FG to Launch Home Delivery of Passports in 2023, Streamlining Application Process.

FG to Launch Home Delivery of Passports in 2023, Streamlining Application Process.

Starting from next year, the Federal Government has announced that Nigerians will have the option to have their passports delivered to their homes, offices, or any location of their choice.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this announcement on Monday in Lagos during the opening ceremony of the 2023 University of Lagos International Week.

He mentioned that Nigerians will soon enjoy a more streamlined passport application process as the ministry has initiated automation in the system.

“We have commenced the automation of our end-to-end passport application process, and we have given a timeline from which Nigerians will begin to experience the ‘sweet experience,” he said at the event.

“By implication, Nigerians will not need to wait longer than two weeks before they get their passport.

“By January next year, Nigerians will be able to complete this application process online, and by February next year, with collaboration and partnership with other relevant stakeholders, Nigerians will have their passports delivered to their homes, offices, and other locations of their choice.”

“This, of course, would be extended to our visa application process. We are deploying technology throughout the entire process to make it as seamless as possible. To achieve this, we have set everything into motion to open more visa application centres across the world,” the minister added.

“In this regard, we are also working on strengthening our visa-on-arrival policy. We are working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enforce the principle of the doctrine of reciprocity, and a committee has been set up in the ministry to achieve this.”

Furthermore, the minister stated that the integrity of travel documents will be reinstated through the process of data harmonization.

“Identity is who we are, what we are, and what we live for. But today, what we have is a duplication of our registration,” he said.

“Arguably, Nigeria is the only country I know that has a BVN for the bank, the international passport, the NIN, SIM card registration for telecos, and so on all of which request your data. The integrity of our travel documents must be restored through the harmonisation of our data.”

Governor Obaseki Approves Payment of 28-Year Gratuity Backlog for Edo State Pensioners.

Governor Obaseki Approves Payment of 28-Year Gratuity Backlog for Edo State Pensioners.

In a significant development for pensioners in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has granted approval for the settlement of a long-standing 28-year overdue gratuity. This landmark decision was communicated by Mrs. Osas-Ehigie Sandra, the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) and Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Staff Pension Board, in an official statement.

The gratuity backlog in question pertains to pensioners under the purview of the Edo State Local Government Staff Pension Board. The governor's decision to address this issue is a testament to his commitment to the welfare of retirees in the state.

In addition to the approval, Mrs. Sandra announced that a comprehensive screening process will be organized for pensioners listed on the payroll of the Local Government Staff Pension Board who retired between 1979 and 2008. This step is aimed at ensuring that the release of funds for gratuity is accurate and reaches those who rightfully deserve it.

The screening exercise will take place at the Local Government Staff Pensions Board Premises, located at King Square in Benin City. This move is expected to bring relief to retired civil servants who have been waiting for their gratuity payments for nearly three decades.

Governor Godwin Obaseki's commitment to addressing the pension backlog reflects the state government's dedication to supporting its retirees and honoring their years of service. This news brings hope and relief to pensioners in Edo State who have long awaited the settlement of their gratuity backlog.

Hon. Wale Alade-Oba Inspires Youth Engagement in Politics.

Hon. Wale Alade-Oba Inspires Youth Engagement in Politics.

In a compelling speech delivered on October 9, 2023, at the First Baptist Church Kuje in Abuja, Hon. Wale Alade-Oba passionately addressed the congregation, focusing on the crucial topic of "Youth and Politics." His words resonated with the attendees as he emphasized the significance of youth engagement in shaping Nigeria's political landscape.

In an insightful start to his speech, Hon. Wale Alade-Oba referenced the biblical verse Isaiah 9:6, which predicts the birth of Jesus and prophesies that the government shall rest upon His shoulder, implying His future rule over the world. Alade-Oba drew a powerful parallel, asserting that for Christians to aspire to govern, active involvement in politics is a necessary step.

Hon. Alade-Oba commenced his speech by defining the key terms "youth" and "politics." Youth, he explained, represent the dynamic stage between childhood and adulthood, characterized by enthusiasm and a hunger for change. Politics, on the other hand, encompassed governance, policy formulation, and representation in society's decision-making processes.

In Pic: Hon. Wale Alade-Oba. 

He pointed out the alarming youth apathy towards politics, citing the substantial youth voter population of 37 million compared to the 21 million votes cast during the recent presidential election. Hon. Alade-Oba urged the congregation to redirect the same passion they exhibit in music and foreign football towards political participation.

