SDP Presidential Candidate, Prince Adewole Promises To Raise Nigeria’s Revenue If Elected

Prince Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has promised to raise Nigeria’s revenue if elected as president
The SDP presidential candidate said this while responding to a question on Nigeria’s monetary policy, during a parley organised by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) for him, on Thursday February 2, 2023.

While stating that a lot of money is not accounted for in the country’s revenue, Prince Adewole said his party will eliminate deficit finance and also create wealth.

“We will eliminate deficit finance for now;  we’ll give you three consecutive balanced budget. So with that, you committed to assist in debt, an increase in GDP.
“If you create works, which we are going to create, if you create wealth, you have people who are able to take care of themselves will be off social spending or go by the government”, he said.
He also noted that if a government invests in infrastructure, agriculture, education, health and housing, it will be able to deal with unemployment in the country.

Responding to a question on vote buying, the SDP presidential candidate noted that his party does not take part in vote buying, even as he urged Nigerians to desist from selling their votes and rather understand the issues.
“Anybody who is selling their vote knows that they are signing an agreement with the devil because you are now signing a note of poverty and mismanagement and waste. So why will you do that? So I think people should just stop from selling it. Secondly, people should also understand issues”.

He further promised that his party will give every Nigerian access to modern facilities and access to basic amenities, noting that a school in a village will be well equipped like a school in an urban area.
“I will give every Nigerian access to modern facilities, I will give every Nigerian access to primary healthcare and sound education”, he said.

Dignatries present at the event  were; Mr Tanko Dabit, Prof Ayo Omotayo – DG NIPSS, Mr Samson Omale – Silver Bird TV, Jos, Hajiya Fatima Suleiman, CSO Jos, Prof James Adegoke  – African Development Bank (AfDB) Lome Togo, Prof Funmi Para-Mallam mni,v, Dr Nathaniel Urama, Head/Chief Operating Officer, Centre for Financial Economics – NIPSS Kuru, Science University of Jos.
Prince Adebayo’s entourage comprised of  Khadijat Okunnu – Deputy APCO DG, Chief Godwin Osigbeme -Director of protocol, Sen. Ugochukwu Uba – Director of Finance, Pst Ade Alabi, Madam Sa’adatu – SDP national women leader, Dr Olu Agunloye- SDP national secretary and Madam Hannatu Molkulong.

Oru Leonard Emerges ATACA Chairman

Maryam Aminu

Given the outcome of the Abuja Transportation and Aviation Correspondent (ATACA), 2023 election held on the 3rd, February 2023, the Editor, News Dot Africa, Oru Leonard Oru (frpa, mnim) has emerged as the Chairman of the Association.

Mr. Oru was announced as the candidate with the highest vote out of the 3 candidates that contested for the office of Chairman.

The newly elected ATACA Chairman, Oru Leonard who is a Fellow of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and a full member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), appealed to members of the association to support the newly elected officials to move the association to greater heights.

He however vowed to work with other executive members in love, unity, mutual understanding to collectively promote integrity of the association.

Speaking earlier, the immediate past chairman, Mr. Chris Agabi described the election as the freest, fair, and most credible election since the inception of the association.

Agabi commended the efforts of the Electoral Committee for the job well done before, during, and after the election that produced successful candidates.

He further commended the contestants for behaving themselves by complying with the association’s electoral guidelines to ensure ATACA actualize a smooth election in 2023.

Humanitarian Minister, Beneficiaries Thank Buhari For Social Investment Programmes

No fewer that 200,000 beneficiaries of the National Social Investment Programme thronged the Lafia Township Square on Saturday to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for lifting most poor and vulnerable persons out of poverty in Nasarawa state.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq while also thanking President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR at a rally in  Lafia, explained that the total number of beneficiaries of N-Power, Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer and the National Home Grown School Feeding has helped  the administration to wade out of recession.

According to SA Media to the minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a press release signed on the
04-02-2023, disclosed that Umar Farouq stated that the National Social Investment Programme is unprecedented in the history of previous  Nigerian governments, adding that the programme has helped to alleviate abject poverty in the country.

