Making Nigeria great, our collective responsibility – Gov Makinde.

Making Nigeria great, our collective responsibility – Gov Makinde.

The Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the task of making Nigeria great is a collective responsibility.

Makinde made this declaration on Friday, in Ibadan, during the  unveiling  of the dualised 12.5-kilometre Challenge–Odo-Ona Elewe–Elebu–Apata Road.

The governor said that the road project was the government’s way of ushering in prosperity for the people of the state, and ensuring that they enjoyed the dividends of democracy.

Makinde also stated that the road would facilitate quick vehicular movements thereby saving useful man-hours spent in traffic, adding that good roads would attract developments.

He said: “And by the powers conferred on me, this dualised 12.5-kilometre Challenge–Odo-Ona Elewe–Elebu–Apata Road has now been named ‘Theophilus Akinyele Way'”

“To make Nigeria great is our collective responsibility. And we all must work together to make Nigeria working again. I repeat this will be the focus of myself and all the governors in the PDP in the weeks and months to come. So, I urge our people to remain hopeful, the tough times will soon be over.”

Speaking further, Makinde disclosed that the meeting the Peoples Democratic Party’s governors recently held in Abuja was focused on the economic hardship being faced by the people, adding that, “our focus at this time is helping our people overcome the challenges of the times.”

The governor used the event to announce an extension of the wage award payment to civil servants in the state by another six months, which he said, would allow government and workers the time to sort out what the minimum wage should be.

“When this economic crisis started, we gave wage awards to the workers. We gave them six months since October and I wanted that offer that time to sort out between the government and the workers what the minimum wage should be.

“We have not been able to do that and we announce today that the wage award be extended by another six months to give us time to closeout time on the minimum wage discussions and negotiations.

The Enugu State governor, Dr Peter Mbah, who unveiled and commissioned the road, said, “I want to take this moment to congratulate my brother, your governor, the people-friendly governor and his team for the event we are witnessing here today, for the construction and completion of this massive 12.5-kilometre road. For me, this is not just an event to mark the cutting of a ribbon but it is a testament, a bold testament to the governor’s quest of leaving lasting legacies to humanity, and that’s what we are witnessing here today.

“I am told that this road is going to link the critical gateway of Apata to the city suburbs, and it’s going to link Challenge to Apata, and it’s also going to improve the connection for those travelling to Abeokuta, and also decongest the Ibadan-Ring road traffic. So, you can see that this construction and completion didn’t happen by accident.

“There was a design and a concept to be able to provide the ease, to offer the people of Oyo state the ease of doing their business, the ease of transportation, the ease of movement. So, you can easily see that what is at the epicentre of this event today is the people, the people of Oyo state. And that’s what the administration of my brother has continually underscored.”

Benue needs a naval base, says Alia.

Benue needs a naval base, says Alia.

Benue state governor, Hyacinth Alia, has called for the establishing of a naval base in the state to boost security. 

He said the establishment of a naval base would foster closer collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies operating in Benue.

Alia requested for “a Nigerian Navy Type A Operation Base in Makurdi ‘ during his visit to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, in Abuja. 

The governor lamented thr security challenges confronting the state, saying that many communities are under siege, people are living in fear and threatened by criminal elements, particularly armed herders and bandits.

He said these criminals exploited the absence of security along Benue waterways to infiltrate and perpetrate heinous crimes against defenseless innocent residents.

Alia said:”The situation demands urgent action, and it is in this spirit of urgency that I am here to appeal to the Nigerian Navy to consider establishing a Type “A” Operational Base in Makurdi, Benue State, along the River Benue. 

“Such a strategic move is not just a necessity, but a moral imperative to safeguard the lives and properties of our citizens and to restore peace and security to our communities.”

Alia said in a statement by his Principal Special Assistant on Print Media, Donald Kumun, that River Benue is one of the two major inland waterways in Nigeria running from the Nigerian-Cameroon Border to its confluence with River Niger at Lokoja. 

