NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News

Gov. Badaru applauds predecessors for investing in infrastructure

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By Abdullahi Mohammed

Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa on Monday lauded his predecessors for the massive investment in infrastructure which made the environment conducive and created ease of doing business through road network.

Badaru made this known at the inauguration of two roads of 52.2 km worth N7.7 billion in Dangwali and Madobi, suburbs of Dutse.

Of the two roads, a 35.7 km road starts from Dutse to Dangwali while 16.8 km road starts from Madobi to Baranda, all in Dutse Local Government Area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Badaru had from 2015 to 2020 constructed more than 1,537 km roads worth N66.7 billion.

The governor, who expressed happiness over his predecessors’ achievements also said that their investments were geared toward making Jigawa investment-friendly.

Badaru announced that almost all the rural communities in Jigawa had been connected through road network, saying that the state government would continue to create a conducive atmosphere for the prospective investors.

“My thanks go to my predecessors because their contributions in road network is enormous.

“We were inspired by them; we had continued from where they had stopped and we had wonderfully done well,” the governor said.

“Since the inception of this administration, we have constructed over 1,550 km road network across the entire state,” the governor said.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Works, Aminu Gumel, said: “as at today, 40 out of 42 rehabilitated roads have been completed.” (NAN)

General News

Group task youths on preservation of indigenous languages, cultural heritage

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By Grace Alegba

The Yoruba Youth Assembly (YYA), an umbrella body of Yoruba youth groups globally, has appealed to Nigerian youths to lead campaigns for protection and preservation of indigenous languages, cultural heritage and identities.

Mr. Olarinde Thomas, president of the group, which has 38 affiliates in Nigeria and the Diaspora, made the call in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

Thomas said that YYA made the appeal during its conferment of award on Mr Taiwo Alli, an industrialist, nationalist and culture ambassador in Lagos.

The YYA president stressed the need for Nigerian youths to re-awaken the African consciousness of the next generation through protection and preservation of the nation’s values, culture and languages.

“As we develop within our democratic dispensation in Nigeria, it is important that the youth be fully involved in the task of societal development and consolidation of the achievements being recorded in our urban sector.

“As youths who are the most active and vital force in the society; we are the most eager to learn and the least conservative in their thinking.

“It is, therefore, of the utmost urgency that a framework be put in place to harness and bring into full play the energy of our youths in the task of transforming our tribe and nation into a truly developing one,” he said.

He commended Alli for being a uniting force understanding the core values and aspirations of the youth and their “quest for unity, peace, prosperity, mutual respect and peaceful co-existence.”

He commended Alli for being a culture ambassador, doing his best to promote the Yoruba values and heritage, describing him as a great nationalist.

Thomas also thanked the recipient of the award for providing leadership in education; IT and property sector and being a role model for youths aspiring for greatness.

The YYA President lamented that the colonial rule introduced western ideologies into governance to whittle down the powers and relevance of the traditional rulers and also made them subservient to the educated elite.

He called for protection of the nation’s rich cultural heritage and, values which were daily being eroded, urging youths to lead the campaign to change the narrative.

On his part, Alli, Chairman/CEO, Clifton Homes, who is also the Managing Director, Twin Tech Services Ltd., thanked the leadership of YYA for counting him worthy to receive the award.

He pledged his continued support for YYA as well as youth empowerment and training in the South West.

General News

APC rallies support for new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo

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By Emmanuel Mogbede

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday in Abuja, urged Nigerians of Igbo extraction to support Prof. George Obiozor to fulfil his mandate as the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

The party in a statement by Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, Secretary of its Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), congratulated Obiozor for emerging as the President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group.

Akpanudoedehe said that going by his distinguished service to the nation, Obiozor’s experience and suitability for the strategic position of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo was not in doubt.

“On behalf of the National Chairman of APC CECPC, Gov. Mai Mala Buni and the entire APC family, our great party congratulates Obiozor on his election as the President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“We also congratulate the outgoing Chief John Nwodo executive for its mature and patriotic leadership of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo,” he said.

Akpanudoedehe wished the Obiozor-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo a successful tenure, adding that the desire of the APC was to place the East geo-political zone in its deserved political standing in the country.

He further added that the APC CECPC under the leadership of Gov. Buni was determined to consolidate on the ongoing efforts to further mainstream the South-East geo-political zone in the workings of the party.

He said that the APC was ready to partner and work with the new leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to ensure development of the region and the country at large.

Akpanudoedehe said that the APC was confident that the new leadership would be a bastion for the unity and tolerance all Nigerians should imbue for the peace and progress of the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obiozor, a former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Israel and Cyprus, polled 304 votes to defeat his closest rival, Valentine Oparaocha, who polled 15 votes.

The election took place at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, capital of Imo after the dissolution of the Nwodo-led executives.

Gary Igariwey, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, adopted the option A4 voting for the balloting to promote transparency and credibility of the process.

However, three of the contestants including Chukwunyere Nwaebo, Goddy Uwazuruike and Uju Okoro stepped down for Obiozor before voting began.

The electoral committee had said that three of the eight persons, who picked the nomination form, did not return the forms; they include Chidi Osuagwu, Chris Asoluka and Joe Nworgu. (NAN)

General News

Prof. Obiozor emerges as new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo

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By Victor Nwachukwu

Prof. George Obiozor, former Nigerian Ambassador to the US, Israel and Cyprus, has emerged as the new President General of  Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a pan-Igbo cultural organisation.

Obiozor, 78, polled 304 votes to defeat his closest and only rival, Mr Valentine Oparaocha, who scored 15 votes, in the election, held at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three other contestants, Ezechukwunyere Nwebo, Uju Okoro and Goddy Uwazuruike, had stepped down at  the election venue, just before the process began, and urged their supporters to back Obiozor.

Similarly, the trio of  Chidi Osuagwu, Chris Asoluka and Dr Joe Nworgu, who had all picked nomination forms, failed to return them and thus did not participate in the process.

Announcing the results, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Prof Gary Igariwe, said : ” With the power vested on me as the returning officer, I hereby declare that Prof George Obiozor, having scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared winner and president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo “.

Igariwe said the committee adopted the open process of Option A4 for the election, to ensure transparency and credibility.

Other positions which were contested for with their winners included, Deputy PG won by Mr Obi Nwali, unopposed, and Secretary General, Mr Okey Egbuche.

Others were: Treasurer General, Mrs Beatrice Eze, Financial Secretary, Mr Bartholomew Okere and National Publicity Secretary, Mr Tony Ezekwesili.

NAN reports that seven states participated in the process, namely: Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Rivers, in addition to delegates from affiliate Igbo bodies in the diaspora.

Notable personalities that graced the event included, governors of Ebonyi and Imo, Chief Dave Umahi and Sen. Hope Uzodinma, respectively, Dr Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, his Science and Technology counterpart, and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

Also present were: Chief Adolphus Wabara, a former Senate President, Sen. Sam Egwu, representing Ebonyi North, and Sen. Osita Izunaso, former senator representing Imo west, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, former Imo governor, speakers of Houses of Assembly and a host of other government functionaries from the South East zone. (NAN)

General News

NANS commends FG over suspension of electricity tariff hike

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By Yinusa Ishola

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), on Sunday, commended the Federal Government over its directive suspending the recent electricity tariff hike in the country.

The association’s President, Mr Sunday Asefon, gave the commendation in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

He said that the suspension of the tariff by the federal government would go a long way in relieving the pains it would have inflicted on electricity consumers upon implementation.

The statement said that NANS took the decision to commend the suspension at its virtual meeting of Jan. 8.

“The meeting extensively reviewed the recent actions taken by President Muhammadu Buhari, intervening and ordering the suspension of the outrageous electricity tariff,” the statement said.

The students’ body described the tariff hike policy as anti-people and ill-timed, as conceived under a groaning inflation in the polity.

It noted that putting the implementation of the policy in abeyance would help in pacifying the already incensed consumers.

The statement also commended the National Electricity Regulatory Agency (NERC) for reversing the action, saying NANS could have been provoked into organising protests across all campuses, in opposition to the policy, if it had been effected.

