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All posts by Salisu Sani Idris

Religious

Buhari, Kaigama describe Benedict XVI as ‘Humble lover of Christ’

By Bridget Ikyado

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, His Grace Ignatius Kaigama has described late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI as a humble follower and lover of Christ.

He stated this at a requiem mass in honour of Pope Benedict at the Our lady Queen of Nigeria Pro Cathedral Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Pontiff, Born Joseph Ratzinger, died on Dec. 31, 2022 in Vatican at the age of 95 after resigning on health grounds a decade ago.

Kaigama said the Pope’s death is a reminder that we belong to Christ and our request to return to him can be any time.

He said the church was consoled that the pope lived a long prayerful and productive life.

The cleric outlined lessons to be learned about the life and times of the pope to include, his focus on bringing God back to the centre of all human endeavour.

“He also addressed the need to purify the church and ourselves.

“He hated and discouraged bribe; he faced up the issues of immorality-sexual abuse, abortion, homosexuality.

Monsignor Antonio Guido- Filipazzi the ‘Apostolic Nuncio’ to Nigeria and other Clergies during mass.

” He stressed the importance of interreligious and intercultural dialogue. He worked to build bridges between Christian and other faiths.

“The Pope was interested in a true meaningful dialogue and unity of the church.

“The pope showed interest in dialogue and econiumcum of the church

” After his surprise resignation, Benedict the 16th was only known to have left the Vatican briefly and was rarely seen in public.

” He had a very cordial relationship with other church leaders,“he said.

Kaigama said that the pope loved and promoted unity and peace in African countries through prayers and encounters.

Kaigama further encouraged African leaders to emulate the late Pope.

“He lived a commendable, exemplary and God centred life,“he said.

Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese His Grace Ignatius Kaigama in an interview with newsmen.

In his remark, President Muhammadu Buhari condoled the Vatican, Clergies and Catholics over the Pope’s death and described him as a true servant of God.

The President was represented by the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen.

“I hope he will be remembered as a true servant of God, who lived in humility and peace.

” I pray God to accept his soul whom he lived to serve all his life,” he said.

Also speaking, Monsignor Antonio Guido- Filipazzi the ‘Apostolic Nuncio’ to Nigeria, thanked all laymen and clergies who had come to sympathise with the church.

“I thank the Archbishop and Bishops Emeritus, John Cardinal Onaiyekan,Clergy, Nigerian leaders and authorities, members of the diplomatic corps who have come to express their condolences to the Holy See.

“To be a Pope has a great responsibility and we need to pray for God’s mercy on the soul of the faithful departed, “he said.

Other Christians, who expressed their sympathy, said the late Pope lived a fulfilled life.

Prof. Gabriel Okenwa of the Papal Knight of St Sylvester, described the Late Pope as classic leader.

” For me Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was a quintessential servant of God on earth.

“I easily saw him as a world class theologian, he represented a lot and I can further here describe him as an epitome of the church’s institutional memory.

” I also saw Pope Benedict as a man of God who came and redefined the process of peace making.

Rev. Fr Patrick Alumuku, Director of Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja said” Pope Benedict the XVI was a gift to the church and to the world”.

“He was a great theologian and a great intellectual.

” One of the greatest intellectual the church had in our own time.

“We miss him a lot today, we love him because he had thought us a lot, he had thought us the love of God and about our faith,“he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Politics

2023: APC campaign committee begins voters’ sensitisation in Lagos

By oluwatope Lawanson

The Lagos Mainland All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Committee has kicked off activities for members and voters sensitisation ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The Committee Chairman, Mr Ayodeji Abdulrauf made it known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

Abdulrauf said campaign activities started on Wednesday at Ward A Mainland with Members Engagement and Voters Sensitisation held at Otto Primary School.

According to the committee chairman, activities laid down includes, Members Engagement and Voters Sensitisation taking place across the Wards in both Lagos Mainland Local Government and Yaba LCDA respectively.

He said: “These programmes are slated for Jan. 4 to 22 at 4.00 p.m. daily while there will be a Re-visit of some wards from 22 to 30.

“This is necessary for strategic purposes.

“Thereafter, from Feb. 1 to 10, Wards House to House campaign begins and it will be monitored by the local government campaign committee members for effectiveness.”

Abdulrauf added that on Feb. 11, a ‘Walk Thru Rally’ would be held for APC Candidates while on Feb. 18,
Lagos Mainland APC would hold its Unity Rally.

