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Anyim, Sanwo-Olu, and Others to Receive Zik Prize

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Anyim, Sanwo-Olu, and Others to Receive Zik Prize

Former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will receive the Year 2020 Zik Prize in Leadership on November 7, 2021 in Lagos.

Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), and Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), are also recipients of the Prize.

Prof Pat Utomi, Chairman of the selection committee on behalf of the members of the board of Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre, announced the winners of the Year 2020 Zik Prize in Leadership Award on Thursday, September 23, 2021 in Lagos (PRAC).

Read Also:  Tinubu says, “We must get to the bottom of this heinous incident.”

Senator Anyim, who has declared his intention to run for president in the 2023 presidential election, whether the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zones the position to the South East or not, won the Zik Prize in Political Leadership category alongside Minister of Health, Senator Olorunimbe Mamora, at the party’s recently concluded national convention in Abuja.

Addressing reporters at the weekend, the PDP Chieftain declared his interest, saying, “Posters of my presidential bid and agitations by groups for me to contest flooded the social media in 2020, and I disassociated myself from such calls.”

“I felt that such declarations were too early to allow the current administration to focus on governance.”

“Such calls resurfaced in early 2021, and I chose to remain silent on the matter.”

“With less than 18 months until the next elections, I felt the time was right to express my interest.”

The Ebonyi-born politician and Nigerian leader is being honored for his exemplary leadership qualities demonstrated while serving as Senate President and SGF.

Governors Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State will receive the Year 2020 Zik Prize in Good Governance, while Adesina, Kyari, and the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh, will be recognized for their contributions to public service.

Read Also:  Amaechi’s decision to award an ICTN contract to a medical company is embarrassing: BPP

Others honored include Mr. U.K. Eke, Group Managing Director of FBN Holdings Plc, and Pioneer MD/CEO, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Uche Orji, in the Professional Excellence category, and Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, former First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, in the Humanitarian Leadership category.

The event will be chaired by Chief John Nnia Nwodo, and the Royal Guest of Honour will be Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Emir of Kano.

Boko Haram: Terrorists kidnap travelers along Ngamdu in Borno State

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Boko Haram: Terrorists kidnap travelers along Ngamdu in Borno State

Terrorists suspected of belonging to the ISWAP group ambushed and abducted several passengers aboard eight commercial and private vehicles on Tuesday evening along the Maiduguri-Tamsu Kawu-Ngamdu-Damaturu road.

At around 3 p.m., the incident occurred near a bridge connecting Tamsu Kawu and Ndamdu town.

The majority of the victims, who were taken to a nearby river, were reportedly released after reciting some Quranic verses, with the exception of three other people suspected of being Christians.

Tamsu Kawu, located about 80 kilometers north of Maiduguri, had previously been razed before former Governor Kashim Shettima spent millions of naira to rebuild and resettle the people.

It was spoken to one of the victims, a retired Director in Borno State’s Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Read Also:  In ten years, Nigeria will need $1.5 trillion to close its infrastructure deficit: Buhari

Despite his desire not to have his name mentioned, he confirmed the incident.

“It was when I was interrogated and the terrorists discovered that I was a diabetic patient, combined with my old age, that saved me,” he said. “The Commander of the terrorists told his members to allow me to join those who were set free at around 7pm.”

He revealed that during interrogation, the terrorists told them that they were among those who participated in the bloody killing of Boko Haram sect leader, late Abubakar Shekau, and that they are members of the ISWAP group, which is dedicated to protecting the rights of innocent civilians.

“I have to thank Allah (God) for rescuing us from terrorists yesterday.”

“At around 3 p.m., our vehicle came into contact with them along the Ngamdu road, where several passengers and motorists aboard eight different vehicles were abducted and taken to a nearby river.”

Read Also:  Banditry: Bello meets with security agencies and monarchs in the search for a new strategy

“After a series of interrogations, many of us were released, with the exception of three people who were detained because they couldn’t recite the Quran.”

