President Tinubu Advances Negotiations with German Chancellor Scholz for Investment in Power and Rail Transportation Sectors.

President Tinubu Advances Negotiations with German Chancellor Scholz for Investment in Power and Rail Transportation Sectors.

President Bola Tinubu, on the sidelines of the G20 Compact with Africa Economic Conference on Monday, met with German Federal Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, where he noted that Nigeria's determined pursuit of German investment in targeted sectors of the Nigerian economy was focused on critical growth-enabling industries in energy, transportation, and electric power production, transmission, and distribution.

Recognizing the success of Siemens AG in positively transforming the quantity and quality of Egyptian electric power supply, the President noted that under his leadership, the staggered and unsteady implementation of the Siemens-supported Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) would take on new urgency with a more deliberate process of project execution, even as he recognized the need to embrace Siemens technology in all aspects of the project for project sustainability. 

"For me, I am very much committed to pursuing all aspects of the Siemens Power project and the skill development opportunities that will emerge from that project for our talented youths who can participate in sustaining the industry," the President affirmed.

Aware of the new 2,000km ultra high-speed rail network which Siemens is presently constructing across 60 cities in Egypt at the speed of 230km/hour, the President further expressed his keen interest in the role Siemens can play in modernizing and expanding Nigeria's rail network with the provision of ultra-modern trains and railways which can more than double the speed of existing 100km/hour standard-gauge systems presently operating in Nigeria.

To this, the German Chancellor expressed readiness but with an acknowledgment of the need to resolve administrative and financial hurdles brought about by governance problems emanating from prior administration in the sector.

Gov Oyebanji Seeks Collaboration with Minister of Solid Minerals.

Gov Oyebanji Seeks Collaboration with Minister of Solid Minerals.                                                            By: Olamide Akinwumi J.

Earlier today, His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, paid a working visit to the office of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, at the Ministry of Solid Minerals in Abuja. During the visit, the Governor extended felicitations to the Minister on his appointment and engaged in discussions to explore collaboration opportunities.

Recognizing the abundant mineral resources in Ekiti State, Governor Oyebanji discussed potential areas of partnership with the Ministry of Solid Minerals. The Ikoro Ekiti born Minister, Mr. Dele Alake, responded positively to the Governor's proposals, indicating a willingness to collaborate on tapping into the mineral wealth within the state.

The working visit not only strengthened the relationship between Ekiti State and the Ministry of Solid Minerals but also showcased Governor Biodun Oyebanji's proactive approach in seeking collaborations for the development and harnessing of the state's natural resources.

As discussions continue, this visit lays a foundation for potential collaborations that could contribute significantly to the economic growth and development of Ekiti State.

Stay tuned for further updates on this promising partnership.

President Tinubu Highlights Nigerian People as Prime Asset for International Investors.

President Tinubu Highlights Nigerian People as Prime Asset for International Investors.

President Bola Tinubu addressed international investors on Monday, emphasizing that beyond Nigeria's natural resources, the highly educated, skilled, and industrious people of Nigeria are the country's primary asset and advantage in the global competition for new investments.

Speaking at the G20 Compact with Africa Economic Conference during a panel discussion titled, "Fostering local value chains and investments in Africa - The role of the German private sector," the President highlighted the significance of Nigeria's energetic youth population and well-educated populace. He asserted that these factors serve as the greatest incentive for investors, contributing to the mutually-beneficial replication of China's economic resurgence.

President Tinubu underscored the importance of promoting the rule of law as a critical factor in attracting foreign investments, emphasizing the unparalleled value that Nigeria's people bring to the table.

The remarks were made at the invitation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, demonstrating the global recognition of Nigeria's potential and the President's proactive engagement in fostering economic partnerships.

Harry Secures Vital Endorsement from Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti Management in NANS Ekiti Aspirations.

Harry Secures Vital Endorsement from Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti Management in NANS Ekiti Aspirations.

Comr Olubodun Abiodun J, popularly known as Harry, the Erstwhile Students Union President of Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, has garnered a key endorsement from the institution's management in a strategic move that significantly bolsters his aspirations for NANS Ekiti.

This endorsement not only solidifies Harry's credibility but also showcases widespread support within the academic community. Under the banner "Intellectual Advocacy, Harry at NANS Ekiti," he emphasizes his commitment to fostering intellectual discourse and championing initiatives that prioritize students' needs.

Expressing deep gratitude for the endorsement, Harry states, "I am profoundly grateful for the support from Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti's management. This endorsement reinforces our shared commitment to fostering positive change and cultivating an intellectually vibrant environment within NANS Ekiti."

The backing from Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti's management serves as a significant boost to Harry's campaign, affirming his dedication to enhancing the academic and overall student experience, starting from his local roots.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has sacked the governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has sacked the governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang.

Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party had 525,299 votes while the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Goshwe, polled 481,370 votes in the March 18 governorship election in the state.

Goshwe challenged the victory of Mutfwang at the tribunal claiming that the governor was not validly nominated and sponsored by his party.

He also said there was non-compliance with the Electoral Act in the election.

A three-member panel of the tribunal headed by Justice R. Irele-Ifijeh, in a unanimous decision, dismissed the petition for lacking in merit.

Displeased with the judgment, the APC candidate appealed the tribunal judgment.

In its judgment on Sunday, the three-member panel of the Court of Appeal led by Justice Elfrieda Williams-Dawodu, citing Section 177 of the Constitution, held that the governor was not validly sponsored by the PDP for the election.

She held that the party violated a court order directing it to conduct a valid congress in the 17 local government areas of that state.

She said there was no evidence that the PDP complied with a subsisting High Court order which had directed it to conduct a valid party congress prior to its sponsorship of the governorship and other candidates.

The court held that the issue of qualification is both a pre-election and a post-election matter contrary to the position of the tribunal which held that the appellant lacked the locus to contest the validity of the respondent.

The court also noted that under Section 134 of the Electoral Act, it is the sole right of a political party to sponsor its candidate having met the requirements to do so.

She then ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to retrieve the Certificate of Return issued to the governor and issue a fresh certificate  to Goshwe.

Meanwhile, the court also affirmed the sacking of the lawmaker representing Langtang Central State Constituency in Plateau State, Rimvjat Nanbol.

Nanbol of the PDP had been sacked by the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in September.

The tribunal declared Daniel Listic of the Labour Party as the winner of the state constituency election.

In the judgment read by Justice Okon Abang, he held that the tribunal was right when it held it had jurisdiction to sit over the internal affairs of a political party with regard to non-qualification and the issue of sponsorship.

“It is my view that without complying with court order, there was no party by the name PDP in the election.

“It is a joke taken too far for a political party to disobey an order of court,” he added.

He noted that a court of law has jurisdiction to entertain a matter bordering on a political party especially if that party disobeys a subsisting order of a court.

Federal Government Unveils Initiative to Release 4,068 Inmates Nationwide.

Federal Government Unveils Initiative to Release 4,068 Inmates Nationwide.

In a bid to address the congestion in the nation's correctional centres, the Federal Government has announced plans to release 4,068 inmates across the country. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this disclosure during a flag-off ceremony in Abuja, emphasizing the program's focus on indigent inmates unable to pay fines.

The minister revealed that the Federal Government successfully raised N585 million for the purpose of paying fines and securing the release of the identified inmates. This funding was garnered through contributions from corporate bodies and philanthropists.

"At today's flag-off, approximately 4,068 inmates will be released, aiming to decongest custodial centres and pave the way for effective reformation and rehabilitation," stated Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

He clarified that the initiative specifically targets inmates with fines and compensation not exceeding N1 million. This move aligns with the government's commitment to transforming custodial and non-custodial facilities, adhering to international human rights standards and effective correctional practices, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision.

Acknowledging the dedication of the Nigerian Correctional Service to humane custody and national security, Minister Tunji-Ojo expressed the Ministry of Interior's intent to collaborate with the Ministry of Justice in addressing the rising number of awaiting trial inmates across the country.

The event saw the presence of Ministers of Justice and heads of anti-corruption agencies from all Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member countries. The Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, commended the minister for the initiative.

As the Federal Government takes a proactive step to alleviate the challenges faced by inmates, this initiative signals a commitment to justice, reformation, and humane treatment within the correctional system. 

Prison Decongestion: Bunmi Tunji-Ojo Etched His Name In The Hearts Of 4,068 Inmates.

Prison Decongestion: Bunmi Tunji-Ojo Etched His Name In The Hearts Of 4,068 Inmates.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji Ojo, is (without any form of equivocation) a man with Midas touch. He is a man who does things differently in all he finds himself doing.

His nomination as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came as a shocker to both the political class and the not-too politically-inclined. Interestingly, what was oblivious to many was his ability to deliver in the new assignment.

Political pundits and analysts differed in their perception of the young Bunmi Tunji-Ojo – a case of different yokes for different folks. However, upon his deployment to the Ministry of Interior, Dr Bunmi Tunji-Ojo hit the ground running with various maverick moves and initiatives to chart a new course for the Ministry.

This is to the chagrin of many followers who are stunned by the exceptional performance of the Interior Minister, whom I have described in several fora as the Brand Ambassador of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The recent flag-off of the release of four thousand and sixty-eight (4,068) inmates in Correctional Centres (formerly known as Prisons) across Nigeria is indeed a welcome development and cheering news to, not only, the inmates but also their family members and loved ones.

The most significant aspect of the whole process is that the five hundred million (N500,000,000) fine was raised through crowd-funding, without a dime contributed from the purse of the Federal Government of Nigeria. What this great move portends is that when these inmates would write the histories of their lives, one name would be a recurring decimal.

That recurring name would be that of the man, Bunmi Tunji Ojo, who championed their liberation agenda.Again, we should be mindful of the possibility of some of these inmates turning a new leaf to become great personalities in future

Examples of former presidents like Nelson Mandela of South Africa and Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria readily come to mind here.I am convinced that, not only, would Bunmi Tunji-Ojo go down in the histories of the personal lives of these inmates but also in the annals of the history of the 10th democratic dispensation of the republic called Nigeria. It is a feat too significant to ignore or allowed to go undocumented.

While I wish the inmates well and congratulate them of their release, it is pertinent that our society opens its arms wide to reintegrate these men and women into a new world from which they had been cut off for a period of time.

They need understanding, patience, love, empathy, and cooperation of all and sundry for their rehabilitation in order to chart a profitable course of living.The Honourable Minister has done well by championing this nobel initiative which shall be fresh in the minds of all citizens and all well-meaning Nigerians and stakeholders in Project Nigeria have hailed to no limits.

It is not yet over until it is all over.Governments, at all levels, should come up with programmes which would facilitate their rehabilitation and integration for the purpose of engendering a working society which shall be free from the vices and crimes which these people were accused and incacerated for May their freedom bring new hopes and fulfillment of dreams as they find new wings to fly unto greater heights.

It should be etched on the psyche of these freed men and women that crime does not pay but also alters destinies’ directions. A word is enough for the wise.And to Dr Bunmi Tunji-Ojo: I say thank you for this initiative.

May the Almighty God continually be your guide and guard. May He widen your bank of creativity and wisdom to do more for Nigeria and Nigerians. I see a new day dawn upon us as a nation.

Olumide Obadele is the Convener, One Million Man March for BTO