Isaiah EkaT

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom Council, has barred its members from covering the activities of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly with immediate effect.

The directive is contained in a communique issued at the end of its Wednesday’s state Congress held at its Secretariat on Information Drive, Uyo.

The communique was signed by the council Chairman, Amos Etuk, Secretary, Dominic Akpan, Chairman and Secretary, Communique Drafting Committee, Iniobong Ekponta and Dianime Uko, and member, Emem Okon.

The council hinged its action on the appointment of a non-journalist, Mr Nkereuwem Udom, as the Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr Udeme Otong.

According to the communique, the union warned that any member that defaults the congress will face servere sanctions.

It also called on the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency to take immediate action to end the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the Atiku Abubakar Way.

It maintained that the unhealthy act was blocking the drainage and causing flooding in the area.

It further called on the Federal Road Safety Corps and other agencies involved in traffic management in the state to henceforth enforce the law, arrest and prosecute drivers, who drive against traffic.

It contended that the illegal practice always caused road crashes.

The communique further called on the state Police Command and other security agencies in the state to step up their surveillance and come up with measures to arrest the increasing cases of cell phone theft in Uyo metropolis. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

Bolanle Oniyangi

By Abigael Joshua

Dr Alim Abubakre, British – Nigerian and founder, TEXEM UK has described Bolanle Oniyangi, newly appointed Director at Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as a visionary leader driving landmark judgments and transforming taxation.

While congratulating Oniyangi on her recent appointment on behalf of TEXEM, Abubakre told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that it is a testament to her exceptional skills, dedication, and visionary outlook towards driving transformative change in taxation.

He said that Oniyangi is an alumnus of TEXEM, he added that “she attended our executive development programme, Effective Leadership for Sustainable Success, held between June 12th – July 24th, 2021”.

Abubakre said the remarkable achievement is a testament to her exceptional skills, dedication, and visionary outlook towards driving transformative change in taxation.

“Hajara Bolanle Oniyangi’s journey to this esteemed position has been characterised by unwavering determination and remarkable accomplishments.

“As a seasoned counsel, she has displayed an outstanding commitment to justice, consistently securing numerous landmark judgments for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Ms Oniyangi’s promotion to the exalted position of Director is well deserved because of her excellent analytical credentials, charismatic yet humble mien, inspiring audacity, uncommon patriotism and impeccable moral compass that sets her apart,” he said.

Abubakre said her ability to make good decisions, outstanding coordination credentials, profound positive impact and unwavering dedication led to her appointment as the Coordinating Secretary of the Tax Appeal Tribunal.

He added that this has further expanded her influence and solidified her reputation as a legal luminary and goal-getter.

“In fact, the President of the Lower Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Higher Tax Appeal Tribunal in the UK has praised the Tax Appeal Tribunal under her leadership, acknowledging its superiority in areas such as the deliberation and disposition of justice.

“The Nigerian system’s speed and efficiency in recruiting and retaining commissioners surpass the UK’s, making it more effective in delivering judgments.

“This recognition is a testament to Oniyangi’s exceptional leadership and the positive changes she has brought to the tax appeal system,” Abubakre said.

He said that beyond her professional achievements, Oniyangi’s personal story is an inspiration to all.

Abubakre recalled that as a single mother who tragically lost her husband many years ago, she has demonstrated unwavering strength and resilience in raising her family while excelling in her professional endeavours.

“She is an outstanding role model in stability and integrity, embodying the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

“Sir Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” These words aptly capture the spirit of Hajara Bolanle Oniyangi.

“She embodies the characteristics of a driven and determined individual who consistently delivers exceptional results, regardless of the challenges or targets,” the TEXEM founder said.

Abubakre said that Oniyangi’s appointment as a Director at the FIRS is a significant milestone for her and for the advancement of tax administration in Nigeria.

“Her visionary leadership and commitment to excellence will propel FIRS towards greater heights, facilitating economic growth and promoting compliance in the Nigerian tax landscape.

“We are confident that under her guidance, the FIRS and the Tax Appeal Tribunal will continue to contribute substantially to the nation’s development and fiscal stability.

“Her appointment is a testament to her strategic leadership and illustrious career, exemplified by many landmark judgements she has secured for the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Abubakre said that Oniyangi’s personality epitomises Peter Drucker’s wise statement that the effective leader sees leadership as a responsibility rather than rank and privilege.

“I encourage her to continue her penchant for good judgement, excellent collaborative streak, diplomatic outlook, impressive self-awareness, and the awesome collaborative quotient that will serve her well in her pursuit of enduring impact.

