Kano seeks wealthy citizens’ assistance on quality education.

Kano seeks wealthy citizens’ assistance on quality education.

The Kano State Government has said that it would reach out to wealthy individuals for funds to provide critical infrastructure to raise the standard of basic education in the state.

Governor Abba Yusuf stated this when he hosted heads of media organisations in his office on Monday night.

He said, “We can’t fund the education sector alone without the assistance of wealthy residents; hence, the need for us as a government to reach out for the task ahead.

“This is part of efforts to ensure that stakeholders contribute their quota towards revamping the sector.

“We will reach out to wealthy individuals, corporate organisations, development partners and donor agencies in this direction.”

The governor said his administration was committed to providing quality education to the youth to guarantee a stable future, pointing out that “the era when pupils and students receive lessons on bare floor will soon be a thing of the past.”

Yusuf, therefore, called on wealthy Kano residents to sponsor qualified indigenes to further their education.

“There is a need to show love to others, particularly the underprivileged and the Almighty Allah will ensure that their pockets never run dry.

“We cannot leave the education and training of our children to the government or the parents alone. Any physical structure built by an individual, be it a primary school or higher institution, will bear the name of such personality as it has been the tradition of our government.

“It is my prayer that our well-to-do individuals in the state will stand strong and grow from strength to strength,” Yusuf said.

Ondo PDP Suspends State Chairman, Hon. Fatai Adams.

Ondo PDP Suspends State Chairman, Hon. Fatai Adams.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Working Committee in Ondo State has taken a decisive step by suspending its State Chairman, Hon. Fatai Adams. The suspension comes as a result of allegations of anti-party activities and conduct that could tarnish the party's reputation.

In a letter issued on Tuesday and signed by nine members of the State Working Committee, the decision to suspend Adams was unanimously approved. The committee expressed concern over activities that were deemed contrary to the party's interests and capable of bringing it into disrepute.

Adams has been officially advised to present himself before the State disciplinary committee for further investigation. The disciplinary hearing is scheduled to take place within the next week, during which Adams will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations brought against him.

The suspension signals a notable development within the Ondo State chapter of the PDP and reflects the party's commitment to internal discipline and adherence to its principles. As the State Chairman faces disciplinary proceedings, party members await the outcome of the investigation and the decision of the disciplinary committee.

The PDP in Ondo State remains focused on maintaining internal harmony and upholding the values that define the party. The suspension of the State Chairman underscores the party's dedication to accountability and its determination to address any actions deemed detrimental to its collective goals.

Gov Oyebanji Urges Ekiti Residents Towards Optimism in 2024.

Gov Oyebanji Urges Ekiti Residents Towards Optimism in 2024.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

Governor Biodun Oyebanji, joined by his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, and other eminent figures, spearheaded the 2024 Inter-faith thanksgiving service at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre in Ado-Ekiti today.

This customary thanksgiving, observed on the first working day of the year, serves as a moment to express gratitude to God and consecrate the upcoming year. During the event, Governor Oyebanji urged Ekiti State residents to embrace optimism for a more promising 2024, emphasizing the importance of hope and positivity.

In a recent statewide broadcast, Governor Oyebanji expressed optimism about substantial improvements in Ekiti State throughout the year, anticipating "massive improvement in security, infrastructure, and government services than we have ever seen." He committed to consolidating on the gains made in his administration's first year, expanding development initiatives for the benefit of the Ekiti people.

The sermon, delivered by the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Emmanuel Aribasoye, commended Oyebanji for his grassroots connection. He urged political leaders to be accessible, accountable, and connected to the people they lead.

Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Southwest, Edo, and Delta States, described Governor Oyebanji as an "Omoluabi," highlighting his divine installation to serve the people.

The service, attended by Deputy Governor Chief Monisade Afuye, Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, other Assembly members, Secretary to the State Government Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour leaders, and civil servants, marked a collective call for optimism, accountability, and connection in the year 2024.

Let's Put Politics Of Bitterness Aside For Ekiti To Develop, Says Oyebanji.

Let's Put Politics Of Bitterness Aside For Ekiti To Develop, Says Oyebanji.

....Urges Prayers for Tinubu, Says Things 'll Change For Better Under President.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has promised to reach out to all citizens irrespective of their political and ideological leanings for the State to develop and its people to enjoy better standard of living.

Oyebanji emphasized that he would not allow politics of bitterness to retard the growth of the state noting that there must be an end to politicking for governance and development to flourish.

The Governor made the remarks on Tuesday at the New Year Interfaith Thanksgiving Service held at the Obafemi Awolowo International Civic Centre, Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

He appealed to members of his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to lay all speculations as regards who contests for the position of Governor in 2026 to rest, noting that the task at hand is for the State to be put on sound footing of development.

Oyebanji stressed that he would continue to reach out to prominent Ekiti citizens like Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), Ekiti National Assembly caucus led by the Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and all former Governors of the state to ensure that the State gets the best at all times.

He said he could not understand what some members of APC complained about his regular visits to the leaders, whose counsels, support and contacts are crucial to the developement of the state. 

The Governor said he is guided by the advice of his immediate predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, that he should not inherit his (Fayemi's) or anybody’s enemies but to extend hands of cooperation and fellowship to everybody in order to move the ship of the state to a glorious harbour.

Oyebanji also urged the people of the state to continue to pray for President Bola Tinubu expressing optimism that things will change for better in Nigeria in 2024 as his economic policies translate into positive and tangible gains for the county.

While noting that things may be tough for now, Oyebanji pointed out that the people of Ekiti State and other Nigerians must continue to retain their trust in President Tinubu and should not lose hope in Nigeria being restored to economic prosperity.

The Governor appreciated labour leaders in Ekiti for their understanding and cooperation assuring that 2024 would be a better year for workers and that every sector in the State would be touched for the betterment of all.

Speaking on why he has been bringing everybody on board in the task of moving Ekiti forward, Oyebanji said the Ekiti project belongs to all since he cannot do it alone and would need the support of all and sundry for the State to reach its full potentials.

Oyebanji particularly praised current members of the National Assembly from the state whom he said have been very supportive since he came to office advising APC faithful to de-emphasize on possible governorship aspirants within and outside the party ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

He said: "We have put politics aside and let's forget who becomes the Governor next and leave that one to God. We have a duty to file behind our National Assembly members; the kind of position MOB (Bamidele) is today, Ekiti has never been there before and we will continue to work together for the progress of our State.

"Some of our party members are not happy that I am visiting our leaders. if I don't visit them, who do I got to? 

"Anybody that can help this government to do good for you and I, that person that will help us whether he is in Party A, Party B or Party C, let me look for them. 

"Those who are not on our party today, they can be in our party tomorrow. There must be an end to politics when governance starts; that explains why you see me do all these because I am going to do more this new year. Ekiti indigenes are in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, I must look for them."

The Governor also promised to do an assessment of his cabinet members in the next six months to evaluate their performance warning that those who fall short of expectations might leave the cabinet.

The inter- faith thanksgiving service featured prayed, sermons and song ministrations in Islamic and Christian ways. 

In his sermon, the state Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Emmanuel Aribasoye, commended Oyebanji for being connected with the people at the grassroots urging those holding government positions to do same.

He also advised political leaders to always be available, accessible,accountable avoid distractions and always be connected to the people they lead because they hold the positions in trust for them. 

The President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Southwest, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, described Oyebanji as an Omoluabi (a well brought up person) noting that it was God that installed him as Governor to do good for the people.

The service was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; wife of the Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji; Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye and other Assembly members; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro and other members of the cabinet; Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe; traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour leaders and civil servants.

South Korean opposition leader stabbed in neck By Impostor Supporter.

South Korean opposition leader stabbed in neck By Impostor Supporter.

South Korean opposition party leader Lee Jae-myung was stabbed in the neck with a knife on Tuesday by a man who pushed through a crowd pretending to be his supporter, police said.

Lee was surrounded by journalists and supporters at a construction site in the southern port city of Busan when a man lunged and struck him in the neck, South Korean television channels showed.

He was bleeding but conscious as he was rushed to a local university hospital, the Yonhap news agency reported, before being flown to the capital Seoul for surgery, according to an official from his party.

The assailant, a man in his 60s, “used an 18-centimetre knife — its blade is 13 centimetres long — which he purchased online”, Busan police officer Son Je-han said at a press briefing.

Police were seen wrestling the suspect, who displayed a pro-Lee slogan, to the ground. The man was arrested at the scene. His motive is “being investigated”, Son said.

The 59-year-old Lee was “walking to his car while talking to reporters when the attacker asked for his autograph”, a witness told local broadcaster YTN.

He was seen collapsing to the ground as people rushed to aid him after the attack.

One man was seen pressing a handkerchief on Lee’s neck before emergency responders carried him to an ambulance.

“This is an act of terror against Lee and a serious threat to democracy that should never occur under any circumstances,” Kwon Chil-seung, an MP from Lee’s Democratic Party, told reporters outside the hospital in Busan.

Lee was later flown to the capital, where Kwon said he would undergo surgery at the Seoul National University Hospital.

Yonhap earlier reported, citing fire department officials, that Lee suffered a one-centimetre laceration in the attack.

It cited a hospital official as saying it was “fortunate that the damaged area is the jugular vein” and not the carotid artery.

– Presidential contender –

Lee lost in 2022 to conservative Yoon Suk Yeol in the tightest presidential race in South Korea’s history.

Yoon expressed “deep concern over the safety of Lee Jae-myung upon hearing of the attack”, his spokeswoman Kim Soo-kyung said.

“Yoon emphasised our society should never tolerate this kind of act of violence under any circumstances.”

A former child factory worker who suffered an industrial accident as a teenage school drop-out, Lee rose to political stardom partly by playing up his rags-to-riches tale.

He is widely expected to run for president again in 2027, and recent polls have indicated that he remains a strong contender.

But Lee’s bid for the top office has been overshadowed by a string of scandals.

He avoided arrest in September when a court dismissed a request from the prosecution for him to be taken into custody pending trial on various corruption charges.

Lee still faces trial on charges of bribery in connection with a firm that is suspected of illicitly transferring $8 million to North Korea.

He is also accused of breaching his duties, allegedly resulting in a loss of 20 billion won ($15 million) for a company owned by Seongnam city during his term as its mayor.

Lee has denied all allegations against him.

In August last year, he launched a hunger strike against what he called the Yoon government’s “incompetent and violent” policies.

He was hospitalised because of fasting-related ailments after not eating for 19 days.

(AFP)

Automation of passport application kickstarts January 8 - Tunji-Ojo.

Automation of passport application kickstarts January 8 - Tunji-Ojo.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Monday, confirmed that the passport application automation process will begin operation on January 8, 2024.

The minister made this disclosure in December that the Federal Government was working to ensure a full automation system of passport application in the country.

At the time, the minister said the automated application system was “99% done,” adding that the process would include uploading passport photos and supporting documents.

Meanwhile, Ojo while inspecting facilities of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Abuja, alongside the Comptroller General of the Service, Wura-Ola Adepoju, on Monday, confirmed that Nigerians will be able to apply and complete their passport application process online without human contact.

The minister said that the ministry has commenced the training process that will lead to the live launching of the automation.

He said, “We are good to go live. We are starting the training and on January 8, the solution will be live and direct for Nigerians to have a good feel, a sweet experience based on the Renewed Hope of Mr President.

“We have been able to reduce human contact in passport acquisition to the minimum.”

He added that the initiative will improve the security architecture of the country, prompting a quick detection of fake passport applications and reducing bottlenecks.

We will recruit more health workers, pay outstanding entitlements -- Gov Aiyedatiwa.

We will recruit more health workers, pay outstanding entitlements -- Gov Aiyedatiwa.

The Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has vowed to employ more health workers in the State as well as pay all outstanding salaries and arrears which he inherited from previous administration(s). 

The governor who made this statement at the first annual prayer meeting organised by civil servants of the State thanked them for their supports so far, while promising that workers’ welfare shall continue to be the priority of his government. 

According to Aiyedatiwa, “We will forge ahead with the approval already given for the recruitment of health workers as a way of strengthening the health sector while filling of vacancies will be done on regular basis as need arises.”

Commenting on the upcoming election, the Governor urged the civil servants to face their duties diligently and not allow themselves to be used by politicians for cheap political gains. He also counselled politicians to play the game by its rules, stating that election is not a do-or-die affair.

“This is an election year; let everyone know that the peace of the State is not negotiable and election is not a do or die affair,” the governor said. 

On his part, the Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele, commended the governor for his unflinching support for public servants in the State at all times. He further hinted that the payment of salaries in percentages has become a thing of the past.

Present at the occasion were heads of security agencies in the State, religious leaders, members of the State Executive Council and other top government functionaries, who prayed for peace, progress and stability to reign in the State.