A socio cultural umbrella body of Ebira speaking people in Kogi State: Ebira Peoples Association (EPA) has condemned the inclusion of Ajaokuta in the demand for Okura State by Igala people. A Communique emanating from an extraordinary national executive council meeting of EPA, held on July 19, described the inclusion of Ajaokuta in the map of the proposed Okura State from Kogi State as “bizarre.” The Communique, which was signed by the President-General of EPA, Dr. Godwin Oyibo, appreciated the show of patriotism by all Egbira sons and daughters, both at home and outside home “in condemning what appeared an affront on the collective sensibilities of the Egbira nation.” The EPA said it was dismayed over what it described as “the clandestine move on the part of the Igala brothers from across the River Niger,” who it said had “thrown caution and civility to the wind in their quest to possess what rightly belong to others.” It queried the rationale behind their resort to self help and contempt in a case that is still before a court of competent jurisdiction and still awaiting final determination. The meeting, which was attended by the National Executive Council members and the association’s chapters’ leadership from the states across the country, charged all Ebira sons and daughters and other peace-loving Kogites to remain calm and peaceful, assuring that Egbiras will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that no one dispossesses them of their ancestral land. “The leadership of EPA is to liaise with the Ohinoyi of Egbira to mobilize and engage all our leaders, particularly those in political positions to rise up to the occasion to logically resolve all these crass land encroachments.”
President of the United States of America, Joe Biden has chickened out of campaign for re-election for second term after his first term of four years. Biden said today, July 21, while announcing his withdrawal from the race, that his decision was “in the best interest of my party and the country.” His withdrawal is coming four months before Americans go to the polls, and after weeks of intense pressure from fellow Democrats. Biden, who dropped the hint of his withdrawal from the race, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidential race. In a letter posted to his social media account, he said it had been the greatest honour of his life to serve as president. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling the duties as President for the remainder of my term,” he wrote in his statement. Calls for Biden to withdraw from the race began to grow after a disastrous debate performance in late June against Donald Trump. During the debate, he was criticised for often being incoherent and speaking in a weak voice, something which his party claimed as down to a cold. There have been growing calls from within his own party for him to stand aside, with a growing number of congressional Democrats worried his campaign would hurt their own re-election chances in November. A handful of senators, who sit in the upper chamber of Congress, also called for him to withdraw. While Kamala Harris has the backing of President Bidden, it is unclear at the moment if she will be selected unopposed as the new candidate. The focus will now be on the Democratic National Convention which takes place next month, August, in Chicago. It begins on 19 August, but Biden’s party had sped up the process to comply with a 7 August candidate certification deadline in the state of Ohio, meaning the new nominee should be confirmed in just over two weeks. Source: BBC.
Justice Adegboye Ayinla Gbolagunte, who died on June 24 this year is scheduled to be committed to mother earth on July 26. According to the burial programme released by the family of the late Judge of the Oyo State High Court, the funeral programmes will start with a Special Valedictory Court Session on July 22, at the Oyo State High Court, 1, Ring Road, Ibadan, at 10am. The burial programme, issued by the first son of the deceased, Oladiran Gbolagunte, a Digital Technologist with specialisation in Network Communications, showed that there will be a Commendation Service at New Estate Baptist Church, 57, Adisa Bashua Street, Surulere, Lagos State from 5pm on July 23.
“This will be followed by a Service of Songs from 5pm on Thursday, July 25 at Felicia Hall, Jogor Centre, Liberty Road, Ibadan. “A Funeral Service will be held at the New Reservation Area Baptist Church, Familusi Avenue, Iyangaku, Ibadan from 10am, after which his remains will be interred at a private ceremony by the family.” Late Justice Gbolagunte is survived by his wife, Wuraola; son, Oladiran, a Digital Technologist with specialisation in Network Communications; a daughter, Oladoyin, a lawyer and an accountant and another son, Oladotun, also a lawyer; grandchildren; an aged mother; siblings; nephews; nieces and cousins.
