervention for the victims.

“We are handing over 20 bags of 25kg rice, 10 cartons of macaroni and Spagetti and 5,000 gallons of vegetable oil. Your Excellency, this is an emergency relief intervention but we will collaborate  with the Borno State Government to  provide building materials to rebuild the market”.

The Chairman of the Market Association, Awaji Bukar expressed deep appreciation to the President for the visit and appealed for more support from the Federal Government to assuage the colossal loss incurred by the traders.

Umar Farouq Commiserates with Train/BRT crash victims

The BRT staff bus and train collusion which occurred Thursday morning at PWD railway intersection has been described as unfortunate and unavoidable by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq.

According to Nneka Ikem Anibeze, SA Media, in a press release on
10-03-2023, said, while the minister  sympathizes with the Lagos state government and victims of the crash which involved about 85 passengers, the Minister condoled  with the injured victims and families of those who lost their lives in the accident.

“ I express my condolences to the Lagos state government and victims of this fatal train accident. This is tragic and very unfortunate especially when it  could have been avoided by exercising a little patience. I am very saddened by the loss of lives through the carelessness of a BRT driver. May God rest their souls.  We pray for the quick recovery of those injured in the accident as some of the survivors have been  taken to hospital by the first responders for treatment.

“ We however need more sensitization programmes  for BRT drivers and other railway line and road users on the dangers of crossing the rail  when a train is approaching”.

The South West Zonal Coordinator, of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye however reported,  that the State Government staff bus attempted crossing the PWD/Sogunle rail while the train was approaching but got trapped on the rail leading to the crash.

Farinloye said many victims were rescued by  LASEMA, NEMA, Police, FRSC, Civil Defebce and the Nigeria Railway Corporation team while some died in the crash. Their bodies, he said, have since been deposited in the morgue.

UNESCO Laureate lauds INEC, congratulates President-Elect

By Maryam Aminu

The UNESCO Laureate and Vice-Chancellor, Crown University Argentina, USA His Excellency Sir Bashiru Aremu has applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC while Congratulating the President-Elect, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

Aremu made this known in a statement he made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, after the declaration of the 2023 Presidential election winner.

Aremu described the President-Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a Political Warlord capable of transforming the Nigeria Economy within the shortest time stressing that in no distance time under Bola Tinubu’s administration, the country would be great again.
“Tinubu is a technocrat and hardworking Nigerian with a wealth of experience. We are optimistic that he would do well and there is no too way, he will!”

“Please accept my warm congratulations on your victory and my best wishes for your success as you prepare to take up the responsibilities and challenges of your high office.”

Sir Aremu urged the incoming president to restore confidence in the Nigerian system for millions of Nigerians whose lack of confidence has become very clear in this election.

As a citizen of Nigeria, whose dream is to see Nigeria progress and her pride restored, the vice chancellor urged Tinubu to allow for unencumbered scientific research, encourage innovation to seek out those ideas which make us better as a nation, and to work tirelessly until they are seen through.

He further wishes the president-elect successful term in office and for his continued good health and well-being.

PARTICIPANTS OF ARMY WAR COLLEGE NIGERIA VISIT DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS

The Participants of Course 7, 2023 of Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) today 7 March 2023 visited the Defence Headquarters ( DHQ) with an objective to understudy the functions and organisation of the Defence Joint Operations Centre ( JOC). Receiving the Participants, their Commandant and members of faculty on behalf of the CDS, General Lucky Irabor, the Acting Director Defence Intelligence and Security, Brigadier General ME Onoja said, the visit will avail the participants an opportunity to understand the roles of DHQ and other organizations on the security architecture of the nation. He further stated that the JOC is particularly important for security strategies and serves as coordinating body which also liaises with other security agencies in the country.
He revealed that the JOC has witnessed stronger evolution since. 2012 , adding that it was established in 2008, being the war room for planning and decision making for the AFN. “The JOC is also used for intelligence operations which helps to facilitate the CDS decision making”, he said.

A total of 74 participants comprising 6 foreign allied African nations members, one Nigerian Navy officer and one Nigerian Air force officer, all of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and its equivalents were led to the visit by the Commandant of AWCN, Major General BA Alabi. Highlights of the event featured a brief on administration, structure and management of the JOC with an interactive session and exchange of souvenirs between the College and DHQ

PARTICIPANTS OF UAE DEFENCE COLLEGE VISIT DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS

The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), General Lucky Irabor on 7 March 2023 played host to the participants of Course 10 of the United Arab Emirate (UAE) Defence College. Making a remark during the visit, the leader of the participants, Brigadier General Mahdi Al -Ahbabi stated that the visit was informed by the need to share ideas with Nigerian Defence Headquarters on issue of national security. He noted that the UAE Defence College shares a similarity with
Nigerian National Defence College (NDC), but however pointed out that the 2 colleges differ in the constituents of participants. He explained that the UAE Defence College has
70 per cent civilian participants and 30 per cent military officers participants , unlike what is obtainable in Nigerian NDC.

The CDS represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans (CDPP), Air Vice Marshal Jackson Yusuf, while welcoming the participants to DHQ noted that the visit was timely as it coincided with Nigerian election period, He expressed hope that the participants could draw much lessons from the electoral period, especially as it affects harnessing national security architecture for safe , free and fair election.
Highlight of the visit was a brief on the organization and roles of the Defence Headquarters for the participants, which dovetailed to an interactive session.

Humanitarian Ministry Inaugurates  Handing Over, Notes Collation And Transition Committee




The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has Inaugurated a Handing Over Notes, Collation and Transition Committee, in line with the Presidential Transition Council directive.

According to Rhoda  Ishaku Iliya, the Deputy Director Information in a press release she signed on Tuesday, said, the Committee was inaugurated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr.Nasir Sani Gwarzo mni, NPOM at the Ministry’s Conference Room Federal Secretariat Abuja.

The Permanent Secretary stated that President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR  have approved the establishment of a Presidential Transition Council, for facilitating and managing the 2023 transition programme. The President has also signed the Executive Order No. 14 of 2023 on the Facilitation and Management of the Presidential Transitions on 9th February 2023 and directed that the Council to be inaugurated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on 14th February 2023.

He said a key feature of the Presidential Executive Order No. 14 of 2023 is the institutionalization of a legal framework that would enable a seamless transition of power from one Presidential Administration to another which is part of President Buhari’s legacy.

Dr.Sani- Gwarzo said “in view of the above, it has become necessary for the Ministry to set up a Ministerial Committee for the collation and development the Handing Over Notes of the entire Humanitarian Sector and come up with a Transition Plan to enable the Ministry interface with the Presidential Transition Council which will be rather soon. Therefore, it is important to Note that time is of the essence here”.

He said this committee is expected to ensure the collation and harmonization of the Handing Over Notes from all Departments, Agencies and Programmes under the supervision of the, Ministry in the approved Template.

The Permanent Secretary  emphasized  that the committee has 3 weeks to complete this very important assignment and submit the first draft on Tuesday, 28th March 2023. All the necessary logistics  he said will be provided to ensure that the Notes are ready within the stipulated time frame  ahead of the Presidential Transition Council visit to the Ministry.

He said all submission must be in both hard and soft copies to enable the Secretariat to collate, harmonize and produce the first draft for vetting.

The Committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, mni, NPOM while the Director Planning Research and Statistics, Mr. Peter Nwakpa will serve as the Secretary.

The Permanent Secretary said all members should therefore ensure that their submissions are in line with the approved template.


In his opening remarks the Director of Planning Research and Statistics Mr. Peter Nwakpa said the 2023 Presidential Elections has just been concluded and Mr.president has Inaugurated a Transition Council and enforced it with Executive Order No 14 of 2023 for the Institutionalization of a legal framework that would enable a seamless transition of power.

He said having done that we find it very necessary in the Ministry to Constitute a Transition Committee so that we’ll be able to carry out all that is required of us.


In a vote of thanks, the Director Humanitarian  Affairs of the Ministry, Alhaji Ali Grema, on behalf of the members of the committee thanked the Management for the confidence reposed on them and promised to deliver the assignment within the time frame.

In attendance were all the Directors of the Ministry and Officers of the Office of the Honourable Minister.


Kwara gubernatorial Polls: SDP Presidential Candidate Canvasses Support for Hakeem Lawal

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo has urged Kwarans to vote Hakeem Lawal and other Party’s House of Assembly candidates during March 11 elections.

Prince Adewole Adebayo made this call on Monday while addressing journalists after a meeting with SDP leaders and supporters in Ilorin.

He said SDP is in the race to win elections, “not only in Kwara state, but across the country”.

According him the party is out to make a difference to enable Nigerians differentiate between black and white.

Prince Adebayo urged party members to remain United and work hard towards attaining victory in the coming governorship and state Assembly elections.

He noted that the nation may not move forward until all stakeholders recognize the need to fight poverty and insecurity.

SDP Presidential Candidate, Adebayo Raises Five Critical Questions Ahead March 11 Polls

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Candidate has raised five questions ahead of the March 11 governorship and state legislative elections.

Prince Adewole Adebayo raised the questions in a tweets at the weekend.

He maintained that he has observed what he described as the “remorseful tone” of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “over inglorious commissions and omissions of Feb 25 elections”, but insisted that the only redemption for the commission “is clean, clear March 11 elections.”

“I have taken note of remorseful tone of @inecnigeria over inglorious commissions and omissions of Feb 25 elections. Redemption is clean, clear March 11 elections. Nothing less! The big question is, will @OfficialAPCNg @OfficialPDPNig @NgLabour @OfficialNNPPng etc stop cheating?

“Also, (2) will voters still sell votes for money or barter for foodstuffs, cloths, soaps, ‘maggi’ etc?

(3) Will security operatives be fully loyal to the law and Country? 

(4) Will the media expose frauds and infractions conscientiously?

(5) Will observers be neutral and ethical?”, Prince Adewole Adebayo asked.

Adeyemi  Adewuyi  leads lagos state youths as they declare support for Sanwo-Olu

A grass-rooted and prominent youth leader in Lagos State who is also the Lagos State Chairman, of Nigerian Youth Congress, NYC, has led millions of Lagos state youths to declare their support for the re-election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The support declaration ceremony coupled with Press Conference at the NYC Office in Lagos on Saturday had youths in attendance from all nooks and crannies of Lagos state.

The adoption and support declaration which took a series of meetings in hours came to a mutual resolution after the overwhelming population of youths examined the capacity, capabilities, and track records of all the party candidates in the 2023 Lagos state Gubernatorial election.

As part of the meeting, strategies were mapped out as to how to make it a reality so that what happened in the Presidential election doesn’t repeat itself.

While addressing the press, Comr. Adeyemi Adewuyi said Lagosians are much aware of Sanwo-Olu’s achievements which include; the N1.15 trillion budget to tackle youth unemployment and security, the construction of over 308 roads, the repositioning of the health sector through the building of more health centres at the grassroots, and a free health policy for children below 18 years and adults above 65 years of age.

“The state recently took delivery of new trains from Milwaukee, United States, for its red line rail project. This is another major milestone in the drive by the governor to deliver the operation of the red line rail system by first quarter 2023 as promised.

“In the area of infrastructure, some of the projects Sanwo-Olu carried out are; the Lagos-Ogun boundary roads, Lekki-Oniru Traffic circulation projects, Pen Cinema Flyover and road networks in Somolu, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island. The Lekki-VGC Regional Road and Lekki-Epe-Ibeju Road expansion projects are transformational infrastructural projects that will improve the quality of life.

Rehabilitation of inner-city roads in 57 local council development areas, as well as local governments, and commissioning of BRT lane in Oshodi-Abule Egba, among others, bear eloquent testimony to his record of performance.

“Before he took over the government of Lagos, refuse disposal and management was a huge challenge. Sanwo-Olu re-organised Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and empowered them to do their job. Within weeks, refuse disappeared from the streets.

“Also, following in Asiwaju’s steps, The governor takes the environment as a highly important sector of the state and therefore donated 60 units of 24 cubic meter trucks, 12 loaders and 30 units of 12 cubic meter trucks to further enhance effective and efficient service delivery across the state.

“One of the projects which caught the World Health Organisation’s attention and placed Nigeria as the fourth-best country in the world was how Lagos State impressively curtailed the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I can go on and on, but for the sake of time. This is the kind of governor we need in Lagos State. And we the Lagos State youths have resolved to work for him and make sure he secures the office for a second term”, he added.

Speaking on the organization, NYC, he has this to say, “The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC)is a registered non-governmental, non-partisan, and a not-for-profit organizationfounded in 2016, recognised by the federal government, and is saddled with the responsibility of coordinating and regulating the affairs of all youth associations within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The NYC is under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth and Students Affairs, it seeks to empower young people to take action through community

“The Nigerian Youth Congress is a major stakeholder in the implementation of the youth agenda of the Federal government, and, as such, will be strengthened by the government. Government at all levels shall endeavour to fund the activities of the youth body through subvention annually without necessarily controlling or interfering in the day-to-day running of the youth congress. Government shall provide some oversight functions to the congress.

Voluntary youth organizations and groups, youth NGOs and CBOs shall partner with the congress for proper collaboration. As the coordinating body for all youth organizations across the country, the NYC shall endeavour at all times to pursue democratic norms, embrace the principles of accountability and transparency in all its conduct, avoid partisanship, initiate and execute activities that are in consonance with the goals of the Federal government youth agenda”, he added.

Surulere, Others Agog for Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat ahead Saturday Election

…As Prince Jelili Adams Group Intensifies Campaign with 3-day mobilisation

Iponri and the entire axis of Surulere area of Lagos State came alive on Monday and stood still as a group in the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressive Congress APC organised road show and house to house mobilisation to sensitise residents on the forthcoming gubernatorial election on Saturday March 11 and why Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat should be re-elected.

The program which was to flag off the three-day intensive series of campaign activities kicked off around Iponri central mosque and Bode Thomas road, and covered the entire area of the local government.

Powered by Prince Jelili Adams movement aka Oju Eko, Boluwaji Ogunde and Hon Rilwan Layode, the event featured entertainment, music and other side attractions as residents were engaged on the over five thousand significant projects undertaken and completed by the current administration as well as the benefits to the people.

The campaign will continue on Tuesday to other parts of the state including Yaba and neighbouring areas and ends on Wednesday.

Many party faithfuls and leaders witnessed the event which revs up excitement for the election build up.

The incumbent Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy seek to pilot the affairs of the state, famous as the centre of excellence; as governor and deputy governor for the next four years, until another round of elections in 2027.

While speaking at the event, party leaders and other stakeholders said as the incumbent, the capacity, capability and competence of Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Obafemi Hamzat, have been tested.
 
They added that in the face of the peculiar situations Sanwo-Olu handled perfectly and still performed creditably well; starting with Abule Ado explosions, Covid-19 pandemic and #EndSARS in quick succession.

Prince Jelili Adams, an APC faithful said Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Hamzat have demonstrated capability and commitment to making Lagos a place that works for all, adding that it was the reason everyone was campaigning for them to ensure that the state continues to benefit from their exemplary leadership.

He noted that under them, the state has witnessed tremendous growth and development, and after reelection, they will do more.

“With about five thousand projects commissioned across education, environment, health, infrastructure, security and welfare, and more than 70 percent of them already in use; the incumbent has proved beyond doubt that they are committed to making Lagos the absolute best city for every Lagosian – indigenes and residents alike, ” he noted.