The statement further appealed to electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to make prepayment meters available for every household at no extra cost to the consumers, as being witnessed in civilised climes.

“That NANS had earlier rejected the hike in the electricity tariff, as we believe that the hike was insensitive, ill-timed and anti-people.

“We commend President Buhari for hearkening to the agitations of Nigerians. I want to say unequivocally that the suspension of the tariff hike is commendable at this time.

“We, therefore, call on our members across the country to suspend action and see how the compliance with the reversal will be”, the association said. (NAN)

General News

Okowa congratulates Tambuwal at 55

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By Ifeanyi Olannye

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has felicitated his Sokoto State counterpart and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, as he turned 55 on Sunday.

Okowa’s felicitation was conveyed in a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Sunday in Asaba.

He said that Tambuwal had made sterling contributions to the socio-economic and political development of Sokoto State and Nigeria in general.

Okowa added that such efforts were worthy as an inspiration to the younger generation.

He described Tambuwal as a nationalist, whose selfless and impressive political disposition had placed him ahead of his contemporaries.

According to Okowa, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has brought his wealth of experience to bear on the development of Sokoto, especially in the education and road transport sectors.

“The people of Sokoto State are no doubt, reaping the benefits of trusting you to lead the state for a second term as can be seen in the monumental achievements in infrastructural development under your astute leadership.

“As chairman of the PDP governors’ forum, you have provided leadership and direction to a virile opposition party ready to return Nigeria on the path of greatness in 2023.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate a gentleman of candour and unassailable integrity.

“I congratulate a leading light of this generation, an astute politician of our time and a courageous democrat, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, on his 55th birth anniversary.

“For your sagacity and doggedness, you have become a household name and an emerging nationalist in the contemporary politics of Nigeria.

“As you celebrate this anniversary, I join your family, associates and well-wishers to thank the Almighty God for your life which has been marked by outstanding and discernable accomplishments,” Okowa said.

General News

NAN MD’s visit to retiree evokes nostalgia

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By Usman Aliyu

Alhaji Abdulraheem Adisa, a retiree of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has recalled with nostalgia his stint in the agency.

Adisa spoke in his Ilorin residence when the Managing Director of the agency, Mr Buki Ponle, paid him a surprise visit.

Though now frail but mentally sound, Adisa was elated to receive the Chief Executive Officer and trusted colleague of the news organisation he once served.

The retiree recounted his experience in the agency where pioneer members of staff endeavoured to bring the agency to limelight.

The octogenarian recalled to the admiration of members of staff in the entourage his glorious service to the agency spanning over 32 years.

According to him, the working relationship among members of staff when the agency began operations in 1978 in Lagos was devoid of ethnic and religious sentiments.

Adisa, who applauded the appointment of Ponle, another pioneer member of staff, as the managing director, urged him to restore NAN back to its original structure and glory.

He asserted that there were cases in the past where news makers would insist they needed no other media organisation to cover their events once they had a NAN reporter in attendance.

“I want to urge you to restore this image back. I believe in your ability to do that.

“Though, we are aware of the financial situation and other challenges, but these are the challenges we must learn to live with.

“You are the second pioneer member of staff that would be appointed MD after Wada Maida. I am happy for this because you are a good man.

“If somebody is good, let him know that he is good so that he can continue the good work, and if somebody is bad, let him know so that he can stop the bad work.

“Buki is a good man and one of the pillars in the agency in those years,” Adisa said.

The NAN retiree said he was fulfilled working with the agency because he emerged a political figure in Kwara through his service period.

Ponle, who visited Adisa in company with his Special Assistant, Mr Mufutau Ojo, and some members of staff in the Ilorin office, commended Adisa, whom he said was hardworking during his days in the agency.

He described Adisa as a thoroughbred journalist whose contribution to the progress of the agency in its formative days was well acknowledged.

The managing director, who said that the visit was to raise the hope of retirees, gave an assurance that the agency would never forget them.

The management, he said, would visit other old members of staff that had served the agency meritoriously.

Ponle, who embarked on a tour of NAN offices to boost the morale of workers, promised that the agency would soon experience a turnaround under his watch.

He also promised to prioritise staff welfare in order to promote optimal performance. (NAN)

General News

Buhari felicitates with retired Air Commodore Bernard Banfa at 80

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By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Retired Air Commodore Bernard Banfa on his 80th birthday.

The President in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Saturday congratulated Banfa, who clocked 80 on Jan. 10.

Buhari joined his family and friends to celebrate the milestone, which has been lined with many years of fruitful service to the nation and humanity.

The president rejoiced with professional colleagues and associates of the former military officer, who distinguished himself with sense of duty and honour in every responsibility he handled.

He said that the retired military officer was particularly leaving a legacy of inspiring younger officers to aspire to the highest positions through diligence and discipline.

According to Buhari, Banfa’s wealth of experience and wisdom will always be relevant in moving the nation forward, especially in security issues where he had a successful career.

The president prayed for good health and longer life for Banfa. (NAN)

General News

FG begins Extended Special Public Works in Zamfara

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By Ibrahim G. Ahmad
The Federal Government has started distribution of working equipment under the Extended Special Public Works Programme in Zamfara, to boost the economy and create jobs.
Mr Ahmad Yandi, Chairman, State Selection Committee ESWP, spoke during the  distribution of the working tools on Saturday in Gusau.
Tandi said that the programme would add N46 billion into Nigeria’s economy and that would provide the necessary economic palliatives to the unemployed youths.
He said that participants who are diligent  during  the implementation of the project  would develop knowledge and skills required to become self employed.
“It is my belief that the benefit and impact of the programme will continue to linger in the mind of citizens of the state and Nigerians at large,” he said.
 Sadiya Umar-Faruk, Minister of Humanitarian, Social Development and Disaster Management, urged participants to make good use of the opportunity to improve their skills in the area of their engagement.
Umar-Faruk, represented by the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji Musa Zubairu, said that the Federal Government introduced the programme to expose unemployed youths to opportunities around them.
According to her, such opportunity can give  youths gainful employment.
Also in his remarks, Abdullahi Yakubu,  Coordinator, National Directorate for Employment in the state, commended the support and cooperation of the state, local government and traditional leaders in making the distribution a reality.
Yakubu added that the advice given to beneficiaries was key to their success. NAN)
General News

Twitter bans Trump’s account permanently

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By Harrison Arubu

Twitter on Friday evening wielded the big stick against outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump, suspending his account permanently.

Announcing this in a blog post, the company said it took the decision “due to the risk of further incitement of violence’’.

“After a close review of recent tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them, we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence.

“In the context of horrific events this week, we made it clear on Wednesday that additional violations of the Twitter Rules would potentially result in this very course of action.

“Our public interest framework exists to enable the public to hear from elected officials and world leaders directly.

“It is built on a principle that the people have a right to hold power to account in the open.

“However, we made it clear going back years that these accounts are not above our rules entirely and cannot use Twitter to incite violence among other things.

“We will continue to be transparent around our policies and their enforcement,’’ Twitter said.

The company cited two tweets by the president earlier on Friday that formed the basis of its decision.

In the first post, the president said: “The 75,000,000 great American Patriots, who voted for me, America First and Make America Great Again, will have a Giant Voice long into the future.

“They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!!’’

Shortly thereafter Trump tweeted again: “To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the inauguration on January 20th’’.

Citing Wednesday’s attack by Trump supporters on the Capitol Hill, the company said the two tweets must be read in the context in which his comments could be used to incite violence.

“President Trump’s statement that he will not be attending the inauguration is being received by a number of his supporters as further confirmation that the election was not legitimate.

“It is seen as him disavowing his previous claim made via two tweets (1, 2) by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Dan Scavino, that there would be an “orderly transition” on Jan. 20.

“The second tweet may also serve as an encouragement to those potentially considering violent acts that the inauguration would be a ‘safe’ target, as he will not be attending,’’ it added.

Twitter had earlier suspended Trump’s account for 12 hours and threatened to ban the account permanently if he violated its rules any further. (NAN)

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