The presidency says no state has been issued authorisation to procure automatic weapons for its security outfits.

In a statement on Tuesday, the presidency said the illegal possession of automatic weapons and AK-47 remains illegal in the country.

NO STATE HAS APPROVAL OR AUTHORIZATION FOR AUTOMATIC WEAPONS

The Presidency wishes to strongly assert that there is no state, not Katsina, not any other state in the federation, that has been authorized to procure automatic weapons for their security outfits.

Under this administration, the President has repeatedly made it clear that nobody is allowed to illegally carry AK-47 or any other automatic weapons and that they must surrender them.

Where they fail to do so, the law enforcement agencies have been given clear directives to deal with any such outlaws.

Under the existing regulations, only the Office of the National Security Adviser can issue such authorization, upon proper clearance by the President and Commander-in-Chief and as it is at this moment, no such approvals have been issued to any state government.

In the specific Katsina State often cited, the Governor, Aminu Bello Masari wrote to explain that the administration invited the Provost of the Civil Defence Training College in Katsina to train their Vigilantes for a five-day period “in the handling and operations of Pump Action Rifles,” emphasizing that “the Vigilantes were not trained to take over the responsibilities of the security agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria but to assist them.”

The Presidency appreciates the active involvement of states with security matters.

As they continue to expand their capabilities as well as their active collaboration with law enforcement agencies of the federation, the joint efforts continue to yield good results, thwarting attempts of terrorists to wreak havoc and destruction on communities. The President in particular has expressed happiness that in the last couple of years, security outfits mandated by state governments have been associated with several important initiatives, and reports have reached him of acts of utmost bravery and professionalism.

He thanks them for their alertness that is helping to defeat nefarious plots against targets at grassroots levels.

He, however, cautions against the politicization of security.

Government at the centre with a national mandate cannot afford to alienate Ondo State or any other state for that matter on the important issue of security and urges leaders at various levels to exercise restraint in their speech, even as we are in a political season.

At midnight, a few hours the presence of a vast assembly and more humble folk, British flag was hauled down and Nigerian flag raised to replace symbolic of the entire spirit coming to independence of this populous of African states that Governor-General, Sir James and the Prime Minister of the Federation, Alhaji Sir Tafawa Balewa, should have out together to stand side by salute the exchange of flags-- sovereignties. As they marched the Royal Stand, where was the central figure representative of Queen Elizabeth, the Prime Minister who waved his greetings to the although the Governor-General, once raised his hand knowledge the cheers.

Nigeria’s population is estimated at over 250 million, which means the country has skilled and unskilled labour in abundance. The population also makes it a fertile ground for global trade. Nigeria is also rich in mineral resources. It is sub-Saharan Africa’s largest, and the world’s 13th largest, producer and exporter of oil.

These endowments should have made Nigeria one of the key destinations for global investment. And with its wealth in petroleum and natural resources as well as its vast agricultural potential, Nigeria should have by now become Africa’s undisputed economic giant.

However, 61 years after independence, Nigeria, like a vehicle struggling to climb a hilly road, has yet to achieve its potential. Its large population has thus become a source of weakness, not strength.

A country that is seriously battling with the issue of insecurities which is seriously affecting the growth of the nation. For over a decade, Nigeria has been fraught with insecurity challenges, from Boko Haram and their ISWAP counterparts to Bandits and unknown gunmen, in the midst of all this, the statistics of unemployed youths and graduates in the nation has been rising to an alarming rate, the basic development infrastructures like electricity to enhance the industrialization of the nation in order to create employment opportunities has been lacking, thereby crippling other efforts to drive the economic resurgence of the 7th most populous nation in the world.

It’s a fact that the issue of insecurity in the nation has invincible social sponsors like poverty and unemployment; these contributes to frustration and anger that can result to one taking to armed robbery, kidnapping or pitching tent with agitators calling for dissolution of the nation under the guise of revolutionaries thereby creating more panic in the society.

Leading nations of the world are undergoing a process of modernization, encompassing changes such as industrialization, urbanization, and growing social complexity in the modernization perspective. Insecurity in Nigeria and Imo are social problems inherent in Nigeria, and as a social problem, can be seen as failures in modernization. For example, in today’s world societies that fail to industrialize will be poor and conflict ridden. On an optimistic note, this perspective suggests that these problems can be solved through government intervention to lead society on the road to modernization.

So many of today’s social problems are global in nature, we cannot hope to solve them by focusing on individual nations, ISWAP that are recently credited with killing of Shekau the Boko Haram leader, is an offshoot of a globally recognized terrorist network. 

It has been observed by scholars and commentators that corruption is a major challenge to social, political, and economic development in any country. The consequences of corruption are unfavorable for the progress of any society.

Corruption in Nigeria is a constant phenomenon. In 2012, Nigeria was estimated to have lost over $400 billion to corruption since its independence. In 2018, the country ranked 144th in the 180 countries listed in Transparency International's Corruption Index (with Somalia, at 180th, being the most corrupt, and Denmark the least).  While many politicians own or have shares in these industries, tax revenues from the energy sector are diminished and the benefits of Nigeria's energy wealth is not evenly distributed throughout the country with Lagos State benefitting disproportionately. Oil and gas revenues therefore account for the vast majority of the federal budget and the salaries of government officials

Nigerian politicians find themselves in a strong position of power and wealth due to their connections with the oil and gas industries in Nigeria. These gas industries are under the control of the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). 

Vote rigging by political parties in elections is widespread and corruption is endemic within government. Business arrangements and family loyalties dominate governmental appointments paving the way for politicians, officials and their business associates who together make up the ruling elite to ensure that they all become wealthy through behind the scenes agreements and the awarding of profitable contracts to favoured supporters. 

From massive contract fraud at the top, through petty bribery, money laundering schemes, embezzlement and seizing salaries from fake workers, it is estimated that corruption within the state apparatus costs the country billions of dollars every year.

With the continue rate of insecurities and corruption in the country now; is Nigeria face not bastardized among its peer in the African states and globe at large. We also need a working security architecture to fight the continuous insecurity in the nation. 

LEO COMR ERASTUS TEMIDAYO OGUNMOLU 

An advocate of good governance, student unionist, Writer.

Ogunmoluayo01@gmail.com 

08102443375

UK reviews policy for Nigerian asylum seekers to ‘favour’ LGBTI, women — but silent on IPOB members.

The UK has remained silent about asylum for members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has reviewed guidelines for its decision makers on how to consider and grant asylum applications made by persons fleeing Boko Haram and ISWAP in northeast Nigeria, TheCable can report.

In a recent review seen by TheCable, UKVI is willing to grant asylum to LGBTI persons or women who work or are in education — and other social groups at risk of attack by extremists in the region.

The UK has remained silent about asylum for members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

In April 2021, TheCable reported that the UK said it would grant asylum to “persecuted” members of IPOB, which has been designated as a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian government, and MASSOB.

A few days later, following the report and subsequent complaints from the Nigerian government, the UK pulled down the policy notes, stating that it was being reviewed.

In the most recent July 2021 review, UKVI updated its designation for insurgent groups in northeast Nigeria, clearly naming them “Islamist extremists” in the region.

It said Nigerians could now claim asylum in the UK if they face “fear of persecution and/or serious harm by members of Boko Haram because of” their “actual or perceived opposition to the group”.

The guidelines, now known as country policy and information note, added that Nigerians could claim asylum if they belong to a social group that is “not compliant with Boko Haram ideology”.

Examples include “women who work or are in education and lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) persons”.

WOMEN AND BOKO HARAM

Boko Haram started as an insurgent group in northeast Nigeria in 2009, but has since gone through numerous changes in leadership, ideology and affiliation.

One thing that seemed to have remained constant is the abduction of women and girls, attacks on schools and general opposition to western education.

In 2016, Boko Haram split into two groups: Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA or ISWAP); and Jamaat Ahl al-Sunna li-Dawa wal-Jihad (JASDJ), which maintained the name Boko Haram.

Following the reported death of Abubakar Shekau, the leader of Boko Haram, a reunion has been reported to have happened between both groups. Boko Haram has continued striking post-reunion, recently injuring two women in the process.

As a result of Boko Haram’s historical and current records, women, especially women in education, are at more risk of persecution from the group, giving them more preference when seeking asylum.

The UK said “the groups have also forcibly recruited and abducted thousands of men, women and children, subjecting many to intimidation and abuse including sexual violence, forced marriage and using young girls, in particular, to carry person-borne IED’s/as suicide bombers”.

LGBTI: HURT BY BOKO HARAM, REJECTED BY GOVT

In January 2014, former president Goodluck Jonathan, signed into law a bill that criminalises same-sex relationships, defying western pressure over gay rights and provoking criticism from the US, UK and much of the international community.

The law prescribes 14 years imprisonment for same-sex “amorous relationships” and membership of gay rights groups in the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari has come under pressure to repeal the law, but that move has made no progress with the incumbent administration.

UKVI prescribes internal relocation for persons persecuted by Boko Haram in the northeast, suggesting they could be taken to central and southern Nigeria, which is “generally not directly affected by activities” of the group.

However, members of the LGBTI community can be victimised anywhere in Nigeria, raising the stakes for them, when applying.

“Boko Haram continues to be able to operate in rural areas of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, and to be able to attack targets in rural and urban areas in the North East of the country,” the UKVI said.

“In areas outside of the North East where the threat is from Boko Haram, the authorities are generally able and willing to provide effective protection. Women, LGBTI persons and non-indigenes may face additional discrimination which prevents them from being able to access effective protection.

As a result, the UK is willing to offer protection for such people if the risk of persecution is confirmed.

“The question to be addressed in each case is whether the particular person will face a real risk of persecution on account of their actual or imputed convention reason,” UKVI added.

While women and LGBTI persons are at a higher risk, UKVI added that decision makers “must, however, still consider all claims on an individual basis, taking into account each case’s specific facts”.

Source: The Cable

By Alao Abiodun

Until January 15, 2021 Chief Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho was arguably an unknown personality outside the southwest region.

Igboho and his supporters took the battle to end the herdsmen crisis on their shoulders.

He stormed the Fulani community in Igangan, Ibarapa Local Council of Oyo State to issue a seven-day quit notice to herdsmen to vacate the community and all other Yoruba communities or be forced to do so.

Despite warning by Governor Seyi Makinde against such action, he invaded Igangan and his visit led to a clash between some Yoruba youths and Fulani in the community. Properties were reportedly destroyed.

He also visited Ogun State and vowed to evict herdsmen in the South-west following the insecurity rocking the region.

He then became a chief promoter of the Yoruba nation idea and a defender of Yoruba land from the incursion of killer herders who kill, maim and abduct farmers.

After holding a series of rallies in some southwest states, he met stiff resistance against any rally in Lagos.

The DSS raided the home of Igboho few hours to the rally, destroying vehicles, including his G-wagon, Prado Jeep, and some valuables, including furniture and windows.

Here are few factors which could have contributed ‘negatively’ to Igboho’s travails:

Feud with Seyi Makinde: Sunday Igboho had a frosty relationship with Seyi Makinde during the build up to Oyo 2019 gubernatorial elections.

Makinde rode on the influence of Igboho during his 2019 campaign tour to Oke-Ogun zone and subsequent endorsement.

Igboho, who is often hailed as ‘owo baba dami’, has no doubt always enjoyed overwhelming popularity from different administrations in Oyo state – from the time of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja.

Igboho was involved in the combative politics between the late political leader, Lamidi Adedibu and Ladoja. He supported Ladoja, acting as his bodyguard throughout the tussle.

During the Kogi guber elections, Makinde, who was chairman of the Peoples Democratic(PDP) Governorship campaign also took Igboho as part of his entourage during the build up to the elections.

But, glaringly, things appear not to be smooth as the Governor and Igboho have been on a collision war after the latter reportedly dumped Makinde who he supported in the 2019 elections.

The last straw that broke the camel’s back was the face-off between the duo over the ‘quit notice’ issued to Fulanis in Igangan, Ibarapa East local government over alleged kidnapping and banditry by Igboho.

Igboho’s visit was in defiance to Governor Seyi Makinde’s directive to security agencies to arrest and treat him as a criminal should he carry out his threat to forcefully eject herdsmen and his kinsmen from the land.

In a viral undated video, Igboho blasted Makinde in Yoruba language. Though he didn’t mention the Governor’s name, he said enough for viewers to know he was referring to Makinde.

He accused the Governor of backing herdsmen, recalling how Makinde relied on him to win votes in 2019.

According to him: “You can bring all Fulanis to Yorubaland, if you like, you unfortunate ones. It will not be well with you.

“You are threatening me in my fatherland with Fulanis. You will not prosper.

“Is it the Fulani’s that make the laws of the land? Have you forgotten when you were ‘bankrolling’ me you wanted to become Governor and all I did for you all during the elections, and now you dare threaten me?”

Utterance against South West monarchs, political leaders – Igboho’s style of speaking created a very bad impression in the minds of many.

Some described him as audacious but his persistent attacks on various personalities across the South West didn’t go down well with prominent leaders. Traditional rulers, political leaders opposed to the agitation were labelled and abused.

For instance, Igboho, while speaking at a meeting with the Yoruba in Diaspora, last February described some prominent Yoruba leaders, including the Ooni of Ife, Enitan Ogunwusi, Makinde; and Oluwo of Iwo, Abdulrasheed Akanbi, as “Fulani slaves.”

He later sought the forgiveness of Ogunwusi, who said he had forgiven him.

Igboho’s uncouth words and inciting statements — Everywhere Igboho went, he naturally won the confidence of the common man but one striking problem was his uncouth words and inciting statements which could stoke ethnic tension especially amidst the rising insecurity.

His inciting statements was a source of concerns to many especially security operatives who feared there might be a repeat of the #EndSARS protests.

Igboho in series of videos had always lambasted and placed curses on those against the Yourba Nation struggle.

From campaign against killer herders to Yoruba Nation agitation – To many, how Sunday Igboho changed so swiftly from being an activist fighting against killer herdsmen to being a freedom fighter remains a mystery.

From the man who was fighting to end the terror of killer herdsmen in Yorubaland, to agitating for separation of Yoruba Nation from Nigeria, showed he mixed up the whole struggle without clear clarity.

Undermining the government – Sunday Igboho had announced that Yoruba Nation was no longer part of Nigeria and they were ready to walk away without what government can do.

He also threatened there would not be any election in the Southwest in 2023, saying the people of Yoruba Nation were weary of Nigeria.

Adedute Adepelumi, who is currently declared wanted by the Nigerian Police, speaking from his base in Sweden noted that the Federal Government is just doing anything possible to infringe human rights, how do you explain government operatives unleashing terror on citizens like armed robbers.

Igboho added Yoruba people could no longer tolerate the feudal and political dominance in the federation, which he said, had been a source of concern nationwide.

Source: The Hope

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday 28th June , 2021 began Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) across the country. As part of her effort to ensure no eligible voter is disenfranchised come 2023, the commission has drawn out modalities by which the registration will be carried out without hassles.

I am by this medium calling the attention of ILAJE people to the online Pre- Registration Process. The Youths who are ICT compliant should endeavor to register and teach members of their family and community the pre-registration process. 

It is important to state at this juncture that the registration process is free and anyone who demands ransoms from anyone for the purpose of registration should be avoided and reported to the nearest police station. 

At a point when THE ILAJE people has lost their voice Politically, it is important we take this process very serious in a bid to reposition ILAJE and help it attain its rightful place. Participating in Electoral Processes is the “sine qua non” to building a formidable democracy and a guarantee to a better and safer environment cum infrastructural development. 

ILAJE people must no longer seat on the fence. It is without doubt that we  are wounded, but we must not be weak, we must ensure we participate actively in governance and Democracy. Democracy is based upon the conviction that there is extraordinary possibility in ordinary people. We are the ordinary people, let’s push forward, make use of our extra ordinary strength for we are determined to change the ILAJE story through the ballot. 

We should all remember that Participating in Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) is very important. Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another  and our community. To achieve the ILAJE of our dreams, we all need to REGISTER and VOTE for a Greater and Better ILAJE NATION.

In the good old days, in the land that was truly flowing with milk and honey, whenever a man had left its shores, after long period of time, and was on his way back to the land, he was always feeling at the top of his world, heaving a sigh of relief that at last, he would be in his native home on the waiting and soothing arms of his brethren, placing his head on the other shoulder, and emptying their tears of joy on the stretched shoulder in true love.

The age-long saying that home is the best is no longer doing its soothing job or bringing the much needed respite in Nigeria.

 The song: Home my home, when shall I see my home, when shall I see my native land, I will never forget my home" is no longer fascinating. 

What can truly be fascinating in a country where laws are made for some people to obey while some people are made for laws to obey them? 

What can be appealing in a country where lawmakers are law breakers; where those who make the laws against Covid-19 break the laws against Covid-19? 

What indeed can be soothing in a country where lopsidedness, nepotism, impunity reign supreme? 

What exactly can make one's head swell in a country where INEC, Security Personnel, Judiciary usurp the function of the electorate to foist leaders on them thereby shattering their hope of ever getting the opportunity to elect leaders of their choice? 

What can make one proud of a country where the strong is made to become the weak and the weak is made to become the strong? 

What is it in a country where meritocracy has been sacrificed on the cheap altar of mediocrity thus making a professor to serve a school certificate drop out? 

I say what, what, dear compatriots, what is in a country where banditry tries to outshine Boko Haram as when Dangote is trying to outshine Bill Gate? 

What is in a country where the number of deaths witnessed in one administration is a performance index used in comparing the number of deaths witnessed in another administration as when comparing the level of infrastructural developments? 

What is in a country where Boko Haram insurgents who are fighting against education are catered for and elevated above those who desire to acquire education?

What, my people, is in a country where its leaders search for any slightest opportunity to oppress her already impoverished and famished citizens, whereas other leaders somewhere else strive to make life abundant for her own?

What can be heart-warming in a country where billions of dollars donated by both indigenous and international donors were purportedly spent for the poor, and yet no one poor in any part of the society has come out to appreciate the "kind" gesture of such giver-govt?

What is attractive in a country where its leaders smile to banks after diverting public fund allocated or donated by public-spirited persons, to raise citizens out of scorching poverty and economic dunghill while the citizens themselves bleed to death on minute by minute basis? 

What is enthusing in a country where her foreign ambassador beckons to the people scattered around the strange land "Come home, come home" and the people respond, "Are there no more graves in the foreign land that we may come to perish in Nigeria wilderness?"

What can be motivating in a country where her people are locked up in a solitary confinement to starve to death and whereas, in other clime, their people are locked down with not less than $1200/person with constant supply of food items against Covid-19?

What can be exciting in a country where there is no value for money, where efforts are not duly appreciated and compensated. Where failure is rated above merit?

Brothers, sisters, I ask again, what is in a country that kills the destiny of her promising youths who excel after finding their way out of a contraption called Nigeria?

 Writer, Student Unionist, Political analyst, Advocator of good governance

Leo Ogunmolu Temidayo Erastus (Excellency IKA)

Ogunmoluayo01@gmail.com

Twitter.com/OgunmoluE   

08102443375

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone D, received with delight, the new of the arrival of about 4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine into the country on Tuesday, march 2, 2021. 

Meanwhile, as the vaccination campaign and administration in Nigeria begin, it is imperative to make a passionate plea to the Federal Government, on behalf of the entire Nigerian students, that the students should be considered first in the administration of the vaccine. 

In particular, as the States Governors are warming up to receive their shares of the vaccine, NANS (Zone D), is requesting that the governors of the South/West should place premium on the students at all levels in the administration of the vaccine.

The need to start the vaccination with the students is imperative because Nigerian students constitute the largest assemblage among whom the virus can easily spread, thus, the vaccine must be administered on them first in order to contain the spread of the dreaded virus. 

We are urging our governors in the South/West States, to put some compelling measures in place in our Primary Health Care centres, higher institutions and schools and other prospective designated centres to ensure that students are given priority in the administration of the vaccine.

While we are congratulating the government on the arrival of the vaccine, we want to pledge our support in terms of campaign for the vaccination which will help to contain the spread of the virus.

Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta.

Signed:

Kowe Odunayo Amos.

NANS ZONE D COORDINATOR, 

SOUTH WEST NIGERIA

The leadership of the Ondo Ekimogun Youth Congress (OEYC) met with the Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Ondo Unit, Mr O.T Adewunmi on Monday 1st of March, 2021. The meeting was to discuss the issue of incessant road accidents caused by Okada riders in Ondo. Safety of road users is very paramount. Every life in the community is to be protected. The OEYC was represented by the Coordinator I, Mr Olusola Akinbinu, and other members of the  executive, Mr Feyiranti Akinnagbe and Mr Bode Fadoju.

According to the Unit Commander, he said many persons riding Okada in town have no business operating commercial transportation in town. We need to perfect the identity issues so that incompetent riders do not continue to put the lives of innocent members the community in danger.

Other critical issues like needed road demarcations in strategic points where accidents happen frequently in town were also discussed. Specific steps were agreed upon. The Unit Commander promised to give all supports to the OEYC and all her initiatives bid to protect road users in Ondo Kingdom.

By David Fidelis

Like seriously, where are we heading to in this country? I've been sweating inner profusely for my dear country Nigeria. 

Nigerians are daily expressing fears about the deterioration in their living conditions, the ubiquitous security challenges, the daily rise is the price of goods and services,  the crazy unemployment and the economic acrobatic 'shoki' dance. 

Since 2015, as if this government is made of the North, for the North and by the North. From Boko Haram, to herdsmen/farmers’ clash, armed banditry, kidnapping amongst others. 

To me, the present day government seem to be sick in mind, body spirit and soul. Because a government who who fails to protect lives and property of it's citizenry is a failed government. 

O! Goodness, what a country  presently driven apart by mutual distrust, religious bigotry, ethnic divisions and geopolitical differences. Every geopolitical setting seems to be taking its destiny by its own hands.

On Thursday, 25th of February, 2021,  317 students were kidnapped by the armed bandits in Government Girls Science Secondary School Jangebe.

It is a national tragedy that another Chibok was allowed to happen even when some of the abducted Chibok girls had not been accounted for.

In 2018, we had another spectacular mass kidnapping in another female academic institution in Dapchi, Yobe state.  Dapchi was not known to me and many Nigerians until 2018.

In December 2020, more than 300 boys were kidnapped from a school in Kankara ,in President Muhammadu Buhari’s home state of Katsina, while he was visiting the region.

Fast forward to 2021, just last week , 42 people were taken by a gang from a boys school in  Kangara, nearby Niger state.

The trend has been from Chibok to Dapchi, from Dapchi to   Kankara, from Kankara to Kangara, from Kangara  to Jangebe and who knows where next?

While the Chibok, Dapchi, Kankara and Kangara incidents drew global news headlines the present frightening episode in  Jangebe has brought Nigeria another round of slap and opprobrium at home and abroad.

Shame!!!

Pikin wey go strong go strong.... No be say until dem name am Samson. 

When President Muhammadu Buhari was campaigning in 2015, after three failed consecutive attempts, to be elected President  of Nigeria,  he was convinced as many Nigerians did of his tested capacity to bring about change to a system -- then perceived to be broken and rotten in the hands my much respected President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

 Through the All Progressives Congress (APC) coalition he had presented his manifesto to our people harping on re-establishing security, revamping the economy and providing employment for the teeming jobless youths among us.  six three years down the line, all we've seen could best be described by me as retrogression or stagnation. 

