British Economy Formally Slides Into Recession

February 15, 2024

The British economy has formally slipped into recession after recording two successive quarters of negative economic growth in the second half of last year.
An official data today, February 15, showed that Gross domestic product shrank by 0.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2023 after contracting 0.1 per cent in the previous three months.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said, in a statement, that the statistics have qualified the country in meeting the technical definition of a recession.
Britain slid into recession last year on elevated inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, dealing a blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak before this year’s general election.
The ONS noted that all main sectors shrank in the fourth quarter, with manufacturing, construction and wholesale being the biggest drags on growth.
It added that the economy was broadly flat overall in 2023.
Prime Minister Sunak, whose governing Conservatives are trailing Keir Starmer’s main opposition Labour Party ahead of the election due this year, has pledged to grow the economy as one of his top five priorities.
News of the recession comes as voters go to the polls in two by-elections today, with the Conservatives fearful of losing one-time strongholds in Wellingborough, central England and Kingswood in the southwest.
Capital Economics analyst, Ruth Gregory said: “the news that the UK slipped into technical recession in 2023, will be a blow for the prime minister on a day when he faces the prospect of losing two by-elections.
“But this recession is as mild as they come and timely indicators suggest it is already nearing an end.”
Finance minister, Jeremy Hunt noted that stubborn inflation and high interest rates were behind the output fall, but insisted that the economy is “turning a corner.”
“While interest rates are high so that the Bank of England can bring inflation down, low growth is not a surprise.
“But there are signs the British economy is turning a corner; forecasters agree that growth will strengthen over the next few years, wages are rising faster than prices, mortgage rates are down and unemployment remains low.
“Although times are still tough for many families, we must stick to the plan: cutting taxes on work and business to build a stronger economy.”
Confirmation of the recession comes one day after separate official data showed that UK inflation held at 4.0 per cent in January from December, or double the Bank of England’s target rate.
The January reading was better than market expectations of an increase to 4.2 per cent, but inflation nevertheless remains elevated, extending a cost-of-living crisis for millions of people in Britain.
Hunt added that bringing down elevated inflation remained the government’s “top” goal.
“High inflation is the single biggest barrier to growth which is why halving it has been our top priority,” he said.
But Labour slammed the government’s stewardship of the economy, adding that PM Sunak’s vow to deliver growth was in “tatters.”
“The prime minister can no longer credibly claim that his plan is working or that he has turned the corner on more than 14 years of economic decline under the Conservatives that has left Britain worse off,” said Labour finance spokeswoman Rachel Reeves.
“This is Rishi Sunak’s recession and the news will be deeply worrying for families and businesses across Britain.”
The BoE’s main interest rate sits at a 16-year high of 5.25 per cent, as it seeks to bring inflation back to its 2.0 per cent target.
However, rising interest rates also ramp up loan costs for individuals and businesses, further worsening the nation’s cost-of-living crunch.
Yet annual UK inflation has tumbled since striking a 41-year peak of 11.1 per cent in October 2022.
Global inflation soared as the invasion of Ukraine by major oil and gas producer Russia two years ago sent energy prices rocketing.
In response, the world’s major central banks helped to cool inflation by hiking borrowing costs.
According to BBC, the UK is considered in recession if GDP falls for two successive three-month periods or quarters.
The figures will be a blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Growing the economy was one of five pledges he made in January 2023.

Wike Turns Down Setraco’s Request For Contract Variation, Says: Don’t Try To Outsmart Us

Greenbarge Reporters

February 15, 2024

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike has turned down request by Setraco construction company, for a contract variation.
The minister made it clear that once a contract is awarded and the terms for the execution of such contract has been agreed on, the issue of variation would not be accepted, except if the contractor wants to be blacklisted.
He warned: “nobody will toy with us; nobody will try to outsmart us. We are not going to accept it. Of course, the Managing Director was there and he knows we are serious about it.”
The Minister, who spoke against the backdrop of a request by Setraco Construction Company for variation of the contract for the construction of the Southern Parkway from Christian Centre to Ring Road 1, to include provision for streetlights, warned that the FCTA will not entertain such requests.
Wike said that the FCT Administration had earlier agreed with contractors on the funding pattern that will enable them to complete ongoing projects in the FCT by May this year, adding that the Administration has also made payments as agreed.
He said that the request for variation was therefore not tenable and stressed that the FCTA may be forced to blacklist contractors if they fail to complete the project within schedule.
“When I came on board, I had to call most of these companies and I asked them, would you be able to complete some of these projects so that as part of Mr. President’s one year, it will be inaugurated and they all agreed. We agreed on the funding pattern and I can tell you authoritatively, we have not failed.
“In fact, as far as that road is concerned (construction of Southern Parkway), we have paid not less than 97 percent. So, when I asked about the streetlight, he talked about variation. Of course, you know I will never accept that because we funded the projects very well without any failure on our own part.
“So, I’m still being categorically clear, there cannot be any variation on that project and if they don’t complete it on time, I’m going to blacklist the company. That is the truth of the matter.”
The project sites visited by the Minister include the Provision of Engineering Infrastructure to Guzape Lot II, Provision of roads and engineering infrastructure to the new layout and Diplomatic area as Phase II Contract of the ongoing Guzape Lot II District Infrastructure, as well as the full scope development of the Arterial Road N 20 from Northern Parkway to the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) also known as the Kubwa Expressway.
The Minister however, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work and assured that the projects would be completed by May this year to mark the President’s one-year in office.
He said that the projects, when completed, will change the landscape of the FCT and ease road traffic in the city centre.
“We saw what Setraco is doing (Southern Parkway from Christian Centre to Ring Road I). It’s quite comprehensive and that will change the landscape of that area and I’m happy with the quality of the job that the company is carrying out.
“Then we went to Guzape where Gilmor is doing. If you look at the Diplomatic area, it’s quite interesting. I’m sure people will like to live there. It’s a hilly area and it’s quite interesting the nature of infrastructure that Gilmor is providing.
“We then went to Guzape II where all of us climbed and saw the blasting of the rocks to pave the way for the road. I had never taken that look before. It’s to appreciate the enormity of the job. But to the glory of God, the company has committed itself that they will finish by May, and again we are happy.
“Then we are now in N20. You can also see the quality of work they are doing, the same Gilmor. For me it’s a thing to be happy.”

Evil Has Entered Yorubaland, Aare Onakakanfo Laments, In Letter To Southwest Governors

Greenbarge Reporters

February 14, 2024

The 15th Aare Onakakanfo (the generalismo) of Yorubaland, Gani Adams has written a personal letter to all the Southwest Governors, drawing their attention to the insecurity and strange killing of sacred Yoruba Kings in recent times.

In the letter, titled: “Yorubaland is troubled, Darkness looms. Evil has entered Yorubaland,” the Aare Onakakanfo called on the governors for an urgent meeting to address the situation.
“The insecurity in the land is reaching an alarming peak. Our people can no longer go to their farms.
“I ask, if we allow killings of innocent farmers and destruction of farmlands in any part of Yorubaland to continue, where is our determination to defend the Yoruba society, values, culture and territory?
“Obviously, our silence is being misconstrued for foolishness.”
Aare Gani Adams said that elementary law of nature “has taught us, for centuries, that you don’t appease evil. You crush it.
“Invaders of our land must not be given any breathing space. I still don’t know why anybody will choose to live in forests in Yorubaland and some external forces will defend such a barbaric action.
“We will not accept this open hostility. I believe the time to check this madness is now.
“Since the killing of the three traditional rulers, I have received several calls, especially from outside Nigeria, from prominent Yoruba professionals who are afraid of what the future holds for us in the country.
“I told them that as the Aare Ona Kakanfo, I have the capacity and the network to deal with enemies of Yorubaland.
“But, I reminded them that even in the days of yore, the Aare Ona Kakanfo must get permission from the Alaafin of Oyo before embarking on any conquest.”
He asked the governors to wake up and join in the war to be effectively coordinated.
“And as the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland,I have my strategy and I am ready to give you my maximum support as the Chief Security Officer of your state.
“I can assure you that within six months, insecurity will reduce drastically across southwest.
“This is not the time to be liaising with some groups in isolation, (majority of them are members of South West Security Stakeholders Group and they are under my leadership as the convener of the group and as the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland) to wage this battle against the marauders.
“I write to have an urgent meeting with Your Excellency and other governors on this threat to our collective existence.
“Obviously, the agenda will centre on security in Yorubaland. All the governors will also decide the date, venue and time for the meeting.”
We reproduced the full text of the letter hereunder:
Dear Sir,
Yorubaland is troubled, Darkness looms. Evil has entered Yorubaland.

The more than 60 million Yoruba living in the South-West, parts of South-South and North-Central of Nigeria, are troubled.
On November 26, 2020, a first class traditional ruler in Ondo State, the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Israel Adeusi, who just left the Governor’s Office, Akure after a security meeting with the then Governor, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, (may his soul rest in peace), was shot dead by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Akure-Owo Highway.
All hell was let loose. Imagine the insult on the Yoruba race.
The Yoruba, home and abroad, saw this as an unprecedented sacrilege.
Youths in Ondo State immediately threatened to take up arms but the then President Muhammadu Buhari pacified the Yoruba, saying the killers would be apprehended.
Till today, the killers have not been apprehended.
We thought we had seen the last of that sacrilege. But now, ‘Eemo ti Wolu’ (there is evil in the land). Even during the Kiriji War, I don’t think what happened a few days ago ever happened in Yorubaland.
From Ekiti to Kwara states, three traditional rulers were shot dead by these blood-thirsty maniacs.
The Alara of Ara who escaped in Ekiti narrated what happened and the people who perpetrated this heinous crime.
Never in the history of Yoruba were three Obas shot dead in a spate of four days. So, obviously, evil has entered Yorubaland.
And as our progenitors did, we must not appease this evil in our land. It must be dealt with immediately and decisively.
But, that decisive action requires speed.The evil gradually creeping into Yorubaland is a monster which must be fought with all powers at our disposal.
This scourge of foreign banditry is similar to the scorched-earth policy of the Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler, during the Second World War, an intentional course of military and para-military action that was drastic, maximum and ruinous.
Your Excellency, the ‘clear and present danger’ is to behave as if this hydra-headed monster is not already constituting a problem.
The matter is so serious now that some Yoruba are being abducted on the highway. If our people are afraid of going to their farms and travelling on the highway, danger looms.
Due to the fact that this ‘cancer’ was not given an urgent and decisive operation when it started, it is now spreading like wild fire because the perpetrators get high financial returns with less risk, unlike armed robbery which involves a lot of risk and high uncertainty.
We have a situation on our hands now in which if an intending victim escapes, the kidnappers will go for the wife. If she escapes, they will go for the children.
Since nobody wants to lose a loved one, family members look for money by all means to pay these evil doers. And the vicious circle continues.
Aside making money from this evil venture, these killers and their sponsors want to destroy the economy of Yorubaland. That is why they must be stopped now.
Kidnapping for ransom is already creating fear in Yorubaland and if our people can no longer go to farms or travel through the highways, our economy will be affected.
We must wage war against kidnapping and the time for that fight is now.
When I was installed as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland by His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, on January 13, 2018, I vowed, before the distinguished audience, that I would do everything to project the image and protect the name of Yorubaland.
I also said the first fundamental right of a Yoruba and a Nigerian is the ‘Right to Life’.
Sadly, my zeal to protect Yorubaland, and the will of millions of Yoruba to defend their fatherland, are being tested with the invasion of some parts of our land by these killers.
I find it difficult to comprehend this open insult that some murderers, whose kinsmen live in our villages, towns and cities, will invade Yorubaland at will and plunder by force.
The insecurity in the land is reaching an alarming peak. Our people can no longer go to their farms.
I ask, if we allow killings of innocent farmers and destruction of farmlands in any part of Yorubaland to continue, where is our determination to defend the Yoruba society, values, culture and territory?
Obviously, our silence is being misconstrued for foolishness.
Elementary law of nature has taught us, for centuries, that you don’t appease evil. You crush it.
Invaders of our land must not be given any breathing space. I still don’t know why anybody will choose to live in forests in Yorubaland and some external forces will defend such a barbaric action.
We will not accept this open hostility. I believe the time to check this madness is now.
Since the killing of the three traditional rulers, I have received several calls, especially from outside Nigeria, from prominent Yoruba professionals who are afraid of what the future holds for us in the country.
I told them that as the Aare Ona Kakanfo, I have the capacity and the network to deal with enemies of Yorubaland.
But, I reminded them that even in the days of yore, the Aare Ona Kakanfo must get permission from the Alaafin of Oyo before embarking on any conquest.
Now, we are in the 21st Century. Elected governors are the Chief Security Officers of their respective states. For me to move against enemies of Yoruba in this land, I will need their permission and cooperation.
Aside the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) which has solid network in all the wards, villages, towns and cities in Yorubaland, I also control 13 other groups working with the OPC.
They are the South West Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG) and this group includes the Agbekoya,the Professional Hunters, Vigilante Groups of Nigeria, Vigilante Jahun, Agbekoya Peace Movement, Agbekoya Farmers Society, COMSAIC and Isokan Ile Oodua among others.
We already have the troops and logistics to flush out undesirable elements in the land but I need the permission of our governors.
Your Excellency sir, for this war to be fought effectively, coordination is central.
And as the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland,I have my strategy and I am ready to give you my maximum support as the Chief Security Officer of your state.
I can assure you that within six months, insecurity will reduce drastically across southwest.
This is not the time to be liaising with some groups in isolation, (majority of them are members of South West Security Stakeholders Group and they are under my leadership as the convener of the group and as the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland) to wage this battle against the marauders.
I write to have an urgent meeting with Your Excellency and other governors on this threat to our collective existence.
Obviously, the agenda will centre on security in Yorubaland. All the governors will also decide the date, venue and time for the meeting.
It is high time we stopped this cancer that is spreading its virus across Yorubaland. We must act now before the situation becomes unbearable.

Please accept the assurances of my highest considerations.
Oodua a gbe wa o. Ile Yoruba ko ni baje o.
Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams
15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.

Source: The Eagle online.

We’re Cleansing Abuja Of Kidnappers, Robbers, Criminals, Police Boss Tells Minister Wike

Greenbarge Reporters

February 14, 2024

The Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Benedict Igwe has said that the Command has embarked on serious cleaning up from Abuja, of Kidnappers, robbers, one-chance criminals that have made life difficult for the residents of the capital city.
The Commissioner, who received in audience, the FCT minister, Nyeson Wike at the Command headquarters in Abuja today, February 14, said that the operatives of Utako Divisional Headquarters, in concert with the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the FCT Police Command, arrested seven wanted kidnapping suspects, including two women.
He said the arrested suspects were responsible for some of the heinous crimes in the FCT, including kidnappings and killing of 14 victims between November last year and January 2024 before their arrests.
According to the Police Commissioner, the suspects were arrested in Pyakassa, Tudun Wada, and Ketti village, and held in connection with the kidnapping of 14 notable persons in the Federal Capital Territory.
He said that the police also recovered N9 million cash, purportedly paid as ransom to the kidnappers and recovered guns, machetes, amulets, bulletproof vests and a locally fabricated walkie-talkie, which the criminals used for their operations.
“These kidnappers, who have been giving FCT sleepless nights and on the wanted list of the command for a long time, have now been arrested.
“They are responsible for the kidnapping of five victims in Federal Mortgage Housing Estate, Kabusa, three persons at Ketti village: Fulani residents of Alhaji Sani, a woman and her gateman in Kabusa Estate, as well as one Mr Sunday Zakwai and four others.
“The kidnapping gang equally killed the district head while two staff were kidnapped at Defence Estate Kabusa by the gang.”
The police boss said that a gang of armed robbers and one-chance criminals who have perpetrated several one-chance attacks on unsuspecting members of the public, causing pain and injuries, have also been arrested.
He said that the operatives of the Command attached to Mabushi Divisional Headquarters, in the continued fight against criminality, arrested eight notorious armed robbery suspects terrorizing FCT.
He thanked the Minister for his assistance towards the success achieved so far by the Command and pledged that the Command will continue to take the fight to criminals and in order to stamp criminality out of the FCT.

Meanwhile, minister Wike has offered a N20 million reward to the Command for the arrest of two suspected kidnappers that are currently on the run

The two suspected kidnappers were said to have fled into hiding when their wives were arrested at the point of collecting ransom payments for kidnapped victims in Abuja.
The minister directed the police to go after the criminals wherever they may be hiding and make sure they are apprehended.
“Let me put money on their head. Wherever they are, put your men out there. I will give them N20 million. Go and fish them out wherever they are. I want to see them alive or dead.”
The Minister commended the Commissioner of Police and his men for their efforts in addressing the security challenges in the FCT, saying that there has been marked improvement in the security situation in the FCT since the new CP assumed office.
He assured them that the FCT Administration, with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will provide operational vehicles and other communication gadgets to the Command in the next few days to improve their crime-fighting capabilities.
“Let me assure you that we will do everything humanly possible to provide you with all that you require to fight crime and criminality in this FCT. We believe that in the next few days, you will have more vehicles, you will have more communication gadgets that will enable you and your men to face these criminals”.
Wike called on members of the public to see the police as their friends and provide credible intelligence that will lead to the arrest of criminals.
He advised the police too to improve their intelligence-gathering ability.
The Minister called on the media practitioners to report the positive achievements of the security agencies, saying that it is wrong to focus only on the negatives.
“Try and publicize the positive aspects of what they are doing, not everyday negative because if FCT is not safe, you as journalists too, you can’t be here. So, we need a safe environment for you to be able to carry out your own job.”

You Are All Champions, Akpabio Tells Super Eagles

Greenbarge Reporters

February 14, 2024

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio has advised the Super Eagles not to be worried over their narrow loss of the African Nations Cup in Cote d’Ivoire, assuring them that they are all Champions for winning the silver medal in the tournament.
Senator Akpabio, who, along with other Senators, received the captain of the team, William Troost-Ekong in his office in Abuja today, February 14, said that the Super Eagles had done the nation proud by getting to the final of the competition.
A statement by the Special Assistant to the Senate President on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong quoted the Senate President as calling on all Nigerians to accord the team the support and commendation that they deserve.
“I see you all as Champions. You may not have won the ultimate prize but you made our country proud through your performance. Nigerians were very united in their support for you.
“You only lost the trophy but not the hearts of Nigerians. I want to challenge you and the rest of the team to work harder so that the next time you come here you will not only present me with the team’s jersey but also the trophy.”
The Super Eagles captain, Troost-Ekong responded by saying that he would not have failed to visit the Senate President to thank him for his support for the team. He recalled how Senator Akpabio had travelled to Cote d’Ivoire to support the team.
“We thank you for your support and regret not winning the AFCON title. We promise to work harder to surpass our achievements by winning the gold medal in the next competition.”
Senators that were present at the reception included the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jubril, Senate Leader, Bamidele Opeyemi, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Adeola Olamilekan, William Eteng, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Tokunbo Abiru among others.

Super Eagles’ Day At Presidential Villa With Tinubu, By Oche Echeija Egwa

Greenbarge Reporters

February 14, 2024

Nigeria’s high-flying, football team, Super Eagles, returned to a hearty welcome, and their visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday, 13th February, turned into an icing on the cake of a successful outing in the tournament.
Apart from the cheers, hugs, handshakes and selfies that heralded their entry into the hallowed Council Chambers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, quintessentially, had a surprise for them.
On behalf of a grateful nation, President Tinubu announced gifts of a flat for members of the team, a piece of land in Abuja, and also conferred national honours, Member Order of the Niger, on them. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in his characteristic, hands-on style of leadership distributed land forms immediately to start the process of allocations.
The President’s warmth for the team members, who dazzled at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, in Abidjan and Yamoussoukro, the Ivorian economic and political capitals respectively, was a humbling and revealing moment for many. The Nigerian leader shone brightly at the reception by calling players by their first names, and sharing his insight on the matches, particularly on the final with the host team, Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire.
President Tinubu described the Vice Captain of the team, William Troost-Ekong as a “Warrior” who provided strong leadership for the team, and the rampaging striker, who consistently tormented the opponents’ goalkeepers, Victor Osimhen, he called a “Trojan horse”. Although the Nigerian team lost at the finals,2.1, to the Ivorians on Sunday, 11th February, after scoring first, the magnitude of commendations and celebrations reflected appreciation for the zeal, diligence, and dexterity that the Super Eagles showcased in Abidjan.
Super Eagles defender Troost-Ekong was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2023 AFCON.
The Villa was upbeat and ready like the nation to receive the team. A combination of public officials and ordinary Nigerians watched the final play at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa on Sunday, at the invitation of President Tinubu. After the match, an elated President said the Super Eagles represented the nation with panache and dignity.
“Let this passing event not dispirit us, but bring us together to work harder. We are a great nation bound as one by the green-white-green banner of resilience, joy, hope, duty, and untiring love.
“To those cherished Nigerian youths expressing their gifts in communities, drawing lines in the sand as they play football in their humble rectangles of play, you can be our heroes tomorrow; do not relent in your pursuit. My administration is here to make dreams come true,” the President said.
In an unusual show of support for the Super Eagles, President Tinubu had sent the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, to Cote d’Ivoire for the semi-final and final matches in less than five days, explaining that his role as ECOWAS Chairman of Heads of State and Governments, restrains an open campaign against a member state. The Vice President, Secretary to the Government George Akume, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Sports Minister John Enoh, Jamila, and Bio Ibrahim, were part of the reception at the Villa.
President Tinubu told the Super Eagles that he was moved by their “team spirit’’. He said their collectiveness should serve as an example to the political class that the country can thrive and succeed, with less rancour, tension, and division, by redirecting energy into building the nation.
“You were determined. We salute your resilience. You lifted our spirits, and you made us proud. You made us smile as Nigerians.
“It is not easy to absorb a loss, particularly when the expectations are high. But you have demonstrated sportsmanship, resilience, and teamwork throughout the entire tournament. That is what AFCON stands for, the unity and resilience of the continent. You have done a great job, and I am very proud of you,’’ President Tinubu noted.
To further accentuate his “open door policy” in the growing sectors of the country, the President assured the Super Eagles that they would be consulted on issues related to sports development while sharing his vision for a more structured, functional, and purposeful Football Local League.
“As your President, I will go out to attract greater private sector investment in the Nigerian Professional Football League. We have to grow our local league, and I promise to be a super promoter of sports in our country.
“Many of you may in the future become managers of our local premiership system. I want to say once again that I am proud of you, and Nigeria is proud of you. You are a lifter of spirits,” he said.
Doing an X-ray of Nigeria’s participation at AFCON, 2023, the Minister of Sports, attributed the success of the team to the support received from the President, from the preparation stage of the tournament to the finals, highlighting some areas of conflict that were carefully taken care of.
“For the first time, we have gone through a major competition; we have come back without any crisis, without any complaint, without any issues whatsoever relating to allowances, bonuses, or whatever. This kept the team focused on the matches in front of them with quality results,” the Minister said.
The Minister of Youth was full of appreciation for the support received by the team, and the President’s focus on empowering youths in the country.
Ibrahim said the fatherliness shown by President Tinubu serves as a pillar for the youths to show more loyalty and commitment to the growth of the nation, pledging more dedication in ensuring the creation and integration of programmes, particularly in sports.
Alex Iwobi’s presence at the Council Chamber elicited more celebration as public officials and staff specially approached him for pictures while denouncing the cyber-bullying after the final match.
Troost-Ekong had some good words for the President, and a promise for the future: “We are very grateful for your support during our time in Ivory Coast. We did our best until the final. I wish that we were here carrying the trophy for you.
“In 2019, I was here with a bronze medal. Now we are here with a silver medal. I have two gold-medal winners beside me here and all we can promise is that we will continue to work hard, and the next time we meet, hopefully, next year, we will be bringing home a gold medal,” the Vice-Captain said.
Speaking with newsmen, after individual and family photos, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, said, “This is a great day for all of us; you can see how the President received the team, and we are highly elated to say that we have been honored with MON, to all our entire team, including myself and my general secretary.’’
The coach, Jose Peseiro, revealed it was the first time he had met a country’s President in the course of his managerial career.
“I would like to say thank you to the President. I am 60 years old, and this is the first time a president has invited me to his house,” the Portuguese coach said.
Peseiro, however, said it would have been better if his team had lifted the trophy. “Of course, I would have liked to bring the cup to the Nigerian people. I’m sad about that. But of course, I’m happy because I think we did a fantastic job. In the final, I think we felt that atmosphere.”
Team members, like goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, and Osimhen said they were already looking forward to the qualifiers for the World Cup, and AFCON 2024 in Morocco, assuring the nation of a better outing.

Oche Echeija Egwa is an Assistant Director, Information, in the Office of the Special Adviser to the President, Media & Publicity.

Atiku Disowns Daniel Bwala, Says He Had Never Been His Aide

Greenbarge Reporters

February 13, 2024

Former Nigeria’s Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has disowned Daniel Bwala who he said had never been his aide in history.
A statement today, February 13 from Atiku’s media organisation, said: “it is important that the media and the general public take corrective note of defining Mr. Daniel Bwala as an aide to His Excellency Atiku Abubakar.
“Bwala offered his services and support to the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization as a spokesperson – and it was a position he held during the last presidential campaign.
“Subsequently, and after the election, the need for a campaign spokesperson has terminated, and Bwala has moved on with his career.
“This, therefore, serves as notice to the media and the interested public to desist from defining Bwala as an ex-aide of Atiku Abubakar.”
Atiku advised members of the public to henceforth recognize, introduce and define Daniel Bwala by his current vocation and alliance.

Over 15,000 Nurses Left Nigeria For Other Countries In 2023 – Registrar

Greenbarge Reporters

February 13, 2024

The Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Faruk Abubakar has said that over 15,000 nurses and midwives left the country in 2023 to seek greener pastures in other countries.
Reacting to the controversy surrounding the new rules on the nurses’ certificate verification, on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, the Registrar said that the number of nurses leaving the country is increasing every year.
“42,000 nurses left the country in the last three years. Last year alone, it was over 15,000. The number is increasing year by year.”
On the welfare of the nurses, he said that the Federal Ministry of Health is working towards improving the nurses’ working conditions, allowances, and salaries.
“The FMoH and the honourable Minister of State (for health) are working hard to ensure a very conducive working environment, with the provision of state-of-the-art equipment, and instruments, that will help them provide quality care for Nigerians.
“And I want to assure (you) that within a couple of months, a lot has been integrated and provided in 2024 that will improve the welfare of the nurses that we are talking about. “When talk about the salary, I think it’s a general phenomenon, and I believe it’s a general thing.
“There is a lot of progress that is going on to review the salary and nurses are also included in that policy. I think it’s a general phenomenon, all other sectors are also complaining and the government is doing a lot.”
He said that the Council is not responsible for the remuneration of nurses in the country, saying: “our responsibility is to ensure that nurses are regulated to better education and practice for Nigerians.
“Those who are responsible are doing their best to ensure that welfare is attended to.
“Additionally, the NANNM, which is the umbrella body (of nurses and midwives) is doing a lot. I know that there was a lot of discussion with the honourable Minister some weeks back, and all related to their welfare.
“The association that is responsible for that is doing its best to ensure that welfare is improved drastically.”
The nurses had staged protests at the NMCN’s offices in Abuja and Lagos, respectively to express their displeasure over what they described as an attempt to hinder their freedom to pursue career opportunities.
They also asked the Council to address nurses’ welfare, salary scale, shortage of staff, and other rights.
The Council had issued a revised guidelines asking that applicants seeking verification of certificates from foreign nursing boards and councils must possess two years of post-qualification experience from the date of issuance of the permanent practising licence.

We’ll Emerge Champions In Next AFCON Competition, Super Eagles Captain Assures Tinubu

Greenbarge Reporters

February 13, 2024

The Vice-Captain of the Super Eagles football team, William Troost-Ekong, has assured President Bola Tinubu that the team will bring gold medal home in the next African Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition.
“All we can promise is that we will continue to work hard, and the next time we meet, hopefully next year, we will be bringing home a gold medal,” the Vice-Captain told President Tinubu who hosted the players today, February 13, at the Presidential villa in Abuja.
Ekong expressed the team’s appreciation of the support of the President during their stay in Ivory Coast.
“We did our best until the final. I wish that we were here carrying the trophy for you.
”In 2019, I was here with a bronze medal. Now we are here with a silver medal. I have two gold-medal winners beside me here.”
This was even as the minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh applauded the President for prioritizing sports development in the country and ensuring support for the team.
He lauded the decision by the President to create a separate Ministry of Sports Development, saying: “for the first time, we have gone through a major competition; we have come back without any crisis, without any complaint, without any issues whatsoever relating to allowances, bonuses, or whatever. “This kept the team focused on the matches in front of them with quality results.”
President Tinubu, who decorated each member of the Super Eagles team with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) lapel pins, observed that the team demonstrated a team spirit and discipline at the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire and proved that diversity is a source of strength.
The President commended the players for their exemplary display of unity, determination and resilience on the field.
He emphasized the pride Nigerians felt in the Super Eagles’ remarkable journey throughout the competition.
“It is a great honour for me to receive you, our Super Eagles. As a team, you taught us lessons on resilience, togetherness, diversity and excitement in competitive games.
”You started the tournament as if Nigeria would not assert itself, but you progressed to the finals. Through all the challenges and dealing with great humility in the host country, you left your clubs and honoured your country. You gave us great excitement.
”You were determined. We salute your resilience. You lifted our spirits, and you made us proud. You made us smile as Nigerians.
”It is not easy to absorb a loss, particularly when the expectations are high. But you have demonstrated sportsmanship, resilience, and teamanship throughout the entire tournament. “That is what AFCON stands for, the unity and resilience of the continent. You have done a great job, and I am very proud of you.”
President Tinubu pledged to continue investing in sports and youth development, adding: ”we will consult with you on how to facilitate and promote sports development. As your President, I will go out to attract greater private sector investment in the Nigerian Professional Football League. We have to grow our local league and I promise to be a super promoter of sports in our country. Many of you may in the future become managers of our local premiership system. I want to say once again that I am proud of you, and Nigeria is proud of you. You are a lifter of spirits.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has moved to allocate a plot of land to each of the players by distributing forms for them to fill, even as he announced the donation of a flat to each of them.
The Super Eagles came second with silver medal in the just concluded African Cup Of Nations competition in Côte d’Ivoire.

Nurses In Abuja March On Streets, Protesting Against New Verification Rules

Greenbarge Reporters

February 12, 2024

Medical Nurses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have trooped out in Abuja to protest against what they called “unfair treatment” through new rules on verification exercise.
The protesters, under the aegis of National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Abuja chapter, said that the government should address unemployment among nurses instead of the new rules on certificate verification.
Some of the placards they carried while marching on Abuja streets today, February 12 read: Address unemployment among nurses; address quackery; address nurses welfare; #No to verification rules.
They called for a stop to the frustration of the Nigerian nurses, saying: “we are going through a lot already. Protect nurses, protect healthcare, NMCN; we say no to the verification rules, NMCN; don’t reduce nurses.”
They asked the council (Nurses and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to address nurses’ welfare, salary scale, shortage of staff and other rights.
The NMCN had issued a circular on February 7, 2024, revising the guidelines for requesting verification of certificates for nurses and midwives.
The council’s circular was released after a report of the deactivation of the verification portal on NMCN’s website since December 2023.
The circular, signed by the Registrar of the Council, Dr. Faruk Abubakar, read in part: “A non-refundable fee per application shall be paid for verification by foreign boards of nursing as specified on the portal.
“This shall cover the cost of courier services to the applicant’s institution (s) of training, place of work, and foreign board.
“Eligible applicants must have a minimum of two years post qualification experience from the date of issuance of the permanent practicing licence. Any application with a provisional licence shall be rejected outright.
“The council shall request a letter of good standing from the chief executive officer of the applicant’s place (s) of work and the last nursing training institution attended and responses on these shall be addressed directly to the Registrar/CEO, NMCN. “Please note that the council shall not accept such letter (s) through the applicant.”

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