By Emmanuel Afonne

Mr Umar Yakubu, the Executive Director, Center for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CeFTIW), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has advocated an open governance system where corruption fight will be preventive rather than reactive.

Yakubu made the call in Abuja on Tuesday when the Board of the CeFTIW visited the Bureau of Public Service Reform (BPSR) to seek its collaboration in achieving its aim.

He said that their visit was predicated on two major issues which bothered on preventive ways of fighting corruption and the policy of retirees exiting without transferring knowledge to those in service.

We have created a platform like Facebook where retired public servants can go and document their successes so that the serving ones can go and access. It is called a public service diary. Failures can also be documented there.

When the government is open, there is physical transparency around budget, procurement, and there are citizens engagements, then you discover that there are less corruption in society, he said.

Yakubu said that research had shown that it was always better to adopt preventive measures in fighting corruption rather than adopting a reactive approach.

BPSR is the organisation that has done so much work around this area and we want to scale up these things.

That is why we came here to see how we can cascade all our initiatives in improving governance in Nigeria.

BPSR has done a lot and made the job easier for us because most of the information of the MDAs and the work they do are not on their websites.

So, from the side of the BPSR, they have done a lot, what we need is implementation and we will partner them to see that most of the reforms that they have initiated will be implemented through the civil society platform, Yakubu said.

According to him, the aim of the Centre is to change the way corruption is being fought in the country.

There are a lot of reaction after corruption has been carried out.

You see law enforcement agents running around trying to prosecute a suspect and this is very expensive and time consuming, especially when it involves a criminal act, he added.

A member of the CeFTIW board, and a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Muazu Zubairu, noted that security was one of the major concerns in the country today.

Zubairu, therefore, urged the BPSR to initiate a reform of the Nigeria Police Force to grow the trust Nigerians have for it.

Earlier, the Director-General of BPSR, Mr Dasuki Arabi, said that the Bureau had already forwarded a working document to the appropriate authority for the reform of the Nigerian Police Force.

Arabi said that the report on the police reform from the Bureau centred on preventive measure rather than reactive.

With the recent inauguration of another committee to look at the police reform and dust up other reports, we are confident that government is going to work on our police reform report for the country to have a better police force that is more equipped, well trained and ready to provide 21st century policing to citizens.

BPSR was established based on the need to have an engine room that is enabled with the required capability and resources to leverage on local and international knowledge networks.

The Bureau was also created to support policy, institutional and governance reform processes with required expertise and good practices on an ongoing basis.

Its statutory responsibility is to initiate action on reforms at the public service level, coordinate, monitor and evaluate the implementation of reforms in the MDAs, Arabi added.

He assured CeFTIW board that his office would collaborate with them to achieve their goals. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has charged Governors of the All Progressives Congress to ensure that the forthcoming convention to pick a presidential candidate reflects all the values and virtues of the party.

Mr Femi Adesina, the Presidents spokesman, in a statement on Tuesday, said the president gave the charge at a meeting with 22 Governors elected on the platform of the APC and the National Chairman of the party, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, at the State House, Abuja.

He said: The processes for the 2023 General Elections have commenced in earnest and I note that the most successful political parties globally have always relied on their internal cohesion and a strong leadership brand to achieve bigger electoral fortunes.

Our party, the APC, shall not be any different, more so as we are still implementing the blueprint for a more prosperous nation.

As I begin the final year of my second term as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and leader of the party, I recognize the compelling need for me to provide stronger leadership to the party under this transition process and to ensure that it happens in an orderly manner.

Such leadership is required so that the party remains strong and united.

It is also needed to improve our electoral fortunes by ensuring that it retains power at the center, hold the great majorityin various legislative chambers and also gain additional number of states.

In a few days, the party will be holding its Convention during which primaries would take place to pick the Presidential Flag Bearer for the 2023 General Elections.

This is a very significant process and its outcome should prove to the world, the positive quality of the APC regarding democratic principles, culture as well as leadership.

The president appealed to all the governors to allow our interests to converge, our focus to remain on the changing dynamics of our environment, the expectations of our citizensand the global community.

Our objective must be the victory of our party and our choice of candidate must be someone who would give the Nigerian masses a sense of victory and confidence even before the elections.

Buhari assured that the consultation process would continue, to ensure that all aspirants and stakeholders would be brought on board right through to the convention.

According to him, this will also ensure that any anxiety occasioned by different factors are effectively brought under control, and that the party (APC) emerges stronger.

Speaking on behalf of the States helmsmen, Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, and Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum said the party must build on successes of its recent elective convention, and the primaries conducted so far.

Hsaid the party must come up with a candidate who would walk in the footsteps of patriotism and love for the country, which the President had shown.

We will support Mr President to have a very successful convention, he pledged. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

Pope

Pope Francis is planning to travel to the Kazakh capital Nur-Sultan in September for an inter-religious world congress, according to a statement published by the Vatican on Tuesday.

At the beginning of January, there was violent riots in Kazakhstan in which more than 200 people lost their lives and the government called in soldiers from neighbouring Russia for support.

The unrest was initially triggered by higher fuel prices, which later turned into anti-government riots.

There was already talk of a trip by the head of the Catholic Church to the Central Asian country in April.

At that time, Francis spoke with Kazakh President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in a video link.

However, the Holy See did not confirm afterwards that the pontiff intended to travel for the meeting of representatives of various world religions.

The congress is scheduled for Sept. 14 and Sept. 15.

The Holy See and Kazakhstan will look back on 30 years of diplomatic relations in 2022, according to their own statements.(dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Editing by Halima Sheji/Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has been successfully screened by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Screening Panel.

Osinbajo spoke with newsmen shortly after emerging from the screening held on Tuesday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The vice president said the exercise was fruitful and expressed optimism on the partys chances ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

We were able to discuss several issues; issues of national and party concerns; and it went very well indeed; we had a very good chat.

Of course, we are ahead of any party; way ahead, APC is ahead, he said

The Chief John Odigie-Oyegun-led panel, which commenced work on Monday, will drill no fewer than 25 APC presidential aspirants who are filing for the party ticket.(NAN)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Rev. Yakubu Pam, says the Commission will commence the transportation of pilgrims to Israel and Jordan by the middle of June.

The NCPC boss made the disclosure on Tuesday, in Abuja at a send forth organized for a retiring senior officer of the commission, Pastor Tete Yakubu, who had attained the mandatory retirement age of 60.

Pam explained that the 2021 main pilgrimage was expected to have commenced on May 30, based on the understanding the commission had with states pilgrim officials but was shifted forward due to operational reasons.

The executive secretary said that all arrangements had been completed for a successful operation.

On the retiring official, Pam described him as a true man of God who had worked tirelessly for the commission.

He admonished him to hold on to God and depend on Him as his guide even as he exited the commission.

In his remarks, the Director of Administration, Mr Barnabas Ali said Pastor Yakubu had conducted himself very well all through his service in the Commission.

Retirement is part of life and every public servant must retire one day, he said, urging members of staff of the Commission to be supportive and show love to one another.

He also enjoined them to engage in healthy relationship and shun rivalry, as no one remains in civil service forever.

In his remarks, Yakubu appreciated the staff of the commission for the time he spent in service, and advised the staff to be patient and always do the right thing as they await their turn to retire. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Sarafina Christopher

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the NEEM Foundation to promote and manage peace in Nigeria.

The Director-General of the Institute, Dr Bakut tswah Bakut, while signing the MOU in Abuja, said that the memorandum would provide a platform for joint conferences.

He said that it would also facilitate provision of seminars and workshops to enlighten and train citizens on peacebuilding.

According to him, it will go a long way to addressing and managing conflict in the country because there are more hands-on decks to ensure that peace reigns in the country.

We believe this is a good opportunity for the institute to promote peace and this MOU will not be like others that were signed and forgotten

We also believe that we will be able to achieve the set goals on it, even before the three years elapse, Bakut said.

Dr Fatima Akilu, Director of NEEM Foundation, in her remarks said that the foundation worked primarily in conflict resolution across northern Nigeria in the areas of peace, security and trauma management.

While appreciating the director-general of the Institute for the opportunity for partnership, she noted that a lot could be done about peace in the country, especially with the crisis happening.

In the last couple of days a lot of conflicts have been happening in Nigeria ranging from different spheres and we believe that if we all work together, then peace is possible in the nation.

We are really committed to seeing that peace is kept and the foundation has a lot of ideas in terms of peacekeeping,

But it cannot be actualised without the involvement of the institute, so, I want to thank and urge the institute to work hand in hand with us to achieve this given set goal and objective, Akilu said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Cecilia Odey/Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Adedeji Egbebi

An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ido-Ekiti on Monday, dismissed another suit filed by the Akombo and Alawe Ruling Houses challenging the Olosi of Osi-Ekiti Chieftaincy Declaration of 2016 by the Ekiti State Government.

The Declaration had restored the Arubiojo and Onifisin as Ruling Houses in line with the original 1957 Declaration.

The suit was filed in August 2020 by the two Houses claiming that the Declaration was fraudulently obtained.

This was after they had lost in the same court, their attempt to quash the inclusion of the Arubiojo and Onifisin as Ruling Houses by the state government in 2015.

The state government had raised preliminary objection to the new suit on four grounds, including being statute barred and abuse of court process since the case had already been decided by a Court of competent jurisdiction.

While delivering his ruling on the Preliminary objection, the Presiding Judge, Justice Ariyibi Apuwabi held that the claimants were statute barred, having filed their suit outside the period stipulated by the Public Officers Protection Law.

The court also, held that the suit was an abuse of court process on account of a similar suit having been filed in the same court and appealed against by the claimants against the same defendants.

He, therefore, sustained the objection of the defendants and consequently dismissed the suit.

Cumulatively, the Akombo and Alawe Houses have lost three suits in their quest to eliminate two ruling houses to the throne of Olosi of Osi-Ekiti.

The first was the attempt to quash the decision of government to include the two Houses.

After five years of litigation, the case was decided in favour of Arubiojo and Onifisin Ruling Houses on the six issues raised.

The second was the appeal filed in respect of the court judgment, which they also lost, while in a unanimous judgment, the Court of Appeal sitting in Ado Ekiti, upheld the judgement of the lower court on all the six issues raised and dismissed the appeal as lacking merit and substance.(NAN)()

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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Adedeji Egbebi

The Obalodo-designate of Ilodo-Oye-Ekiti, Mr Bamitale Oguntoyinbo has stressed the need for Ekiti indigenes to always make proper findings of their source.

Oguntoyinbo gave the advice while hosting the Obaloran of Ilode, Ile-Ife in Osun State, Oba Sakariyau Olawusi, and his Council of Chiefs at the Obalodos palace, which was undergoing construction in Ilodo, Oye-Ekiti.