For effectiveness and successful outcome of the election, the chairman noted that Yoruba and Pidgin jingles would also be deployed to complement the party’s campaigns activities.

He, therefore, sought the support and understanding of members and voters for a successful outcome of the election.

Abdulrauf also appealed to the people to get their PVC’s while ensuring they came out to exercise their civic rights on election day.

He noted that without the PVC, the electorate would not be able to exercise their power, adding that it was the only tool that could be used to do the best for the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Defence/Security

Intelligence: NFIU warns against huge cash withdrawals

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has warned the public and private entities against massive cash withdrawals.

The Director and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Malam Modibbo HammanTukur, gave the advisory in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

He spoke on the state of the nation’s security threats and financial liquidity.

HammanTukur advised all federal Ministries, Departments, parastatal Agencies (MDAs), State Governments, Local Government Councils, corporate bodies as well as, civil servants, public and private officers to embrace the cashless policy of money transactions to deepen national security.

This is to strengthen the country’s security and financial systems, he explained.

According to him, the Federal and State Governments as well as the 774 local government councils have made cash withdrawals of about N200 billion, N156 billion and N120 billion, respectively, from 2015 to date.

To curb this excesses, the Federal Government has directed and ordered the stoppage of “direct cash withdrawals by public institutions and officers” with effect from March 1, this year, HammanTukur stated.

He therefore advised all stakeholders to adopt new technologies of financial transactions and abide by the withdrawal limits or thresholds earlier prescribed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for corporate and individual transactions.

It would be recalled that the CBN had in December 2022 prescribed a threshold of N5 million only for corporate accounts and N500,000 only for individuals per week.

HammanTukur however explained that no infractions have been recorded so far, but noted that cash withdrawals are still higher than deposits.

“Liquidity is needed to finance our markets”, he noted, adding that there is no threat to the corruption and money laundering crusade yet.

Besides, the director assured that any body with genuine need for huge cash transactions would seek presidential approval as there was no “standing waiver” on this policy.

While warning that the “guideline is not reversible”, he stressed that any cash withdrawal beyond the approved limit would trigger a red flag by the relevant anti-graft agencies.

He reasserted that Nigeria has been designated as a non-cash society by the World Bank, IMF and ECOWAS, among other stakeholders, with effect from March 1.

This is in addition to the categorisation of Nigeria as a “high risk” country by the concerned parties because of the enormous security challenges facing the nation, HammanTukur said.

“We can’t flow with politicians” because of obvious complications, while the set March 1 deadline was sacrosanct, according to him.

He however expressed optimism that the cash transactions would drop from the current N3 trillion to about N1 trillion when the policy became effective.

The NFIU director reminded Nigerians that three years imprisonment, payment of equivalent value of money involved or both punishments awaited violators of the cashless policy.

HammanTukur underscored the teeth of the “Rnforcement, guidelines and policies for mitigation of money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation of weapons and prevention of predicate crimes” Act of 2022.

He particularly cited Sections 2 and 22 of the NFIU laws of 2022 to buttress his threat. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Metro

FEMA seeks establishment of safety commission, floats emergency marshal

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), on Wednesday in Abuja called for the establishment of a Safety Commission to regulate activities of gas stations.

According to him, the initiative is with a view to curbing fire explosions in the territory.

The Director-General of the agency, Alhaji Abbas Idriss, made the call while briefing newsmen on the activities of the organisation in 2022 and its plans for 2023.

Idris observed that most gas stations and outlets in the nation’s capital didn’t have well trained staffers that attended to customers professionally whenever they went to refill their cylinders.

” Every gas station is supposed to have a protective gear for customers to use within their vicinity to protect themselves.

“Gas selling outlets in the filling stations are supposed to have a wall demarcating them with the filling station, but it is not the situation.

” So, if we need to have a safety commission regulated by the FCT Administration to ensure that they train the workers of those stations and make sure that they do the right thing.

” If not, we will continue to have fire explosions that are going to cause much harvoc in the FCT and we have written to the administration to the proposed establish safety commission,” he said.

The D-G said that the agency had concluded plans to introduce Emergency Marshals to work in different communities across the six Area Councils to curb hazards.

This, he stated, was a measure enunciated to help in managing the adverse effects of the rapid growing population in the nation’s capital.

Idriss disclosed that the agency had carried out hazards mappings in Abuja, identifying areas where urgent attention was required.

He explained that the decision to introduce Emergency Marshals was based on the need to increase Idriss said; saving interventions and also mitigate hazards.

According to him, the Marshals will complement the efforts of volunteers who have played key roles in the agency’s activities.

Idriss said: ” We intend to introduce emergency Marshals this year. These are volunteers who assist students, hospital workers, PWDs, and the general public during emergencies.

” They also assist in facility services, Risk Management and Safety Services by reporting conditions in a building that could present a hazard during an emergency.

” They also maintain an orderly evacuation; conduct a sweep of an area to ensure that evacuation is complete.”

He also stated that the Marshals were expected to participate in debriefings resulting from evacuation and complete a monthly checklist for fire safety issues in their areas.

” The FCT has become a standard in flood control in the country. This is because of a drastic reduction in the impact of flooding.

“We attribute this development to early warning and massive sensitisation on what to do before the rains,
during the rains and after the rains.

” We have also issued early warning in line with the impact- based seasonal climate prediction by NIMET, and the annual flood outlook issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Agency,” he said.

Idriss also said that in 2022, FEMA responded to 42 distress calls on the 112 emergency toll free numbers.

” This shows a marked reduction to
2021 where we had 173 distress calls, I want to attribute this reduction to the massive sensitization of residents.

” In 2022, 270 lives were rescued from various flood incidents received from 16 distress calls
through the 112 emergency toll free number,” he said.

The D-G reassured the FCT residents on the commitment of the agency to the protection of lives and property following reduction of response time from five minutes to three minutes. ( NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Josephine Obute/Bashir Rabe Mani

General News

Obasanjo commiserates with AfDB President Adesina over mum’s demise

By Cecilia Ijuo 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has commiserated with the President,  African Development Bank(AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina over the demise of his mother, Mrs Eunice Adesina.

The former President in a  letter addressed to Adesina, said late Eunice was a hardworking personality, who dedicated her life to her family and the church of Christ.

He further said the deceased, who passed away on Dec. 22, 2022 at the age of 92, lived a fulfilled life, adding that her impact on her family was evident in the achievements of her children.

“It is with sadness I read the passing on to glory of Mama, Chief, Mrs Eunice Adesina.

“On behalf of my family please accept our profound condolences and prayers as you go through the permanence of her absence.

“The loss of a mother is never an easy moment to bear, you should however, be consoled as she lived a life of lessons, hardwork and dedication,”he said.

Obasanjo said the grace of God, which Eunice enjoyed with her late husband, Mr Roland Adesina, led to the impact they made before their demise.

While urging the bereaved to take solace in the fact that she had contributed her quota to human development, the former President said, “mama was one in a million.

“The evidence of her motherhood is well reflected on her children and daughters-in-law. 

“I can attest to the fact that her children and you in particular  are men of strong character and great achievements in their respective rights.

“Those of you she left behind should be comforted even as you celebrate her time on earth.”

Obasanjo said, while all mankind would take same path someday, it was important to be prepared for what one would be remembered for.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams 

Politics

APC PCC donates 1000 bags of food items to Christian community in Zamfara

By Ishaq Zaki

The Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has donated 1,000 bags of rice and corn flour to the Christian community in the state for the celebration of the 2022 Christmas and 2023 New Year in the state.

This is contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Tuesday by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris.

“The food items which comprised 250 bags of rice and 750 bags of maize flour were handed over to the Christian community in the state by the State APC PCC Coordinator Sen. Kabiru Marafa.

“The gesture was aimed at joining the Christian community in celebrating the festive season in the zone which is Coordinated by Gov. Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara.

“Marafa called on the beneficiaries, the Christian community leaders in the state to ensure that the gesture reached the majority of their members especially those in need throughout the state,” Idris said.

Idris also quoted the PCC Coordinator as calling on them to contribute in creating more awareness on the candidature of the APC presidential and vice presidential candidates, Matawalle and their ability to move the nation and the state to greater heights.

“Marafa called on them to continue to pray for the growth, development, security, peace and unity of the nation as well as the state beyond the 2023 general elections,” he added.

In their remarks while receiving the items, the state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Eze-Igbo Zamfara, Ahmad Haruna and Igwe Egbuna Obijiaku, respectively, commended the council for the gesture and promised to extend it to the beneficiaries.

The two leaders also assured that the Christian community would always pray for the growth and wellbeing of Nigeria and Nigerians. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

General News

Emefiele saga: Human Rights Organisation cautions against interference in DSS investigations

By Abdul Hassan

National Coordinator and Special Envoy of Ecology and Marine International Human Rights Organisation, Alhaji Musa Saidu, has cautioned against inference in the ongoing investigations of alleged fraud by the CBN Governor, Dr Godwin Emefiele.

