2023: Nigerian Professionals In Europe Assure Atiku Of One Million Votes

Ahead of February 2023 presidential election, a forum of Nigerian Professionals in Europe, under the aegis of Nigerian Professionals for Atiku Abubakar in Europe, has promised to mobilise not less than one million votes for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming poll.

The forum said it desires a more secured, economically buoyant and better country for all, hence the need to support an experienced and well prepared leader against other presidential candidates.

In a statement released on Saturday and signed by the Europe Coordinator, Collins Osazee Idahosa, the forum of Nigerians in Diaspora said it has appointed 23 coordinators across different countries in Europe as part of strategies to achieve the target goal.

Some of the coordinators includes; Bridget Omoregie for Ireland, Roland Edomwonyi for Sweden, Sylvester Idahosa for Spain, Osariemen Erhabor for Finland, Solomon Obazee for England, Alex Okitikpi for France, Austin Osiomofo for Belgium, Queen Aghibe for Cyprus, King Nelson for Germany and Helen Osas Okhuarobo for Italy, among others.

The group used the medium to thank all the coordinators for their sacrifices and wish them a prosperous year 2023, even as it prayed for Nigeria and Nigerians home and abroad to enjoy a blessed new year.

Idahosa, however, urged Nigerians home and abroad to forget about political affiliation and see future in the Atiku/Okowa presidency.

The statement said: Nigerian Professionals for Atiku Abubakar Europe is a global group with a number of 23 coordinators  accross the different countries of Europe. 

"We have promised to deliver one million votes to Atiku and repeat what we did in the last Osun State Governorship election in respect of Atiku and the People's Democratic Party.

"Our promise of a million votes for Atiku was ignited by our desire for a more secure, economically buoyant and better country overall.

"We want an experienced and well prepared leader which we know is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar."

UN grants NIWOSEC Consultative status

... Centre can attend UN sessions, make written and oral statements at international Conferences - Dr. Enhindero

By Matthew Denis

Jubilations as the United Nations has granted a Special Consultative Status to a Nigeria based Non Governmental Organization -The Nigerian Workforce Strategy and Enlightenment Centre (NIWOSEC).

This is the highest status granted by UN to any NGO or Civil Society Organizations. 

The Lead  Strategist of NIWOSEC, Dr David Kayode Ehindero made disclosure during a special session with NIWOSEC Management, Staff and stakeholders yesterday, 29th December, 2022 at ilorin, Kwara state Capital. 

He said "the letter of the new status was conveyed through an official letter communicated to the organization, signed by Wook- Jin Chang, the Chief, NGO Branch from the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development, Department of Economic and Social Affairs dated 27 December, 2022. 

Dr Ehindero read  the contents of the letter which read " I am pleased to inform you that on the 7th December, 2022, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) adopted the recommendation of the committee on Non- Governmental Organizations (NGO) to grant special consultative status to your organization, The Nigerian Workforce Strategy and Enlightenment Centre. Please accept our heart felt congratulations"

The Lead Strategist described the new status as "God answered prayers and rewards of hardwork".

 He congratulated the Management and Staff for achieving the great feats.

 The Diplomatic Council enjoys special consultative status with the UN.

"The Council is granted by the United Nations the highest status that can be achieved for a non-governmental organisation (NGO): the special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. This status entitles the Diplomatic Council to attend UN sessions and make written and oral statements at international UN conferences and events. 

"The Diplomatic Council has opportunities to globally support  interests of economic diplomacy, express its views and influence the work of the Economic and Social Council: a flourishing economy that brings prosperity to mankind is one of the best peace guarantors worldwide. 

"Diplomatic Council members can apply to become Diplomatic Council UN delegates and attend UN sessions in New York, Geneva and Vienna. By offering this unique opportunity, the Diplomatic Council opens to its members access to one of the most exclusive, global contact networks with regard to economic and social issues."

Abuja Stands Still for Tinubu/Shettima, as TSN Inaugurates Officers

...Group optimistic of Tinubu/Shettima's emergence 

By Femi Adi

Ahead of the forthcoming 2023 Presidential Elections, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja  stood still for the All Progressives Congress Presidential Flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima, as Group under aegis of TINUBU/SHETTIMA NETWORK (TSN) its members today inaugurated National Officers and State Coordinators 

In his speech delivered by the National Chairman of Tinubu/Shettima Network, Engineer (Dr.) Kailani Muhammad during the inauguration ceremony held at Barcelona Hotel, Wuse, Abuja, the chairman disclosed that the event was a milestone in the Tinubu/Shettima ticket.

He said that the event had jumpstarted the implementation of the organization's strategies and synergies toward achieving significant paradigm shift from the clutches of political stagnation in the country to the dynamics of political re-invention in tandem with the 21st century global trend. 

According to him,  TSN is a rebirth of the Voters Guard and Awareness, which through the years 2003, 2007, 2011 and eventually, in 2015 and 2019 ensured success for President Muhammadu Buhari with about 12 million votes. 

He further said, even though the journey was rough and tough the landscape loaded with landmines, the group was  able to weather the storm and the  minimal effort and inputs yielded positive results at the end of it all. 

While explaining that "TSN structure presently is deeply grass rooted in all the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, Senatorial Districts, Local Government Councils and Wards across the country, Dr. Kailani Muhammad  assured the gathering and Nigerians in general that the group is  strategically positioned for a vibrant result – oriented outcome, more than we recorded in 2015 and 2019. Stressing,"By the special grace of God Almighty, our efforts will not be in vain.

"We shall put in every effort and ensure that all hands are on deck to register election success and ensure that Senator Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima are sworn in as President and Commander Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Vice President respectively come 2023, Insha Allah." 

The National Chairman however, reminded Nigerians that  the Abiola/ Tofa episode has manifested once again in the TINUBU/SHETTIMA ticket as an alternative for sustainable leadership and government .

He therefore posited that Nigeria and the citizens cannot afford to miss it this time around because, time is not on our side.

"Nigerians should understand that, the manifestation of this ticket has given us hope, such that very soon, in the near future, there is going to be a Christian –Christian ticket. Once we arrive at that stage, we can be assured that the time of religious distrust in Nigeria is gone forever and that those political jobseekers that feed on religious politics will become jobless. 

"Unfortunately, it is becoming obvious that the same negative mindsets that jeopardized the Abiola Tofa election are out again, with clandestine purposes and waving religious sentiment jargons in our faces, with devious intent to dissuade and discourage us from acknowledging the positive aspects that come with the TINUBU/SHETTIMA ticket."

Speaking on  leadership qualities , he described Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s aspiration as  appealing and a well grounded to leader ,who  has built a network of friends across the country, with a name recognition and his antecedents as politician is synonymous with success.

He equally averred that" Over time Tinubu has supported men and women to stardom and knows very well how to identify talents, people that are result-driven who can work with him and achieve his policies for the good of the nation. 

"Asiwaju Tinubu has the capacity to lead the country. His manifesto is a bumper package, rich in deliverables; with short term, medium term and long-term plans,thus he urged electorate to vote Tinubu/Shettima of the APC to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari who has done well.

Atiku Disowns Fraudulent Empowerment Of Cash For Votes

*tasks security agencies to fish out source, peddlers of such messages

The Atiku Care Foundation (ACF), a humanitarian component of the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has disowned a viral message promising electorate N50,000 empowerment to vote their principal in the 2023 general elections.

This was contained in a statement signed by the National Director Media and Publicity, Atiku Care Foundation, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday December 27, 2022.

According to the statement, Atiku Care Foundation's Director General, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas disowned the fraudulent messages being circulated on the social media by a phone number,  07085932887.

Ambassador Abbas said, "This is laughable and should not be taken serious by any Nigerian.

" We disown the message in its entirety. Atiku Care Foundation is the humanitarian component of our 2023 electioneering campaign and we would not descend that low to do something which can best be described as  "vote buying".

"All Nigerians are yearning for genuine change that will rescue the country from the shackles of poverty and misadministration   being experienced, hence, we don't need to induce voters," he said.

According to him, he suspects it is the handiwork of opponents who are beginning to see the handwritings on the wall that Nigerians will reject them or being pulled by mere fraudsters.

He therefore, charged Nigerians to ignore such messages.

Ambassador Abbas who is the SA Youth to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, further charged security agencies to investigate and fish out those behind such messages.

SDP’s Prince Adebayo Takes Campaign to Edo North, Promises To Develop The Region

Prince Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, has promised to ensure adequate development of Edo North in particular and Edo State in general if elected president of Nigeria in 2023.

He made the promise on December 23, 2022, at the Edo North Town Hall Meeting and Political Debate Program in Auchi, Edo State.

The presidential candidate of the SDP praised the people of the region for their contributions to the country’s peace, unity, and progress.

“And people from this community have contributed a lot to this country. When you look at the contributions of Edo North to Nigeria and what Nigeria has given back in terms of infrastructure; travelling on the road from Abuja to Auchi and Benin City to Auchi is a testimony of how much this area has been neglected,” he stated.

Prince Adebayo recalled his days as a corp member in Idah, Kogi state, saying that the service year allowed him to become acquainted with the people of Edo North, putting him in a better position than other presidential candidates to address the issues confronting the residents.

If elected president, he promised to build a seaport in Agenebode.

The SDP presidential candidate emphasized that the SDP’s motto is “progress,” and that progress can only be made when there is truth and justice.

According to him, the problem in Nigeria is a lack of justice, not a lack of money.

Earlier, the SDP presidential candidate visited the palace of the Otaru of Auchi and informed the monarch of his plans.

“We have neglected the place of traditional authority in our constitution. We inted to ensure the palace play a major role in the administration of Nigeria,” prince Adebayo told the Otaru.

Other priorities listed by the SDP presidential candidate include the abolition of poverty, insecurity, and unemployment in Nigeria.

In his response, Alhaji Haliru Momoh, Ikelebe the Third, the Otaru of Auchi, told the SDP presidential candidate to put his trust in God, noting that He is the one who truly chooses who governs and not mankind.

While introducing Prince Adebayo to the Otaru of Auchi, Delta State governorship candidate of the SDP and former minister of education for the state, Kenneth Gbagi, described the SDP presidential candidate as the most brilliant and articulate of all the contestants.

Senator Ugochukwu Mbah and the Edo State chairman of the SDP, Elder Felix Obayagbon, are among those in Prince Adewole Adebayo’s entourage.

SDP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, PRINCE ADEWOLE ADEBAYO URGES CHRISTIANS TO CONDEMN INJUSTICE

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has advised christians to call out injustice and corruption as a way to make the society better.

He made this known on Sunday December 25 when speaking during the Christmas concert oganised by Apostolic Faith Church Ondo State, at his residence.

Prince Adebayo said when public offices steal funds, the church should not encourage them by keeping silent but condemn it, as that is the only way God will have mercy upon Nigeria.

“My only advice to the church is, when they see people in public offices who have stolen fund, they shouldn't say God has blessed you. When someone does injustice in politics, the church should cry out and say this is injustice. If the church does this, God will have mercy upon Nigeria and truth and justice will come”, he said.

The SDP presidential candidate, while commending what the church is doing in the state, said he will provide more infrastructure in the state.

The most important thing is power is useless. Purpose is more important. And everything that is kept in your hand is a trust from God. Even our own life is a trust. It doesn't belong to you. If you live for 50 years and 100years it's not because you have the best doctor. Is because God has a mission for you, He wants you to fulfill. I talk to my friends running for office. Those of yesterday have gone. The most important thing is, when you are here, make mark. We are here just like a shadow. Then we should do our best. 

“We'll do all the roads, as for the lights we have enough lights, the 615 solar lights we earlier commissioned is just one third, more will come. There's no part of Ondo you will go and there will be no light”. 

For her part, wife of the SDP presidential candidate, Queen Lilian Adebayo thanked everyone for gracing the event, while expressing hope that with God’s help and the vote of the people of the state, Prince Adebayo will emerge a winner at the polls.

She said, “It is a great privilege having the church here, I want to thank you all, especially for the playlet by the children which inspires me, it shows that man has no power, it is God who will do the choosing for us even for the position my husband is aspiring for. I know people will have to go out to vote but I know that God will do it”.

The highlight of the event was when gifts were presented to Prince Adebayo by different persons, and also the exchange of gifts between himself and little Ondo children.

Members of his entourage were - Chief Silas Alani, SDP southwest chairman, Mr Patrick Anethua SDP member Edo north, Godwin Osigbeme, Ambassador Rufus Aiyenugba SDP National Publicity Secretary. 

Muslims Flood churches in Kaduna During Christmas Service, Present Gifts To Christians

 

Large number of Muslim youth and Top Islamic scholars visited some kaduna churches this morning with the aims of attending this year Christmas

service and to shares many Gift's items to strenthening Christian and Muslims relationship in the northern part of country.

According to the general overseer of Christ evangelical and life intervention ministry pastor yohanna buru, every year hundreds of Muslims from 19 northern states of Nigeria usually joined them towards the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at his church to promote peace and unity . 

Buru said,  the Different sects of  Muslims organizations which include member of Tijjaniya , shiiat Muslim under Islamic movement of Nigeria , and other Sunni Muslim that used joined them ,and  the sole purpose is to strengthening peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance in the country. 

The Muslim group also presented a gift to the church as a sign of peace, love and better understanding. 

"They came with many gifts and awards which they share to the Christians to sthrenthening Christian and Muslims relationship) 

The Christian cleric said this year Christmas celebration came amids of high inflation,Insecurity challenges, and raising cost of foodstuff ,poverty, unemployment bedevilling peace stability in the country. 

Buru added that last year, over one thousands Muslims attended the Christmas service ,and they came with their different gifts to share with their Christian brothers to strengthens interreligious tolerance 

Buru further called on Islamic and Christian Clergies to embark on ceaseless prayers toward the conduct of peaceful elections comes 2023

He called on Nigerians to equally pray for Nigerian Army ,para military toward defeating insecurity challenges bedevilling peaceful coexistence 

Report revealed that Muslim youth in a corporate dress visited other churches which include unguwan rimi church, Zaria etc 

Responding one of the Islamic scholar sheick  salisu abdullahi  giwa who lead a delegations of over 10 buses loaded with Muslims from katsina, Kano, Zanfara says That lead a delegations of Muslims from Kano to kaduna says, they are here to join their brothers, the Christians towards celebrating the birth of Jesus. 

He said, they decided to attend this church service today because today is Christmas Day, a day that the birth of Jesus Christ is being celebrated over the globe and they feel that they6 also have concern to share with them the feelings of the day Jesus Christ was born.

Mohammed said that as Muslims they considered Christians as their fellow brothers and sisters in humanity, stressing that they were at the church service to join them in celebrating and sharing the joy of this day with them.

He then appealed to all Muslim's and Christians to remember that they are all the children of eve and Adams 

Adding that, both of them  have holy books sent from one God which teaches them and guide them how to live in peace and harmony with any one irrespective of his tribe, culture, ethnicity. 

Another imam base in kaduna, alaramma Ibrahim Musa from hayin kogi kaduna expressed happiness on how Muslim and Christian are promoting good relationship 

Adding that they are here to award the pastor for the peace promotion he has-been doing for many years in the state 

He wish Christian all over the world merry Christmas and new year

Many Muslims youth group from 23 local government visits churches to strengthen relationship 

Mohammed zakariya who is the leader of (Nigeria youth for peace initiative) also lead a team of Muslim to unguwar rimi church, after attending the church service, they shared trees for the church 

Many economic tree's were shared to poster peace and unity

SDP’s Adewole Adebayo Gives Christmas Message, Promises Better Lives for Citizens

The presidential candidate of the Social democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo has promised his party will produce a government that will make provisions for families and protect families all year round.

This was contained in Prince Adebayo’s speech to mark the Christmas day celebration on Sunday December 25, 2022, at his residence in Ondo State.

In the spirit of the season, he said under his government, the entire cities of Nigeria will become a happy family all together. 

He said, “This is the season that we celebrate with family and we all come together as a community to commemorate the birth of Christ. It is a great gift given by God Almighty to mankind leading eventually to Easter, the glorification of man who is created”.

“We celebrate this season together and we share things together, we fellowship with one another, just imagine if we did this all round the year, just think about it, to have a government that makes provisions for family, protects families, and we come together to raise families for this country and the entire cities of Nigeria becomes a very happy family all together. That is the promise we make for 2023 and that's the new spirit”, he said. 

“We wish you, your family and your community and one dearly beloved by you merry Christmas and happy new year”.

Prince Adebayo gave the speech together with his wife and his daughter on behalf of his entire family. 

2023 ELECTION: SDP’s PRINCE ADEBAYO URGES NIGERIANS NOT TO BE INFLUENCED BY VOTE BUYERS

Prince Adewole Adebayo, presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has urged Nigerians to vote right and vote the SDP, as the party has plans to eradicate poverty and insecurity in the country.

He also urged people to think of their destiny and not allow money or bags of rice influence their vote choices during the election.

Prince Adebayo stated this on Tuesday, 20th December 2022, during a solidarity rally organized by the SDP senatorial candidate For Oyo North Senatorial District, Hon. Mulikat Adeola in Ogbomosho, Oyo state.

He said, “Look at your life and ask yourself, is this the life God created me to come and live? Is this the life my children will live? Will I serve these people and my children will come and serve them too?”

“Use your vote to fix your destiny, do not look at bag of rice or N2 000, so you will use your hands to repair your destiny”.

“Vote for Social Democratic Party, vote for SDP”, he added.

Prince Adebayo further noted that with SDP in power, hunger, poverty, unemployment and homelessness will be a thing of the past.  

“The manifesto of the social democratic party is an attempt to eradicate poverty and insecurity; because we will adhere to section two of the Nigerian constitution. There will be no poor man in Nigeria, there will be no hungry person in Nigeria, there will be no homeless person in Nigeria and there'll be no jobless person in Nigeria”.

He urged Nigerians to punish the politicians who have stolen money meant for the people and buried in their houses, by voting them out.

For her part, Hon. Mulikat Adeola said SDP is ready to write a new story as she urged the people to vote in SDP so that there can be a change in the system of governance. 

She urged them not to engage in any form of violence instead, they should inform others about the party. 

While speaking about the presidential candidate, she referred to him as a renowned legal practitioner who is qualified to practice in more than ten countries. She also described Prince Adebayo as a healthy, knowledgeable and God-fearing man who has good intentions for the masses. 

Prince Adebayo was accompanied by Sen Ugochukwu Uba and Alhaja Khadijat Bolanle Lamidi-Okunu.

 Other party dignitaries present at the event were;  Hon Micheal Okunlade state chairman, Eng Idowu Owokoya - Secretary, Mrs Ruth Taiwo  - Women Leader, Mr Adedamola Fantola - Youth Leader, Prince Olatunde Adebayo - P.R.O, Mr Taofik Alalubarika- Treasurer, Mr Olawoyin Bello  - Financial Secretary, and Alfa Arasi Idris  - Assistant P.R.O.

Other candidates of the party present were, Bar Michael Folorunsho Lana, gubernatorial candiadate,  Alh Abdulramon Aloyinlapa, deputy governor candidate, Hon Mulikat Adeola Akande, Oyo North Senatorial Candidate, Hon Jacob, serving federal representative member, Hon Ashamu, state assembly candidate and Alhaja Gigado, state assembly candidate.

The duration of the rally through Ogbomosho north and south was 6hrs 22mins and took place within 9:58am to 4:20pm. 

Yuletide 2022. Nigerian Muslim woman surprised 50 Christian widow's with Christmas package at church

As part of this year Christmas celebration amidst of high inflation, raising food prices across the country. 

A Muslim woman hajiya ramatu Tijjani has again commenced distribution of foodstuffs, newly wrappers to many  widows at kaduna churches with the aims of putting a beautiful smile on their faces so as to take care of their orphans . 

According to her, she is targeting 0ver 200 widows while saying that this is part of efforts to boost peaceful coexistence among the adherence of different faith, and to enable widows celebrate the season with joy and happiness like any other Christian around the world 

Ramatu made the donations at the Church of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Sabon Tasha at the early hour of Sunday morning at Kaduna State which according to her  the basis for diligently driving her to do this  ,is derived from the passion and need to impact the lives of underprivileged widows who have gone through so much pain and discrimination and might have lost hope.

According to her, For the past 1o years, she has been donating bags of grains, wrappers and other beverages for Christian widow's and orphans during Christmas, and easter celebrations with the aims of strengthening Christians and Muslims relationship in the north. 

The church members used to called her "mama" because of her outstanding kindness and good relationship that she build with them which is to sthrenthening Christian and Muslims relationship  in the state and the country at large. 

She said "one thing we should always remember is that, we are created by One God  ,and Adam eve were our original biological parents, and we all have holy books send from one God that guide us on ways to live with peace and harmony ,hence the need to assist the widows and orphans during a season like this irrespective of their tribe, culture, regions, language and historical background "

"Christmas provides Golden opportunity for Muslims to demonstrate to their Christian neighbours that Islam is a faith of peace , love.and tolerance. 

“I want to see widows, orphans and elderly person at yuletide season smiling and enjoying themselves like any other Christian family during a festive season like this"

"indeed Taking care of widows is considered a very high form of charity and that is why I always assist them, and I feels happy assisting them because there is a huge award by the almighty from any one helping or remembering the needy at any time, any where ."

While adding that, more wrappers and foodstuff will also be shared to other churches in Kaduna and other neighbouring states with the aims of making widows smiles during the festive season with their orphans. 

Ramatu pointed that , the gesture was her contributions to strengthen peaceful co-existence and religious tolerance among different faith organisations in the country.

"I want to assure you that, with the support from almighty God, I enjoyed  supporting underprivileged widows to have a positive outlook on life despite the problems they experience by losing their loved one, mostly the breadwinner of the family"

"we are one family Under God  ,and we all believed in paradise and hell ""

This year Christmas season comes amids of high cost of food prices, banditry, kidnapping and terrorism which has affected the entire life of both rural and urban dwellers .

Furthermore, she stressed that for the fast 10 years , she usually distribute 10  Christmas trees to many pastors ,  revren -Father each years for peace promotions across the north. While adding that many people in the country has started imitating what she is doing to enhance togetherness peace and unity. 

”I enjoy helping widows and elderly persons and their families at all times and it is my hope to see other people emulating me in helping the poor and other needy person as season like this approaches,” she said.

" I came to wish you merry Christmas and happy new year in advance "

Responding, the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Yohanna Buru,who is equally an interfaith specialist in Nigeria and the winner of United Nations world international interfaith week and harmony 2023 expressed satisfaction with Tijjani’s gesture and called on wealthy individuals to be assisting the needy during a season of the birth of the Holy Christ and beyond . 

The Christian clergy added the church cannot forget the donation of the 50 bible by hajiya Ramatu which is to enable Christians study their bible very well 

Stressing that this is not the only church she usually visit to help widows and orphans during festivities. 

Buru said last three years, the philanthropist distributed foodstuff to the widows for the Christmas and the Lenten season.

She used to bail-out christians at prisons with minor offences for the sole purpose of joining there friends, relative and family celebrating Christmas and Easter .

He called on Muslims and Christians to always live together in peace and harmony while appealing to marketers to offer Christmas bonanza like it was done in developed countries.

One of the recipient of the gifts at the church name withheld says, hajiya ramatu Tijjani has been coming to the church and distribute many things including promoting peace building and religious tolerance for peace and harmony.

SDP’s Manifesto Captures MKO Abiola’s Agenda for Better Nigeria – Adebayo

 

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Candidate in 2023 general elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo , has disclosed the party’s manifesto is an improved version of thr presumed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, the late MKO Abiola.

SDP presidential candidate made the disclosure during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.

While stating “the candidate we had in 1993 was a perfect candidate for 1993,” Adebayo added: . “The candidate we have for 2023 is a perfect candidate for 2023 with modern knowledge.

He continued: “All the good things that Chief MKO Abiola proffered in 1993, we’ve not forgotten any of them. What we have done is improve on each of them to meet modern times. So, we are better equipped now and the evidence of what we predicted is now clearer to the people.”

According to Adebayo, despite being surrounded by 21st-century advancements, there is a significant lack of basic infrastructure, job security, internal security, upward mobility, and more in the country.

“Once we eradicate poverty across the country, it wouldn’t matter whether you’re in the North or the South, the indices of poverty are the same, which is that people don’t have access to good food, housing, medical provision, and education. We need to make sure that we make investments in our people.

“Once we invest in all of those things, whether you’re in the North or South, I can guarantee you that an SDP government will be able to eradicate poverty in this country. At that time, we’ll have a new paradigm where people are being judged by the talent that they have and the ability they have to be productive.

“That was what we promised in 1993 in that book, ‘Farewell to Poverty,’ and that’s what we are promising now in ‘Farewell to Poverty and Insecurity.’ One thing is clear, the candidates are different. The only thing is that the candidate now is much improved,” he said.

Two NGOs to train 10, 000 Youths in 7 States on Digital Skills, Technology, ICT, others

Two Non Governmental organisations, Renaissance Logistics and Supply Limited, Wootlab Foundation are to train over 10,000 youths across seven states in Nigeria on Digital Skills, Technology, ICT and other areas.

The selected states designated for the training programme on basic and mid-level digital skills are Nasarawa, Kogi, Kaduna, Delta, Bayelsa, Kano and Lagos States.

The Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Logistics and Supply Limited, Abdulghafar Bala Dirisu, who disclosed this to journalists, said the training was put together by the organisations basically to equip the youths from the seven states with the basic knowledge of technology, skills acquisition, and ICT to make them self-reliant and employers of labour.

Dirisu while reaffirming his commitment towards youths and women, particularly on human capital development, said it is why his Organisation in collaboration with others is deliberately embarking on the training of youths across seven states of Nasarawa, Kogi, Kaduna, Delta, Bayelsa, Kano and Lagos State.

Dirisu said the initiative by the philanthropic organisations is to complement the effort of the government and other agencies to provide for the youth sources of livelihood, make them employers of labour, useful to themselves and the society.

According to the Senatorial candidate of National Rescue Movement (NRM) in the 2023 election in Kogi West, “Our mission is to empower over 10,000 Nigerian Youths with relevant skills that would make them self-reliant, useful to themselves and the society at large”.

“Entrepreneurship is the major way out. We are not the most populous country, I don’t think population is our problem. If you look at what is happening in other countries, such as India that are having a population of over a billion people, as well as China today, then you will agree with me that population is not really our problem. Ideas, initiatives and entrepreneurship are our major problems,” Dirisu declared.

According to him, no government is in position to employ all the graduates from the nation’s universities and other tertiary institutions, stressing that he will continue to promote capital development among the youth, women and other vulnerable.

“We in NRM will continue to promote skills acquisition programmes. The major employers of labour are the small scale entrepreneurs who employ 5, 10 or 15 workers, but cumulatively provide jobs for 60 percent of the total working population”, the Lawmaker stated

According to the NRM Senatorial Candidate, the job of a lawmaker is to facilitate, expedite and attract federal government’s projects to his senatorial district as well as use the legislative process to drive good governance to the people.

He also stated that Wootlab Foundation, has successfully implemented several digital skills programs for a vast network of strategic partners, such as the Digital States Literacy Programme in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Microsoft,

Other areas of coverage include the At-Risk Children Project with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Social Investments, Develop Software Development Training, a British Council UK Nigeria Tech Hub (UKNGTH) funded program, Basecamp Software Development in partnership with GIZ for the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and many others.

The philanthropist while urging the youths to take advantage of the training programme and register for the training billed to kick off in January next year, said Wootlab in partnership with Renaissance Logistics and General Supplies will train the youths in areas such as graphics design, web design, digital marketing, productivity tools and entrepreneurship , registration for the training programme opens on Monday next week in all seven states of the federation.

“Wootlab Foundation is a non profit organisation with emphasis on addressing inequalities for underrepresented and marginalized children, providing opportunities that foster economic growth and financial freedom through digital literacy interventions, leveraging technology to advance human capital development through basic, intermediate and advanced digital skills.

SDP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, PRINCE ADEWOLE ADEBAYO SPEAKS ON FIGHTING CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Prince Adewole Adebayo has said the fight against corruption in Nigeria needs to start from inside the government, for it to be successful.

He said his party will change the mode of fighting corruption, as Nigeria has been getting it wrong all these while.

Prince Adewole was speaking at the Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA) Integrity Award Public Lecture, which held on Wednesday, 14th December 2022 in Kano State.

The theme of the event was ‘Promoting Integrity as a way of Fighting Corruption’.

He said, “We are getting something wrong in Nigeria; government cannot fight corruption in Nigeria, government can only fight corruption inside government. Why we have failed is that government is not fighting corruption inside government but is fighting corruption inside other people's bed room, so we'll change that”.

He further noted that there is a need to watch out for the institutions used to fight corruption because corruption is capable of capturing institutions.

“Corruption is dangerous to institutions; any institution that you can use to fight corruption, corruption will capture it. So we must watch out for institutions, including religious institutions”. 

“The thieves sit in the front and the hard working people sit at the back when you go to the mosque or you go to the Church. So you have to make sure these institutions are not captured”, Prince Adewole said.

He further said that the government must be willing to keep policemen with integrity at the top in order to help tackle the problem of corruption. 

“There's a fight between the police and the government – a good police knows that people in government will go to jail, that is why they look around to look for bad policemen to put on top of the good policemen”.

Dignitaries present at the event were - Prof. Usman Yusuf, Professor of Haematology-Oncology, Former Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Barr. Solomon Dalung, Former Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth & Sport Development, Malam Auwal Musa Rafsanjan, Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Centre (CISLAC) and Kabiru Dakata, Executive Director, CAJA, Pst Ade Alabi, Pst Light, Engineer Yusuf Salisu Buhari, SDP vice presidential candidate, Sen. Ugochukwu Uba, Mr Patrick Anethua, Chief Godwin Osigbeme, members of the SDP Presidential campaign organization and others. 

The event was organized by CAJA in collaboration with The Penlight Center.

NUAAE faction appeals for election of state Executives, adherence to labour Ministry's directive

By Matthew Denis

A factional Executive of National Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees (NUAAE) led by the National Treasurer of union, Mr. Femi Oyenubi has appealed to the other Executive led by the National President, Comrade Simon Achaver to come to a roundtable discussion to put an to the lingering crisis rocking the union.  

The group is equally calling on the Comrade Achaver led faction to come together so that they (both) can conduct the states executives Election within the stipulated directive issued by the Federal Ministry of Labour. 

Recalled that the NUAAE has been experiencing crisis for some years which has led the union to be divided into two factions - Comrade Achaver and Comrade Oyenubi respectively.

Speaking during a press conference yesterday in Abuja, Comrade Femi Oyenubi said " we're here to address a protracted crisis in the union which we have petitioned it before the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chief Chris Ngige on the need to comply with the agreement led by the other group, Simon Achaver.

"The Ministry of Labour on the December, 2nd 2022 replied us that we (both) groups have not merge the staffers of the union and yet to conduct the states Election among other issues. 

" The issue is that the Anchave led faction sat and decided that they have suspended us and we too met at NEC meeting suspended them as well. But the Minister said in the letter made available to us that there shouldn't be suspension from both sides as all of us should settle the issue and Report back to the ministry within one month. 

" So it behoves us to come and let them be aware that we received a letter from the Ministry in resolving the crisis and we want them to choose a date to meet and deliberate if not the Ministry said it will set aside the two factional group and put a caretaker executive. 

" When we came here to serve the letter we discovered that the office were under locked and some police stationed to stop us from gaining access inside. But when we presented our documents to the police that we have genuinely to serve letter to the other faction for a peaceful resolution on the Minister's directive they understood with us. 

According to him the letter was delivered to the acting General  Secretary of Comrade Achaver group who collected the letter but yet to acknowledge it. 

He stressed that they are trying to work within the law to abide by the timeframe to them by the Minister as they will go back to report the situation on ground to Ministry. 

" The truth must be told we have abided by the instructions given us by the ministry by delivering the letter as law abiding citizens and we hope that the other group complies too for amicable resolutions.

Comrade Oyenubi emphasized that the ministry will take the final decision on the present condition should the other group fails to comply. 

Comrade Oyenubi executives includes the National Deputy Preesident of the Union,  Comrade Aniedi Ekpo and the General Secretary, Cmr. Chapi Paul among others. 

The copy of the letter of Comrade Oyenubi's Group made available to Newsmen reads " in view of the Ministry's directive, I am directed to instruct you to ensure that the Elections of the states Executives Committee are conducted within the next one month, bearing in mind the formula for the sharing of the Executive positions as contained in the 4th April  and  27th December, 2019 Agreement  (Ratio 5:4) Old Achaver led Agric and Old Oyenubi led Agric Union. 

Several calls and texts messages sent to the sent to the phone contact of Comrade Achaver was not reachable nor replied at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, a copy of letter from the Ministry of Labour seen by Journalists  dated 2nd December, 2022 and signed by Permanent Secretary,  Daju Kachollom on behalf of the Minister reads.

 "The Election of the National Administrative Council of the union, national delegates conference, harmonization of NUAAE staff and payment of outstanding salaries. States Transition Committee and Victimization Violation clause.

" While the Elections of the National Administrative Council of the union has been conducted, it is however surprising that the Elections of the various states executives Committee hasn't been conducted in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which has contributed to the renew crisis in your union. 

" In view of the above, I'm directed to instruct you that the Elections of the State Executive Committees for the various states are conducted within the next one month , bearing in mind the formula of the elective positions as contained in the April 2019 Agreement  (5:4) Old Achaver led Agric Union and Old Oyenubi led Agric Union. 

" I am further directed to inform you that failure to comply with this directive could make the Ministry take appropriate actions to restore peace and Harmony in the Union.

SDP’s Prince Adewole Adebayo Promises Human Rights Reform*

*

The Social democratic party (SDP) has promised to strengthen Nigeria’s human rights institutions and ensure institutional support for human rights and educate citizens more on the fundamentals of human right. 

The party’s presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo said these during the Presidential Town Hall on Human Rights And The 2023 Elections which held on Saturday 10th December, in commemoration of the 2022 International Human Rights day.

The town hall was organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in collaboration with the United Nations Nigeria.

The commission invited presidential candidates to make presentations on how they intend to protect and fulfill the human rights of Nigerians should they be elected.

Prince Adebayo said his party will bring in a new crop of leadership that recognize human rights, and provide what the citizens need to uphold their dignity, which is what human rights demand.

He said, “Chapter 2 of the constitution says that there's a level of dignity you must give to people and to give them that dignity, you must provide certain infrastructure in the society and the government is most equipped to make those changes”.

“That is why when you see the manifesto of the Social Democratic Party, why we are even called the social Democratic Party is that we believe that social investments in nutrition, in basic housing and habitats in education, in affordable health care in basic infrastructure will raise  civilization to a point where there is less tension in the society”.

The SDP presidential candidate said human right like any other agenda in the society, and is a continuous engagement that requires full attention.

He further said human rights should be enshrined in Nigeria’s culture so that respecting human rights would become a part of life for everyone.

“We should look at human right as a culture. I've lived in many countries and in countries in which human rights are respected; it is not a government thing”.

“It is that generally that their society has gotten used to human rights, where you respect the rights of people generally”, Adebayo added. 

The International Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10th December in commemoration of the adoption of universal declaration on human rights.

Other presidential candidates present to speak during the townhall included; Professor Christopher Imumolen  of Accord party, Hamza Al-Mustapha of AA ; Omoyele Sowore of AAC; Yabagi Yusuf Sani Jakardan of ADP; and others. 

Prince Adebayo was accompanied by other members of his entourage - Khadijat Bolanle Lamidi-Okunu, 

Sen. Ugochukwu Uba, Mr Patrick Anethua, Pastor Ade Alabi and Chief Godwin Osigbeme.

MOTHER OF ALL ENDORSEMENTS FOR PETER OBI BY NIGERIA INTER-FAITH ALLIANCE

Over 3,000 Christian and Muslim Clerics from all 36 States of Nigeria and FCT under the platform Of Nigeria Inter-Faith Alliance (NIFA) will be holding a rally to endorse Mr Peter Obi and Dr Ahmed Datti on December 13, 2022 in Jikwoyi Abuja in what is believed to be the mother of all endorsements so far. 

The Nigeria Inter-Faith Alliance NIFA, that comprises both Christian and Islamic leaders all over Nigeria will receive the Presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi; his Vice Presidential candidate, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed with their entourage and some key leaders of Labour Party; live from 10am on Tuesday December 13, 2022 at World Harvest Pavilion by Ashaka Cement Bus Stop in Jikwoyi, Abuja for the endorsement rally, which will also serve to flag off religious communities massive mobilisation for Obi-Datti.

According to Archbishop Prof Leonard Bature Kawas who is the National Coordinator of the inter-faith group and the Visioneer as well as the Chief Host of the event, "even Nigerians from diaspora are going to grace the occasion in addition to highly respected Islamic Sheikhs across Nigeria like Sheikh Mahmoud Murtadam, Sheikh Alhassan Useni and Sheikh Mohammad Musa who are part of the co-hosts and are mobilising other Islamic clerics for the Inter-faith Alliance Rally".

Also the Atlanta based Apostle David Solomon, who played host to Mr Peter Obi in Atlanta Georgia during his tour of United States of America, has arrived Nigeria leading other Nigerians in diaspora for the rally and he will be speaking during the endorsement rally. In an interactive session with newsmen in Abuja, Apostle David said, "this endorsement rally will be the mother of all endorsements so far and it will shake the political landscape in Nigeria.

"In the past, politicians have been throwing seed of division between Christians and Muslims so as to have their way, But it's no longer tenable as we have come together as brothers and sisters, citizens of the same country to face our common slave masters, in a battle to rescue our dear country from their hostage. And it will be this 2023 that we, Nigerians will take back our country through Mr Peter Obi as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria." The US based Apostle concluded.

Energy Expert Urges Govt Agencies to Collaborate,Work to Fight Oil Theft

...Commends Nigerian Navy for Exonerating NNPCL 

An Energy Expert ,Dr. Muhammad Kailani has commended the Nigerian Navy  for putting the record straight which inter alia exonerated the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) from blame.

According to him , the Nigerian Navy taking a decisive step to clear the air of the much publicized oil theft saga and subsequently exonerating  NNPCL of involvement as well as blame is not only worthy of commendation ,but a great feat.

Speaking during a Press briefing held at 20C, Blantyre Street, Abuja, Dr. Muhammad Kailani, who made the commendation ,urged  government agencies to work in harmony with one another in order to avoid creating unnecessary panic and confusion in running government affairs.

Dr. Kailani a Chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) and the National Chairman of Network for Election Education And Awareness, said when government collaborate to fight or work for a common course the results are undoubtedly reflected in the progress and development of our country .

He emphasised,"That's why Government Agencies must come together and work in harmony".

He however said, in view of the on going campaign of calumny by some unpatriotic elements, it has become necessary to explain the position of things, particularly with regard to the effort being provided by the NNPCL in addressing the challenges of insecurity and oil theft, which has become a serious area of concern to the government and people of this country.

While stating that the Navy/NNPCL working relationship has remained cordial as attested by the Naval Headquarters.

According to him, for a long period of time the Nigerian Navy have had good working relationship with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), and the Director, Information of the Naval Headquarters, Commodore AO Ayo Vaughan has cleared the air and confirmed. 

While referring to the press release issued, by the Naval Commander, Dr. Kailani said the news report was popurtedly sponsored to malign the NNPCL as presenting incorrect figures about oil theft was not true.

He equally revealed that "The  Navy and the NNPCL have cordial relationships and are working in harmony to ensure the protection of oil facilities across the country.

He further explained,"The monitoring system,which has been operational in the past has been reintroduced to further protect the oil facilities and monitor the process using the latest technology.

"That's why the report was disregarded by the Nigerian Navy Headquarters as untrue, false and malicious and a misrepresentation of facts on what transpires at the public hearing of the Senate.

"A National Daily which reportedly said NNPCL has been presenting figures about oil theft that do not reflect the reality of the situation should be disregarded, the Naval officer was quoted to have said as he was quick to exonerate the NNPCL over the false allegations.

"What was reported was just an attempt to malign a very credible organisation that has been working to stabilize fuel supply and ensure the protection of national facilities in collaboration with the security agencies in the country."

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DR LAWSON NUGA HONOURED BY THE COLLEGE OF BISHOPS

Dr Lawson Nuga was yesterday Sunday December 4, 2022 honoured with Doctorate of Humanitarian Management with an International Medal of Honour by The International Charismatic College of Bishops headed by Archbishop Prof Leonard Bature Kawas in the city of Abuja in recognition of his impactful life transforming services to humanity.

Dr Nuga who is the managing director of Prevera Construction LTD and Bleneson services LTD based in Abuja with Operations Globally is a philanthropist that has affected many lives across the country.

Speaking at the occasion Dr Nuga who pledged a major donation, disclosed that he did so because of the numerous orphans and less privilege children who are enjoying the motherless/Fatherless Free education initiative of Leonard Kawas Foundation Abuja. While thanking the College of Bishops for the Prestigious Award, he promised to continue his philanthropic partnership with the Episcopal body.

Archbishop Kawas expressed profound gratitude to the Honouree and joined all the Archbishops and Bishops present at the occasion to pray for God's favour and blessings to continually be upon Dr. Nuga, his family and all his enterprises.

Nigeria Inter-Faith Alliance (NIFA) adopts Obi/Datti, As Peter Obi Storms Jikwoyi In Abuja For Endorsement Rally

The national umbrella body of inter-faith clergy, comprising both Christian leaders and Islamic clerics across the 36 states of Nigeria and FCT has adopted the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi and plans to hold endorsement rally to flag off religious communities massive mobilisation for Obi-Datti.

This was disclosed yesterday December 4, 2022 by Archbishop Prof Leonard Kawas while addressing pressmen at the headquarters of his church in Abuja shortly after the celebration of his 21st year as a Bishop.

According to the Archbishop who played host to the National Chairman of Labour Party, Barr Julius Abure and other dignitaries at the celebration of his 21 years of his ordination as a Bishop, Mr Peter Obi will storm Jikwoyi to be part of the endorsement rally slated for 10am on Tuesday December 13, 2022 at World Harvest Pavilion by Ashaka Cement Bus Stop in Jikwoyi, Abuja.

The cleric who is one of the key leaders of the inter-faith group and a co-convener of the proposed rally as well as the Chief Host of the events, further asserted that out of their teeming members, not less than three thousand (3,000) Christian and Muslim Clerics across all the states in Nigeria have strongly indicated interest to be part of the history making event and are preparing for the journey to Abuja for the occasion and to receive His Excellency Mr Peter Obi, his entourage Obi and some key leaders of Labour Party in person.

Methodist Bishop Commends Governor Tambwal

The newly confirmed Bishop of Methodist diocese of Sokoto, Reverend Ishaya Kunama has saluted the efforts of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara state's governors for maintaining peace and order despite the insecurity dwelling the region.

Reverend Kunama made the recommendations during an interviewed with newsmen's in Sokoto.

According to the Bishop of the Methodist diocese, however commended the efforts of security agencies, traditional rulers, religious bodies and the general public for their contributions and hardworking in tackling the menace of kidnapping, cattle's rustling and the banditry facing the States.

He prayed God to grant to all fortitude to been their irreparable lose, and may also God almighty to put in the hearts of the aggrieved parties the spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness knowing that "to err is human while to forgive is divine".

" I used this opportunity to called on the good citizens of this great nation Nigeria to adopt the habit of forgiveness, knowing that Christ (Jesus)camed to the world in order to teach; love ness, together ness,forgiveness, peace and harmony".

He however prayed for God to create a peaceful atmosphere for people's to live together in peace and harmony devoid of ethnic, religious or political difference's.

Right Reverend Ishaya Kunama is a nationalist and activist who dedicated himself on religious and humanitarian services.

He will inaugurated as newly confirmed Bishop of Methodist diocese on first December 2022, by the leadership of prefate Emeritus Dr Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche (jn).

In Twelves of December this year he will be conducted as new diocese to overseas the affairs of Kebbi,Sokoto and Zamfara States.

Rev Pam clears the air, says commission did not suspend Christian pilgrimage

Rev Pam clears the air, says commission did not suspend Christian pilgrimage

......challenges Adamawa CAN chairman on corruption allegations

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, Reverend Yakubu Pam, on Saturday debunked claims that the NCPC has suspended the 2022 pilgrimage.

Pam also challenged the Chairman of the Adamawa State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Bishop Steven Dami Manzo over the corruption allegations he levelled against him.

NCPC Board Chairman, Rev Yomi Kasali had recently announced the suspension of all activities related to this year’s pilgrimage to Jerusalem while Bishop Manzo had accused the NCPC executive secretary of financial misappropriation.

Reacting during a news programme on TVC on Saturday evening, the NCPC boss said as the chief accounting officer of the commission, nobody had suspended the 2022 pilgrimage.

He said there was no time that the NCPC management or Board held any meeting to take a decision to suspend this year’s pilgrimage, which had already commenced and was still ongoing.

Pam clarified that due to some logistics problems encountered in the course of the pilgrimage, the Board of the Commission met in November and resolved that the commission would not continue with the airlifting of the pilgrims from the states that had paid to Israel for the November-December exercise.

He added that discontinuing the airlifting of intending pilgrims does not amount to and should not be misconstrued as a suspension of the entire pilgrimage activities.

Pam further stated that suspending pilgrimage was a cumbersome process which the Commission could not unilaterally take a decision on as its supervisory body must inform the President through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the National Assembly.

He added that the Commission’s customers, which are the state governments that have paid and the private tour operators could also drag NCPC to court if it decided to take any decision to suspend the pilgrimage.

Pam said, “Because of the logistics problems we faced, we said we should not continue with airlifting, not suspending pilgrimage activities. Suspension means that everything is locked down.

“Before you make a statement on anything suspension, you must write our supervisory body and tell them that we’re suspending activities. You’ll also have to, which is through the office of the SGF, to inform Mr President that everything in the commission is suspended. You must also write the National Assembly and our customers because they have the right to take us to court as a lot of them have paid us to travel.

“But when we say airlifting is suspended, it means other activities are going on and what are other activities? Today, we have over 12 states that have already paid to travel and we’re conducting what we call screening to make sure we have those who are certified to travel, by health, and those that we feel may not abscond. This is what is going on and is part of the pilgrimage activities and just within three weeks or two weeks ago, we have more than four states that have already paid.

“And we have private sector tour organisations which registered with us and they have the licence to carry people to Israel and bring them back but through us because we also screen them and we are in charge of the visas. Until we write the authorities and Government of Israel to give them visas, they will not have visas. And right now as I’m talking, we have over a hundred of them in Israel. So, if there is suspension of pilgrimage activities, why are people in Israel? Why are people in Jordan?”

Pam also said there was no controversy about the N1.5millon paid by intending pilgrims, adding that the commission held a meeting with its private customers and the states in September where the fee was agreed upon.

“As I said, about 12 states have already paid. We start with that first before you go into procurement and then you award the contract to the contractors that will carry the people by the airlines and then the ground handlers who are there in Israel,” he said.

On the corruption allegations leveled against him by the Adamawa State CAN chairman, the NCPC boss said anyone with any proof of graft against should present his evidence to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, which is the supervisory body rather than making wild and unfounded allegations in the media.

“I’m here as the chief accounting officer of the commission to say that there is no suspension of pilgrimage anywhere. If somebody mentions corruption at NCPC, there is a way you can bring it up – bring evidence of the money and whatever it is, there is EFCC or you can take it to those who supervise us. You can come to the media level corruption allegations,” Pam said.

Kaduna LP Guber candidate vows to create economic alternatives

By Abubabakr Gambo 

The Kaduna state labour party (lP) gubernatorial candidate, Hon.Jonathan Asake has promised to create an economic alternative in reducing the dependent for oil generated revenue in the state.

He made the promised during a media parley organised by the Nigeria Union of journalist Kaduna state council, which recently held at the Union secretariat in Kaduna.

According to the gubernatorial candidate the "each of our 23 local government areas in the state have endowed with either natural and human resources, promised to explored and utilized the available resources in providing with social amenities and infrastructural development in various local government areas.

He however promised to priotise insecurity dwelling the state as important, if elected as the governor, " why because;security and welfare of citizens are the primary purpose of government."

"our party slogan is to secure Kaduna restored all the farmland deserted, also we will make sure that introduced strategies to our security personnel's in fighting the menace of banditry, cattle rustling and kidnapping."

Hon Asake also mentioned inclusive economic, infrastructural development, youth and women empowerment, education and health as his party agendas in securing the state economic and promoting conducive environment and well being of citizens.

The former SOKAPU president also promised to provide more then 35% for women involvement in his cabinet, and also allocate and appoint them to various to managed the state resources in the state ministries and parastatals if elected.

We rescue and intervene in Adamawa State Christian Pilgrims trip to Rome-NCPC replies Catholic Bishop Steven

... Channel your grievances to the state Pilgrims board, NCPC tells Dami

In a swift reaction to dissociates itself from the alleged misconduct leveled against the Nigeria Christians Pilgrimage commission (NCPC) by Bishop Steven Dami Mamza, a Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese and the Adamawa Christian Association of Nigeria Chairman.

The Commission issued a press statement dissociated all allegations raised by Dami through its Deputy Director/Head of Media and public relations, Celestine Toruka calling on Dami Mamza to  channel his grievances to the Adamawa State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board who handled all aspects of the Rome pilgrimage except visas.

NCPC in reply they exonerated the  Executive Secretary, Rev Pam Yakubu by putting the record straight that Adamawa State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board wanted to airlift intending pilgrims to Rome in November last year without recourse to NCPC.

"NCPC insisted that the board had no such powers to airlift such number of intending pilgrims to Rome because it is only the Commission through its establishment Act of 2007 is mandated to coordinate and superintend all Christian pilgrimage activities by supervising the movement of Christians to the Holy sites around the world.

"This was put to rest following the intervention of the Governor of Adamawa State, His Excellency Ahmadu Fintiri and both the Secretary of the State Government and the Chief of Staff who pleaded that NCPC should help the board to procure visas to the intending Adamawa pilgrims.

"This presupposes that all ground handling issues and flight arrangements for the pilgrims had been concluded before recourse to NCPC.

"I want to reiterate that NCPC only intervened because of the need to properly carry out extreme vetting on the intending pilgrims for the purpose of securing visas.

"The Commission was never part of any logistics arrangements for Adamawa pilgrims. It is therefore surprising that the respected Catholic Bishop of Yola Dioceses, His Grace, Bishop Mamza is accusing the Commission of gross misconduct and corruption even though he knows that the Commission was only called to save the Adamawa Rome pilgrimage trip from collapse.

"It is even strange that the Chairman of the State Chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN is the one talking about pilgrimage exercise, the Commission does not deal with CAN State Chapter rather it deals with the State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards. This is an aberration except there is an ulterior motif behind it.

"The Adamawa Rome Pilgrimage took place between 23rd -28th May, 2022 and a formal report was submitted to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, our supervising body.

"How can a pilgrimage that took place over five months ago become an issue of criticisms and alleged corruption?  

"The Chairman of CAN Adamawa State should not usurp the functions of the Adamawa State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board; let them speak for themselves as the facts and figures of that pilgrimage are intact.

"One would have expected that the Catholic Bishop would have channeled his concerns to the appropriate authorities rather than granting press conference.

"The fact remains that what the Commission did in the Adamawa Rome trip was a rescue and intervention Mission." The statement read

2023 presidential election: We will beat Atiku hands down for Tinubu- APC Campaign team in Adamaw vows

....says their Guber candidate will send Fintiri out of govt House.

By Tom Garba, Yola

Hundreds of All Progressives Congress, APC, gathered in Muna Hotel, Yola and vowed to make Chief Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima's presidential ticket a gladdens success in Adamawa.

The APC State chairman of the party, Elder Tadawus Samaila while addressing the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the party who were inaugurated said they will work hard to beat Atiku Abubakar, PDP Presidential candidate in his home state.

The presidential campaign council team in Adamawa state under the leadership of Engr Martins Babale, former Deputy Governor in his inaugural speech said they are having a formidable team to give secured victory for Tinubu in the state.

He said APC is already a winning party and that no party in the state will beat Tinubu and Kashim in the coming 2023 elections.

PCC publicity Secretary, Mohammed Mayas also reiterated during the swearing-in that the incumbent Governor, Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri should begin to pack his luggage as their Gubernatorial candidate is more capable and fit to replace him in 2023.

Former commissioners, Lawmakers, governors, Senatorial aspirants, and grassroots politicians formed the PCC's state team.

Mayas said the team is made up of Vibrant politicians to have included People like Musa Ahmed, Fenny Fwa, Emmanuel Tsamdu, Musa Kamale, Mahmoud Sali, Engr Ramatu Sali Bello, Olvadi Bema, and many others who were inaugurated for the APC presidential task of winning the election in the state.

Mayas said that the Adamawa APC are more now more United than divided, contrary to the wishes of the opposition before the recently pronounced court judgments by Justice MZ Anka of the Federal High Court.

He reiterated that the unity is more than before and they are set to take over not only the country as a party but the state will be taking over by APC God's willing.

YPP soaring high in Adamawa as community agog for Nuru, HoR candidate flags-off campaign in grand style

....over 200 PDP members defect to PDP to give him support

Activities in Mayo Belwa town on Saturday came to a halt as the Young Progressives Party (YPP) candidate vying to represent Mayo-Belwa, Toungo, Jada and Ganye federal constituency in the house of representatives, Nuruddeen Hammanyero, flags-off campaign amidst pomp, pageantry and unprecedented camaraderie.

During the flag-off which was attended by members and leaders of other political parties including PDP and APC, the candidate also unveiled his five-point manifesto centered around the development of Trade, Education, Agriculture, Security and Empowerment.

The ambition of Nuruddeen Hammanyero got a boost as a PDP stalwart in the area Nuruddeen Okocha, led over 200 stalwarts from other political parties to join the campaign train of Hammanyero because of the belief that the budding politician has what it takes to turn around the fortunes of the people of the area.

Meanwhile, the ancient town was virtually shutdown as thousands of supporters of the candidate left their activities and joined the long motorcade of supporters as the candidate moves round the town to fraternize with the people.

Movement through the town was hectic as it took the candidate hours to finish activities line up for the day including visitation to the palace of the district head and unveiling of the party’s campaign office as security operatives had a hectic time trying to control the ever surging crowd of supporters.

While thanking the teeming people of Ganye, Toungo, Jada and Mayo Belwa for their uncommon gesture and show of goodwill, Hammanyero who was visibly overwhelmed with emotion pledged not to disappoint them if elected.

He noted that if elected, he will channel considerable energy to ensure the revival of the constituency’s potentials through proper border security, and attract investments to the area in order to usher in peace, stability and trade prosperity.

Hammanyero said he is in the race to right the wrongs of the past noting that the area has suffered neglect since the advent of this democratic dispensation in 1999.

He however expressed optimism that all hope is not lost as the messiah who will save the constituency from from further drift has appeared in the horizon.

Hammanyero urged the people not to despair in the face of serial disappointments they suffered in the past as he is mindful of the verdict of posterity on him.

He enjoined the people to go out en mass and collect their PVCs noting that the voter’s card is the only weapon at their disposal to elect good leaders come 2023 general election. He also pleaded with the other constituents to reciprocate the gesture Mayo Belwa has been extending to them over the years by voting him this time around.

Speaking during the occasion, the Director General of Nuruddeen Hammanyero campaign council, Hammadu Jada called on the people of Ganye chiefdom to support Mayo Belwa to produce the next federal lawmaker in the area so as to reciprocate the gesture Mayo Belwa has extended to the chiefdom over the years.

“Since the advent of democracy, Mayo Belwa has been supportive to Ganye chiefdom making its sons to represent the area in the house of representatives. In reciprocity, we should also support Mayo Belwa now as one good turn deserves another.

“More so, our candidate has the wherewithal, capacity, experience, exposure and the youthful energy to translate our hopes and aspirations into reality,” he said.

Also speaking, Adamawa State chairman of YPP, Musa Maigana congratulate those who pitch tent with his party noting that they will be carried along and will be treated like old members of the party.

He expressed hope that with the massive grassroot support his party is garnering across every nook and cranny of the constituency, his party will comprehensively win the 2023 polls.