The distinguished speaker enumerated the advantages of youth involvement in politics. He emphasized that today's youth are tomorrow's leaders, citing the remarkable journey of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the current Governor of Ekiti State, who actively entered politics at the age of 29 and now serves as a shining example of youthful success in politics.

Hon. Alade-Oba highlighted that young individuals bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table, thereby contributing to the development of the nation. He also stressed the importance of representation and the youth's ability to advocate for necessary changes on issues like climate change and social justice.

The speech also delved into the disadvantages of youth disengagement from politics. Hon. Alade-Oba noted that when youth are not actively involved in politics, their voices and concerns remain unaddressed, leading to policies that do not cater to their unique challenges and aspirations.

He cautioned against political stagnation and a lack of accountability when young people do not participate in the political process. The potential of youth, including their energy and creativity, remains untapped without political engagement.

Hon. Alade-Oba outlined the challenges that young individuals encounter in political participation, including a lack of awareness about political processes, financial constraints, and skepticism about the effectiveness of their involvement.

Despite these challenges, the Honorable urged the congregation to overcome them through education, awareness programs, grassroots movements, and active participation in politics. He emphasized that the youth represent the future of Nigeria and their involvement is essential for a thriving democracy.

Hon. Wale Alade-Oba concluded his speech by encouraging support for the youth's active political participation, empowering them to be the change-makers of tomorrow. His heartfelt address ended with a call for God's blessings on Nigeria.

In a heartfelt expression of gratitude, Daniel MKORGA, the Youth President of First Baptist Church Kuje, extended unreserved appreciation to Hon. Wale Alade-Oba. He conveyed his gratitude on behalf of the church's youth for the prompt response to their invitation to minister to their spiritual needs. Mr. MKORGA concluded by bestowing his blessings upon Hon. Alade-Oba, saying, "Sir, may God bless you abundantly."

The speech delivered by Hon. Wale Alade-Oba left a lasting impact on the congregation, emphasizing the pivotal role of youth in shaping Nigeria's political future and the urgency of their active involvement.

Igboho Currently in Germany, Confirms Lawyer.

Igboho Currently in Germany, Confirms Lawyer.

Yoruba nation activists, Chiev Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has been released from protective custody by Benin Republic.

Yomi Aliu, Igboho’s lawyer, confirmed his release.

“Yes, he has been released. He was released yesterday. He is now in Germany,” Aliu said.

Asked to speak on the state of his release, he replied: “I can’t speak about it”.

In July 2021, Igboho was arrested alongside his wife, Ropo, in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and detained at the request of the Nigerian government.

The Yoruba Nation agitator had fled Nigeria after the Department of State Services (DSS) raided his residence in Ibadan, Oyo state on July 1.

Igboho had planned a “Yoruba nation rally” in Lagos two days before the raid.

The raid led to the death of two people while 12 of his aides were arrested.

The DSS had alleged that Igboho was stockpiling weapons, and subsequently declared him wanted.

Attempts by the Nigerian government to repatriate him to Nigeria after his arrest were unsuccessful.

His wife was later released by the Benenise authorities.

Igboho was arraigned at the Court D’Apeal in Cotonou and was detained in a prison facility in the country.

The charges against him bordered on arms smuggling, inciting violence and calling for a secession of the Yoruba from the Nigerian state.

Igboho and his lawyers denied all allegations levelled against him.

However, fresh allegations bordering on illegal entry and criminal association were levelled against him at the Benin Republic court.

In March 2022, he was released from prison to his medical practitioners under the agreement that he should not leave the medical centre or Cotonou for any reason

EKSG Begs Monarch not to Depose Traditional Chief for Alleged Insubordination, Highhandedness.

EKSG Begs Monarch not to Depose Traditional Chief for Alleged Insubordination, Highhandedness.

The Ekiti State Government, has appealed to the Onigede of Igede Ekiti, in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of the State, Oba James Aladesuru, not to depose an embattled Chief Sunday Alade accused of insubordination and reckless abuse of powers by his subjects.

Chief Alade, who is the Oluri of Uri quarters in Igede Ekiti, has been facing stiff opposition from chiefs and youth in his quarters over alleged insubordination to Onigede and forceful hijack of people’s lands for personal use.

In a letter written to the state government and dated July 11, 2023 by Oba Aladesuru, the monarch, said the quarters, had in a letter dated July 4, 2023 resolved that Chief Alade be removed and replaced with Mr. Yomi Afolabi, as requested by the people.

Presiding over the lingering crisis on Monday, the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, appealed to the community to spare the embattled Chief and give him another three months to seek full reconciliation with his aggrieved subjects.

Mrs Afuye warned that forceful removal of any traditional title holder from office often escalate to communal crisis, saying any preventable uprising in Igede Ekiti over this matter would be antithetical to the gospel of peace being spread by Governor Biodun Oyebanji across Ekiti.

She said: “We are here to maintain peace in line with the objective of Governor Biodun Oyebanji that security of lives and property in all the towns must guaranteed , so we won’t allow bloodshed or violence in your community under any guise.

“I hereby direct Chief Alade to return all the seized lands in his custody to the rightful owners. I appeal to all of you, if you remove him, that will not solve the problem, the crisis has just started with such action because his people too will revolt against that .

“The mere fact that he went all the way to beg for forgiveness shows that he has regretted his actions, so let us forgive him.

“I learnt he has started attending the meeting of Onigede- in -Council and he also distanced himself from the litigation filed against Oba Aladesuru by some Kingmakers for promoting some lesser chiefs to higher ranks. This shows he has respect for royalty. I believe removing him from office is not the best option”.

Mrs Afuye appealed to the youth to accept the embattled chief’s apologies and attend any meeting called by Chief Alade to advance the development of that section of the town.

In his response to the barrage of allegations leveled against the estranged Chief, Oba Aldesuru, clarified that his letter to government was predicated on the request by the quarters that Chief Alade be removed owing to his recalcitrant posture and failure to convene the meeting of his quarters.

The monarch said he harbours no ill-feelings against the embattled Chief despite his shortcomings and that efforts would be intensified to pacify all aggrieved parties to soft-pedal on the matter.

He, however, noted that Chief Alade can only be spared if he changes his ways and seek true reconciliation with his subjects.

N-Power To Employ 5Million Young Nigerians In Five Years — FG.

N-Power To Employ 5Million Young Nigerians In Five Years — FG.

 ....Extends Beneficiaries Age Limit From 35 - 40 Years.

The Federal Government has said that the ongoing restructuring of the N-Power programme will bring about the employment of five million young Nigerians in five years.

This was made known in a press statement by the N-Power National Programme Manager, Dr. Akindele Egbuwalo.

He appealed to Nigerians to understand the rationale behind the temporal suspension of the N-Power programme and the subsequent restructuring it is undergoing, saying the federal government was working to restore confidence in the programme.

According to Dr Egbuwalo, "This restructuring and transformation will also birth an expanded programme to reach beneficiaries aged 18-40 (the previous age limit was 35). 

'We are targeting 5million beneficiaries in 5years at a pace of 1million per year under the graduate and non-graduate stream."

Giving a further glimpse into what a restructured N-Power would look like, the National Programme Manager disclosed that it will accommodate some new programmes in Education, Health, Works, Agriculture, Technology, Fashion, Entertainment and other relevant areas of skill acquisition and employability.

"To earn the confidence of Nigerians in the expanded programme, transparency and accountability will be the benchmark. It shall no longer be business as usual as we make concerted efforts to put the nation on the right footing, ensuring that no one directly or indirectly unleashes suffering on Nigerians," he said.

Dr Egbuwalo explained that suspension of the Programme became imperative following the discovery of sharp practices and to also give room for a detailed investigation into its operations in the last twelve months.

His words; "There is a need to audit the number of people in the programme, those who have exited the programme, those who are being owed, whether they reported to work or not and how funds have been utilised".

Ekiti Assembly Summons Ikere Local Government Council Boss.

Ekiti Assembly Summons Ikere Local Government Council Boss.

... Directs its Standing Committee to investigate him over alleged abuse of office.

The attention of the leadership of the House has been drawn to the development following the allegation of verbal attack of the Ikere Local Government Chairman Otunba Oluwafemi Ayodele on the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye and disrespect for institution of office of the Governor and his Deputy in the trending video on social media.

The House had during the parliamentary session presided over by the Speaker Rt. Hon. Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye on Monday 9th October, 2023 deliberated on the matter. The House thereafter resolved and referred the allegations to its Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for further investigation and to report back on or before Tuesday 17th October, 2023.

 Signed:

Hon. Babatunde Oke

Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs.