By Ifeanyi Olannye

The remains of Pa Arthur Okowa, father of Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, have been laid to rest in his hometown, Owa-Alero, Ika North East Local Government Area of the state.

Pa Okowa died on Jan. 28 after a brief illness at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, at the age of 88.

Gov. Okowa had earlier announced that the burial of his father would be private to the family members, due to the ravaging second wave of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He, however, said that there would be a celebration of life in honour of his late father sometime in August.

He said at the burial ceremony that his father was very passionate about the development of Owa-Alero and that he was glad the octogenarian saw all government did for the community.

The governor said that as a teacher, his late father fought for the ordinary man and suffered victimisation for daring to stand for the truth.

“He has been a strong pillar in my life and obviously we wished he had lived longer, but it pleased God to call him at this time.

“Our father was a good man who fought for the church, the children and the ordinary man.

“As a teacher he suffered consequences for standing by the truth and at the end, God vindicated him.

“We thank God that he played his role in the community. He was very passionate about the development of Owa-Alero and I am glad that he saw all we did for the community.

“He did not compromise his faith even as an Okpara-Uku of his quarter, and that we can attest to as his children,” he said.

The governor who thnked Nigerians for their show of love to him and the family, apologised to those who could not attend the funeral because of the restriction.

“We do not know when it is best to die but we thank God he took our father at a ripe age.

“To those who couldn’t come, I apologise. There is still a time to celebrate his life and times and that will be on Aug. 21, his birthday.

“We will all be there by the grace of God,” the governor added.

In a homily, the Bishop of Ika Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Godfrey Ekpenisi, said the octogenarian contributed immensely to the growth of the church and education in the area.

The bishop urged Christians to fear God and keep His commandments, saying “this is the whole duty of man.”

He called on Christians to remember their creator in the days of their youth, recalling that Pa Okowa served God and humanity while alive.

Also in attendance were the Archbishop of Bendel Province, Anglican Communion, Cyril Odutemu; Delta Deputy Governor, Mr Kingsley Otuaro; and former Gov. James Ibori and his deputy, Benjamin Elue.

Others were Chief Jide Omokore, Sen. James Manager, Reps Ndudi Elumelu; the Chief Judge of Delta, Justice Marshall Umukoro; and Speaker, Delta House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori.

By David Adeoye

The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) says last weekend’s conflict at Shasha Market in Ibadan was not a tribal conflict.

Gov. Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi who made the declaration on behalf of the Forum after an on-the-spot assessment on Tuesday said it was the handiwork of miscreants who set out to loot, steal and cause mayhem.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Bagudu also described the crisis as a regrettable spontaneous incident.

With him at the on-the-spot assessment were Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Gov. Abubakar Bello and Gov. Bello Matawalle of Niger and Zamfara States, respectively.

The NGF mandated the four governors to visit Oyo State and rub minds with their Oyo State counterpart, Gov. Seyi Makinde over the conflict in which lives were lost and property destroyed.

Gov. Bagudu admonished youths and social media warriors and influencers to desist from painting the conflict as tribally-motivated and to also discontinue the fanning of the embers of discord that could destabilise the country.

He noted that normalcy had returned to the Shasha community as leaders there were working together to put the incident behind them.

The Kebbi governor stressed that “the streets of Ibadan are calm; there is no one chasing another and people are supporting one another to ensure normalcy.’’

He noted that such skirmishes were bound to happen in communities, but that “sometimes they are exploited by miscreants to loot, steal and to cause mayhem.

“At Shasha Market, we saw the destruction, but more than the destruction was the regrettable loss of lives that were caused by an unfortunate and condemnable spontaneous response to emotions.

“Everyone in the community recognised that two issues led to the crisis.

“First, there had been contention over the leadership at Shasha Market.

“Both the Seriki and Baale of Shasha are in agreement about the leadership tussle, but other interested groups were not, hence, there was an under-current for trouble to brew.

“What was the trigger? There was somebody pushing a wheelbarrow with tomatoes and the items fell in front of a shop. Ordinarily that is normal in markets.

“But when emotions rose and social media posts instigating crisis became strident, we had the situation we had.

“We sympathise with those who lost their lives and property. Also, we appreciate what Gov. Makinde, community leaders, security agents, youth groups, have done so far.

“We are also glad that the Seriki and Baale of Shasha are firm that everyone is free to stay and conduct his or her lawful activities.’’

Gov. Bagudu further revealed that Gov Makinde had assured that he would continue to engage the people to ensure that all communities lived without fear.

“As we speak, it is certain that some people are hiding and experiencing fear about what will happen.

“So it behoves us to ensure that we communicate properly.

“This will make those living in fear to know that the NGF, President Mohammadu Buhari and security agencies are working hard to ensure that we treat things for what they are,’’ Bagudu said.

He also expressed satisfaction that the Oyo State governor was rendering assistance, assuring that NGF would support him.

“In fact, we have given a token to support those who are already displaced. We will meet at wider forum on Wednesday and I’m sure more support will be mobilised,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the NGF delegation had earlier visited the palace of Baale of Shasha, Chief Akinlade Ajani and the Seriki of Shasha, Alhaji Haruna Maiyasin, where they described the unfortunate incident as not good for nation building.

The two leaders sued for peace and urged government to assist in restoring lasting peace to the area.

Gov. Makinde also sued for peace and promised that his government would find means to restore lasting peace in Shasha and in the entire state. (NAN)

The Joe Biden administration has reopened the option for the American public to sign up for government-subsidised health insurance.

An executive order that Biden signed gives millions who lost insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic the opportunity to enroll online at HealthCare.gov.

The special enrollment period runs up to May 15.

In accordance with the Executive Order, the Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that the Special Enrollment Period for the Health Insurance Marketplace will be available to consumers in the 36 states that use the HealthCare.gov platform.

At least 13 States and the District of Columbia, which operate their own Marketplace platforms, have decided to offer a similar opportunity.

CMS said that individuals and families who are uninsured can take this opportunity to look for coverage and find out if they qualify for financial assistance to help pay for health insurance.

Currently nine out of 10 consumers enrolled in coverage through HealthCare.gov receive financial help and 75 per cent of consumers can purchase a plan for 50 dollars or less per month after financial assistance.

In addition, all of the plans at HealthCare.gov cover essential health benefits, such as primary care visits, and cover many preventive care services with no out-of-pocket costs to the consumer.

“We need to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and give more Americans access to health care, especially during this pandemic”, Biden said in a statement.

HHS Acting Secretary Norris Cochran said that CMS intends to release data on consumer activities during the SEP for each month as consumers apply and enroll in coverage.

The first report is anticipated in early March, which will cover consumers who applied and enrolled through SEP in February and have coverage starting March 1.

CMS intends to release a monthly report for February, March, and April, and then a final report after May 15 covering the full period.

Consumers who want to access the SEP to enroll in coverage and see if they qualify for financial help to reduce the cost of monthly premiums can visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov to view 2021 plans and prices and enroll in a plan that best meets their needs, the Centres for Medicare & Medicaid Services said in a statement. (dpa/NAN)

By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government has named the Idu railway complex after the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mrs Amina Mohammed.

Mr Eric Ojiekwe, the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to Ojiekwe, the complex, including its train station and the light train station of the Federal Capital Territory and all its Facilities have been named after the UN official.

“It has also gained the concurrence of the Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Mohammed Bello.”(NAN)

By Rukayat Moisemhe and Florence Onuegbu

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu says the state will be a megacity standing proudly beside every other one in many areas by the year 2030, going by the transformation in process.

Sanwo-Olu said this on Tuesday, during the Lagos Economic Summit (Ehingbeti) 2021,with the theme: ”For a Greater Lagos: Setting the tone for the next decade”.

He said that Lagos had seen so many revolutionary changes to usher in a new era of prosperity, reflected in improved infrastructure, economy, and security.

According to him, the state is still confronted with many challenges, but it is also important to identify the progress, so as to guard it jealously and build on it.

”In 2030, Lagos will proudly stand beside every other Megacity in the world, in terms of its capacity to transport its people efficiently and responsively.

”In 2030, Lagos will be a Smart City, fully covered by a network of several thousands of kilometers of fibre optic infrastructure that will carry broadband internet into our homes, offices and schools and unleash a technology revolution that has never before been seen in this part of the world.

”The Smart City that is unfolding will also be home to a network of intelligent cameras that will support not only security and policing across the state, but also traffic management and data collection for urban planning.

”As you all know, land is not a resource we are generously endowed with in Lagos – we are the smallest state in Nigeria by land mass, with by far the largest population.

”Yet, this should not be an excuse for us to shy away from exploiting the agriculture value chain to the fullest, with a focus on non-land-intensive aspects like processing and value addition.

”By 2030, Lagos will be home to one of the largest rice mills in the world, in Imota. We can still aspire, even with our geographical limitations, to feed ourselves and the rest of the country, through the innovative use of technology and a focus on processing and industry,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said that his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda would help harness the full potential of Lagos and shape the state into a competitive mega-city in the new decade.

The Co-Chairman of Lagos Economic Summit Group, Mr Yemi Cardoso, said that Lagos had seen an appreciable development over the past 10 years.

”Lagos is a megacity and must begin to look and operate like a megacity.

”That would only be possible if we are deliberate about the plans and policies we put in place to ensure that both the public and private sector can achieve the set goals or objectives meant to develop the city.

”I believe we have the leaders with the know-how and we have the workforce. What we need to do is provide the vision and guidance to make sure it happens. That is what this summit is about,” Cardoso said.

He said that there would be challenges toward achieving the set goals meant to develop the state, but such challenges should not be deterrence.

”That is to say whatever the challenges we face, giving up is not an option. We have to keep on pushing till Lagos reaches its deserved status in the world.

”The importance of Lagos doing well in the economy of Nigeria is quite clear to everyone. It is estimated that Lagos contributes about 30 per cent to the GDP of Nigeria.

”What that means is if Lagos does well, Nigeria will do well. The success of Lagos is therefore, not just a Lagos issue, but a national issue,” Cardoso said. (NAN)

By Rukayat Moisemhe and Florence Onuegbu

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday pledged that the Federal Government would support massive investments in Lagos State to boost its economic potential as one of the world’s fastest growing megacities.

Buhari made the pledge in a virtual goodwill message during the Lagos Economic Summit (Ehingbeti) 2021 themed: ”For a Greater Lagos: Setting the Tone for the Next Decade”.

He said that his administration recognised Lagos as central to the economic fortunes of Nigeria and had in the last few years demonstrated commitment to supporting it to unleash its full socio-economic potential.

According to him, one of the significant ways in which the Federal Government’s support has manifested to Lagos State is in the special federal funding that was approved in 2020 in acknowledgement of the state being an epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic.

”The challenges of Lagos must therefore be very clearly seen as part of the challenges of Nigeria, and the Federal Government will support Lagos to overcome its challenges and to thrive socially and economically.

”The Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund is investing in the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, while the Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonshoki Expressway is a flagship project of our Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, also known as Executive Order 7 of 2019.

”It was also this administration which granted approval to the Lagos State Government to rebuild the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road, a major road that links the busiest airport in sub-Saharan Africa to the continent’s fifth largest economy.

”The Federal Government is today completing the Standard Gauge Railway Line that will link Lagos to Ibadan in the first instance, and from there connect to Abuja and Kano, and bring ease and efficiency to what is Nigeria’s busiest transport corridor.

”Just last month, this new rail line achieved a milestone extension into the port complex in Apapa, setting the stage for a long overdue decongestion in that area,” he said.

Buhari said that his government had granted approval for the temporary transfer of the National Arts Theatre, an iconic federal asset on the Lagos landscape, to the Bankers’ Committee, which will invest in upgrading it and developing it into a world-class creative hub.

Buhari said that the enterprising young people in Lagos would be the biggest beneficiaries of the National Theatre, when fully upgraded into a world-class hub.

”Speaking of young people, we are aware of just how central they are to the Lagos economy, and to Nigeria as a whole.

”In the creative arts, culture and technology sectors, we are determined to continue to open up opportunities by which they can achieve their dreams and aspirations, as well as thrive in a safe, secure and increasingly prosperous country,” he said.

The president outlined the other initiatives of the Federal Government being implemented in Lagos to include the National Social Investment Programme, the Energising Economies Programme, the Economic Sustainability Plan, among others.

He commended the Lagos State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government on human development programmes, adding that there was the need for understanding between the national and subnational governments.

”Let me also acknowledge and salute the fact that we have a forward-looking administration in Lagos that is focused on infrastructure and improving the ease of doing business and the overall quality of life of Lagosians.

”The theme of this year’s Lagos Economic Summit invites us all to share our aspirations for a megacity that boldly occupies its place in the global standing of Megacities.

”A Lagos that can keep up with its growing population in terms of housing, education, healthcare, security and jobs.

“A Lagos that is innovative and productive, and that ensures that its economic prosperity leaves no one behind,” Buhari said. (NAN)

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has saluted former Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), retired Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni, on his 78^th birthday.

He congratulated him on many years of service to the nation, particularly as a military officer who held strategic positions.

The president’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Tuesday.

The president joined family, friends and associates of the former Military Governor of defunct Bendel State in celebrating the auspicious moment, heralded by distinguished service as Minister of Transportation and Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army.

He commended Useni’s courage for consistency in service to the nation and his people, including winning elections as a Senator and championing issues that directly impact on development.

The president prayed for good health and longer life for the former minister. (NAN)

Serena Williams came through a huge test of her Australian Open title credentials to beat Simona Halep 6-3 6-3 in a high quality quarter-final and reach the last four at Melbourne Park for the ninth time on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old American went toe-to-toe with the Romanian second seed over 80 engrossing minutes on Rod Laver Arena before she was finally able to move to within two victories of a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title.

Williams, who mixed 24 winners with 33 unforced errors over the contest, has not won a major since her seventh Australian Open triumph in 2017 and next faces in-form Japanese third seed Naomi Osaka with a place in the final on the line.

For Halep, who reached the semi-finals last year and was losing finalist in 2018, it was back to the drawing board as she looks to add to her two Grand Slam titles at the French Open and Wimbledon. (Reuters/NAN)

By Ismaila Chafe
President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Senate to confirm Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa as substantive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, confirmed this development in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.

In a letter to President of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, the president said he was acting in accordance with Paragraph 2(3) of Part1, CAP E1 of EFCC Act, 2004.

Bawa, 40, is a trained EFCC investigator with vast experience in investigation and prosecution of advanced fee fraud cases, official corruption, bank fraud, money laundering and other economic crimes.

He has undergone several specialised trainings in different parts of the world and was one of the pioneer EFCC cadet officers in 2005.

Bawa holds a B.Sc. degree in Economics and Master’s degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EFCC Director of Operations, Muhammad Umar, has been acting as EFCC boss since suspension and subsequent removal of Ibrahim Magu by President Buhari on July 7, 2020.