Kidnappers, who made away with a family of six have reportedly killed one of them, a young lady that had just finished her degree programme at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria in Kaduna State, identified as Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar. Najeebah, her sisters and their father were abducted on January 9 in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Reports had it that their father was released and asked to provide N60 million as ransom for his children’s release before Friday, January 12. The family was believed to have began raising money and also called for donations into a bank account. It was learnt that due to the inability of the family to raise the amount as at Friday, the kidnappers killed the oldest of the six girls, Najeebah, and raised the ransom money to N100 million. Meanwhile, the former minister for communication and digital economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami said yesterday night, January 13, via X, that he had spoken with the father of Najeebah over the remaining kidnapped girls. He wrote: “Inna lil Laahi wa inna ilaiHi Raajiun! I just read about the killing of our daughter Najeeba (400 level, ABU). I also spoke with her father about the remaining 5 of our kidnapped daughters. May Allah forgive her, rescue others & bring absolute peace to Nigeria.” Earlier, a former aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, called on the police to take necessary actions on the matter. “I join fellow concerned Nigerians in urgently calling on the @PoliceNG through its PPRO @PrinceMoye1 to acknowledge and respond to the unfortunate incident involving the kidnapping of Najeebah and five of her sisters #NajeebahAndHerSisters more than a week ago. The information shared by a family member @Adamu_Asiya_ this morning indicated that the kidnappers have tragically killed Najeebah as a warning and demanded a N100 million ransom for the release of the remaining victims. “We implore the Nigeria Police to prioritise this case and deploy all necessary resources to safely rescue the remaining victims. Thank you!” he said on X. In reaction, spokesman of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said that the police would need to get in touch with a member of the victims’ family. “Please let the family members or you relate with us codedly. Let them reach out to me on my personal line, and drop a message there. We have been working on it, but we need some info. We will try our best possible to emplace all necessary measures to rescue them unhurt. But we need to get some info pls. Thanks,” Adejobi replied.
The Dangote Refinery, the largest single-train refinery in the world, has commenced production in Lagos.The refinery began operations in the early hours of yesterday, January 13. The operation began after the delivery of six million barrels of crude supply to the refinery recently. “Dangote Petroleum Refinery can meet 100 per cent of Nigeria’s requirement of all refined products, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet, and also have surplus of each of these products for export.” The company acknowledged in a statement, it was supposed to begin operations in June 2023. The oil refinery, built by Aliko Dangote, received its first crude deliveries late last year in a step to starting up the delayed megaproject. The facility sits on 2,635 hectares (6,500 acres) of land at the Lekki Free Zone on the edge of Lagos city and costs an estimated $19 billion. As Africa’s largest, the 650,000 barrel-per-day Dangote refinery could be a game changer for Nigeria’s economy when fully operational by helping end the country’s reliance on fuel imports. The initial run will be for the production of diesel and aviation fuel before moving on to petrol output. Though one of Africa’s largest oil producers and the continent’s top economy, Nigeria relies almost totally on imported fuel and diesel because of a lack of refining capacity. Fuel imports and subsidies caused a huge drain on foreign exchange when Nigeria was struggling with dwindling oil revenues and foreign currency shortages. The refinery which was scheduled to open in 2021, was officially inaugurated by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on May 23, 2023, few days to handing over to the President-elect, Bola Tinubu on May 29. Buhari described the project as “a notable milestone” and “a game changer for the downstream petroleum products market, not only in Nigeria but for the entire African continent.” Built by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, once at full capacity, it will have the ability to process 650,000 barrels a day, according to the company. “Once our plant is fully commissioned… we expect that at least 40 percent of the capacity will be available for export, and this will result in significant foreign exchange entering the country,” said Dangote on the occasion. The Presidents of Ghana, Niger, Togo, Senegal and a representative of the Chadian leader were present at the inauguration at Lekki, Lagos. The refinery is expected to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand as well as serve global markets, Dangote said. Since coming to office in May, President Bola Tinubu has abolished the decades of petrol subsidy and floated the Naira as part of his economic reforms to attract foreign investment and build long-term growth. Just as the Dangote refinery begins production, the Port Harcourt Refinery is also expected to start production shortly following the completion of its rehabilitation by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. Source: Persecondnews.
Ahmed Tijani Anaje, who had just been appointed as the paramount ruler (Ohinoyi) of Ebiraland, by Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, is a retired military officer, a learned Islamic scholar and a product of royalty within the Kingdom of Ebiraland in Kogi State.
Below is his full profile:
*BIRTH* He was born on 29th June, 1974 into the popular and polygamous family of Late Alhaji Muhammed Anaje Aliyu of Asuwe clan, the then District Head (Onoba-Obanyi) of Okengwe, and Mrs Sefiyat Muhammed Anaje of Omoye Clan both of Okengwe-Ehi indigenous settlement. He is married to Hajia Husseina Ahmed Anaje of Akuta Clan from Ovehira, and blessed with Five (5) Children. *EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND* He attended Saifudeen Primary School, Okengwe where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1983. He obtained his West African School Certificate (WASC) from Ebira Muslim Community College Okengwe (EMCCO) in Okene LGA of Kogi State in 1993. He started his Islamic Studies at Sharafudeen Madrasat, Okengwe under the leadership of Mukadam Alhaji Yakubu Ta’aba. He also learned Islamic studies under the then late Chief Imam of Ebira land, Alhaji Musa Galadima before he proceeded to attend Mahad Arabic School Madina Elekuro in Ibadan. All under distinguished spiritual guidance of his beloved mother, Sayida Bilqis Inyas. His Majesty later acquired a Diploma in Applied Psychology from University of Jos. *WORKING CAREER* His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Dr.) AhmedTijani Muhammed Anaje, the Ohinoyi of Ebira land was enlisted into the Nigerian Army in the year 1995 as 39 Regular intake, where he rose to, and was decorated as warrant officer on the 13th October, 2021 shortly to his resignation and ascension to the stool of Okengwe/Okene. And as a people-oriented full-blooded Ebira individual, his passionate “extra-curricular” impressions to rapport and mingle could not have been distorted by his job specification in most of his places of primary assignment as a military personnel. This is corroborated by his election as Vice Chairman of Ebira Community in Jos, Plateau State; Secretary of Ebira Vonya Association in Rukuba, Jos; President of Ebira Vonya Association in Warri, Delta State; and President of Ebira Vabe Association in Takum, Taraba State. *MILITARY COURSES ATTENDED* King Anaje did not miss out of the on-the-job training while in the military. He has equipped and groomed himself with a lot of training experiences that helped him do well on the job: 1. African Contingent Training Assistant (ACOTA) 2. Training the trainees (T3) 3. SESORC 4. Counter terrorism 5. Counter Insurgency 6. Quick Response Force (QRF) 7. Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) 8. Special Forces (SF) *MILITARY OPERATIONS ATTENDED* There are equally successful military operations to practically exemplify the acquired military training: 1. ECOWAS Monitoring Group in Liberia (ECOMOG) 2. ECOWAS Monitoring Group in Serra – Leone (ECOMOG) 3. United Nations Mission in Serra – Leone (UNAMSIL) 4. United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) 5. African Mission in Sudan (AMIS) 6. United Nation mission in Dafur-Sudan (UNAMID) 7. Operation Harmony in Bakasi 8. Operation Messa in Jos 9. Operation Restore Hope in Niger-Delta 10. Operation Thunder (Aduma) in Akwa-Ibom 11. Operation Restore Order in Maiduguri 12. Operation (BOYANA) North East 13. Operation Zaman Lafiya Dole 14. Operation Lafiya Dole 15. Operation Deep Punch in North East 16. Operation Harbe Kunama 17. Operation Anyiem Apatuma in Taraba & Benue 18. Operation Crocodile Smile 19. Operation Sahel Sanity 20. Operation Hadarin Daji *MILITARY AWARDS* King Anaje’s back was patted with recognition of honours for his dedicated blend of military trainings and physical operations. He bagged the Good Performance award from US Embassy under PAE in Serialeone; Gallant Performance Award by the then Commanding Officer of 93 Battalion, Major DH Ali Keffi; and another Performance Award by the UN Field Commander, General ML Agwayi at the United Nations Headquarters, El-Fashir, Dafur of Sudan. *APPOINTMENT AS OHI OF OKENGWE/OKENE. Upon his identification as an excellent leadership material, and after being subjected to some detailed traditional procedures and rites, he was appointed as the Ohi of Okengwe/Okene on the 18th of October, 2021 by Kogi State government under His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello. An appointment he received on the 2nd of November, 2021. When subsequently, on the 3rd of March, 2022, a separate Ohi stool was created for Okene, King Anaje was finally coronated with a First Class Staff of Office as Ohi of Okengwe on the 5th of March, 2022. *ACCOUNT OF STEWARDSHIP AS OHI OF OKENGWE-EHI* HRM Alhaji (Dr) AhmedTijani Muhammad Anaje, within two years of coronation as Ohi of Okengwe, has recorded giant strides in committed service to the people of his domain: 1. As Ohi, he committed the land into God’s capable hands through organized inter-faith prayer sessions on a monthly basis. This is also a successful attempt at checking religious extremism in Okengwe. 2. He led all other Ohis on spiritual cleansing at Ajaokuta. 3. He smoothly led Kogi muslims on Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia in 2022. 4. He facilitated the Ohumanaka perimeter fencing. 5. He facilitated the Okengwe-Ehi burial ground perimeter fencing through Honourable AhmedTijani Damisa. 6. He facilitated farming tools, herbicides and chemical for local farmers through Kogi State APPEALS Project. 7. He facilitated street lights for Okengwe. 8. He established inter-religious committee to coordinate and control religious activities in Okengwe. 9. He abolished clannish bigotry by constituting a 17-man advisory council assisting in decision-making for Okengwe land. 18. Peaceful resolution of Imamship tussle in Ebira land under his able leadership. He chaired the Kogi State government constituted reconciliation committee on Ebira Imamship. 19. Extension of hands of fellowship to the sick in the hospital with palliatives and clearing of bills. 20. Uncommon peaceful celebration during festive periods in Okengwe. 21. He has facilitated water project for Okengwe people. 22. He has embarked on numerous philanthropic activities and empowerment programmes for the people of his community. He led other Ohis to meet with prominent Ebira Men and Women in diaspora, in Abuja precisely to discuss issues concerning Ebira and the gubernatorial election which led to unprecedented success recorded in the just concluded Governorship Election that another Ebira politician (Ododo) as governor elect in Kogi State. *APPOINTMENTS AND AWARDS* King Anaje was a golden fish that could not hide, and this particular truism on him manifested so loud upon his being recognized for different awards and charge for community engagements by a way of appointment: 1. Award of Honorary Doctorate Degree by Executive University, USA on the 2nd of December, 2023. 2. Appointment as Vice Chairman of Ebira Area Traditional Council on the 4th of October, 2022. 3. Appointed Amirul Hajj for the 2022 Hajj pilgrimage on the 9th of June, 2022. 4. Appointed as Reconciliation Committee Chairman on Ebira Imamship tussle on the 23rd September, 2023. 5. Appointed as Kogi Central Patron of Council of Ulama’u of Nigeria on the 25th of July, 2022. 6. Appointed as Patron of Kogi Central League of Imams on the 18th of September, 2022. 7. Appointed as Kogi Central Patron of the Concord Muslim Political Forum (COMPOF). 8. Appointed as Kogi Central Patron of Ansaru Ruhul-Islam Muslim Society of Nigeria (ARIMSON) on the 25th November, 2023. 9. Appointed as Member of Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) under ICPC on the 6th of March, 2022. 10. Appointed as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ebira Muslim Community College, Okengwe (EMCCO) on the 8th of December, 2021. 11. Appointed as Grand Patron of the 39 Regular Foundation of the 39 Regular Intake of the Nigerian Army on the 18th of December, 2023. 12. Appointed as Member of Kogi State Honours Award Advisory Committee on the 12th of December, 2023.
His Royal Majesty, Ahmed Tijjani Anaje, the new Ohinoyi was picked from over 70 contestants, to succeed the late Ohinoyi, Alhaji Dr. Ado Ibrahim who died on October 29, 2023 at the age of 94.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the suspension of the four National Social Investment Programmes for the next six weeks. They are N- Power Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme and Home Grown School Feeding Programme. A statement today, January 12 from the Presidency said that President Tinubu has also raised significant concerns regarding operational lapses and improprieties surrounding payments to the Programs’ beneficiaries. The statement said that the President has constituted a ministerial panel to conduct a thorough review of the Agency’s operations with a view to recommending necessary reforms of the NSIPA.
Managing Director and Country Chair TotalEnergies E&P Nigeria Limited, Matthieu Bouyer has raised the hope that the company would soon take the final investment decision (FID) on the Ubeta gas project in 2024. Saying that some other big projects would follow shortly, the Managing Director told the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe on a visit in Abuja that Total Energies is committed to developing oil and gas projects that would deliver value for the country, deepen Nigerian Content, and yield returns to the company’s shareholders. Bouyer affirmed that the company has an outstanding track record in Nigeria and has developed key oil and gas projects in the last 10 years. Some of the projects, he explained, were in deepwater as well as shallow water and they created Nigerian Content records, such as the fabrication of six modules of the Egina’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel in Nigeria. The MD also confirmed that the company was determined to unlock new projects in Nigeria and solicited the continued cooperation of the NCDMB for accelerated Nigerian Content reviews and approvals. He noted that the Ubeta project, which is located at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 58 is an onshore project and is designed to contribute gas to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) plant and meet other domestic gas supply needs. According to Bouyer, other projects on the horizon include the Preowei deepwater project. The proposed project lies in (OML) 130, north of Egina field, with water depth of around 5,904 feet. He assured that the company would engage closely with the NCDMB to achieve speedy development of the project, increased crude oil production for the country and revenue. In his remarks, the Executive Secretary assured the TotalEnergies E&P team that the Board would fast-track the approvals needed by the company to deliver speedily on its oil and gas projects. While referring to the Service Level Agreement (SLA) instituted by the Board with industry’s key stakeholders for shortening the contracting cycle, the NCDMB helmsman promised that the Board would strive to improve the turnaround time for its approvals on projects. He further conveyed the commitment of the NCDMB to create an enabling environment that would attract investments and new projects into the sector, thereby creating employment opportunities for youths and addressing insecurity in the polity, in line with President Bola Tinubu Administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He charged the company to comply with the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, assuring that the Board would support all bankable oil and gas projects and grant accelerated approvals once they meet the specified Nigerian Content regulations. Speaking further, the Executive Secretary proposed the constitution of a technical working group (TWG) with representatives of NCDMB and TotalEnergies E&P. He recommended that the TWG could meet quarterly to proactively address pertinent issues that relate to the company’s projects and the Board’s expected roles. Another issue discussed at the meeting included the commitment of TotalEnergies E&P to aggregate the Human Capacity Development (HCD) Fund on its projects and use it for strategic HCD initiatives as stipulated under the Guideline for Nigerian Content Human Capital Development Implementation Strategy, introduced by the NCDMB in June 2020. The ongoing reconciliation of Total Energies E&P’s remittance of the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF) was also deliberated upon. Earlier on Thursday, the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) led by the Managing Director/ Vice-Chairman, Mr. Fabrizio Bolonoi visited the Board’s liaison office. The purpose of the visit was to congratulate the Executive Secretary on his appointment and convey the company’s willingness to support his leadership and develop new oil and gas projects in Nigeria. In his response, the Executive Secretary conveyed the Board’s readiness to support operating oil and gas companies to develop their projects expeditiously. He hinted that the country was desirous of new oil and gas projects and all hands were on deck to realize the objective, which are critical to President Tinubu administration’s economic agenda.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Ezenwo Wike, has criticised the level of work in, and the design of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit Scheme, also known as the Abuja Light Rail Project. The Minister, who took an inspection tour of the Metro Station in the Central Business District and the Kukwaba II Train station, as well as the station’s access road, still under construction yesterday, January 11, said that he was not in a happy mood with what he saw. “But frankly speaking, knowing where I’m coming from, having presided over projects like this, I’m not in a happy mood at all.” Wike expressed dissatisfaction with observable security lapses at the Abuja Metro Station, and lamented that the theft and vandalism of rail infrastructure are still happening, despite the security contract meant to secure the facilities. The Minister also bemoaned the absence of perimeter fencing around the metro station, saying that the absence could be the reason for the continued theft and vandalism of rail infrastructure. “When we visited the metro station, I discovered that there are issues of security lapses and I remember when I came for the first time after our inauguration, I did say that they have to work on the issue of security by putting on the fence around the metro station in order to ward off criminals. “Unfortunately, that has not been done. To my surprise, I discovered that the contract was not even awarded to CCECC. It’s a different contract that was awarded by the FCT and this is my first time of hearing that and we are going to take it up immediately to see that it is put in place because you can’t talk about operation when you have not addressed the issue of security.” He directed that the security contractors to ensure improved security in the stations. The Minister also expressed displeasure with some aspects of the designs in both stations especially the lack of central cooling systems and poor design of the access road at Kukwaba station. “From what I have seen, the designs are very poor. Whoever may have approved the designs is unfair to Nigerians. I’ve told CCECC that this kind of design is not even acceptable in their own country and if I had known before now, I would not have promised Mr. President that it would be ready. “The design of the access roads linking to the various stations, those who conceptualized it, people will always talk about money and so they rush into things without properly evaluating and seeing the benefit it will accrue to the residents and to the users. The conceptualization is not the best, but again what do you do? This is what is on ground. We have to see how we can finish it on time.” The Minister expressed fear that with what he saw, there are doubts on the possibility of meeting the May 2024 deadline for the completion and commissioning of the project. He said: “But be it as it may, we still have to work round the clock to see that we achieve our results and I’ve also directed that the stations must be cleaned. All the things that are not there must be provided. There will be no room for excuses at all. He said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has released the funds for the projects and that he would not be happy if by May , the FCT is not able to operate the metro line. “It will be very disastrous for me.” the Minister said, adding that excuses would not be accepted. “That’s why it’s not good for you to be in the office. You have to go and see things for yourself and not depend on the reports coming from the field. You can imagine if I am sitting in the office and then depending on the reports from those who said they are in the field, by the time I will come here in May, I will be messed up. But I thank God that I came to see things for myself.”
The Supreme Court has restored hope to Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The court, today January 12, affirmed him as the valid winner of the governorship election that held in Kano State on March 18. The apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel of Justices, vacated the concurrent judgements of the Kano State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal and the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which sacked him and declared Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressive Congress (APC), as winner of the gubernatorial poll. In the lead judgement that was delivered by Justice Inyang Okoro, the Supreme Court held that the two lower courts wrongly deducted valid votes that were credited to governor Yusuf by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC). It held that the 165,663 votes that were deducted from Yusuf and the NNPP on the premise the ballot papers were not signed, stamped or dated, were valid. The court held that contrary to the position of the lower courts, a total of 146, 292 of the ballot papers were confirmed to have been signed and stamped, only that they did not contain any date. It held that by section 63(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, that ballot papers, which bore the official mark and was duly issued by INEC, were not totally invalid. Besides, the court held that there was no evidence that governor Yusuf influenced the non signing of the ballot papers. More so, the court faulted the lower courts for nullifying Yusuf’s election on the premise that he was not a member of the NNPP. The court also affirmed the election of the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed Source: PRNigeria.
There are a million flowery word combinations I could say to sound like an intelligent person. But today is not a day for semantic gymnastics. The aviation industry can be sobering but we must, here and now, decide if we want to be remembered as mere statistics in Nigeria’s aviation history or as the generation that united itself for the redemption of an industry so vital to the economic growth of nations, and the people whose travels give us something to call an industry to begin with. Because it is public-facing, aviation faces immeasurable criticism from stakeholders and non-stakeholders alike. While this is not such a bad thing, there is a point in every nation’s life when everyone – the critic and the criticized – must put aside their differences and save the industry. In fact, there are moments when it makes absolutely no sense to criticize, not to mention subjective criticism. It gets to a point where the audience can see through the facade. Nigerians these days are getting more educated about the things that hold their interests, and this includes airplanes, flight operations, and the activities of aviation agencies. But what is the issue these days? Why does it seem like certain cabals of influence peddlers are hellbent on destroying what is left of the thin fabric holding the industry together? I don’t understand some of the harsh condemnations I read, especially because both the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, and the CEOs of the agencies only just assumed office. Yes, there was rot in the system. Yes, a lot of work needs to be done per infrastructure, regulations enforcement, incentives, ease of business, etc. But the rot was here before the new leadership was appointed. One would think that the logical thing to do would be to offer a hand of friendship and collaboration to the new leadership, discuss what the challenges have been, and find effective ways to shake up the system and cause change. To spend every waking day attacking a brand new leadership that needs time to first understand the multi-faceted problems before dealing with them is witchcraft in my books. It is a symptom of something more sinister in the mind of the critic. It is not the patriotism that their words are veiled to appear as. Airlines are struggling. Passengers are suffering despite paying top naira to travel. The aviation regulatory agency and umpire, NCAA, under the leadership of Capt. Chris Najomo is going through a transition just as its parent ministry too. The way I see it, both entities have hit the ground running because aviation cannot be halted while trying to solve inherent problems, issues that were met on assumption of office. No matter how experienced you are, you cannot tell a man – or woman – that they have failed before they even started work. I have seen instances where all that was needed to cause true change, was political will and fearlessness. I have seen the most unlikely people turn things around even in industries in sharp contrast with their core competence, because of their administrative acumen and the ability to organize manpower and finances fairly. I have also seen highly respected and ‘experienced’ folk fail woefully. In Keyamo, Najomo, and most of the recently appointed CEOs domiciles zeal, the unmistakable passion to make a difference. The earliest they should have enjoyed everyone’s support before being placed on the slab of industry critics is eight months. Even that should only happen if they didn’t pay attention to stakeholders. But here they are, holding meetings with critical stakeholders and asking the right questions, seeking solutions. I understand that it is not possible to please everybody at once, and even the most objective critic can be most impatient when it comes to waiting, but this is an industry where everything needs to be done carefully because the collateral damage for every tiny error is human lives, huge financial losses, and loss of public trust. I wrote this piece at 4 am because I have stayed up all night, bewildered by some of the avoidable stuff I have read in the last couple of months. Look, even the most profound critic needs a moment of self-reflection. Why do I do this? How am I helping what I condemn? Are my words the right words? Will they cause the change I seek or destroy the relationships that are necessary for the collective growth of this industry? Do I speak the truth, and am I fair when I speak? Most importantly, when I am also put under the microscope, how well have I done for the industry? There is time for everything and now is not the time to fight. It is the time to unite with a common purpose and fix the aviation industry. In doing so, not everybody will be satisfied. As a matter of fact, no new leadership can fix it all. But what can happen is that the Keyamo-led leadership can deal with the inherited root causes and lay the foundation of a brand new aviation industry, one that can then be improved upon in the near future. I have interacted with the new CEOs. The enigmatic young lady at FAAN and the amiable dude at NSIB have something to prove. And this is the motivator here: to prove themselves worthy of such lofty opportunity. I believe that they will succeed. Like Keyamo, this crop of CEOs operates an open-door policy and stakeholders should take advantage of this, positively. Thankfully, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made aviation the crux of his economic plans and he was wise to select Festus Keyamo as aviation minister. He has faith in him but has also shown that he will bite if his performance is below average. Offer advice and allow the team to get to work. It is too early to wake up to nothing but condemnation for problems not caused by yourself. It is demoralizing and unnecessary. There is criticism and there is witchcraft. Choose your choice with wisdom, otherwise, your subjectivity will lose its perceived value sooner than later. History proves this.
Michael Achimugu is the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA
“Nothing is working in my life. “My figures are cold. “My brain is clogged up. “The economy is getting harder. “My decisions are wrong. “My mind is messed up. “The future doesn’t seem bright at all, o see extreme hardship I can’t bear the pain anymore. “I’m sorry mum, I’m sorry dad, I’m sorry Meme, Okwe, Toto, Nazor, Chuchu, Ifunanya. “Dear Lord have mercy on me!” These are the words contained in a note found besides a 32-year-old Amarachi Ugochukwu, who killed herself by taking sniper inside a bank’s staff toilet on January 8, 2023. The Lagos State Police Command had since launched an investigation into her death after her lifeless body was discovered by co-workers. The incident was reported to the police by the manager of Globus Bank, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Robert Hosharma at about 4pm on the same day that she took her life. The bank manager said that the death of the lady was discovered at about 1pm. A Police Situation Report narrated that the manager of Globus Bank Ikorodu reported that at about 1:pm on 8th of January 2024, one Amarachi Ugochukwu, 32, a marketing staff of the bank was found dead inside the staff toilet. “The complainant stated further that the late Amarachi Ugochukwu had left her phone on her table and the phone kept ringing without answer. “As a result, her colleagues started looking for her. In the course of searching for her, one of the office toilet doors was noticed to have been locked behind and was forcefully opened, behold was her motionless body with an empty medium-sized bottle suspected to have been taken by her and a diary. “The complainant also said that a medical doctor was immediately called upon, but she was confirmed dead, hence the report.
Action and investigation activated.
Detectives visited the scene and photographs were taken. “The corpse was removed and deposited at Ikorodu General Hospital for autopsy and preservation with the support of her family.”
Former Lagos State Commissioner of Home Affairs, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi has been appointed into the Board of the National Hajji Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) as Commissioner of operations. His appointment, including that of other Board members of the Commission, was announced by President Bola Tinubu, through his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, today, January 10. A statement from Ngelale said that Malam Jalal Arabi, who was recently appointed as Acting chairman of the Commission, remain the chairman of the Board pending the confirmation of members by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Other members of the Board, as announced are Aliu Abdulrazaq as Commissioner for Policy, Personnel and Finance and Professor Abubakar A. Yagawal, as Commissioner for Planning and Research. At the zonal level Dr. Muhammad Umaru Ndagi is appointed to represent North Central; Abba Jato Kala for the North East; Sheikh Muhammad Bin Othman for the North West; Tajudeen Oladejo Abefe for the South West; Aishat Obi Ahmed for the South East and Zainab Musa for the South South. Professor Musa Inuwa Fodio was appointed to represent Jama’atul Nasril Islam while Professor Adedimizi Mahfouz Adebola for the Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs. The President advised them to dedicate themselves to the task of ensuring that operations of the National Hajj Commission are more efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of Nigerians.
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Who Is The New Ohinoyi Of Ebira Land, Ahmed Tijjani Anaje? Full Profile
Ahmed Tijani Anaje, who had just been appointed as the paramount ruler (Ohinoyi) of Ebiraland, by Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, is a retired military officer, a learned Islamic scholar and a product of royalty within the Kingdom of Ebiraland in Kogi State.
Below is his full profile:
*BIRTH*
He was born on 29th June, 1974 into the popular and polygamous family of Late Alhaji Muhammed Anaje Aliyu of Asuwe clan, the then District Head (Onoba-Obanyi) of Okengwe, and Mrs Sefiyat Muhammed Anaje of Omoye Clan both of Okengwe-Ehi indigenous settlement.
He is married to Hajia Husseina Ahmed Anaje of Akuta Clan from Ovehira, and blessed with Five (5) Children.
*EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND*
He attended Saifudeen Primary School, Okengwe where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1983. He obtained his West African School Certificate (WASC) from Ebira Muslim Community College Okengwe (EMCCO) in Okene LGA of Kogi State in 1993. He started his Islamic Studies at Sharafudeen Madrasat, Okengwe under the leadership of Mukadam Alhaji Yakubu Ta’aba. He also learned Islamic studies under the then late Chief Imam of Ebira land, Alhaji Musa Galadima before he proceeded to attend Mahad Arabic School Madina Elekuro in Ibadan. All under distinguished spiritual guidance of his beloved mother, Sayida Bilqis Inyas. His Majesty later acquired a Diploma in Applied Psychology from University of Jos.
*WORKING CAREER*
His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Dr.) AhmedTijani Muhammed Anaje, the Ohinoyi of Ebira land
was enlisted into the Nigerian Army in the year 1995 as 39 Regular intake, where he rose to, and was decorated as warrant officer on the 13th October, 2021 shortly to his resignation and ascension to the stool of Okengwe/Okene.
And as a people-oriented full-blooded Ebira individual, his passionate “extra-curricular” impressions to rapport and mingle could not have been distorted by his job specification in most of his places of primary assignment as a military personnel. This is corroborated by his election as Vice Chairman of Ebira Community in Jos, Plateau State; Secretary of Ebira Vonya Association in Rukuba, Jos; President of Ebira Vonya Association in Warri, Delta State; and President of Ebira Vabe Association in Takum, Taraba State.
*MILITARY COURSES ATTENDED*
King Anaje did not miss out of the on-the-job training while in the military. He has equipped and groomed himself with a lot of training experiences that helped him do well on the job:
1. African Contingent Training Assistant (ACOTA)
2. Training the trainees (T3)
3. SESORC
4. Counter terrorism
5. Counter Insurgency
6. Quick Response Force (QRF)
7. Rapid Deployment Force (RDF)
8. Special Forces (SF)
*MILITARY OPERATIONS ATTENDED*
There are equally successful military operations to practically exemplify the acquired military training:
1. ECOWAS Monitoring Group in Liberia (ECOMOG)
2. ECOWAS Monitoring Group in Serra – Leone (ECOMOG)
3. United Nations Mission in Serra – Leone (UNAMSIL)
4. United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)
5. African Mission in Sudan (AMIS)
6. United Nation mission in Dafur-Sudan (UNAMID)
7. Operation Harmony in Bakasi
8. Operation Messa in Jos
9. Operation Restore Hope in Niger-Delta
10. Operation Thunder (Aduma) in Akwa-Ibom
11. Operation Restore Order in Maiduguri
12. Operation (BOYANA) North East
13. Operation Zaman Lafiya Dole
14. Operation Lafiya Dole
15. Operation Deep Punch in North East
16. Operation Harbe Kunama
17. Operation Anyiem Apatuma in Taraba & Benue
18. Operation Crocodile Smile
19. Operation Sahel Sanity
20. Operation Hadarin Daji
*MILITARY AWARDS*
King Anaje’s back was patted with recognition of honours for his dedicated blend of military trainings and physical operations. He bagged the Good Performance award from US Embassy under PAE in Serialeone; Gallant Performance Award by the then Commanding Officer of 93 Battalion, Major DH Ali Keffi; and another Performance Award by the UN Field Commander, General ML Agwayi at the United Nations Headquarters, El-Fashir, Dafur of Sudan.
