Publisher/Editor-In-Chief of Newsdiaryonline, Danlami Nmodu has announced the arrival of Modus Operandum into the Online newspaper family for strategic insight analysis. Unveiling the new platform, Nmodu said that it will be dedicated to analysis of insightful opinions, reviews and reports on issues of public interest. The publisher, who is a member of the National Institute, mni, said that he has chosen to float this additional platform to give back to society the benefits of his training at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies NIPSS, Kuru Jos. “After reflecting on the investment in me, I believe I needed to float this platform for insightful analysis of national issues.Hopefully Modus Operandum will emerge as a leading platform contributing towards policy reports and the policy briefs that may be relevant to public administration in Nigeria. “Essentially, Modus Operandum will for now remain accessible to the public. Nmodu, who is currently the Deputy President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers GOCOP, said that Modus Operandum will not be driven by the daily routine of breaking news, like the sister Newsdiaryonline that will continue to be active and strong on news and others. According to him the new platform will remain relevant, throwing penetrating insight into relevant contemporary issues. Nmodu explained that area of interest will be on health, public policy, election and democracy issues, anti corruption matters, defence, security and diplomatic issues among other. “Analysis from Modus Operandum staff and renowned contributors will be served on regular basis,” the publisher hinted.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has announced the approval of the sum of N56.2 billion by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the construction of road and park respectively in Abuja.
Malam Muhamad Musa Bello who spoke to newsmen at the end the meeting of the Council yesterday, January 19, said that the projects are for the full scope development of the FCT Highway 105 (Kuje Road) from Airport Expressway to Kuje Junction (Stage 1), at the cost of N54,946,909,160.04 and the construction of access road and car Park for the Abuja Light Rail Gbazango Station (Lot 7) at the sum of N1,291,568,845.33.
Providing insight into the two projects, the Minister said that the construction of the road from Kuje to Airport Expressway becomes necessary because the existing 2-lane single carriage way road is grossly inadequate to carry the current traffic as it is in a deplorable condition requiring frequent rehabilitation.
He said that when fully constructed, the road will open up for development of the parts of Phase V of the Federal Capital City, as well as open up the Kuje Satellite Town, while connecting the Airport Expressway to the future Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) in line with the Abuja Master Plan.
The Minister said that the project will also decongest the vehicular traffic originating from the Federal Capital City (FCC) to Kuje and provide free traffic flow along the route as well as provide an alternative route to Gwagwalada road.
He said that the nine kilometer road with a spur to Kyami district, is one of the key regional roads of the FCT from the North to the South, planned to link other future Federal Roads to the FCT and other parts of the Country.
On the access road and car Park for the Abuja Light Rail Gbazango Station, the Minister said the public attraction to the completed Gbazango Train Station in the area has necessitated need to provide immediate access to-and-from the train station and to further enhance maximum functionality Abuja Rail Mass Transit System (ARMTS) of the Federal Capital City (FCC) due to commenced operation.
“The project, when completed, will help to create access for physical development to be realized and will reduce traffic pressure being experienced on the existing roads within the area
It will also link up with the Outer Northern Expressway-ONEX (Murtala Muhammed Expressway).”
He added that the facility will improve the security situation in the area, create job opportunities as well as the enhancement of socio-economic activities of the FCT.
The Gbazango Station located within Gbazango area of Kubwa Satellite Town is planned to start from the existing Arab Road and connect the train station through a service facility corridor in Gbazango and Kubwa areas.
Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has made it clear that though he is ready for the campaigns and capable to lead the country but that he is not desperate to become President.
Fielding questions from reporters at the National Assembly yesterday, January 19, Orji Kalu, who is the Senate Chief Whip said that the Presidential contest will be the collective decision of Nigerians and the zoning arrangement of the Political parties, particularly his party, the ruling All Progressive’s Congress (APC).
The former Governor stressed that the Southeast region is overdue to Produce the next President of the country, adding that there are two zones that are yet to produce the President, which are the Southeast and Northeast geo Political zones.
Orji Kalu said that his recent visit to President Muhammadu Buhari was a usual one and that their relationship has spanned many years before he became President.
He said that their discussions were centred on national issues with regards to security, electoral laws and the welfare of the country.
“This is not the first time I’m going to see the President. People usually go in the afternoon but I went in the night to avoid the press.
“I go there regularly. It’s a family affair and I went there to discuss national issues with regards to security, well being of our country and the issue of the electoral law and the discussion was very fruitful.
When asked if he informed the President of his Presidential Ambition, he said: “has the party zoned the ticket to the Southeast? It’s only when the party zone is officially to the South. I have said before that there are only two zones that have not been President: the Southeast and the Northeast. Once it’s zoned to the Southeast I have the capacity and the capability I will roll out my campaign and rock like a hurricane.
“It’s overdue for an Igboman to become a Nigerian President, I believe the Southeast should produce the next President and it’s going to happen.”
Orji Kalu slammed other Presidential aspirants in the APC who had gone to inform President Buhari about their intentions, saying that they are not serious people.
He said that those who are already pushing are not being fair to the feelings of Nigerians.
“They are not serious. A serious minded person will like to be fair to Nigeria, to be fair to the society and be fair to the atmosphere because this party is not owned by me or by you the press people. It is only APC people that can decide where the party ticket will go to,If they zone it to the Southeast I have all it takes to make a good President.”
The Abia North Senator said that he would pursue his Presidential Ambition with other geopolitical zones of the Nation, saying that he will commence Nationwide consultation at the right time.
Responding to questions on the APC’s February 26th convention, Orji Kalu expressed optimism that the exercise will be peaceful, adding that the outcome will make Nigerians proud.
When asked about President Buhari’s body language to the contentious electoral act and 2023, Orji Kalu said: “his body language is where other Nigerians are. His body language is for Nigeria and Nigerians.”
Nigeria, through the Senate has passed a bill seeking to establish the National Rice Development Council.
Experts are sure that such move would make Nigeria to save about $2 billion dollars on rice importation and improve the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
The passage of the bill followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.
Chairman of the Committee, Abdullahi Adamu (APC Nasarawa West), in his presentation, said that the bill sought to establish a Council that would lead to comprehensive development of the rice sector and the organisation of rice stakeholders to enhance local production of rice in Nigeria.
He explained that the Council would transform the activities of rice farmers, rice processors, millers, researchers, marketers and other important stakeholders across the entire rice value chain, particularly the clusters of smallholder rice farmers and small-scale millers spread all over the country.
“Mr President and Distinguished Colleagues, with our natural comparative advantage in the area of rice production as a country, Nigeria should consider the need to put in place a National Rice Development Council and a fail-safe comprehensive national rice development roadmap that will guide us not only into a regime of self-sufficiency in production, but also for export purposes, employment generation for our teaming youth and growth of our economy.
“The Nigerian rice industry exists in abstract as there appears to be no form of coordination in the absence of a properly structured rallying point.
“Today, we have Paddy Rice Dealers Association of Nigeria (PRIDAN), Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN), Rice Millers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) and many more.
“This Bill seeks to establish that rallying point and a comprehensive National operational and governance structure for a complete rice value chain process.
“Mr. President and Distinguished Colleagues, this Bill on its own merit will improve government efforts for efficient policy and regulatory framework for the Nigerian Rice Industry; promote enabling business and investment environments for Rice stakeholders; support the growth of the Rice industry in Nigeria and in the sub-region as well as promote the sustainability of foreign exchange earnings put at about 2 billion dollars annually for Rice related importation to the country.
“The framework created by thịs Bill will pull investment into rice production, provide the missing link between rice production and industrialization, provide employment, reduce migration from rural to urban cities and enhance socio-economic activities all over the country.
“Few countries having Rice Council include Rice Council of Tanzania, USA Rice Council, Directorate of Rice Development (India), Rice Association of Thailand, among others,” Senator Adamu was quoted to have said in a statement by the Special Assistant on media, Special Assistant (Press) to the President of the Senate President.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced that it will begin the sale of forms to aspirants vying for its national offices ahead of the National Convention from Feb. 14.
National Secretary the party’s Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) Senator John Akpanudoedehe, in a statement yesterday, January 19 in Abuja, said: “the APC CECPC at its 19th regular meeting on Wednesday January 19, 2022 at the party’s national secretariat, considered and adopted the timetable/schedule of activities for the February 26, APC National Convention.”
He listed the schedule of activities ahead of the party’s national convention as follows: “Receiving of the interim report of the National Reconciliation Committee, Jan. 31, 2022.
“Consideration and adoption of Reports of State Congresses – Feb.2, 2022. “Inauguration of the State Executives – Feb. 03, 2022. “Sale of forms to all aspirants vying for National Offices at the APC National Secretariat, Feb. 14, 2022.
“Submission of completed forms and accompanying documents at the APC National Secretariat on or before Feb.19, 2022.
“Publication of Sub-Committees – Feb.19, 2022. “Screening of all aspirants vying for National Offices – Feb.20 – Feb. 22.
“Screening Appeals to hear and resolve complaints arising from the screening exercise – Feb. 23, 2022.
“Accreditation of all statutory and elected delegates to the National Convention – Feb. 24 to Feb. 25, 2022.
“National Convention to elect National Officers to the National Executive Committee (NEC) – Feb 26, 2022
“National Convention Appeal to hear and resolve complaints arising from the National Convention – Feb. 28, 2022”.
The APC scribe at an interaction with newsmen at the party’s national secretariat, had earlier described as fake, reports that the party’s leadership had zoned its national chairmanship position to a particular zone.
Akpankudohede said the report should be disregarded, adding that there was no decision on that.
It was reported that new national executives are expected to be elected at the party’s national convention to manage its affairs which is presently being managed by Gov. Mai Mala Buni-led CECPC.
The Super Eagles finished their group stage campaign at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon with an impressive 2-0 win against Guinea-Bissau at the Roumde Adija Stadium, Garoua on Wednesday night. Super Eagles head Austine Eguavoen made eight changes to his line-up with goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, Tyronne Ebuehi, Jamilu Collins, Kelechi Nwakali, Alex Iwobi, Chidera Ejuke and Umar Sadiq making their first start of the competition. The former champions dominated the opening exchanges with the Wild Dogs sitting deep. The Super Eagles however struggled to carve out any meaningful goal scoring opportunities despite their dominance. Sadiq and Semi Ajayi wasted Nigeria’s best chance in the first half. The Wild Dogs came to scoring late in the first half with Panutche Camara shot going just wide. The Super Eagles got a reward for their attacking display when Sadiq netted the opener in the 56 minute following a superb cross from Kelechi Iheanacho. Watford defender William Troost- Ekong put the game beyond Guinea-Bissau with the second goal 15 minutes from time. The West Africans will wait for the completion of group stage games on Thursday to know their opponent. Source: Primptnews online.
A female lawyer, Anumati Stella Ojevwe has been remanded at the Correctional Facility in Sapele, Delta State for allegedly receiving the sum of N105 million from SA-FX Global Investment, being proceeds of unlawful activity.
Ojevwe was arraigned before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). She is facing a 14-count charge of money laundering.
One of the counts reads: “That you Anumati Stella Ojevwe (f) on or about the 27th day of October, 2020 at Delta State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court directly took possession or control of the sum of N20,000,000.00 (Twenty Million Naira) deposited by a cheque number 00000064 belonging to SA-FX Global) into your bank account number 2150009622 domiciled in Ecobank which funds you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of unlawful act of Smart Alban Ike to wit: obtaining by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended in 2012) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.”
The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to her.
In view of her plea, the prosecution counsel, K.Y. Bello prayed the court to fix a date for trial and to remand the defendant at a Correctional Facility.
Moves by the defence counsel to secure bail for his client orally was opposed by Bello.
Justice Abang ordered the defence counsel to file a formal bail application and adjourned the matter till 30 January, 2022 for hearing.
Just about 25 days to the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties to conduct their campaigns in line with the law.
The chairman of the Commission, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, at a quarterly meeting with stakeholders today, January 18 in Abuja , said that in
the next few weeks, the Commission will intensify stakeholder engagements.
He said that the Commission will also engage in “the monitoring of campaigns by political parties and preparations for Election Day activities.”
According to Professor Yakubu, major
activities have already been carried out, including the conduct of primaries and nomination of candidates by political parties.
“Only last week, the Commission presented the register of voters to political parties while the PVCs for new registrants, requests for transfers and replacement of cards have been printed and delivered several weeks ago to our FCT office for collection by voters.
“On this note, I want to draw your attention to the distribution of voters to Polling Units in the FCT, particularly the fact that 593 out of 2,822 or 21% of the total, do not have voters.
“This is because voters failed to take advantage of the expansion of access to transfer to these new Polling Units. The detailed distribution of voters to Polling Units in the FCT is among the documents in your folders for this meeting.”
The INEC boss said that the Commission will use the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in the FCT elections which is the second major election after the Anambra Governorship election held in November last year.
“The 68 constituencies in the FCT (six Chairmen and 62 Councillors) covering extensive urban and rural locations sharing border with five States in the North Central and North Western parts of the country is another opportunity to pilot the efficacy of the BVAS in a different geographical, geo-political and electoral context.
“The same technology will be deployed in all forthcoming bye-elections across the country.”
He said for all elections going forward, Polling Unit results will be uploaded in real-time to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has given a rundown of the battle his government has been engaged in with bandits in the state.
The Governor, who spoke to newsmen today, January 18, shortly after given President Muhammadu Buhari an update on the security situation in the State, with regard to banditry activities, kidnapping and cattle rustling among others, said he is sad with the situation.
“In the last few days, there have been a lot of activities in Niger State.
“In January this year alone, we suffered not less than 50 reported attacks and loss of lives, between 1st and 17th January. Within the same period, not less than 300 communities have been invaded by bandits.
“The number of people kidnapped is 200, including three Chinese nationals. We also lost some security personnel. Their number is 25. “Unfortunately, we lost about 165 civilians and 30 local vigilantes. So, it’s a very dire situation that we have been battling in the last few weeks since the beginning of this year.”
Governor Abubakar Bello who said that he is very optimistic with the kind of zeal he had seen from the security agencies and all services, said that there is still a lot of work to do.
“We share borders with Kaduna, Zamfara, and Kebbi States. And these bandits have the habit of hibernating between forests, moving from Zamfara to Kebbi, and Kebbi to Niger. They take advantage of the cattle routes which they already know.
“They move on motorcycles. And most of the areas and communities they attack have no access roads. So, you cannot drive there. So, our response time is slow.
“What I realized is that they have been taking us on a merry-go-round. “When we deal with them in Niger, they move to Kaduna. When Kaduna deals with them, they move to Katsina. They have been hibernating in the forest. Some of these operations need to be handled simultaneously so that we get the result.
“We are not happy and we are sad with the developments in these states. We are doing whatever we can, using kinetic and non kinetic efforts to see that we address the present situation.”
The governor said however that, in spite of gloomy picture “I’m very optimistic that the situation will be addressed. And hopefully, we should get a very peaceful state within the shortest possible time.”
He said that going forward, there will be new strategies that will help the government in the battle.
“I can’t disclose some of these strategies. But basically, the States of Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi would have to work together to address the situation.
“As we go on, we will try to update you from time to time on progress being made in this fight.”
President Muhammadu Buhari has advised Nigerians to exercise some patience as the growing food production in the country, especially expansion in rice farming, will soon bring down prices of food, making it more affordable for all.
The President, who spoke today, January 18, at the official commissioning ceremony of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)/Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) Rice Paddy Pyramids at the Abuja International Trade Fair Complex, said that more than 4.8 million smallholder farmers have been supported by Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, with increase in production of 23 agricultural commodities, including maize, rice, oil palm, cocoa, cotton, cassava, tomato and livestock.
“Today rice production in Nigeria has increased to over 7.5 million metric tons annually. Prior to the introduction of Anchor Borrowers Programme (APB), the average production in Nigeria between 1999 to 2015 was less than 4 metric tons annually.
“I am aware that the bags of paddy will be moving straight from here to rice milling plants across Nigeria, which lead to the release of processed rice to the markets by the rice millers. The measure will aid our efforts at reducing the price of rice in Nigeria.
“Before this administration launched the ABP, there were only 15 standard Rice mills in Nigeria. As at today, we have over 50 Standard and integrated Rice mills creating jobs and reducing unemployment. We expect additional significant output when two new mills are started in Lagos and Katsina.”
The President said that the large margins in the business of rice has also encouraged more people to show interest in investing in agribusiness.
“Fellow Nigerians, our gathering here today, is no doubt a testament to the fact that the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme is working. Indeed, these sky-high pyramids which we are gathered here to commission are part of our commitment at achieving national food security and economic diversification through home-grown policies targeted at securing food for all Nigerians.
“As a critical policy of the government, the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme is expected to catalyze the agricultural productive base of the nation, which is a major part of our economic plan to uplift the economy, create jobs, reduce reliance on imported food and industrial raw materials, and conserve foreign exchange.
“In the implementation of the Programme, adoption of high-yielding seedlings, quality inputs and best farming practices were essential features.
“For instance, the improved rice seedlings have helped to ensure our achievement of rice sufficiency, as they are disease-resistant and have an average yield of about 5 metric tonnes per hectare, compared with the traditional national average of 1.5 metric tonnes.
“This has resulted in bridging our rice consumption gap, a significant reduction in rice imports, and saved us foreign exchange,’’ he added.
President Buhari said that the commissioning of the rice pyramids is an indication that the country is making steady and assured progress towards self-sufficiency in food production.
“It is my desired hope and expectation that other agricultural commodity associations that are yet to participate under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme will emulate the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria in supporting our administration’s drive for food self-sufficiency.’’
The President noted that about three years ago, the first set of sky-high pyramids of rice harvests were showcased in Argungu, Kebbi State, which was followed by another set in Minna, Niger State about a year ago and barely three months later in Zauro, Kebbi State, rice pyramids were, again, unveiled.
President Buhari said that in May 2021, the CBN unveiled the first rice pyramids in the South-West of Nigeria in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
“Those events were historic as, first, they remind us of our yester-year’s agricultural commodity pyramids, such as the groundnut pyramids in Kano and secondly, they symbolize that we can produce what we eat.
“The significance of today’s occasion can be better understood by looking at the various economic strides the administration has achieved through agriculture.
“When we assumed the reins of leadership of this country in 2015, the administration identified the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme as an essential policy instrument for achieving economic diversification through agriculture.
“To achieve this, the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme was designed to encourage investments in agriculture and empower smallholder farmers as drivers of transformation in the agricultural sector and as critical enablers of economic growth.
“I am indeed delighted that the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme continues to receive commendations, since its introduction six years ago, as it has become one of the reference points in the administration’s agricultural revolution effort.
“In fact, the Programme speaks loudly in its giant strides as it has increased access to finance by our rural farmers, who before now were virtually excluded from the financial system.”
President Buhari commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for its efforts at resuscitating the Nigerian Commodity Exchange following approval to do so.
This, he said, has been done in the hope that farmers can have ready buyers of their produce, thereby resolving the current logistical challenge of moving their produce from farm to markets.
“Let me also commend the Governor and staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria, as well as the leadership of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria for the successful delivery of these pyramids, which hopefully is just the first of many that will be unveiled this year across Nigeria”
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, commended President Buhari’s outstanding resolve on food security for the country, unveiling the single largest rice pyramid in history,
According to the CBN Governor, taking a cue from the success of rice production, the financial regulatory body had commenced the wheat value chain, which produces five to six million tonnes each year.
President of RIFAN, Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, said more than 99 percent of the paddy rice for the year was already with farmers across the nation, while the bags in 13 pyramids will be sold to further ease and augment production.
“There is no adjective to thank you enough for what you have done for this country. You came when the country needed you the most and God knows why.
“You have served the country and you have worked for the country. Food security is also national security. No President after you will ignore what you have done, especially in food security,’’ the President of RIFAN said.
President Buhari presented awards to Governors Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti State, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi State, Prof. Ben Ayade, Cross River State, David Umahi, Ebonyi State, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru, Jigawa State, Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor, Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, President of RIFAN and Yila Yusuf, Director, Development Finance, CBN.
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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has announced the approval of the sum of N56.2 billion by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the construction of road and park respectively in Abuja.
A female lawyer, Anumati Stella Ojevwe has been remanded at the Correctional Facility in Sapele, Delta State for allegedly receiving the sum of N105 million from SA-FX Global Investment, being proceeds of unlawful activity.
President Muhammadu Buhari has advised Nigerians to exercise some patience as the growing food production in the country, especially expansion in rice farming, will soon bring down prices of food, making it more affordable for all.
