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Author: Nefisetu Yakubu

  • PDP has not suspended its member in Oredo LG –party boss

    Suspension
    By Nefishetu Yakubu
    Benin, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo says the party has not suspended Assemblyman Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a former House of Representatives member.

    The party said on Wednesday in Benin that the purported suspension was false and misleading.

    The PDP Chairman in the local government, Mr Oduwa Igbinosun, told journalists in Benin that the “local government executives’ attention has been drawn to a purported expulsion of Ogbeide-Ihama by a group”.

    Igbinosun also said that the National Working Committee of the party had extended the tenure of all elected executives and rectified them to act as caretaker committee.

    Also, the executives of PDP Ward 2, Oredo Local Government, said that they were not aware of the purported suspension and expulsion of the two-term House of Representatives member.

    The Secretary of the ward, Mr Jesuobo Obadigie, stated this on behalf of the executives.

    “Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama remains not just a member, but a prominent and formidable leader of the party and he continues to enjoy the total support of the members in Ward 2.

    “It is expected that anyone who loves the party should at this point be focused on actions that will unite the party ahead of the September governorship elections.

    “This is to warn mischief makers and impostors to desist from their criminal and divisive actions that could cause harm”.(NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    NY/KAY
    ======
    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Varsity Don urges African leaders to prioritize welfare of citizens

    Varsity Don urges African leaders to prioritize welfare of citizens

    Welfare

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June, 14,2024(NAN) A University Don, Prof. Steve Iyayi, on Friday called on African leaders to prioritize the welfare of their citizens to avoid repeated military interventions as recently witnessed in the continent.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, Iyayi is a Professor of Public Administration and Dean of Social and Management Sciences,WellSpring University, Benin.

    Iyayi made the call while delivery the 2nd Inaugural Lecture of the WellSpring University, Benin, with the topic, Imperative of Human Centric Governance In Sustaining Democracy in Africa: AN Insight in Niger Republic.

    He said that several decades after gaining independence, African countries were still grappling with problems of true democratic practice beyond its mere claim.

    He noted that indicators of democracy like the rule of law,  free and fair elections and people’s participation in state affairs were hardly present in most African countries.

    He said that the relevant institutions that supported impactful governance were also weak, adding that it had failed to raise the people’s standard of living.

    ” This has significantly added to the explanations for the rather unending military interventions in most African democracies, ” he said.

    He disclosed that on the average, African ranked among the top regions of the world that had experienced military coups and overthrow of constitutionally elected governments.

    “Out of 54 countries in African continent, 45 have had at least one coup attempt since 1950. The total number of coups by the year 2011 was 214, with 106 of the coups being successful.

    ” Since then, there have been additional seven coups, all successful thereby bringing the total to 221 coups, ” he said.

    According to him, democratic governance has remained generally unstable in African occasioned by mask of welfare for the people.

    He noted that the current situation  in Niger Republic was a reflection of the happenings in other countries in the continent with minor variations where they exist at all.

    He said that democratic governance had, therefore, not really addressed the needs of the society and the people in African region.

    Iyayi said the welfare of the people should be prioritized and necessary environment created for them to participate in the affairs of their country.

    He said that there was an urgent need to reduce the cost of governance in Africa because the costs were adversely affecting the welfare of the people.

    According to him, African leaders should evolve workable strategies to fight and reduce poverty in all forms to a tolerable level.

    , The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Ajayi commended Iyayi for the robust lecture which had provided insight into Africa’s problems and proffered solutions to them.

    Ajayi urged him not to relent in his research efforts and academic pursuit because the education sector would always need researchers like him. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    NY/JI

    Edited by Joe Idika

  • Security expert tasks Nigerians on intelligence gathering knowledge

    Intelligence

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 13, 2024 (NAN) A security expert, Prof. Olufemi Olufunmilade, has called on Nigerians to seek elementary knowledge of intelligence gathering to help tackle security challenges confronting the nation.

    He made the call on Thursday while delivering the 25th Inaugural Lecture of Igbinedion University Okada (IUO) with the topic: “Foreign Intelligence: The Means to Advancing Nigeria’s Security and Prosperity”.

    Olufunmilade, Director, Centre for Contemporary Security Affairs, IUO, added that most Nigerians were ignorant of elementary knowledge of intelligence gathering beyond using Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras.

    He said Nigeria was going through its worst experience in terms of national security and economic prosperity since independence.

    “Since independence, six decades ago, it is only security personnel, comprising the military, police, intelligence and allied security agencies that have access to educative and instructional materials on intelligence,” he said.

    Olufunmilade, a professor of International Relations and Strategy Studies, noted that every Nigerian should be actively involved in securing his or her community.

    “This nation is at a stage where security has become too important to be left in the hands of security practitioners alone.

    “In this regard, knowledge of security needs to be liberalised.

    “That is, it should be accessible to all and sundry and should not be hoarded and treated like the exclusive preserve of security agencies.

    “This lecture, therefore, seeks to bridge the gap of knowledge of the Nigerian public in an aspect of security management that is of absolute importance in the overall security architecture of any nation.

    “Intelligence is a sin qua non. Any security arrangement not backed up with intelligence is hollow,” Olufunmilade said.

    In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of IUO, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, eulogised Olufunmilade for his contributions to research and teaching within the Nigerian military.

    According to the VC, Olufunmilade contributes articles to the Nigerian Army Journal and Journal of the Nigerian Army War College on nuclear weaponry, biological warfare, and foreign intelligence.

    “The Guardian Newspaper published his first article on 20 July 1991 with the title: ‘On Afro-Pessimism and Pan-Africanism’.

    “This was the beginning of a prolific practice of freelance journalism, not only with The Guardian but as well with other newspapers.

    “He was a visiting professor to the Command and Staff College, Jaji, where he lectured on Terrorism and Counter-terrorism,” Ezemonye said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    NY/MAS

    Edited by Moses Solanke

     

  • Jonathan tasks African leaders on education that’ll shore up fortunes

    Education

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 13, 2024(NAN)Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday called on African leaders to prioritise education to shore up the fortunes of the African continent.

    Jonathan made the call at the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation  Democracy Dialogue, 2024, held in Benin.

    Its theme was “Functional Education and Effective Political Leadership as a panacea to Africa’s Growth and Development”

    He said he valued education so much that his administration established 12 additional universities in states where there were no federal universities.

    The former president urged state governors to search for the best brains and get the best out of them to develop the nation.

    “I urge leaders of this country to collaborate, play special role to move the education sector forward.

    “Let’s go round our primary schools in the country, pick the best in the country and ensure they get the best secondary education.

    “We should make sure our secondary school are up to standard so our children gets quality education.

    “I believe we can move forward with renewed commitment to ensure we deliver good education to our children, ” he said.

    Jonathan thanked Gov. Godwin Obaseki for accepting to host the foundation, which event coincided with the education week of the state.

    “I thanked the keynote speakers for opening the eyes of Africa leaders showing them the way to improve and develop the continent.

    “I urge you all to meet with leaders in the education sector across the country to discuss the paper and improve our educational system to the benefits of our children.”

    In his remarks, the Former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, commended Obaseki for his efforts in securing the future of Edo children through educational reforms.

    “We must invest in education and ensure equal rights and opportunities for our children to ensure unity, peace, growth and development of the continent,” he said.

    “We must fight to destroy corruption as is the cancer that destroys public trust,” he declared.

    Also speaking, former President of Benin Republic, Boni Yayi, said functional education was needed to prepare Africa continent to take charge of the future.

    Yayi noted that the dialogue provided the platform to reflect on issues, develop concrete strategy that would ensure growth and development of the African continent.

    Earlier, the keynote Speaker and Chairman of University Council at Cavendish University, Uganda, Prof. Olubayi Olubayi, had called on African leaders to ensure that all African children were 100 percent educated.

    He noted that Africa was not making any progress because they do what other countries asked them to do.

    “If Africa is to make any progress, we must do what we want to do not what other countries tell us to do.

    “As much as you educate all Africa children, you must set up special schools for the most gifted and talented children.

    ” If African countries is to rise at all, every villages, city, town, local government must have at least one special school for genius and talented kids,” Olubayi said.

    He warned African leaders never to rely on leaders of Western countries for survival, adding that they must stand on their own and ensure they create equal opportunities for all children in the continent to strive.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that dignitaries at the event included former governor of Edo State, Osariemen Osunbor, former deputy governor of Edo State, Chief Mike Ogiadomen.

    Also present were Sen. Ehigie Uzamere, Deputy Governors of Edo, Balyesa, Bauchi, Delta and some National Assembly members.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    NY/MAM/JI
    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Joe Idika

  • Jonathan states attributes of leadership

    Leadership

    By Nefishetu Yakubu
    Benin, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Former President Goodluck Jonathan says visionary leaders will always prioritise the welfare of its workforce to boost governance.

    Jonathan said this on Wednesday when he inaugurated the Edo State Civil Service Secretariat Complex on Sepele Road, Benin.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, Jonathan also performed the foundation laying ceremony of a 1,500-capacity auditorium for civil servants within the premises of the secretariat.

    “Listening to the history of the secretariat complex, I now know the power of vision. It takes somebody who wants to give his best to his people to do that.

    “Where you are working needs to be clean. Human beings need to work in a comfortable environment.

    “Thank you for providing this befitting secretariat. You do not have this setting so common in Nigeria.

    “This is one of the best. It takes someone with vision to provide this type of edifice,” he said.

    The former president, who also commended Edo governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, for giving automatic employment to first class graduates in the state, thanked him for encouraging the best brains in the state.

    “In some states, governors are busy encouraging criminals because of politics, people that will rig election for them, carry ballot boxes, carry knives and cutlasses to pursue people. But, you are encouraging the best brains in Edo.

    “The brains you have provided automatic employment to didn’t come from one political party, the brains come from all the political parties,

    “The brains came from those who are supporting all the candidates. You are not supporting these brains because you want to win election

    “But because you want to build a state, and for you to build a state, you have to build the people,” he said.

    He also thanked the governor for improving the welfare of the civil servants.

    “Before now, civil servants have been going home with salaries that couldn’t take them home.

    “Initially, when I read in the papers that you proposed to pay N70,000 minimum wage, I was also worried if this my good friend will be able to pay.

    “To be a leader, especially a political leader, you must be somebody who has vision.

    “If you have vision, no matter how challenging it is, you will find a way to do well,” he said.

    Jonathan, however, called on undergraduates in the state to become more serious with their academics to be able to come out with first class and secure an automatic employment in state.

    “Those who are undergraduates should struggle to make First Class degrees instead of going to join cult gangs, drinking alcohol and raping women.

    “You should try to make good grades. So, if you have opportunity to go to school, take your school seriously”, he added.

    Earlier in his address, Obaseki said it became important to upgrade the workplace, personalities and capacity of public servants and the public service for maximum productivity.

    “That is why we have damned all consequences to upgrade our public infrastructure to global standard.

    “When we started the project of these buildings, many people did not see the big pictures.

    “I am very, very confident, that wherever Brig, -Gen. Samuel Ogbemudia of blessed memory is today, he will be proud that his dreams of building a secretariat complex such as this has been realised today, ” Obaseki said.

    According to Obaseki, the buildings have been provided with 24-hour daily power supply from Osiomo power plant and high-speed optic fibre Internet connectivity.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    NY/KOO/KAY
    ===========
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Kayode Olaitan

  • APC accepts Vice-Chair resignation, says it remains focused

    Resignation

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

     

    Benin, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo says it has accepted the resignation of Chief Francis Inegbeniki from his position as the state Vice-Chairman, Edo Central.

    In a statement issued in Benin on Tuesday by the state party chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, APC respected his decision and wished him well in his future political endeavours.

    Tenebe noted that Inegbeniki had been a loyal and dedicated member of APC since its inception.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Inegbeniki resigned from his vice-chairmanship and membership positions on Friday.

    He cited the recent developments in the local and state chapters of the party as conflicting with his principles and values.

    Meanwhile, Tenebe added that Inegbeniki worked tirelessly to promote the ideals of the APC and advance the interests of members and supporters across the state.

    “His contributions to the growth and development of the party cannot be overstated, and we are grateful for the time he spent with us,” he said.

    He, however, said APC must now look forward to the future by focusing efforts on liberating the state from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government.

    According to him, the people of Edo and the APC are ready for change.

    The chairman said that APC remained the only party committed to delivering the change desperately needed by the state.

    “Our party’s candidate, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, will lead the joint push to rescue and return the state to Edo people.

    “Both federal legislators come with a bold and ambitious five-point agenda that will prioritize infrastructure development and the empowerment of our people that the PDP has since neglected.

    “The determination to build a better future for our state, one that will guarantee prosperity, security, and opportunity for all, has whet APC’s desire to liberate Edo State,” he said.

    He, therefore, called on all APC members and supporters in and outside Edo to remain steadfast and committed to the party.

    “We must work together to mobilize our communities, engage with our fellow citizens, and spread the message of hope and change that the APC represents,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    NY/MAS

    Edited by Moses Solanke

  • Increasing involvement of locals in kidnapping worries Edo CP

    Kidnapping

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin June 11, 2024(NAN) The Edo Commissioner of Police, Mr Funsho Adegboye has raised an alarm over the increasing involvement of local residents in cases of kidnapping in the state.

    Adegboye said  this on Tuesday in Benin, while briefing newsmen on the command’s activities to combat crime in the state.

    He noted that kidnapping by herdsmen have somewhat reduced, adding that more locals were now being arrested for kidnapping in the state.

    He said: “From our recent experiences, from the victims we have liberated and debriefed, we have discovered that most of the kidnappers now, are not those we usually call herdsmen.

    ” The locals are getting seriously involved in kidnapping.

    “Before, if you ask the victims of kidnapping, they will say ‘herdsmen’. The involvement of the so-called herdsmen is now very minimal.

    “Somebody was arrested in Edo North, when he was brought here, their group leader and others came here and vouched for him.

    “But, fortunately, investigation confirmed 100 percent that he kidnapped a woman and collected money. The people were ashamed for vouching for him.

    “Also, of recent, this one happened around town here, a 23-year-old man kidnapped a five-year-old girl, kept her in his room for several days, collected N250,000 ransom from the parents, while the poor girl was in his room.

    “We deployed all our technical arsenal and we were able to get him arrested. He confessed to the heinous crime and he has been charged to court. It was a pathetic situation,” he said.

    The CP, however called on members of the public to be more vigilant, adding that with the security situation in the country, everybody was a suspect. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    NY/JI

    Edited by Joe Idika

  • Flooding: NEMA calls for synergy with Edo govt. to reduce impact

    Flooding: NEMA calls for synergy with Edo govt. to reduce impact

    Synergy

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 11,2024(NAN) The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called for synergy with Edo government to mitigate floods disaster in the state.

    The Director General, NEMA, Zubaida Umar made the call at a one-day sensitisation meeting with state government and other stakeholders on strategies to  avert flooding  on Tuesday in Benin.

    Umar said the meeting was necessary following the National Meteorological Agency and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency’s (NIHSA) 2024 flood alert.

    She reiterated that some local governments in Edo had been predicted to be among the high and moderate flood risk areas.

    Umar, who was represented by Mr Daniel Obot, a director in the agency, listed the affected local governments to include Etsako East, Etsako-West and Etsako-Central, Esan North- East, Esan South-East, Ikpoba-Okha, and Ovia Nort-East.

    “The devastating impacts of flood over the years, especially that of 2012 and 2022, had served as a wakeup call to all tiers of governments to collaborate with the NEMA to manage flood related hazards.

    “In the recent past, lives have been lost, means of livelihood and infrastructure amounting to billions of Naira, have been destroyed due to unmitigated incidences of floods.

    ” 31 states with 148 LGAs have been predicted to be within the high flood risk areas while 35 states including FCT with 249 LGAs are considered to fall within the moderate flood risk areas.

    ” The remaining 377 LGAs are forecasted for the low flood risk areas.

    “These flood risk areas are presented with their degree of vulnerability to serve as a tool for governments at all levels to develop risk reduction measures to avert disaster losses during this rainy season, ” Umar said.

    According to her, I want to call for support in this intiative of downscaling flood early warning and risk mitigation messages to the grassroots because, Edo in the past has been severely impacted by floods.

    “Consequently, all of us are expected to take actions that will drastically reduce the adverse impacts of floods on the entire landscape and on the Nigerian population,” she said.

    In his remarks, Edo Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, who welcomed NEMA officials to the state, disclosed that the state  government was already prepared to handle any eventuality whether flood related or not.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Mr Kingsley Uwagbale, Obaseki said the state had set up a robust emergency control centre with 112 and 739 emergency call lines for emergency response.

    ” The last flood exposed our incapacity and we learnt from that experience by putting up emergency control centre and structure anybody coming after us will build upon,” the governor said. (NAN(www.nannews.ng)

    NY/KOO/JI
    =========
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Joe Idika

     

     

  • Army holds Inter-Brigade combat competition in Benin

    Army holds Inter-Brigade combat competition in Benin

    Competition

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 10,2024(NAN) The 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ekehuan Cantonment, Benin, has commenced its annual Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non- Commissioned Officers combat competition.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition is to improve the standard of their battle readiness and physical fitness.

    The participating formations include, 4 Brigade, Benin, 12 Brigade, Lokoja , 22 Brigade, Ilorin, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, 42 Engineers Brigade, Ibadan and 2 Division Garrison, Ibadan

    The activities lined up for the competition are drills, combat swimming, map reading, weapon/shooting as well as physical fitness.

    Maj.-Gen. Nansak Shagaya, the Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), who declared the competition opened, said it was to reposition the Army to discharge its responsibilities.

    Shagaya, who was represented by Brig. -Gen. Moses Ikobah, the Deputy Commandant of NASST, said the competition was in line with the Army Headquarters training directive for 2024.

    He urged all the participants to prepare themselves to be challenged, inspired and exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship, so as to attain the highest standard of professionalism.

    “I urge participants to take this competition seriously.

    ”The competition is in line with the training directive of the Chief of Army Staff Philosophy which is to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained and highly motivated force, ” he said.

    Shagaya commended the Chief of Army Staff for providing the resources for the competition and for providing direction and necessary guidance.

    According to him, to our judges and instructors who will be bringing their experience to bear, I say thank you and urge you to remain unbiased.

    He also thanked Gov. Godwin Obaseki for his continued support to the Brigade.

    Earlier,  the Commander, 4 Brigade, Brig.- Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, said the competition was intended to prepare the officers to be professionally responsive to effectively deal with the present security challenges in the country.

    He noted that Warrant officers/SNCOs hold a unique and vital position within Army ranks, adding that they were the backbone of the military.

    Oduyebo said that the was also bridge the gap between enlisted personnel and commissioned officers.

    “Their expertise, experience and leadership are indispensable to the success of our operations and the effectiveness of our units.

    “Let me quickly remind us that this competition is not merely an event; it is a testament to the high standards we uphold in 2 Division and the Nigerian Army at large.

    “It is an opportunity for our warrant officers/Senior NonCommissioned Officers to demonstrate their proficiency, leadership, and commitment to excellence, ” he said.

    According to him, competitions like these foster camaraderie, esprit de corps, and professional development.

    “They provide a platform for sharing knowledge, honing skills, and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together, ” he added.
    (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    NY/DE/JI

    ========

    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joe Idika

  • Edo assembly passes bill to make’Beautiful Edo, Glorious Edo’ official anthem

    Edo assembly passes bill to make’Beautiful Edo, Glorious Edo’ official anthem

    Anthem

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 10,2024(NAN) Edo House Of Assembly on Monday passed a bill for a law to declare ‘Beautiful Edo, Glorious Edo’ as the official Anthem of the state.

    A motion to consider the bill was moved by the Majority Leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian, (PDP Ovia North East) and it was seconded by the Minority Leader, Henry Okaka(APC Owan East).

    Considering the bill clause by clause, the lawmakers said the “Beautiful Edo, Glorious Edo” as the official anthem was to promote unity, pride and a sense of identity among Edo people.

    The lawmakers said that the Anthem, composed by the wife of the state governor, Mrs Betsey Obaseki would leave a lasting legacy of her in the state.

    Aiguobarughian said the bill, when passed into law, would also promote the cultural heritage of Edo people.

    The Deputy Speaker, Maria Oligbi-Edeko, also said that late Anthony Enahoro was the first to move a motion for Nigeria independence,

    Oligbi-Edeko added that Edo was always known for initiating new policies and programmes in the country.

    The Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku,  said that Edo would be the first state to have an official anthem.

    According to Agbebaku, if you listen to the lyrics and rhythm of the three stanzas of the anthem, they are all perfectly arranged and composed.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said that we should all go back to the old national anthem of “Nigeria we hail thee”, it also good that as a state, we also have our official anthem,” he said.

    The lawmakers unanimously supported and passed the bill.

    The Speaker directed the Clerk, Yahaya Omogbai to forward clean copies of the bill to the governor for his assent. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    NY/JI

    Edited by Joe Idika