By Angela Atabo

A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), United Global Resolve for Peace (UGRFP), has called on President Bola Tinubu to defend the saga about his educational qualification from Chicago State University and shame his detractors.

Mr Shalom Olaseni, Chairman of UGRFP, said on Sunday in a statement that as a concerned group, they have been monitoring the whole event surrounding Tinubu’s certificate authenticity.

Olaseni said that the issue had attracted so much attention in the media space both locally and internationally.

“Now is the appropriate time for the President to provide every proof that his certificate was genuinely acquired,” he said.

Olaseni said that Nigeria’s democracy would be dragged in the mud if the controversy was not resolved.

“In this regard, we call upon President Tinubu to forthrightly present his side of the matter.

“The President, as a custodian of our national leadership, owes it to the Nigerian people to provide irrefutable evidence that validates the authenticity of his educational qualifications.

“Transparency is not a mere expectation, it is an imperative for the sustenance of trust and confidence in our leadership.

“The implications of allowing this controversy to persist without resolution will extend beyond the realm of political intrigue and into the very core of our democratic principles,’’ Olaseni said.

According to the UGRFP chairman, by failing to address allegations of this magnitude, the president risks sending a message that integrity and accountability can be compromised with impunity.

Olaseni further said that allowing such allegations to slide would project the image of the country in the negative light.

“As Nigeria seeks to play an increasingly prominent role on the international stage, it is paramount that our leaders demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and accountability,’’ Olaseni added.

He, however, appealed to the National Assembly to critically address the issue, adding that a thorough and fair investigation within a period would ensure justice, the nation’s commitment to the rule of law and transparency.

The chairman also warned those exploiting the situation, especially on social media platforms, to beware.

According to him, decorum is profitable to direct, and circumspection is wisdom in the face of half-truths and blurry narratives.

He said that the reputation of the country was dependent on collective ability to address the allegations surrounding the saga with absolute transparency and integrity.

“We believe that the truth must be unveiled for the sake of our nation’s unity, credibility and the faith our citizens placed on the country.

“Mr President must be accorded a right of reply and remains adjudged by the presumption of regularity and innocence of the allegations against him.

“It is only a court of competent jurisdiction that can adjudicate on this matter,’’ the chairman said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=============
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Remi Koleoso

Prophet Timothy Arabambi, the General Overseer of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Reformation Land, Olunloyo, Ibadan, has admonished Nigerian youths to be good ambassadors by supporting Federal Government policies.

The cleric made the call in his sermon at the youth wing celebrations on Sunday.

Arabambi, particularly admonished the youth in the house of the Lord to be closer to God and be good ambassadors of Christ at all times.

According to him, God is the only way to salvation, peace and unity in life, adding that there was no way one can be successful without Jesus Christ.

He stressed that since President Bola Tinubu assumed office, social vices hindering progress of the country had reduced to the barest.

The cleric, who commended the youth for ensuring endurable peace, urged them to join him in prayers and supplication to God as a panacea to peace, growth and development.

“There is need for the youth to partner with the Federal Government to ensure there is peace in the country.”

“We should be closer as never before, irrespective of our culture, tradition and other barriers, in order to continue to make the country a land of peace and honey,” he stressed.

Speaking further, the cleric appealed to the youth to always be good ambassadors of Jesus Christ, our lord and personal saviour and pray for the success of President Tinubu-led administration.

The prophet said that the on-going economic recession would soon be over,  adding that what Nigerians needed now was to be fervent in prayers to God to redeem this great nation from the hands of both internal and external aggressors. (NAN)

========

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Deborah Coker

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Muhammed Matawalle, has charged the National Defence College (NDC), to develop a curriculum to aid in producing knowledge-based Armed Forces.

Matawalle gave the charge as a Special Guest of Honour at the inauguration of the Course 32 of the NDC in Abuja on Saturday.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Hope Attari, Acting Director of Press and Public Relations of the ministry.

Matawalle, while addressing participants, said the Federal Government would not relent in building a resilient Armed Forces in the face of unpredictable economic and environmental conditions.

He said this would be in response to risk that might threaten national security, economic prosperity and societal wellbeing.

The minister reiterated the President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to combat corruption and improve the economy of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Guest Speaker, Dr Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, noted that Nigeria was blessed with people born with talents and capacities to produce and develop.

On the topic “Strengthening national unity for security and development in Nigeria”, Kana said there might be challenges today, but assured that the country would soon take its rightful place.

“I assure you that Nigeria will soon take its rightful place because of the realisation of the importance of human capital development,” he said.

Earlier Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, Commandant, NDC, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the support to the college.

Olotu urged the participants to use the opportunity to prepare for higher responsibilities as well as establish strong bond of friendship.

“It is worthy to note that 108 members participated at this year Course 32, and out of that figure, we had total number of 15 foreign participants,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The Federal Government has temporarily suspended the N-Power Programme of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to give way for proper audit of the programme.

The Federal Government kick-started the N-Power scheme on June 8, 2016 to address issues of youth unemployment and help to increase social development.

The scheme was created as a component of government’s National Social Investment Programme.

Dr Akindele Egbuwalo, National Programme Manager of N-Power announced its suspension in a statement he issued on Sunday in Abuja.

Egbuwalo stated that the suspension and audit of the scheme became necessary to give room for a detailed investigation into N-Power’s operations in the last 12 months.

He added that 960,000 Nigerians were enrolled in the scheme since its inception to date.

“There is the need to audit the number of people still under the scheme because most of them have exited from N-POWER 1.0 and N-POWER 2.0 Batch A and Batch B.

“The audit is also necessary to establish the number of people that have exited the programme; those who are being owed; and how funds have been utilised over the years,’’ he explained.

Egbuwalo stated that some beneficiaries who concluded their programme since 2022 were still expecting payment from government.

“Recently, we discovered instances of programme beneficiaries whose participation had lapsed since 2022 but have stayed on and continued to expect payment from government.

“Some beneficiaries do not report to their places of primary assignments as required, but still receive monthly payments.

“Some have other jobs and have left this bracket, but are still benefiting from payments, while those who truly worked are not paid.

“These instances call for a thorough audit of the scheme,’’ he stated.

Egbuwalo assured Nigerians that government would prioritise claims of those owed between eight months and nine months stipends after ascertaining the veracity of their claims.

“Graduates and non-graduate volunteers Batch C1 & Batch C2 are in this category. We want to establish the exact number of people owed and the total cost implication to eliminate ghost beneficiaries.

“Our preliminary findings show that some consultants are holding on to beneficiaries’ funds disbursed to them long ago, even when their contract ended in March 2023 without a renewal.

“We condemn this practice and will not tolerate it going forward,’’ he stated.

Egbuwalo added that work was on-going to identify culprit consultants to ascertain why the payments did not get to the beneficiaries.

Such funds would be recalled and paid to affected beneficiaries, he assured.

“We assure all beneficiaries with genuine claims that we will resolve their cases once we complete the verification and honour all valid outstanding obligations.

“We appeal to Nigerians to understand the rationale behind the temporary suspension and investigation of the scheme as we work to restore the nation’s confidence in it,’’ he stated.

Egbuwalo expressed government’s determination to restructure and expand the programme to accommodate persons within the ages of 18 years and 40 years as against the previous age limit of 35 years.

“The restructuring will accommodate some new programmes in education, health, works, agriculture, technology, fashion, entertainment, and other relevant areas of skills acquisition and employability.

“We are targeting five million beneficiaries in five years at a rate of one million beneficiaries per year under the graduate and non-graduate streams,’’ Egbuwalo also stated. (NAN)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

By Fortune Abang

China Geo-engineering Corporation (CGC) Nigeria Ltd. has reiterated its commitment to construct four pipeline loops to boost water supply capacity by 480,000 cubic metres per-day in Nigeria.

The organisation made this known in a statement published on the AU”s website on Saturday.

The statement said the project encompassed 415 kilometers of ductile-iron water distribution pipelines of varying DN1500-200 diameters.

It described the organisation’s Water Supply Division of CGC to have had extensive business advantages in engineering projects, internationally competitive, water project construction capabilities and project subcontracting management capabilities.

Also in matching design consulting, operation management and market growth capabilities, thereby contributing towards improvement of economic and social development in Nigeria.

According to the statement, since 2001 CGC built more than 100 water plants in 36 states of Nigeria, served daily life, and boosted production and water supply of 70 million people.

“The Greater Abuja Water Supply Project, flagged off in May 2021, constructed by Water Supply Division of CGC Nigeria Limited, is a significant infrastructure development in Nigeria’s capital.

“This is managed by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and jointly financed by the Export-Import Bank of China.

“It aims to construct four pipeline loops, thereby enhancing the city’s water supply capacity by 480,000 m3/d.

“The project encompasses 415 kilometers of ductile iron water distribution pipelines of varying diameters DN1500-200.”

The statement noted that completion of the project would alleviate water scarcity in 50 districts and benefit an estimated 2.5 million residents.

It described the project as being more than just a water supply initiative, also as a comprehensive plan to enhance the quality of life in the FCT to provide safe, reliable and ample water to its inhabitants.

“The project’s social benefits are manifold improving living standards by laying and commissioning water supply pipelines, the project connects the final ‘mile’ of the water supply system.

“This expansion increases the city’s water supply capacity from 240,000m3/d to 720,000m3/d, effectively addressing the long-standing water shortage in the FCT and enhancing residents’ quality and health of life.

“(It will) create employment opportunities; the project directly employs over a thousand indigenous workers during construction, indirectly creating more job opportunities.

“It stimulates local employment and income growth while nurturing a group of Nigerian local talents and enhancing local personnel skills and quality.

“(Also) promoting sustainable development; the project allows the existing water plant to operate at its maximum capacity, reducing resource waste,” it added.

It said the organisation would expand its scope of water users, improve expenditure of the water supply system, form a virtuous cycle, and lay the foundation for long-term stable development of water supply service.

It assured the project would help strengthen the FCT’s water supply system, provide a crucial foundation for its economic, social, and cultural development, as well as bolster Nigeria’s international image and soft-power.

CGC is a reputable Chinese company at the forefront of construction of roads and bridges, agriculture, mining, water supply, irrigation, drilling, real estate, manufacturing and trade in Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Thompson Yamput/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Tosin Kolade

The Chief Executive Officer, Health Aid for All Initiative (HAFAI), Dr Ugochi Ohajuruka, has tasked the Federal Government to prosecute anyone caught violating provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015.

Ohajuruka made this call at an event to commemorate the 2023 International Day of the Girl-Child, in partnership with the Global Glow USA in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the VAPP Act was enacted in 2013, passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on May 14, 2015.

It is aimed at eliminating violence in private and public life, prohibit all forms of violence against persons and to provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment for offenders.

Ohajuruka explained that it is time for government to implement laws, follow through the policies and let people know difference between wrong and right.

“We want to see perpetrators going to jail because they cut their daughters for nothing that they know nothing about,” she said.

She also revealed that poor access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities is one of the reasons why girls don’t stay in school or even engage in class and sport activities.

“HAFAI gives sanitary supplies to these girls, while advocating against harmful barbaric activities.

“We say the law has been passed and these practices have to be abandoned and we are happy that our organisation is making lots of milestone in these regards,” she said.

She advised parents to be hands-on and more accessible to their children, so that they will be able to confide in them when they are faced with challenges.

“Charity begins at home, the foundation of anybody’s life starts from the home that is why when we run community engagement program we discuss with religious and traditional leaders who are parents and parents of the girls as well that they should be more involved in the lives of their girls,” she said.

One of the girls,  Adamu Hauwa, on her part charged the government to create more organisations like Global Glow and HAFIA in empowering and mentoring girls, teaching them to build self-esteem and leadership skills.

Hauwa added that government should provide scholarship opportunities for girls,  saying many of them lack access to basic education.

The theme of the 2023 International Day of the Girl-Child is: ‘Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership.”.

The 2023 event aims to unite adolescent girls with advocates for their rights, including UN leaders, NGOs, businesses, and governments.

HAFAI promotes the rights of girls/women to education and safe reproductive healthcare choices using a holistic approach to behavioral change; and sustainable menstrual hygiene management solutions.

It also works to reduce maternal and infant mortality through disease control, immunization against common childhood diseases and population management. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

===========

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

By Dorcas Elusogbon

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has said that the history of the ancient city of Ile-Ife is deeper than what is available in academic institutions.

Ooni disclosed this on Saturday during the press conference on the theme: “International Conference on Ile-Ife and Yoruba Civilisation: The Nexus between Tradition and Modernity”, held at his palace in Ile-Ife.

He lauded the organisers of the event saying that it would pave the way for proper documentation of Ile-Ife history.

“As the 51st Ooni of Ife, in the third dynasty of Ife, i noted that there are so many facts that were not written down about the nexus of tradition and modality.

“Our oral tradition has not been adequately written down, so many facts and figures were distorted from the original history of Kaaro-o-o-jiire.

“For me to build the legacy for the entire Kaaro-o-o-jiire race, that is known as Yoruba people, we are discovering every day that our history is deeper than what we have in various academic institutions,” OOni said.

He commended the team led by Prof. Siyan Oyefeso, as very passionate and fantastic people working together to put history in the right perspective.

The royal father revealed that Ghanians had traced their lineage to Aga-Ako in Ile-Ife and that Euthopians are sons and daughters of Oramiya in Okerewe, Eredumi ruling house in Ife till date.

‘Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania categorically told me when i travelled to their countries that they migrated from Ile-Ife and they are sons and daughters of the source, while all these cannot be found in any archive.

“We are leading the team globally, nobody has documented the three dynasties, only the last dynasty, Ife Akanlubebe, which am the 51st Ooni, was documented to a large extent.

“But the two, Ife Oodaye and Ife Ooyelagbo, some professors talked briefly on them, but during this internatioanl conference, the duo will be deeply rooted.

“Their rulers, supernatural beings that form these dynasties like: the Luwos, the Agbaakos., the Oromos, Oranmiyans, all over the continents of Africans, the Bantoos, the Baribas will be dealth with,” Ooni added.

Oba Ogunwusi tasked the indigenes to support the conveners of the conference in order to properly document the history of their race.

“If we fail to do it this time around, nobody will do it for us, we cannot be waiting for any western country to continue with wrong documentation,” he said.

Earlier, Oyefeso, a Lecturer at the Department of History, International Studies, Osun State University, said the conference is an international academic gathering that needs the royal blessing of Ooni.

Oyefeso said that apart from royal the blessing, the conference would deepen the body of literature on Ile-Ife and Yoruba civilisation.

He stated facts would be established that Ile-Ife is not just the cradle of Yoruba race, but a place where Yoruba identity was formed.

“Right from the Oduduwa revolution to the three phases of Ile-Ife history, Ife Oodaye, Ife Oyelagbo and Ife Akanlubebe has not been put in right perspective.

“We want to ensure that Nigerians are aware that before the 51st dynasty, there had been three phases and its the third phase that his royal majesty is now the 51st Ooni of Ife.

“So when people talk about the history of Ile-Ife, they talk about it in generic terms, we want to draw that distinction,” the convener said.

“The main purpose of the conference is to invite body of scholars at the international, national, state and local levels to reexamine the existing literature.

“And to come out with a new original and unsearched evidence which might have been unresearched. A number of experts in Yoruba history, archeology would be part of the conference.

“Eminent scholars overseas and Nigeria that would partake in the conference are:Prof. Cordelia Osasona, Professor of Architecture,OAU;Prof. Oyeronke Olademo, Professor of Coparative Religious Studies of the Unilorin.

Others include: Prof. Akin Ogundiran, Professor of Africana Studies, Anthropology & History of the Northwestern University, United States of America and the 18th President of the Society of Africanist Archaeologists among others.

“In less than eight years of Oba Ogunwusi on the throne, there are a lot of changes in the architectural and infrastructural landscape in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife within the 60 years of establishment.

“Ile-Ife is now the home of tourism and hospitality, it is a great destination of today, Ooni is a proprietor of Ojaja University, Eyenkorin, Ilorin, Kwara.

“He established hospitality industry in the leading city of Nigeria today like: Ife Grand Resort, Ojaja Arena, Ojaja Cinema, Adire Odua hub, Ojaja More in Ife, Ede, Ibadan, Akure, Lagos among other cities,” Oyefeso expressed.

The historian said that Oba Ogunwusi had impacted greatly on Yoruba history and culture, encouraging archeologists and historians to partner by coming together to deepen their understanding, not just on the history of Ile-Ife but of the entire Yoruba race.

He said that the academic conference would hold between Oct. 10 and Oct. 12 at Ojaja Arena, Ife Grand Resort, Km 4, Ife-Ibadan Expressway, Ile-Ife.

“The Ooni has positioned Ile-Ife as a leading light in the making of modern Nigeria, embarked on several local and foreign trips to tie the loose ends and reestablish the cultural significance of the Yoruba race.

“Ooni is passionate about the preservation and restoration of the ancient city of Ile-Ife, since ascension to the throne,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria {NAN} reports that the conference would basically be on documenting the history of Ile-Ife in terms of culture, archeology, history, tourism, hospitality and international networking. {NAN}

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede