I Perceive Education as Inalienable Right of Every Ekiti Child, Says Oyebanji.

I Perceive Education as Inalienable Right of Every Ekiti Child, Says Oyebanji.

....Commissions SGDs' Projects.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has declared that his administration respects education as a non-negotiable right of every Ekiti child, promising to deploy every resource available to expand access to universal basic education in the state.

Oyebanji said this on Thursday, during official commissioning of a block of three classrooms and a borehole under the Sustainable Development Goals at Ilupeju Community Nursery and Primary school, Ikere Ekiti.

The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said the facilities were conceptualised to guarantee quality education through conducive teaching and learning atmosphere for pupils and teachers.

Oyebanji noted his administration had invested hugely on education through policies that can shore up school enrolments and bolster the welfare of teachers to be able to deliver optimally.

"The projects we are commissioning today will play vital roles in fulfilling our shared interest and common goals in promoting Sustainable Development Goals in our community. 

"Education serves a s a bedrock of knowledge , and with the completion of these classrooms we are instilling SDG-Goal 4, which stands for quality education in our community.

"Access to clean water and education are basic human rights, and through these facilities, we are addressing critical needs of mankind in our community".

Speaking specifically about potable water provision, which stands for SDG goal 6, Oyebanji said access to this facility improve the health of the citizens, reduce morbidity and mortality rates as well as increased life expectancy of the populace .

"This facility is not only for the benefit of pupils and staff, but also for the neighbourhood. Let me therefore stress that it is the responsibility of the school community, PTA and Ilupeju Community residents to see to the maintenance and security of the project that will alleviate the challenge of acute water shortage in the environ".

In his submission, the Special Adviser to the Governor and Director General, SDGs' Office, Prince Adewole Ajakaye, stated that the projects form part of the ingenuous ways through which Governor Oyebanji intends to make learning more conducive in schools.

Ajakaye saluted Oyebanji for providing the facilities he believed will add panache to quality of academic delivery, appealing to the school management to strictly maintain the facilities .

The Education Secretary, Ikere Local Government, Mr. Femi Buraimo, revealed that public schools in the council have been recording good numerical strength in terms of school enrolments due to facilities and personnel being provided by government.

"Let me bring to your notice that due to the qualities of facilities and personnel available in public schools, children in private schools are being withdrawn to join public schools in Ikere Ekiti. 

"As at the last count , primary schools in Ikere Local Government have increased from 40 to 63. More schools will still be established by government to accommodate more children, Governor Oyebanji gave us the assurance when he met with all Education Secretaries last week and asked about our problems, which was happening for the first time in history".

Applauding the governor for the gesture, the traditional ruler of the community and Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado , appreciated the Governor for prioritising education through operation renovate all schools and provision of clean water.

"What the governor has done is a challenge to all of us. Try and maintain all these facilities and see that quality education is being offered here to justify whatever the governor has done".

Falana withdraws suit challenging Polaris Bank sale.

Falana withdraws suit challenging Polaris Bank sale.

The Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday dismissed a suit filed by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), challenging the sale of Polaris Bank.

Justice Lewis Allagoa dismissed the suit following an application filed by Falana, who was the plaintiff in the matter, seeking to discontinue the suit.

Falana had filed the suit marked HC/l/CS/87c/23 against the Central Bank of Nigeria and Polaris Bank Nigeria Ltd.

In his originating summons, he asked the court to determine “whether, by the provisions of Section 42(2) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020, and Public Procurement Act, 2007, the CBN could validly sell Polaris Bank for N50bn having earlier revitalised same for N1.3tn.”

He also sought a declaration that the purported sale of Polaris Bank by the CBN on October 19, 2022, was illegal and violates the Public Procurement Act, 2007; and the provisions of the Banks and Other Related Institutions Act 2020.

At the resumed hearing of the matter on Wednesday, Falana announced an appearance for himself; while Augustine Okafor appeared for the CBN and Olabisi Makanjuola for Polaris Bank.

Falana informed the court that he was discontinuing the suit following the takeover of Polaris Bank by the Federal Government.

According to him, the Federal Government, having found that the sale of the bank was illegal, had decided to take over the bank.

In response, the CBN’s lawyer, Makanjuola, said since the parties had already joined issues, the court should dismiss the suit rather than strike it out.

Reported that a suit struck out can be refiled, while one dismissed cannot be refiled.

The CBN’s lawyer also contended that Falana had yet to pay the N200,000 awarded against him by the court at the last hearing.

In his response, Falana said the defence counsel should rather thank him for opting to withdraw the suit.

After listening to the lawyer, Justice Allagoa said Falana would not be punished because he filed the suit in the interest of the public.

The judge subsequently dismissed the suit.

PDP closes Edo form sale, rakes in N235m from 11 aspirants.

PDP closes Edo form sale, rakes in N235m from 11 aspirants.

The Peoples Democratic Party has amassed N265m from the sale of Nomination and Expression of Interest forms to 11 Edo State governorship aspirants.

The Nomination Form was sold for N30m, while the Expression of Interest Form was N5m. However, the party made the Expression of Interest Form free for female aspirants and those with disabilities.

According to a schedule released by the party, the sale of forms ends today (Thursday), while the party will conduct a congress on February 22 to decide which of the aspirants to pick as the candidate for the September 21, 2024 Edo State governorship election.

The PDP began the sale of forms on January 17, 2024 and fixed January 27 as the deadline for submission by the aspirants.

Checks on Wednesday by our correspondent showed that 11 aspirants had so far purchased the forms picked up at the PDP national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja. Among them were two females, who paid only for the N30m Nomination form.

The aspirants who have purchased the forms are the Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shuaibu; a former Chairman of Sterling Bank, Asue Ighodalo; and Blessing Igbinedion, daughter of Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.

Other aspirants are Anselm Usiose Ojezua, Felix Akhabue, Martin Uhomoibhi, Umoru Hadizat, and Omoregie Ihama.

It was learned that the PDP had chosen the indirect primary mode to select its Edo State governorship candidate.

A high-ranking member of the PDP National Working Committee, who spoke to Newsmen anonymously, said “The PDP will not zone its ticket in Edo State. The NWC has also approved delegates and three ad hoc, indirect primary.

“It means members will elect delegates at ward and local government levels. These delegates will then move to Benin, the state capital, on February 22 to elect our party’s candidate.”

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, assured aspirants of a level playing field, stating, “What the aspirants and Edo State stakeholders should expect from our party is a free, fair, credible, and acceptable primary that the PDP is known for.”

Ologunagba in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH stated, “Edo State is a PDP state, and we will maintain it. So, we will not disappoint our members; the party leadership will follow due process and we are very sure that people will support our party in Edo State. We are ready.”

On the question of reducing the number of aspirants, he said, “What we do is always to have a conversation. The issue of pruning the number of aspirants will not come up because these are processes that will come up among members, and I am sure that is going on. So, we are prepared for the primaries, and the more, the merrier. It will be a fair process, and there will be no rancour.”

Meanwhile, ahead of the January 29 deadline for the sale of forms by the All Progressives Congress, the party has garnered N250m from the sale of Nomination and Expression of Interest forms to five aspirants for the Edo election.

The APC sells its Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for N10m and N40m, respectively.

The aspirants who have purchased the forms are a former Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba; a two-term governorship candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu; a former Chairman of the APC Edo State, Dr. David Imuse.

Others are Emmanuel Momoh and Senator Monday Okpebholo.

The party has fixed February 17, 2024 for the primary to elect its flag bearer for the September 21, 2024 poll.

Alleged N4b fraud: Obiano ‘can’t leave FCT.

Alleged N4b fraud: Obiano ‘can’t leave FCT.

Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday barred former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, from travelling out of Abuja.

 The ex-governor was arraigned on a nine-count charge for allegedly laundering about N4 billionbetween March 2014 and March 2022.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) claimed Obiano indirectly transferred funds from the security vote account, which he deployed for purposes not related to security.

 The former governor pleaded not guilty.

 After taking the defendant’s plea, prosecuting lawyer, Sylvanus Tahir applied for his remand in custody.

Upon enquiry by Justice Inyang Ekwo, Tahir said the prosecution planned to call 14 witnesses in the case.

 But defence lawyer , Onyechi Ikpeazu, said he filed for bail on behalf of his client.

 When the court asked Tahir if he had responded to the bail application, the lawyer said prosecution received it a few minutes and sought time to respond to the bail application.

Tahir said the commission had granted Obiano a conditional administrative bail to produce two sureties who are directors in federal civil service.

The judge said he was inclined to adopt the conditions and granted Obiano bail.

 Justice Ekwo ordered Obiano not to travel outside the court’s jurisdiction without its permission; to deposit his travel documents with the court, following which the court would notify the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) about the restriction on his movement outside the jurisdiction.

 Justice Ekwo adjourned till March 4 for the commencement of trial.

Governor Aiyedatiwa Appoints SSG and CoP in Ondo State.

Governor Aiyedatiwa Appoints SSG and CoP in Ondo State.

By Olamide Akinwumi J.

In a strategic move to enhance governance in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has made key appointments, designating Tayo Oluwatuyi, widely known as Tukana, as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Tukana's appointment marks a return to the SSG position, having previously served in the same capacity after the resignation of Ifedayo Abegunde during the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu's tenure. Notably, he also held the position of Ondo State Coordinator for the Tinubu/Shettima Independent Campaign Council.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, in furtherance of his administration's commitment to effective service delivery, concurrently appointed Mr. Abayomi Olasanya as the Chief of Protocol (CoP).

