By: Mandy Park As the planned nationwide protests kicks off today, Thursday, 1st to 10th August 2024, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately address citizens in a state-of-the-nation broadcast to engage the people’s legitimate grievances, calm frayed nerves, and break the icy tension that has formed across parts of the country. ÇAPPÀ, also counselled the President to affirm his administration’s commitment to protecting the rights of citizens by compelling all government machinery and authorities to safeguard the lives and well-being…

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By Babajide Seidu Adewale Tobacco kills up to half of its users who don’t quit. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is the only legal consumer product that kills up to half of its users when used as intended by the manufacturer. In 2023, no fewer than eight million people died from tobacco, including an estimated 1.3 million non-smokers who were exposed to second-hand smoke. In Nigeria, about 28,876 tobacco deaths are recorded annually. This, according to research by the Centre for the Study of Economies of Africa…

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Prominent Political activist, Umma Getso who was former Vice Presidential candidate, Young Progressives Party, YPP. in the 2019 Presidential election in this chat with journalists, speaks on various critical issues including, a looming mass revolution, an assessment of the Tinubu Presidency, security challenge among others.It’s an exciting encounter.Mandy Park reports How will you assess the one year anniversary of President Bola Tinubu tenure? Well, it’s very hard to say this but if we look at the situation of President Tinubu-led government, we cannot cover our eyes and say that the…

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By: Mandy Park Poised to continue its laudable goals in the medical and academic sphere, the Nigerian Academy of Medicine (NAMed), recently made a passionate request from Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for financial assistance for the publishing of its proceedings, journals, memoirs, transactions and other publications as may be found desirable and in tune with its mandate as enunciated Article 1: f of the organisation. Prof. Samuel Ohaegbulam, President of NAMed, made this plea when he, on .Wednesday, July 3, led a delegation of the Board of Trustees on…

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By: Mandy Park President Bola Tinubu has sacked the Managing Director of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc (NSPM), Ahmed Halilu. According to Premium Times, Halilu is the brother to former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, who was appointed to the position in September 2022 by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari. Also affected by the removal directive are the company’s Executive Director, Corporate Services, Ado Danjuma; Executive Director, Operations (Lagos Factory) Chris Orewa; Executive Director, Security Documents, Tunji Kazeem and Company Secretary, Victoria Irabor. Mrs Irabor is married to a former Chief of Defence…

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By: Mandy Park As Nigerians celebrate the. Financial autonomy granted local governments by the Supreme Court, a university don, Dr Philips Nto said it is not enough for the full liberation of the third tier of government from the state governors. According to him, for the local governments to function optimally and serve the people effectively, it must also be autonomous politically and administratively. Dr Nto who a former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in Abia State, noted that the judgment of the Apex Court is only the beginning…

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By: Mandy Park Hon. Rotimi Makinde has hailed the judgment of the Supreme Court that declared on, yesterday, Thursday that it is unconstitutional for state Governors to hold funds allocated to Local Government administrations in Nigeria while also ordering immediate compliance of the judgement.The Apex Court further stated that no state should be paid monies meant for Local Governments. Supreme Court had in its lead judgment read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, said the 774 Local Government councils in the country should manage their funds themselves without interference from the State…

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By: Mandy Park Esan sons and daughters in North America, under the aegis Esan World Congress (USA/Canada), is set to raise $100,000 for its Health Care and Educational Empowerment programmes in Nigeria. This will be one of the highlights of its 2024 Convention coming up from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28. The event, which promises great excitement will be celebrated in Houston, Texas State, USA. Vice President of the body and Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee (CPC), Mr. Pius Idiakheua, disclosed this in a chat with our…

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A former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Takai Shamang, has been abducted in his hometown, Biniki, in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State. His daughter, Mrs Grace Abbin, confirmed the incident to NAN on Sunday. She said her 78-year-old father was abducted by gunmen at his residence in Biniki, at about 8 pm on Friday. Shamang is the President and Founder of Gantys Aid for Widows, Orphans and Needy Foundation, popularly known as GAWON Foundation. He was also a former President General of the National Union…

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Mandy Park The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, said that his unwavering commitment to building a better nation through investing in the critical areas of human and national development; health and education, is ultimately for the good of the nation and the future of society. Obi made the remarks yesterday, when he paid a visit to Grimard College of Nursing Sciences, Anyigba, Kogi State, where he donated N10 million to the College for the training of nurses, who he said, are at the centre of primary…

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By: Mandy Park The African Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA) has alerted Nigeria to a push by British American Tobacco (BAT) for Pakistan to export small packs of cigarettes, known as “kiddie” packs, to Africa. In a statement backed by 60 public health advocates, representing 54 organizations from 25 African countries, ATCA appealed to the government of Pakistan to “Protect the world’s children: Do not allow British American Tobacco to export kiddie packs of cigarettes to Sudan (Africa).” ATCA noted that BAT’s plan, if not halted, would see BAT subsidiary Pakistan…

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By: Mandy Park Socially-relevant and need-meeting NGO, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has inaugurated the Healthy Food Policy Youth Vanguard (HFPYV) programme with a youth-focused public health and food justice advocacy. The two-day event, held in Lagos, featured the training and induction of over 28 young Nigerians as HFPYV pioneers from across the country. In his address on Day 1 of the programme, CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, disclosed that the HFPYV is designed to equip youths to promote healthy living lifestyle and resist attempts by corporations to…

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By: Mandy Park The International Trade Centre, an arm of the United Nations with WorldTrade Organisation, has pledged to work with the Agribusiness Incubation Centre, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, for enhanced service delivery in the Agriculture value chain. A five member team from the Centre based in Geneva made the pledge during a visit to ABIC in Umudike where they were received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Maduebibisi Iwe and the Director of the centre, Dr Philips Nto. Leader of the delegation, Mr Richard Eke- Metoho, said they…

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By: Mandy Park Food justice campaigners, environmentalists, public health experts including, environmental think tank, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, Director, HOMEF, Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director, CAPPA, Dr. Francis Fagbule, Public health specialist, UCH, Ibadan, Fidelis Obaniyi, CSEA, Opeyemi Ibitoye, Project Officer, CAPPA, and Bukola Olukemi Odele among others have raised the alarm over the abuse of the fundamental rights of Nigerians to consume healthy foods and be protected from corporations promoting unhealthy diets. They expressed worry at the adoption and promotion of GMO and SSB products despite the growing rate of non-communicable…

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Mandy Park The Agribusiness incubation centre of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, ABIC- MOUAU, has flagged off Its Radio enlightenment programme tagged Farmers’ Friday. This is as the Director of the centre, Dr Phillips Nto pointed out that the Vice-chancellor, Prof Iwe Maduebisi is using the Agribusiness center to guarantee food security. Flagging off the interactive programme to be aired on Broadcasting Corporation of Abia state every Friday at 11.05 am, the Director of Agribusiness centre, Dr Philips Nto described Agribusiness as a modern concept that presents agriculture as…

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Mandy Park Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has condemned the Lagos State Government for allegedly pushing a single policy direction toward privatization of water utilities without considering alternative management models, to the detriment of disadvantaged communities within the state. The organisation noted expressly that privatization was not the solution, while expressing grave concerns about statements made during the just-concluded Lagos International Water Conference (LIWAC), hosted by the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) from June 25 to 26, 2024. According to the accountability watchdog, although the LIWAC 5.0,…

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Mandy Park Worried by what it described as an abuse of individual right, intimidation and unsubstantiated allegation by the Nigeria Police Force over the ill-treatment of Çhíef Mrs Dorcas Adeyinka, the Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights, CHSR, has written to Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Rt. Hon. Mudasiru Ajayi Obasa, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker for urgent attention and quick intervention. CHSR is a public good oriented non-governmental organization (NGO) registered as a corporate body to defend, sustain, promote culture, fundamental human and socio-economic rights of citizens…

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By Mandy Park Pan Ndigbo Socio- Political organization, Ala-Igbo Development Foundation, ADF has expressed its condolence to the family of late General Philip Effiong on the passing into grory of Mrs Josephine, wife of the Biafra hero.In a statement signed by ADF President. Emeritus Professor T Uzodinma Nwala, it noted that the organization and the entire commiserate with the family on the exit of the matriarch.Part of the statement reads ” With the Effiong’s family in our hearts.The message concerning the passage to eternal glory of our dear Matriarch- Lady…

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By Umar Ardo, Ph.D I feel thoroughly sad by what is happening in the Kano chieftaincy imbroglio. And every right thinking northerner should feel sad as well. I equally feel disappointed with especially the Kano politicians whom I put the entire blame on for, by their faulty judgements, both in governance and politics, instigating the whole unfortunate situation. At a perilous time of adversity like this against Northern Nigeria, and particularly against the Caliphate establishment, when all hands ought to be on deck to mobilize our people to use the…

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Dr. Ossai Ossai Edmund is a University lecturer , activist, and international public health consultant.He spoke with select media recently on some national issues including, one year of Tinubu presidency, admission age limit controversy, strike, and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention among others Excerpt How can you briefly assess the one year in office of President Bola Tinubu ? The government of President Ahmed Tinubu has a huge task in his hands to restore hope to Nigerians. The state of despondency in Nigeria at present is very high. Economy has…

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Mandy Park Immediate past Provost of Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu (ASCETA), Dr Philips Nto has described the institution as the most suited to host the proposed South East University. This is as he pointed out that the institution boasts of requisite infrastructure to host a university, including the added advantage of a serene environment. Dr Philips Nto who was reacting to the plan by South East governors to site the university at Arochukwu, noted that the college already has high-powered structures and technical equipment to host any…

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By: Mandy Park The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has sounded alarm bells over Nigeria’s latest cholera outbreak, asserting that the recurring crisis, which affects thousands of vulnerable Nigerians, is a direct consequence of government’s failure to invest in the provision of safe public water supply. This is as the organisation advised Nigerians to protect their health by boiling their drinking water and maintaining proper sanitation and hygiene practices, such as washing their hands regularly with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.…