“She should see this elevation as a call for more distinguished service to society and seize this unique opportunity to complete the journey of writing her name in gold,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

President Bola Tinubu, in company of several dignitaries, immediately after arriving in Ijebu-Ode on Thursday. Photo: NAN

By Abiodun Lawal

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday arrived at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode on his way to private visits to some traditional rulers in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu alighted from a presidential chopper in Ijebu-Ode in company of his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

He also had with him the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategies, Dele Alake.

The President, after arriving at exactly 10.17 a.m, inspected the guard of honour.

He was received by Gov. Dapo Abiodun, his deputy, Noimot Salako -Oyedele, a former Ogun governor, Olusegun Osoba, some House of Representatives members and several All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters.

Tinubu, thereafter, left for the residence of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, where he would have a private meeting with the traditional ruler.

Tinubu is also expected to have another meeting with the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in his palace in Abeokuta the state capital later on Thursday.

NAN reports that Tinubu is scheduled to hold a private meeting with Oba Gbadebo, during which issues on Nigeria’s development and growth are also expected to be discussed.(NAN)

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

By Hamza Suleiman

By Ruth Oketunde

Former Director-General of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Julie Okah-Donli, has urged Rotary clubs in the country to carry out more humanitarian projects.

She said this at the Valedictory Fellowship and Formal introduction of the President-Elect, Rotary Club of Abuja, Aso-Golf, in Abuja.

Okah-Donli, who doubles as the outgoing president of the club, said it was necessary for Rotarians to pay particular attention on the seven key areas of focus of the Rotary International.

She said that water and sanitation, healthcare, education, economic and community development projects, among others, would go a long way in impacting the lives of a lot of people.

“We had just one year but I tell you, it was one very successful, difficult and impactful year.

“I met people from different part of the world, different part of Nigeria, Rotary taught me to be patient and tolerant.

“Rotary International is at the forefront of ending polio, malaria, water and hygiene and we have seven areas of focus and we are deliberate about it.

“So every club is expected to fulfill those seven areas of focus,” she said.

She advised the incoming President to encourage and foster the ideals of the club and ensure more service to humanity.

Mr Clement Chinaka, President-Elect of the club, assured of his readiness to continue with the successes recorded by his predecessor.

“Rotary is all about service to humanity and what we do in Rotary is to come together, contribute and jointly organise a project to make impact in the lives of people in different communities.

“Rotary is famous for reaching the poorest of the poor and as my outgoing president has worked very hard to get us to this height, it means that we have to work harder and show good results at the end of our tenure,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr Goddy Nnadi, District Governor, Rotary International District 9125, lauded the club for its numerous and impactful projects.

“This club is a very young club and they have carried out more than 17 impactful projects under the outgoing President.

“This is to celebrate what she has done and to remind the incoming president that he has a responsibility to continue with the successes recorded by the outgoing president,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

By Dorcas Jonah

The National President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Hajiya Lami Lau, on Tuesday called on Muslims and Nigerians in general to pray for divine direction for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Lau in her Sallah message said every true Muslim, especially women, should be grateful to God for the privilege to celebrate the 2023 Eid al-Adha irrespective of the economy challenges.

According to her, the Eid-al-Adha celebration serves as a reminder of the power of faith to bring people together, transcending borders, cultures, differences, and fostering a sense of shared humanity.

“As women, we have faith in President Tinubu’s administration that it holds better days for Nigerians and the women in particular, but we have to pray to God for divine intervention.

“Tinubu’s promise to feature women and youth “prominently” in his administration is a welcome development and an encouragement to Nigeria women to work with him.

“This is why we need to pray to God to keep the new government in focus and that nothing should disarray him and his team from attaining their vision,’’ she said.

Lau said that a World Bank report stated that women make up 49 per cent of Nigeria’s population, but have mainly remained underrepresented in the political space throughout the country’s history.

“As we celebration this festival, let’s have it in mind that we need more women in governance and we called on the president to consider women in his appointment of ministers, Director General of agencies and among key officers.

“If more women are given the opportunity to serve in various government positions, they will bring hope back to the masses and the society will benefit.

“There cannot be any meaningful development without an all-inclusive government of women, youths and persons with disabilities,” she said.

Lau said that the council has full confidence in the President and the first lady, as a patron of NCWS, that the 35 per cent promise of women inclusion in governance would be achieved.

The NCWS president said that there are lots of women technocrats that could fit into any position which the president could look into in his next appointments.(NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola