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Education stakeholders seek renewed commitment, action in 2024

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In order to promote meaningful development in the education sector by 2024, major players in the field have emphasised the urgent need for real commitment and attention from both national and subnational governments.

The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, stated that the industry saw no significant changes in 2023 as he looked back on the previous year and ahead to the new one.

In order to revitalise the industry and advance the nation’s rapid growth and development, he emphasised the paramount importance of strong political will.

Sincerely, during the previous year, there were no notable developments in the industry. Particularly in regards to fiscal allocation, it does not live up to our expectations. According to Osodeke, the budget allotted for education is still minimal and static, making revolutionary changes impossible.
He mentioned several issues, such as unfavourable learning conditions, inadequate facilities, a dearth of teaching resources, low pay for industry workers, and financial limitations.
Sincerely, I can state that during the year under consideration, nothing noteworthy changed in the overall sector. When it comes to the distribution of funds, it is almost exactly the opposite of what we desire.
“Compared to the previous eight years, it is not different. The situation is not improving. Consider the sum allotted to the industry this year. Is it evidence that we genuinely desire change?
Even yet, the 8.8% budget that was suggested was less than the 26% that the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation had suggested be spent on this field.
“Even putting aside the budget, we all see the deplorable state of the educational system, inadequate infrastructure, a lack of instructional materials or none at all, inadequate pay for those employed in the field, and of course the controversial funding.
“These budgets are rarely implemented correctly even after they are passed. The ASUU head expressed, “I hope we take a comprehensive approach to the sector and identify the problem areas in an effort to offer solutions for a better Nigeria.”
In order for the government’s promised efforts to produce the required results, Osodeke emphasised how important it is that the monies allotted for important educational projects match the government’s promised activities.
The importance of these promises was highlighted by him as he praised a number of state governments, including those of Enugu, Abia, and Oyo, for passing noteworthy budgets set aside for education. As a crucial pillar of national growth, Osodeke argued in favour of giving priority to education.
“In terms of budget allocation for the sector in the upcoming year, I would like to say that I appreciate what some state governments have just done.”
It implies that we are progressively realising the role that education plays in fostering national identity.
I would like to add that it is historic that states like Enugu have approved a 33% budget for education. It is noteworthy that Abia and Oyo achieved passing rates of 20 and 21 percent, respectively. If these results are realised, they will greatly benefit society.
The federal government should take a cue from these three state governments if they carry out these budgets as planned. We applaud them for having taken this course of action.
We, as a people, and not outsiders, possess the necessary abilities to resolve our own problems, as I previously stated.
“In order to achieve our goals, we need to turn inward and prioritise education. We should no longer be seeking favours from the West,” stated Osodeke.
Education in 2023 is not up to par, according to Mr. Akinteye Afeez, Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Afeez is hoping that in 2024, the government will fulfil its commitments to promote education and end the ASUU strikes. These commitments include the provision of CNG buses, bursaries, and greater funding for education.
“The quality of education has not improved from before. The overall performance of the sector has not changed from prior years’ results, and there is still no discernible improvement.
“All we can hope is that the administration will finally begin implementing its promised measures in 2024. Among these are the CNG buses that the federal government has promised, bursaries, and budget increases for education.
We wish for brighter years to come and hope that we have truly bid the ASUU strikes farewell. However, we believe that the year under review’s performance in education was subpar, according to Afeez.
To ensure high-quality education, former education minister Prof. Chinwe Obaji asked for increased oversight and monitoring of government- and private-owned institutions. Noting the outrageous rates some private secondary schools ask for registering for public exams, she emphasised the need to stop exploitative tendencies and the need for school officials to be held accountable.
The government has to intensify its efforts to shine a spotlight on education, particularly in privately held secondary schools where unscrupulous educators and administrators defraud parents of their hard-earned money under the pretence of completing required coursework.
Concerning the absurd demands made by some of these private schools, some parents have been complaining about them repeatedly.
“What worries me the most about these is the exorbitant costs these schools often quote these parents for registering for public exams like the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) administered by WAEC and the Senior School Certificate Examination (NEC).”
Compared to the usual rates set by the two examination boards, these prices are typically significantly higher.
Additionally, as it has been found that some public school teachers quit their jobs to pursue side projects or other interests, similar light needs to be shone on those institutions as well.
Not only the government, but school administrators also need to exhibit this kind of commitment, discipline, and passion.
To bring the industry to the much-needed peak, the former minister declared, “all hands must be on deck.”
Converging on the importance of education, the stakeholders demanded coordinated actions to bring the industry up to the required level.

UN Secretary-General: 2023 has been a year of suffering, Poverty

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The substantial pain, bloodshed, and climate-related tragedies that will be witnessed worldwide in 2023 have deeply alarmed Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN).

Twenty-three was the hottest year on record, according to Guterres, who noted in his New Year’s speech before 2024 arrived, “Humanity is in pain.” The Earth is in danger. Hunger and increasing poverty are crushing people. The number and intensity of wars are increasing. Furthermore, trust is scarce.

Violence or placing blame, according to Guterres, will not advance the cause. In the upcoming year, he urged people to put aside their differences and come together to find solutions as a group.

“Humanity is strongest when we stand together,” he declared. 2024 needs to be the year that hope and trust are rebuilt. Divides must be put aside in the pursuit of common goals, action on climate change, economic opportunity, and a more equitable global financial system that benefits all.

“Together, we need to confront the bigotry and prejudice that are destroying bridges between nations and communities. In addition, we have to make sure that emerging technology like artificial intelligence are used for good.

A peaceful New Year was expressed by Gutierrez, who also pledged that the UN will continue to mobilise people worldwide in support of human rights, sustainable development, and peace.

“Let us commit to making 2024 a year of fostering trust and optimism in our collective abilities,” he exclaimed.

Reactions as DSS official attempts to stop Okoya from shaking Tinubu

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Reactions When Okoya Shakes Tinubu Despite A DSS Official Trying To Stop Him (Video)Printed on December 31st
Reactions followed after a Department of State Services (DSS) employee tried to prevent Rasaq Okoya, a well-known businessman and millionaire from Nigeria, from shaking President Bola Tinubu.
It was reported that Okoya and the President had a meeting on Friday during the Jumat service at the Lagos Central Mosque, located on Nnamdi Azikiwe Street on Lagos Island.

After the service, it was reported, the businessman went to greet Tinubu and shook hands. The president refused the security agent’s attempt to break up the handshake.

After the news broke, some internet users praised the DSS official on social media for carrying out his duty of defending the president, while others criticised him for being over vigilant.

Check out the responses below.

@delakuntufayi stated: “He must have thought there was a security risk in the room because he stopped the procedure. Those who are hired to secure things may have access to intelligence, which is a component of the security architecture that you and I may not. Beyond this video, there is more to it.

According to the footage, Tinubu attempted to remove his hand after shaking hands, but he hung onto it. The security guard must have observed this as well and attempted to step in. @mazijinali posted this.

“Yes, he is performing his duties, but he was overly enthusiastic—that’s how all these recruit personnel act. If there was a threat, the president’s SSS chief security officer (CSO), a blue native, who is positioned next to him, would have signalled or warned him,” tweeted @donfills. Never mind, joor, the recruit SSS officer.

“Wetin give this guy mind do this kind of thing??😂😂,” commented @st.diallo. I hope you keep your job even if that millionaire calls to become president 😂.

Tinubu almost slapped that security 😂😂. The thing that shocked Tinubu himself was that he asked, “Security, are you okay?” @iamsteepe posted. That’s Eleganza, the top citizen of Okaya. 🔝

@moshood_salam stated: “From another perspective, he was merely carrying out his duties, yet he is overly enthusiastic. No one in a country is friendless. The reasoning.

“Ewan, squeeze his hand!” wrote @wizkidgirlfriend. Although I’m not sure whether that hand is too strong, bodyguards don’t know to remark that.

“He’s not overzealous,” wrote @diane_jibbs. He works as security for a purpose. He needs to keep the president moving because this is a public area.

“I understand he was just doing his job,” wrote @soarluxurycars. But try not to become too excited.

I applaud him for doing his work diligently, as @abusufyani001 wrote.

It appears to be Rasak Okoya of Eleganza, as stated by @tuwakaoyode. It’s been a long time for the man. Although he wasn’t told, the security guard was performing his duties.

Tinubu must stop him because, as @gaza_dee1 stated, “For him to have that mind that shows he has been doing it just because this man is too powerful and great.”

Ekiti farmers weep as herders destroy over 30 farmlands

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In Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, farmers have been farming mostly cassava and yam. They have expressed displeasure over suspected herdsmen destroying numerous hectares of farmlands.

Farmers claim that their cattle, who were given free rein by Fulani nomads, ran amok over several hectares, causing destruction to their farmland.

One of the impacted farmers, Ibrahim, told reporters in Ado Ekiti that the demolition had an effect on around thirty farmers in the area. For the last two years, he said, the herders had been an ongoing threat, attacking workers on their farms and seriously harming their crops.

Ibrahim told the story of a terrifying event that happened a few months ago when he, his two brothers, and his kid were attacked by some herders and just escaped serious injury. He emphasised the habit of the herders to damage farmers’ properties and beat them, frequently due to rumours that cows were being murdered nearby.

The speaker stated, “We reported their attacks to the security agencies, but they did not take any significant action against us or our farms. They had been coming to beat us and do damage.” This is something we’ve been dealing with for a while.

However, there was a great deal of damage right now. Aside from the devastation they caused on my brother-in-law’s farm, they destroyed more than 4,000 stacks of cassava on my land. It touched more than thirty of us.

On occasion, they carried out the yam seeds and chopped them for their cattle in the new yam farms we recently planted. To prepare for planting again, some of us are now taking the seeds out to store them safely until the situation improves.

“They were uprooting the tubers to feed their animals, in addition to distastefully devouring the leaves and stems of the cassava. The administration shouldn’t have let these heartless deeds to continue unchecked since they were.

“Our source of income and ability to support ourselves comes from farming. We are being quietly murdered by these folks. In an effort to return us to a life of begging, they are destroying our means of survival.

“We are aware of our contribution to the achievement of food security in Ekiti from that axis, so it is time for the government to act.”

Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Mr. Dare Ogundare, the Commissioner of Police for Ekiti Command, and Brig. Gen. Olu Adewa, the Commandant of the State Amotekun Corps, all made appeals to Jamiu for assistance, pleading with them to step in and shield them from the needless farming destruction.

Our situation at Idege Farm has been reported to the police and the Amotekun corps several times, but it seems that these vandals see the law as unimportant. Jamiu came to the conclusion that this scenario could not continue.

Tinubu dismisses special investigator, requests Senate approve conversion of N7.3 trillion ways, means revenue

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While his special investigator, Jim Obazee, had advised that the balance be reevaluated prior to Senate authorization because it was dubious and illegally incurred, President Bola Tinubu has proceeded with his request for Senate approval to convert the remaining ways and means of revenue in Nigeria’s Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) into federal assets.

Sen. Godswill Akpabio was the recipient of a letter from Mr. Tinubu that was read aloud during Saturday’s plenary. ”

Section 38 of the CBN Act of 2007 states that the apex bank may provide the federal government with short-term advances. I would like to draw the Senate’s attention to these provisions.

The overdrafts do not exceed five percent of the government’s revenue from the previous year, notwithstanding the brief shortfall in budgetary revenue.

The Senate is urged to take note of the fact that, as of December 2023, the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) account stood at N7.3 trillion, principally from interest and debt servicing from domestic sources, according to figures made public by the CBN.

The speaker stated, “The federal government is considering various measures to forestall the use of ways and means advances for domestic debt servicing.”

As securitization would lower debt servicing costs, the president declared that it was essential.

Among the benefits that will be realised as a result of the ways and means being securitized are the following:

debt service costs are reduced because the interest rate on the securitized methods and means is now 9% instead of the previous 3%.

“The public debt statistics now include advances from securitized methods and means, which will contribute to reducing the budget deficit and improving debt transparency.”

Given the aforementioned, the Senate is cordially requested to examine and sanction the securitization of the remaining N7.3 trillion negative amount in the same sequence as of December 2023.

It Is Absolutely absurd to Blame Nigeria’s Development on Colonialism – Ango Abdullahi

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It is absurd, according to Ango Abdullahi, a former spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), to attribute Nigeria’s stifled progress to its past of colonialism and imperialism.
This was stated by the ageing statesman in an interview with The Sun.

He asserts that even though many nations had long periods of empire, they are now doing fairly well.

According to Abdullahi, the reason Nigeria failed was due to the citizens’ own incompetence.

“This is complete nonsense because Indians have suffered from imperialism for so many years,” he declared. Imperialism has long caused problems for many nations. Malaysia, South Africa—even with its apartheid—and other countries are doing well, whereas Nigeria is struggling. Therefore, I reject the explanation that our experience as colonial and post-colonial people has to do with our failure.

This is absurd, and we need an honest response to the question, “Why did you fail? We failed because we failed ourselves, and when will we admit that we have failed this nation? When will we be ready to atone for our sins? People in the nation are living in abject poverty, suffering from a lack of food, shelter, security, and other basic necessities. Nigeria claims to have leaders, despite the fact that everything you try to point out is incorrect. “Where are they?”

PDP urges Tinubu to visit Plateau attack victims

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In the Plateau State settlements of Bokkos and Barkin Ladi, gunmen killed Nigerians on Christmas Eve. The Peoples Democratic Party has called on President Bola Tinubu to visit the situation.

In the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, it was revealed by Kefas Mallai, the Chairman of Community Peace Observers, that more than 150 people had been murdered by the terrorists.

Tinubu denounced the attacks and commanded a manhunt for the murderers in a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Advisor on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

Tinubu gave Nigerians comfort, saying, “these envoys of death, pain, and sorrow will not escape justice,” while expressing condolences to the Plateau State government andpeople.

Speaking to the locals on Wednesday, Vice President Kashim Shettima and National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu gave assurances that President Tinubu’s administration would not back down until the victims of the attacks in the state’s Bokkos Local Government Area received justice.

In a statement released on Friday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba responded by questioning the reasons behind the intelligence breakdown that occurred both prior to and during the planned murder.

As per the PDP, there is cause for further concern as Nigerians are also voicing concerns about these fears, citing the remarks ascribed to the former military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, regarding the potential for government officials to be complicit in an uncontrolled insurgency or crisis, like the massacre in Plateau State.

In response, Tinubu was tasked by the opposition party to visit the impacted communities right away and personally address the country on the need to take decisive action to find the culprits and their backers.

The statement said, in part, “Mr. President’s silence in the face of the deliberate slaughter of his citizens without defence and support smacks of grave insensitivity and dereliction of duty.” In addition, by delaying his travel to the affected areas to show leadership, compassion, and a human connection, the President disregarded his expected duty as Consoler-in-Chief.

“President Tinubu should have as a matter of duty personally visited the scene of the genocide to give succour to the families of the dead and the wounded as well as reassure that his government is with the people of the affected communities in particular and Plateau State in general, instead of sending his aides to issue lame statements and organising surrogates to visit after much prodding.”

Bayelsa gov summons parents, groom, others in connection with four-year-old girl’s marriage

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In Akeddei community, Sagbama Local Government Area, the parents of a four-year-old child and the 54-year-old man involved in an alleged marriage have been invited by the Bayelsa State Government.

Based on tradition and customs, the state government expressed concern about the illegal marriage, saying it was repugnant to natural justice, equity, and good conscience. This was done through the State Gender Response Initiative Team, or GRIT, and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children, and Social Development, which disapproved of the development.

The traditional marriage of a four-year-old girl and a 54-year-old man in the Akeddei community in the Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State was protested last Thursday by a large number of child rights advocacy groups, as previously reported.

Child marriage is against the Child Rights Act and the constitution, according to child rights advocacy groups, which also called the marriage illegal and criminal.

In a statement released on Saturday, the state human rights commission, the 54-year-old man who is the father of the child, the youth leader, and the chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC) along with Mr. Panebi Jacob, the director of the ministry responsible for child development, stated that the traditional ruler of the Akeddei community had accepted the government’s invitation and promised to produce the child.

The Bayelsa State Government does not, under any circumstances, support child marriage, according to the statement.

“The Bayelsa State Child Rights Law was passed with the state government’s unwavering support for this reason.

In connection with this unlawful ceremony that they called a “mere spiritual affair,” we are acting to free the child from all significant parties.

Along with the Bayelsa State police command, we will make sure that occurrences such to this one never happen in the state again. The law is clear on matters of tradition and traditions that are abhorrent to natural justice, equity, and moral conscience.

“We extend our gratitude to all non-governmental organisations, such as Fida and DO Foundation, that have stepped up to save this helpless child on behalf of the Governor of Bayelsa State.” This matter will be pursued to a reasonable resolution because Bayelsa State is kid-friendly, according to the statement.

We’re determined to bring peace to South-East – Tinubu

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In order to bring about peace in the country’s South-East geopolitical zone, President Bola Tinubu says the federal government is committed to using its resources.

At Friday’s Thanksgiving Service/Homecoming event, which was held in honour of Chief Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the launching of the Peace in South-East Project (PISE-P), Tinubu made this statement.

The crowd was packed into Bende Local Government Area’s Sports Arena.

The deputy speaker launched the five-year PISE-P initiative, according to reports, to address the complex socioeconomic issues and security risks that the South-East faces.

The vice president, Kashim Shettima, spoke on behalf of the president, who called the zone “an industrial hub, which plays a vital role in boosting the nation’s economic development.”

He conveyed the Federal Government’s apprehension regarding the widespread economic destruction wrought upon the area by peripheral entities.

As per the President, the Federal Government will not permit any evil schemes carried out in the area by economic saboteurs “disguised as Ndigbo’s supporters.”

Though the South-East has seen far too many storms, the region’s foundation has been shaken by the current economic stagnation.

“We will not allow the fire to get out of control while we remain passive observers.

He declared, “Our goal is to completely put out the fire.”

Anambra attacks: Southeast youths demand Gov. Soludo step down in 48 hours

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After accusing Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of failing to address security concerns in the state of Anambra, the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, or COSEYL, has requested Soludo to step down as governor of the state.

The vicious attack that occurred in the state on Thursday night, which resulted in the deaths of two police officers and two citizens and the kidnapping of numerous more, prompted COSEYL to respond.

Remember how a convoy belonging to PDP chieftain Chief Chris Uba had been ambushed by as-yet-unidentified gunmen?

The politician managed to flee in his bulletproof car after some security personnel were killed in the attack.

COSEYL reacted by expressing concerns about the security problems roiling the state in a statement released by its President General, Goodluck Ibem.

In addition, the alliance demanded that the criminals responsible for the horrible assaults be apprehended right now.

“It is concerning that a murderous assault of this magnitude could be carried out during Christmas, a time that Christians honour and value much worldwide.

“We won’t take this lightly; it’s a big smack.” They need to be apprehended and charged right away, they thugs.

The statement went on, “We offer Governor Charles Soludo 48 hours to step down and apologise to the good people of Anambra State for his lack of leadership ability and inability to defend his people.”