He noted that no community could exist without a source as it is the only means by which the community could be developed.

Obalodo-designate explained that Ilodo-Oye-Ekiti people came from Ile-Ife and settled in Oye-Ekiti which made the community have a representative in nine quarters that made up Oye-Ekiti.

Every Ekiti indigenes must be able to trace their source in the Yoruba lineage to be able to have a good legacy when they start having children.

I want to correct a wrong impression about what some people have been saying about the origin of Ilodo and us, we are not outcasts, we are firmly rooted in the history of Oye-Ekiti.

According to history, Oloye, Obalodo, and Oloyemoyin left Ile-Ife the same day, the main assignment of Obalodo was to make the nine arms of Oye remember the harmattan that symbolises the Oloyemoyin annually.

Oloye has wide powers on all Oye nine arms in traditional and political administration, while Obalodo also has power all over Oye nine arms.

I want us to settle very well before we invite the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju, one of Nigerias foremost traditional rulers, who has achieved a lot in the development of the community, he said.

Oguntoyinbo thanked Obaloran of Ilode-Ile-Ife, his Council of Chiefs for their visit, and pledged to sustain the relationship between them.

Reacting, the Obaloran of IlodeIle-Ife, in Ile-Ife, Oba Olawusi, said that Ilodo has come to stay, urging people who are spreading news of conflict and unfounded history to give peace a chance in the community.

Oba Olawusi, who was represented by High Chief Sobaloju Adifala, the Baale of Ilode-Ile-Ife, charged the Obalodo-designate to use his position to promote peace and love in the community.

Ilode-Ile-Ife is fully in support of Obalodo-designate, Mr Bamitale Oguntoyinbo, to rule the community as their King.

I want to urge Ilodo people to embrace peace, and love that will bring development to the community, do not fight anybody because whoever God has destined to become a King will surely wear the crown, he said.

Oba Olawusi commended Obalodo-designate for the ongoing construction of the palace and his determination to revive his communitys culture and traditions despite all distractions.

Bamitale, do not think that some chiefs and Obas are angry with you, it is some people who desire to have a beautiful palace such as this one, that is envying your position, he added.

The traditional ruler through his representative presided over the royal blessings at the tomb of the last occupant of the Obalodo stool, Late Joseph Oguntoyinbo, who joined his ancestors 24 years ago after reigning for 56 years on the throne.

He assured them not to exercise any fear, adding that the relationship between Obalodo of Ilodo-designate, Oguntoyinbo, and Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Ademolaju remained intact.

One of the Obalodo of Ilodo descendants, Mrs Ibiduni Adediran, who spoke on behalf of the Ilodo people, appreciated the Obaloran of Ilode-Ile-Ife, Oba Olawusi, and his council of chiefs for their visit to the community.

She prayed for Obalodo-designate that God would grant him wisdom and long life to rule the community. (NAN) ()

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Edited by Abiodun Esan/Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Sarafina Christopher

Dr Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Coordinator and Representative of the UN Secretary General in the Kyrgyz Republic, says security is not the only solution and agenda for peace building in Nigeria but only a countermeasure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ojielo said this at a one-day seminar on: Agenda for Peace building in Nigeria on Monday, in Abuja.

According to Ojielo, issues that causes conflict do manifest as security challenges, but most of them are not security nature rather they stem from many driving factors like social, economic, environmental and even political problems.

Therefore, security is not the only solution to peace building in Nigeria.

We know that it is important to say that the outset that conflict prevention and sustaining peace cannot be achieved through an approach driven mostly by security considerations.

Though security provisioning is important especially when violence is threatened or is occurring.

However, it needs to be borne in mind that a security driven approach should be only one component of a much larger integrated approach to conflict management and resolution.

Very often, the security approach should be the last option, rather than the first and easy option.

So, if you have a social problem, you cant use a tool box of security to address it, Ojielo said.

He also noted that establishing a process for peace building in Nigeria is very important because one may not be able to solve it alone.

In order to break the cycle of violence, an early warning mechanism should be adopted.

One of this mechanism is technology. When people discern that violence is threatened, they should be able to call or send message to somewhere,

Someone should be able to respond to that call and message immediately.

The role of the IPCR in the development and implementation of a comprehensive and integrated approach to prevention and sustaining peace is crucial. he said.

Ojielo also added that the timing of this discussion is appropriate because the various political parties are selecting candidates for various elective offices at state and national levels.

I am hoping therefore, that this discussion will provoke a reflection among state actors on whats working, not working and needs to change in the remaining period of the various administrations in the country.

More importantly, it is my hope that our discussion today can help frame a new agenda for conflict prevention and sustaining peace for the incoming administrations in 2023.

Ojielo also cautioned citizens to stop taking laws into their hands and trust the state actors to step in.

Earlier in his remarks, Dr Bakut Tswah Bakut, the Director General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, said that Nigeria needed to build peace presently and not just rely on solving it.

According to him, the country is tense and this tension creates agitation that leads to severe violence therefore, peace builders should step up and prevent the escalation of this agitations.(NAN) (.ng)

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Edited by Benson Iziama/Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Obi emerged winner after all other aspirants stepped down for him and in the interest of the party in a presidential primary elections held on Monday in Asaba, Delta.

According to Chairman, Electoral Committee, Usman Abdullahi, five presidential aspirants were cleared to contest the election.

Abdullahi disclosed that a total of 104 delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), were accredited for the election.

However, in the unfolding event, the presidential aspirants; Prof. Pat Utomi, Mr Joseph Faduri and Mrs Olubusola Emmanuel-Tella stepped down while Mr Charles Uchenna withdrew from the election.

Obi, at the end of the voting, polled a total of 96 votes to clinch the party ticket for the general election.

While declaring the result, Abdullahi declared Obi winner and presidential candidate of the LP for the 2023 general election for having polled a total of 96 votes out of the 97 valid votes with one invalid vote.

He described the process as free, fair, transparent and credible.

Obi, in his acceptance address, said that the country was in dire need of effective leadership that could remove the country from consuming to productive nation.

According to him, the only way to fight insecurity is to pull people out of poverty.

He said that under his administration, education, power generation and the economy would be the priority, if given the mandate as president.

Obi said that having secured the mandate as presidential candidate that the journey to the presidency haf begun.

He said he would mobilise to harness votes from all nook and cranny of the country too win the presidency.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the process was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) amidst tight security by security agencies and the media, Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress were represented.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

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Edited by Benson Iziama/Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe
The Presidency has again, reeled out 28-page of President Muhammadu Buharis strides in Oil and gas reforms, Digital economy, Mines and steel development, Agriculture, Education, Health, Creative Industry, Sports and infrastructural development; roads, bridges, rail, air and sea ports, housing, and many others.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presidents scorecard is coming ahead of the seven year anniversary of the Buhari-led administration on May 29, 2022.
President Buhari had in May 29, 2015, took the oath of office as President, promising to serve Nigeria faithfully in all spheres of national life.
The seven years milestone, according to the Presidents spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, presents a major landmark and opportunity to review the service of the president to the country, and its people.
Adesina noted that the Buhari administration has so far delivered in its promises to Nigerians although revisionists would want to look at security challenges, which are being robustly tackled by the government.
A one-stop shop of the achievements of the Buhari administration at seven indicated that a lot has been done, and a lot more will still be done in the 12 months ahead.
Nigeria, under Buharis watch, has continued to witness the biggest and most ambitious federal infrastructure programme since Nigerias Independence.

On legislative reform of the Buhari administration, Nigeria has seen the most ambitious legislative programme in its history.

Several landmark Bills have been passed or amended in the last seven years, including the following:

Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022

Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2022, which repeals the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended.

It provides a comprehensive legal and Institutional Framework for the prevention and prohibition of money laundering in Nigeria, while also conferring on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the legal status of the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering.

Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2022, which repeals the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 as amended in 2013, and provides for the effective implementation of international instruments on the prevention and combating of terrorism and suppression of the financing of terrorism.

Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Bill, 2022, which makes comprehensive provisions for the seizure, confiscation, forfeiture, and management of properties derived from unlawful activity.

Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act, 1993 (Amendment) Act, 2019, which will deliver increased revenues to the Federation.

Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON (Amendment) Acts of 2019 and 2021.

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) Bill, the first legislation in Nigerias history focused on curbing anti-competition practices; establishing the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Establishment Act, 2018

Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill, an Executive Bill, signed into law in 2019.

The Bill facilitates the identification, tracing, freezing, restraining, recovery, forfeiture and confiscation of proceeds, property, and other instrumentalities of crime, as well as the prosecution of offenders in criminal cases regardless of where in the world they might be.

Act establishing the Police Trust Fund, which will significantly improve funding for the Nigeria Police Force (2019).

Nigeria Police Act, 2020 the first comprehensive reform of Police legislation since the Police Act of 1943.

Repeal and Re-Enactment of the Companies

By Ismail AbdulAziz

Sulaiman Bakari has emerged as the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) House of Representatives candidate for Jalingo, Yorro, Zing Federal Constituency of Taraba.

He emerged through a concensus of the party executives and other stakeholders in the state during its primaries.

Ibrahim Yusheu, elections Committee Secretary, who made the announcement, said the emrgence of Bakari was an agreed decision done in the best interest of the budding party in the state and the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bakari is from Jalingo Local Government Area of Taraba and a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with a Masters Degree in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from the same University and currently running a PhD programme in Security and Strategic Studies..

He is also an FBI certified Criminal investigative Analyst, an Anti-Corruption expert, who worked with the foremost Anti-Corruption agency, EFCC for over a decade.

Dr Umar Mohammed, state Chairman of NNPP, said that the emergence of Bakari as the flagbearer would change the dynamics of politics in not just the Jalingo, Yorro, Zing Federal Constituency but Taraba in general.

He said all stakeholders of the party in the state would work assidiously for the success of Bakari and all other candidates of the party in the state and the country.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has hailed the declaration of a renowned environmental activist, Chima Williams as one of the six winners of 2022 prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize.

A statement on Sunday by Mrs Obiageli Onuorah, Deputy Director/Head Communications and Advocacy said Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, NEITI made this known in his congratulatory message to the environmental activist.

Williams, a lawyer and founding member of the Civil Society Steering Committee of NEITI won the Prize for Africa as a result of his leadership in championing environmental justice in the Niger Delta.

This was through his legal fight for the clean-up of the Ogoni land especially helping three communities in the Niger Delta.

He helped Oruma, Goi and Ikot Ada Udo communities in Ogoni land, Bayelsa State to win the 13-year-old case for the oil spills and environmental damages against Shell at The Hague.

