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60th Birthday: Chief Okpako Expresses Gratitude To God

Toyin Adebayo
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60th Birthday: Chief Okpako Expresses Gratitude To God

Despite several heated struggles he has experienced in life, former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief (Dr.) Kings Okpako, has saif that he has every cause to appreciate God.

Chief Okpako, a former Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Community Development, told journalists recently that he was not born with a silver spoon, but that he has been consistently helped by God to overcome all of his challenges and to stay alive despite enemies’ attempts to bring him down.

He said: “I was not born with a silver spoon but I have enjoyed the benevolence of God from the day I was born.”

Saying, my most memorable day in life was when he met his wife, adding that his most traumatized day was the day he was kidnapped in Asaba close the airport many years ago.

“Just like the Bible said, “many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all,” God has continually delivered me from troubles and I am grateful to Him.”

“Many hear my story and think that my battles surpass that of Job and wonder how I survived,” he added.

Asked if he is satisfied with his achievements in his 60-year journey, he said that human wants are insatiable but that he is a stickler of the Bible principles of godliness with contentment.

“I squatted in a room with seven friends when I first arrived Lagos in 1986. Also, my father had me when he was 59. I am the only child of my mother. But, I have broken that yoke and have four boys and two girls. That is an achievement.

“Who am I to complain to God that He has not done enough for me,” he said.

On how he marked his birth anniversary this year, he disclosed that for 35 years that he has resided in Lagos, every August 18, he visits three places to carry out philanthropic gestures. He gave the names of the places as Spinal Chord Injury Association, School of the Blind and Partially Sighted and Little Saint Orphanage Home, adding that two years ago he was unable to do this because he was incarcerated for a crime he knows nothing about.

Meanwhile, the business tycoon, politician and philanthropist, said that the birthday will be celebrated today (Saturday) at the National Stadium in Lagos, where he would play lawn tennis with his friends that belong to the Lawn Tennis Club, saying that he would also be hosted by them in an atmosphere of love as they celebrate him.

Speaking about his wish for himself, he said that his prayers to God was for good health and better understanding of him by his children and hoped that God allows him attain the age of 120.

Buhari Reappoints Oloyede As JAMB Registrar , Rasheed, Bobboyi As Head Of UBEC

Roland Edet
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Buhari Reappoints Oloyede As JAMB Registrar , Rasheed, Bobboyi As Head Of UBEC

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the reappointment of the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed.

This followed the recommendation of Education Minister, Adamu Adamu. The two appointments are for a tenure of five years each, with effect from 1st August 2021

Also reappointed is Dr Hamid Bobboyi as Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for a second and final tenure of four years with effect from 1st August 2021.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Affairs of the Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Bem Goong and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

It would be recalled that the trio had served their first term as heads of their respective agencies alongside 11 others which ended on 1st August 2021.

The President had earlier approved the reappointment of Prof. Ifeoma Isiugo-Abanihe as Registrar/CEO of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) for a second term of four (4) years to sustain the efforts at sensitizing Nigerians on the critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and business subjects in the new knowledge economy.

Also, he said, to give further impetus to mathematics education, approval was also granted for the appointment of Prof. Promise Mebine as the Director/Chief Executive of the National Mathematical Centre for an initial tenure of five years with effect from 17th August 2021.

Peace Corps CG Retrieves Car Gift From Party Chair, As Benue APC Crisis Worsens

Toyin Adebayo
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Peace Corps CG Retrieves Car Gift From Party Chair, As Benue APC Crisis Worsens

Dickson Akoh, a party chieftain and Commandant General of the Nigeria Peace Corps, decided to retrieve the Jeep he had given to the state party chairman, Chief Abba Yaro, three years ago, as part of the party’s crisis in Benue state.

The state chairman, according to reports, has returned the Toyota Sequoia Jeep that the Peace Corps chief gave him as a present three years ago after being asked by Akoh.

Our source gathered that , the relationship between the state party chairman and the party chieftain was amicable until after the last APC Ward Congress, which irked Akor, whose candidates had lost in the state, notably in his Senatorial District of Benue South.

On Thursday in Makurdi, Benue’s capital, the state party chairman handed up the SUV to the Nigerian police Area Commander.

On the 18th of August 2021, Akor, through his solicitors, Sule Abakpa & Co., wrote to the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force for Makurdi Metropolis, demanding “police escort for the return of Professor Dickson Akoh’s Toyota Sequoia Jeep from Comrade Abba Yaro.”

The Peace Corps CG stated that the car was not given to Comrade Yaro as a gift, but rather to allow the party chairman to move around at the time.

The letter read in bits ; “We are Solicitors to Professor Dickson Akoh, of the Headquarters, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Abuja, (hereinafter referred to as Our Client) on whose behalf we make this application.

“Hitherto, our client had availed Comrade Abba Yaro his Toyota Sequoia Jeep and its original particulars for use when the latter was not mobile.

“Comrade Abba Yaro is now mobile and our client demands the immediate return of his vehicle and its original particulars. To avoid skirmishes, we humbly apply for Police Escort to accompany our Client and/or his agent to retrieve the vehicle from Comrade Abba Yaro.

“Thank you in anticipation of your prompt intervention”.

On behalf of Sule Abakpa & Co., two lawyers, Paul Okoliko and PM Okpo, signed Akoh’s letter.

The state party chairman, however, returned the Jeep to the police on August 19, 2021.

He also wrote a letter to the Area Commander of the police force.

Reference to the above complain letter by Professor Dickson Akoh dated 18th August, 2021, I Abba Yaro, have returned the purported Sequoia Jeep to the Area Commander in perfect condition for onward transfer to the Professor,” Yaro writes in his letter titled “Re: Request of Toyota Sequoia Jeep belonging to Professor Dickson Akoh.

While the APC is preparing for the conduct of its local government congresses, several state chapters of the party are still grappling with the problems that surrounded the party’s Ward Congresses.

FCT State Minister Advocates Legislation To Empower Traditional Rulers

Toyin Adebayo
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FCT State Minister Advocates Legislation To Empower Traditional Rulers

… Presents Staff Of Office To Etsu Wako

Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has urged local, state, and federal governments to establish legislation that recognizes traditional rulers as stakeholders and instruments of conflict resolution and peace building.

While adding that, Traditional rulers in both the pre-colonial and post-colonial eras have made significant contributions to the formation, extension, greatness, and promotion of good relations among various kingdoms and empires across Nigeria.

She made this known at the presentation of staff of office to the Etsu of Wako chiefdom in the Kwali area council of the territory.

As a result, Aliyu suggests that traditional institutions continue to be involved in nation-building activities in ways that will allow for more effective and efficient peace-building, peace-making, and conflict-prevention programs in Nigeria.

The minister, who was represented by FCTA Permanent Secretary Mr. Olusade Adesola, went on to say that the traditional rulers’ staff of office was not only a symbol of authority, but also a tool for promoting peace and conflict resolution, particularly in light of rising insecurity in various parts of the country.

Aliyu, on the other hand, warned that any traditional ruler who aids and abets criminality in his domain would be sanctioned by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, emphasizing that no one has the right to accommodate total strangers or groups of people, especially given the country’s insecurity challenges.

According to her, “It is not in our character, no matter the level of poverty to betray the trust bestowed on you as a traditional ruler and the custodian of our traditions. This will not be acceptable in the seat of government where Mr. President is the Governor General,” she affirmed.

Earlier, the Ag. Secretary Area Council Services Secretariat Mrs. Olanipekun Omolola had earlier praised the kingmakers and other stakeholders for overcoming the challenges that come with selecting a new traditional ruler.

She did, however, warn the new chief that leadership requires sacrifice, patience, and vision for the people, and she charged him with working closely with the security agencies in his domain and traditional council members to anticipate, identify, and prevent any attempt to disrupt the peace.

Sen. Philip Tanimu Aduda, the senator representing the FCT in the National Assembly, as well as the Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Hon. Danladi Chiya, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders, sent greetings.

The event’s highlight was the administration of the oath of office and presentation of staff of office to H.R.H. Etsu Abdulaziz Usman Ibrahim, the 8th Etsu of Wako chiefdom.

Youth Group ‘7th Republic’ Lauds Gov. Makinde Over World-Class Lekan Salami Stadium Project

Toyin Adebayo
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Youth Group ‘7th Republic’ Lauds Gov. Makinde Over World-Class Lekan Salami Stadium Project

Mr Kazeem Tanimu, the founder of the “7th Republic,” a non-governmental organization made up of Nigerian youngsters from all backgrounds, has lauded Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for transforming the Lekan Salami Stadium into an international and FIFA-approved level.

In a interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, Tanimu, a young mobilizer and advocate for good governance across Africa, issued the commendation on behalf of the group.

According to him, the ‘7th Republic’ has always hailed and rallied support for every act of selfless leadership directed toward youth empowerment, in accordance with its defining motto for excellent leadership at all levels in Nigeria.

“You know sport is a major unifying factor and an instrument for youths empowerment, so an investment in sport is an investment in youths; the future of any nation.

“Greatness in our continent has always begun with the vision of one dedicated servant leader; from Mandela to Rawlings and in those steps with little drops of leadership in the sands of time.

“Now the governor of a state in the most populous black nation is setting a pace in sports development by remodeling a stadium to world-standard.

“Mandela set the precedence for the world cup in South Africa the first time Africa ever hosted it, and Rawlings was key on sports in all facets and this clearly shows sports could guarantee economic development, serve as a unification point and engage the youth meaningfully.

“As Governor Seyi Makinde, relaunches the Lekan Salami stadium on September 1st, the spirit of unification in healthy competition would light up the city of Ibadan and resonate with Nigerians Nationwide,” he said.

Tanimu went on to say that the renovated stadium will serve as a springboard for the expansion of sports not just in the state but across the continent, as it would be a popular venue for national and continental championships.

He said the restored stadium would play a critical role in the state’s productive involvement of youngsters and, as a result, in reducing restiveness, and asked other state governments to take a page from Makinde’s book.

The renovated Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan will be officially opened on September 1, according to the Oyo State Government.

The Lekan Salami Sport Complex, according to the state government, is being upgraded to FIFA standards, with four world-class changing rooms that can accommodate 25 players and wet areas that can accommodate 11 players at a time.

A Doping Control Room, Clinic, Referee’s Room, Match Officials Room, and a Youth Centre/Ball Boys Rooms are among the other new facilities in the complex.

It was also revealed that the stadium has been outfitted with a state-of-the-art Studio, as well as CCTV facilities that can monitor a five-kilometer radius around the complex and as far as the Ibadan Airport, in accordance with FIFA requirements.

Strike: A Hungry Doctor Is A Dangerous Doctor, As NARD Appeals To Nigerians To Bear With Them

Toyin Adebayo
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Strike: A Hungry Doctor Is A Dangerous Doctor, As NARD Appeals To Nigerians To Bear With Them

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has said that a hungry Doctor is a dangerous doctor.

Just as they appealed to Nigerians to bear with them for taking the stand on the ongoing strike.

The association is being hopeful that the Government shall do the needful as it pertains the welfare of our members thus curbing the ugly incidence of Brain drain.

Speaking on behalf of the association, the President NARD, Dr. Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja thanked Nigerians for their show of love and empathy towards
our cause.

According to him; “We are not unaware of the sufferings you all are going through due to government insincerity of purpose.

“It is one hundred and twenty days (120) TODAY since we headed your call to call off our industrial action following government memorandum of action. It is five
(5) years and eleven (11) months since we signed the memorandum of terms of settlement (MOTOS) yet Government has reneged.

“As you are aware, today the Government sued us to the National Industrial Court for adjudication.

“As a law-abiding association, we were in court as summoned, but the ministry of Labour was absent, and only the ministry of Health was present representing the federal government.

“The case was adjourned to 15th September 2021”,the statement further stated.

Effective Policing: Minister Assures FCT Police Command Of Adequate Support

Toyin Adebayo
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Effective Policing: Minister Assures FCT Police Command Of Adequate Support

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has offered the administration’s support to the FCT Police Command in its mission of efficiently policing the nation’s capital.

When the incoming FCT Commissioner of Police, Babaji Sunday, paid a courtesy visit to the FCT Administration, he expressed his support.

Bello also asked Babaji, like his predecessor, AIG Bala Ciroma, to work closely with the heads of the various security agencies in the FCT.

The minister assured the Police Commissioner of the FCT Administration’s support, revealing that the Administration will provide the Command with some operational vehicles to aid in its assignments and reminding him that policing the FCT could be difficult because the nature of crime and criminality in the city center may differ from that in the satellite towns.

He, on the other hand, congratulated the new CP and expressed delight over his appointment, stating that Mr Babaji possessed the necessary professional qualifications, having previously served as a Deputy Commissioner in Charge of Operations in the FCT, as well as other key positions in several state police commands across the country.

While praising the officers and men of the FCT Police Command for their hard work in the FCT, he also urged them to provide the new CP their full cooperation.

Earlier, the new Commissioner of Police stated that he planned to expand on his predecessor’s accomplishments in combating crime in the FCT, which he defined as the seat of the Nigerian government and hence a highly sensitive state.

He also assures people that they will receive high-quality police service while requesting their cooperation.

He advised people to report any suspicious individuals or situations to the authorities.

CP Babaji Sunday also complimented the FCT Minister for creating a conducive climate for collaboration among the FCT’s various security services, and cautioned criminal elements in the Territory to leave, repent, or face the wrath of the law.

Dr Bashir Mohammed, Director, FCTA Human Resources Management Department, Barr. Yusuf Wodi, FCTA Solicitor General, Barr. Yusuf Wodi, Director Department of Security Services, Mr Adamu Gwary, and senior officers on the new CP’s entourage were also in attendance.

Nigerian Doctors Felicitate With IBB At 80

Toyin Adebayo
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Nigerian Doctors Felicitate With IBB At 80

The President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Professor Innocent AO Ujah , the National Officers Committee (NOC) and the entire members of the NMA rejoice with the foremost military president and Elder Statesman, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, GCFR, on the momentous occasion of his 80th birthday.

This was contained in a statement signed by NMA president and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

The statement read in bits; “It is memorable that it was he, General Babangida, GCFR (rtd) that created the Medical Salary Scale (MSS) and Medical Super Salary Scale (MSSS) as well as approving the allocation of the land for the permanent site of the Association in Maitama Abuja, in addition to the establishment of the Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in order to bring health care closer to the community and the downtrodden. With all these innovations, the former Military President has made history for which he will ever be remembered

“This not only endears him to Nigerian Doctors and Dentists who appreciate him by awarding him with the highest honour of Fellow of the Nigerian Medical Association (FNMA) but marks him out as a quintessential leader who bold facedly attempted to stem the tide of medical brain drain by instituting a regime of improved welfare of our teeming members.

“Nigerian Medical Association prays the Almighty Allah to endow the General with good health and peace of mind as he lives to celebrate many more birthdays”.

To Address Insecurity, Northern Leaders Launch ‘Abuja Roundtable

Toyin Adebayo
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To Address Insecurity, Northern Leaders Launch ‘Abuja Roundtable

In order to address the difficulties confronting northern Nigeria, particularly insecurity, some of the region’s most prominent sons and daughters have created Abuja Roundtable, an independent, non-partisan, non-governmental organization (NGO) to address the region’s ever-changing challenges.

The stakeholders intimated that the Abuja Roundtable will be actively involved in resolving the security problem in Northern Nigeria, pledging to launch new and support existing private citizen initiatives to supplement the efforts of the three levels of government.

The former Presidential candidate of the defunct NRC, Alh. Bashir Tofa, stated on Tuesday at the initiative’s inaugural event in Abuja that the state of insecurity in Nigeria is concerning, while adding that the state of insecurity in Northern Nigeria has reached existential proportions, threatening to turn the region hostile to civilized existence.

Tofa, who spoke on behalf of the Initiative, further hinted that, to bring the state of insecurity in Northern Nigeria under control, more and better collaboration among the states across the region and between the states and federal authorities is required.

He equally said that there is also need for more and better coordination among the military and security agencies and between them and the civilian population.

The elder statesman however, stressed that no effort should be spared to bring an end to the wanton death and destruction that have been unleashed on the region.

According to him , “We acknowledge the efforts of the relevant authorities at both the state and federal levels to deal with the difficult, complex and evolving security situation but it is becoming clear on a daily basis that a lot more of these efforts is required.

“The pain, agony and unwarranted suffering of ordinary people across the region has become completely unbearable as agriculture, education, commerce and the normal rhythm of life have been severely disrupted.

” However, the ultimate remedy to the state of insecurity in Northern Nigeria is a collective resolve by all Northern communities to live in peace with each other, in equity and justice, and quality investment by the three tiers of government, as well as the private sector, in human capital, agriculture, healthcare and infrastructure, particularly power, transport and telecommunication.

“These investments are necessary for job creation to catch up with our rapid growth in population. So, we will do whatever is necessary and possible to cooperate with the relevant authorities to restore security to the region.”

He continued ,”reasons that we founded Abuja Roundtable and set for ourselves the following objectives: To foster genuine unity among the people of Northern Nigeria

“To use unity as the platform to collectively address the challenges of insecurity and underdevelopment in the region; to move from unity within Northern Nigeria to unity among Nigerians.”

“The they are fully aware attaining the objectives will not be easy as the conditions and forces of division have taken root and have been left to fester unchecked over a long period.

“Abuja Roundtable envisions a united Northern Nigeria in which peace, prosperity and development become the norm rather than the exception, in which the people are defined by the core values of love, honesty, hard work, contentment, sacrifice, humility and good neighborliness.

“We are also hopeful that, as collective victims who have paid the price of division, our people have arrived at the realization that unity is required to resolve other challenges afflicting the region.

“Recent consultations with eminent political, traditional and religious leaders across the North are encouraging. They reveal a strong desire to remove all obstacles to Northern unity and a commitment to overcome its challenges.

“We will widen and deepen these consultations in the coming weeks, months and, if necessary, years in order to attain our objectives.

“The most urgent task, therefore, facing the peoples of Northern Nigeria is to overcome fear and suspicion, jettison unhealthy division and create consensus around common goals and aspirations”, he emphasized.

In attendance were: Former Secretary government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed, Former Governor of Kaduna state, Ramalan Yaro, former Governor of Sokoto state, Attahiru Bafarawa, former governor of Kwara state, Abdulfatai Ahmed, former Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, former Minister of Interior, Abdulrahaman Dambazau, former FCT Minister, Aliyu Madibo, former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, Chief of Defense Staff, General Martin Agwa, Senator Abdul Ningi, Hajiya Naja’atu Tijani, Member Police service Commission, former Minister of State Aviation, Dr Idi Hong to mention but a few.

UK Gift Nigeria 699,760 Doses Of AstraZeneca Vaccine

Toyin Adebayo
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0
UK Gift Nigeria 699,760 Doses Of AstraZeneca Vaccine

The United Kingdom (UK) Government on Tuesday donated 699,760 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to the Federal Government.

Dr Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) during the Inspection of the vaccines at the National strategic store in Abuja expressed gratitude to the government and people of the United Kingdom for this gesture.

He stated that the additional AstraZeneca vaccine would be deployed immediately to the States to be administered as a second dose to those who had earlier received only the first dose of the vaccine during the first phase of the vaccination rollout.

He also directed all those who have received AstraZeneca as first dose to visit the nearest vaccination site to receive the second dose in other to have full protection against Covid-19.

Shuaib hinted that by the end of this month, the agency is expecting another additional 801,600 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines from the COVAX Facility, donated By the Canadian Government.

He noted that , the AstraZeneca is a vaccine that we are all familiar with while our health workers are experienced in its administration and management with its storage requirement same as most of our routine vaccines at temperatures of +20C +8oC.

The NPHCDA Executive Director assured all Nigerians, that all vaccines certified by NAFDAC are highly effective against the COVID-19 virus, including the Delta variant.

He harped on the fact that World Health Organization (WHO) does not approve the mixing of different brands of COVID-19 vaccines, which means that the same vaccine must be taken for both first and second dose.

More so, the Acting British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Atkinson, who presented the vaccines to the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said that the vaccines were donated for the wellbeing of Nigerians.

She added the UK was one of the first countries to back COVAX with €548 million and have consistently pushed for a global effort that help every country receive the vaccine against COVID-19.

Atkinson also expressed happiness to see Nigeria receive 699,760 doses, donated by the UK, in their second batch of the vaccine through COVAX, which is the first trench of the 1,299,760 doses expected to be donated by the UK through COVAX.

She said only by vaccinating more people around the world can bring an end to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

She also said that the UK has donated approximately five million doses to COVAX to be sent to African countries and three million of those doses are sent to Africa.

She added that donating through COVAX helps to increase vaccine coverage, ensure that no dose goes to waste and helps to bring to an end the acute phase of the pandemic.

Meanwhile , the country representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Walter Mulombo, who witnessed the receipt of the vaccine commended the UK government for the donation.

Mulombo noted that WHO is happy that the COVID-19 vaccine portfolio in Nigeria is growing and opening prospects to cover the eligible population towards achieving health immunity.

He said the contribution today of over six hundred and minty nine thousand AstraZeneca vaccines by the UK government is really a big relief for them knowing that there are Nigerians who got the first and were waiting for the second shot.

Dr Mulombo appealed to Nigerians to willingly receive the vaccine as it is certified safe.

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