“Your Excellency, let me state  that since independence, no government has done what you have done for the poor people in this country. Without fear of contradiction, Your Excellency, you have done so much for the poor and vulnerable in your primary constituency.

“I stand here on behalf of the poor and vulnerable in this country who are mostly the beneficiaries of our National Social Investment Programmes to appreciate you. If you look to the far left, you will see them waving as they appreciate you. They are very grateful to you for all the good things you have done for them under your administration.

“Your Excellency, under the National Social Investment Programme, we have four clusters…the  N-Power Programme, the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme which gives 2 million households N5,000 monthly. We give N30,000 monthly to our N-Power youths and so far we have 1.5 million of them. We have also been able to target small and medium entrepreneurs and we give them surplus collateral free and interest free  loans from N50,000 to N300,000 for them to start their businesses.


“Under the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme, we also feed Primary 1 to 3 school pupils on school days. We have close to 10 million of these pupils. Your excellency, these are some of the parents of these pupils we feed daily. These are some of the people who receive N5,000 monthly. These are some of those who receive N30,000 monthly to teach their children and contribute to the GDP and development of this country.

“Your Excellency, it is no wonder that when we went into recession, immediately we came out of recession. It was this money that people used to fend for themselves and members of their families. Your Excellency, this is why we are here to ask for the consolidation of these achievements, t continue these programmes so that Nigerians  will benefit from them”.

ROLE OF THE NIGERIAN ARMY CRUCIAL IN THE CONDUCT OF THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTION – GEN AKINJOBI

The Chief of Operations Army, Major General Olufemi Akinjobi has reiterated the crucial role of the Nigerian Army in the successful conduct of the 2023 general election.
General Akinjobi stated this during a sensitisation lecture on Operation Safe Conduct 2023 to Commanders of 2 Division in Ibadan today 3rd February 2023 with the theme ” Introspection of Past Experiences and Efforts at Improving Nigerian Army Support to Operation Safe Conduct 2023″.

The Chief of Operations Army, while cautioning the personnel to remain apolitical, pointed out that, though every election comes with its challenges, the Nigerian Army must be ready to face the challenge of anything that could jeopardize the process. He enjoined the various commanders to increase their collaboration with stakeholders for a successful conduct of the elections.

Gen Akinjobin tasked commanders to conduct exercises and operations to place formations in appropriate mode, as well as ensure adequate sensitisation of troops on the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement during Operation Safe Conduct 2023.

In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Mohammed Usman charged the various commanders to ensure a free and conducive environment for the electorates to cast their votes in the forthcoming elections without any hindrance. He implored the Commanders to fashion out a workable strategy in the proper identification of security personnel on election duties in their Area of Responsibilities. The sensitisation lecture was well attended by all formations and unit commanders in 2 Division Area of Responsibility.

Highpoint of the event was presentation of souvenir and group photograph.

CAS Commissions New Female Hostel Accommodation At Air Force Institute Of Technology

In continuation of effort to provide adequate and conducive accommodation for students of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, on Friday, 3 February 2023, commissioned a-34 room female hostel at the institute.

According to Air Commodore Wap Maigida, Director Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force in a press release he signed on the 4 February 2023, stated that the state of the art 136-bed capacity hostel, constructed by the Nigerian Air Force Investment limited (NAFIL), is aimed at bridging accommodation gap in the Institution.

Speaking during the commissioning, the CAS, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Idi Lubo, congratulated NAFIL and the Nigerian Air Force Holding Company (NAFHC) for the efforts geared towards ameliorating accommodation challenges in the Institution.

The edifice, according to Air Marshal Amao will assist AFIT in its desire to ensure all students resides within the Base, thereby addressing the issue of students falling prey to criminal elements while providing adequate and conducive accommodation that are affordable by the students.