He was also part of the legal team that litigated the action against gas flaring in the Iwherekan community in Delta State in 2005.

Orji described Williams win as Victory for environmental justice to oil, gas and mining host communities in Nigeria.

It is also an encouraging development to NEITIs commitment to push the boundaries of civic space in tackling environmental degradation in Nigeria which is in line with EITI standards, Orji stated.

The NEITI executive secretary said that, Williams through the years had been committed and dogged in his advocacy for justice and equity for vulnerable citizens, especially those who resided in the Niger Delta region.

Winners from other continents include Niwat Roykaew of Thailand who won the prize for Asia, Marjan Minnessma of the Netherlands who won the prize for Europe and Juliet Vincent who picked the prize for Australia.

Others are Nalleli Cobo of the U.S. who collected the prize for North America as well as Alex Luciatante and Alexandra Narvaez from Ecuador who jointly won the prize for South America.

The global award, known as Nobel Prize for grassroots advocacy to protect the environment was announced in a virtual ceremony held on May 25, 2022 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

We hope that as Nigeria moves into environmental reporting, Williams, a valuable resource person on environmental issues, will bring his wealth of experience, skills, and expertise to guide and complement our efforts as we engage the sector, Orji said.

The award was announced at the time Williams was in Abuja as a lead discussant at a seminar on addressing environment challenges in Nigeria.

The Goldman Environmental Prize started in 1989 and is awarded annually to honour the achievements and leadership of grassroots environmental activists from each of the worlds six inhabited continental regions.

The Prize recognizes individuals for their sustained significant efforts in protecting the environment and seeks to inspire other ordinary people to take extraordinary actions to protect the natural world.

Williams is the third Nigerian to receive the prize after the late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa won it in 1995. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Temitope Ponle

Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, the President African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, says the bank will continue to make Africa proud by supporting implementation of impactful and life-transforming projects across the continent.

Adesina said this via a tweet on Sunday, through his verified tweeter handle @akin_adesina.

This day in 2015, I was first elected president of the AfDB. Six years later, the Bank was named the Best Multilateral Financial Institution in the world, and 4th most transparent institution in the world. We will keep making Africa proud.

He said that he was delighted at Global Finances recognition of the AfDB as the best multilateral financial institution in the world in 2021.

I am proud that for the first time since its establishment in 1964, the Bank has risen to a position as a foremost globally-respected financial institution.

Adesina described the award as one which was duly earned.
He, however, credited the banks continued success to a new culture of results, strong client orientation, leadership, creativity and continued innovation by a team of excellent staff across all its jurisdictions.
According to him, we are constantly innovating, developing and deploying financial, investment and knowledge products to meet the rapidly changing needs of African countries and the private sector.
In 2021, the U.S. magazine, Global Finance, specialising in financial markets and investment banking named the AfDB as the Best Multilateral Financial Institution in the world for 2021.
The award is a global recognition for the path breaking efforts of the bank as it transforms itself into a solutions bank for Africa.
The bank achieves this through a combination of its operations, knowledge services and investment positioning, which continue to help accelerate Africas development.
Furthermore, Mr Joseph Giarraputo, the Publisher and Editorial Director of Global Finance said investment banks would play a leading role in reshaping the world economy after the COVID-19 pandemic.
With widespread expectations of consolidation in multiple sectors and all around the world, investment banks will play a leading role in reshaping the world economy post-pandemic,
Companies need more than ever to understand the specialties and skills that investment banks bring to the table. Global Finance awards are a valuable guide.
The award is an affirmation of the success of the operational strategy being pursued by the AfDB under the leadership of Adesina, who was unanimously re-elected to a second consecutive five-year term as president. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News

By Edith Ike-Eboh/Emmanuel Afonne

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) started its activities for the new week with a meeting with major marketers of petroleum products in the nations downstream sector.

The aim of the meeting was to grow a strong determination to sustain energy security for the country and avoid diversion of petroleum products.

The meeting which held at the NNPC Towers, Abuja, had in attendance the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and Independent Marketers, on the need to curb products diversion.

The Group Executive Director, Downstream who was represented by the Managing Director (MD), Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Mr Isiyaku Abdullahi, said that NNPC as the sole importer of petroleum products was in a critical situation that required the solid cooperation of the marketers to sustain product availability to Nigerians and reduce burden of high evacuation costs on government in terms of under-recovery.

Abdullahi said that the company was concerned that in spite of the high truck-out of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from depots across the country, the market was still experiencing shortfalls, noting that diversion of products had been identified as a likely reason for the gap.

He appealed to the marketers to activate the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) component of their businesses to support both the Federal Government and the NNPC in sustaining energy security for Nigeria.

Abdullahi stressed that such gesture would help in cushioning the effect of the current global energy crisis.

On his part, the Executive Secretary of MOMAN, Mr Clement Isong, said that NNPC was playing a key role in keeping the country well supplied in terms of petroleum products, especially at a critical time when the world faced inflationary problems.

Speaking in a similar vein, the Executive Secretary of DAPPMAN, Mr Olufemi Adewole, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, assuring that DAPPMAN as a responsible organisation is committed to ensuring efficient supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country.

Meanwhile, the NNPC Ltd. cautioned that the current price volatility in the global energy was likely to worsen if banks and other financial institutions continue to avoid funding gas projects.

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Malam Mele Kyari, gave the warning at the 28th World Gas Conference 2022 which held at Daegu, South Korea.

Kyari who spoke against the backdrop of stifling funding for new oil and gas projects due to environmental concerns said: In many jurisdictions, gas is nearly always associated.

So, you have to turn the table to see if you can get non-associated gas so that banks and financial institutions can put their money into it.

If that doesnt happen, then you sure have the constraints of financing and the opportunity will now turn into a crisis.

I think that is what we are trying to solve to see how we can turn this so that the facility that we are building or the facilities we are going to build will have enough gas to process and deliver into the market.

Honestly, it is a huge opportunity for the financing sector, I know for sure in our own perspective we have seen a number of projects that can come up very quickly.

Mostly, the LNG facilities where you can convert gas to chemicals and these are really coming up in their numbers across many National Oil Companies (NOCs) that I am aware of.

The immediate future is getting the right financing, the right mix, and also for the finance institutions to recognise that except they invest today, what we are seeing today in terms of pricing can be something much more to manage in the next two three years to come.

Kyari said the NNPC Ltd. was not averse to the push for carbon neutrality, adding that funding gas projects was a vital decision to be made to avert future crises.

At the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) which held in Glasgow, Scotland in 2021, African countries advocated for energy justice in the drive for transition to cleaner fuels.

In another development, the NNPC Ltd. set record as the first exploration and production company to acquire environmental audit certification in the Federal Capital territory, Abuja, since the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) law was establishment about 30 years ago.

The attainment of this feat by the Company was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr Hassan Musa, during the presentation of a certificate of Environmental Audit to the NNPC at the NNPC Towers, Abuja.

The Permanent Secretary who was represented by the Director, Environmental Assessment, Dr Abbas Suleman, commended the NNPC for its consistency and commitment to environmental global best practices.

Hassan stated that though environmental audit was a legal requirement by federal law, the bold step taken by the current NNPC Management to carry out an environmental impact assessment of the NNPC Towers reinforces the companys reputation as a law abiding and responsible corporate citizen.

Narrating his experience with the company during the audit exercise, the Permanent Secretary said that he saw firsthand the Managements commitment to performance excellence, adding: NNPC does its things gently, quietly and steadily with the whole idea of achieving positive results.

Speaking at the event, the Group Executive Director (GED) Corporate Services, Mrs Aisha Katagum, who was represented by the Group General Manager, Human Resources, Mr Yinusa Yahaya, appreciated the Federal Ministry of Environment for the honor of implementing the audit process.

She also appreciated the award of the certification to NNPC, especially at this crucial stage of the Companys transition from a corporation to a limited liability company.

Still in the week under review, the NNPC Ltd. and its partner, Sahara Group, took delivery of two 23,000cubic meters Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessels for their joint venture company, WAGL Energy Ltd.

The event which held at the Hyundai MIPO Shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea, also witnessed the official naming of the vessels as Mt Sapet and Mt BaruMK.

Speaking at the occasion, the GMD/CEO of NNPC Ltd., Malam Mele Kyari, said the investment in the LPG carriers was part of efforts to deepen domestic gas utilisation in keeping with the Federal Governments aspiration to use gas as the linchpin to drive the nations economic and industrial growth.

He disclosed that an order for three additional new vessels was at an advanced stage, adding that we have a target of delivering 10 vessels over the next 10 years.

On his part, the Executive Director of Sahara Group, Mr Temitope Shonubi said WAGL successfully operated two mid-sized LPG Carriers MT Africa Gas and MT Sahara Gas in the region and had delivered over six million CBM of LPG across West Africa, while keeping to global standards.

With the new vessels, we are set to promote and lead Africas march towards energy transition, he said.

The two new vessels, Mt Sapet and Mt BaruMK, were expected to sail out in June and September 2022 and would increase WAGLs total fleet to four.

All four vessels were built by Hyundai MIPO Dockyard, a foremost global manufacturer of mid-sized carriers.

WAGL Energy Limited is a joint venture company between NNPC and Oceanbed (a Sahara Group Company) which is driving NNPCs five-year billion investment plan announced in 2021 to accelerate the decade of gas and energy transition agenda.

Also, at the event were the Ambassador of Nigeria to South Korea, HE Aliyu Magashi; NNPC Group Executive Director, Gas

By Emmanuel Antswen

Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, a Catholic priest, has emerged the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue.

Rev. Fr. Alia, Catholic priest of Gboko Diocese, scored 526,807 votes to emerge as the partys candidate at the primary election held on Saturday in Makurdi.

Chairman of the election committee, Dr Peter Ojie, said 13 aspirants participated at the election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. Williams Avanya had before Saturday suspended the priest for his involvement in partisan politics.

Ojie said APC had 868,010 registered members in Benue, 817,472 of whom were accredited for the election, adding that 815,452 casted votes at the primary election.

He said Dr Mathias Ibyuan came a distance second with 113,816 votes, while Dr Sam Ode scored 79,369 to berth at the third position.

He said also that Chief Stephen Lawani scored 46,882 votes, while Mr Michael Aondoakaa (SAN) scored 24,596 with Pastor Terwase Orbunde scoring 12,446 votes.

Prof. Terhemba Shija scored 1,048 votes; Sen. Barnabas Gemade scored 2,365 votes, Mr Godwin Tyoachimin scored 1,228 votes, while Barrister Hemen Hembe scored 2473 votes.

Architect Benard Yisa scored 714 votes; Mr Terlumun Ikya scored 3,680 votes while Mr Anyom Mlamga scored no vote.

Rev. Fr. Alia won in 13 Local Government Areas which included Kwande, Buruku, Gwer-East, Gwer-West and Tarka.

He also won majority votes in Vandeikya, Makurdi, Ukum, Guma, Ushongo, Logo, Katsina-Ala, and Gboko Local Government Areas.

Chief Steve Lawani won in five Local Government Areas Ado, Ogbadibo, Okpokwu, Agatu and Oju.

Dr Sam Ode won in Otukpo, Apa, Obi and Ohimini Local Government Areas while Dr Mathias Ibyuan won at Konshisha Local Government Area.

NAN reports that the Catholic priest is following in the footsteps of late Fr. Moses Adasu who won Benues governorship election in 1991.

NAN further reports that APC plans to hold a special congress to affirm the result. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

The Primate of All Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has cautioned politicians against sharp practice during the 2023 elections.

Ndukuba gave the advice on Sunday in his address during the 11th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja.

The Primate called for sustained policing of the countrys borders to prevent non Nigerians from infiltrating the country and influencing the 2023 elections.

The foreigner who has no affinity or stake in this country can do any havoc for the financial rewards he stands to gain thereafter.

There is a need, therefore, to guard our national borders against marauders and raiders, he added.

Ndukuba also urged eligible Nigerians to be involved in the political process of the nation, saying politics is a God-given process aimed at providing order to the world and society.

Though some people have hijacked the political processes for their personal agenda, politics is not dirty as it was perceived by some people in the past.

We encourage all citizens to be involved in the political process of our states and nation.

Christians should register with any party of their choice and be involved in the activities of the party from the ward level to the national.

Those who contest for political offices are chosen from the grassroots and ward levels. The Anglican Church must be fully mobilized in the political process throughout this country, he added.

Ndukuba canvassed for constitutional reform to address the myriads of problems in the country.

He listed the challenges facing the country as insecurity, weak economy, and political impunity.

As a panacea to these fundamental issues, the Anglican Primate said the urgency for constitutional reform in Nigeria cannot be overstated.

The history of this country shows that in the different stages of our development and nationhood, several Constitutions were evolved to guide the country.

While we commend the National Assembly for the efforts at reviewing the present constitution, we are convinced that what we need is a totally new civilian constitution made by a Sovereign Representation of the Nationalities of this country.

This will address the fundamental issues necessary for growing, a united and prosperous nation.

We need a new citizen-made national constitution and not the amendment of a military formulated constitution, he added.

Ndukuba urged political leaders to exercise the necessary will power to return the country to the path of prosperity and peace.

He said Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations, must join hands in the collective action to tackle these issues.

Our people have lost their homes, livelihood, lives and property. Parts of this country are in the hands of different warlords, and State Governors are incapacitated and unable to secure their states from the insurgents and the Federal Government also seems to be overwhelmed, he said.

The Anglican Primate also expressed concern about Nigerias debt profile, saying that servicing the loans was unsustainable.

The current trend of increased borrowing from other countries and international bodies to fund our National Budget is becoming worrisome.

The countrys rising public debt profile remains of great concern as about 95 per cent of our revenue goes to debt-servicing. This is unsustainable.

In addition, it greatly limits expenditures for other critical sectors of the economy, thus hampering growth and development.

He cautioned against further borrowing and said the funds borrowed must not be allowed end up in individual or party purses for campaigns.

We strongly caution against further borrowing and urge the government to hearken to advice to seek for alternative, more viable and efficient infrastructure-financing sources to ease our expenditure burden.

He challenged government to show greater political will toward rehabilitating the countrys moribund refineries, to reduce the local cost of petrol, diesel and kerosene.

According to him, the intervention will stop the importation of the products and the drain on Nigerias foreign reserve.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the synod which began on Thursday, ends on Sunday.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Iyiola Pedro

Two members of staff of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) have been recognised for their roles in impacting their society positively.

The awardees are Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Head, External Affairs, NAN, Lagos Office, and Millicent Ifeanyichukwu, a Principal Correspondent,.

They got the Most Outstanding Women Right Activist and Selfless Contribution Award.

The Impact Makers Awards, a brainchild of a not-for-profit organisation, Women of Inestimable Value Foundation, was organised to mark its five-year anniversary at a dinner in Lagos on Saturday.

Other awardees are, the matriarch of the Ransome-Kuti family, Ms Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, Most Outstanding Intellectual; Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, Most Impactful Woman; Oluwatosin Adebukola, Most Outstanding Television Presenter and Funmi Omoboriowo, Outstanding Radio Presenter.

Recently, Mrs Taiye Adeyemi, a Senior Correspondent of NAN was awarded the Best Tourism Journalist at the Nigeria Tourism Awards.

According to Mrs Blessing Eze, Founder of the NGO, the awards were instituted to further encourage people making positive contributions and impact in the society.

She said: We are celebrating our 5th anniversary and decided to use it to also celebrate men and women who are creating positive change in the society.

So, impact awards are for us to celebrate change-makers people who are making an impact in the society, relating to change in the society.

So, a survey was shared online and we got more than 1,000 names; a committee then reviewed the profile of all the nominees and selected the best of the best.

To everyone who has been making an impact, we understand the fact that you are doing a great job.

We appreciate all positive change-makers and urge them to keep making an impact so we can make Nigeria a better society for all.

The founder further said that the government needed to do more in enforcement of legal provisions that protect the rights of women and children.

They would need to work more on fighting corruption in enforcement agencies and ensure that the fight against domestic violence can give us justice to all victims, she said.

Some of the awardees, who spoke to NAN, expressed their delight for the recognition, adding that the awards would spur them to keep making meaningful contributions to society.

Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, and Head, External Affairs, Lagos Office of NAN, attributed the award to Gods grace.

This is one of the awards that you realise that you didnt know the people (organisers).

They did their selection and the processing and I was not involved in any way. I didnt have to post it on any group chat or platform for people to vote for me.

I have been using my money doing what I felt was right, and taking responsibility for my environment and I thank God.

Its grace actually, because sometimes when you are doing these things people think that youre rich, but its not. Its just grace.

So I thank God for this recognition. This shows that when youre doing things good or bad people take note and at the end of the day you get your reward positive or negative., she said.

On her part, Mrs Millicent Ifeanyichukwu, Principal Correspondent, NAN, said, this unique NGO has really opened my eyes to the things we usually overlook and take for granted.

I consider it a great privilege to be a part of this movement because I believe we are all created and called by God for a greater cause to serve humanity in the little ways we can and make an impact.

So, I know that this is a divine responsibility.

NAN reports that two books Rape: Causes and Solutions by Janet Adeyemi and Sandra Benjamin, and Curbing Domestic Violence by Blessing Okojie Eze and Sandra Benjamin were launched at the dinner.

In her remark, Ms Yemisi Ransome-Kuti told NAN that there was need to focus on the prevention of sexual abuse and domestic violence, especially through mindset training and change of habit.

Women and men need to see themselves as partners. How can a man whos born of a woman feel comfortable raping another woman, who will be mother to another man or woman.

So, we have to look at all the areas around it; the community, poverty and depression level and other psyco-social levels which we are not looking at properly, she said.

She added that there was no justifiable reason to rape and urged victims to speak up and seek help.

Lets all support the victims, dont victimise them saying to them its their fault.

We should give them the needed physical and psychological support to develop and overcome nightmares about it because it is an invasion, she said.

Women of Inestimable Values Foundation is a human rights group formed in 2017 to fight for the rights of the abused in society.

The group provides free legal services and organise empowerment programmes. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy President of the Senate and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 governorship election in Delta State, has felicitated with those that emerged victorious in the partys primaries.

In a statement by Ima Niboro, Director, Communications and Media Strategy, Ovie Omo-Agege Campaign Organisation, he expressed confidence that the winners would defeat the PDP in Delta in the various elections next year.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC had adopted Sen. Peter Nwaoboshi unopposed as its Delta North Senatorial District candidate for the 2023 senatorial elections.

Other senatorial aspirants returned unopposed by the party are Chief Ede Dafinone and Chief Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for Delta Central and Delta South senatorial districts respectively.

Mr Francis Waive was also elected the partys candidate for Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency.

Omo-Agege congratulated other APC candidates in other federal constituencies and state assembly seats in the state.

He described the APC primaries as a sign of good things to come in the state.

According to him, the outcome of the elections is a victory for the Delta APC family, as it has demonstrated the capacity to work together for the good of the party and the state as a whole.

Their mandates, he noted, should be seen as a collective effort, adding that they should unite APC members in the overall interest of the party in the 2023 general elections.

The outcome of the primaries will best be described as no victor no vanquished, as all the aspirants gave a good account of themselves and congratulated each other for a good contest, he said.

He lauded the leadership of the party for ensuring the success of the primary election and for effectively mobilizing its members to participate fully in the electoral process.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail AbdulAziz

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Afonne

A music promoter, Peter Omotosho, popularly known as Pedrotech has urged managers of Nigerian artistes to go beyond booking events and flights for them and source other ways of expanding the musicians finance base.

Omotosho, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pedrotech World Ltd., an entertainment and management company based in the UK, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

He said it had become necessary to draw the attention of some of these managers to their perceived roles as they were already missing the track.

Talent management goes beyond booking events for artistes. A manager must be a peoples person, having the necessary knowledge of the various income streams available for exploitation by the talent, he said.

According to Omotosho, many artistes engage management without doing the much needed background checks and so they end up having managers who only receive phone calls from clients who are interested in engaging the artistes services.

He said the managers were most times interested in receiving 20 per cent of revenue for answering phone calls.

The artistes can as well employ the services of booking agents and leave it at that.

It is important for artistes to know what to expect from their managers and I will start by saying, your manager should be your number one fan and critic, he said.

According to him, this is quite important to the artistes business because you can only represent effectively something you believe in.

A lot of people have asked what talent managers do and my response has been that talent managers help hire and manage any staff for a client.

Talent managers handle public relations and media exposure such as appearances on TV shows, interviews with journalists, and social media presence.

A talent manager can advise career and contracts but cannot negotiate job contracts on the talents behalf, Omotosho said.

He likened the attitude of some music mangers to that of shark, a predator in the ocean that prey on anything they are bigger than.

Often times they prey on aquatic animals bigger than them and in the entertainment industry, we have sharks as well.

Entertainment sharks are those who prey on up and coming artistes and sometimes unsuspecting established talents.

Anybody may fall prey to them especially when such persons are desperate for the big break.

These predators pose as industry experts, consultants, promoters, managers and so on without the necessary knowledge or connections to deliver their promises.

At the end, the talent in question ends up having the short end of the stick, they miss out on opportunities and their time wasted, he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News