Nigeria Beats Guinea-Bissau 1-0, Advances to AFCON 2023 Round of 16.

Nigeria Beats Guinea-Bissau 1-0, Advances to AFCON 2023 Round of 16.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a gripping encounter at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles of Nigeria emerged triumphant against Guinea-Bissau, sealing their place in the round of 16. The pivotal moment came in the 36th minute when Opa Sangante, in an attempt to thwart Victor Osimhen, inadvertently netted an own goal from a Moses Simon cross.

Both teams experienced disallowed goals in the second half due to offside, adding suspense to the match. Nigeria's Victor Osimhen also had an effort invalidated for handball. The final whistle confirmed Nigeria's 1-0 victory.

This win places the Super Eagles in second position in Group A with seven points, trailing behind Equatorial Guinea. Equatorial Guinea's commanding 4-0 win over Ivory Coast solidified their position at the top of the group with a superior goal difference.

The next challenge for Nigeria awaits in the last 16, where they will confront the second-placed team from Group C. This could be Senegal, Guinea, or Cameroon. The encounter is scheduled for Saturday, promising another exciting chapter in Nigeria's AFCON 2023 journey.

Tinubu directs expansion of student loans programme.

Tinubu directs expansion of student loans programme.

President Bola Tinubu has directed an expansion of the focus of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to include students interested in skill-development programmes.

Tinubu gave the directive to the management of the Fund after receiving briefing on the build-up to the launch of the programme later in the month from the Executive Secretary of NELFUND, Dr Akintunde Sawyerr, at the State House, Abuja.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President said it was important for the scheme to accommodate those who may not want to pursue university education, noting that skill acquisition is as important as obtaining undergraduate and graduate academic qualifications.

“This is not an exclusive programme. It is catering to all of our young people. Young Nigerians are gifted in different areas. This is not only for those who want to be doctors, lawyers, and accountants. It is also for those who aspire to use their skilled and trained hands to build our nation.

“In accordance with this, I have instructed NELFUND to explore all opportunities to inculcate skill-development programmes because not everybody wants to go through a full university education,” he said.

Tinubu emphasised the need for equity and inclusivity in the management of the programme, stating: “No matter how economically challenged you are, accredited and qualified students will and must have access to this loan to advance their education in higher institutions. There is no compromise in our commitment to the disadvantaged citizens of this nation.”

In his presentation to the President, Sawyerr said the loan application process will be technology-driven, limiting human interface and “eliminating any possibility of maladministration in the programme.”

“By design, this is a perpetual programme and will not terminate. The funds, earmarked for bona-fide Nigerian students, will be disbursed directly to the institutions in the initial phase through electronic transfer. Our students will be catered to in a way that bypasses human interference through the full utilization of available technological platforms, in adherence to Your Excellency’s stated objectives,” he said.

He also said NELFUND has developed a robust risk-mitigation mechanism to address potential risks that may arise from the programme.

Ekiti Elevates Economic Prospects: Fountain Holdings, EKDIPA Boards Officially Inaugurated by Gov Oyebanji.

Ekiti Elevates Economic Prospects: Fountain Holdings, EKDIPA Boards Officially Inaugurated by Gov Oyebanji.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a significant move aimed at propelling Ekiti State's economic agenda, Governor Biodun Oyebanji officially inaugurated the chairmen and Boards of Directors for Fountain Holdings Ltd (FHL) and the Ekiti Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA) on Monday, 22nd January 2024.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Exco Chambers, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, underscored the governor’s commitment to revitalizing the state’s investment agencies and business sector.

Addressing the newly appointed leaders, Governor Oyebanji stressed the imperative of diversifying the current investment portfolio, exploring new opportunities, and playing a pivotal role in job creation and wealth generation. Emphasizing the significance of Fountain Holdings, he urged the leadership to contribute directly to the state’s development plan through profits and taxes generated from its business operations.

The Governor called for strategic investments aligned with the state’s local content agenda, focusing on housing, capital and credit access, technological advancements, infrastructure, and knowledge development.

Mr. Jide Ogundare, the newly appointed Chairman of Fountain Holdings, and his team received a charge to make substantial contributions to the state’s prosperity.

Governor Oyebanji stressed the shared goals of both agencies in promoting business opportunities for Ekiti people, encouraging synergy, attracting direct investments, making symbolic capital contributions, and boosting investors’ confidence. Board members for Fountain Holdings Ltd (FHL) and EKDIPA were announced, with the Governor expressing gratitude for their acceptance of responsibility and assuring them of his support.

Responding on behalf of others, the reappointed chairman of Fountain Holdings, Mr. Jide Ogundare, assured the people of the state that the newly inaugurated boards would leverage their capacities to transform the business narrative in Ekiti.

Oyebanji Engages Education Secretaries in Groundbreaking Interface.

Oyebanji Engages Education Secretaries in Groundbreaking Interface.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a historic move, Governor Biodun Oyebanji convened a meeting on Monday, 22nd January 2024, with Education Secretaries from various local government areas in his office. This unprecedented interface marked the first of its kind by any Governor of the state, aiming to address lingering issues in the educational sector and provide valuable insights and solutions.

The gathering was a significant step towards fostering collaboration and enhancing the future of education management in Ekiti State. Governor Oyebanji, recognizing the importance of direct engagement, created a platform for Education Secretaries to share perspectives and discuss strategies for improving the educational landscape across the state.

Education Secretaries left the meeting with a sense of fulfillment and optimism, having seized the rare opportunity to sit with Mr. Governor and actively contribute to shaping the trajectory of education in Ekiti State. The innovative approach demonstrated Governor Oyebanji's commitment to inclusivity and collective decision-making in the pursuit of educational excellence.

Stop paying ex-governors scandalous pensions – Falana.

Stop paying ex-governors scandalous pensions – Falana.

Human Rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), has called on Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Rivers state governments to stop paying what he described as scandalous pensions to ex-governors while workers are owed arrears of meagre pensions.

He made the call on Sunday in a statement made available to our correspondent.

According to him, not less than 20 ex-governors are in the Senate, receiving jumbo salaries and allowances.

“Lagos was the first state to implement a pension law for its former governors. The Lagos State Pension for Ex-Governors was enacted in 2007.

“Since then, the majority of states adopted the Lagos model. But the pension laws for Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states are the most scandalous.”

Giving details of the Lagos pension law for Lagos ex-governors, Falana noted that, according to the law, an ex-Lagos governor is being given 100 percent of the annual basic salaries of the incumbent governor, and is provided “one residential house in Lagos and another in the FCT, Abuja.”

He also gets “three cars, two backup cars and one pilot car every three years.”

An ex-Lagos governor also gets furniture allowance of “300 percent of annual basic salary every two years,” and gets “10 percent of annual basic salary,” for house maintenance.

He is also provided with “domestic staff, such as cook, steward, gardener and other domestic staff (no limit) who shall be pensionable.”

There is also “free medical treatment for ex-governors and members of their families (not just spouses).”

For security, he also gets “two SSS operatives, one female officer, eight policemen (four each for house and personal security)”.

An ex-Lagos governor also gets “10 percent of annual basic salary,” for car maintenance; “20 percent of annual basic salary” for entertainment.

He is also provided with drivers.

For ex-Rivers governor, Falana noted that they get “100 percent of annual basic salaries of the incumbent governor.”

They get “one residential house anywhere of his choice in Nigeria,” and are provided with “three cars every four years,” with “30 percent of annual basic salary,” for car maintenance.

An ex-Rivers governor also gets “300 percent of annual basic salary every four years,” for furniture; and “10 percent of annual basic salary,” for house maintenance.

He is also provided with “domestic staff, such as cook, steward, gardener and other domestic staff (no limit) who shall be non-pensionable.”

In addition, there is “free medical treatment for ex-governors and members of their families (not just spouses and no cap).”

An ex-Rivers governor also gets “two SSS operatives, four policemen (two each for house and personal security).”

He also gets “10 percent of his annual basic salary,” for entertainment; “20 percent of his annual basic salary,” for utility and he is also provided with drivers.

Falana also highlighted the pension package for ex-governors of Akwa-Ibom State.

He stated: “Annual Basic Salary: 100 percent of annual basic salaries of the incumbent governor.

“Accommodation: One house not below five-bed maisonette in either Abuja or Akwa Ibom.

“Transport: One car and one utility car every four years. Furniture: 300 percent of annual basic salary every four years. Domestic staff: Amount not above N5m to employ cooks, chauffeurs and security.

“Medical: Free treatment and spouse not exceeding N100m per year (this provision will soon be reverted to “free” without limit following outcry).

“Security: “Adequate” (not specified). Personal Assistant: One. Car maintenance: 300 percent of annual basic salary. Entertainment: 100% of annual basic salary.

“Utility: 100 percent of annual basic salary. Drivers: Amount not above N5m. Severance gratuity: 300 percent annual basic salary.”

Falana noted that the National Industrial Court had declared as null and void the payment of pension and gratuity to former governors and deputy governors.

According to him, the court made the declaration in the judgment in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/1497/2017 filed by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project against the Attorney-General of the Federation.

He said the pronouncement was also made in a suit marked NICN/JOS/26/2016 filed by Alhaji Garba Umar against the Taraba State Government.

“In 2022, the Lagos State Government announced a 50 percent reduction in the pension. Senators Daniel and Dankwambo have directed the governments of Ogun and Gombe to stop paying them the pension since they are receiving salaries and allowances in the National Assembly.

“The governments of Kwara, Imo and Zamfara States have abolished the payment of the pension. We call on other state governments to abolish the pension as soon as possible. Nigeria can no longer afford to pay scandalous pension to ex-governors while workers are owed arrears of meagre pension. Therefore, the pension laws applicable to other public officers should also apply to all ex-governors.”

Africa’s rise crucial in dynamic global order — India’s Foreign Minister.

Africa’s rise crucial in dynamic global order — India’s Foreign Minister.

In the changing global order, the rise of Africa is very crucial, says India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishanker.

Jaishanker, who is currently on a visit to Nigeria, made this known on Sunday evening in Lagos.

He spoke at a lecture organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs titled, “Resetting the Global Agenda: The Role of India and the Global South.”

According to Jaishanker, the global agenda, in many ways today, is about restoring Africa and the world at large to its natural state because the world was diverse and still is.

He noted that the global south was a mindset with some principles for non-interference, non-alignment and non-judgment as well as about solidarity and sharing.

“So, how does the global south today deal with the global north? I think in many ways, by being empathetic, understanding, and being respectful while recognising that every country has its sovereignty.

“Every country has its culture and traditions and solutions must be found in a way in which they are not imposed, but are organically grown by the society to actually cultivate.”

Jaishanker highlighted three global challenges that had to be overcome to get along with the global agenda. These, he said, include the quest to make the world a better place, globalisation and narrative setting.

The minister noted that globalisation had been a game changer and was a combination of economics, a shared common dependence, and a degree of mobility that had never been experienced.

He, however, said while globalisation has had many positive results in Africa and the rest of the world, it also has led to deep economic concentrations, adding that much of the world today depends on production.

“COVID-19 brought home to every one of us that we are often dependent on suppliers and producers for the most basic things of our life.

“The third challenge, narrative setting, is actually a very powerful force in international relations.

“We also have the challenges of the polarisation of the world. Conflicts such as the one in Ukraine have polarised the east and the west. How do we talk about a global agenda when there is polarisation?”

Speaking on how his country’s relations with Nigeria could yield more positive outcomes, he said that although India has had its ups and downs, He, however, noted that what had changed in the last 10 years was the innocence, leadership, and understanding of technology, adding that a different kind of energy had been awoken.

“It’s very hard to say the exact combinations or factors that accelerate national growth and progress.

“One of the big changes that happened in my country is very basic changes such as connecting houses to pipe water. Basic things are as important as the biggest things and one can be used to deploy the other.”

Jaishanker also said neo-colonialism was pervasive and visible in so many ways, noting that the world was still far away from being a just, and equitable planet.

“Now we are struggling for economic strength. How do we actually get something that is more mutually respectful and not just as a diplomatic gesture?

“The world will not be truly diverse, or have a true sense of ownership if 54 countries of the world are left out of the manner in which things are being discussed.

“India’s growth and prosperity is not complete until we see that Africa has gotten what is rightfully theirs,” he said.

Director-General, NIIA, Prof Eghosa Osaghae, said India was a great partner with Nigeria, adding that both nations have had larger global frameworks and networks, beginning with the non-aligned movement.

On his part, India has been at the forefront of solidarity with Nigeria considering that they opened diplomatic ties with Nigeria two years before her independence.

“India is a country that we share so much in common with and we are delighted to be hosting the minister, and what greater time than now, seeing that the world is at several reflection points.

“There have been conversations ongoing about the need to recalibrate the global order, the search for global justice, the search for global equity, all of those issues that have been thrown up by the experiences that we’ve had since the days of COVID.

“Also, the demands for the democratisation of the multilateral institutions, especially the demand for permanent seats for the global south in the UN Security Council.

“So we wanted to see how India, as a great power in the world, collaborates with other great powers in the world, like Nigeria on these kinds of issues,” Osaghae said.

(NAN)

Zelensky to reward foreign fighters with Ukrainian citizenship.

Zelensky to reward foreign fighters with Ukrainian citizenship.

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday announced draft legislation that could pave the way for foreigners fighting against Russia in his country to receive Ukrainian citizenship.

Thousands of foreigners rushed at the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to help fend off Moscow’s forces trying to wrest control of the country and topple Ukraine’s leadership.

“Foreign volunteers who took up arms to defend Ukraine, all those who fight for Ukraine’s freedom as if it were their homeland. And Ukraine will become such for them,” Zelensky said in a post on social media.

He was announcing new proposed legislation that would formally allow Ukrainians to gain dual citizenship, with the exception of Russia.

Zelensky also said he had signed a decree titled “On the Territories of the Russian Federation Historically Inhabited by Ukrainians,” without providing details.

He said the aim of the document was to push forward “the restoration of truth about the historical past for the sake of Ukraine’s future.”

Apart from taking in a wide array of Western supplied weapons, Kyiv has also seen thousands of citizens from a slew of countries fighting alongside its forces on the front.

Among them, units comprised of Belarusians and Russians have also joined the fight. Both states are considered to be “aggressor countries” by Kyiv, since Russian forces also attacked Ukraine from Belarusian territory.

President Vladimir Putin had on January 1, 2023, said Moscow would intensify strikes on military targets in Ukraine after an unprecedented attack on the Russian city of Belgorod.

The attack killed 24 people and left over 100 wounded in Belgorod on Saturday. It came after Moscow launched a large-scale attack on Ukrainian cities.

“We’re going to intensify the strikes, no crime against civilians will rest unpunished, that’s for certain,” Putin said Monday during a visit to a military hospital.

He said Russia would press on with hitting what he called “military installations.”

AFP