The Government of Kogi State has called on the residents of the State not to take part in the planned nationwide protest by those it described as desperate opposition elements. The State government pledged total solidarity with efforts at the centre and sub-national levels to put the nation’s economy on the right track. In a statement today, July 21, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, asked the residents to queue behind the efforts of the government at all levels to frontally deal with the issues challenging the well-being of the country. “A protest would have been proper if the Government was making no efforts. Protests would have been popular if the efforts were not bearing fruits yet. Protests would have been understandable if we were not gradually moving out of the hopeless situation. But a protest at this point is an attack on the foundation of our rebuilding process and an attempt to throw the nation into the darkness orchestrated during the #EndSars destruction and carnage. “It will be understood if the opposition feels disappointed that our economy is gradually retaining momentum and therefore would not offer them the opportunity to campaign against the ruling party using those parameters. But it is unacceptable and utterly unpatriotic to stoke violence at this period in the name of protest. The citizens have a right to protest but they do not owe the unpatriotic opposition elements, the window of violence.” According to Kingsley Femi Fanwo, credible intelligence had pointed to the desperation of certain opposition figures to unsettle the nation and stop the march to recovery and prosperity. “They are fanning the embers of war using protest as a smokescreen. It is our responsibility to stop these unpatriotic elements bent on manipulating the citizens to achieve their evil expectations. “They are fanning the embers of war using protest as a smokescreen. It is our responsibility to stop these unpatriotic elements bent on manipulating the citizens to achieve their evil expectations.” He drew attention to the fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been working assiduously to get the nation’s economy working again. “Apart from the fiscal and monetary policies that are already yielding positive results, the Federal Government has injected economic stimulating incentives to address the challenges we are facing in the short, medium and long-term. “Agriculture, industrialization, infrastructure, education and healthcare are receiving due attention from the Federal Government.” The Commissioner said that on his part, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has so far shown total commitment to ensuring the central efforts percolate into the state “as we have begun massive investments in agriculture, education, healthcare and infrastructure. “We have also continued to support homes across the state with palliatives to cushion the effects of the economic hardship occasioned by decades of mismanagement that the Tinubu Administration.” The Commissioner however expressed happiness that the residents of the State have shown their readiness to march in solidarity with the President’s efforts at defending the economic interests of the poor. “We are proud of the fact that the people of Kogi have refused to yield the state to the macabre dance of agents of destabilization. “In furtherance of the efforts of the Government of Kogi State to deepen patriotic orientation in our dear State, the Chief Servant of Kogi State has directed the State Ministry of Information and Communications to step up sensitization efforts aimed at keeping the people informed about what Government is doing at all levels. “The administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has also expressed its commitment to investing in cushioning the impact of the economic challenges, promoting industrialization to enable young people to get jobs, prioritizing agriculture to crash the prices of food in the State and the nation as well as other measures to improve the standards of living in the state. The Commissioner however urged parents and guardians to give the right orientation to their wards, saying that Nigeria cannot afford another violent destruction of public infrastructure in the name of protests.
A political group under the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Lagos State, known as Justice Forum, has called on the youths in the country not to allow themselves by agents of darkness to destroy Nigeria. In a statement today, July 21, the group’s Coordinator and House of Representatives member, James Abiodun Faleke further advised the youths not to allow some disgruntled elements to use them to achieve a self centerism political agenda through the planned revolution slated for August 1.. The statement, issued by the Group’s Director of Media and Publicity, Razaq Olusola Ajala, after a meeting in Ikeja, quoted Faleke as citing the ENDSARS protest which took place a few years ago in Lagos that was hijacked by disgruntled elements where innocent lives and several properties worth billions of Naira were lost as a result of the senseless action by “agents of darkness.” “We all witnessed how innocent lives and properties worth billions of Naira were lost during the so-called ENDSARS protest a few years ago in Lagos when a genuine agitation turned into violence. “There is need for us to thread softly with the development in Kenya and other similar incidents across the world where genuine agitations have been hijacked by agents of devil and have resulted into loss of innocent lives and several properties destroyed.” Faleke, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, said that the positive effects of some of the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is beginning to manifest on the nation. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has just approved a new minimum wage for the civil servant which is more than 100%. “He has equally removed the duties payable on essential food items, payment of student loans among other efforts by the government to put the Economy back on track. “We appeal to Nigerians to continue to support Mr. President in his resolved to institute a sustainable economy model that will benefit all.” He implored all leaders, including National Assembly members, serving and former state Assembly Members, serving and former Cabinet members, Council Chairmen and party stalwarts to use their vantage position to educate and sensitize the populace on the need to understand President Tinubu’s policies and be patient to let those policies manifest to make lives better for the people of the country.
Relying on a data from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) that confirmed the fact that 133 million Nigerians are currently living in multidimensional poverty and 20 million people are either completely unemployed or underemployed, Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), has concluded that Nigeria is collapsing. In a statement by the National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the CNG expressed concern over the general economic atmosphere, which portends imminent danger. The group called on the government of President Bola Tinubu to address the escalating hardship that has permeated every segment of Nigerian society. “Today, life has become highly unbearable for the overwhelming majority of citizens. The suffering of Nigerians is palpable across every stratum. The CNG holds the present and previous governments responsible for creating this dire situation for Nigerians.” The group also expressed worry over the social consequences created by insecurity, such as displacement of communities, loss of lives and properties, and psychological trauma. “It is no longer news that pervasive hardship across the country has eroded trust in the present government, and it’s exponentially threatening national unity, peace, and security. “In responding to the current hardship facing Nigerians, the government appears to be adopting a trial-and-error approach to the economy, resulting in further deterioration and further exposing people to avoidable hardship. No definitive and evidence-based solutions are in sight. “In this dire situation, instead of providing relief, the Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, announced an increase in interest rates, which will further devastate the economy and diminish the prospects for job creation. “The anti-people policies of the government only enabled the few elites to primitively acquire wealth, while the vast majority of citizens continue to languish in deep poverty. “The CNG shares stakeholder’s concerns that higher interest rates will not only reduce investments and economic growth but also aggravate the daunting challenges, inundating the business environment, leading to factory closures, job losses, and reduced economic activities. “The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) reports that, within two months, over 16 multinational corporations relocated from Nigeria to neighbouring countries, over 300 local manufacturing companies were closed, and over 380 thousand jobs were lost sending Nigerians back to the labour market to search for non-existing employment opportunities. ”The CNG wishes to unequivocally call on President Tinubu to reassess his economic advisers/tax regime committees whose misguided counsel has led to policies prioritizing personal interests over national well-being, entrenching poverty, unemployment, inequality and insecurity. ”These advisers have demonstrated a lack of understanding of our economic realities, perpetuating harmful policies that are disastrous for the country, and squandering the president’s political capital. We urge President Tinubu to purge these advisers from his administration, as their incompetence is strangulating the nation’s economy. ”Additionally, the removal of fuel subsidies has led to a shocking 195% increase in petrol prices, from ₦238 to ₦701 per litre, crippling the mobility of people and goods across the country. ”Despite Nigeria increasing its crude oil production from 1.18 mbpd to 1.28 mbpd and receiving favourable oil prices of $82.57 per barrel above the earlier $76.97, this increase in revenue has, sadly, not benefited the common man nor translated into any benefit for the nation. ”For a long time, the CNG has held the firm view that increasing minimum wage amid rising inflation, devaluation of the naira and pervasive economic crises will never solve the problem of Nigerian workers. “While we appreciate the federal government’s intention to pay a decent living wage to Nigerian workers, we are sceptical over the federal government’s plan to further increase the fuel price in order to fund the new national minimum wage.”
No fewer than seven former Group Managing Directors of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), today, July 20, met with the management of the company during which time they called on the federal government and security agencies to urgently address all illegal activities that are hindering oil and gas explorations and production in Nigeria. A Communique issued at the end of the meeting empathised with the management team over the state of onshore operations with over seven thousand illegal refineries destroyed and over five thousand illegal connections removed. “We reiterate that any attack on crude oil and gas facilities as well as illegal refining are acts of criminality and economic sabotage. Therefore, all activities hindering oil and gas exploration and production in Nigeria must be sanctioned. “We trust that Government Security Agencies will do the needful and ensure that crude oil theft, illegal refining and activities of pipeline vandals are stopped to allow for investment and growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.” The full text of the Communique is reproduced hereunder: We, the former Group Managing Directors (GMDs) of NNPC, express our unwavering support for the current leadership and their commendable efforts in advancing the company’s strategic objectives across key sectors. Today, 20th July, 2024, NNPC hosted a CEO Forum attended by the underlisted with the senior management staff. The forum provided insights on NNPC’s transition post PIA, the challenges and opportunities therefrom. We obtained insights into NNPC’s business activities in the context of global energy industry dynamics, strategic aspirations and operational updates. In particular, oil and gas production growth plan, gas infrastructure project delivery plan, progress on refinery rehabilitation and issues related to petroleum product supply and energy security were discussed. We commend Mele Kyari as the first Group CEO to implement the PIA, and noted with satisfaction the progress made with hope that its limitations will be addressed over time. We also acknowledge with satisfaction the significant progress made in: Increasing crude oil and gas production Funding of upstream operations and investments Gas supply and infrastructure development for domestic and export including CNG and LPG delivery Refineries rehabilitation progress Reduction in carbon emissions and commercialisation of Nigeria’s vast gas resources We expressed our satisfaction in the achievements recorded and encouraged the management team to continue advancing strategies to improve operations, grow portfolio, and manage talent. We note with satisfaction the continuation of the policy on recruitment which takes into consideration the principles of diversity and inclusion as well as performance based career progression via a transparent process. We also noted that limited information is in the public domain on NNPC’s operations since transition to a private commercial entity. This has led to misleading commentary which we believe is not in tandem with the strides achieved by the company. We empathise with the management team over the state of onshore operations with over seven thousand illegal refineries destroyed and over five thousand illegal connections removed. We reiterate that any attack on crude oil and gas facilities as well as illegal refining are acts of criminality and economic sabotage. Therefore, all activities hindering oil and gas exploration and production in Nigeria must be sanctioned. We appreciate that the PIA has made provisions for the Host communities’ development and also provided for sustainable funding. We trust that Government Security Agencies will do the needful and ensure that crude oil theft, illegal refining and activities of pipeline vandals are stopped to allow for investment and growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. We appreciate the support that all tiers of Government and the Nigerian citizens continue to give NNPC and trust that this will be sustained by the present administration of H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Signed by the underlisted: 1. Chief Chamberlain Oyibo 2. Dr Jackson Gaius – Obaseki 3. Engr Funsho Kupolokun 4. Engr Abubakar Lawal Yar’adua 5. Engr Austen Oniwon 6. Engr Andrew Yakubu 7. Engr Abiye Membere (Fmr GED E&P – Resource Person)
Veteran actor, Emeka Ike, has named one by one, the achievements he made since leaving Nollywood screen. Ike, who has recently returned to the screen after a prolonged absence, in an interview with NollyNow, said that his break allowed him to develop new, iconic brands. “My absence (from Nollywood acting) wasn’t really bad because it created room for me to build more brands apart from Emeka Ike you know. I now own Nollywood TV on Startimes and I am building other brands that are highly in demand.” He said that his time away from the industry also allowed him to explore opportunities in politics. Ike expressed his enthusiasm about returning to entertain his fans and fulfill his role as one of Nollywood’s pioneering actors. “We’re breaking the ice once again. I aim to keep entertaining my fans and meet their expectations,” he added. Emeka Ike’s disappearance from the screen followed the end of his marriage to Suzanne Emma, who is half-Dutch and half-Nigerian. Their marriage, which began in 2000 and produced four children, officially ended on July 13, 2015, following allegations of constant battery, leading to its dissolution by a Lagos Island Customary Court. The Nollywood actor and film producer has found happiness again with his new wife, Yolanda Pfeiffer, and they have a baby girl.
Seun Okinbaloye, who has been the main anchor of the Channels TV’s Politics Today show, Seun Okinbaloye has made it clear that he has not been sacked. Responding to rumour making the rounds in the social media lately, the broadcaster said that he is very much in the employment of the Channels TV. A newspaper columnist and Professor of Mass Communications in the United States of America, Farooq Kperogi, quoted Seun Okinbaloye in a Facebook post today , July 20 as saying that he is currently in the US on vacation. Professor Kperogi who said that he personally spoke with Okinbaloye, said: “Channel TV’s Seun Okinbaloye has NOT been fired, contrary to social media rumors doing the rounds. “I communicated with him a few hours ago, and he said he is on vacation here in the United States and still very much in the employ of Channels TV.” Professor Kperogi said the broadcaster described the rumour of his sack as “the whole story is fake news.” Meanwhile Geoffrey Uzono, has been holding the forth for Okinbaloye in the production of the Channels TV’s Politics Today show. The publisher of Sahara Reporters and convener of Revolution Now movement, Omoyele Sowore shared pictures with Okinbaloye in Newark, New Jersey, United States on social media to dispel the rumour.
Organized Labour in Nigeria has threatened to shut down any state government that fails to implement and pay the new national minimum wage agreed upon recently between the labour and the federal government. Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State Chapter, Christopher Arapasopo, dropped this hint in Osogbo, capital of Osun State today, July 20. According to him, the joint labour unions will enforce the new N70,000 minimum wage in all the states. He said that the unions agreed on the new minimum wage as a sacrifice to prevent a hike in fuel pump prices. “The governors would never say they were not there when it was agreed. They were the ones agitating for N70,000 as the minimum wage. “We, as labour, suggested N250,000 and they brought it down to N62,000 before shifting ground to N70,000, and we accepted it. We have sacrificed a lot of things. “So, for any government or governor that fails to pay, we will shut that state down. It is a must for them to pay. It is a no-go area. We are not negotiating that.” He said that the NLC had just concluded its NEC meeting, with all the states being represented. “The President said if we insisted on our demand of N250, 000, he would have to increase the fuel price. ”But as good citizens of Nigeria, we believe the demand should not be only to the benefit of a particular sector alone. “As workers, we should be able to think about other Nigerians and not ourselves alone. “So, we made the sacrifice to accept the N70,000 to avoid the price of fuel going up.” he said Arapasopo said that If the union had insisted on the N250,000 minimum wage, Nigerians and workers would suffer the increment in fuel pump price and inflation would increase. He said that the N70,000 accepted by labour was still fair as it would be the least salary paid to workers in the lowest cadre. Arapasopo added that consequential adjustments and benefits attached to the levels would even jack up the wage when it is implemented. He said that the Osun chapter of the union would meet with the state government to discuss some allowances for workers, “but the minimum wage stands non-negotiable.”
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