Air Marshal Amao stated further that the NAF would continue to work towards self-sufficiency in all its responsibilities, including the provision of infrastructures. “The NAF, with over 59 years of existence, has consistently prioritized and strived to provide quality accommodation for all its personnel, including military institutions and schools,” the CAS noted.

He stated  that the duty to accommodate students of AFIT cannot be overemphasized, as it aligns with one of the key drivers of his vision which is “Bolster morale by improving personnel welfare”.

The CAS further described the project as a laudable initiative which reflects on the commitment of NAFIL towards ensuring the progress of the NAF. According to him, NAFHC and its subsidiaries were established to complement the efforts of the Service.

He stated that AFIT has continued to compete among other universities in the country. This, he said resulted in the surge in admission applications by prospective candidates which necessitated a higher demand for students’ accommodation among other facilities.

The CAS however urged the Management of NAFIL and the Board of Directors as well as other subsidiaries to sustain the welfare and development initiatives, assuring that Headquarters NAF (HQ NAF) would continue to avail them with all the necessary supports required to achieve their mandates.

In his welcome remarks, the Managing Director of NAFIL, AVM Abubakar Adamu stated that the building project is part of efforts by NAFIL to meet up with the welfare needs of NAF personnel. He added that the Company has grown to become a leading investment outfit that manages the welfare needs of NAF personnel.

AVM Adamu further stated that NAFIL in response to the clarion calls by HQ NAF and AFIT to assist in the provision of suitable accommodation for its students population embarked on the construction of the ultra-modern student hostel.

He also said that the hostel would complement the efforts of AFIT at providing dignified residential accommodation for its students as the hostel was built to meet the acceptable standard of a tertiary students’ hostels.

On his part, the Group Managing Director NAFHC, AVM Musa Muktar disclosed that the Investment Company would continue to support AFIT towards attainment of its set objectives.

He further disclosed that NAFIL is contributing its quota towards the social economic development of NAF Base, Kaduna, as the Company is managing a tailoring workshop and the Officers’ Mess respectively.

World Sustainable Development Goals Organization condoles with Nasarawa state governor over son’s Death

By Maryam Aminu

The Global management, of the World Sustainable Development Goals Organization, WSDGsO, http://www.wsdgso.org has condoled with the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency Abdullahi Sule over the death of his son, Hassan Abdullahi Sule on the 26th of January, 2023.

The statement which was signed by the Chairman Board of Trustees of the organization, His Excellency Dr. Raymond Edoh described the son’s death of an iconic leader as a great loss to Nigeria and not only to the good people of Nasarawa state.

In the condolence letter to His Excellency Abdullahi Sule, the organization urged the governor to take refuge in Allah stating that Allah giveth and he taketh that instead of grieving, he should return all glory to Allah.
“May the sorrow you feel in your heart lighten by the love that surrounds you. Wishing you peace and strength during this difficult time. May our condolences bring you comfort and may our prayers ease the pain of this loss,” the organization added.

Earlier, the organization sent its representative, the African Director, Clean Water and Sanitation (Goal 6 of SDGs), Mal. Sanusi Hamisu who attended the burial at Gudi in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Obidients Are In Politics But Know Nothing About It – SDP Presidential Candidate

 Prince Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has taken a swipe at Obidients, the supporters of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP).

According to him, Obidients are like fanatics who know nothing about the play of politics.

Adewole who made the assertion in an interview with Vanguard Online Television’s Politics Hub on Wednesday, submitted that supporters of his rival are in no way a threat to him because they are just like football spectators.

The SDP flag bearer said “Obidient Are not a threat. They are an excitement, I like them, and I like the fact that they showed interest in politics. They are just like people watching football.

“They go to the beer parlour, stuck to the TV. They will be talking about football, but they are not footballers. The fact that you’re an Obidient doesn’t make you a politician. You’re a citizen that is excited about the politics of the country.”

While speaking about the kind of leader the country needs ahead of the polls, Adewole said it is imperative for an ideal presidential candidate in Nigeria to solve the problem of the day and envision problems of tomorrow and find solutions to them.