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Mandy Park GreyDots AI on Friday, 14th June, inside the Grand Ball Room, Eko Hotel and Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos màde history in Nigeria’s technology as it launched it’s first AI solution entirely developed. This is as the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of GreyDots AI, Arnold Agure-Dam boasted with enthusiasm that the latest feat would end the Google era, promising that NiGPT will have real local solutions to address specific problems across sectors. Also the event provided opportunity for the organization to highlight AI’s potential to revolutionalise almost all…

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Mandy Park Three hundred beneficiaries of a fully sponsored programme in agriculture by the Abia State Government have arrived the CSS Global farms, Nasarawa State, for a two-week training. This is as Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Chief of Staff to the Governor reiterated Gov Otti’s commitment to upscale agriculture productivity in the state. Recall that few weeks ago, the State Government had organised a capacity-building seminar for the first batch of the 300 candidates selected for the training. The founder of CSS Global Integrated farms, Prof. John-Kennedy Opara, had in a…

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Mandy Park Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has warned the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS) against the planned clampdown on Nigerians engaged in a peaceful rally to commemorate democracy day.The non-governmental organisation’s statement, issued early Wednesday, follows a series of statements by the DSS and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) threatening to prevent the planned protests by well-meaning Nigerians, labour unions, and a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs).While reminding state authorities and security forces of their obligations to protect citizens’ rights…

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Mandy Park The Agribusiness Incubation Centre at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, is to float a radio programme to educate farmers in Abia State on modern techniques of agriculture. The Director of the centre, Dr Phillips Nto, disclosed the cheering news when members of the Integrated Farmers Association, Abia State chapter, paid him a courtesy visit in his office. He said it’s part of the corporate social responsibility of the centre. Nto disclosed that the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Maduebibisi Iwe, has granted approval for the take…

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Osun APC Internal crisis cost us victory in 2022 . Staying neutral cost me a lot in Osun Politics. APC poor rewarding system, bane of challenges ahead By: Mandy Park Hon Rotimi Makinde, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC was a member, House of Representatives in the 7th Assembly. He speaks with some selected journalists in Lagos on various political issues including the Tinubu presidency, strike, Nollywood industry, Osun politics and how APC can bounce back to take over power from the Gov Adeleke- led PDP government come…

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Mandy Park Citing what it described as failure to improve financial performance, the nation’s Apex bank, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked Heritage Bank’s licence. Hakama Sidi Ali, CBN acting Director, Corporate Communications, made the disclosure at a press release issued this morning, Monday, stating that the revocation of Heritage Bank’s license was in accordance with its mandate to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria and its powers under Section 12 of the Banks and Other Financial Act (BOFIA) 2020. The bankers bank further stated that the revocation…

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Mandy Park The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged governments at all levels to embark on effective enforcement of the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 and the National Tobacco Regulation 2019 to protect the nation’s children from the menace of tobacco addiction and its associated health costs. CAPPA, in a statement signed by Robert EgbeMedia & Communications Officer, CAPPA, to mark the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD- 2024), commended the Nigerian Films and Censors Board (NFVCB) for introducing the regulation that seeks to end the glamorization of…

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Mandy Park The Director, Agricbusiness Incubation Centre, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Dr Philips Nto, has congratulated Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti on his one year in office, while commending his outstanding performance. Nto also commended Otti for the laudable plans of his administration to collaborate with the institute for the training of 170 Abia youths in Agribusiness and other areas of agricultural value chain so as to achieve food security in the state. Nto, a former Commissioner for Finance in the State reiterated the earler pledge by…

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Mandy Park The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election Peter Obi has urged Nigerians and Nigerian governments at all levels to channel their investments in the area of development for the sake of our children. Obi said in a message to Nigerians on Children’s Day that as the future of our society, everything should be done to ensure their proper development. The LP standards bearer said that it’s unacceptable that four out of every ten Nigerian children is in child labour. Writing on his X handle on…

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Mandy Park Muhammadu Sanusi II, deposed as the Emir of Kano four years ago, has been reinstated to the throne by Governor Abba Yusuf. Yusuf announced the decision on Thursday after signing the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 into law. “With the full support of the kingmakers, I have approved the reappointment of Malam Sanusi Lamido,” Abba said. The new law replaces the Kano State Emirates Council Law, 2019, and dissolves the emirate councils created by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.By the law, Ganduje had created the emirates of…

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Mandy Park A Federal Government team from the Ministry of Aviation has visited Abia State to inspect a proposed site for a new airport planned for the State. This comes as Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has declared that one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, Access Bank, has expressed willingness to partner with the State Government in developing the airport project. Led by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, the Federal Government team said that it was in the state to ensure that the land and…

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Mandy Park Civil society organizations, specifically, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) have condemned the latest move by oil giant, Shell to exit the country and at the same time planning to divest its operation without cleaning up the Niger Delta environment and paying relevant compensations. The groups said they would stop at nothing to ensure that Shell and other oil companies including Chevron are made to pay for all the environmental damages done to the oil communities as well as health…

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Mandy Park The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has been made aware of an incident that occurred at the Milverton area of Aba, on Friday evening, involving men of the Nigeria Army and some criminal elements. The incident, according to the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Homeland Security, Mr. Chukwunenye Alajemba, left a soldier dead and another wounded, and currently receiving treatment at a hospital. The Governor wishes to commiserate with the Nigeria Army over this unfortunate occurrence and commends the officers and…

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Mandy Park An exciting ground-breaking development in Nigerian technology feat is set to take the stage as GreyDots AI announces the launch of the first-ever AI solution developed entirely in and for Nigeria. This innovative AI is not just a product, it’s a promise of transformation, designed to address local needs with global technology standards. “The introduction of this AI marks a significant milestone in our nation’s technological evolution,” said CEO/Co-founder, Arnold Agure-Dam, of GreyDots A.I. “It’s crafted to revolutionise industries, enhance daily living and position Nigeria as a hub…

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Mandy Park The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has cautioned the federal government to approach its pursuit of industrial-scale lithium mining with a deep sense of environmental accountability and the protection of local livelihoods. The nonprofit organisation’s advice comes in the wake of the Nigerian government’s commissioning of its first and largest lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State. During a recent meeting with Chinese investors who built the plant, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was quoted as commending their efforts and investments and urging them to take advantage of…

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Mandy Park Rights group, Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) has raised alarm over the poor execution of dredging and water transportation projects in Lagos State. This is as the group called on Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to immediately take appraisal of the on-going projects, so as to correct anomalies. CHSR said the call has become necessary as the hope of waterways transportation for improved accessibility and movements across the state may not materialise soonest in spite of promises by the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu to deliver on…

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Mandy Park Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Wednesday paid a condolence visit to the family of the late former Governor of the State, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu. Onu, the first civilian governor of Abia State (January 1992 – November 1993), and erstwhile Minister of Science and Technology, died on April 11, 2024, at a hospital in Abuja. A press statement by Kazie Uko, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor noted that the governor had immediately after the death was announced commiserated with the family through a statement issued by…

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Mandy Park Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has restated the State Government’s commitment to rid the popular Lokpanta Cattle Market in Umunneochi of crime and make it non-residential. Otti said his administration is ready to protect legitimate business persons trading in the market and support such individuals, but made it clear that Government would no longer allow anyone to live inside the market. The Governor spoke on Sunday, May 12, when he paid an unscheduled visit to the Lokpanta Cattle Market, along the Enugu-Umuahia-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway, while returning to…

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Mandy Park Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has said the interest of the people will continue to come first in policy enactment and implementation, as his administration has taken steps to reverse anything found not to be in line with this expectation. Governor Otti, who described his administration as a selfless kind of leadership, oriented towards the welfare of the people, assured that he would continue to offer good governance for the benefit of Ndi Abia. The Governor spoke on Saturday, when he received the leadership of the Methodist…

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Mandy Park Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has said that one of the ways Nigeria can solve the problem of food security is through the mechanisation of farming and establishing such businesses across the states of the federation. Governor Otti said with this measure, Nigeria would have found a panacea to food security amid rising import cost. The Governor made the call on Thursday during a capacity building training for the first batch of 300 candidates selected for agricultural training at CSS Global Integrated Farms, Nassarawa State. He stressed…

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Mandy Park Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has restated his resolve to restore the economic glory of Aba as the commercial nerve of Abia with the flagging-off of the reconstruction of 3.5-km Osisioma-Ekeakpara Road, on Wednesday. Otti, who butttressed the significance of rebuilding the road, which stretches from the intersection under the Osisioma flyover into the Osisioma Industrial Layout, stated that his dream is to make Aba the industrial and manufacturing hub of the world.In a statement by Kazie Uko,Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Otti noted that the…

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Mandy Park The Management of First News online newspaper, has apologised to the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, over a false news story published on its platform on January 29, 2024.The story written by the Editor, Mr Segun Olatunji, was entitled, “How Gbajabiamila attempted to corner $30bn, 66 houses traced to Sabiu.” The First News Management, in a statement on Wednesday, said it had discovered that the said story contained “falsehoods and fabricated stories handed out to us as facts by a misleading source which…

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BY MANDY PARK The Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe is committed to ensuring that the Agribusiness Incubation Centre in the institution is used to enhance food production in Abia and neighbouring states. The Director of the Centre, Dr Philips Nto disclosed this yesterday while conducting newsmen around facilities in the centre. He noted that although President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the establishment of the centre to teach and encourage local farmers on modern techniques of farming, Prof Iwe’s passion for excellence has…

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Mandy Park The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has hailed the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, for his exemplary leadership and commitment in the transformation of the State. ICAN said Otti, through various innovative initiatives such as the recently inaugurated Geometric Power project, which promises reliable power supply, and numerous road rehabilitation and reconstruction across the State, has impacted positively on the citizenry. The Institute made its position known on Tuesday, when the Governing Council paid a working visit to the Abia Governor at his residence…

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By: Mandy Park Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has hailed Nigerian workers and the toiling masses on the occasion of May Day 2024. In a statement signed by its Media and Communication officer, Robert Egbe, the group urged the Lagos State government to, in the spirit of the day, rethink its unjust dismissal of 391 permanent staff at the Lagos Water Corporation. The organisation also encouraged the Nigerian government to lift the heavy yoke of pain from the backs of Nigerian workers by speedily concluding negotiations for a…

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By: Mandy Park Socially-relevant and need-meeting non-governmental organization, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged Media practitioners in Nigeria to ensure they fact-checked their reports before dishing out to the public.This they noted would guarantee peaceful elections, especially now that the Ondo and Edo states election are the next on the line.CAPPA said a good fact-checked process would reduce violent elections and improve citizens’ confidence in the electoral process. CAPPA organized a webinar for journalists on the topic: ‘Safeguarding Democracy: The Media and Role of Fact Checking in…

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By: Mandy Park Socio-Political and cultural Igbo organization, Alaigbo Development Foundation has flays Publication alleging the expulsion of Emeritus Prof T. Uzodinma Nwala, Chairman of congress. The statement identified those behind the Publication as dissidents earlier expelled from the party owing to their act of mischief. In a statement signed by Mr Ukeme Onochie, Chairman, ADF Abuja Chapter, it noted that the laudable achievement of Prof Nwala is too solid to be rubbished by two confused dissidents recently suspended by the disciplinary committee of the organization. Part of the statement…

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Miss Obulata Annderah Chiderah, 300 level Law student of Rivers State University is The National Queen Nigeria.She had a media parley with some journalists recently where she opened up herself, ambition, her pet project, turn off, tactics in handling male admirers and the one thing she would want to pass across to President Bola Tiñúbu if opportuned to meet him.Queen Chiderah is a combination of beauty and brain and a pleasant personality. Enjoy the interview By: Mandy Park Let’s start with when you developed your passion for beauty pageant? I…

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Mandy Park The 2023 Presidential flag bearer of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has taken a dig at the Coastal road project of this administration saying the timing is wrong and is not a priority. Obi therefore wants an immediate review of the project and attention channelled at the deplorable internal road projects littered all over the country that would enhance economic growth. The LP standard bearer who listed some of the abandoned road projects in the geopolitical zones of the country said that deliberate attention should be given to…

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Mandy Park The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has kicked against attempt by some groups to extort and blackmail the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr Gbenga Komolafe. Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, today, Monday 22nd April, the head of the coalition, Comrade Shima Loremikan, said the latest campaign of calumny and blackmail against Engr Komolafe is reprehensible and must be condemned in the strongest terms. Loremikan said the allegations of compromising marginal fields bid round of 13 oil fields are baseless.…

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Dr. Philips Nto, DG, Agribusiness Incubation Centre, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, World Bank consultant and former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in Abia State in this revealing encounter, speaks on the economy, electricity subsidy, inseçurity, students loan, assessment of the President Bola Tinubu-led APC government, his mistake and the way forward.Mandy Park reports Except. You are now the Director Agribusiness Incubation Centre of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike ; What do you really intend to achieve there ? I have by the Grace of God occupied…

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By: Mandy Park One year after the gruesome murder of Sherrif Ishola Salami by unknown assailants, the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights ( CHSR) has raised the alarm that the police have refused to conduct investigation to unravel killers. Even widow of the late Salami, Mariam Salami alleged that the police have done nothing despite all appeal made to them. As CHSR and the family of the deceased await justice, thay call on Governor Sanwo-Olu and IGP Kayode Egbetokun to order thorough investigation into the case. Recall that the…

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Mandy Park Service-Oriented and need-meeting NGO, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has kicked against a five-year deal between Grammy Award-winning artiste, Burna Boy’s company, BrkFst, and Aspire North America, LLC, a subsidiary of Inspire Technology Inc. for the manufacture and distribution of vaping products in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and Europe. A statement from CAPPA’s Media and Communication Officer, Robert Egbe, cautioned that the business deal would engender aggressive marketing of cannabis vaping and e-cigarettes, including vape pens, e-hookahs, JUULs, and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), which…

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By: Mandy Park Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF) Igbo socio-economic and political organization, has postponed it’s World Congress to Monday 15th April. This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday signed by Emeritus Professor T Uzodinma Nwala,Chairman of Congress The statement noted that some of the documents at the ADF Secretariat was affected by the dubious activities of some criminal elements that broke into the office. But the statement assured that by Monday, all relevant documents would be made available. Pàrt of the statement reads “”For the…

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Mandy Park Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), a non governmental organization, has urged the government to implement well thought-out policies and programmes that would safeguard the health and wellness of Nigerians. The service-oriented organization that focuses on public health advocacy, environment and social justice among other issues, marked the 2024 World Health Day with a webinar where it recommended action plans for the government towards improving the wellbeing of Nigerians. CAPPA noted that Nigerians have the right to health and health options, including health equity. The World Health…

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Mandy Park Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), a civil society organization, has raised the alarm on dangers associated with the consumption of excess salt by Nigerians. This is as ÇAPPÀ revealed that Nigerians were dying steadily through ailments incured over time due to excess consumption of salt / sodium. CAPPA also called for a legislation to reverse the dangerous trend, lamenting that Nigeria currently records an estimated daily salt consumption reaching up to 5.8 grams per day, which exceeds the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of two…

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By Mandy Park A 15-member transition committee has been appointed for the Igbo socio-economic and political organization, Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF).The appointment of the transition committee follows the dissolution of all organs of ADF by the ADF Congress, which is the supreme authority of the Igbo group. According to a communique signed on behalf of ADF Congress by its chairman, Emeritus Prof T. Uzodinma Nwala, and two other members including Arch Eric Eyutchae and Mazi Joel Ogbonna, the 15-member transitional committee would organise election within the period to fill the…

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Mandy Park Harmony Chisom Kalu, Miss Ututu, had a chat with some select Journalists during the week including NigeriaNewsMark.The very intelligent, beautiful and vocal Queen spoke on various issues, what motivated her, pet project, role model and what she will tell her President, Bola Tiñúbu if she has the opportunity of one-on-one with him, among others What was your motivation to be part of the pageant? My motivation is from personal ambition, platform for advocacy, networking and career, personal growth and confidence. Which pet project are you handling? Skill acquisition,…

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By Mandy Park Abia State Government has endorsed the Agricbusiness Incubation Centre at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike as a catalyst for enhanced food production in the state. It has as a result pledged to partner the Centre in its drive to recruit the citizenry to embrace agriculture as a means of ensuring food security. The Commissioner for Agriculture , Prof Monica Ironkwe made the declaration when she led a high powered delegation to the Centre at MOUAU. She said Gov Alex Otti directed her to make the exploratory…

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Mandy Park Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and other Civil Society organizations under the aegies ‘Our Water Our Rights Africa Coalition (OWORAC) have warned the government at all levels to stop moves towards privatization of water. This is as they vowed to resist any move to commodify water, insisting that it’s a human righ that cannot be compromised. They gave the warning on the 2024 World Water Day. The warning came on the heels of unrelenting moves by subnational governments in Nigeria, and across African states to privatize…

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Mandy Park Poised to fight food insecurity in his constituency as well as empower the youths for self sustenance, the Member Representing Isiala Ngwa North/ South of Abia State in the National Assembly, Hon Ginger Onwusibe,has enlisted the assistance of the Agricbusiness Incubation Centre, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike for the realisation of that goal. The respected lawmaker disclosed this at the weekend in his country home when he received the Director of Agricbusines Incubation Centre, MOUAU, Dr Philips Nto who paid him a working visit to acquaint him…

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Mandy Park The Senator representing Abia South senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has plédged to partner the Agricbusiness Incubation Centre at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, for the training and empowerment of youths. This he also acknowledged would help create jobs for the teeming Abia youths and it’s environs. The former mínórity leàder noted that without refocusing the youths in agribusiness and other skill acquisition programmes, their future in present day Nigeria would be endangered. Speaking in his office in the National Assembly, Abuja when he received the Director…

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By: Mandy Park Primary and post primary students in the country have been charged to develop interest in agricultural activities to secure their future and curb the current food insecurity in Nigeria. The Director, Agribusiness Incubation Centre, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Dr Philips Nto, threw the challenge while receiving the students of Topfaith international schools,,Akwa Ibom state, who visited the centre. Dr Nto who personally guided the students on the tour of the facility, pointed out the extensive value chain and numerous benefits inherent in the agricultural sector.…

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Mandy Park Renowned Political Economist and Professor of Strategy and Development at the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies, Próf Anthony Kila has thrown his expressed support for the importation and subsidy of food as a means of dealing with current food crisis Nigeria is dealing with. Kila made his position known while addressing an international forum of African and Caribbean Political Economist on a webinar organised to discuss economic and developmental opportunities in African and Caribbean countries. The renowned academic said the situation Nigeria is dealing with is…

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Mandy Park With the increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria, rising costs of healthcare services, and their negative impacts on the country’s population, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and the Institute of Church and Society, have urged religious leaders to step into the ring and fight for their congregation’s health by backing an increased Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) or pro-health tax. Speaking at a one-day workshop organised by the Institute in Ibadan, featuring religious leaders of all faiths from the Southwest and Kwara State, they highlighted…

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Mandy Park A socio-cultural organization of the Ohafia people of Abia State, Obu Ohafia, has lauded Governor Alex Otti over ongoing reconstruction of 67 kilometre Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Akara Abiriba-Ohafia Road. The group said embarking on the project strategically demonstrates commitment to open the State for economic growth and prosperity. Recall that Otti, flagged off the road reconstruction on February 7, assuring of its speedy completion as three contractors were mobilized to handle different sections of the road. A statement by Mr Charles Kalu, publicity secretary of Obu Ohafia said the governor’s gesture…