“The terrorists told us after interrogation that they were among those who killed Abubakar Shekau.” They also stated that they are out to protect all innocent civilians, except those who have chosen to follow a different faith or who identify as infidels,” he said.

Nigeria is not one of the countries where crimes against journalists go unpunished- FG

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Nigeria is not one of the countries where crimes against journalists go unpunished- FG

The Federal Government has expressed satisfaction that Nigeria is “no longer among countries where crimes against journalists go unpunished.”

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, AGF Abubakar Malami, made this known at an event titled “Policy Dialogue on Protection of Journalists in commemoration of the 2021 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists in Nigeria,” which was held in Abuja on Tuesday and was organized by the Federal Ministry of Justice with the support of the British Council’s Managing Conflict in Nigeria program.

This was revealed in a statement signed by Mercy Omoyajowo for the Ministry of Information and Culture’s Deputy Director.

“In the last decade, before the advent of the current Administration, Nigeria ranked between 12th and 13th across the globe and used to be among the top three African countries with impunity for crimes against journalists only after Somalia and South Sudan,” Malami said in the statement. Recent events in Nigeria demonstrated that the Federal Government is taking commendable steps to end impunity for crimes against Nigerian citizens.

“This is yet another feather in the cap of President Muhammadu Buhari’s GCFR’s human rights record that deserves to be celebrated.” It is a re-enactment of the best practice

Read Also:  Banditry: Bello meets with security agencies and monarchs in the search for a new strategy

He stated that the Federal Government recognizes the role of journalists in any democs in governance that characterize President Muhammadu Buhari’s, GCFR, administration.”ratic setting, adding that they serve as watchdogs and hold the government accountable.

Section 22 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1999 constitution, as amended, emphasizes this point. It requires the press, radio, television, and other mass media outlets to “always be free to uphold the government’s responsibility and accountability to the people,” according to the AGF.

Malami attributed the achievement to the deliberate and committed efforts of the President’s regime, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd. ), who implemented numerous reforms in the Nigerian justice sector.

He cited accomplishments such as increased access to justice, speedy justice delivery, decongestion of Nigeria’s correctional facilities, and prudent implementation of the Criminal Justice Act and Justice Sector reforms.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken steps to advance the rule of law, the application of human rights, the enhancement of information freedom and, by extension, press freedom, as well as the administration of criminal justice.” Aside from the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, notable recent legislations enacted by the current administration include the Public Interest Disclosure and Witness Protection Bill (2017), the Whistleblower Protection Policy, the Open Government Partnership, and the vigorous fight against corruption. “The media, and by extension journalists, remain critical stakeholders in each of these laws and policies,” he said.

Read Also:  PDP Guber Candidate, Ozigbo, to be Delivered by Ikpeazu, Okowa, and Makinde

“As the country’s Chief-Law Officer, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice is determined to uphold the constitutionally mandated responsibility of ensuring strict adherence to the rule of law and putting an end to the issue of impunity for crime in all its manifestations.” Our records on the P&ID case are unequivocal proof of this. As a result, there is a need to consolidate the recorded successes and ensure that no room is left for retardation or retrogression.”

Banditry: Bello meets with security agencies and monarchs in the search for a new strategy

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Banditry: Bello meets with security agencies and monarchs in the search for a new strategy

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has met with heads of security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, and local government chairmen to find a solution to the state’s banditry attacks.

The governor told the media after the meeting at the government house in Minna that the purpose of the meeting was to review strategies and take necessary steps to address insecurity in the state.

PDP: Kidnapping will be abolished in 2022, despite a triumphant national convention – Intelligence agency
“By the grace of God, and with the current efforts, we will be able to overcome most of these challenges very soon,” he said.

Read also: PDP Guber Candidate, Ozigbo, to be Delivered by Ikpeazu, Okowa, and Makinde

Bello, who expressed concern about the state’s constant banditry and other forms of crime, said the government was well aware of the people’s difficulties.