The SDP chieftain noted that almost everybody in the country is traumatised by poverty and that there is no way Nigeria could escape from its current challenges, without paying attention to the issue of poverty.

EFCC Grills Actress Over Spraying, Stepping On New Naira Notes

Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have commenced investigation of Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, an actress and cosmetologist, for allegedly tampering with the redesigned Naira notes, an offcence contrary to Section 21 (5) of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Act, 2007.

Omoseyin was arrested by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Fraud Related Offences Commission, ICPC, on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 along Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, following intelligence report.

The 31-year-old was arrested after the video of her spraying and stepping on the newly redesigned Naira notes at a party surfaced online.

In the viral video, she was also seen flaunting wads of the new Naira notes.

The suspect was subsequently handed over to the EFCC on Thursday, February 2, 2023 for further investigations.

Items recovered from her at the point of arrest include a Range Rover and iPhone mobile devices.

The suspect will be charged to court once investigations have been concluded.

Prince Adewole Adebayo Speaks On Security, Economy At NBA Dialogue

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo has promised to put the right system in place to tackle insecurity if elected into office.

Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association State of The Nation Dialogue on Security, Economy and Administration of Justice on Monday 30th January, 2023, Prince Adebayo said the insecurity situation in Nigeria has become a major crisis because a due to lack of a proper system in place to tackle it.

While answering questions on the economy, he said his party intends to align the country’s economic policies with chapter two of the 1999 constitution.

He said, “What we are doing in essence is to align our economic policies with chapter two, which is a mandate for us to be able to invest on both sides.
“The first thing a person would appreciate is housing, medical care, the best in education and full employment without the providers of it”.

“All the instruments that were used to stimulate the economy have been given to the government through the battle by the central bank, so I will pick up those things for free. We need to create employment.

Other presidential candidates available at the event were Professor Peter Umeadi (APGA), Omoyele Sowore (AAC), Almustapha Hamza (AA), Nwanyanwu Daniel Daberechukwu (ZLP), Dumebi Kachikwu (ADC),  Sani Yabagi Yusuf (ADP), and Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim (YPP).

Dignitaries present were, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau – President , Nigerian Bar Association , Adesina Adegbite – General Secretary and Chinyere Gladys Obasi – Welfare Secretary.

The dialogue was aimed at participating in an interactive session with the presidential candidates.

NiMet Alerts On Possible Deterioration Of Visibility

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has alerted stakeholders and the general public on the possibility of deterioration in visibility as a result of observed dust haze propagated into the country from the source region.

According to a release from the Agency, signed by Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim
GM/Public Relations on the 2nd February, 2023
” the weather reports from the country, indicating the approximate position of Inter-Tropical Discontinuity (ITD).  Winds at 10 meters and 800 meters (925hPa) above the ground surface indicate favourable conditions for further Dust-Haze propagations into the nation, which will worsen horizontal visibility”.

The release further states that observation from the source region indicates that ” Niger (Maine-Soroa, Goure, Maradi , N-guigmi, Diffa, 61091, Bila and Agadez) and Chad (Faya-Largeau and Ndjamena) have both reported Dust-Haze with poor horizontal visibility”.

Hence NiMet expects that In the next few hours, strong winds at 800m will spread more dust into the country thus, causing deterioration in horizontal visibility.

NiMet further revealed that in the next 24 hours, there are prospects of THICK DUST HAZE (In poor horizontal visibility, less than1000m) over Katsina, Kano, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Borno, Adamawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Kaduna states; while Northcentral states are expected to report MODERATE DUST-HAZE (visibility of 2–5km). This weather condition is expected to persist for the next 72hours.

NiMet to therefore advise members of the public to take necessary precautions due to dust particles presently in suspension over the atmosphere. Also, Individuals with respiratory ailments are advised to protect themselves as the current weather condition is not good for their health. Night-time cold temperatures should be expected so warm clothes are advised for little children.
Airline operators are also advised to avail themselves of weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

NiMet assures that it’s Central Forecast Office (CFO) will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary.