Former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq are embroiled in a bitter dispute over Saraki’s absence from the Ilorin Durbar celebration.
Saraki had claimed “the government of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq does not want him around the festival for their personal and political reasons,” while the government alluded to “Saraki’s provocative behaviour and intent to foul the atmosphere with his unstatesmanly conduct at public events.”
The former Governor, in a statement by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, said, “Saraki, who is the Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin, again restated his love for the Ilorin Emirate community and his commitment to an atmosphere of peace.
“So, for the sake of peace and the highest respect for the throne of Sheikh Alimi, he stayed off the Ilorin Durbar event today.
“Saraki’s decision not to attend was taken after respected traditional titleholders and top Islamic scholars appealed to him not to attend the event.
“This he disclosed after he was briefed that the government of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq does not want him around the festival for their personal and political reasons.”
Read Also: Osun APC claims Adeleke forcing commercial transporters to swear oath to support his govt
The government, however, denies the claims, stating that Saraki’s absence is a result of his own “self-inflicted shame” and “unstatesmanly conduct.” They highlight the governor’s inclusive politics and his willingness to engage with opposition politicians, including Saraki, at the Ilorin Eid praying ground.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, said, “Senator Bukola Saraki should leave Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq out of his self-inflicted shame of not being able to hold himself to the standard expected of a statesman, who should exhibit decorum, decency, and good behaviour.
“The governor has repeatedly shown humility and a large heart to accommodate everyone to operate as they wish as bonafide citizens. He is not about to go low because of Senator Saraki’s provocative behaviour and intent to foul the atmosphere with his unstatesmanly conduct at public events.
“Repeatedly, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has demonstrated his belief in politics without bitterness through his all-inclusive politics that addresses the needs of all citizens in the state, irrespective of any differences.
“In a sustained demonstration of his statesmanship and large-heartedness, the governor shook hands with the former Senate president and other opposition politicians at the Ilorin Eid praying ground.”
The war of words between the two leaders has sparked a heated debate in the state, with many calling for an end to the political tensions and a focus on the welfare of the people.
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Saraki, Gov AbdulRazaq in war of words over absence from Ilorin durbar
Pastor Chris’ nephew receives doctorate degree
Pastor Chris’ nephew, Daysman Woghiren Oyakhilome, was recently awarded a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Benin Republic.
In May 2024, Daysman Woghiren Oyakhilome, the nephew of prominent Christian leader Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Business Administration and Humanities from the ISMT St Salomon University in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
“The feat is remarkable. This achievement, made possible by God, would enable me to take the world for God,” Daysman Woghiren Oyakhilome said at a ceremony at the university.
Pastor Chris’ nephew’s Doctor of Philosophy Degree is a testament to his hard work and commitment to his chosen field. It is also a sign of the growing importance of education within the Christian community. With this degree, he is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the world around him.
How Pastor Chris mentored his nephew
Throughout the years, Daysman Woghiren Oyakhilome, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s nephew, has carved a unique path within Christ Embassy, a thriving international ministry. His dedication to faith and innovation has positioned him as a leader for the next generation.
Raised under the guidance of his pastor uncle, Chris Oyakhilome, Daysman’s life has been deeply influenced by Christ Embassy’s teachings. His commitment to his faith shone through early on, leading him to pursue a path within the ministry. Pastor Chris, recognizing his nephew’s potential, nurtured his talents and provided him with opportunities to grow.
Daysman’s official role in Christ Embassy has focused on spearheading two crucial initiatives: LoveWorld Next and LoveWorld Innovation. LoveWorld Next, a vibrant youth ministry, perfectly suited Daysman’s youthful energy and passion. He has connected with young followers and inspired them through his enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit.
LoveWorld Innovation, leveraging Daysman’s business acumen, has developed cutting-edge technologies and communication strategies to amplify Christ Embassy’s global reach. Pastor Chris has entrusted his nephew with these vital tasks, solidifying his position as a key player in shaping the ministry’s future.
