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Tinubu Appoints APC Chairman As Board Chair FAAN

President Bola Tinubu has appointed the Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje as the board chairman of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria.

The Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, announced the appointment in a statement on Friday.

Also appointed is the APC National Secretary, Senator Bashiru Ajibola as the board chairman of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).

A long time ally of the President and former Senator representing Rivers South-East, Magnus Abe, made the list as the Chairman, National Agency For Great Green Wall.

According to the presidential spokesman, Tinubu directed the “board chairpersons not to interfere with the management of the organisations, emphasising that their positions are non-executive.”

We Have Not Borrowed Since Oborevwori Took Over – Delta Govt

Delta State Government, has reiterated that it had not borrowed any money since Governor Sheriff Oborevwori took over governance in the state on May 29, 2023.

The State Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije who disclosed this at a press conference in Asaba, said contrary to reports by an online news medium, the State Government had not entered into any borrowing relationship with any institution.

According to him, “this state has not entered into any borrowing relationship whatsoever, whether partnership, individual, corporate, bank, local, national or international. We have not borrowed a dime since this administration took effect on the 29th of May, 2023.

“I can state categorically in any forum I found myself, that Delta State remains, in terms of financial terms, the strongest financial state standing in this country.

“I say so with every emphasis because I know the finances of the state, and I say that we are clearly, clearly the strongest financial state in Nigeria.

“I can stand this debate at any point in time, because I know the balances as I speak to you today. I know the efforts that are being made by this administration.

“We stand categorically, heads up, to state that this administration has not borrowed a dime since 29th of May, 2023.

“We have paid so much in terms of construction, we have made sure that all debts are being paid down as seriously as we can.

“We have also improved in terms of contractual relationship with our contractors. Before now, it is difficult for us to give our contractors advanced payments.

“But as I speak, virtually all of the major contracts we have now, we have actually offered between 30% to 40% in terms of advanced payment.

“Indeed, the last discussion I had with the Governor, we are even thinking that for this particular dry season, we are going to be paying up to 70 percent advance payment.

“Because of the inflationary trends in Nigeria, we don’t want to be caught up in it at all. We do not want to review any contract whatsoever as we move on in this dry season.

“We want to take advantage of the dry season to do as much as we can and in terms of creating value for money for Deltans, the inspections that he has carried out are actually giving out so much to you and I.

“We need to understand his effort in trying to ensure that there are funding for all contracts that we have given and in all relationships that are actually being entered into by this administration.

“I state once again, categorically, as Commissioner for Finance, Delta State, that we have not borrowed any one kobo from any institution whatsoever since May 29, 2023.

“I also state categorically, and I am willing to stand anywhere to debate it, that we are the strongest states in terms of finance in this country.”

On his part, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu described Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as a man of impeccable integrity who has demonstrated a lot of transparency in the running of the affairs of the state.

“We have read out a number of projects that we have embarked upon in the last 19 and half months, and that all those projects are being funded by the funds that are at the disposal of the state, and that at no time in the last 19 and a half months has the state made any move to ask anybody to give us money in form of loan.

“We are only using what is available to us that comes in from our entire state. we have not at any time borrowed a penny, and so we were surprised when we saw a report in one of the online platforms suggesting that we are number one in terms of borrowing.

“We don’t know where that came from because as a state we are on a platform of solid liquidity. We are not only liquid, but we are solidly liquid to be able to deal with the problems that we have and that tells you the management skills of the Oborevwori administration,” he said.

“When Things Fall Apart: The End of Nigeria’s Failed Ideology”

By Amb Aliyu Bin Abbas

In the annals of African history, Nigeria was once held up as a beacon of hope, a land of promise, and a testament to the possibility of unity in diversity. It was an ideology that fueled the dreams of many, both within and beyond its borders. But today, as we stand on the precipice of a shattered dream, it’s become painfully clear that Nigeria, as an ideology, has crumbled.

For years, the Nigerian state has proven itself to be little more than a fiction a grand illusion that promises prosperity but delivers despair.

It’s a nation that works remarkably well for the elites and members of the establishment, who continue to thrive amid the chaos. But for the masses, Nigeria is a dystopian nightmare, a never-ending story of unfulfilled promises, and a cruel hoax.

The truth is, the Nigerian dream has devolved into a tragic comedy. With each passing cycle of governance failure, the nation’s diaspora community swells as disillusioned citizens seek refuge in foreign lands. They flee the very homeland that should be their sanctuary, driven away by a nightmarish reality where basic services are a luxury, corruption is rampant, and insecurity is the order of the day.

The institutions that should serve as the pillars of a functioning democracy have crumbled under the weight of corruption and incompetence. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Electoral Tribunal, once symbols of hope, have revealed their absolute partiality to the status quo. The façade of free and fair elections has been torn asunder, exposing the deep rot within the Nigerian political system.

The consequences of this institutional decay are far-reaching. The people have lost faith in the electoral process, viewing it as a charade designed to perpetuate the rule of the few at the expense of the many. This disillusionment is not isolated; it’s a ticking time bomb that threatens to explode into political upheaval.

The recent years have witnessed movements and protests across Nigeria, driven by a collective frustration with the prevailing order. From the #EndSARS protests, the end bad Governance protest to calls for secession, the voices of dissent are growing louder, and they will not be silenced. The people are no longer willing to accept the status quo, and they are demanding a fundamental restructuring of the Nigerian state.

The end of Nigeria as an ideology is not a doomsday prophecy; it’s a stark reality that we can no longer ignore. The farce we call Nigeria, with its broken institutions and shattered dreams, cannot endure in its current form. It’s time to acknowledge that the old order is crumbling, and it’s up to the people to shape a new future.

The way forward is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Nigerian people have the resilience and determination to chart a different course. It’s time to dismantle the broken system and rebuild a Nigeria that works for all its citizens, not just the privileged few. The end of Nigeria as we know it is the beginning of a new chapter a chapter where the people reclaim their power and rewrite the story of their nation.

Amb Aliyu Bin Abbas is the Youth President of National Youth Alliance.

Former Director, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs In Police Custody For Trafficking

By Faith Okafor

Former Director at the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in Anambra State, Sabirah Izuorah, have been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command for trafficking of 14 children.

It was disclosed that she admitted to paying Lukman Isiaka and Abosede Olanipekun, N500,000 for each child and resold them to other buyers for N1 million or more.

Izuorah had claimed to run an orphanage in Ihiala, Anambra State

Amongst the recovered children were several infants, including two-week-olds, two-month-olds, and ten other children.

2024 Batch C Stream 2 NYSC Orientation Camp Commences Today

By Ben Whyte- Iminabo

The 2024 Batch C Stream 2 Orientation Camp will officially open today, Wednesday, January 22, 2025, across all states in the country, according to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

This announcement was shared via messages on the NYSC’s official X handle, #officialnyscng, on Tuesday.

“Prospective corps members (PCMs) are to report to their various camps on the date stated on their call-up letters, with their required documents and survival packs,” the statement advised.

The scheme urged prospective corps members to exercise caution while travelling to their designated camps.

“PCMs are advised not to travel to Orientation Camps at night,” NYSC emphasised, reiterating its commitment to ensuring the safety of corps members.

“Prospective corps members are advised to print and sign the addendum, which is to be submitted during registration in the orientation camp,” the update noted.

“Some PCMs deployed to Lagos State will have their orientation course in Ekiti, Ondo and Osun camps.

” Some PCMs deployed to FCT will have their orientation course in Nasarawa, and Kaduna camps,” it read.

Ngozi Okolie Donates Six Block Classroom To School In Aniocha South Local Government

By Marcel Orauno

Member representing Aniocha Oshimili in the National Assembly, Hon. Ngozi Okolie has donated a well equipped six block classroom to Aboh Ogwashi Mixed Secondary School.

The Honourable member made the official presentation when he paid a visit to the school, located at Aboh Ogwashi in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.

He said it was in line with his campaign promise of advancing Aniocha/ Oshimili federal constituency.

Hon. Okolie assured them of more infrastructural development in the school, adding that it was just the beginning of many good things to come to the people of his constituency.

Expressing gratitude, the Principal of the school, Mrs Ebubechukwu Miracle described the Honorable member as a promise keeper.

Speaking during the event, she said Hon. Okolie’s open door policy was what earned the school the gesture from him, adding that upon presentation of the school need to the House of Representative member, he instantly ensured that their needs were met.

The Principal and other staff the school, prayed God to bless him.

EFCC Speaks On Death Of Officer in Anambra

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has finally issued a statement on the killing of one of its officers, Aminu Sahabi Salisu, during a raid in Anambra on January 17, 2025.

 The statement reads,

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, expresses grief on the loss of one of its officers, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE11 Aminu Sahabi Salisu who was killed in cold blood while on a legitimate duty on January 17, 2025 by a suspected internet fraudster, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu.”

“Additionally, the Commission views with great concern the irresponsible, callous, inhuman and outrageous narratives being circulated on social media on the whys and wherefore of the fatal accident. It is heinous to reduce the death of a gallant officer who was carrying out patriotic and official duties to social media razzmatazz.”

“More worrisome is the fact that some faceless commentators are pitching their tents with an alleged criminal who unleashed terror on officers of the EFCC in their line of duty. There is no justification whatsoever to rationalise a murderous act. The milk of human kindness demands that a grieving family, Commission and nation should be spared the shenanigans of false narratives and conjectures on the death of the slain officer.”

“Salisu, alongside other investigators of the EFCC, were at Dr. J.O. Ukwutinife Close, Ifite, Awka, Anambra State, to arrest some suspected internet fraudsters in the early hours of January 17. The operation was duly documented at the Anambra State Command Headquarters and Area Command of the Nigeria Police in line with operational protocols.”

Hon. Chukwunwike, God Sent To Aniocha South, Says Okwudini

By Marcel Onuora

The Coordinator of Aniocha South Needs and Assessment Laison Office, Mr. Frank Okwudini, has described the council Chairman, Hon. Pastor Jude Chukwunwike as a God-sent.

Okwudini made this known to our reporter in Asaba.

He said Chukwunwike had brought about transformation in the Local Government Area.

The Nsukwa-born emerging politician called on the people of Aniocha South to support the Council Chairman in driving his “Aniocha South First” programmes and policies which are in line with the implementation of the MORE agenda of the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori.

According to him, the Chairman had expressed willingness to roll-out more people-oriented projects across the various communities and clans in the Local Government Area.

The LG Coordinator of Needs and Assessment Laison Office, said the achievements of the Council Chairman were visible in less than six months in office, as almost all the communities has started feeling the impact of the Chukwunwike led local government administration which, arguably, has never been seen in the history of the local government.

He reassured the Aniocha South people that the Chairman as a visionary and people-oriented leader who is always anticipating to site meaningful projects in all the communities in the three clans that make up Aniocha South adding that the Needs and Assessment Laison Office had earlier documented the various infrastructural needs of the communities.

Okwudini said the Chairman was committed to ensuring that the needs were met in record times.

“If you go to the Ogwashi-Uku Afor Market, the about 40 lock-up store building is near completion, the Okiti Truck Park ready, truck drivers have started complying with government directives, the classroom block at Ubulu-Unor is ready for use, Ubulu Uku Divisional police station projects also ongoing and so many others” he said.

Alleged Defection: Count Me Out – Oborevwori 

…My covenant to do more for Deltans stands

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said that he had no plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that his covenant to do more for Deltans stands.

The Governor spoke through the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu at a live television programme monitored in Asaba.

He said those peddling the rumours that Governor Oborevwori wants to move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) were only wishing that he comes to swell up their ranks.

“Governor Oborevwori is not only a proud member of the PDP and remains a leader of PDP, both in Delta and in Nigeria.

“He is also a performing governor who has also been able to show that he can be regarded as the poster governor for the PDP. And so those who are wishing that he is jumping ship, we want to tell them that Oborevwori is not in the business of jumping.

“Apart from that, I am also happy that even following your recognition and by way of nomination as among those who are performing, that Oborevwori is trying to let Nigerians know that the PDP have the strength to deliver, even as we continue to cooperate with the president of Nigeria, because at the moment he does not have any opponent as a president.

“When the governor declared that he needed to support the president, even as they support the governor for the purpose of bringing good governance, it was in the spirit of patriotism not on the platform of looking for where to jump to.

“Today, Tinubu is the president of Nigeria, and I know nobody is contesting that and so if Tinubu does not have an opponent as a President, because he is no longer a presidential candidate, when in 2027, and we are going into election, we can begin to talk about those who want to challenge Tinubu.

Today, he is the president. We have an enlightened self-interest that the success of Tinubu cascades into the success of any governor in Nigeria.

“In Delta, we are not in the business of fighting constitutional authority. We’re always in the business of supporting those in authority, because by so doing, we are also bringing development to our people.

“Oborevwori remains in the PDP, he did not even dream, not to talk of the reality of leaving the party. Those who are rumoring, like you said, are very free to rumor and are very free to wish, wish is very free, that he comes to swell up their party but for us in the PDP, we know that Oborevwori will remain a poster governor.”

On developments in the state, Aniagwu said Governor Oborevwori was fulfilling his administration’s promise to deliver more projects for the people.

He remarked that while continuing and completing inherited projects, his administration has also initiated and completed lots of projects across the three Senatorial districts.

He listed some of the legacy projects to include the Beneku bridge in Ndokwa East, Orere bridge in Ughelli South, Ayakoromo bridge in Burutu LGA, Trans-Warri Roads and bridges as well as Warri and Effurun flyovers being executed by Julius Berger.

“Aside these laudable projects, we have several completed road projects like the Emevor-Orogun road, Okpanam-Ibusa bypass, Isheagu-Ewulu Road, Ezesi road dualisation in Orerokpe as well as Ohorhe-Adagbrasa-Ugolo-Okuodiete road among others.

Ejinyere Lauds Govt’s Ban On Concrete Mixing On Tarred Road Surfaces, Pavements

…Urges residents of Warri, Uvwie, Environs, to comply to avoid sanctions

By Media Dept of WUEDA

The Director General of Warri, Uvwie and Environs Special Area Devt Agency, (WUEDA), Hon. Prince Godwin Ejinyere has praised the State Government for placing a ban on indiscriminate mixing of concrete on tarred road surfaces and pavements in all parts of the State.

Prince Ejinyere said the ban which was announced on Thursday, 16th of January, 2025 by the Delta State Commissioner for Rural Roads and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, takes immediate effect.

Hon. Ejinyere noted that the ban was in tandem with WUEDA’s mission for the Oil City, explaining that the ban was due to indiscriminate mixing of concrete in public places which defaces and destroys tarred roads and concrete pavements.

He noted that while Govt was committed to providing road infrastructure across the State, Govt and WUEDA would not fold their arms and watch unpatriotic individuals destroy the roads already constructed, and that Govt would sanction any person caught mixing concrete on tarred roads and sidewalks, while the construction site would be sealed.

Prince Ejinyere said the Agency’s Task Force on Environment had been put on red alert to monitor the length and breath of the Metropolis, with a view to arresting any defaulter of the Govt ban on indiscriminate mixing of concrete on tarred roads and pavements.

He urged residents of Warri, Uvwie and their environs to mix their concrete within their premises and not on tarred road surfaces and pavements, so as to avoid punishment according to the law.

 

 

 

 

 

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