Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to listen to the demands and concerns of the youth which necessitated the nationwide protests.
Obasanjo made the call on Friday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while playing host to six members of the National Assembly.
The ex-Nigerian leader said what the youth were seeking through the nationwide protests was legitimate, stressing that there could be dire consequences if their demands were not met as soon as possible.
The six lawmakers are co-sponsors of a bill seeking a single six-year term for presidency and rotation between the North and the South.
Obasanjo urged the Federal Government to listen to the youth and not treat their concerns with levity.
“You are what you are today because you’re a Nigerian; I’m what I am also because I’m a Nigerian. So why should they be Nigerians and be languishing in poverty?
“They make demands and we’re not listening to them. Many of them are frustrated, desperate, angry, and unemployed. What do we expect?”
Obasanjo noted that for Nigeria to attain its highest status, all hands must be on deck, just as “our mentality should also change”
According to him, the issue is not whether the country should adopt a single six-year term or maintain the status quo.
If the mentality of the people in governance does not change, then Nigeria will remain where it is, he stressed.
Protest: Listen to the demands of the youths – Obasanjo to Nigerian Govt
Protest: Listen to the demands of the youths – Obasanjo to Nigerian Govt
We’re committed to entrepreneurship, sustainable development in Nigeria – Japan
Japan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, has said that his country is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The ambassador said the Government of Japan is keenly interested in supporting the start-up ecosystem in Africa’s largest economy.
Kazuyoshi spoke on Friday in Abuja at the closing ceremony/Demo day of Idea Hatch (iHatch) Start-up Incubation Programme Cohort III organised by Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA.
He noted that since its inception in 2021, the program has empowered early stage businesses dedicated to addressing societal challenges through innovative technologies and ideas.
“We have 10 standout ventures that will showcase their ingenuity today, and it is a testament to their hard work and the support they have received.
“Japan’s involvement in this initiative through JICA underscores our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria.
“Our experts have provided capacity building and training support, ensuring that these startups gain technical knowledge and imbibe Japanese business ethics- punctuality, adherence to rules, and a relentless pursuit of quality improvement,” he said.
The ambassador noted that at the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8), AAIC, a Japanese company, and a Nigerian start-up company that contributes to expanding peoples’ access to quality medicine in the country, signed a MoU for cooperation.
He said the Japanese company utilises Japan’s cutting edge technology to fight counterfeit medicines and ensure access to high quality medication across Africa.
“This example illustrates that while technology is crucial, it is the adherence to these fundamental principles that often determines success,” he said.
“The Government of Japan is keenly interested in supporting the start-up ecosystem in Nigeria.
“This was demonstrated by the Japanese Foreign Minister Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko’s visit on April 30 to Ventures Park, a prominent Nigerian start- up accelerator hub.
“During her visit, she exchanged views with start up entrepreneurs and stated Japanese venture capital firms’ role in strengthening Nigeria’s startup ecosystem through investments in start-up companies.
“The significance of Japan’s support for Nigerian start-ups extends beyond technical expertise. It is about fostering a partnership where knowledge exchange enriches both sides.
“As these startups grow, I envisage stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Japanese companies, leveraging each other’s strengths for mutual prosperity.”
Speaking earlier, the Director-General of NITDA, Inuwa Abdullahi, in his opening address, noted that one of the success stories of the start-up programme is the creation of jobs.
According to him, “Because of the success of cohort 1 and 2, we decided to expand cohort 3 to five locations – Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Gombe. Part of the success story of Cohort 1 and 2 was, we trained 16 startups 32 with participants . But they created a combined job of 179 and over 1000 indirect jobs.”
We’re committed to entrepreneurship, sustainable development in Nigeria – Japan
Nigeria takes 2 steps forward, 2 steps backward – Obasanjo
Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Friday said the country can only progress when those in power change their mentality and critically re-examine themselves.
Obasanjo also described Nigeria as a country that takes two steps forward and two steps backward.
The former President spoke while receiving six lawmakers from the House of Representatives, led by Ugochinyere Ikenga, Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State.
Other lawmakers in attendance were Abdulmalik Danga, Adavi/Okehi, Usman Midala, Askira-Uba/Hawul, Peter Aniekwe, Anambra East/West, and Kama Nkemkanma, Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo.
Obasanjo noted that the lawmakers’ calls for a single-term Presidency, one-day countrywide elections and power rotation between the North and South were insufficient to set the country on the right path.
He said purposeful leadership and a solid team are the only factors capable of driving positive development in the country.
Obadanjo said, “What I know about Nigeria is that we need to get it right in terms of leadership and the team. The point is that, within two and a half years, we can overcome these challenges.”
He warned that Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder that might blow up at any moment if the country’s leaders do not take bold and immediate action to address numerous problems.
“In another 10 years, we need to consolidate what we have achieved, and in 25 years, we will be there. Our problem is that we take two steps forward and probably two steps backward, and that won’t get us anywhere.
“In the African system, we typically work through consensus. We need to join hands to make things work. If we get it right, whether we have a single six-year term Presidency or two four-year terms, we need to work on our mentality.
“We have to decarbonize our brains. Our main problem is ourselves. Until we address our own issues, the length of office terms won’t matter.
“If the same people with the same mentality are in power, nothing will change. Our starting point is ourselves,” the ex-President added.
In his remarks, Ikenga said the lawmakers were in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to consult the former president and take advantage of his wealth of experience in development and good administration.
The legislator praised Obasanjo for the various reforms he brought about during his administration and accused succeeding governments of not expanding on his achievements for the good of Nigerians.
“If there had been consolidation of electricity reforms, foreign policies, civil service reforms and digital reforms by successive governments, we would not be facing the economic challenges we are today,” the lawmaker said.
Nigeria takes 2 steps forward, 2 steps backward – Obasanjo
AUDA-NEPAD to empower smallholder farmers in Nigeria
The Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development Nigeria, Ms Gloria Akobundu, on Friday, listed seven states to benefit from the first phase of the smallholder farmers initiative.
She made this announcement during a stakeholders’ engagement on the mainstreaming of the African Union Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme in Abuja, which was monitored in Kano.
According to her, the states include Nasarawa, Cross River, Imo, Abia, Kano, and Kebbi.
Akobundu stated that the objective of the initiative is to address food supply challenges and bolster local agricultural production in the country.
She highlighted that the initiative is part of AUDA-NEPAD’s broader mandate under Agenda 2063 to support member states through resource mobilisation and technical assistance.
She stressed the urgent need for robust collaboration and resource mobilisation to advance Africa’s agricultural and environmental goals.
Akobundu underscored the importance of sustained partnerships in implementing CAADP’s strategies, particularly in scaling up land restoration and ecosystem management.
While recognising the vital support from state coordinators and the African Union Development Agency, she stressed that effective implementation depends on strong collaboration between government bodies and local stakeholders.
To this end, she urged participants to sustain their commitment to the initiative, highlighting the necessity of financial and operational support from state and local governments.
Similarly, Akobundu called for the sharing of experiences and ideas to propel the project forward, stressing that only through collective action can Africa meet its agricultural and ecological objectives.
The Programme Officer for Climate Resilience and Project Focal Point at AUDA-NEPAD Continental, South Africa, Mr Benjamin Uche, stated that the project, which began in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, focuses on strengthening smallholder farmers to combat the effects of climate change, food insecurity, and unemployment.
According to him, the funding will be distributed across the seven benefitting states in the country to address food supply challenges and boost the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
Although the initial targets of the project are seven states, Uche disclosed that there are plans to expand it to accommodate additional states as co-financing becomes available.
“Today marks the official kickoff of funds for the implementation of innovative strengthening for smallholder farmers and productive land degradation. This project is meant to strengthen the capability of smallholder farmers in the country to address the impact of climate change, as a result of degradation and other vices. The immediate disbursement of funds will enable prompt project implementation, aimed at improving food security and supporting smallholder farmers throughout Nigeria,” he said.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Planning in Nasarawa State, Munira Abdullahi, highlighted the progress in the state’s agricultural sector, emphasising initiatives that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She commended the commitment of Governor Sule Abdullahi to sustainable agricultural practices, noting the cultivation of 10,000 hectares, with 5,000 already prepared for harvest.
Key crops in the state, according to her, include rice, maize, and sesame, aimed at improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
“The state is dedicated to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability, fostering community growth through innovative practices and partnerships. I wish to applaud AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria for sustaining such a brilliant vision for our people. We must all remember that we are not only creating communities that are surviving, but our goal should be to create communities that are thriving.
“And these communities need to have sustainability and impactful agricultural practices. This is why we, as a state, Nasarawa, have continued to make giant strides in the agricultural sector.
“And we have just recently launched an initiative, just in May this year, to cultivate about 10,000 hectares of land in Nasarawa.
“And it will impress you to know that 5,000 hectares have been cultivated, as I’m speaking to you, and we’re getting ready for harvest within a month,” Abdullahi asserted.
During the workshop, themed “Accelerating the
Implementation of CAADP and Scaling Up Land Restoration and Ecosystem”, the engagement also highlighted the crucial role of each stakeholder in mobilising resources and fostering resilient partnerships to drive sustainable development across the country
Issa Hayatou a legendary football administrator
President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the family of Mr. Issa Hayatou, former President of the Confederation of African Football , who passed away at the age of 77 on Thursday.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Friday, Hayatou was also one-time acting President of FIFA — the world’s football governing body.
“President Tinubu commiserates with the Cameroonian Football Federation, the people of Cameroon, and the African football community.
“The President describes the passing of the legendary football administrator as a huge loss, underlining his contributions to the development of the sport in Africa and beyond.
“The President prays for the repose of the soul of the departed and strength to his family at this difficult time,” the statement added
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Rema explains why he has adopted the habit of smoking cigarettes (Video)
Talented Nigerian pop singer Divine Ikubor popularly known in music circles as Rema has explained why he has adopted the habit of smoking cigarettes so he can feel free.
The “Calm Down” crooner revealed in an interview with GRM Daily that he smokes because he is anxious about having to grow up fast and support his family; he now wishes he could be a child again.
He averred that kids make mistakes and it’s acceptable but when one is 19 or 20 and famous and they make that mistake, the same mistake that a 19-year-old would make, everybody will come to that person.
READ ALSO: Verydarkman remanded in police custody for alleged cyberbullying
He explained, “I just want to be a rebel again. You know kids make mistakes and it’s acceptable but when you’re 19 or 20 and famous and you make that mistake, the same mistake that a 19-year old would make, everybody will come for you. All because you’re in the limelight and they’re like, ‘Oh, you’re not supposed to make that kind of mistake’, why? I’m a kid!”
“I know people who smoked their first cigarettes when they were 13 and I’m 24. I smoke a cigarette because I just want to feel free, and I just want to be a rebel and I want to break some rules. All my life just feels so planned right now; there’s just so much scheduled and I got tired. I just put that freedom in my music,” Rema concluded.
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7 Constituents Shortlisted for Nigeria Police Force Recruitment: Philip Agbese
I am delighted to announce that seven of my exceptional constituents, who I fondly refer to as ambassadors, have been successfully shortlisted for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force! Their selection shines a light on the true virtues of the Enone people: hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am beaming with pride knowing that these talented individuals will be representing our constituency in the force.
However, I must say that this is not where we want to be as a people. We aspire for greater heights and more opportunities for our youth. But, as the saying goes, “the journey of a thousand miles must start somewhere.” I believe that this is a stepping stone to greater things, and I have no doubt that they will make us proud.
To our seven ambassadors, I say a big congratulations! May this be the beginning of a successful and fulfilling career. May you serve with integrity, honour and distinction. May you make us proud and may your service be a blessing to our nation. I pray that God guides and protects you as you embark on this noble journey.
Here are the names of our Ambassadors:
1. Ocheme Blessing Favour
2. Attah Godwin
3. Adamu Moses
4. Onazie Samson Adadu
5. Innocent Patience
6. Isah Zukeru
7. Jacob Vera
~ Enone Servant
FG threatens contractors over Enugu-Onitsha road delay
The Federal Government has directed contractors handling the 107km Enugu-Onitsha road dualisation to speed up work on the project.
This directive was given by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a meeting with MTN, the Enugu State Government, and the contractors, RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd, on Friday.
In a statement on Friday, the minister expressed disappointment over the slow pace of work on the project, stating, “Let me express my disappointment over the slow pace of work on that project. It is one of the worst roads in this country.
“Everywhere we have diversion; diverting from the one that RCC and Nigercat had completed, the contractors are not kind enough to even put stone based on the diversion points.”
He added, “So, by the reason of the launching of our Operation Free our Roads, it is now a violation of the policy on the side of the controllers and directors of the Federal Ministry of Works where we have vehicles falling on any project that is ongoing or where there are potholes on our roads.”
He also blamed the sufferings of road users on the lack of commitment and insensitivity of the contractors.
“The public must know that the President’s intention is not for them to suffer while trying to fix the roads, and it is their right to insist that contractors should fix the roads that they are engaged on,” he said.
The Minister commended the Enugu state government for their resolve to fund the construction of a 20km section of the road and expressed hope that MTN would execute the second phase of the project.
He noted, “Why the Enugu State government is intervening is because of the slow pace of work by the contractors and because of funding issues. The essence of tax credit is for funds to be made available. And so, I don’t see RCC going to keep their promise to finish this project in 6 months.
“My advice to MTN is to look for another contractor within that axis if they want to get the job done. Division of labour is even the best. While they are doing the road, and if Nigercat is doing a good job, you can give them greater scope to do if you want to finish that job.”
He warned contractors that the Federal Government would not accept phased handovers of projects and has phased out Variation of Price in contract administration.
Tinubu mourns former CAF President Issa Hayatou
President Bola Tinubu has extended condolences to the family of Issa Hayatou, former President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), who died at the age of 77 on Thursday.
In a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu commiserated with the Cameroonian Football Federation, the people of Cameroon, and the African football community.
He described the passing of the legendary football administrator as a huge loss, underlining his contributions to the development of the sport in Africa and beyond.
Hayatou was also a one-time acting President of FIFA — the world’s football governing body.
Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and strength to his family at this difficult time.
Tinubu mourns former CAF President Issa Hayatou
Police invite Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh over defamation, others
The Nigeria Police Force has invited Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh to its headquarters in connection with an investigation into criminal defamation, cyberbullying, and forgery, among other charges.
The invitation was issued by the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit, which is handling the case.
In the invitation letter signed by the Head of the IGP Monitoring Unit, A.A. Elleman, and obtained by our correspondent, it was stated that the actress’s name prominently appeared in the investigation being conducted by the unit.
The letter, dated August 5, read: “This office is investigating a case of criminal defamation, forgery, falsehood, cyberbullying, and criminal conversion reported to the Inspector-General of Police, in which your name and others feature prominently.
“In view of the above, you are kindly requested to attend an interview with the undersigned through SP Aminu Abdullahi Sokoto on 7th August 2024 at 10:00hrs to shed more light on the allegations.
“Your usual cooperation in this regard would be highly appreciated.”
When contacted on Friday, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that Dikeh was invited following a petition against her.
He added that she had been released while the investigation continues.
Adejobi said, “She was only invited to respond to a petition filed against her, and she has since left the unit, while the investigation continues.”
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Contact: [email protected]