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, specifies that both appointments take immediate effect. This strategic decision aims to strengthen the state government's operational framework and underscores the governor's dedication to impactful governance.

The newly appointed SSG and CoP are expected to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their respective roles, contributing to the overall development and progress of Ondo State.

First Lady urges Nigerians to prioritise care for the elderly.

First Lady urges Nigerians to prioritise care for the elderly.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has restated the need to give more attention to the elderly in the society. 

Mrs. Tinubu said this when she hosted the wife of the Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Patience Eno, in her office at the State House yesterday in Abuja.

The First Lady noted that the elderly have paid their dues in all spheres of life and deserve to be taken care of in their old age.

In a statement by her spokesperson Busola Kukoyi, Senator Tinubu said: “It is easy to bypass them, so to speak, because their voice is no more loud. They need our attention.

“I commend the Akwa Ibom State governor, His Excellency Pastor Umoh Eno, for buying into the vision of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS),” she said.

The First Lady congratulated the governor on his victory at the Supreme Court, confirming him as the duly elected Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

“It is now time to work fully. Let us put politics behind and face governance,” she said.

Mrs. Eno explained that she was at the State House to update the First Lady on the RHIESS.

“My husband, the governor, has decided to adopt the RHIESS programme, as initiated by you, and says that it would now be a monthly programme. He recognises that it is a highly laudable one and it really brings joy and hope to the elderly,” she said.

The governor’s wife announced that Akwa Ibom State was set to host 500 elderly, aged 65 years and above every month, by giving them N50,000.00 token, in addition to giving them sundry items as well as access to free medical checks.

Presidency: no plan to move federal capital back to Lagos.

Presidency: no plan to move federal capital back to Lagos.

Presidency yesterday assured Nigerians that the federa capital will not be moved back to Lagos.

The clarification followed reactions of some northern groups and leaders over relocation of some departments of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and offices of Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to Lagos.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) page, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, wrote: “President Tinubu has no plan to move federal capital to Lagos. The rumour first surfaced during the campaign last year by opponents looking for all manner of weapons to stop him. We trashed it.

“Those peddling it anew are dishonest, ethnic and regional champions, trying to draw attention to themselves. Abuja has come to stay. It is backed by law.

“The movement of FAAN, a department of Aviation Ministry to Lagos, where it was based before former Minister, Hadi Sirika, moved it to Abuja does not amount to moving FCT to Lagos. The administrative move should have attracted scant attention, as Lagos is the commercial capital and the hub of aviation business in Nigeria. FAAN should be nowhere else but near the industry it regulates. FAAN will still maintain some presence in Abuja.

“Similarly, the movement of some departments of CBN to Lagos should not trigger any hoopla. The departments concerned, including Bank Supervision, are those dealing with commercial banks, all with headquarters in Lagos. A regulator ought to be close to the businesses it regulates.

“All those pushing this campaign of falsehood know they are playing politics, albeit a dangerous politics to pit the North against South.”

Senator representing Kogi West and Chair of Senate Services Committee, Sunday Karimi, has said northern senators had not taken a position on the movement of some departments of CBN and FAAN to Lagos.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Karimi said Northern Senators’ Forum agreed to investigate the matter.

He said: “What is important to our people is how decisions of government will affect their lives positively and put food on their table.

“They are not bothered by any ethnic sentiments on relocation of offices.

“During the forum’s last meeting, where the issue was raised, the members urged caution on taking a hasty position, calling for a full investigation…”

Former media aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Doyin Okupe, yesterday faulted a statement credited to the senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, for faulting the relocation of certain departments of CBN and FAAN from Abuja to Lagos.

Ndume, in a Channels Television interview, had said the President was being ill-advised by “Lagos boys” in the corridors of power.

But in an open letter to Ndume, Okupe wrote: “Your pronouncement on the above subject matter is provocative and unexpected of a politician of your pedigree and position…’’

 in the Nigerian polity.

“You have been in politics for more than two decades, you are one of the highest-ranking senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you once contested and deservedly for the revered and exalted position of the Senate President.

“Even if you disagreed and you were aware of the ‘consensus’ of many Northern politicians being against this move, it is reasonable to expect that you would treat this situation with much equanimity and maturity.

“Your threat against President Tinubu of political consequences because of this action of the Federal Government is unwarranted and demeaning of your status.

“Ours is a fragile democracy, and from the First Republic to date, leaders of this nation have managed our national stability and unity with great circumspection and forbearance. Our polity has not always been based on political correctness but rather, often times, on political expediency and prevailing power locus.

“For instance, why should major military installations and institutions be domiciled in the North? Or the Nigerian Port Authority and the Nigerian Customs be located in Abuja?

“These are institutions that must be of necessity close to where the harbour is, but my dear senator, this is how we are as a people.”