Tumultuous Crowd Welcome Ex Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello Back Home

January 1, 2025

Hundreds of excited supporters, kinsmen and well-wishers of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, thronged Lokoja, the State capital and Okene local government today, January 1 to welcome him back home.
Report reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine said that the impenetrable crowd of supporters, kinsmen and well-wishers virtually blocked Koton-karfe/Lokoja road as the former governor’s convoy made its way towards Lokoja.
It was learnt that it took the former governor about six hours to finally access the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed Anaje.
The former Governor was granted bail on December 19, 2024 and released after meeting his bail conditions in the alleged money laundering case, instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Kinsmen and supporters, who had been waiting for the entry of former governor Yahaya Bello and the incumbent governor, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, stormed the streets, chanting solidarity songs and praying for the continuous upliftment of the state under the new administration.
Many of those who managed to speak amidst the celebrations, eulogised Yahaya Bello and assured him that their prayers were with him. They also thanked him for giving them a governor like Ododo as successor.
They said that they had been waiting since 9am to welcome home their son, whom they said opened Kogi up for laudable development, after a very long time.
The former Governor, accompanied by Governor Ododo and other past and present key officials, first made a stop over at the resting place of his late mother for a special prayer for the departed.
Speaking at the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, in Okene, the former Governor called for unity among the people of the state, assuring that the current administration, led by Governor Usman Ododo, would deliver more dividends of democracy to all parts of the state.
Yahaya Bello also sought the support and prayers of Nigerians for the President Bola Tinubu administration.
He urged citizens to exercise patience and pray specially for the President to be able to continue executing his plans and programmes for the country, saying that, in the end, Nigeria and Nigerians would be better off for it.
The former governor expressed strong confidence in the ability of the policies of the current administration to take the country to the promised land.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, said that Yahaya Bello had laid a solid foundation for the sustainable growth and development of the state.
Ododo pointed out that the ability of the Yahaya Bello administration to reform the state’s civil service and institute a productive workforce was a solid foundation on which the current administration is thriving.
According to Governor Ododo, the prompt payment of salaries by his administration is the outcome of the efforts and foresight of the Yahaya Bello’s administration.
“I attribute the ability of my administration to pay prompt salaries at both state and local government levels to the solid foundation for resource and economic development put in place by the administration of my predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
“The success of my administration today was borne out of the commitment and good foundations laid down by my immediate predecessor and the support and encouragement he often gives to us.
“For us to succeed, we need the support of our people because I am ready to serve you and I will continue to do my best to unite the people of the state,” Gov. Ododo said.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Tijani Ahmed Anaje in his remarks, charged the people of Ebiraland at home and in diaspora to embrace peace, speak with one voice and prioritise the interest of Ebiraland over any personal interest.
The Royal Father, who offered prayers for Ebiraland and Kogi State in general, solicited support for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to enable him achieve more development for the state.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Kogi State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Abdullahi Bello, described former Governor Yahaya Bello as the one who had laid a solid foundation for the state in the area of infrastructure and human capital development.
He assured that, based on the activities of the Governor Ododo-led administration, Year 2025 would usher in peace, unity and development to Kogi State.
Source: The Eagle online.

Tinubu Gives State Governors Marching Order To Drive Development In Local Govts

Greenbarge Reporters

January 1, 2025

President Bola Tinubu has asked state governors to drive development in the local governments of their respective states.
He said: “You own the land, and the job is in your hands. Just drive development at the local governments. Nobody wants to take them away from you, but we need collaboration.”
The President, who spoke today, January 1, when members of the Nigerian Governors’Forum (NGF), visited him at his Ikoyi, Lagos residence, stressed that their leadership at the subnational level is central to achieving food security, economic prosperity and rapid national growth.
He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments to address pressing challenges, including local government autonomy, agricultural productivity, and currency stability.
He expressed his commitment to local government development and autonomy, even as he stressed its importance for grassroots development.
He however dispelled rumours of disagreement with the governors.
“We will not fight within us. I will drive the change. You control your local governments. You can restore hope by effectively fulfilling what the people expect at the grassroots level.”
Tinubu debunked gossips that he and governors had disagreements on local government autonomy, even as he called for cooperation to ensure that Nigeria is better off.
President Tinubu advised the governors to prioritise agricultural growth as a pathway to economic stability.
“We have to work harder, grow more, and ensure the situation of our currency improves. “Nigeria will see prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us,” he said.
He also urged the governors to take pride in their efforts and acknowledged their progress across the states.
“There is no state we cannot visit and be proud of its development. We have better allocations now. Let me take the abuse; you take the privileges. Together, we will build a nation we are all proud of.”
Reflecting on his leadership journey in the last 19 months, the President expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to thrive given the resilience and leadership demonstrated by the administration.
“I am glad I asked for this job, and Nigerians gave me the mandate. We’ll be on this voyage together. I thank all of you for where we are today and where we are heading.”
The President announced that he will be visiting Enugu State on January 4 as part of his planned visits to some states of the federation.
This was even as the chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak assured the President of the support of the governors, particularly in contributing to local security architecture to further enhance the nation’s security.
“I must confess that I have not done two years in this administration, but I’ve done more projects in two years than in the four years of my first term.
“We are getting more funding due to the restructuring of the economy. Yes, there is inflation, but we are overriding it.”

Ignore Few Nigerians Who Oppose My Govt, We’re On Right Path To Greatness- Tinubu

Greenbarge Reporters

January 1, 2025

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to ignore a tiny section of the population that would not see anything good in his socio economic reformation drive.
In his New Year message today, January 1, President Tinubu said: “I seek your cooperation and collaboration at all times as we pursue our goal of a one trillion-dollar economy. Let us stay focused and united.
“We are on the right path to building a great Nigeria that will work for everyone. Let us not get distracted by a tiny segment of our population that still sees things through the prisms of politics, ethnicity, region, and religion.”
The President sees hopes, aspirations and prospects for better days in 2025, saying: “by the grace of God, 2025 will be a year of great promise in which we will fulfill our collective desires.”
He acknowledged that 2024 posed numerous challenges to the citizens and households, but expressed confidence that the New Year will bring brighter days.
According to him, economic indicators point to a positive and encouraging outlook for the nation, noting that so far fuel prices have gradually decreased, as the nation recorded foreign trade surpluses in three consecutive quarters.
“Foreign reserves have risen, and the Naira has strengthened against the US dollar, bringing greater stability.
“The stock market’s record growth has generated trillions of naira in wealth, and the surge in foreign investment reflects renewed confidence in our economy.
“Nevertheless, the cost of food and essential drugs remained a significant concern for many Nigerian households in 2024.
Tinubu promised that in 2025, his government would be committed to intensifying efforts to lower these costs by boosting food production and promoting local manufacturing of essential drugs and other medical supplies.
“We are resolute in our ambition to reduce inflation from its current high of 34.6% to 15%. With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people.”
The President promised to establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.
“The Company—expected to start operations before the end of the second quarter—is a partnership of government institutions, such as the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, and Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the private sector, and multilateral institutions.
“This initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support under-served groups such as women and youth. It will drive growth, re-industrialisation, and better living standards for our people.
President Tinubu who thanked Nigerians for placing their confidence in him as President, stressing that their trust had humbled him.
“I promise to continue serving you diligently and wholeheartedly,” he said, adding that he would continue to embark on necessary reforms to foster sustainable growth and prosperity for our nation.
” To achieve our national goals and objectives, we must become better citizens and uncompromising in our devotion and allegiance to Nigeria.
“Citizens’ moral rectitude and faith in our country are fundamental to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“In 2025, we will commit to promoting adherence to ethical principles, shared values, and beliefs under the National Identity Project.
“I will unveil the National Values Charter, already approved by the Federal Executive Council, in the first quarter of 2025.
“I will launch an ambitious national orientation campaign that fosters patriotism and love for our country and inspires citizens to rally together.
“The Charter will promote mutual commitments between the government and citizens and foster trust and cooperation among our diverse population and between the government and the citizens.
“As far-reaching and foundational as our reforms are, they can produce the desired outcomes only through shared common values and identities and unconditional love for our country.
“The Youth Confab will begin in the first quarter of 2025, a testament to our commitment to youth inclusiveness and investment as nation-builders. “The Ministry of Youth will soon announce the modalities for selecting the conference’s representatives from our diverse, youthful population.”
Tinubu asked Nigerians to continue to believe in themselves and keeping faith in the country, even as he called on State governors and local council chairpersons to work closely with the central government to seize emerging opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and tax reforms and move our nation forward.
“I commend governors who have embraced our Compressed Natural Gas initiative by launching CNG-propelled public transport.
“I also congratulate those who have adopted electric vehicles as part of our national energy mix and transition. The Federal Government will always offer necessary assistance to the states.”

Gov Buni Of Yobe Goes Into Serious Business Of Massive Project Execution

Greenbarge Reporters

January 1, 2025

The Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni has embarked on massive execution of various projects across the State.
Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine said that some of the projects, to which billions of Naira has been committed, have either been completed or reached 60 percent completion.
It was learnt that the massive project execution is ongoing in the face of insurgency, mainly by Boko Haram fighters, which ordinarily should have crippled any form of developmental activities.
The projects being executed range from township and rural road construction to procurement of heavy duty agricultural machinery, to educational and market infrastructures.
Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper was able to obtain some pictures, featured here, of the projects that are ongoing.

Above: Swamp buggy machine procured for the State Ministry of Environment to undertake the clearing of typha grass in the Nguru wetlands to restore agricultural and fishing activities long affected by the overgrowth of typha grass.

Above: The Danchuwa-Jajere 34km road being built by the Buni administration.

UniAbuja Confirms Prof Aisha Maikudi As Substantive Vice Chancellor

Greenbarge Reporters

December 31, 2024

The Governing Council of the University of Abuja, under the chairmanship of retired Air Vice-Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita has confirmed the first female Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi. She is the 7th Substantive vice-chancellor of the institution.
Her confirmation was made during the 77th Extraordinary Meeting of Council today, December 31, taking effect from 1st January 2025, and for five years non renewable.
Professor Maikudi had emerged as the best among 10 shortlisted candidates and interviewed by the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board of the University, in line with the extant regulations governing the process.
Prior to her appointment as the substantive Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi had served in an acting capacity from 5th July 2024. During this period, she worked closely with the Governing Council to stabilise the University through a challenging crisis, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment.
Born on 31st January 1983 in Katsina State, Professor Maikudi is a distinguished scholar and professor of International Law at the University of Abuja.
Her educational journey began at Sacred Heart School, Kaduna, where she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) in 1993. She proceeded to Queens College, Yaba, Lagos, earning her West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 1999.
Maikudi’s academic excellence took her to the University of Reading, where she earned an LLB in 2004. She further specialised in Public International Law, obtaining an LLM from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2005. After completing her legal education at the Nigerian Law School (2006–2007), she pursued and had a PhD in International Law from the University of Abuja in 2015.
She joined the University of Abuja as a Lecturer II on 4th September 2008, and rose through the ranks to become a professor in 2021.
Prof Maikudi broke barriers as the first female Head of Department in 2013, the first female Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law in 2018, and the pioneer Director of the University of Abuja International Centre in 2019. She also served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), where she was instrumental in enhancing academic standards and promoting a culture of excellence at the University.
An innovator in her field, she introduced the ‘United Nations Law’ course at the University of Abuja in 2019, backed by extensive research and numerous publications in academic journals and book chapters. She is also highly experienced in supervising theses and dissertations, contributing to the growth of legal scholarship.
Maikudi has represented her university and country at numerous national and international conferences, workshops, and training sessions across the UK, US, South Africa, Germany, Italy, China, Ghana, and Egypt. She has presented papers at many of these events, further solidifying her global reputation as an academic leader.
The new Vice-Chancellor is an active member of several professional organisations, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigerian Law Teachers Association (NLTA), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and Nigerian Society of International Law.
Her tenure promises a new era of progress and transformation for the University of Abuja.

Asari Dokubo Is Now 2nd Class Traditional Ruler In Rivers

Greenbarge Reporters

December 31, 2024

Former leader of a Niger Delta militant group, Alhaji Mujahid asari-Dokubo has been appointed a second class traditional ruler, as His Royal Highness, the Amayanabo of Torusarama Piri (Elem Kalabari) in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, presented a certificate of recognition to Alhaji Asari Dokubo recently. He is also Da Amachree Tubo Alabo Edi’Abali of Kalabari Kingdom.
Congratulations from us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper.

We’ll Re-Allocate Lands Whose Owners Fail To Settle C Of O Fees, FCT Minister, Wike Warns

Greenbarge Reporters

December 31, 2024

The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike has warned land owners in Abuja to pay the fees for the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) within a stipulated time frame or have such lands reallocated to interested parties.
“We believe it is essential for individuals to fulfill their obligations. After the grace period expires, these lands will be reallocated to interested parties.”
Wike, who spoke to newsmen today, December 31, after inspecting some ongoing road projects in the capital city, expressed surprise that some of the lands were allocated as far back as 10 years ago.
He stressed that the grace period for land allottees to pay their C of O fees would not be extended.
The minister said that the list of some individuals regarding the publication of the names of plot owners yet to pay their Certificate of Occupancy fees was generated from existing records, adding that individuals with proof of payment would be addressed accordingly.
Wike dismissed what he called detractors, saying that he would not allow it to make him lose focus on achieving his mandate.
According to him, complaints have come to be part of governance, adding that it is unrealistic to expect to satisfy everyone.
“These complaints will not deter us from our mission. We are committed to fulfilling our responsibilities and achieving the best possible outcomes for most of our residents.”
The minister stressed the need to adhere to regulations and the inevitability of demolishing illegal structures if the need arises.
“Our focus remains on what is right and achieving the best possible results for the majority of our residents, not for a select few.”
Wike expressed gratitude for the year 2024 and optimism for a more prosperous year 2025, even as he called on the residents and business owners to continue supporting the administration’s efforts towards achieving greater development in the coming year.
“We are grateful for the blessings of 2024 and believe that 2025 holds even greater promise. We urge residents and business owners to continue supporting our efforts as we strive to exceed our accomplishments from the previous year.”

We’ve Eliminated Many Terrorist Commanders; Will Soon Get Turji, Nigerian Army Vows

Greenbarge Reporters

December 31, 2024

Nigerian military high command has given itself credit for the feat achieved in the area of eliminating many terrorist commanders in 2024 that just ended today, December 31.
Taking a stock of the performance of its fighting officers, at a news briefing today, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba said that the next target to be brought down is the notorious terrorist commander, Bello Turji, who he described as a “dead man walking.’
“During the course of the year, troops eliminated thousands of terrorists and also their commanders and combatants among others.
“We are also sure that a similar fate awaits those parading themselves as terror leaders and commanders today.
“Take it from me, he is merely a dead man walking, as he will soon follow suit with many others that have been eliminated during the course of the year.
“To refresh your memory, I will reveal out some of the names of notable terrorist leaders that we have taken out since January this year.
“These include: Halilu Sububu, Dutse Mainasara Idda, Mallam Saleh Umaru, Mohammed Amadu, Abubakar Musa, Adamu Tanko Ibrahim, Yellow Dogon Rakumi, Isiya Boderi and Alhaji Baldu.
“Others are Usman Modi Modi, Kachalla Halilu, Kachalla Tukur, Amir Ibrahim Bukar, Saidu Hassan Yellow, Buba Kachalla Bukar, Bakura Jega, Abba Tukur amongst others.”
General Buba, who promised that the fighting troops would continue to sustain pressure on the terrorist enclaves, hideouts and strongholds as an incentive to speedily defeat the terrorists and hastily end the war, vowed that the military would defend the country from terror attacks with overwhelming military force to continue to deliver tangible benefits for all Nigerians.
He said that several terrorist leaders, combatants and the families also surrendered as a result of the intensity of troops operations.
Turji is a notorious terrorist and bandit leader that has been operating in North-western Nigeria, particularly Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger states.

Dangote Refinery They Tried To Kill, By Prof Michael Ogueke

Greenbarge Reporters

December 31, 2024

The truth is, If Bola Tinubu were to be President of Nigeria in 2015, there wouldn’t have been any Dangote refinery today. They would have killed it at infancy.
How do I mean?
President Muhammadu Buhari stopped at nothing to ensure Dangote refinery was completed. Buhari mobilized immense funds, logistics, enabling business environment, generous waivers on tariffs and taxes for the refinery as well as favourable agreements with government and NNPC on the supply of enough crude in naira for the refinery to achieve full capacity production.
All these were done in preparation for the removal of subsidy so that when it was eventually removed, the cost of petrol will not exceed at least 500 naira a litre and thus make it bearable on Nigerians, as it will not cause to much economic upheaval and disruptions.
Unfortunately, the Tinubu government, with his family’s oil interests, oil marketer oligarchs that helped him to power; his foreign oil masters, and NNPC leeches sucking the life blood out of Nigeria felt threatened by the completed Dangote refinery. And they started all manners of calculated evil to kill an already completed multi-billion dollars refinery.
First, the Tinubu government reneged on the completion of payment for the acquisition of the remaining 20% federal government shares in the refinery which Buhari has already paid 5% with the remaining 20% spread over a period of time favourable to the Federal Government. Why? To deny Dangote refinery the much needed funds to kick-start and maintain production before they break even on their investment.
Two, the Tinubu government, with NNPC reneged on supplying Dangote with the agreed number of crude barrels a day and in naira which the Buhari government signed with him to make fuel affordable to Nigerians. This forced Dangote to start importing crude from America, Europe and Asia in dollars which shot up his production costs and eventually the cost of his fuel.
Next, NNPC announced that Dangote refinery fuel was substandard. Dangote invited experts and National Assembly Committee members who, after testing debunked their lies and affirmed that Dangote refinery fuel is the best.
Then, the government media hirelings immediately started sponsoring ugly narratives about Dangote – calling him a shylock and mean monopolist insensitive to the plight of Nigerians when in reality, it is the Tinubu government and NNPC that are messing up the lives of Nigerians.
Recently again, the government borrowed another 1.3 billion dollars through NNPC without the knowledge of Nigerians. When the clandestine borrowing was bursted, NNPC said they borrowed the money to help Dangote refinery with liquidity. Dangote immediately denied this in a public press statement that it’s a lie & that Dangote refinery have no liquidity problems.
There is nothing this government, NNPC and marketer oligarchs that helped this government to power did not do to kill Dangote refinery.
They even stopped buying from Dangote, saying his fuel is expensive when Dangote refused NNPC to be the sole buyer of his fuel and fixing whatever prices they like to satisfy their greed.
This forced Dangote to start sourcing for markets around the world for his fuel.
If Dangote isn’t a strong and resilient business man, this government and NNPC would have destroyed the monumental Dangote refinery that is the pride of Africa presently with their insatiable greed without a single thought for the suffering masses who Buhari they are working very hard today to tarnish his name did everything for to see the refinery completed
Is it not laughable therefore, that the dubious aides and shameless supporters of the Tinubu government are claiming credit for this administration for the recent recorded increase in export earnings — increased export earnings made possible by Dangote refinery’s exports which they wanted to kill in the first place.
Yes, a refinery Buhari pulled all the stops to see its completion for the betterment of Nigeria and Nigerians.
Is it not laughable that the shameless supporters of this Tinubu government are now using the value of dangote refinery their thieving government and NNPC wanted to destroy in their insatiable greed to now mock Niger republic in their stupid fight with Niger over the Nigerien military president’s weighty accusations against Tinubu
“Dangote Refinery $19b.
Niger Republic GDP $16.82b.”
The same Dangote refinery their government wanted to destroy. Yes, the same Dangote they called all sorts of unprintable names on social media.
Without any conscience and sense of shame, a man is truely lost and dead.
Professor Michael Ogueke wrote in from Abuja and can be reached on michaelogueke@gmail.com

Ex President Buhari Sympathizes With Emir Of Machina, Ex-Immigration Boss, Over Loss Of Their Mothers

Greenbarge Reporters

December 30, 2024

Former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the Emir of Machina of Yobe State, Alhaji Dr. Bashir Albishir Bukar Machina on the loss of his mother, Hajiya Hauwa Mai Bukar Machinawa. He also sympathized with the former Comptroller General of Nigerian Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede over the death of his mother, Hajiya Hajara Babandede
In a separate telephone calls to the bereaved, first to the Emir, the former president said that his mother’s life “was a good example of a meaningful existence and commitment to service on the strength of devotion to values and unwavering faith in God, even in difficult circumstances.”
He also described the late mother of Muhammad Babandede as a bundle of simplicity and caring persona.
Muhammadu Buhari said that Hajiya Hajara Babandede was a shining example of a mother who played a very important role in shaping the character, life and the successful career of her son that subsequently rose to become the nation’s number one immigration officer.
He prayed to Allah for the repose of the souls of the deceased and fortitude for the Emir and the former C-G to bear the loss of their mothers.

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