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.

IPC CALLS FOR THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF ABDUCTED JOURNALIST                                                                                                                                    

   By Emmanuel Daudu
                                                                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                                 The International Press Centre (IPC) Lagos-Nigeria is concerned about the lack of information on the whereabout of Abdulwahab Babankanti, Jos reporter of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), who was abducted along Bauchi – Jos highway on Monday January 30th, 2023.
 
According to   Melody Lawal, Press Freedom Officer, IPC in a press release signed today, said, the Report from https://thisnigeria.com/ revealed that, Babankanti and three others were abducted in Toro community.
                                                                                                                                                 “We got to know when the kidnappers called us to confirm that Babakanti and his friends were in their custody. The kidnappers have placed a N10m ransom on the reporter.”

IPC Press Freedom Officer, Melody Lawal said: “The spate of insecurity in the country is of serious concern to all adding that it is very disturbing that journalists and media practitioners have also become easy targets.”
                                                                                                                                                            Calling on the security agencies to intensify their efforts and do all they can to ensure that Babankanti is set free without being harmed in any way, Lawal noted that this case, if not quickly resolved could aggravate safety concerns for journalists even as the general elections draw near.
                                                                                                                                                                “We implore the security agencies to put all hands-on deck to quickly secure the release of the concerned journalist.”

NIPSS to Host SDP Presidential Candidate, Adebayo in Maiden Edition Discussion

The National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has announced the hosting of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Prince Adewole Adebayo in a discussion.

The discussion tagged “Critical Transitions from apologetics of nationhood to Elite Consensus around Fundamental Objectives and Directives of State policy” is the Maiden Edition of the program by the professional body.

The event billed to hold by 11am Thursday 2nd Feb. 2023, will take place at the NIPSS Main Auditorium, Kuru, Plateau State.

The National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies mission is “to serve as the Centre for policy, Advocacy, Advice and Training for Nigeria, West Africa and Africa in the context of a dynamic and changing world”, whose vision “to be the Apex Centre for policy, research and reflection for a better Nigeria and human society”.

UN-Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria calls for systemic fight against corruption

By Emmanuel Daudu, Abuja

The United Nations Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Raymond Edoh has called for a holistic and systemic approach to the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

Raymond made the statement in an exclusive interview after the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC event was declared open by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari at the National Judicial Institute, Jabi, yesterday 26th January 2023.

According to H.E Ambassador Raymond Edoh, “Integrity, transparency, and the fight against corruption have to be part of the Nigeria culture. They have to be taught as fundamental values in our homes, and schools cutting across all levels of our formal educational institutions including religious establishments.

“According to Padmé Amidala, Star Wars,
There are still those of us who work to overcome corruption and believe it to be possible”. This is the reason why we are here today. We believe in our nation and we have confidence that assuredly, we will overcome the fight against corruption.

“Pope Francis once said, Corruption is paid by the poor. That is true. The rich get illegally richer at the expense of the poor. But this time, we the Nigerian youths have made up our minds to fight corruption and we remain focused on it. Nigeria would be better.

Dr. Raymond Edoh having a warm handshake with the representative of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.

“As a youth leader, we are Proud of President Muhammadu Buhari for this opportunity and decision to fight corruption.

“Similarly, I appreciate the Chairman of, the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC, Professor Itse Sagay, SAN, for his resolve in fighting corruption. He has shown prowess over and over again. We hope as a younger generation to take over the fight from where they would stop to the next level.

“Conclusively, I assure Nigerians that we will continue to fight corruption because it is against us, the poor masses, and the future of this great nation. We wouldn’t stop at only fighting corruption but to also fetch out corrupt leaders who have brought us to the mess the nation is in now.

“Corruption is one major reason why poverty is still prevailing. That’s why the youths of this nation and as an UN-Habitat Ambassador to this Nation, we will join hands with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to fight this pandemic and saboteur-called corruption to not only eradicate it but also eradicate poverty in this nation.

“The rich have always enriched themselves through these corrupt practices and the obvious is, they are head bent on perpetrating this act through the fashioned and even innovative means continuously at the expense of our dear nation. That we the youths of this nation wouldn’t accept again. Corruption must be stopped and we will stop at nothing until it is stopped”, he added.

The Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption’s (PACAC) conference with the theme: “The Fight Against Corruption. The Past, the Present, and the Future” examined the anti-corruption campaigns and evaluated the fight against corruption in the country holistically.

Dr.Raymond Edoh with the Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption’s (PACAC), Professor Itse Sagay, SAN.
Dr. Raymond Edoh with the Executive Secretary, PACAC, Prof. Sadiq Isah Radda

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that his administration would be leaving behind a legacy of zero tolerance for corruption disclosing that the fight against corruption has been in the front boner of his administration right from the onset.

President Muhammadu Buhari who spoke through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, stressed further saying, “as I depart office in a rely of months, I have left in the back of a legacy of zero-tolerance for corruption for our teaming youths and to each and every citizen. For me, corruption is Evil and must be vehemently rejected in all ramifications via all Nigerians anywhere, anytime.

“It is by using integrity, respect for rule of law, due process, and true patriotism that we will make Nigeria the kingdom of our dream.”

Earlier, giving a goodwill message, the Chairman of, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC, Professor Itse Sagay, SAN, lamented that the judiciary has not shown authentic dedication to the warfare in opposition to corruption.

He said, “I express regret to the several Judges in this who have tested their commitment to the struggle, solely to discover their patriotic efforts set apart and dismantled at the best level. This re-occurring phenomenon has no doubt dampened the enthusiasm of the decreased Courts.

“I have no intention of going into any detail about these judicial lapses in a public forum, however, I am compelled to request the Supreme Court to evaluate the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Justice Ngajiwa v. FRN [2018] four NWLR (PL. 1609) 301, in which that courtroom held that no judicial officer may want to be arrested and tried for a criminal offense committed in the route of his judicial obligations besides the rely being first referred to the National Judicial Council. In this case, the Judge did not even deny that he acquired the bribe, yet he used to be discharged.

“The reverberations of that decision have been genuinely devastating in the fight against corruption. All Judges under trial for corruption in quite a few courts had been discharged due to the fact of this judgment and thus, all back to their obligation stations consisting of the Supreme Court, to carry on as judicial officers.

“It used to be a terrible blow to the anti-corruption agencies and the hostilities against corruption. How does a Judge discharge on technical grounds in a charge of corruption deal with a man or woman charged earlier than him for corruption? What will be the destiny of the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria, if each expert association is given the pre-emptive proper to deal with crimes committed by its members alternatively than being charged and tried in a court?
“The hostilities towards corruption can’t be successful in these circumstances. The Judiciary has to be dedicated to it, otherwise, the conflict cannot be won”, he urged.

Dr. Raymond Edoh with the Representative of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN.

Also speaking at the event, Abubakar Malami, SAN, CON Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice at the High-level Stakeholders’ Conference in a keynote address fashioned innovative ways to which corruption can be inhibited if not totally curbed.
According to him, “engage with the anti-corruption agencies to improve investigation and prosecution of corruption cases. Engage with judges to address delays and other constraints. Build effective consensus among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.
Ensure compliance with due process and rule of law in the fight against corruption”.

APM Leadership Kicks Against Mortgaging Party In Osun State

By Emmanuel Daudu, Abuja

Ahead of the APC Presidential Candidate’s campaign flag-off in Osun State, scheduled to hold on Thursday, 2nd February 2023, the National Chairman of Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), ALHAJI MUHAMMAD MUSA BAGANA warns against the illegal negotiation going around the state by one MR. WALE ADEBAYO who parades himself as the Osun state Chairman of the party, promising to mortgage all candidates of the party seeking elections into the National and State House of Assembly during the 2023 general elections to declare support for the APC.

The report further states that MR. WALE ADEBAYO is not the authentic APM State party Chairman in Osun State as he along with the former National Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, and indeed the entire interim officers of the party at all levels were sacked by the declaratory judgment of a Federal High Court, Abuja dated 20th May 2022 which declared the offices of all party officials at all levels vacant and directed that the affairs of the party be handed over to the Registered Trustees of the party, and further mandated them to conduct congresses and convention to democratically elect officers of the party at Ward, LGA/AC, State/FCT, and National levels.

The National Chairman disclosed that Hon. Adegboyega is the duly elected APM State Chairman in Osun State who participated in the party congress following the mandate of the Federal High Court.

You will recall that APM has been in the news since February 2022 as a result of a leadership tussle in the party which led to the suspension of the former National Chairman and Secretary, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle and Ayodele Oyadeyi Adebayo, respectively for abuse of office, fraudulent activities, flagrant disobedience to INEC guidelines on party administration and incompetence before the Federal High Court Judgement in May 2022 sacked the entire interim leadership and ordered for elections to democratically elect party officials.

The National Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Musa Bagana cautioned those dealing with Mr. WALE ADEBAYO as the Party State Chairman in Osun to desist from that because he parades himself as such for his personal gains.

He added that Mr. Adebayo and his cohorts are negotiating to mortgage the interest of the candidates seeking elections to the National and State Assembly and the party at large to perpetuate their desire to only use the party platform for negotiation with candidates and to also mortgage the party to the APC presidential Candidate by declaring support for him.
“This is not the decision of the party and anyone committed to doing any negotiation with Mr. Wale Adebayo does that at his or her own risk. Their action is against the motto of our party which is INTEGRITY, SACRIFICE, AND SERVICE. They are not committed to ensuring that candidates win the election or for the sustainability of the party but are more interested and concerned about what they can get for their pockets”.

He decried the continuous recognition of the sacked National Chairman and Secretary by INEC despite the judgment of the Federal High Court which was denied the stay of execution by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

He, therefore, called on INEC to revisit the Declaratory Judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja made on 20th May 2022 and execute it to compliment the good work it is doing to reform the electoral process because internal democracy in the administration of the political parties would strengthen our democratic processes.

He urged all members of the party in Osun state to the team. up and resist every attempt by unscrupulous members within and outside the party that would drag the name of the party in the mud.

Alhaji Bagana applauded the good work of Hon. Adegboyega, the Osun state APM chairman for being vigilant and committed to the genuine course of the party upholding her motto of INTEGRITY, SACRIFICE, AND SERVICE.