*APPOINTMENT AS OHI OF OKENGWE/OKENE.
Upon his identification as an excellent leadership material, and after being subjected to some detailed traditional procedures and rites, he was appointed as the Ohi of Okengwe/Okene on the 18th of October, 2021 by Kogi State government under His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello. An appointment he received on the 2nd of November, 2021.
When subsequently, on the 3rd of March, 2022, a separate Ohi stool was created for Okene, King Anaje was finally coronated with a First Class Staff of Office as Ohi of Okengwe on the 5th of March, 2022.
*ACCOUNT OF STEWARDSHIP AS OHI OF OKENGWE-EHI*
HRM Alhaji (Dr) AhmedTijani Muhammad Anaje, within two years of coronation as Ohi of Okengwe, has recorded giant strides in committed service to the people of his domain:
1. As Ohi, he committed the land into God’s capable hands through organized inter-faith prayer sessions on a monthly basis. This is also a successful attempt at checking religious extremism in Okengwe.
2. He led all other Ohis on spiritual cleansing at Ajaokuta.
3. He smoothly led Kogi muslims on Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia in 2022.
4. He facilitated the Ohumanaka perimeter fencing.
5. He facilitated the Okengwe-Ehi burial ground perimeter fencing through Honourable AhmedTijani Damisa.
6. He facilitated farming tools, herbicides and chemical for local farmers through Kogi State APPEALS Project.
7. He facilitated street lights for Okengwe.
8. He established inter-religious committee to coordinate and control religious activities in Okengwe.
9. He abolished clannish bigotry by constituting a 17-man advisory council assisting in decision-making for Okengwe land.
18. Peaceful resolution of Imamship tussle in Ebira land under his able leadership. He chaired the Kogi State government constituted reconciliation committee on Ebira Imamship.
19. Extension of hands of fellowship to the sick in the hospital with palliatives and clearing of bills.
20. Uncommon peaceful celebration during festive periods in Okengwe.
21. He has facilitated water project for Okengwe people.
22. He has embarked on numerous philanthropic activities and empowerment programmes for the people of his community.
He led other Ohis to meet with prominent Ebira Men and Women in diaspora, in Abuja precisely to discuss issues concerning Ebira and the gubernatorial election which led to unprecedented success recorded in the just concluded Governorship Election that another Ebira politician (Ododo) as governor elect in Kogi State.
*APPOINTMENTS AND AWARDS*
King Anaje was a golden fish that could not hide, and this particular truism on him manifested so loud upon his being recognized for different awards and charge for community engagements by a way of appointment:
1. Award of Honorary Doctorate Degree by Executive University, USA on the 2nd of December, 2023.
2. Appointment as Vice Chairman of Ebira Area Traditional Council on the 4th of October, 2022.
3. Appointed Amirul Hajj for the 2022 Hajj pilgrimage on the 9th of June, 2022.
4. Appointed as Reconciliation Committee Chairman on Ebira Imamship tussle on the 23rd September, 2023.
5. Appointed as Kogi Central Patron of Council of Ulama’u of Nigeria on the 25th of July, 2022.
6. Appointed as Patron of Kogi Central League of Imams on the 18th of September, 2022.
7. Appointed as Kogi Central Patron of the Concord Muslim Political Forum (COMPOF).
8. Appointed as Kogi Central Patron of Ansaru Ruhul-Islam Muslim Society of Nigeria (ARIMSON) on the 25th November, 2023.
9. Appointed as Member of Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) under ICPC on the 6th of March, 2022.
10. Appointed as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ebira Muslim Community College, Okengwe (EMCCO) on the 8th of December, 2021.
11. Appointed as Grand Patron of the 39 Regular Foundation of the 39 Regular Intake of the Nigerian Army on the 18th of December, 2023.
12. Appointed as Member of Kogi State Honours Award Advisory Committee on the 12th of December, 2023.
His Royal Majesty, Ahmed Tijjani Anaje, the new Ohinoyi was picked from over 70 contestants, to succeed the late Ohinoyi, Alhaji Dr. Ado Ibrahim who died on October 29, 2023 at the age of 94.