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Mandy Park Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has congratulated Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, on his well-deserved recognition as recipient of the prestigious 2024 Wallenberg Medal. The transparency watchdog noted that the University of Michigan in a post on its website on February 12, announced Bassey as the 30th recipient of the global award. Dr. Bassey – an environmental leader, architect, and poet – will become the first Nigerian, and 5th African to be so honoured after South Africans Helen Suzman…

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Mañdy Park The immediate past Provost of Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu (ASCETA), Dr Philips Nto has lauded the state panel on Recovery of Government Property for being firm, unbiased and just in it’s handling of petitions before her . He noted that he had earlier raised the alarm that some people wanted to use the panel to achieve some sinister motives and hailed the Chairman,Justice Florence Duruoha Igwe, and the members for resisting them. Nto spoke after the panel berated the management of ASCETA for denying him…

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Mandy Park As the world celebrates World Cañçer dày, 2024 the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged both federal and state governments in Nigeria to adequàtely address tobacco use, as well as the excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and salt, which are high-risk factors behind the country’s alarming cancer burden. CAPPA noted that there has been an upsurge in cancer cases recorded in Nigeria in recent times alongside other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). According to the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Nigeria records over 120,000…

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Mandy Park The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged member nations of its global tobacco treaty to ban or regulate E-cigarettes and other novel and emerging products of the tobacco industry, if they are yet to do so, in the interest of public health. It made the call Tuesday at a virtual media workshop ahead of the 10th Conference of Parties to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC – the global tobacco treaty) in Panama. The event, organised by the Network for Accountability of Tobacco…

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Mandy Park The Old Bende Stakeholders Forum has cautioned against the victimisation of any of their sons and daughters using the current Abia State Panel on Recovery of Government Property. It noted that although it welcomes the panel as a means of ensuring that nobody appropriates government’s property unlawfully, but vows not to subscribe for the use of the panel for intimidation/harassment of perceived political opponents. Leader of the Forum, Chief Charles Ogbonnaya made the remarks when they paid a solidarity visit to the immediate Provost of Abia State College…

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Mandy Park Immediate Provost of Abia State College of Education, Technical, Dr Philips Nto has protested the seizure of his official vehicle by the state panel on Recovery of Government Property. He said by Government’s extant regulations, he was entitled to go with his official vehicle as Provost and wondered why the panel did not put that fact into consideration. He lamented the fact that the panel did not also consider the fact that he was being owed close to N120m before ordering the Recovery of the vehicle. Dr Philips…

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…asks govt to rise to leadership challenge By: Mandy Park Dr. Anuma Kalu Ulu, Founder, Kalu Ulu Memorial Foundation, philanthropist, public commentator and US based Nigerian medical doctor, family physician and geriatrician was in Nigeria on a medical mission. He took time out to talk to select media including NigeriaNewsMark, on some critical issues concerning Nigeria, and what needs to be done to move the country forward. He also spoke on other national issues including the health sector, restructuring, governance in his state (Abia) among others. Excerpt Briefly, let’s know…

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Mandy Park The Management of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) has appointed Dr Philips Nto as the Director of Agribusiness Incubation Centre.This is as Nto has made firm promise to ensure that the centre emerges the best in it’s enterprise. The appointment which is for a period of two years takes effect from January, 01,2024 and makes him a member of the University’s Senate and Management In a letter signed by the University Registrar Dr( mrs) Nkeiruka C Mbanasor , Nto will be” responsible to the Vice Chancellor…

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In the next six days, year 2023 will come to an end with its intrigues, suspense, dashed hopes and controversies. There is no doubt that the country experienced significant and lasting changes in 2023, profoundly shaping the country’s political, economic and social landscape.  Sunday Sun brings to focus some of the major political events that shaped the year. The 2023 general election The 2023 general election was one of the significant events that shaped Nigeria’s political landscape in the year in review. The nation’s political scene was heated up with…

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Mandy Park  A University lecturer, Dr Philips Nto has commended the National Assembly for the early passage of the 2024 budget which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assented to recently.  But he wants the executive to ensure the orderly implementation of the budget, so as to achieve the intended targets.  Nto was however not happy that the fund earlier allocated to the National Assembly was increased instead of finding a way to reduce the deficit gap in the budget.  Dr Nto, a lecturer at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike,  noted…

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…wants Health Ministry to Handle Public Health Awareness By Mandy Park The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has lauded the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over its imposition of a One Hundred and Ten Million US Dollars ($110,000,000.00) fine on British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) and its subsidiaries over serial violation of the nation’s laws including the National Tobacco Control Act, 2015. The FCCPC had in a statement released on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, disclosed that the Commission on August 28, 2020, opened an active investigation…

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Mandy Park Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and the National Sugar-sweetened Beverage Tax Coalition have cautioned on the dangers of unbridled sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption, insisting that the SSB industry is increasingly undermining public health for profits. Both organisations, using research findings, accused the industry of deliberately promoting misleading narratives, clouding the public’s understanding of the true health implications associated with habitual consumption of their products. They indicted SSBs including soda and fruit drinks as playing a major role in the rising cases of obesity, diabetes and heart…

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By Mandy Park The Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreation Services Employees (AUPCTRE) has rejected a plan by the management of the Lagos Water Corporation (LWC), and the Lagos State Government to sack more workers at the LWC, expected to be not less than 450 staff. AUPCTRE said the plan came to light on Monday, December 18, 2023, during a meeting of the state leadership of the union with the LWC’s Managing Director (MD), Mr. Mukhtar Tijani.   The Union’s Secretary, Abiodun Bakare, who spoke on behalf…

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Mandy Park Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, is again, expected to proceed on medical leave on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Official sources described the move as a follow-up to his medical treatment. The latest disclosure was made in a statement issued and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde in Akure. Olatunde said that during his medical leave, the governor will prioritise his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties. According to him, “a formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally…

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Mandy Park Ugep Monarch, Obol Lopon of Ugep, His Royal Majesty Obol Ofem Eteng Ubana, has lauded the philanthropy of Dr Joseph Tarkon, a Nigerian-born, American-based doctor and presiding pastor of the City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), in Atlanta, Georgia, for pulling doctors within and outside Nigeria and resources to provide free medical care to his community. The monarch also expressed excitement about the evangelistic crusade to be held in his community on Friday, Dec 15. This is as Dr Tarkon said the…

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By Mandy Park Ahead of a medical outreach and Christian crusade slated for December 14 -16 in Ugep, a community in Yakurr local government area, Cross River State, a well-rounded masterclass was first held on the fundamentals of leadership. The leadership session was the first in a planned weeklong event aimed at bringing relief to thousands of people in the community and it’s environs which Dr Joseph Tarkon, a Nigerian-born, American-based doctor and presiding pastor of the City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), in…

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Mandy Park Latest report from data analysed by the African Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA) has revealed that Nigeria. Is Africa’s second highest contributor to the US$26 billion global costs of environmental pollution caused by plastics in cigarette butts and packaging every year. ATCA’s report, as contained in its statement dated December 6, followed its analysis of research findings by the Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control, published online in the journal Tobacco Control. The analysis found that African countries with the highest smoking rate contribute the most to…

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Mandy Park The Centre for Human and Social-Economic Rights (CHSR), Campaign Against Impunity, and other right groups have appealed to the Lagos State Police Command and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Sheriff Ishola Salami by unknown killers and bring the culprits to justice. The appeal was made on Thursday during a strong protest at the offices of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the NHRC, and the governor’s office, where petitions were submitted demanding an urgent police investigation into the…

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Mandy Park The Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS) comprising over 25 right groups have raised concerns as they unequivocally condemned the “accidental bombing” by the Nigerian military which resulted in the tragic death of at least 85 people, who were celebrating the Islamic event of Maulud in Tudun Biri, a village in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. The groups want the victims families to be fully compensated with public apology tendered. Recall that the incident occurred on Sunday, December 3, 2023, and has been…

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Mandy Park Latest report shows that International fossil fuel lobbyists have sent no fewer than 2,456 representatives to the ongoing climate change conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), to influence crucial climate talks by Nigeria and other countries. This is despite that Africa is the continent most affected by climate change despite contributing the least to the climate crisis. Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, among others, have been at the forefeont of the continent’s climate justice bid at COP28, the outcome of which could mean the survival or otherwise of…

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Mandy Park The Sholly Serenity Place, a Lagos-based home offering accommodation and multifaceted support to survivors of gender-based violence, has received the ‘Most Responsive NGO’ award from the Lagos state government. The Sholly place is one of the roughy two dozen women’s shelters in Nigeria. The ceremony and award was part of the climax marking the ‘Domestic Violence Awareness Month’ by the state’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA). “We celebrate this unique initiative in light of the globally commemorated “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” (November 25 to…

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Mandy Park City People media has recognised the relentless dedication and outstanding contributions of Ms. Ify Onyegbule, Director General, Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), honouring her with the prestigious City People Special Award of Excellence. Onyegbule’s unwavering commitment to the advancement and transformation of the media sector is said to have earned her the well-deserved honour and accolade, further solidifying her impact and leadership within the industry. Ms. Ify Onyegbule, a trailblazer in the field of media, has played an instrumental role in steering Imo Broadcasting Corporation towards greater heights of…

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Mandy Park Abia state governor, Dr Alex Otto, has said his government would deliver even development to all Abia communities without discrimination. He also promised that the state which has become a construction site would benefit all communities in project distribution. The governor made the promise on Saturday, 2nd December, at the Old Bende End of the year get-together. Otti also used the opportunity to thank the Old Bende communities for voting for him enmasse and all other Labour party candidates, assuring that they will enjoy the dividends of democracy…

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Mandy Park As part of activities at the ongoing United Nations Conference on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP 28, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa(CAPPA) has released a documentary on the impact of climate change on frontline communities. Titled “Climate Change: Africa’s Cooked and Sinking Communities”, the documentary highlights the threatening impacts of climate change in Taita Taveta County, Kenya; Kambele, Cameroun; and Ayetoro, Ondo state, Nigeria.A statement signed byRobert Egbe, Media and Communication Officer, CAPPA, noted thatthe documentary exposes the impact of mining and oil extraction in those communities,…

