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Agbese Philip: A PEEK AT HIS 100 DAYS IN OFFICE

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Hon. Philip Agbese entered the House of Representatives with an expansive agenda that includes people-oriented legislation, youth empowerment, job creation, crisis resolution, and peace efforts among others.

Political officeholders have often been measured by the 100-day standard. As Agbese inches closer to crossing the milestone, here is a look at where he stands on some key benchmarks.

Legislative Oversight

Chapter One, Section Four of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution vests the House of Representatives with the power to make laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the Federation. Legislative oversight, meanwhile, is a tool for lawmakers to perform its role of checks and balances in a democracy and involves keeping an eye on the activities of government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) with the sole aim of informing the public as well as correcting ills in governance.

Agbese has done this with aplomb. He has held the executive accountable for its actions, ensuring that it implements policies following the laws and budget passed by the legislature. He has been a vocal member of the parliament, raising people-oriented motions and bills. For instance, Agbese was instrumental in the approval of palliatives and other measures to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal.

Record Bills

Agbese not only hit the ground running but showed that he came prepared for the job. The Enone Servant was among the first lawmakers to sponsor a bill in the 10th National Assembly. Charismatic, articulate, and focused, he is a constant feature during plenary.

Eleven of his bills have passed first reading – a record for a first-timer. That figure puts him among the top five in the entire 10th House of Reps. A trailblazer, he has shown an exceptional appetite for the welfare of Nigerians.

Half of the proposed legislation is targeted towards the creation of institutions of learning across the country, a testament to Agbese’s drive for youth empowerment and poverty alleviation through skills acquisition and formal learning. He recognises knowledge as a tool to end insecurity and hardship.

One of the schools will potentially be sited in his constituency to bring development and education closer to his people. He also sorts the creation of medical and other infrastructures. Another bill could see the establishment of a Federal University of Information and Communication Technology, keeping up with the internet revolution and IT global reawakening.

But perhaps, Agbese’s biggest statement yet is the Bill on Non-Oil Mineral Resources Producing Communities Development Commission (Establishment). This legislation will potentially cater for the neglected natives of non-oil-producing communities – which Benue people will directly benefit from.

Standing/ Ad Hoc Committee

When Agbese was named as the Deputy Charman House Committee on Media and Public Affairs/ Deputy Spokesman of the House, it didn’t come as a surprise. The Enone Servant has carved a niche for himself in the media space as a reputable writer, social critic, public affairs commentator, and human rights activist.

These attributes beamed in the House. Agbese is not afraid to delve into perceived bellicose issues as long as it is for the good of the common man. He is likened to the Class Reps of the House who speak his mind no matter who is involved. In one instance, he raised a motion to probe the alleged theft of crude oil.

This was immediately accepted by his colleagues and an ad hoc committee was set up to look into the debacle. With Agbese’s depth of knowledge and guidance, the Reps have already uncovered the mystery that has wrecked eternal leakage to our economy. He also served on the committee investigating TETFund projects across the nation.

Job Creation/ Youth Empowerment

Agbese pledged to empower Enone youth to succeed in different endeavours and has already set the ball running. No fewer than 1,000 young natives will benefit from his mini-bursary scheme and the list of beneficiaries is still being collated.

The Enone Servant has also opened his doors to innovative ideas and potential business partnerships with his constituents. He describes it as intellectual-based projects, in which he recommends or referees eligible persons for jobs and appointments.

Peace Talks / Crisis Resolution

Agbese believes if his people must thrive, it must be in a serene and peaceful environment. He reckons that crises are never the way forward. Hence, the lawmaker has already initiated peace efforts to end needless killings in his constituency.

One of his first steps was a meeting with the member representing Ebonyi/ Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Hon. Eze Nwachukwu. Agbese has also met with other stakeholders to bring lasting solutions.

FINAL WORDS

The pace of the 10th NASS has been precluded by numerous litigations and recesses. Agbese, himself, was dragged to court on four different occasions. This is enough to distract even the most immersed lawmakers.

However, the Enone Servant has remained resolute. While acknowledging the enormity of the tasks, he is well on track to surmount them. His victories at the tribunal meant he was destined to bring progress to his people. Let’s keep hope alive!

Ondo APC suspends chairman for beating commissioner

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The Ondo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress has suspended Mr. Olumide Awolumate, the party’s ward chairman in the state’s Akoko North-West Local Government Area, for allegedly assaulting Mrs. Juliana Osadahun, the state commissioner for woman affairs and social development.

In an altercation with the commissioner that was captured on camera, the embattled chairman was seen allegedly injuring the latter’s head during the Sunday distribution of remedies for the elimination of oil subsidies in Arigidi Akoko.

Speaking about the event with our correspondent on Monday, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, the party’s state chairman, voiced his resentment at the alleged assault on the commissioner and said that the party had met that day to discuss it.

He claimed that once the party’s leadership met to discuss the incident, it was decided that Awolumate should be expelled from the organization.

 

The party would not accept any indiscipline, the chairman declared. Such behavior is something I absolutely detest, and after the party discussed it, the ward’s chairman was suspended. How can a woman be beaten? Please be quite clear and loud if you want me to stop tolerating it. The party must respect a lady, regardless of the offense committed by that honorable commissioner.

“Our party is known for its welfare policies; all of the local governments can attest to that; nowhere was the party involved in this event. The individual has now received a sanction.

The state’s police commissioner, Mr. Asabi Abiodun, has denounced the attack and called for an investigation, according to a statement from the state command’s police public relations officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami.

According to the force PRO, the Commissioner was attacked by an assailant named Awolumate Olumide while having a meeting with some of their party members in the Akoko region to oversee the distribution of the aforementioned palliatives.

The matter has been sent to the SCID (State Criminal Investigation Department), Akure for further investigation into the circumstances leading up to the assault, per the CP’s instruction for a complete investigation to be conducted.

Similar to this, Oluwatosin Ajirotutu, the deputy majority leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly, has denounced the alleged assault on the commissioner. She urged the state police command to detain and charge the APC leader.

President Tinubu Approves Appointment of 18 Aides in Vice President’s Office

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In order to carry out the goals of the Federal Government throughout the many economic sectors, President Bola Tinubu has authorized the hiring of 18 Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.

The team, which consists of six special advisers and twelve senior special assistants, will work in the vice president’s office to support the Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope” policy.

The Vice President’s office has made the following appointments: Tope Kolade Fasua has been named Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters; Aliyu Modibbo Umar has been named Special Adviser to the President on General Duties; Hakeem Baba Ahmed has been appointed Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters; and Jumoke Oduwole has been appointed Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC & Investment.

Others are Kingsley Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Usman Mohammed, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration & Office Coordination, Ishaq Ahmed Ningi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Media & Emergency Management, Peju Adebajo, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Investment & Privatization, and M.

The list of appointments in the Vice President’s office is completed by Nasir Yammama, Senior Special Assistant to the President for Innovation, Zainab Yunusa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on NEC, Mariam Temitope, Senior Special Assistant to the President for Regional Development Programs, and Bashir Maidugu, Deputy State House Counsel (Senior Special Assistant to the President).

Director information, Olusola Abiola, and the Vice President’s Office

 

FG, Wema Bank Set to Train 2 Million Youths in Digital Skills

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**Vice President Shettima praises plan to further empower 1 million small and medium-sized businesses**

In furtherance of its promise to support the job creation agenda of the Tinubu administration, WEMA Bank, in partnership with the Office of the Vice President, has concluded arrangements to commence an initiative that will impact 2 million youths and 1 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. This comes as a furtherance of WEMA Bank’s earlier pledge to support the job creation agenda of the Tinubu administration.

Sen. Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria, got an up-to-date report on the program on Monday during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director of WEMA Bank, Mr. Moruf Oseni. Sen. Shettima praised the commitment and participation of the bank for the project, and he thanked Mr. Oseni for his hospitality.

The purpose of the delegation’s visit to the Villa was to brief the Vice President on the progress made in the implementation of the FGN-ALAT Digital Skill-Novation Programme. This program is an initiative of a partnership between the Federal Government and WEMA Bank, and its goal is to train 2 million youths and empower 1 million Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.

The Vice President of the bank stated in regard to the assistance and commitment of the bank in the execution of the program, “I shall call on you to be above board. You run an efficient and effective business. I want to express my deepest gratitude to you for taking the initiative and committing to this endeavor. Please be assured that we will live up to our end of the agreement.

In a later interview with State House correspondents, the Managing Director of WEMA Bank, Mr. Moruf Oseni, stated that they were in the Presidential Villa to brief the Vice President on “how far we have gone on the FGN/ALAT project.” Moruf Oseni was quoted as saying “how far we have gone on the FGN/ALAT project.” The Vice President was very pleased, and his office will be in touch with you shortly to let you know how we plan to move forward with this program. One component of this is to assist in the development of innovation centres for us across the country.

“Mr. President of Nigeria came out with a very daring and audacious strategy on how to resuscitate the economy of Nigeria. We recognize the importance of the banking sector and will do everything in our power to make this a reality. If the economy of Nigeria improves, the nation’s financial institutions would too. The administration of Mr. President is doing an excellent job, and we stand behind it one hundred percent.

As for Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, he is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs. In his remarks, he stressed the value of working together, saying that “there is power in partnership.” When it comes to helping people, collaboration between the public and private sectors almost always results in more being accomplished. The ‘Renewed Hope’ initiative that Mr. President is pushing for cannot be completed by the government or the private sector on their own since it requires the participation of everyone.

“As a result, we investigated the private sector in great detail to determine the ways in which companies may genuinely play a part in the solution. In the first place, they gave their word that they would collaborate with us on the cultivation of skills as well as other components of the program that we want to put into action.

The FGN/ALAT Digital Skill-Novation Programme will have its official launch on September 29 at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. The ceremony will be presided over by the Vice President.

In addition, Mr. Tunde Mabawonko, Executive Director of WEMA Bank, Mr. Bamidele Adefemi, Head of Federal Public Sector, and Mr. Chioma Onuaguluchi, Regional Executive, Abuja, were present at the meeting.

 

The name “Olusola Abiola”

*Information Regarding Directors*

The office of the Vice President of the United States

 

 

President Tinubu Advances Stronger Economic Ties with South Africa; Seeks Reforms of Bretton Woods Institutions to Strengthen Resilience of Developing Democracies

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On Monday, President Bola Tinubu boosted his economic development diplomacy drive for investor attraction as he engaged in a long discussion with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in New York City, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly. The two leaders were involved in the discussion ahead of the United Nations General Assembly.

Even if it is done with an exclusive regard for their own enlightened self-interest, according to President Tinubu’s assertion, Africa must have a consensus view that the hundreds of billions of dollars spent through International Development Finance Institutions over the years must meet the specific needs of developing democracies in Africa. This view must be held in order for Africa to have a consensus view.

“After the end of the Second World War, the Marshall Plan was developed for the purpose of assisting in the reconstruction and economic restoration of European nations through the institutions of Bretton Woods. Where on the African continent has this presence been? We can’t afford to make the mistake of buying a new pair of shackles just to replace the one that was broken the day before. In the context of widespread ignorance and widespread hunger among the population, it is impossible to maintain a functioning democracy. If we do not take precautions, democracy in which people do not have enough food to eat is a breeding ground for what will ultimately consume us. We need to come together and agree that the International Financial Institutions need to be reformed because Africa is no longer going to be a ground for economic scavenging; rather, it is going to be a place with talented people who are ready for investment and cooperation. We need to work together to make this happen.

“Between the three of us, we have access to all of the necessary natural and human resources. We are able to work together in a way that will be good to both of our people and will enrich them. The mining industries of South Africa have an important part to play in the overall growth of the solid minerals sector in Nigeria. Your commercial sector has achieved considerable success in the Nigerian telecommunications industry. You have a lot of knowledge and experience in this field, and our land contains a significant amount of mineral wealth. As countries that are more closely related to one another, “We expect to deliver jobs and results that are mutually beneficial in this area,” the President stated.

In reference to President Tinubu’s prompt execution of what the South African President referred to as “brave” economic changes, the South African President agreed that the two countries have much more wealth to build together in an intimate and strategic collaboration, with each nation leveraging on the assets that are unique to the other.

Because we are two of the largest economies on our continent, it is essential that we strengthen our economic relations, especially in light of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. According to what the President of South Africa had to say, “We are very keen on the deepening of our economic relations.”

The President of South Africa stressed that history has shown that Nigeria and South Africa can move the globe on subjects of mutual concern when the two nations operate on the same wavelength. This point was emphasized by the President of South Africa.

“We would be overjoyed to see Nigeria and South Africa working closely together on a variety of topics because, on those occasions when we have joined forces, we have been able to make an impact on a worldwide scale through our united positions. If we work together, we can advance the situation in the global south. The continent that we inhabit has been pillaged to an extreme degree. “We must seek out partners who will help us to advance our own interests,” the South African President underscored, because wealthy nations made so much of it from us. “We must seek out partners who will help us to advance our own interests.”

Recognizing President Tinubu’s outstanding stewardship as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, the South African leader stated that Southern Africa ought to replicate the cooperation that was being displayed in West Africa in the aftermath of the Niger Crisis.

“We believe that we have a great deal to learn from ECOWAS and its cohesiveness in terms of achieving consensus stances on issues pertaining to the subregion. In light of recent developments in Mozambique and other parts of the world, President Ramaphosa has stated that “this is something we seek to emulate in the Southern African sub-region.”

In addition, the South African leader took advantage of the opportunity presented by the bilateral engagement to extend an invitation to the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, to pay a visit to South Africa. This invitation comes in the wake of President Ramaphosa’s recent trip to Nigeria and is part of an effort to strengthen both the economic ties between the two nations as well as the overall relationship between the two nations.

While accepting the invitation, President Tinubu stated that an Africa in which Nigeria and South Africa are working in synergy to advance their common interests is the most powerful version of the continent, which can make more of an impact on global affairs for the benefit of over one billion Africans with its enormous human and natural resource wealth. This is the version of Africa that President Tinubu affirmed is the most powerful version of Africa.

“Our continent is the only unexplored ground on the entire planet that has the potential for quick, huge expansion as well as new economic opportunities. We are responsible for our own resources, and we must collaborate in order to make the most of each other if we are to accomplish what is in everyone’s best interest, Mr. President. The Nigerian leader summarized his thoughts by saying, “We look forward to an era of economically productive relationship.”

 

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, also known as

Consultant of Special Concern to the President

(Public Relations and Media)

The 18th of September, 2023

Obasanjo has publicly disowned his wife, calling her “an impostor.”

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After pleading with Yorubas everywhere to forgive him for his remarks at the inauguration of projects led by the state governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday in Iseyin, Oyo state, the former president Olusegun Obasanjo abandoned his wife, Taiwo Obasan, just 24 hours later.

In a report titled “Oyo Kings: A plea for forgiveness,” Taiwo pleaded with “all Yoruba sons and daughters worldwide, fathers and mothers, youths, teenagers, and children, Christians, Muslims, traditional worshippers, all leaders in Yoruba land, and the Council of Kings in Yoruba land” for forgiveness.

Obasanjo responded to the news by claiming that Taiwo, although having two children with him, is neither his wife nor a member of his family but rather a fraud.

The former President asserted that he stood strongly, unreservedly, and unwaveringly with the idea that a governor holds the highest office in a state and deserves to be treated with the respect that is guaranteed by the constitution.

 

This information was provided to media in a statement made by Chief Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi.

Only he, he claimed, could speak for the Obasanjo family or those he had authorized to do so.

Part of the statement states, “The attention of Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has been alerted to a statement allegedly released by the President’s wife with the photograph of one Ms. Taiwo Martins as the author of the statement.

To be clear, Ms. Martins is not Chief Obasanjo’s wife nor a member of the Obasanjo family, despite the fact that she is the mother of his two children, Jonwo and Bunmi.

She is acting like an impostor by claiming to be Chief Obasanjo’s wife. Only Chief Obasanjo or anyone he has authorized to speak on his or her behalf can make statements on behalf of the Obasanjo family.

The health status of Ms. Martins is well known to the general public, and whatsoever she says or does has no bearing on Chief Obasanjo personally or the Obasanjo family as a whole.

The former President has stated, however, that he adhered strongly, unreservedly, and uncompromisingly to the view that the governor of a state occupies the highest post in the state.

By holding that position, it is necessary to uphold the dignity, respect, and deference owed to the office by virtue of the constitution. Anything less would be a denigration of the position and the Constitution.

Tinubu appoints Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as special adviser

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Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the spokesman for the Northern Elders Forum, has been chosen by President Bola Tinubu as the Special Adviser On Political Issues in Vice President Kashim Shettima’s office.

In a post on his X account on Monday, Baba-Ahmed, the older brother of Peter Obi’s running mate in the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign, revealed this.

He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the development of the country.

It’s time to announce that I’ve accepted the position of Special Adviser (Political) to the VP, he wrote in a tweet.

“Now is not the time to stay on the fence or voice criticism when you can help the nation turn around. I feel honored and grateful. Say a prayer for me and for Nigeria.

Tinubu to talk at UNGA about illicit financial flows, asset return

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On September 18–26, 2023, the 78th United Nations General Assembly will take place. President Bola Tinubu is anticipated to address the assembly.

His Excellency Dennis Francis of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago will preside over the General Assembly this year.

The addresses given by the Heads of State will alternate throughout the General Assembly.

At the Assembly, Tinubu promised to “emphasize Nigeria’s efforts towards attaining the SDGs, combating climate change, and guaranteeing international peace and security, among others.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Francisa Omayuli, said in a statement on Monday that “the important issue of illicit financial flows and asset return will also be re-echoed, to encourage stronger international cooperation.”

On September 19, the President is anticipated to give his debut national address on the floor of the UN building.

Since taking office as president in May, Tinubu has never attended the UNGA.

Police nab three for murder of Senator Yayi’s aide

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In connection with the robbery and murder of Adeniyi Sanni, an aide to Senator Solomon Adeola, commonly known as Yayi, the Lagos State Police Command has paraded three male suspects in connection with the incident.

Idowu Owohunwa, the Commissioner of Police for the State of Lagos, made the news of the arrest public on Monday during a press briefing held at the command’s headquarters in Ikeja, which is located in Lagos.

On August 5, Sanni was killed when he was stopped at a checkpoint in Ojodu Berger by a few people on his way to his house in Lagos. The checkpoint is located in Ojodu Berger.

Fred Azeez Okuno, a resident of Lagos who is 43 years old, Lucky Idudu Michael, a resident of Delta State who is 33 years old, and Adedigba Segun, a resident of Ibadan, Oyo state who is 26 years old are the suspects who have been arrested.

We were able to apprehend the members of the robbery and murder ring thanks to the meticulous intelligence gathering and thorough investigational work that was carried out by the Lagos Police Command, which brought out the force’s full potential. The three suspects who were directly engaged in the robbery and murder were apprehended, and three firearms, including the weapon used to commit the murder, were retrieved, according to the statement made by the Lagos CP.

APC to suspend chairman for beating Ondo Commissioner

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Olumide Awolumate, the party’s chairman in the state’s Akoko North-West Local Government Area, was reportedly accused of assaulting Mrs. Juliana Osadahun, the state commissioner for woman affairs and social development, by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, who announced on Monday that the party will suspend Awolumate.

It had previously been reported that Awolumate had reportedly injured the Commissioner’s head while giving out palliatives in Arigidi Akoko on Sunday.

Ade Adetimehim, the chairman of the APC in Ondo State, spoke with Punch about the alleged assault on the commissioner and said the party would discuss it today (Monday).

He declared, “In our party, we don’t accept indiscipline. Due to his involvement in such a conspicuous, embarrassing behaviour, the negligent chairman would be suspended.

“Everyone should report to Akure today (Monday), where we will discuss the situation and, if required, impose the proper sanctions. I have instructed the party chairman in the local government to do this. However, the ward chairman would be demoted.

The alleged assault on the commissioner was denounced as well by Princess Oluwatosin Ajirotutu, the deputy majority leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly.

She demanded that the state police command detain the APC leader and bring charges against him.

The lawmaker declared: “It is repugnant and inhumane to have seen a video clip that surfaced and caused havoc in the media space and Arigidi in Akoko Northwest of Ondo State following the instruction of Ondo State Government on subsidised palliatives distribution across the state.

Read Also: NCC Makes Grant Offer of N10 Million for 2023 Hackathon Talent Hunt

“The behaviour of Mr. Awolumate Olumide against Hon. Adebunmi Osadahun is abhorrent, and he ought to be detained and subjected to the harshest disciplinary measures by the Ondo State Commissioner of Police. Meanwhile, the Ondo State Attorney General ought to initiate an immediate criminal investigation into Mr. Olumide.

“In no area of Ondo State or the nation should assaults on women be permitted. Because of the delicate responsibilities they play in society, women deserve our compassion in any circumstance.

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