He said the river, though an inland waterway, is critical to Nigeria’s drive towards maximizing her Blue Economy potentials and enhancing national development. 

Alia said an enhanced security along River Benue and the adjoining coastal communities and waterways is critical to achieving the developmental aspiration. 

The governor lamented that the security situation along the river and its adjoining communities has largely remained volatile due to the absence of operational Naval presence along the River. 

He said: “Bandits have been exploiting the absence of security along the waterways to infiltrate and kill defenseless innocent civilians in Benue State without any resistance. 

“For instance, In April last year, no fewer than 400 innocent civilians were reportedly killed by bandits across Benue State in the space of three weeks. 

“Most of these attacks occurred because the bandits exploited the absence of naval presence along the waterways to attack adjoining coastal communities in Logo, Guma, Katsina-Ala and Agatu LGAs of Benue State.”

Alia added: “Benue State, with its extensive network of waterways, has become a fertile ground for criminal activities. These criminals, emboldened by the lack of security presence along our rivers, roam freely, spreading terror and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. It is time for us to take a stand and say enough is enough.

“By establishing a Naval base in Makurdi, the Nigerian Navy would not only assert its commitment to protecting the lives of Nigerians, but also send a clear message to these criminal elements that their reign of terror will no longer be tolerated. 

“The presence of a Naval base would serve as a formidable deterrent, disrupting the activities of criminals and restoring a sense of security to our communities.”

Alia said the establishment of a Naval base in Makurdi would not only bolster the security architecture of Benue State, but also enhance the Navy’s capacity for swift response to security breaches. 

He said with a dedicated operational base in the heart of the state, the Nigerian Navy would be better positioned to deploy resources, conduct patrols and apprehend perpetrators, thereby ensuring that justice is served and our communities are protected.

He said: “We can leverage our collective expertise and resources to effectively combat criminal networks, dismantle their operations and bring them to justice.

“Makurdi, the Benue State Capital is currently home to the Nigerian Navy Provost and Regulating School (NNPRS), with a Sickbay and Barracks established to support the School. 

“However, the NNPRS is not an Operations Base but a training institution. Hence, it is not equipped with the requisite manpower, gunboats, operational vehicles and most importantly the mandate to conduct operations to support the Benue State Government in addressing the security challenges in the State. It is therefore necessary for the Benue State Government to liaise with Naval Headquarters for the establishment of a Type ‘A’ Operations Base in Makurdi.

“As a demonstration of our total commitment to the partnership between the Benue State Government and the Nigerian Navy, we have processed papers for the allocation of land and are already making compensations for the permanent site of the Nigerian Navy Provost and Regulating School (NNPRS) in Makurdi."

Senegal’s Sall obeys court order, promises to hold delayed presidential vote.

Senegal’s Sall obeys court order, promises to hold delayed presidential vote.

Senegalese President Macky Sall on Friday said he would fully abide by a court decision that overturned the postponement of the presidential election to December this year.

Sall also stated that he is committed to carrying out without delay the nece ssary consultations for the organisation of the presidential election [in Senegal] as soon as possible.

A bill that pushed back the February 25 poll and plunged the country into electoral uncertainty was overturned on Thursday by Senegal’s Constitutional Council, according to Reuters.

It follows the decision of Senegal’s top election authority to void the president’s postponement of a presidential election.

It ruled that the decision to do so was unconstitutional.

Sall “has taken note” of the council’s decision and request for the election to be held as soon as possible, the presidency said in a statement on Friday.

“The president intends to fully execute the constitutional council’s decision,” it added.

Sall has been under significant pressure to accept the ruling. The week-long electoral crisis has already led to violent protests and warnings of authoritarian overreach in one of coup-hit West Africa’s more stable democracies.

Opposition leaders, West Africa’s main economic and political bloc ECOWAS, and foreign powers including the United States and France urged authorities earlier on Friday to comply with the judgement and quickly set a new date for the election.

He had announced in July last year that he would not seek a third term in office.