Saidu told the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja that the recent criticism against DSS investigations of N70 trillion alleged looted funds and hidden in banks by some eminent Nigerians was uncalled for.

“ DSS is doing its job and as ordered by the President without partiality, so why should they be condemned by elites?,’’ he asked.

According to him, the CBN governor is like any other public officer entrusted with the public property as such he can be investigated, if the need arises.

Saidu said there were series of allegations against Emefiele by some Nigerians which include alleged fraud and the reported diversion of revenue funds, diversion of agricultural loans as well as some fraudulent practices in Forex transactions.

“ The DSS investigation on the CBN governor is lawful and should be cherished by any patriotic Nigerian not condemning the act,’’ he said.

Saidu said that it was unpatriotic for any Nigerian to launch a campaign against any security outfit that strives to establish law and order in the country particularly, the Department of State Security (DSS).

“We should see the ongoing investigation of Emefiele and others as a step towards ensuring justice, fairness and respect for the law and order in the country.

‘` We shall also see the DSS investigations into the alleged financial criminal offences as a giant stride of the Buhari administration,’ he said.

The activist however, condemned the sponsored campaign against DSS in the social media by some so called Non- Governmental Organisations on the Emefiele investigation, saying, “that is a sabotage and subversive to the state affairs.

“As a Human Rights activist, I believe in the rule of law, as such, security organisations should arrest whoever is found wanting in government’’ he said.

Sa’idu pledged his organisation’s support to the security outfits to the fight against crimes in the country.

He vowed: ‘` We are ready to unite with DSS, police, military and all security agencies towards maintaining law and order in Nigeria.’’ (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Metro

IDPs camp demolition : ActionAid tasks FG, FCTA on provision of shelter, amenities

By Angela Atabo

An NGO, ActionAid Nigeria, has called on the Federal Government and Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to provide amenities for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at Durumi in the FCT.

Country Director of ActionAid, Ene Obi ,made the call at a news briefing at the camp on Monday in Abuja.

The director, who went round the camp to observe the impact of the demolition exercise by the FCTA described it as “unfortunate”.

She said: “The demolition was unexpected and had resulted in shock and trauma for the IDPs.

” Nearly 70 per cent of the IDPs are women, children and elderly persons. They are now suffering from the impact of the demolition.

“This is surprising, because, the camp had the recognition and support of the Federal Government, it’s officials, INGO, FCTA and other organisations and individuals.”

Obi said the various authorities had supported and built infrastructure in the camp such as a health facility, primary school, a block of toilets and boreholes among others.

The country director further said that the camp had over 3000 individuals from 330 households.

She said: “If the Federal Government recognised the IDP camp, then it is pertinent to ask what changed their stance, leading to its demolition just few days before the Christmas?” Obi asked.

According to Obi, the leadership of the camp, in collaboration with the different security agencies had helped to checkmate criminal activities within its vicinities.

She said her interaction with the IDPs indicated that the demolition took place without any form of notice to the IDP or option of relocation or resettlement.

“Some weeks ago, the Federal Commissioner in charge of National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, visited the camp,” she said.

Obi stated that they had then discussed with the IDPs on the possible relocation, but did not fix time before the demolition exercise took place.

According to her, the IDPs cannot currently go back to their various homes as some of them are still under attack by the insurgents.

Obi said: “Women and children are currently sleeping in open places without mats or blankets.

“Starvation and hunger now prevail in the camp, due to loss of their stored foodstuffs and cooking utensils, because of the unexpected demolition.

“Different families have to take turns in using one pot to cook.

“There is an urgent need for psychosocial and health support for traumatised IDPs whose belongings are now exposed to theft.

Obi further said that ActionAid was deeply concerned by the plight of the IDPs and as always, would stand in solidarity with them.

“Today, we will be providing these IDPs with food, non food items and dignity kits.

“We are also appealing to donor and corporate organisations to support the IDPs to be self sustaining through the provision of economic empowerment.

“We, hereby reiterate that the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and FCTA should consider as a matter of urgency the establishment of an organised camp to resettle the IDPs.

“They should also support them with the construction of shelter and basic infrastructure like school, health centre, toilets and water facilities.

Also speaking , the Chairman of the camp, Mr Ibrahim Ahmadu called on the Federal Government and FCTA to dialogue with the leadership of the camp to fashion out a way of addressing all the issues raised by the authorities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ActionAid Nigeria distributed relief items to the women including N10,000 each to over 100 women in the camp. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Bashir Rabe Mani

General News

Jonathan, Douglas, Olu of Warri make ‘Most Reputable Africans’ list

By Aderogba George

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Jennifer Douglas, Managing Partner, Miyetti Law Firm, Ogiame Atuwatse, the Olu of Warri and other Nigerians have been named among the 100 Most Reputable Africans.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2023 ‘roll of honour’ was released on Monday by Reputation Poll International(RPI), organisers of the annual event on its website.

The ranking released in alphabetical order, featured men and women drawn from diverse sectors across the continent including; leadership, entertainment, advocacy, education and business.

Other Nigerians who made the list include Dauda Lawal, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of Credent Capital and Advisory,Human Rights activist Aisha Yesufu, Arunma Oteh and Akinremi Bolaji, Director, Legal and Consular, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Another set of listed Nigerians also include Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations,Wally Adeyemo, Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of the Treasury and Mr Cosmas Maduka, Chairman of the Coscharis Group.

Pastor William Kumuyi, Bishop David Oyedepo, Pastor Paul Enenche and Pastor Enoch Adeboye, are four Nigerian clerics who made the list.

According to the organisers, the selection criteria are integrity, visibility and impact.

“The above luminaries are joined by other great Africans who are celebrated for their social impact and social entrepreneurship that are transforming businesses in Africa and affecting lives positively without controversy.

“On Governance and Policy: Kenya’s President, Mr Wiliam K. Ruto, Lazarus Chakwera, President of Malawi and Ivory Coast Senator, Chantal Moussokoura Fanny among others were listed.

“On Business: Egypt’s Naguib Onsi Sawiris chairman of Weather Investments’s parent company, Ghana’s Sir Samuel Esson Jonah Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, and Nigeria’s Dr Dauda Lawal, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Credent Capital and Advisory.

“On Human Rights Advocacy, Martha K. Koome, Chief Justice of Kenya, and Nigeria’s Aisha Yesufu are featured.

“On Leadership: Ethiopia’s President Sahle Work-Zedwe, Nigeria’s Dr Paul Enenche, and Ghana’s Afua Kyei (the Chief Financial Officer at Bank of England, where she leads the Finance Directorate) are also featured,” the organisers said.

NAN reports that Reputation Poll is acclaimed globally for its annual ranking of the 100 Most Reputable People on Earth and Most Reputable CEOs in various countries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Collins Yakubu-Hammer/ Grace Yussuf

Economy/Business

Association demands reversal of policy on third-party motor insurance premium

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Insurance Consumers Association of Nigeria (INSCAN), has called for the reversal of policy directive on the increase of third-party motor insurance premium by 200 per cent.

The National Coordinator of the association, Mr Yemi Soladoye, made the demand in a letter addressed to the National Insurance Commission, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday in Abuja.

He said:” We, the Insurance Consumers Association of Nigeria, an affiliate of the Federal Competition and Consumers Protection Commission of Nigeria, once again introduce ourselves to you
as an organisation established in 2010 with objectives to speak for the aggrieved Nigerians on insurance Matters.

” We hereby demand that the directive to be reversed as it amounts to a deliberate breach of the fundamental principle of the utmost good faith and other decent regulatory principles that guide Insurance practice on your part.

” Our demand for the reversal of the directive is based on the facts that you failed to understand the full implications of your directive that the real organs you will punish are the Nigerian Insurance Consumers who provide the income that accrue
to the entire insurance Industry. ”

Soladoye said that consumers in Nigeria deserved more than one-week notice from the insurance commission, adding that the association was not impressed with the corresponding increase in the Indemnity limit to N3.0 million.

He added: ” You are definitely aware of the fact that even at the current N5,000 MTP premium, many Nigerians still patronise the fake underwriters and this is not because these
Nigerians cannot afford the N5,000 but because they don’t see any benefit.

” We recall that even in the recent cases of currency redesign and cash withdrawal
limit introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)(which is at nil cost to the depositors) still enough time
was given to the public for feed backs and adjustments to be made.

” As a Regulator in the Financial Services, you know that Companies and even governments in Nigeria must have concluded their budgets for the year 2023 latest by
mid-December 2022.”

He said that the predictable outcome of the policy directive would be substantial increase in the
number of fake Insurance Underwriters in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani