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Tinubu Assures FCT Residents Of Improved Quality Of Life

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By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that residents of the Federal Capital Territory will experience improved quality of life owing to some of his administration’s major investments in essential services such as water supply, electricity and road networks.

President Tinubu stated this in company of the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike in Abuja while commissioning the engineering infrastructure in Wuye District, Phase II of the Federal Capital City, Thursday.

He said the completion of the Wuye project would significantly improve connectivity and traffic flow within the district and adjoining districts.

Tinubu also reassured Nigerians of his administration’s resolve to prioritize citizen welfare and make it the cornerstone of his development agenda.

He reaffirmed his commitment to building a nation where no one is left behind; emphasizing that his administration views government as a continuum.

According to him: ” The best way to achieve greatness is to look forward, aspire for great results, and not be hindered by obstacles. We must see opportunities in obstacles and seize them”.

“This facility enhances the security of our people, making them the central focus of our developmental efforts, which is the essence of democracy.”

“Our determination to succeed and extend happiness to the teeming population, and bring about prosperity and tangible value of immense proportions to our people is the primary objective of this government,” he added.

Tinubu, while commending FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, with his team, expressed willingness to make personal sacrifices for the welfare and prosperity of Nigerians.

“Your resilience, patience, and unwavering support have been instrumental in making this possible. Projects and results are not realized by chance. They come through thoughtful planning and execution. I am very proud of this achievement”, he said.

The FCT Minister, in his remarks, said that FCT residents had lost hope in the completion of the interchange bridge, linking Wuye and Wuse districts, but now have a reason to rejoice.

Wike disclosed: “The FCT is working due to the President’s significant support. This project, initially awarded in 2009 at the cost of N34 billion, was revised to N74 billion before this administration took office on May 29, 2023.”

Highlighting the 15-year struggle to complete the bridge and the difficulties faced by people and businesses during this period, Wike said: “Thanks to the President’s determination, we have restored hope with this project’s completion.”

According to him, the numerous projects being commissioned in Abuja by the President could not have been possible without his (Tinubu) support such as the exclusion of the FCT from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, in a also speaking at the occasion, thanked the President for always identifying with the FCT Administration in its projects.

Mahmoud said: “Your Excellencies, we sincerely extend our heartfelt gratitude for joining us on this momentous occasion as we collectively fulfil the mandate of ‘Renewed Hope’ to the residents of Abuja.

“Your dedication and hard work have significantly contributed to the growth and development of our city. We are immensely grateful for your commitment to ensuring the enhancement of our city’s infrastructure, which will undoubtedly benefit generations to come,” the Minister of State added.

Her words: “The sustainable development and growth of any city rely heavily on its infrastructure backbone, particularly in the realm of engineering.”

Earlier, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Hadi-Ahmed, while providing over view of the project, revealed that it comprises the provision of sewer lines, water main, electricity, and telecommunication ducts, among others.
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Be Mindful Of Your Utterances, Actions Against Personnel, DHQ Warns Nigerians

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By Mariam Sanni 

Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has warned the public to be mindful of their utterances and actions against military personnel.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba gave this warning at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, in reaction to the recent assault on unarmed personnel in Banex Plaza in Abuja. 

He expressed worry over the consistent and unprovoked attack on personnel, making reference to the killing of 17 troops in Okuama in Delta State. 

According to him, the act is unhealthy for national security, counter-productive and amounts to self sabotage. 

“Meanwhile, the unprovoked killing of 17 personnel in Okuama coupled with the recent assault of unarmed personnel in Banex Plaza in Abuja is worrisome and leaves much to be desired. These occurrences are unhealthy for our national security, counter-productive and amounts to self sabotage. 

“Surely, it is no way to treat any human, certainly not a military personnel that places self in harms way to protect citizens or safeguard the nation.

“The military has demonstrated high sense of discipline and professionalism in the face of untoward attacks. Our professionalism must not be mistaken for weakness.

“Indeed, we know that to win this war, we need the support of the people. We also hope that the people would equally realize that they need the military to win the war to guarantee their safety,” he stated. 

General Buba stressed that the military has demonstrated high sense of discipline and professionalism in the face of untoward attacks. 

He emphasized that this jeopardizes the nation’s common interest. 

He enjoined that troops should be reported if they err and the military justice system will address the matter.

Assembly Lauds Uzodimma Over Night Landing Facility At Imo Airport 

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Imo  State Governor, Hope Uzodimma  has been lauded by members of the Imo State House of Assembly for his foresight that led to the installation of night landing facilities at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri.

Until recently when Governor Uzodimma took the initiative, the more than 30 years airport has operated without a night landing facility, with the people paying dearly for it. 

On May 25, 2024, the first aircraft from Abuja to land under the circumstance touched down at exactly 7:15.pm at the airport with the newly installed night landing facilities illuminating the surroundings and attracting the attention of people from the host community – Umuohiagu in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of the state.

After about 40 minutes, the same plane that brought passengers from Abuja taxied off with passengers on board Lagos, a development that consummated the functionality of the night landing facilities at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.

Thrilled by the development, the Imo Assembly was full of commendations for Governor Uzodimma whom they said initiated the facilities as part of his administration’s enhanced economic agenda to position Imo State as an economic hub for regional, national and indeed, international connectivity.

The Assembly in a commendation letter to the Governor through the Clerk, Barr. Chinelo Emeghara, said it takes a visionary leader like Governor Uzodimma to initiate such a project whose economic benefits to the State cannot be overemphasised.

But there was a development in the Assembly preceding the commendable letter to the governor.

The member representing Ngor/Okpala State Constituency, Hon Obinna Egu, who hails from the host community could not hide the joy and excitement on the faces of his kindred as he was moved to move a motion to commend the Governor.

Egu, who urged his colleagues to support his Motion got their support and even more.

Part of Egu’s Motion read: “In the last four years, Imo State has witnessed massive transformation, especially, in the areas of infrastructural development, human capital development, improved health services, ease of doing businesses, improved welfare packages for civil servants and retirees etc, courtesy of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s visionary leadership and prudence in managing  men and resources”.

His Motion was seconded by the Chief Whip and member representing Oru-East State Constituency, Hon Chigozie Nwaneri, and co-sponsored by 15 lawmakers, including : Rt Hon Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi, Hon Chigozie Nwaneri, Hon Henry Agbasonu, Hon Innocent Ikpamezie, Hon Sam Osuji, Hon Bernard Ozoemelam and Hon Sam Otuibe.

Others include Hon Clinton Amadi, Hon Gilbert Nwosu, Hon Francis Osuoha, Hon Uche Agabige, Hon Dominic Ezerioha, Hon Johnson Duru and Rt Hon Kennedy Ibeh.

In their different submissions,  the lawmakers said that Governor Uzodimma may not know what he had done with the installation of the night landing facilities, revealing that kidnapping, armed robbery, and accidents that occur in the quest of Imo citizens rushing to Port Harcourt to go board flight in the face of emergency appointments has come to abrupt end.

An equally impressed Speaker of Imo State House Of Assembly, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe had put to vote and it was unanimously adopted, hence the resolution passed to properly write and commend the Governor on the feat through the Clerk of the Assembly.

Elegbeleye Insists Startimes Only Broadcast Offer For NPFL

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Joel Ajayi

Nigeria Premier Football League ,NPFL, has reiterated that the broadcast rights deal signed with Startimes was not just the only offer it received at the time but the best negotiated partnership that came after over six years of the league not shown on television.

Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye made this submission in response to a publication that suggested that the NPFL snubbed an offer of $11million proposed by a shadowy character.

“When the Interim Management Committee ,IMC, which I headed came on board, there was not a single sponsorship for the league but we later got an investment partner in GTI that guaranteed N1billion for the season”, Elegbeleye stated.

He recalled that among several other terms of reference, the IMC was mandated to secure television broadcast for the league.

“It is on record that the last effective broadcast partnership the NPFL had was with Supersport and it was terminated in 2016. Thereafter the league went on without proper broadcast partner until we signed Propel Sports Africa for streaming and shortly after, Startimes for Direct to Home Satellite broadcast.

“These deals were not signed overnight but took painstaking negotiations that lasted for months because we wanted to make sure it was the right thing to do”, explained Elegbeleye. 

He said that the NPFL had at the outset insisted that it was open to offers and actually knocked on the doors of several corporate organisations pitching sponsorship of the league.

“We spent time and personal resources travelling to court Corporate Nigeria to sponsor the league with our investment partners, GTI and we invested in efforts to rebrand the league. A consultant was hired for venue branding which offers in-stadium exposure to our potential sponsors and a website was also built for viral exposure. So, where was this phantom $11m dollar briefcase offer all the time”, queried the NPFL Chairman.

He added that the IMC wooed Supersport with a view to bringing the South African broadcast outfit back to the NPFL. 

“We couldn’t have rejected any offer when we were practically seeking to entice Supersport back to the extent that we succeeded in bringing them to broadcast the 2022/23 Super 6 Playoff”, continued Elegbeleye.

He urged the public to be wary of parasitic characters that thrive on controversy to stay relevant.

“The NPFL is still very much open to listen to offers of partnership in other areas from well meaning and credible Sports Marketing companies”, Elegbeleye said.

GTI, as the League Investment Partner guarantees to provide funding of N10billion over ten years which ensures fund for the cost of organising the league including match officials payment and winning prize money.

Nigerian Boy Emerges Top Scorer In Football League In England

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Joel Ajayi

Nigerian born Kester Chizimuzo-Ody Anumba has emerged top scorer in Thurlow Football League, London, United Kingdom. The 22 year old lad who plays for Pegasus Football Club, Colchester, England won the Golden Boot Award for the 2023/2024 football season.

At the just concluded Award Ceremony held at Colchester Rugby Club in Colchester, Essex, London, United Kingdom, Kester was decorated with Golden Boot Winner of the football season.

According to the Club Manager, Mr. Tom Poole, “Kester is a hot prospect for professional league clubs in Europe”.

 Elated parent of the upcoming star, Chief Ody Anumba said he is “looking forward to the skills, abilities and competencies of his son in the game of football arresting the attention of the handlers of the Super Eagles of Nigeria”.

Highly excited Kester said “My ambition is to play for Chelsea and Nigeria.

“I want to be in the team that will win the World Cup for Nigeria”.

NAMA Risks Facility Deterioration Over 50% Cut In Revenue

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 …African airlines record 10.6% cargo growth in April

By Charles Ebi 

Nigerian Airspace Management Agency ,NAMA, may have found itself in serious problems following a 50% deduction from its internally generated revenue, which affected the provision of critical navigational equipment for many of the country’s airports.

NAMA is entrusted with the critical responsibility of ensuring the safe conduct of flights within Nigeria’s airspace, including the Gulf of Guinea. This reduction, according to the Managing Director of the agency, Farouk Umar, has severely impacted its revenue, cutting it by more than half at a time the need for infrastructural and personnel development is growing.

According to him, the safety of the country’s airspace is paramount, adding that the current financial model is unsustainable. He said: “The 50% revenue deduction hinders our ability to maintain and upgrade critical infrastructure, such as our obsolete surveillance systems, which are over a decade old and urgently need replacement.

Without adequate funding, we cannot meet the high costs of procuring and maintaining essential equipment or ensuring the continuous training of our technical staff, which is vital for maintaining safety standards. “It is crucial to understand that NAMA operates on the principle of cost recovery, as ICAO recommends.

This means all charges are solely meant for the recovery of equipment and other costs incurred in service provision”. The current revenues sharing formula, according to him, allocates only 22% of the 5% airfare, contract, charter, and cargo sales charges to NAMA, despite its significant capital investment needs, noting that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority ,NCAA, with fewer responsibilities as it stands currently is allocated 56%  while NAMA with all its responsibilities, gets 22%.

This formula, Umar, reiterated was skewed against NAMA despite the huge capital requirement of its investment, jeopardizing its ability to meet national and international obligations. “Restoring the full revenue allocation to NAMA is quite essential.

Doing so will enable us to address the critical needs of our infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure the continuous training of our safety-critical personnel. With adequate funding, we can fulfil our mandate to provide safe and reliable air navigation services across Nigeria’s airspace”, he said.

By reversing the 50% revenue deduction, “We can significantly enhance air safety, ensuring that Nigeria’s skies remain safe and maintain high safety standards. We urge all stakeholders to support this necessary change for the future of our aviation sector and the safety of the flying public.

“At this junction, I find it expedient to remind our political leaders that the entire aviation system is about safety as it remains sacrosanct because there is no parking space in the sky. Safety procedures and protocols must be prepared and strictly adhered to while on the ground”, he added.

However, International Air Transport Association ,IATA, has said that African airlines recorded a 10.6%  year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in April. IATA made this known in its April global air cargo market released data for April, posted on the association’s website on Wednesday.

It revealed that the demand on the Africa–Asia market increased by 25.8 percent compared to April 2023. “April capacity increased by 18.7 per cent year-on-year”, it said.

The data showed the global air cargo markets having a strong annual growth in demand into the second quarter (Q2) of the year.

Specifically, in April year-on-year, Africa recorded 2.0% world share; 10.6% CTK; 18.7 percent ACTK; -3.1% Cargo Load Factor ,CLF, point and 42.9% CLF level. Globally, the total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers ,CTKs, rose by 11.1% compared to April 2023 levels ,11.6% for international operations , making it the fifth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth.

It indicates that the capacity, measured in available cargo tonne kilometers ,ACTKs, increased by 7.1% compared to April 2023 ,10.2% for international operations. Mr Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director-General, said: “Air cargo demand started Q2 with a solid 11.1% increase.

FG Intensifies Crackdown On Illegal Miners, Regrets $9bn Losses

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By Aliyu Galadima

Federal Government has disclosed it is stepping up crackdown on illicit mining, having detained scores of unlicensed miners since April on suspicion of stealing lithium, a vital mineral used in batteries for power systems, cellphones, and electric cars. 

The government stated that the country’s Gross Domestic Product loses about $9 billion annually from solid minerals theft.

Consequently, the recent arrests coincided with government’s efforts to control the extraction of vital minerals, suppress illicit activities, and maximise the country’s mineral riches. The world’s need for lithium, tin, and other minerals has increased due to the clean energy transition, which is moving away from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas and towards renewable energy and batteries.

A mining document from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, where the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, said that the sector was plagued by illegal mining due to widespread corruption among regulatory authorities and the remote locations of mineral reserves with little government presence. 

In the mining document, the Minister explained that money made from illegal mining operations had armed militias in the county’s North, causing havoc and other destruction to the communities.

The document revealed that the most recent arrests took place in mid-May after a combined military and police force raided a remote market in Kishii, parts of Oyo State. The market, formerly known for selling agricultural goods, is now the hub for illegal trade in lithium that is mined in remote locations. 

According to Alake, the three-day operation resulted in the arrest of 32 people, including two Chinese nationals, local laborers, and mineral traffickers with ithium loads.

The document quoted the leader of the Kishi community, Jimoh Bioku, as saying that Chinese nationals had previously conducted “clandestine searches” for the mineral at isolated locations tucked away in the woods before “they engaged people to dig for them and turned the market into a transit point”.

“We reported to the state government because we were particularly worried about the insecurity that usually follows illegal mining”, he said, expressing the community’s concerns.

The document showed that as at last year, Chinese miners were paying terrorists to get entry, with the embassy issuing a statement last year that it “always encouraged and urged the Chinese companies and nationals in Nigeria to abide by the laws and regulations of Nigeria”.

Recall that in April, a Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, found two Chinese nationals guilty of engaging in illicit mining and sentenced them to one year in prison, with the possibility of an out-of-court settlement.

SDP Slams CBN Over Sacking Of Staff

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By MBACHU GODWIN, Abuja

Social Democratic party, SDP, has criticised the Central Bank of Nigeria , CBN, over the sacking of  700 hundred staff , describing the development as unhealthy.

This is even as the party called on the management of the apex bank to review its action.

Speaking to journalists yesterday in Abuja at the party’s National headquarters, National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gaban said it was carlous and reckless for the apex bank to retrench its staff without following due process .

He alleged that sacking such staff without committing any offence amounts to  witch-hunting and transfer of aggression to the vulnerable CBN staff. “You cannot sack people without any offense, without due process or passing through HR, people will be called and given letters based on recommendation without investigation”

The Party Chieftain noted that the CBN should be mindful of the level of unemployment in the country and should not saturate the labour market by arbitrarily dismissing its staff without genuine reasons. 

He called on the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to urgently intervene , adding that such ugly development is not good for a government that is celebrating one year in office . ” It is not good for government that is celebrating one year in office. They should not transfer aggression to innocent staff that have committed no offence”.

Oyebanji Lauds Tinubu’s Support For MSMEs

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Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has commended the President Tinubu- led Federal Government for his unwavering commitment and support for the development and empowerment of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises ,MSMEs, across the country targeted at boosting job creation and youth empowerment. 

Governor Oyebanji gave the commendation in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday while inspecting Ekiti MSME clinic housing the Ekiti Garment Hub, due for Inauguration next week by the Vice- President, Senator Kashim Shettima, describing youth development and job creation as key pillars of his administration’s development agenda. 

Speaking with Journalists shortly after inspecting the project, the Governor expressed his gratitude to the President for selecting Ekiti State as one of the few states to benefit from this phase of the Federal Government MSMEs support programme.

Highlighting the economic impact of the growth of MSMEs on the development of the state and the nation’s economy, the Governor said the MSME clinic, which is a fashion and garment hub, would train Ekiti indigene in fashion designing, create more jobs and also improve the living condition of the residents.

He said the hub would also serve as a catalyst for entrepreneur, providing necessary training and resources for individuals to start their businesses, achieve financial independence, and stimulate the economic growth of the state.

Expressing optimism about the future of Nigeria given the current administration’s proactive stance on economic and citizen welfare, the Governor said the President’s continue emphasis on MSMEs and other citizen-focused policies will not only enhance economic resilient but also ensure a better and quality life for all Nigerians.

“This is a project that the Federal Government is undertaking in Ekiti State in collaboration with the State government and we are grateful to the President for choosing Ekiti State as one of the few states that will benefit from this phase of the program and it is consonance with our promise to our people. You understand that job creation and youth development is one of the pillars of which we campaigned, so this hub will train Ekiti indigenes in fashion design, it will create job for them, it will also lead to the improvement in their living condition.

 “From this place, life will be changed, and people will come in and learn skills that they can use to develop themselves going forward.

“I just came on inspection of the project as a forerunner to the visit of the Vice- President who will be coming next week Saturday to Inaugurate this project and many more programmes like this will come to Ekiti and we can only be grateful to the president and we don’t have a choice than to continue to support and pray for him”, the Governor said.

The Governor restated the commitment of his administration to creating opportunities for the citizens to utilize their education and God – given talents to enhance their economic growth and development.

On the entourage of the Governor during the inspection were the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Commissioner for Investment, Trade and Industry, Mrs Tayo Adeola and other officials.

Reverting To Old National Anthem Not Priority

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The decision by the government to revert to the old National Anthem in Nigeria has sparked a range of reactions among within the country.

President Bola Tinubu, just signed the National Anthem Bill 2024, which formally reinstates the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, into law, shifting from the “Arise, O Compatriots”.

The “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” anthem was used from 1960, when Nigeria gained independence, until it was replaced by “Arise, O Compatriots” in 1978.

There has been a flurry of reactions to the news of the reinstatement of the old national anthem.

On X.com, a former Minister of Education, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili  said she would not revert to the old national anthem.

According to her, no one can suppress her right to dissent from what she described as an “obnoxious law” repugnant to all who are of good conscience in Nigeria.

Several Nigerians have also taken to social media to express their displeasure with the new law.

Some Nigerians have expressed disapproval for the change which they said came with little consultation.

The newly re-adopted anthem, which begins “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, was written by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda.

Speaking on his first anniversary in office, President Tinubu said the anthem symbolised Nigeria’s diversity.

But many have questioned his priorities amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Reacting online, some Nigerians said the country had more pressing problems such as insecurity, rising inflation and a foreign exchange crisis.

X user @Gospel_rxx posted: “A new national anthem is the priority for Tinubu & Co at a time like this, When our people can’t eat, insecurity is rife & life is hell? What a sordid joke!!. Lets see how they implement it..”.

Another X user Fola Folayan said it was shameful that parliament had rushed through the bill.

“Changing the Nigerian national anthem written by a Nigerian, to the song written by colonizers is a wrong decision and it’s shameful that nobody in the National Assembly thought to stand against it”.

She then posted the words of “Arise O Compatriots” – the anthem which has been used for the past 46 years.

However,  some including former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad had an interesting view as Nigerians continue to debate the issue on social media.

“After the change of our national anthem, some people are now calling for the name Nigeria and the national flag to be changed as well. What do you think? Should we keep the name Nigeria?”

But Tahir Mongunu, chairman of the parliamentary committee which pushed the bill through, dismissed the widespread criticism, saying it was “apt, timely and important”.

“It will undoubtedly inspire a zeal for patriotism and cooperation. It will promote cultural heritage. Changing the national anthem will chart a path to greater unity”,  Tahir said.

And Kano resident Habu Shamsu agrees, telling the BBC: “I think it more encompassing and I like the way it flows”.

AljazirahNIGERIA aligns our thoughts with the those Nigerians opposed to the change as we see it as needless and coming at time we are confronted with myriad of national challenges.    

These challenges are not daunting but what is required is the will and zeal to confront them frontally from all tiers of government.

Indeed, we require a push in our national value re-orientation where citizens can be more responsive to national goals and aspirations. We do not see reverting to the old National Anthem as capable to engender any formidable national rebirth.

This cannot be said to be an achievement in a strict sense for which the National Assembly and government are taking credit.

As it is not a few Nigerians are still battling with unprecedented high cost of living.