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Mandy Park Awoye community in Ondo State and the Makoko community in Lagos State have pleaded with government to come to their rescue by speedily addressing life threatening concerns in their communities rather than neglecting them. While the Awoye community is lamenting over the unending raging fire on Ororo-1 oil facility in the past three and half years, the Makoko community is facing eviction threat from ancestral home from the Lagos state government. Awoye community, an Ondo coastal community approximately 145 kilometres from Akure, said they are at the brink…

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Mandy Park The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal Government to extend the planned probe of tax waivers, grants and other insidious benefits unduly awarded to corporations by past governments, to include the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) awarded to tobacco companies. The EEG scheme is a post-shipment incentive introduced by the Federal Government to encourage indigenous exporters to expand their export volume and value in the global market. The group made the call in a statement signed by Zikora Ibeh, CAPPA’s Policy and Research…

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Yesterday, Monday, November 27th, 2023, the Federal Executive Council in Abuja gave approval for the loan from the African Development Bank to Abia State. This loan is in the sum of One Hundred and Fifteen Million Dollars ( $115 Million). One Hundred Million Dollars out of this is from the Africa Development Bank while Fifteen Million Dollars is coming from the Canadian Development Bank. By the current exchange rate, this is 115 Billion Naira in the kitty of the Abia State Government. The approval by the Federal Executive Council is…

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By Ukoha Njoku Ukoha The report, “Nigerian Governor Abandons Multi-billion Naira Government House, Runs Govt from Country Home”, published on the platform of Premium Times, is an indictment on the past PDP administrations in Abia State. A bunch of people making brouhaha out of Q3 Budget Expenses does not have a record of what they spent on the new Government House by their successive governments and administrations. The ‘repented’ apostles and messengers of transparency, do not have any evidence of competitive bidding for the completion and substandard furnishing of the…

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Mandy Park Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has pledged his administration’s readiness to partner with multilateral organisations, so as to reconstruct and rehabilitate 248.46 kilometers of roads in the State. Governor Otti gave the assurance on Wednesday when he received a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Finance, led by Dr. Oyebola Akande, an Assistant Director in the ministry, which was on a working visit to the State to ascertain the state’s readiness to take part in the project. The project is expected to be executed under the Abia…

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By Godwin Adindu I love the wisdom of our ancestors. May their souls rest in perfect peace. They were great sages, thinkers and philosophers but, regrettably, their insights and wisdom were not documented like the West did to Plato, Aristotle, Socrates and the rest. There is this saying that our ancestors passed down to us: that the big talk is but for eight days. Unfortunately, the Abia big talk about expenditure on food, entertainment, honorarium et al did not last up to eight days. It boomed and fizzled away within…

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Mandy Park Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court, in Lagos has fixed hearing for December 6, 2023 in a suit filed by a non-governmental organisation, Centre Against Injustice And Domestic Violence, praying the court for an order of mandamus to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission, (ICPC) to investigate the Managing, Director of Rural Electrification Agency and his cohort over alleged misappropriated funds at the Agency. Gbolahan Agoro. The court fixed the date after hearing lawyer to the applicant, The…

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Mandy Park Former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Dr Philips Nto has condoled with the families of the recent accident victims at Ogbor Hill Aba. This is as he pledged to donate his one month salary to assist in the treatment of the survivors. The multiple accidents that occurred when a container fell from a trailer on some vehicles and tricycles claimed an unspecified number of lives. Dr Philips Nto, is currently a lecturer at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia. The immediate past Provost of Abia State…

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Mandy Park Dame Blessing Nwagba PhD, represented Aba North Constituency twice in the Abia State House of Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She later moved to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and was the governorship candidate of the party in the 2019 elections. Dr Nwagba ran for the Senate in 2023 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), battling with the then state governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu (PDP), and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of APGA and former Minority Senate leader, who was later declared…

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Mandy Park Grassroots politician, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu represented Abia Central Senatorial District and served as chairman, Senate Committee on Oil and Gas Resources, chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Related Financial Matters.She was also the chairman, Governing Council of the University of Calabar.She spoke with some select journalists including NigeriaNewsMark and dissected some national issues including the Bola Tinubu presidency. She is confident that the Renewed Hope Agenda would positively transform Nigeria. Nwaogu also assessed Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti. Excerpt: Most Nigerians appear to be losing…

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Mandy Park Former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in Abia State, Dr Philips Nto has petitioned the police over alleged incessant arrest and torture of Abia youths in the guise of hunting suspected Internet fraudsters. This is as he urged the Nigeria Police to re-examine their method of operation. He regretted that the police have hastily profiled and labelled such youths as fraudsters with incessant harassment, arrest and torture. In the petition he addressed to the Commissioner of Police ,Abia State, Nto who is also the immediate past Provost…

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Hycenth Igwe Comrade Joseph Evah is the Coordinator, Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG) and a former Publicity Secretary of the Ijaw National Congress. In this encounter with select journalists, the Niger Delta activist who speaks truth to power no matter whose ox is gored cautioned President Bola Tinubu on issues he must avoid, especially ethnic-centered appointments, and need to embrace the opposition for an all-inclusive government. He also cautioned Nyesom Wike, former governor of Rivers State and FCT minister on the danger of his recent actions which he warned is capable…

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By Mandy Park Dr. Philips Nto is a World Bank consultant and former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in Abia State. He was in Lagos for a Summit and spoke to selected media organisations, including NigeriaNewsMark. The distinguished academic who presently lectures at Michael Okpara Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, spoke on the economy, it’s challenges, the need to consult President Olusegun Obasanjo and what needs to be done for a turnaround. The former Provost, Abia State College of Education Technical Arochukwu (ASCETA), also disclosed his fears for Nigeria,…

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Dr. Samson Adewale Adegoke Maigida, an eminent Nigerian philanthropist, humanitarian, and founder cum benefactor of Maigida Charity Foundation, was on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the 6th and 7th Convocation ceremony of the Federal University Lokoja, conferred a Doctor of Letters Degree (D. Litt) degree Honoris Causa. A statement made available to the press by Adegboyega Ogunosun, media consultant to the Foundation, he disclosed that the conferment of the Doctorate Degree on Dr. Samson Adewale Adegoke Maigida was in recognition of his immense contributions to the growth and academic empowerment…

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By Ralph Okey Nwosu, National Chairman ADC Many may not have heard of Mrs Salomey Abu or may have forgotten her. She was one of many casualties of the dangerous, crooked and murderous twist that Kogi politics has become. She was a politically active Igala woman from Ochadamuihe town in Ofu local government area of the state. For daring to campaign and work for candidates of her choice in the 2019 general election, the power-mongers of the state, including those from Igala, eliminated her in a gruesome manner ostensibly to…

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Mandy Park Scion of the respected Fasehun family, Olufemi Omola Fasehun has raised the alarm over activities of high profile land grabbers in Lagos trying to disposes the family through forceful invasion of their property located at no. 10 Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja. The family has called on President Bola Tinubu , Lagos Governor, Sanwo -Olu and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to step in and put a stop to the criminality. Fasehun alleged that some high profile politicians in the state including Chief Tomori Williams, Cardinal…

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Emma Ugochukwu African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, Dr. Ralphs Okey Nwosu has called on the Federal Government to ensure free, fair and credible election in the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State. The party is also demanding equity in the governorship position among the three senatorial zones of the state. Dr. Nwosu, at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, said equity, not domination grows democracy, fuel development and create a harmonious and secure environment for economic enlargement. Leke Abejide, the ADC governorship candidate, is from Kogi West…

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President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio arriving Airport this weekend from Yewa Ogun State with Leader of the Senate Senator Bamidele Opayemi and Senator Ishaku Abbo Chairman Senate Committee on Creative Economy and Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Youth and Community Development.

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Mandy Park The Progressive Young Women Forum (PYWF) has announced that Hon Patience Charles Kwache is the new acting National President. This is following the appointment of Hon. Jamila Bio – Ibrahim, the estwhile National President as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu The appointment was announced during the PYWF head office opening ceremony, yesterday, Wednesday, in Abuja. Hon Kwache who untill her appointment served as the National Secretary of the PYWF. She was previously, the Adamawa State PYWF Contact Representative. She also worked…

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Mandy Park Chief Frank Emeka, U.S based businessman and Real Estate mogul, has congratulated the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, just as he urged Abians to give him maximum support as he strives to pilot the affairs of the state. The philanthropist noted this in a press statement issued after the election tribunal in its judgement upheld the elections of Dr Alex Otti, and noted that the Governor has so far not disappointed Abians in his leadership style. Said Chief Frank Emeka said, “I want to congratulate our amiable…

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Mandy Park The National Leader of Unity House Foundation (UHF), a non-profit and need-meeting advocacy group, focusing on the promotion of peace, good governance and social justice, Comrade Wenenda Wali, has asked the Federal Government (FG) to use the proceeds of the sale of the moribund oil refineries for the construction of the East West road, whenever it eventually decides to sell them. Wenenda Wali, a Niger Deltan, stated this in a statement issued in reaction to a call for FG to sell the country’s ailing oil refineries and invest…

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Mandy Park Human rights group, Centre For Human And Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), and other stakeholders have cautioned, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to reopen all markets presently closed by the state government without further delay or face the consequences of mass action. The reopening of the sealed markets, they advised will help to alleviate the anguish of traders and other Lagos residents. The President of the group, and activisi, Comrade Alex Omotehinse said during a World press conference at the group’s Secretariat in Lagos State at the weekend that the…

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Mandy Park It was a joyful moment for the Bethorey Home for challenged persons in Lagos on Monday, 2 October as the Ultimate Circle of Nigeria visited the home with gift items, including cash in celebration of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary. UCN, is one of Nigeria’s leading service-oriented, socio-philanthropic family clubs. The scheduled visit is part of its dedicated need-meeting activities in marking this year’s nation’s independence. Representing the UCN president, Hon. Lukman Olumoh, the past president, Adelaja Adeleye, who led the members to the home, commended the challenged residents…

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Mandy Park Civil society and labour activists from Africa campaigning against water privatisation will organise the third edition of the Africa Week of Action Against Water Privatisation from 9-15 October 2023. Zikora Ibeh, Policy and Research Officer, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation (CAPPA), disclosed that the week of action, will coincide with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings holding in Marrakech, Morocco from 9-15 October 2023, and has as its theme – Holding Hands to Protect Africa’s Water from Corporate Capture.“” It will deepen push back…

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Mandy Park The Neo Africana Centre has asked the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, to join the controversy trailing President Bola Tinubu’s claim of having attended and obtained a certificate from Chicago State University (CSU) in the United States of America. The public policy think tank said it is uncharacteristic for Soyinka, a sucker for controversies, to look and act disinterestedly over an issue in which he should, ordinarily, be interested in. This is much more so considering the fact that Soyinka has, through his recent interventions, left nobody in…

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Mandy Park Civil Society Coalition in Defence of Democracy (CSCDD) have accused Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun of executive recklessness, abuse of power and political persecution CSCDD is a platform of activists and concerned stakeholders committed to the enthronement of good governance as well as promotion of democratic principles. The group raised the alarm concerning the alleged executive lawlessness of Abiodun at a press briefing in Lagos, on Thursday, September 28, vowing to demand for his resignation or impeachment if he continues. The group had already launched a petition…

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Mandy Park The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25th general election, Peter Obi has predicted that there will be a country, in reaction to the saying of the literary sage, Prof. China Achebe in one of his novels ‘There Was a Country. But noted that if Chinua Achebe was to come to Nigeria today, he would weep bitterly for his country as comparatively, there was really no trouble with Nigeria four decades ago when the iroko of literature, Achebe wrote the book, The Trouble With Nigeria.…

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Emeka Njoku Bishops of The Anglican Church, Nigeria, in Abia State have congratulated the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, on his excellent achievements since assuming office May 29, 2023. The Bishops, who spoke to the media after a closed door meeting with Governor Otti at his residence on Saturday, said they visited the Governor to felicitate with him on his election, subsequent assumption of office and exemplary performance in less than 4 months. Led by His Grace, Archbishop Isaac C. Nwaobia, The Archbishop of Aba Province and Head…

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Mandy Park The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 2023 general election, Peter Obi has sent a message of goodwill and felicitation to Muslims as they celebrate the birthday of Holy Prophet Mohammed. Obi asks the Muslims to use the period to reflect and seek Prophet Mohammed’s intercession on the many challenges of our dear country. Said Obi ” heartily Felicitate with all the Muslim Faithful in Nigeria, as they celebrate the Eid-El Maulud, to honor the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad. The ceremony once…

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Mandy Park Former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, has passed a vote of confidence on Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, affirming that the Governor has started well. A statement by Kazie Uko, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, disclosed that Jonathan, stopped by at Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area, country home of Governor Otti, on a courtesy visit, on Wednesday, while congratulating the Governor for cleaning up the state and freeing the streets of putrid stench, which had been the lot of the state…

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Mandy Park The Senator representing Adamawa North federal constituency and Chairman, Senate committee on creative economy, Ishaku Abbo has given real reasons why the creative economy commission should be established.This is as he said there is a need to open up the entertainment sector as a stable and reliable revenue source. He noted further that the commission is expected to generate massive employment, as well as look into disputes within the entertainment Industry such as disputes between Artists and Record labels. The bill has passed First reading. Senator Abbo disclosed…

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Mandy Park In a bid to ease the hardship of current economic pressures on women and girl survivors of various form of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), two non-profit and need-meeting organisations recently teamed up to offer them support and hope. The Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE) and Hearts100 held a three-day empowerment training for them at Ota, Ogun State recently. The training which held at Sango-Ota in Ado-odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, brought together 30 women drawn from across various communities across the state. It…

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A hospital in the Lekki area of Lagos Perez Medcare Hospital has debunked claims that the nurse who administered injections to the late singer Oladimeji Aloba aka Mohbad was a staff member. The hospital also said in a statement issued on Instagram on Monday that claims that Mohbad died in its facility were false. It also debunked rumours that the late singer was admitted to the hospital. The statement partly read, “The attention of the management of Perez Medcare Hospital has been drawn to the misleading and false information being…

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By; Chinweuba Wachukwu Leaders today need to be authentic, empathetic and adaptable to drive impact. A great leader possesses a clear vision, is courageous, has integrity, honesty, humility and clear focus. Great leaders help people reach their goals, they are not afraid to hire people that might be better than them, rather they take pride in the accomplishments of those they help along the way.​Note: You are not a leader until you have produced a leader who can produce another leader. Senator Theodore Ahamefula Orji is a great and effective leader. Ochendo has produced many…

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Mandy Park The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has condemned the recent hike in school fees across public universities in Nigeria, submitting that they are outrageous and unconscionable.This is as CAPPA ,submits that the action is a direct assault on fundamental right to education. In a statement issued in Lagos, signed by Zikora Ibeh,Policy and Research Officer, the group said the disheartening trend is not just a knife in the back of poor students and their families struggling amid grim economic realities but also a direct assault on…

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Mandy Park Rights group, Centre for Human and Socio -Economic Rights (CHSR) has raised the alarm on impending danger that will befall citizens in Lagos if the fresh trouble brewing over the leadership crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Parks and Garages leadership is not properly handled. The current President, of NURTW is Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa, while the Parks and Garages Management is under M.C Oluomo . Already, Baruwa has vowed not to fold his hands and allow members of the Lagos Park…

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…says Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB leader should be released Mandy Park Comrade Alex Omotehinse, activist and public affairs analyst is the President, Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR). In this encounter with journalists in Lagos, he speaks on the Nigerian condition, president Bola Tinubu’s 100 days in office which he says has severe negative impact on the people, the case of Mrs. Olabisi Esther Johnson who is being harrassed by the police and the need to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention among other sensitive issues. Excerpt Looking at…

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Emeka Njoku Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has directed immediate restoration of power supplies to all government offices and facilities in the state. This comes as the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, disclosed that no fewer than 4,700 pensioners in the state have been enrolled to receive free medical treatment in both the primary and secondary health facilities across the state, under the state’s Health Insurance Sheme. In a statement by Kazie UkoChief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor , those so far enrolled are pensioners,…

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Mandy Park Stakeholders in waste management, and environmental experts, on Tuesday urged Nigerians to invest in waste recycling management, especially plastics recovery towards growing a circular economy of the country. The waste management professionals and development experts included : Ambassador Obuesi Phillips, President/CEO, Lagos Waste Forum, Mr. Ola Oresanya, former Ogun state Environment commissioner, Mrs. Belinda Aderonike Odeneye, Board Chairperson, Lagos waste Forum, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Director, PR. Coca-Cola, Dr. Essien Nsuabia, Director-Circular Economy, LAWMA, Dr. Vanessa Lerato Phala, Director, ILO, Country for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Liaison office…

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US President Joe Biden has praised Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu for his strategies to reform Nigeria’s economy and leadership as chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore democracy in the Republic of Niger after a coup. Biden stated this when he met Tinubu on Sunday on the sidelines of the G20 in New Delhi, India. The US Mission in Nigeria revealed on its website highlights of Biden’s engagement with Tinubu. It said, “President Joe Biden met with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu today on the sidelines…

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Mandy Park Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has reassured his commitment towards providing adequate healthcare services across the 17 local government areas of the State. This is as he pledged to make them accessible and affordable. Governor Otti gave the assurance on Sunday at a reception held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. The reception followed a thanksgiving service earlier in the day at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, behind the state House of Assembly, by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Mike Akpara, who survived a ghastly…

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Emeka Njoku Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has declared that the ‘New Abia’ he is building would not care so much about state or local government of origin of its residents but what the people can offer. Governor Otti said this on Friday while decorating eight newly-promoted officers of the Nigeria Police Force, serving in Abia State, and honouring four other officers of Abia origin, who have just successfully completed their course of study from the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano. Kazie Uko, Chief Press Secretary to the Governorquoted…

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Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has arrived in Nigeria from his medical trip to Germany. His wife Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu announced this on Thursday via X with a photo of her husband on board an aircraft. “Homebound,” Mrs Akeredolu captioned the picture. The governor began his medical leave in June and it was extended following advice from his doctors and approval by the House of Assembly. Majority Leader of the assembly Wole Ogunmolasuyi told PUNCH that the governor was already in his Ibadan residence.

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The funeral of the founding pastor of Fountain of Life Church in Ilupeju, Lagos Taiwo Odukoya will begin on Friday, September 8 with a service of songs and night of tributes. Odukoya died on August 7 in the United States. He was aged 67. Venue for the service of songs and night of tributes will be the church. The church had earlier invited the public to join in “celebrating Pastor Odukoya’s life and legacy.”

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Mandy Park A cerebral lecturer at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Dr PHILIPS NTO has donated one million Naira to the institution for the sustenance of the newly introduced Okpara lecture series. This is as he dedicated the MOUAU ambassador award given to him by the institution to a former outstanding Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji (Ochendo Global) and his parents. Speaking at a reception organised in his honour at Umuahia, Dr Philips Nto, who is the immediate past Provost of Abia State College of Education, Technical,…

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Mandy Park Minister of Works Engr Dave Umuahi has praised Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, for bringing visible developments in the state within a few months in office. Umahi, who was in Abia on Thursday to inspect ongoing Federal projects in the state, said even though he is not an apostle of 100 days celebration, Abia residents and indeed the South East are blessed to have Governor Otti as his handwork is already showing. A statement by Kazie Uko, Chief Press Secretary to Gov Otti quoted Umahi as…

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Mandy Park The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the controversial February 25th election, Peter Obi has instructed his lawyers to immediately challenge the ruling of the five-member Presidential Election Petitions Court led by Justice Simon Haruna Tsamani. Obi disclosed this at a press conference in the commercial town of Onitsha, Anambra state on Thursday in reaction to the PEPC ruling Yesterday, where he copiously acknowledged the Court’s contributions to due process and the seeming attempt to strengthen our democracy. Obi said “As petitioners in this case, we…

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Police in Ekiti said on Thursday that they arrested 10 suspects in connection to the death of a student of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Modupe Atanda. The Command’s spokesman Abutu Sunday stated this in a press release published on X (formerly Twitter). Sunday added that the late 200-level nursing student of the institution was declared missing within the school premises on September 5, 2023. Her body was found in a shallow grave at a distance of about 30 meters behind the nursing lecture hall, he said. The statement read,…

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The police have arrested an associate professor at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Dr Kadiri Akeem accused of rape.The alleged victim (name withheld) had said the lecturer raped her on August 16, 2023 when she visited the lecturer in the office to sort out issues about her results. A non-governmental organisation Inclusive Social Welfare and Empowerment Foundation, where the victim reported the case, got the police involved. Spokesman of the Lagos Police Command Benjamin Hundeyin said in a post on X that the lecturer “is to appear in court in…

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Mandy Park The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has taken a critical analysis of the policies and programmes of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since it assumed office on 29 May 2023, submitting that it’s a mix bag of opportunities if well harnessed and confusion without a clear policy direction. Speaking on existing and emerging issues in the environment sector under the present administration, Executive Director of ERA/FoEN, Chima Williams stated that several initiatives have been introduced by the new government with varying degrees of impact on…

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The management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has confirmed the missing student Modupe Atanda has been found dead. Ms Atanda, a student in the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, went missing after she went out to study at night on Monday, September 4, 2023. Her roommates declared her missing when she did not return. A statement by the university’s registrar Mufutau Ibrahim said, “It will be recalled that earlier today, the Management had made public the disturbing development of the missing of the deceased and assured…

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By Kazie Uko One of the campaign promises of the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, was the establishment of a ministry or an agency that would serve as a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to drive the process of revamping Aba, the commercial capital of the state. Aba featured so strategically in Dr. Otti’s campaign for the governorship of Abia State to the extent that he was willing to introduce a full-fledged ministry to oversee the realisation of his dream of a renewed Enyimba City, where trading and manufacturing…

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By Mandy Park Olympic -bound Abia female Para-weight lifters have lauded the administration of governor Alex Otti, stressing that it usered a breath of new air in the state. This is coming barely two weeks after Otti warmly received a contingent of Abia players in the nation’s female football team, Super Falcons, to the World Cup in Australia. The group of female Para-Power lifters who are headed to the Olympics next year for the Dubai championship made the observation when they played host to Otti on Tuesday Governor Otti, who…

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Mandy Park Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has ordered the immediate suspension of a Government House driver, who got involved in an accident with an Okada rider in Ohafia, on Sunday, pending investigation. A Government House statement signed by Kazie Uko, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor says the investigation will be conducted with a view to establishing the culpability or lack thereof of the driver. Otti also directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, to follow up and ensure that the injured Okada rider, Orji Felix,…

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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday paid a surprise visit to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) where he met the 12-year-old boy identified as Adebola Akin-Bright, whose mum claimed his small intestines went missing. In an SoS message to Mr Sanwo-Olu, the boy’s mother Debola Abiodun begged the governor to as a matter of urgency, probe the mysterious disappearance of her son’s small intestines, which she claimed occurred while he was receiving treatment at LASUTH. The hospital management has since refuted the allegation.

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Dignitaries on Sunday attended the 70th birthday party of the retired Justice of the Supreme Court Amina Augie in Abuja. Among them were the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 election, Peter obi; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; and former governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-rufai. Also present was the senior advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome; former minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed; former governor of Cross River, Donald Duke; and media mogul, Dele Momodu. Former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and also the immediate…

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By Apostle Sam Okeke It is not often that an institution of higher learning HONOURS a serving Staff with an award alongside other notable Nigerians. But that is exactly what is happening at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, as it rolls out the drums to celebrate notable Nigerians with awards including its Staff,Dr Philips OKORE OKPO NTO, the immediate past Provost of Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu, ASCETA and former Abia State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning. This award is significant because it is coming at…

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By Mandy Park Abia State Government on Saturday demolished a two-storey building in Umuahia, the state capital in a proactive move to save lives and property.A statement by Josephine Ogwo, Director of InformationMinistry of Lands & Housing noted that a rapid response team, comprising the Ministries of Lands and Housing; Power & Public Utilities; Works; and also the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), the Nigerian Police Force, the Abia State Fire Service, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and the Nigerian Society of Engineers,…

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Mandy Park Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, said the emergence of Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, as the Governor of Abia State is not just an answered prayer for the people of Abia State but for the South East and the whole of Nigeria. Soludo spoke on Thursday at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia State, where he delivered the keynote lecture at the 30th Anniversary of the creation of the institution and Founder’s Day ceremony. Referring to Gov. Otti as the…

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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed all international airlines to vacate the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, from October 1, 2023. This, he said, was to give room for total maintenance work at the airport. The minister said this during a tour of the international airports in Lagos, where he was accompanied by the Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Mr. Kabir Yusuf Mohammed. The minister, while speaking at the sideline of the airport tour, directed the airlines and companies operating in the airport to…

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Designer of Nigeria’s flag Taiwo Akinkunmi has died after a brief illness. One of his children said in a Facebook post that the national hero died in the early hours of Tuesday. He wrote: “Life is indeed transient; I can say boldly that you live a life with a landmark. Continue to rest, my father! Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (O.F.R.): Great Man has gone.” Akinkunmi was born on May 10, 1936. He began his career as a civil servant at the Secretariat of Ibadan and later travelled overseas to study…

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Daniel Elechi Abia State Accountant General, Njum Onyemenam, has debunked reports making rounds in social media platforms that she was chased out of her office on Tuesday by angry civil servants, describing it as fake news and absolute falsehood.Onyemenam, who was in attendance at the Abia State 32nd Anniversary Celebration lecture, which held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, said she was never in the office at the time the purveyors of the fake news were busy spreading their falsehood.In a statement by Kazie Uko, Chief Press Secretary to the…

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Mandy Park Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the February 25; 2023 election, Peter Obi has cautioned blackmailers bent on linking him with negative things that are not of his person to re-channel their energy in raising a better Nigeria. Obi was reacting to a mischievous statement alluding that he had bribed a Television Journalist, Mr. Rufai Oseni by financially sponsoring the burial of his father.Obi described the allegation as wicked blackmail against the courageous journalist who has been doing his jobProfessionally. “Ordinarily, I do not get involved…

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has told supporters to stop placing congratulatory billboards and other advertorials over his appointment by President Bola Tinubu. Director of Press, Office of the Minister Anthony Ogunleye stated this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday. “The attention of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been drawn to lamp post billboards, full-scale billboards and other adverts congratulating him on his appointment as minister. “While the minister deeply appreciates the warm wishes and support of the citizens, he kindly, but…

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By: Casmir Igbokwe Some Federal Government officials appear to be afraid of their shadows. It looks more like the proverbial saying that when a fowl farts, the land pursues it. Last week, Nigerians witnessed another attempt at authoritarianism. Some group had put up billboards in Abuja and elsewhere with the inscription, “All eyes on the judiciary”. The powers that be became fretful and ordered that the billboards be pulled down. They also dissolved the secretariat of the Advertising Standard Panel (ASP) for approving the advert and suspended its Director and…

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By Mandy Park Abia government has expressed its readiness to show increased commitment to the Open Government Partnership (OGP) initiative to promote good governance, transparency and accountability in the State. The Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Kingsley Anosike, made this known on Tuesday, during a meeting between Abia Open Government Partnership (OGP ) State and non-state actors in Umuahia. Mr. Anosike said that the State government was poised to deploy all the available resources to ensure that OGP would be a huge successes in the State. According to him,…

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Acting Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun on Wednesday visited the Lagos State Police Command headquarters in Ikeja, the state capital. He was received by the state commissioner of police, Idowu Owohunwa. This is Egbetokun’s first official visit to Lagos since he was appointed by President Bola Tinubu. The police boss is expected to inaugurate the Complaint Response Unit and also the state-of-the-art hospital newly built inside 22 Police Mobile Force in Oduduwa, Ikeja, GRA, Lagos. (CULLED FROM QED.NG)

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Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Police Command in Lagos State, have arrested three suspected vandals in the Tom Jones area of the state, and recovered a minibus, two carts and bridge railings The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos. He said that the suspects were arrested at 2:45 p.m. on Saturday during RRS operatives’ routine patrol of the area. “The suspects fled and abandoned a Suzuki minibus popularly called ‘Korope’ with registration number BDG 315 YA upon…

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George and Okanta Emefiele, brothers of the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Godwin Emefiele, have withdrawn a case they filed against the government. The defendants in the case were specifically the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). Justice E. Okpe of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday struck out the case following its withdrawal. The Emefiele brothers took the AGF and the DSS to court over the alleged infringement on their fundamental human rights on account of…

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Ex-minister of petroleum resources Diezani Alison-Madueke has been charged with bribery offences in the United Kingdom relating to her former office in Nigeria. Mrs Alison-Madueke, 63, has been on bail since first being arrested in London in October 2015. The United Kingdom National Crime Agency (NCA) said on Tuesday that she will appear in court in the British on October 2. Soon after her arrest, her family’s lawyer told AFP she would strongly contest corruption allegations that have dogged her during and after her time in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s government. The…

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Mandy Park Faith leaders across the different religious bodies in Nigeria, today, Tuesday, 22 August at a one day seminar in Lagos vowed to advance interfaith collaboration for peace building and peaceful coexistence amongst people of divergent creed. This is as they noted further that our humanity supersedes our differences The one day seminar and capacity building for the faith leaders, was organized by an Abuja-based Non Governmental Organization, Global Peace Foundation, Nigeria. The event, which held at the LEBC Conference Room of the Baptist Academy Compound in Obanikoro, Lagos,…

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said that its engagement with musician Afeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, is to encourage him to use his skills and platforms to put out content that will discourage millions of his fans and Nigerian youths from substance abuse. Naira Marley on Thursday led members of his team on a visit to the national headquarters of the NDLEA in Abuja to express his preparedness to join the fight against drug abuse in the country. The agency came under criticism over the artiste’s…

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Mandy Park Community chiefs popularly called the Ba’ales, religious leaders, political stakeholders, students and ordinary folks of Eti-Osa, a local government area of Lagos State, today, Thursday protested the exclusion of their indigenes in the government of Babajide Sanwo-Olu. This is as they accuse Sanwo-Olu of grand deceit. The protest by the indigenous people of Eti-Osa is coming days after a group, Eti-Osa Heritage Organisation, alerted the public that outsiders have been listed as indigenes of their local government among the 39 commissioner-nominees sent to the Lagos State House of…

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Crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, has lost his father Kunle Okuneye. A son of the deceased Debola Okuneye confirmed the news to PUNCH on Monday saying, “Yes, my father died this morning and we are making preparations for his burial.” Another source simply known as Lastborn, who was a friend and colleague of Kunle, confirmed the development, adding that the deceased would be buried on Monday evening. ‘Yes, you saw it. It’s true, he will be buried by 4 pm today,” Lastborn confirmed.

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By Mandy park The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has advised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu to stop the partnership between different ministries of the state and the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN). In a letter sent to Governor Sanwolu titled Lagos Government Should Terminate Partnerships with The Tobacco Industry and dated 20 July 2023, CAPPA said that the tobacco industry continues to exploit the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos and its huge youth population in subtle marketing of tobacco products. CAPPA said that the growing partnerships between the state…

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By Mandy Park The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the February 25, 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi has decried the mischief of fake news manipulators using his name but said that they will not distract nor derail his focus for a new Nigeria which he insists, is POssible. In a series of tweets on Saturday, Obi said “I have noticed with dismay, an emerging pattern, where fake media reports and news items are predicated on interviews and press remarks I never granted. Obi mentioned among many others,…

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By Mandy Park The Make Big Polluters Pay (MBPP) group has condemned what it described as systematic repression, undue influence, and resort to intimidation of oil communities by oil giant firm, TotalEnergies operating in the Africa environment , insisting that the oil giant should be put on global spotlight. Particularly, the coalition during a webinar on Friday which Sunday Sun participated, at the “People’s Mock Tribunal asked ”TotalEnergies to respect people’s dignity and rights especially those of local communities that have been allegedly affected by their exploration” The mock tribunal…

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Mandy Park The immediate past Provost of Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu, Dr Philips Nto has charged contractors executing jobs in the institution to maintain the standard specifications as approved by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund) . He said the projects he attracted before he left as Provost, including fencing of the entire institution, building of a befitting gate and general landscaping of the entire Tetfund buildings,must follow the laid down procedures he had established along with Tetfund’s guidelines. Nto spoke when the contractors paid him a farewell…

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Mandy Park The immediate past Provost of Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu, Dr Philips Nto has described the death of Prof Joe Irukwu as a great loss to young Nigerian scholars. This is as he urged the Gov. Alex Otti-led government in Abia State to immortalise the late sage. He said the late insurance guru and consummate academic was always passionate in assisting young scholars in realizing their dreams in academics. Dr Nto who described himself as a beneficiary of Prof Irukwu’s large-heartedness, recalled when the former president…

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…Gives reasons Nnamdi Kanu should be released without further delay Sylvester Ezeonenwa, a lawyer, is the young, articulate and visionary national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). In this exclusive interview with Sunday Sun, he speaks on his blueprint and vision for APGA, his views on Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention, subsidy removal, the problem with Nigeria and the need for restructuring the country, among other sensitive issues. Excerpt:  Congratulations on your election as the new national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). How has it been since…

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By Mandy Park President Bola Tinubu on Friday directed the suspension of Godwin Emefiele from his position as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). A statement by the Director of Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Willie Bassey said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended the Central Bank Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, CFR, from office with immediate effect.” Bassey added that Emefiele has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate) pending the conclusion…

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Mandy Park The Provost of Abia State College of Education, Technical Arochukwu, Dr Philips Nto has canvassed the support of the staff and people of the state for Governor Alex Otti. Dr Nto spoke at he formally handed over the leadership of the college to the Deputy Provost, Mr Ikechukwu Okorouga . According to Nto, a former commissioner for finance, the new governor requires the support and prayers of the people because of the enormous challenges before him. While expressing confidence on the ability of Dr Alex Otti to administer…

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Mandy Park A child’s rights organization, the Center for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE), has commended the Lagos State Government over the outcome of its findings on the death of Whitney Adeniran.  This is as the organisation called for continued vigilance on  prosecution of the incident until justice is done. Adeniran was a student of Chrisland School in Lagos.  Recall that the 12 year-old Adeniran slumped and died during a school inter-house competition at the Agege Sports Stadium on February 9, 2023.  While multiple sources claimed that she…

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By Mandy Park Public health experts, industry professionals, and Civil Society Organisations among other stakeholders have called on the federal government to increase tax on sugar sweetened beverages so as to discourage and reduce its intake by the gullible and easy to fleece public. By extension they submitted that it would reduce the health burden associated with the consumption of SSB.   This is as they express worry over bad narratives that are making the rounds and causing most Nigerians to turn against a policy they should be supporting. Speakers,…

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…expresses shock on the death of Chief Sir F.N. Nwosu … backs High chief Ikechi Emenike … congratulates  President-elect, Asiwaju Tinubu By Mandy Park Total Blessing Campaign Organisation has lashed the Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) for pronouncing Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe as Senator-elect for Abia South federal constituency when the election was inconclusive. The group says its unacceptable to them. Also the group pledged massive support on the leadership of the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Party (APC) in Abia State, High chief Ikechi Emenike, stressing that he has…

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The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday, withdrew a fresh application they filed to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to allow their agents to participate in the process of sorting out ballot papers that were used for the presidential election that held on February 25. Both PDP and Atiku, who are separately challenging the outcome of the election that was declared in favour of the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, told the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, sitting…

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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has visited the presiding bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide Bishop David Oyedepo as the March 18 date for the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections draw close. Mr Sanwo-Olu paid the courtesy visit on Monday at the church’s headquarters in Ota, Ogun State. Dressed in white, the governor posed for photos with Oyedepo who was also dressed in his customary white attire. Sanwo-Olu announced his visit via Instagram on Tuesday. “I paid a courtesy visit to Bishop David Oyedepo founder of the Living Faith Church…

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Police in Bauchi have declared a member of the House of Representatives Yakubu Shehu wanted and placed a bounty of N1 million on him over alleged homicide. Bauch State Police Command’s spokesperson Ahmed Wakil announced this in a bulletin on Tuesday. Shehu represents Bauchi Federal Constituency on the platform of PRP but later defected to APC. The bulletin said the Nigeria Police Force, under the authority of the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, had declared Shehu wanted. He is wanted “in connection with a case of criminal conspiracy, causing grievous…

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Femi Aina, father of Oreoluwa Aina, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member killed in a Lagos train accident last week, has disclosed that his daughter took the BRT bus involved in the disaster because of naira scarcity. BBC Yoruba quoted Mr Aina as saying “if not for the money the authorities have withdrawn from circulation, my daughter would not have boarded that bus. “But because she had no money on her, that’s why she boarded the bus.” The bereaved father said he was in Abuja when the accident occurred on Thursday,…

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Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo on Monday said the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele confirmed to him that banks can now receive and dispense old naira notes. Soludo stated this in a release which he also shared on social media. He used the medium to urge Anambra residents to begin transacting with the old banknotes. Prof Soludo, a former CBN governor, said Emefiele personally confirmed the development to him in a phone conversation on Sunday night after a bankers’ committee meeting. According to him, tellers…

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Supporters of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party Peter Obi on Wednesday followed him to the Court of Appeal in Abuja. Dressed in a black shirt, Obi was also accompanied by the party’s stalwarts including its national chairman Julius Abure and Senator-elect Victor Umeh. The appellate court had fixed Wednesday to consider the merit of the application the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) filed, seeking to be allowed to reconfigure the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines used for the presidential and National Assembly elections. On Twitter, the platform…

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By Sen Rilwan Soji Akanbi The serious gang-up against the National leader and presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu from winning the 2023 presidential election is no longer news. It is obvious that the sinister plan is building up by the day through different dynamics.Those who are in the know, with privileged information, given the events playing out have all spoken out concerning the underground plot to upstage Tinubu from clinching victory, given his nationwide acceptability across all geo-political zones.But what is obvious is that…

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By Mandy Park The body of Nathaniel Nwankwo Ulu will be laid to rest in his father’s compound Agbogo, Obiene Ututu in Arochukwu LGA of Abia state on Saturday 18th February 2023 Ulu was gruesomely murdered on Thursday 18th August 2022. According to the story by his father Mr Johnson Ulu who resides at plot 3 Umu Aro Street, location 15 Umu Ebule 2 Etche LGA , Rivers State. He was murdered after a minor quarrel with a neighbor . The father disclosed that he was coming back from his…

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Re: Oba of Lagos: LP Courtesy Visit By Akin Osuntokun My attention has been drawn to a fictitious “Press Release” purportedly released by me titled “Oba of Lagos : LP courtesy Visit”. The said deceptive release claimed, among other things that “We informed Oba of Lagos that Peter Obi wanted to come and pay homage to him before our rally in Lagos but Oba said that we should not come”. The fictitious release further claimed that Oba’s reason for not wanting to meet with Peter Obi was that “Oba is…

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