The focus of Daysman Woghiren Oyakhilome’s work
Daysman’s leadership and charisma havemade him a prominent figure within Christ Embassy. He has regularly delivered motivational speeches alongside Pastor Chris and spearheaded successful youth outreach programs. His success in driving innovation at LoveWorld Next and LoveWorld Innovation has cemented his reputation as a visionary leader, ready to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Daysman’s work has focused on building a brighter future for Christ Embassy and its followers. LoveWorld Next has emphasized the importance of faith and community for young people, fostering a strong sense of belonging within the ministry. LoveWorld Innovation, on the other hand, has ensured that Christ Embassy’s message of faith could reach new audiences across the globe through innovative communication strategies.
Daysman Woghiren Oyakhilome’s story is one of unwavering dedication and a passion for shaping the future. His journey within Christ Embassy has been instrumental in inspiring young people and expanding the ministry’s reach. While his future path remains unwritten, one thing is certain: Pastor Chris’ nephew’s contributions have left a lasting impact on Christ Embassy and its global following.
Why Pastor Chris inspired his nephew
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, a name synonymous with Christian faith and ministry, has become a global phenomenon. Born in Nigeria in 1963, Pastor Chris’ life has been dedicated to spreading the gospel and empowering believers.
Raised in a Christian household, Pastor ChrisOyakhilome’s faith blossomed early on. He pursued a career in ministry, founding Christ Embassy, also known as LoveWorld Incorporated, in 1987. From a local church in Lagos, Nigeria, Christ Embassy has flourished into a global network with millions of followers worldwide.
Pastor Chris’ influence extends far beyond the pulpit. He is a prolific author, with his daily devotional “Rhapsody of Realities” translated into over 800 languages and distributed around the world. He is also a television personality, with his LoveWorld Christian network broadcasting inspirational messages across continents.
He is not only a spiritual leader but also a mentor who recognizes potential. Pastor Chris’ nephew, Daysman Woghiren Oyakhilome, has thrived under his guidance within Christ Embassy. Daysman led strategic initiatives aimed at reaching younger generations and leveraging technology to expand the ministry’s reach.
Pastor Chris’ commitment extends beyond spiritual well-being. His philanthropic endeavors, through the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI), focus on improving lives through educational programs, disaster relief, and medical missions.
18 African leaders to attend Ramaphosa’s inauguration
South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa is to be sworn in for a new term as president at a ceremony in Pretoria on Wednesday after his African National Congress struck a government coalition deal.
Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to re-elect the 71-year-old last week, after a May 29 general election that produced no outright winner.
He will be officially inaugurated for a new five-year term before MPs, foreign dignitaries, religious and traditional leaders, and others at the Union Buildings, the seat of government.
The presidency said at least 18 heads of state and government, many from other African countries are to attend.
It shared photos of some — including Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Angola’s Joao Lourenco, Congo Brazzaville’s Denis Sassou Nguesso, and Eswatini’s absolute leader King Mswati III — landing at a military base outside the capital.
China, Egypt, Cuba, Zimbabwe, and the State of Palestine are among those that “will be represented at a high level”, the presidency said.
The ceremony includes a 21-gun salute and a fly-past by the Air Force.
Ramaphosa will be sworn in by the head of the constitutional court, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, and then deliver an inaugural address.
Guests in suits, fancy dresses, and coats to keep warm in the chilly winter weather started to arrive early in the morning amid a heavy police presence.
VIPs, some singing anti-apartheid struggle songs, were allowed into a small amphitheatre within the imposing, sandstone government building.
Other attendees, some holding South African flags, sat on a lawn outside as dancers and musicians performed on a big stage.
– Third time lucky –
It will be the third time Ramaphosa takes the oath.
The former trade unionist turned millionaire businessman first came to power in 2018 after his predecessor and rival Jacob Zuma was forced out before the end of his term under the cloud of corruption allegations.
Ramaphosa was then re-appointed for a full five-year term in 2019. In South Africa, voters elect the parliament which then votes for the president.
Ramaphosa promised a new dawn for South Africa, launched an anti-graft drive, and started to reform a collapsing energy system.
But under his watch, the economy languished, blighted by power cuts, crime remained rife and unemployment increased to 32.9 percent.
In May, he led the ANC into yet another vote, but the historied party of the late Nelson Mandela came out bruised.
It won only 40 percent of the vote — down from 57.5 percent five years earlier.
For the first time since the advent of democracy in 1994, it lost its absolute majority in parliament and was left scrambling to find coalition partners to remain in power.
It has since agreed to form what it calls a national unity government with several other parties.
They include the center-right Democratic Alliance (DA), the Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party, the anti-immigration Patriotic Alliance, and the small centre-left GOOD party.
The deal allowed Ramaphosa to comfortably see off a last-minute challenge by firebrand leftist politician Julius Malema, with 283 lawmakers in the 400-seat National Assembly voting to put him back in office.
But it has faced vociferous opposition from the left, with Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters and former president Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) refusing to take part and denouncing the inclusion of right-wing parties and the white-led, free-market DA.
MK came third in the election but has contested the results.
Party spokesman Nhlamulo Ndhlela said in a statement that its lawmakers would snub the “farcical inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa as the puppet DA-sponsored President”, also using a racial slur to describe the ANC leader.
Ramaphosa is expected to announce his cabinet within days of his inauguration, as talks with coalition members continue.
AFP
Lower import, export crash Nigeria’s trade with UK by N105bn in one year
Declining export and import have crashed Nigeria’s total trade with the United Kingdom by N105bn in the first quarter of 2024 despite the higher value realised from the naira devaluation.
This is according to the recent foreign trade statistics report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
According to the report, the total trade comprising import and export between Nigeria and the UK dropped from N602.36 billion in Q1 2023 to N451.45 billion in Q1 2024.
This represents a significant year-on-year (Y-o-Y) decline of 25%.
READ ALSO:Tax reform committee charges FG to peg customs import duty rate at N800/$1
On quarter-on-quarter (Q-o-Q) basis, (Q4 2023) to Q1 2024 the figure plummeted to N522.79 billion representing a decline of 14%.
A closer look at the data reveals that both imports and exports have experienced declines. Nigeria’s imports from the UK decreased from N186.99 billion in Q4 2023 to N183.34 billion in Q1 2024, marking a 2% Q-o-Q decline. However, year-on-year, the imports increased by 25%, up from N146.88 billion in Q1 2023.
On exports, there was a more substantial drop, which dragged the total trade numbers down.
The export value fell from N335.8 billion in Q4 2023 to N268.11 billion in Q1 2024, showing a 20% Q-o-Q decrease. On a year-on-year basis, exports plummeted by 41%, down from N455.48 billion in Q1 2023.
By: Babajide Okeowo
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UN food programme targets Nigeria, others
The United Nations World Food Programme has announced plans to support eight countries in the west and central Africa with its lifesaving food and nutrition assistance programe.
In a statement posted on its website Tuesday, the United Nations food body listed Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Mali, Mauritania Burkina Faso and Niger as the beneficiaries for the food initiative.
The statement read, “We are ramping up our lifesaving food and nutrition assistance programme in West and Central Africa, targeting 7.3 million people during the ongoing June-August lean season when food stocks run out and hunger peaks. The programme which kicks off in June, supports national governments’ lean season response plans in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Nigeria.”
“The number of people World Food Programme will target as part of the programme could expand to 12 million people if adequate funding allows. But dwindling resources available for humanitarian operations means that despite near-record level needs, WFP has been forced to assist less people than originally planned.
“West and Central Africa is in the grips of a severe food security and nutrition crisis – with nearly 55 million people projected to face acute hunger during the June-August lean season – a fourfold increase on the 12.6 million people facing acute hunger in 2019. Malnutrition has also reached extraordinary levels, with an estimated 17 million acutely malnourished children under five,” the statement stated.
On his part, WFP’s Regional Director for Western Africa, Chris Nikoi, said, “The alarming hunger crisis in the region underscores the urgent need for transformative solutions to help vulnerable families meet not only their immediate food needs but also build a brighter future.
“We need to continue prioritising emergency response for those most in need. But we need more investment in sustainable solutions to help strengthen food security, improve agricultural productivity, purchasing power of families at the right time, and cushioning economic and climate shocks,” Nikoi added.
“The hunger and nutrition crisis in West and Central Africa is driven by the intertwined impacts of conflicts, high food prices, and the impacts of the climate crisis. Economic shocks linked to market disruptions, high inflation and weakened economic activities, depreciating national currencies and increasing costs of fuel and agricultural inputs have inflicted a significant toll on people – particularly in Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone.
“WFP’s lean season response aims to meet the immediate food and nutrition needs of those most exposed to acute hunger – including refugees, the most vulnerable displaced people, severely food insecure people, and people in blockaded areas adversely impacted by climatic, economic and security crises.
“While the crises continue to increase in magnitude, frequency, and complexity in the region, funding to respond has not kept apace – leaving even some of those facing the most acute needs without assistance. As a result, millions of food insecure families are left without assistance, and at risk of sliding further into the most severe levels of hunger next year.
“This is especially worrying as the 2024 seasonal forecasts paint a grim picture of both dry spells and floods in parts of the region, potentially disrupting farming and livestock productivity, prolonging the next lean season, and exacerbating the vulnerability of hard-hit communities,” the statement warned.
“The escalation of humanitarian needs far outstrips available resources. The only way out of this cycle is to prioritise as well durable solutions,” Nikoi insisted
Reintroduced national anthem could have prevented banditry
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has said the reintroduced national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, could have prevented banditry and insecurity if the country had retained it.
Recall that the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the National Anthem Bill 2024 to revert to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”, which was abolished in 1978.
The National Assembly passed the bill to swap the national anthem from “Arise, O Compatriots” to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
The bill, which speedily passed first and second readings on the same day, was assented to by President Bola Tinubu, making it the new anthem of the country.
During a visit to the Nigeria Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies in Abuja on Tuesday, Akpabio said the reintroduced anthem would foster unity, patriotism and love among Nigerians.
Akpabio said those labelling the re-introduced anthem as an element of colonialism, don’t understand the country’s history and are ignorant of the law.
According to the Senate president, a panel made up of Nigerians was set up in 1959, which received inputs from all over the world regarding the anthem and approved the reintroduced anthem then.
He said: “The other impactful bill signed by the National Assembly is the reverting to our old national anthem.
“A lot of people are not aware that there was a panel set up and made up of Nigerians to receive input from all over the world in 1959.
“So when people are saying we’re bringing in colonial anthem, they need to look into the history of “Nigeria, we hail thee”.”
“If we had kept to that anthem, we probably would not have banditry today in Nigeria because if you take your neighbour as your brother, you will not want to kill him.”
Akpabio also revealed that more than 30,000 Nigerian students have been selected to benefit from the student loan scheme.
The Senate President said the Student Loan bill allows the children of the poor and underprivileged persons in the country to obtain higher education without the financial burden.
According to Akpbaio, the bill was one of the most important pieces of legislation passed by the tenth Assembly of the country.
He said: “One of the most important bills for the tenth Assembly was the bill sent to us by President Bola Tinubu. The Student Loan Bill enables vulnerable Nigerian students, the less privileged, to obtain higher education.
“And as I speak to you now, over 30,000 Nigerian students have already been selected to benefit from that scheme.
“That is one of the bills I will say appeal to me the most.”
Fubara swears in caretaker chairmen for 23 LGs
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, on Wednesday, sworn in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state.
The governor inaugurated the new caretaker chairmen hours after the House of Assembly, led by factional Speaker, Victor Jumbo, screened and approved the nominees sent on Tuesday.
According Online reports that the swearing-in is currently ongoing at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital, amid tight security.
Our correspondent reports that the first batch of 11 caretaker chairmen are taking their oath of office.
The swearing-in comes a day after the governor forwarded the list to the state House of Assembly and the nominees were invited for screening as early as 8 am on Wednesday.
Details later…
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BREAKING: Rivers: Fubara swears in Caretaker Committee Chairmen
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sworn in the new Caretaker Chairmen of the 23 local government areas of the state.
The swearing-in was conducted by Governor Fubara at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
This follows their screening and confirmation by the State Assembly.
Governor Fubara had sent the names for screening and confirmation on Tuesday, following the expiration of the local government Chairmen’s tenure on June 17, 2024.
Below are the names confirmed by the Assembly:
Abua/Odua LGA – Madigai Dickson
Ahoada East LGA – Hon. Happy Benneth
Ahoada West LGA – Mr. Daddy John Green
Akuku Toru LGA – Otonye Briggs
Andoni LGA – Reginald Ekaan
Asari Toru LGA – Orolosoma Amachree
Bonny LGA – Alabota Anengi Barasua
Degema LGA – Anthony Soberekon
Eleme LGA – Brian Gokpa
Emohua LGA – David Omereji
Etche LGA – John Otamiri
Gokana LGA – Kenneth Kpeden
Ikwerre LGA – Darlington Orji
Khana LGA – Marvin Yobana
Obio/Akpor LGA – Chijioke Ihunwo
Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Princewill Ejekwe
Ogu/Bolo LGA – Evans Bipi
Okrika LGA – Princess Ogan
Omuma LGA – Promise Reginald
Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Enyiada Cookey-Gam
Oyigbo LGA – Gogo Philip
Port Harcourt LGA – Ichemati Ezebunwo
Tai LGA – Hon. Matthew Dike
BREAKING: Rivers: Fubara swears in Caretaker Committee Chairmen
Putin meets Kim Jong Un, to discuss arms trade
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in North Korea for a two-day state visit and was received by North Korea’s ruler Kim Jong Un at the airport in Pyongyang.
According to observers, the two-day visit will also focus on further arms deliveries from Pyongyang, which Moscow intends to use in its war against Ukraine.
The main part of the visit begins on Wednesday, the Russian news agency Interfax reported on Wednesday.
The day would begin with a meeting between Putin and Kim on Kim Il Sung Square, Pyongyang’s urban and symbolic centre.
Long negotiations were then planned, first in one-on-one talks, then on a larger scale.
In addition to several meals together, a wreath-laying ceremony and a joint concert visit have also been announced.
The last time Putin was in North Korea was in 2000 when he was received by Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il.
He said after a long break in the relationship, the two countries have recently moved closer together, not least because of the Ukraine war.
dpa/NAN
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Osun APC claims Adeleke forcing commercial transporters to swear oath to support his govt
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of involvement in desperate strategies to ensure he secures a second term in office.
The accusation was contained in a statement signed by the Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal.
The APC alleged that Adeleke was forcing commercial motorcycle and tricycle riders in the state to swear an oath of continuous support for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Lawal specifically noted that the APC reliably gathered that the governor was forcing commercial motorcyclists to swear by Ogun, the god of iron, to continue to support the ruling party.
The statement reads: “It was learnt that Adeleke has now resorted to forcing commercial motorcycle and tricycle riders in the state to swear to the oath of continuous support for the PDP in all the future elections in the state with the god of iron called ‘Ogun’ in Yoruba parlance.
“It was also gathered that words have been passed round from the state capital level of the transportation unions that the secret oath-taking of the compulsory allegiance should be held in all the units of the unions across the nooks and crannies of the state.
READ ALSO: APC tackles Adeleke over the sack of Osun monarchs
“Governor Adeleke and his co-travellers have also been going round the state to woo back the real owners of the PDP in the state that they chased away with cudgels, cutlasses, abuses and lack of political patronage immediately Adeleke was announced the winner of the governorship election by the Supreme Court.”
In response, however, the Osun PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi, described APC’s allegations as a false campaign against the ruling party and the governor.
Bisi said Adeleke did not need to force anyone to take an oath because of his incredible performance, both in terms of welfare and infrastructural development which had earned him the support of not just those in the transportation sector, but also across other sectors.
He said: “Contrary to the false impression that Sooko Tajudeen Lawal tried to create, we authoritatively gathered that the Osun APC advances to transporters in Osun did not yield and the only thing Kola Olabisi could come up with was to lie to the public.
“To any reasonable mind in Osun, it would not be so hard to understand why transporters in Osun turned down the APC advances. Its time at the helm in Osun State brought nothing but pains and anguish, and it is, therefore, nothing but nonsense on the part of Sooko Tajudeen Lawal to try and cover for his party’s failure and the consequent rejection by cooking up cheap lies.
“Only parasitic elements like the APC will ever contemplate that Governor Adeleke will need to force support, especially when the only alternative are those who almost drove the state into a ditch through reckless financial mismanagement and poor welfare attitude.”
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