Pictures below show Prospective Corps members and Camp Officials screened and tested at the Camp gate before being admitted into the Orientation Camp.
Tambuwal claims that Nigeria will not require parochial or provincial leader in 2023
Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, the governor of Sokoto State, has urged Nigerians to look for and vote for politicians who have “friends and associates across the length and breadth of Nigeria” to help the country overcome its current security and economic challenges.
Tambuwal made the call yesterday in Abuja, saying that the current security situation in virtually all parts of Nigeria poses a significant challenge to policymakers, and that the lack of quality leadership is to blame.
In a keynote address to the Rule of Law Development Foundation’s 4th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference, the governor lamented that insecurity in Nigeria has worsened people’s living conditions, threatened food insecurity, and made social interaction difficult due to reduced movement due to fear of criminal elements.
Read Also: Tinubu Starts Reconciliation Process With Kwara APC Stakeholders
As a result, he stated, “Nigeria requires a leader who is versatile and has friends and associates across the country: a leader with a broad world view rather than a parochial and provincial politician.”
“We need an incorruptible leader who recognizes that the best way to combat corruption is to lead by example and to build strong institutions that can withstand shocks and manipulations.”
“Nigeria requires a leader who is up to date and understands the modern demands of technology in resolving societal issues.
“Yes, Nigeria requires a bridge builder; a compassionate leader who understands the needs and aspirations of the poor and marginalized. A leader whose words matter and who can be trusted. Indeed, a courageous leader. An accountable leader who can be trusted to face the challenges of nationhood head on, without pandering to interests that are at odds with national goals.
Read Also: NCDC says highly infectious Delta Covid-19, a dominant variant in Nigeria, urges people to get vaccines
“A visionary leadership imbued with patriotism will go a long way toward changing Nigeria’s security narrative; a leadership that is nationalistic rather than tribalistic; a leadership that promotes national unity rather than disunity.”
“A Nigerian leader is one who sees Nigeria as his constituency, not his state, tribe, religion, or region. A visionary leader who motivates the nation to achieve greatness. A leadership that inspires, mobilizes, and guides Nigerians towards long-term peace, progress, and development. No part of the country will be considered conquered by such a leader.
While he acknowledged that finding such a leader is a collective effort, he challenged Nigerians to find and support such a leader by 2023 so that the country can resume its long journey back to peace, security, and prosperity for all of its citizens.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN), the Coordinator of the Rule of Law Development Foundation, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to make the safety and security of all Nigerians a top priority, adding that all kidnapped children, including those held for up to seven years, should be rescued by the military.
Read Also: Attacks/abductions: Senators from Zulum, Borno meet with the Defense Chief in Abuja
He also challenged the military to do more to bring the insecurity situation under control in order to reflect Nigeria’s greatness as the “Giant of Africa.” The senior lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also advised those with access to the perpetrators of violence in the country to persuade them to reconsider their actions.
“Their friends should tell them that this nonsense can’t go on indefinitely.” It will be brought to an abrupt end by the creator of all mankind, and everyone who is involved in this perdition in any way will…face the consequences,” he said.
NCDC says highly infectious Delta Covid-19, a dominant variant in Nigeria, urges people to get vaccines
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Delta variant of Covid-19 remains the dominant strain of the virus in the country, and people are encouraged to get vaccines to reduce their risk of infection.
Ifedayo Adetifa, Director-General of the NCDC, made the appeal on Monday at the bi-weekly national briefing on COVID-19 in Abuja.
Adetifa, represented by Yahaya Disu, the centre’s risk communication head, stated that the Delta variant has overwhelmingly dominated the country’s isolation centers, adding that countries in Europe have begun to reintroduce restrictions, some of which have resulted in national demonstrations and unrest.
Read Also: COVID-19: Over 5m Nigerians have received vaccination – NPHCDA
“Cases have increased dramatically in Austria, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy.” “We must note that these are regions with significantly high vaccination rates, but they are seeing surges in COVID-19, prompting them to make vaccinations mandatory to counter the virus transmission that unvaccinated people pose,” he said.
“I bring this up to remind you that COVID-19 is still wreaking havoc in other countries, and we must not take our current situation for granted.”
“Instead, we must continue to use preventive measures, protect our health, and accept responsibility.” We can collaborate, as we have in this long-term response to COVID-19.”
Read Also: COVID-19: FG supports scientists improve their knowledge, skills on Research and Development
Adetifa urged people to get the COVID-19 vaccine if they had not already, noting that it was safe, effective, and would reduce the occurrences of severe diseases and deaths. He also stated that laboratories for COVID-19 testing are still available, and he urged Nigerians to get tested if they have COVID-19 symptoms.
“Do not dismiss symptoms as being caused by malaria or a common cold.” “By listening to the public and responding effectively, we are working to strengthen COVID-19 risk communications through innovative and targeted means,” he said.
“The team is currently collaborating on the development of a COVID-19 response sustainability plan as well as an intra-action review to strategize on ways to re-energize the response.”
Attacks/abductions: Senators from Zulum, Borno meet with the Defense Chief in Abuja
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum led a delegation of senators to meet with Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, at the Defense Headquarters in Abuja.
On Monday, Zulum convened a closed-door meeting with Senators Kashim Shettima (Borno Central), Muhammad Ali Ndume (Borno South), and Abubakar Kyari (Borno North) to discuss renewed attacks and abductions by the ISWAP, particularly in the southern part of Borno.
During the one-hour meeting, Zulum and the senators discussed key issues concerning Borno’s security challenges, as well as the urgent need to prevent further attacks and abductions of citizens throughout the state.
Read Also: No ‘herdsman’ must steal Benue bailout funds — Reps aspirant, Agbese tells Gov Ortom
The meeting agreed to take unspecified steps to improve the security situation throughout the state.
Tinubu Starts Reconciliation Process With Kwara APC Stakeholders
Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), launched a reconciliation drive in Kwara State on Tuesday.
According to the Daily Independent, reconciliation efforts by the party’s national chieftain and first interim chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, are putting a kink in the opposition’s plans and unsettling the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Against the backdrop of the futility of some stakeholders expected to defect to its fold and the support of Prince Sunday Fagbemi as Chairman-elect.
Meanwhile, the development is not going down well with the state PDP, which is now on a mission to discredit the outcome of any peace overtures by sponsoring many negative stories on social media through their media hirelings.
Read Also: Between EFCC And Kogi State, Who Is Not Telling The Truth
It will be recalled that Prince Fagbemi paid visits to Asiwaju Tinubu in Abuja and Chief Akande in his country home in Ila Orangun in order to strengthen party unity in Kwara ahead of his official inauguration as Chairman of the APC in Kwara.
Between EFCC And Kogi State, Who Is Not Telling The Truth
By Charles Ibekwe
The news making round between the Kogi State government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has assumed a worrisome dimension. While it has been regarded in some quarters as a manifestation of power play, it must be stated that there is more than meets the eyes in the ensuing saga.
The Kogi State government has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is doing a hatchet job for some unnamed politicians. I find this rather curious, even on the heels that the EFCC has reportedly returned the sum of N19.3 billion bailout funds allegedly hidden by the state in an account in Sterling bank to the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The position of the Kogi State government with regards to the discovery or existence of such funds is suspect. I am aware that the CBN has not denied receipt of funds domiciled by the EFCC at the bank. That leaves us with no option but to believe that the Kogi State government indeed has a case to answer in the court of public opinion.
Firstly, the said account indeed belongs to the Kogi State government, and signatories to that account are officials of the Kogi state government. Secondly, the sum of N19.3 billion was found in the account, which was meant for payment of salaries derived from a bailout by all intent and purposes. And thirdly, Sterling Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria have not come out to refute the position of the EFCC with regards to the funds found in the account.
Unless the Kogi State government is not aware that the CBN confirmed receipt of the funds through a letter addressed to the EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa. The apex bank in the letter referenced. DFD/DIR/CON/EXT/01/099 and dated November 9, 2021, informed the EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, that it had received the money.
The letter read in part, “We refer to your letter dated November 5, 2021, with Ref. No: CR:3000/EFCC/LS/CMU/REC-STE/VOL.4/047 on the above subject and wish to confirm the details of the receipt of the amount as stated below: Bank: Sterling Bank Plc; Amount: N19, 333, 333,333.36; Date of receipt: November 4, 2021.”
I wonder what the Kogi state government is up to regarding the avalanche of denials it has been struggling to put up. Could it be that the Kogi state government thinks Nigerians are gullible and therefore wants to change the narrative and paint a picture of a political witch-hunt? If indeed this is the strategy, it is a very puerile one, and it should be discarded with immediate effect.
The fact remains that the Kogi state government operates an account with Sterling Bank, and funds in that account were bailout funds meant to pay salaries to impoverished workers in Kogi state that have suffered untold hardship in the past six years since the incumbent governor assumed office.
Suppose we all recall that it was in Kogi State that salaries were paid in percentages. In most instances, workers go as long as six months before receiving salaries. It was also in Kogi state that it took the state government almost a year to verify workers. And in the period, wages were not paid to workers.
I think the Kogi state government has not been responsible enough with regards the welfare of workers in the state, and this could be adduced as one of the reasons why during the reelection campaigns, it was on record that a state governor knelt to plead on behalf of the Kogi State government during campaigns.
This is the stark reality on the ground regarding the utilization of funds meant for workers welfare. And to think that the state government can put up a denial instead of apologizing is more demeaning and insulting to the sensibilities of Nigerians unless the Kogi state government wants to deny ownership of the N19.3 billion found in the Sterling bank account that was meant for salary payment.
This brings us to the decadence in leadership in Nigeria. And I recall stating in some forums how the governors of states have become so powerful and carry on like demi-gods in their states. The Kogi story indeed exemplifies it, and it remains a shame. A big shame that the government of Kogi state would be so callous to receive funds meant for payment of salaries and instead elects to put these funds in deposits to yield dividends at the detriment of the workers whose livelihood depends on the stipends they receive as salaries.
I wish to advise the Kogi state government to tender an unreserved apology to the people of Kogi state instead of further misleading the general public by throwing shades at the EFCC. Maybe they think it’s business as usual at the EFCC. They must be reminded that it’s no longer business as usual as a lot has changed under Abdulrasheed Bawa at the helms of affairs.
The Kogi state government must also realize that blackmail and threats do not stand a chance. The only way to remedy the already messy situation is to apologize and give a good account of how many more accounts have such deposits either meant for payment of salaries or provision of infrastructures in the state.
It is, therefore, an insult for the Kogi state government to allege that some politicians are using the EFCC to carry out a hatchet job. This is a tragicomedy from the Kogi state government.
Ibekwe is a public affairs commentator writing from Enugu.
No ‘herdsman’ must steal Benue bailout funds — Reps aspirant, Agbese tells Gov Ortom
Foremost opposition figure in Benue State, Chief Philip Agbese, has advised Governor Samuel Ortom to make judicious use of bailout loan approved for the state by the Federal Government.
Agbese, a leading aspirant for Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency in the National Assembly, warned that this time around, the governor must avoid his usual gimmicks of blaming “herdsmen” when he is ultimately unable to account for funds.
It would be recalled that the Federal Government recently approved a loan facility of N18.5 billion to be disbursed to states with a moratorium of two years and repayment period of 30 years.
It is widely expected that the state government will immediately channel the loan to payment of pension arrears and salaries of civil servants.
In October, some pensioners, under the aegis of National Union Coalition of Aggrieved Pensioners protested over 33 months without pay.
Governor Ortom, meanwhile, has regularly blamed garnishee court orders for his failure to pay civil servants for over two years.
But while confirming the bailout from the FG, the governor said that the State Executive Council is yet to decide on how it will be applied without any particular mention of the pensions and salaries being owed.
And Agbese, who has been critical of the Ortom administration, warned that any attempt to potentially claim that the funds were stolen by herdsmen will be rejected.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, speaking through his campaign organisation, cautioned that, unlike previous financial interventions, “this N18b must not be diverted to the private pockets of few individuals in power while the Benue people continue to languish in penury”.
The philanthropist further expressed worry that now that the usual complain of “paucity of funds” is no longer available, he hopes that the governor doesn’t revisit his much-fancied lexicon “herdsmen” since he can’t throw tantrum at President Muhammadu Buhari this time.
“It is our earnest prayer that no emergency Fulani herdsman is allowed into the Benue State Government account or the records of the pensioners and workers to siphon the money”, he stated.
Agbese, who holds the title of Okanga of Agila land, however, appreciated President Buhari for his love for the suffering Benue masses, noting that, “Mr President has again demonstrated love for the masses by releasing a huge sum to the state for the purpose of clearing outstanding salaries and pensions”.
The London-trained human rights advocate, notes that President Buhari, unlike the ugly narrative being peddled by Ortom, has raised the bar far beyond the reach of the governor’s propaganda and political rhetorics, to ensure that the yearnings and aspirations of Benue people are satisfactorily met.
Corps Members As The Unsung National Heroes!
By David Onmeje
It takes a great dosage of patriotism for anyone to be glorified as a national hero for his country. Experience has indicated that patriotism to Nigeria is a rare virtue among Nigerians. But it is an essential ingredient and the self-sacrifice every citizen must make to build the anticipated virile and strong nation.
In recent times, members of the National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC) have exemplified the rarest spirit and courage of patriotism to Nigeria during the mandatory one year service to the nation. They have dared deadly territories and conquered multiple daunting challenges for the sake of serving Nigeria, their fatherland.
Particularly, under the leadership of the incumbent NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim Ph.D, Corps members and the scheme have assumed new dimensions of reorientation and excellence. And in tandem, corps members have consistently dispensed themselves as patriotic heroes and heroines of the national struggle for stability and have been admirable partners in moments of national emergencies.
As foresighted Gen. Ibrahim’s agenda since 2019, when President Muhammadu Buhari entrusted him with the leadership of the NYSC scheme, he enunciated an agenda for himself. He proclaimed his vision of the NYSC as to “…sustain effective utilization of the potentials of Corps Members for optimal benefit; to pursue a technologically driven organization to deepen effective service delivery; to improve on the welfare and security of corps members and staff; strengthen existing collaboration with stakeholders; and reinvigorate NYSC ventures and Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme in line with the NYSC Act for greater impact.”
Today, Corps members have blended with this vision in service to Nigeria. Former American President, Theodore Roosevelt explained the clearest meaning of patriotism. He said, “Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official, save exactly to the degree in which he himself stands by the country. It is patriotic to support him insofar as he efficiently serves the country.” This is the exact manifestation of Corps members in Nigeria today.
As first kicker, Corps members are the greatest symbols and steady manifestations or consummation of Nigeria’s efforts at national integration, unity, togetherness and peace! Some Nigerians hardly pay attention to scanty details. But it is exemplary that Corps members forsake the comfort of their homes and accept posting to serve their country in completely strange lands, far away from their home states.
Corps members unreservedly interact and blend with their new hosts, by learning and exchanging new cultures and traditions. They freely make life-time friendships which are not deterred by the sentiments of tribe or religion. Also, they render appreciable community services to Nigerians in these new domiciliary abodes in the spirit of love and fraternity.
Youth Corpers also take incredible risks for the sake of their country. Available statistics have shown the intervention and active participation of these young Nigerian graduates in national health crises emergency, such as their conscription into the control of epidemics like Lassa fever, Ebola, and Cholera among others.
But most impressively, Corps members throughout the federation were at the forefront of the battle against combating the wild spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Corps members, embarked on penetrative sensitization campaigns; whlist most Nigerian communities enjoyed free hand sanitizers, facemasks, liquid soaps et al, courtesy of serving corpers as their contribution in bringing succour to the distressed populace.
The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari launched an ambitious policy on promotion of robust agriculture with various initiatives. There are scores of NYSC farms dotting the landscapes of many states in Nigeria; from North to South measuring over 60, 000 hectares and still expanding. Corpers have actively picked up the challenge of President Buhari’s rice policy by cultivating tens of thousands of rice plantations every cropping season, which is have harvested and processed in NYSC Rice Mills for consumption. It is a welcome development that serving Corps members are contributing to national food sufficiency and security.
Furthermore, the knowledge corps members acquire through the scheme’s partnership with Access and Unity Banks to fund Business Plan Development programmes for Corps Members, alongside, the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) is also fruitful. The agricultural skills and business training, farm internship, mentoring and farm input supplies extended to serving corpers have tuned around the farms fortunes of some rural communities in agro-businesses and other investments.
Many Nigerians are oblivious of the pleasant reality that countless Corps members have also been indirectly enlisted into the FGN’s campaigns to tackle the prevalent and frightening unemployment rate in the country in their post-service years. Through the experience acquired during Orientation Camps through the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme (SAED) has equipped most Corpers with self-sustaining practical skills, which many have converted into real time advantage in the post service years.
SAED has enabled thousands of Corps members to venture into investments and employed the services of other Nigerians. Those Nigerians who have benefited from these gestures have sustained their applause for the scheme.
Additionally, the engagement of Corps members by INEC as adhoc staff in the conduct of general elections in the country has significantly reduced the prevalence of connivance with dubious politicians to rig or manipulate the electoral process. While its undeniable that the electoral system in Nigeria is still flawed with malpractices, Corps members who serve in the capacity of adhoc staff during elections have substantially conferred credibility on the electoral process in many troublesome areas.
This is most times done at the risk of the personal lives of Corps members or they face dangers which would not have come their path ordinarily, just because they are patriotic citizens, with an overriding zeal to see a better Nigeria.
In most rural communities, Corp members market themselves as the Ambassadors of Nigeria! They serve as bridges between rurality and modernity, without grudges because the interest of the nation is paramount in their hearts. So, in remote communities, where regular teachers reject postings, a Corps member accepts the challenge to serve as a teacher. He or she endures all hardships and deprivations to serve the country and performs the assignment of imparting knowledge to tender Nigerians committedly and distinctively.
Therefore, in or out of the service year, Nigerians with the imprimatur of the NYSC make Nigeria and her citizens proud. Corps members truly represent the idealistic posturing of true patriots in the arduous task of Nation-building. It is only Godly for Nigerians to support Corps members in order to continue to bridge the gulf in critical areas of the economy in this collective journey of existentialism for a greater nation. Youth Corpers are undoubtedly, the unsung heroes and heroines of Nigeria.
Onmeje wrote this piece from the United Kingdom.
A Nigerian couple was apprehended after selling a teen girl to Burkina Faso for prostitution.
A man and his wife were apprehended by the Nigeria Police Force’s Delta State Command for child trafficking.
According to Naija News, the suspects and two other relatives were apprehended for allegedly trafficking Chiamaka, 13, to Burkina Faso for prostitution.
The suspects are accused of luring the adolescent to the West African country for the dirty job by promising to help her find a housekeeper job.
Chiamaka was told when she arrived in the French-speaking country that she had been bought for $150,000, that she would make 1.2 million for her madam, and that she would have to work extra months to earn her freedom.
On Sunday, November 21, while handing over the minor to Mrs Chinwe Okah, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, the Secretary to the Ebonyi Progressives Union, Delta State, Emmanuel Uduma, said the abused teenager was taken from her village at Ikwo, in the Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Read also: In just seven days, the Ministry of Works and Housing portal received 7,315 applications – Fashola
Chiamaka, according to Uduma, was duped and taken to Burkina Faso for prostitution.
He went on to say that the girl managed to flee and informed the authorities, which led to her repatriation to Nigeria.
The perpetrators who lured the girl to Delta State before transporting her to Burkina Faso, he said, were apprehended by a team of police officers working alongside the Ebonyi Forum in Delta State and were awaiting trial in court.
The group’s chairman assured the commissioner that justice would be served in the case as a deterrent to others.
While receiving Chiamaka, the state commissioner of police assured him that the state government would continue to safeguard the interests of all residents and indigenes.
In her remarks, Okah praised the forum for its efforts in ensuring the girl’s return to the state.
She also praised the group for responding quickly and ensuring that the case was taken to court so that justice could be served fully.
The commissioner promised that the state government would look after the victim and help her realize her dream of returning to school.
Davido: Daddy Freeze attacks Nigerian pastors
Daddy Freeze, a critic, has slammed Nigerian pastors after singer Davido donated N250 million to orphanage homes to help the less fortunate.
Davido received a N200 million donation for his 29th birthday, which he supplemented with another N50 million before donating the funds to orphanage homes.
On his Instagram page, Daddy Freeze claimed that they gave Davido money for a Rolls Royce, but that he gave it to the less fortunate.
He claimed that Nigerian pastors would receive funds from charitable offerings and use them to purchase Rolls Royces.
“They gave Davido money for a Rolls Royce, and he gave it to the needy,” H wrote. Pastors, on the other hand, took money intended for the poor and used it to buy Rolls Royces.
“However, Davido is materialistic, whereas your pastors are spiritual.”
