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Akure Shouldn’t Be This Dirty, By Rashidat Yusuf

Akure is the ondo state capital in the South West Nigeria. It is one of the first generation states in Nigeria.
Ondo state, in general, boasts of a host of learned scholars, both men and women. In fact, the State is synonymous with Academics.
But the state is now ironically a replica of mediaeval society, in terms of modern infrastructure, especially the federal road that links the state with the nation’s federal capital territory, Abuja, through cities around Kogi state.
As one travels through Ipetu modu and reach Akure, one is confronted with filthy refuse dumps, left, right and centre.
At the gate of the Federal University of Technology (FUT) in Akure, one begins to wonder how such a prestigious institution is left unkept. One is confronted by high unkept grasses, decked in refuse dumps, right at the entrance of the school. The dome flowers, which are supposed to be for decoration, are virtually unkept.
Beside the school gate is the FUTA bakery that looks century old and deserted.
And as one proceeds towards Owo town, refuse dumps are seen littered on both sides of the federal road. There are pockets of scavengers doing block business around the area. What they care about is their businesses while the surrounding gets more and more polluted, unattended.
These type of scavengers are the ones the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike recently banished from Abuja. But, sadly, the same kind of business men are having it cool in Akure in an unkept environment.
It is obvious that none of the land marks structures such as NASFAT, a white garment Church, the proposed Permanent site of the City University as well as the Akure Airport, cares about the filthy corridor leading to their door steps.
As one enters Owo, another major town in Ondo, the story of refuse dumps by the road side continues.
As one moves toward
Ikare, one would begin to get another side of the story of the State: a good picture of how an environment should be.
It is on record that Akure town in particular, during the Olusegun Mimiko’s regime as governor, was never this filthy and unkept.
And therefore, if what we now see at the periphery of Akure town along the federal road is the same as the Akure metropolis, then the new governor has a lot to do to reposition the prestigious Akure town we used to know.
Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa should wake up, enliven the meaning of his name: “Ayè datiwà” (meaning in Yoruba language “Life is ours now”). It can also be translated to mean the popular “awa lokan.”
His excellency should ensure that Akure is made to wear a new look soon.
And the the federal government needs to realise that the federal road in this state need rehabilitation now. The road is getting eroded and dilapidated fast.
Rashidat Yusuf wrote in from Abuja and can be reached on. rashidatyusuf12@gmail.com

Kidnappers Dare Security In Abuja City: Kidnap Man On Airport High Way, His Wife Escapes

Kidnappers have made an inroad into the heart of Abuja city, as they kidnapped a man, identified as Abdullahi Sabo on busy Airport road.
Report reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that wife of the man, who was by his side when the kidnappers struck, jumped out of the vehicle and escaped.
The victim, Abdullahi Sabo was driving home with his wife in a grey Lexus SUV with registration number ABC 769 TP when the gun tutting men double-crossed his car along Sabon-Lugbe, Airport Road in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
It was gathered that the couple were returning from the city centre and heading home when the attackers, inside a golf car shot at the car and deflated the tyres.
It was learnt that the wife, who realised the danger early enough, jumped out through her side and ran away while the husband fell into the hands of the kidnappers.
This came less than 48 hours after gunmen invaded the Nigerian Army Post Housing Estate in the Kurudu area of Abuja and abducted some residents.
The abductees, who include the wife and one of the in-laws of a lawyer, Cyril Adikwu, were whisked away from their residents around 10 p.m. on January 18.
In a similar development, six girls and their father were abducted on January 9, 2024, at their home in Bwari, a suburb of Abuja.
The kidnappers killed the eldest sister, Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, who had just graduated in biological science at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State.
Also, on January 7, gunmen dressed in military camouflage uniforms, invaded the Sagwari layout estate in Dutse, another suburb in FCT, and kidnapped about 10 people.
The kidnappers also demanded a N60 million ransom from the families of the abductees for their release.
The gunmen, seeking to issue a stern warning to families, were negotiating ransom and killed three of the 10 victims.
Among the three victims killed was a 13-year-old secondary school student, identified as Folorunsho Ariyo.

Kogi Gov, Yahaya Bello, Confers Honour Awards On 79 Personalities On January 26

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is scheduled to confer various honour awards on 79 selected distinguished personalities on January 26.

A statement today, January 20, by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Ayoade, said: “His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, C.O.N, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, acting pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Kogi State Honours Award Law, 2023, has approved the conferment of State Honours on the undermentioned personalities in four different ranks of honour, to wit:
(1) Grand Confluence Silver Service Star (GCSSS),
(2) Distinguished Confluence Silver Service Star (DCSSS),
(3) Confluence Merit Silver Service Star (CMSSS) and
(4) Confluence Commendation Silver Service Star (CCSSS).
The SSG said that the investiture for the conferment of the said Honours shall take place in Lokoja, the State capital, on the said date.

I Didn’t Personally Abandon Super Eagles Before Start Of AFCON Tourney – Umar Sadiq

26-year old Real Sociedad forward, Umar Sadiq has apologised to Nigerians over his exit from the Super Eagles camp few days to the start of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Sadiq, who sustained an injury in the Nigeria’s 2-0 friendly defeat to Guinea few days to the start of the AFCON 2023 finals, said that he did not leave the squad on his own volition.
The lanky striker left the Super Eagles camp last week Saturday and was replaced by Trabzonspor star, Paul Onuachu.
But he was seen training with Real Sociedad few days later and even featured in a Copa del Rey clash for Real Sociedad against Osasuna on Wednesday.
This has led to criticisms by many Nigerian fans on the social media and beyond.
The striker then responded to such criticisms with his version of what really happened thus:
“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Super Eagles for their outstanding victory against Ivory Coast. It is imperative for me to address the messages I have received from fellow Nigerians, accusing me of pretending to be injured to depart the national team just before the AFCON and return to my club.
“Clarifying the situation and providing a detailed account of events is essential. I want to express my deep love for Africa and my unwavering affection for Nigeria. Representing our great nation is consistently both a privilege and an honour. Here is a comprehensive explanation of the situation:
“During the friendly match against Guinea, I experienced a significant impact from two Guinean defenders, leading to a penalty in favour of Nigeria. Despite the medical team recommending substitution for preventive measures, I insisted on continuing to play and completed the game. The following day, my knee swelled.
“The Super Eagles’ medical team conducted a thorough examination, revealing a meniscus injury. Consequently, the manager decided to replace me based on the medical assessment, considering uncertainties about my fitness for the games.
“Upon returning to my club and undergoing thorough examinations, the medical team revealed that | had only suffered a bruise, and as a result, I was cleared to resume training.
“I give special thanks to my club, Real Sociedad, for supporting my swift recovery and return to play.
“Representing Nigeria is always my priority; I will never take it for granted. I would gladly accept it if I could return to the team. I am sad that I am not with my colleagues but happy they are winning. I extend my best wishes to the Super Eagles in the ongoing African Nations Cup.“
Source: Prompt News online.

Akpabio Presents N18.5 Million As Scholarships To 37 Students In His Constituency

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has presented a total sum of N18.5 Million as scholarships to 37 undergraduate students in his Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial district, for the 2023/2024 academic year.
The Senator added brand new laptops to the cash for the beneficiary students, at a meeting of stakeholders of Ikot Ekpene senatorial district, held at the Ati Annang hall, Ikot Ekpene, yesterday, January 19.
Presenting the cheques of N500,000 and a brand new laptop to each of the 37 beneficiaries, Senator Akpabio, said that each of them will also receive N500,000 per session throughout the duration of their academic programmes.
“This is the 2023 batch. We will select the beneficiaries for 2024. Those who cannot be accommodated under the scholarship will receive bursary.”
A statement today, by his spokesman, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh said that over 250 students took part in the selection examination for the scholarship.
Eyiboh said that students in the multi-million Naira scholarship, launched under the canopy of “Senator Godswill Akpabio Educational Foundation “SGAEF,” will receive N2 million and N2.5 million each for those studying a-four and five years course respectively under the scholarship scheme.
Eyiboh quoted Senator Akpabio as promising too that his medical outreach will be continuous across all the local government areas in the senatorial district.
The Senate President also pledged to work hard to ensure that many more people felt the impact of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“Our medical outreach will be continuous in all the local government areas across the senatorial district. I will do everything possible to make sure you are comfortable. Is it promotion, you will have it; appointments, you will have it; empowerment, you will have it; my prayers, you will have it; my love, you have it already.
“Let me assure you that everyone will feel the impact of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope.”
Senator Akpabio had met with stakeholders of Eket and Uyo senatorial districts a day before, January 18 and thanked them for their support for President Bola Tinubu.
He assured them that the State will reap the full benefits of their support for the APC-led federal government.
At Eket, he assured the stakeholders that all Social Intervention Programmes of the federal government aimed to improve the economic well-being of the people will be disbursed appropriately, appealed to the beneficiaries of the scheme who have not yet received their payment to be patient, saying the delay was due to ongoing investigation in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
Senator Akpabio tasked appointees from the State to prioritise the welfare of their constituents, saying that the Renewed Hope agenda of the Tinubu’s administration was about social inclusion.
In Uyo senatorial, Senator Akpabio urged the stakeholders to work in unity for the good of the Party, saying that God will anoint someone from the district to be the first APC Governor of the State in 2027.
The Senate President called on the State Chairman of the APC, Stephen Ntukekpo to immediately set up reconciliation committees across senatorial districts of the State to ensure proper healing, integration and unification amongst all interests in the Party.
The State Chairman of APC, Mr Stephen Ntukekpo, commended the Senate President for ensuring stability and unity of purpose and direction in the 10th senate which he noted has so far provided healthy synergy with the Executive arm.
Ntukekpo said that Akpabio is fulfilling the promise he made in 2018 to connect Akwa Ibom State to the centre by bringing the federal government closer to the people of the State through different beneficial programmes and projects.
During the meeting, the Senate President doled out gifts to the 31 local government areas in the State in celebration of the new year.

Police Capture Abuja Kidnapping King, Chinaza Phillip

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced the arrest of one Chinaza Phillip, described as “a notorious Abuja kidnapper.”
A statement today, January 19, by the Command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said that Chinaza Phillip was arrested by police operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command yesterday, January 18.
“The suspect has been handed over to FCT police Command today being Friday 19th January, 2024, and currently in police custody.”
She promised that more details will be communicated soon.

CBN Ends Retreat, Fixes February 26 For Monitary Policy Committee Meeting

CBN-Office-Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has just concluded a two-day strategic retreat for members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.
The retreat, according to a statement today, January 19, by the Acting Director of Corporate Communication of the apex bank, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, is preparatory to the first meeting of the MPC under the tenure of the new CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, scheduled for Monday, February 26 and Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali said that participants at the concluded retreat brainstormed and engaged in an in-depth discussion about the committee’s objectives.
She said that the critical focus areas during the retreat included deliberations on the strategic plan to effect necessary improvements in the monetary policy transmission mechanism.
According to her, the sessions were facilitated by former MPC members, monetary policy communication specialists at the IMF, and Directors of Departments critical to the MPC process.
“The valuable insights gained from these discussions will significantly contribute towards the robustness of the forthcoming MPC meetings ”
Meanwhile, a calendar of meetings of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) for 2024, published on the CBN website indicates that the meetings have been scheduled for February, March, May, July, September and November 2024.

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Bounce Back, Beat Host, Côte d’Ivoire

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have beaten the host, Côte d’Ivoire to bounce back into reckoning at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Abidjan.
The match was played today, January 18, with the Eagles scoring a goal in 55th minute. The goal was scored by William Troost-Ekong from the penalty spot.
The group rival, Equatorial Guinea, had defeated Guinea Bissau 4-1, putting them at the top of the table with four points. This came after their opening group match against the Super Eagles ended one all.
The Cote d’Ivoire Elephants had defeated Guinea Bissau 2-0 in the opening match of the competition.
Super Eagles needed a win in today’s match to remain on track, which they got, gaining three points.

Sorry, We’re Not Recruiting Nurses For 2024 Pilgrimage – Hajj Commission

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has denied invitating volunteer nursing staff for recruitment for the 2024 Hajj operations.
A statement today, by the spokesperson of the Commission, Hajiya Fatima Sanda Usara said that the news circulating in social media regarding the recruitment is misleading and false.
“It is crucial for the public to be aware that NAHCON has not registered any organization for the recruitment of volunteer nurses during Hajj. We strongly caution against falling victim to potential scams.
“NAHCON hereby clarifies that only medical personnel engaged by the Commission would be authorized to practice medicare during Hajj in Saudi Arabia. For emphasis, even setting up of clinics by verified country representatives such as NAHCON is strictly regulated by Saudi Arabia’s authorities, hence how could any organization offer medical assistance without the Commission’s knowledge?
“Under Saudi Arabian medical policies, no State Pilgrims’ Board, Private Tour Operators or organizations are permitted to run clinics except under a Hajj participating country’s recognized Hajj Mission with approval from the Saudi Ministry of Health through Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
“Whoever does otherwise runs the risk of arrest and persecution.
“NAHCON further clarifies that Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Suleman Adam, the Imam of Sultan Bello Mosque has disassociated himself from this purported recruitment offer.
“Similarly, NAHCON delegation, on the instruction of its Chairman Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi who is on official assignment in Saudi Arabia, met Dr. Suleman for clarification over the matter. Led by Malam Yusuf Balele and Ahmad Muhammad of NAHCON Media unit, the revered Sheikh assured the team of their commitment to share only authentic information from NAHCON as the organization charged with Hajj matters in Nigeria.
“He called for collaboration between NAHCON and Ulama in the dissemination of the Commission’s messages to avoid misinformation.
“It is penitent to note that NAHCON communicates solely through official government channels, print and electronic media, as well as through these authorized social media handles: @nigeriahajjcom (Instagram, Facebook & Twitter) and the NAHCON Website at: nahcon.gov.ng.
“For legitimate enquiries, public is advised to contact the Commission’s official access numbers at 09071800007 & 08059456781 (Calls/Text/WhatsApp).”

What We Need To Do To Tackle Fraud In Tax, ICPC Boss Tells FIRS Boss

Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, has listed things that the Commission can do jointly with the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) to tackle fraud in the administration of taxes.
The ICPC boss spoke today, January 18, when he visited him the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to open talks on how to tackle fraud in tax administration in the country.
The ICPC boss dentified three crucial areas in which the two agencies could explore to mitigate financial tax frauds and other corrupt vices.
“First of all, there are three critical areas which we need to look at. First to consider is the issue of sharing information between the two organizations and integration of technology.
“We need to set up a structured process of regular information sharing between us so as to detect potential corruption or fraudulent activities in tax-related matters.
“You have the expertise on tax and we have the mandate of preventing corruption, so I believe effective collaboration would help to identify and tackle the fraudulent practices in the system”
“The second area is the issue of joint investigation and legal reforms. This is an area which the ICPC and the FIRS need to come together because we know that sometimes corruption also come in form of tax evasion and other means of fraud.
“Then the last is the issue of capacity building, which is very important because no organisation can perform its function effectively without the support of the government. We can come together to train or organise programs jointly for members of our staff and organisations so as to enhance our skills and knowledge in detecting and preventing corruption which is related to the issue of tax system in this country.”
The ICPC Boss, who also advocated for a cross-agency committee that will be reviewing and addressing the critical areas of partnership, promised that ICPC is one hundred percent ready to give the FIRS the needed support in the interest of the country’s development.
On his part, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch A. Adedeji, expressed delight about ICPC’s visit and the expression of interest to help the revenue-generating agency tackle tax-related frauds in Nigeria.
“I am hopeful and optimistic that we will collaborate effectively, and I am particularly delighted that with your support, our enforcement mandate on tax-matters will improve.
“We will also develop a framework and we will use technology to do so and I believe you are a ready-made partner for us in the area of revenue generation and the progress, not only for individual agencies but for the federal government as a whole.”

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