Sall was due to leave office on April 2, 2024, following a failed move to extend his tenure beyond the constitutionally permitted limit.

However, a few weeks before the scheduled February 25 presidential election, Sall announced the postponement of the election.

Sall previously said he delayed the election due to a dispute over the candidate list and alleged corruption within the Constitutional Council that he warned would undermine the credibility of the poll. The council has denied the accusations, as reported by Reuters.

FG summons Dangote Plc, BUA Plc, Larfarge, others over escalating cement prices.

FG summons Dangote Plc, BUA Plc, Larfarge, others over escalating cement prices.

The Federal government has said it cannot fold its arms and see the price of cement spiralled out of control.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi has summoned cement manufacturers to a meeting on Monday to examine the issues surrounding the latest development.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Minister on. Edward, Uchenna Orji, the Minister was “Worried by the escalating cost of cement despite huge patronage by road and housing contractors to cement manufacturers.”

 Those invited to the urgent meeting include Dangote Plc, BUA Plc, Larfarge and the other manufacturers.

The meeting is scheduled to take place on the  at the Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi-Abuja.

The Minister was quoted as saying that “It is common knowledge that the manufacturers have their challenges, which we shall look into, but from our findings, the disparity between ex-factory price and the market price is wide.

“We therefore need to look into the situation and other issues with a view to finding a common front”.

Odatiwa Gears Up for Governorship with LACO FOOT SOLDIERS Campaign.

Odatiwa Gears Up for Governorship with LACO FOOT SOLDIERS Campaign.

....As Local Government and Senatorial Directors Unveiled.

In a strategic move aimed at effectively reaching the grassroots, the Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organization (LACO) has announced the appointment of Local Government Directors to spearhead the LACO FOOT SOLDIERS Campaign across various Local Government Areas (LGs) in the state. Notable figures among the appointed Directors include Hon. Adeola Adesina for Akoko South East, Hon. David Ajobiewe for Akoko South West, Hon Kumalo for Akoko North East, Alh. Rasheed Badmus for Akoko North West, Hon. Olayato Aribo for Ose LG, Hon. Dr. Adeyemi Olayemi Koko for Owo LG, Hon. Tayo Fayanju for Akure North, Hon. Femi Fadairo for Akure South, Hon. Sunday Akinwadele for Idanre LG, Hon. Dipo Ajibola for Ifedore LG, Olamide Ifedayo for Ondo East LG, Onidare Bukunmi for Ondo West LG, Hon. Kabonti Akinrinsola Odunayo for Ileoluji/Okeigbo LG, Hon. Oladimeji Abimbola for Odigbo LG, Adekugbe Sola for Irele LG, Hon. Igbekele Akinrinwa for Okitipupa LG, Hon. Toyin Allen for Ese Odo LG, and Barr. Idowu Mafimisbi for Ilaje LG.

Furthermore, Senatorial District Directors have been appointed to oversee campaign activities in the respective senatorial districts. Notable among them are Hon. Bisi Ogungbemi for Ondo North, Barr. Gbenga Olaniyi for Ondo Central, and Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan for Ondo South.

These appointments, meticulously chosen from a pool of highly qualified leaders, signify a significant milestone in the election preparations for Lucky Aiyedatiwa's gubernatorial bid. The appointed leaders on Friday 16th convened for a crucial briefing to outline the strategic objectives and operational plans moving forward.

The selection of these directors underscores the campaign's commitment to grassroots engagement and underscores its determination to connect with voters at the local level. Congratulations are in order for all the appointed leaders, and their dedication to the cause is expected to play a pivotal role in the success of the campaign as it progresses towards the election day.

IPMAN threatens strike in Anambra over Soludo’s heavy taxation.

IPMAN threatens strike in Anambra over Soludo’s heavy taxation.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association, Enugu Depot has warned it would be forced to shut down selling of fuel in Anambra State within the next two weeks over attacks on members.

The Association accused Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration of over-taxing its members, clamping on their businesses, and arresting them.

This is coming as the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, on Thursday, vowed to stop lifting petroleum products beginning next week Monday due to the high cost of operations.

IPMAN Chairman, Mr Chinedu Anyaso, gave the warning on Friday, shortly after he was re-elected to pilot the Affairs of the association for a second term of three years.

He promised to continue working hard to ameliorate the difficulties facing its members in their businesses.

He alleged that despite the Association having an agreement with the state government, the Anambra State Waste Management Authority, signage officials, and Ocha Brigade officials were always coming to demand money, arrest and detain IPMAN members and their workers.

According to him, all efforts to call the attention of the Anambra State Government to the issue have proved abortive.

He regretted that some of the IPMAN members having businesses in Anambra State were taken to court and jailed or given the option of fines due to their refusal to comply with over-taxation.

He said, “Since the removal of the fuel subsidy, members of IPMAN have continued to find it difficult to survive the harsh business environment confronting all business concerns in the country.

“Even as they are struggling to keep business afloat and retain their workers, Anambra state government in its quest to surge-up its internal revenue has come so hard on individual members and their business outfits in the area.

“The latest development also undermines agreement with various state governments that IPMAN will be paying a collective tax to ensure all members pay and check issues of multiple taxation.”

The IPMAN boss, however, applauded Ebonyi and Enugu State governments for cooperating and supporting its members and their activities as well as state governments of some parts of Imo, Abia, Kogi and Cross River States where its members operate as well.

He noted that IPMAN members had been a great pillar of support in the past three years he has been at the helm of the group, making it possible for the association to achieve some milestones noting that his re-election is a call to do more.

Military recovered N2.6bn stolen crude oil, others – DHQ.

Military recovered N2.6bn stolen crude oil, others – DHQ.

The Defence Headquarters on Friday said troops in the South-South region recovered stolen crude oil and other related products valued at N2.6 billion. 

According to the DHQ, a total of 3,282,250 litres of stolen crude oil, 224,050 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 5,925 litres of DPK were recovered between January 27 and February 16. 

In addition, 131 dug-out pits, 67 illegal refining sites, and 125 storage tanks were discovered and destroyed, while a total of 104 suspected oil thieves were apprehended. 

This was contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba. 

The statement read, “In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N2.6bn. Troops also arrested 104 perpetrators of oil theft. 

“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 131 dugout pits, 70 boats, 125 storage tanks, 12 motorcycles, two  tricycles and 12 vehicles.

:Other items recovered included 43 cooking ovens, 12 pump machines, 6 speedboats, one outboard engine, and 67 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 3,282,250 litres of stolen crude oil, 224,050 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 5,925 litres of DPK.”

The country is currently grappling with a significant issue of oil theft, causing substantial adverse impacts on economic growth, business opportunities, and the profit margins of oil companies.

According to the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative,  Ogbonnaya Orji, more than N4.3tn worth of crude oil was stolen in 7,143 pipeline vandalism cases within five years.

Buba also said a total of 254 terrorists were killed, while 264 were arrested. 

He said, “During the week under review troops recorded the following; troops neutralised 254 and arrested 264 of them. Troops also rescued 73 kidnapped hostages.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 378 assorted weapons and 4,705 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 131 AK47 rifles, 2 FN rifles, 2 G3 rifle, 3 SMGs, 69 locally fabricated guns, 57 pump action guns, 7 pistols, 14 locally fabricated pistols, 5 revolver rifles, 4 revolver pistols, 45 Dane guns, 4 locally made single barrel, and 2 hand grenades, 7 RPG Launchers, one RPG bomb, one locally made double barrel gun, 17 dane gun double barrel and IEDs.

“Others are 2,444 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,712 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 80 rounds of 9mm ammo, 61 rounds of 5.45 x 39mm ammo, 6 rounds of 0.44-inch ammo, 415 live cartridges, 10 empty cases of cartridges, 11 magazines, 18 vehicles, 40 motorcycles, 74 mobile phones, 4 baofeng radios and the sum of N748,430.00 amongst other items.”