He praised the security agencies for their efforts to ensure the safety of rural communities.

PDP Guber Candidate, Ozigbo, to be Delivered by Ikpeazu, Okowa, and Makinde

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PDP Guber Candidate, Ozigbo, to be Delivered by Ikpeazu, Okowa, and Makinde

Mr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Mr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and Mr. Seyi Makinde, Governors of Abia, Delta, and Oyo States, respectively, joined the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate for Anambra State in a grand rally yesterday ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

Ikpeazu, who is also the Chairman of Valentine Ozigbo’s National Campaign Council, led a group of governors in urging Anambra voters to vote for Ozigbo, pledging to work with him to ensure his victory.

He described the people of Anambra as among the best in the country, but chastised them for being members of an alternative political party, claiming that the best of Nigerians could not be found in their own backyard.

Similarly, Governor Okowa stated that the PDP’s recently held national convention, which resulted in the election of new party leaders, sent a clear message that the party is ready to reclaim Nigeria.

He urged the people to be brave and reclaim what was rightfully theirs.

Similarly, Governor Seyi Makinde stated that Saturday’s election is an opportunity for Anambra residents to unite in order to elect their governor.

They promised to support the PDP’s candidate in order to ensure the liberation of Anambra State’s people.

Read also: In ten years, Nigeria will need $1.5 trillion to close its infrastructure deficit: Buhari

Mr. Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State; Mr. Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State; Senator Ndi Obi, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Professor and ABC Nwosu, all of whom attended the event, praised Ozigbo and described him as a very humble personality.

“We urge the voters to take back their state because it has collapsed,” Obi said in his speech. For the past eight years, the state has remained where I left it in terms of roads and other amenities, and infrastructure has deteriorated significantly, while the state owes more than N120 billion in debt.

“The Monday television debate in which Ozigbo and two others took part clearly demonstrated that Ozigbo is ahead of the pack and should be given a chance to improve the state.”

If elected, Ozigbo promised to carry out his platform, saying that the rate at which supporters of other political parties defected to the PDP was a sign of things to come.

“Everyone in the state is enraged, and they want something different.” If I am elected governor, I will breathe new life into Anambra,” he stated.

Sterling Bank is accused by the Kogi Commissioner of opening a N20 billion bailout account without his knowledge.

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Sterling Bank is accused by the Kogi Commissioner of opening a N20 billion bailout account without his knowledge.

Asiwaju Idris Asiru, the Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, has accused Sterling Bank of opening a fixed deposit account in the name of the state without his or the state government’s knowledge.
Asiru, who appeared before members of the Kogi State House of Assembly alongside the state’s Accountant General, Jibril Momoh, and Auditor General, Yakubu Okala, to explain the alleged N20 billion recently said to have been forfeited to the Central Bank of Nigeria, said the government was perplexed when it learned that the bailout money meant to upset workers’ salaries was kept in a fixed deposit account to earn interest.
Asiru told the house that the government sent a letter to Sterling Bank, which replied that the government does not have a fixed deposit account.
Members of the legislature took turns grilling the commissioner, asking if the Kogi State Government would sue Sterling Bank for damages and if the money returned to the CBN belonged to the state.
In response to the questions, the Commissioner stated that the outcome of the investigation would determine whether or not they would continue to work with Sterling Bank.
On the aforementioned mirror account, Asiru said the state government wrote to Sterling Bank about the money that would be returned to the CBN as reported, but the bank changed its mind, claiming the account was a liability account.
He claimed that the Kogi government was paying N89 million to settle the bailout debt on a monthly basis and that no fixed account had ever been established.
“No fixed account was ever opened or authorized by anyone, and no N20 billion was ever held anywhere.” The money collected from the bank via CBN 2019 approval has since been used for what it was intended for: salary payments and other overheads. As a state, we are known for our financial transparency, accountability, and efficiency, which has become a culture under Governor Yahaya Bello that cannot be easily tarnished. “Kogi State is in the good books of the World Bank and other international partners for openness, transparency, and accountability, so no amount of misinformation and mischievous assault can fault the records,” said Governor Bello.

Read also: Okupe calls on the Federal Government to meet with IPOB for peace talks

This was despite the fact that the state’s Accountant General, Momoh Jibril, and the state’s Auditor General both stated that the bailout fund was used wisely for the purpose intended.
Sterling Bank’s Branch Manager and his team were absent from the meeting, but they are expected to return at the next legislative session.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dropped its lawsuit seeking the forfeiture of N20 billion in bailout funds given to the Kogi State government.
Following an ex parte application filed by the EFCC, Tijani Ringim, a Lagos high court judge, frozen the Kogi State account held by Sterling Bank Plc on August 31, 2021.
The money, which was supposed to be used to pay state salaries, was allegedly kept in an interest-bearing account called the ‘Kogi State Salary Bailout Account,’ according to the Commission.
At the resumption of proceedings on Friday, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro filed an application dated October 13 seeking the case to be dismissed.
The return of N19.3 billion to the Central Bank of Nigeria was one of the grounds for the application (CBN).

In ten years, Nigeria will need $1.5 trillion to close its infrastructure deficit: Buhari

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In ten years, Nigeria will need $1.5 trillion to close its infrastructure deficit: Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that Nigeria will require $1.5 trillion in infrastructure investment over the next ten years.

The President made the announcement on Tuesday at a high-level side event on improving global infrastructure hosted by US Vice President Joe Biden, EU Commission President Van der Leyen, and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the COP 26 in Glasgow.

International investors have been assured by President Buhari that Nigeria is ready for their investments in infrastructure development.

What you should know

‘‘My administration has established a clear legal and regulatory framework for private financing of infrastructure to establish a standard process, especially on the monitoring and evaluation process.

‘‘We look forward to working with you in this regard,’’ Buhari said.

He revealed that his administration is committed to infrastructure expansion in Nigeria, adding that new investments in critical sectors of the economy would aid in lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030.

‘‘There is a nexus between infrastructure development and the overall economic development of a nation.

‘‘My administration identified this early enough as a major enabler of sustainable economic development and the realization of other continental and global development aspirations particularly the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

‘‘On my assumption of office in 2015, Nigeria faced a huge infrastructure deficit and the total National Infrastructure Stock was estimated at 35% of our Gross Domestic Product.

‘‘In solving these problems, we embarked on a massive infrastructure expansion programme in the areas of Health care, Education, Transportation, Manufacturing, Energy, Housing, Agriculture, and Water Resources,” he stated further.

President Buhari explained that his administration has provided more financial resources for these policies, charted new international partnerships and pursued liberalization policies to allow private sector participation. He further said that his government had introduced the revised National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan – a policy document that ensures that Nigeria’s infrastructure expansion projects are cross-sectorally integrated and environmentally friendly.

“Build Back Better World” plan, an initiative of the G7 countries, is expected to be a values-driven, high-standard, and transparent infrastructure partnership.

‘‘It is our fervent hope and expectations that this plan will be pursued to its logical conclusion in order to bridge the infrastructural gap between the North and South.

‘‘The aim of pursuing quality infrastructure investment is to maximize the positive economic, environmental, social, and development impact of infrastructure and create a virtuous circle of economic activities while ensuring sound public finances.

‘‘This virtuous circle can take various forms in stimulating the economy,” he said.

In case you missed it

Last year, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said Nigeria will need $3 trillion in the next 30 years to reduce its infrastructural deficit.

“It is clear that this deficit can only be made up by private investment. Private sector is 92 per cent of GDP, while the public sector is mere 8 per cent. So, the synergy between the public and private sector through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) is really the realistic solution.

“The fact that only N2.49 trillion was appropriated for capital expenditure in 2020, reflects the importance of deliberate and pragmatic action to boost infrastructural spending,” Osinbajo said.

Nairametrics also reported in August this year that the African Development Bank disclosed that Africa’s slow industrialization process is caused by issues ranging from poor infrastructure to low competitiveness.

Nigerian forces are being challenged by the Biafra National Guard, which has unveiled ‘red devil rockets’

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Nigerian forces are being challenged by the Biafra National Guard, which has unveiled ‘red devil rockets’

The Biafra National Guard (BNG) has declared that it is combat-ready and that Nigerian forces are not a threat.

The fighters unveiled what appear to be rockets named ‘Red Devil 01’ in a propaganda video posted to Facebook Tuesday night.

The alleged weapons were painted in the Biafran colors of black, green, red, and yellow.

“Biafra is real,” said BNG self-proclaimed leader ‘General’ Innocent Orji in his remarks.

“We have re-declared the Biafra nation’s sovereignty and raised our flag.” No matter what, I and my men will defend Biafra with every drop of our blood.

Read also: Local products should be patronized: Lawmaker

“We will defend our country and its borders, and we are not afraid of the soldiers.” We must take action. People’s support will enable us to save more lives.

“This isn’t 1967; we have our plans in place.” We’re not going to tell anyone what we’re going to do. “Nigerian soldiers will never be able to defeat us,” he stated.

The video was released days after troops in the South-Exercise East’s GOLDEN DAWN killed one BNG member and arrested another after a shootout.

The Army dismissed claims last week that the BNG was created by the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to discredit the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Okupe calls on the Federal Government to meet with IPOB for peace talks

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Okupe calls on the Federal Government to meet with IPOB for peace talks

The former aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Doyin Okupe, has urged the Federal Government to invite and hold meetings with the Independent Peoples of Biafra to discuss insecurity in the region.

“I hasten to call on the Federal Government to invite the leadership of IPOB to a peace meeting at this critical juncture in our nation’s history to listen to the complaints of the youths from the southeast and see how a true solution can be negotiated,” Mr Okupe said.

“I say this as someone who worked in government when Boko Haram was just getting started. The Federal Government’s presumed power made it appear absurd for the government to summon a ragtag group to a negotiating table.

“After more than ten years, thousands of deaths, human tragedies, and millions of internal human displacements, as well as billions of dollars wasted, I am convinced that not negotiating for peace abinitio was indeed a mistake.”

Read also: Buhari sets a 2060 deadline for Nigeria to achieve net-zero emissions: COP26

Okupe also talked about the drawbacks of overpolicing, using the Anambra election as an example.

“The police have deployed 34,000 officers for the Anambra election, and we do not know the numbers for the military and civil defense institutions. “While militarization and over-policing are unavoidable in Anambra, they can be comforting to the average citizen,” he added.

Mr Okupe is concerned that if the FG does not act quickly to address the issue of IPOB and over-policing, the consequences could be disastrous for the country’s future.

 

Local products should be patronized: Lawmaker

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Local products should be patronized: Lawmaker

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the Minority Senate Leader, has urged Nigerians to support local product production and patronage in order to boost the country’s export and foreign exchange profiles.

The lawmaker made the remarks during a press conference in Abuja ahead of the 8th and 2021 editions of the Made-In-Aba Trade Fair, which will take place on November 8 and 13 in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to Daily Trust, the Made-In-Aba Trade Fair is his constituency project, which is housed at the Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN).

Abaribe, who stated that the move had the potential to solve the country’s perennial unemployment problems, also stated that it had the potential to create employment opportunities, particularly for the youth.

Dikko Umaru Radda, Director-General of SMEDAN, urged Abia State residents to take advantage of government intervention programs to improve their products and services, particularly in areas where they have comparative and competitive advantages.

According to him, the fair is an important tool for promotion, communication, marketing, networking, and idea cross-fertilization.

Radda also urged members of the National Assembly to follow in the footsteps of the fair project “by collaborating with SMEDAN in the adoption of similar programs at various levels for their constituents.”

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