Government is on its own. The people are on their own. Protests have become an everyday event. Altercations upon altercations, accusations and counter-accusations everywhere. The disconnections across the country have become too weaponised, threatening the very foundation of the country. How did I find myself in this country at the first instance? O! My goodness!

Certainly, I know that posterity would never forget to remember the actions  or inactions of our leaders toward  terrorism and their numerous exploits nationwide.

The government always claims to be concerned about insurgency but people involved in this acts have never been brought to book. How do we intend to stop insecurity when anyone can just enter a village, kill people, burn houses and go scot-free?

The public must rise to assist the government in the fight against insurgency by providing useful and helpful information without fear of been exposed at their detriment.

The Nigeria military and other security agencies must get cracking by doing the job for which they are remunerated.

Government at all levels must rise up to it's constitutional responsibilities by protecting lives and property of it's people.

I rest my Case!!

Fidelis David is a Journalist and a Feature Writer. (fidelisdavid5@gmail.com)

Here comes a golden opportunity to empower Nigerian Students and Youths financially through an online contest tagged STUDENTS AGAINST HUNGER Online Contest powered by RICHLIFE AFRICA - This initiative was birthed following the organization's resolve to eradicate hunger among Nigerians, reduce the menace of unemployment and poverty among the youth  populace in Nigeria.

Registration for this online reality contest is open to 10,000 Students in tertiary institutions, fresh graduates awaiting NYSC, Currently serving Corps members and immediate passed out NYSC members throughout Nigeria, who fall within the age of 16 to 30.

Registration costs a token of N1,000 after which such a person become a bona-fide participant. It must be mentioned that the contest presents a golden opportunity to Nigerian students and youths with one talent or the other (including singing, dancing, poetry, writing, comedy, etc) to showcase and propagate their talents as participants would be tasked to exhibit these talents to attract likes on their social media handles (specifically facebook, twitter and instagram) and votes from their supporters. 

At the end, the contest will produce 301 winners with:

• a student winning the star price of N100 Million with Global Ambassador Against Hunger (GAAH) Crown, 

• First Runner Ups: N10 Million  each, for 100 students with the highest number of votes, and

• Second Runner Ups: N5 Million each, for 200 contestants with the highest number of votes. 

• Prices for voters: 200 cars from Innoson motors will be won by 200 lucky voters - the aim of giving out cars from indigenous company is to empower both Nigerian business and its citizens to stimulate radical economic growth.

Registration commenced and it closes soon after which voting for participants would begin. For more details and registration, please visit:

www.richlifeafrica.ng 

Or Call: 08189886844, 09022392438, 07039271054 

Follow on:

Fb: Students Against Hunger 

Twitter: @studentsahunger

IG: @Students_againsthunger

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT DAY: SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE GLOBAL PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ONDO STATE STUDENTS, COMRADE AYOADE DAVID KIKIOWO, ON TUESDAY, 17TH OF NOVEMBER, 2020.

PROTOCOLS 

Today marks the 81st memorial honored by students all over the world. To remember the labour of the legends who put their lives on the line to fight for multiculturalism; for a society where all lives matter, whether Jews or Pagans, black or white; a society where culture is respected and not brutalized.

This year has been an adventurous one, we are caught in the web of a pandemic, ASUU strike and the historical End SARS movement. Nigerian youths and students have suffered severely from these blows. Recall that the lockdown has kept students away from school for months and the ASUU strike has continued to top the sad development for Undergraduates.

Covid-19 brought forced social-distancing and hunger on us, as the lockdown grounded a lot of economic activities. The leadership of the National Association of Ondo State Students put it upon herself to support her members with food items during this moment. It was recorded that several students benefitted from this show of love targeted at Ondo state students in Akure environment. We ensured the distribution of food items to areas like FUTA, Ondo road, Ijoka, Oda road and FECA.

Furthermore, the Gubernatorial election in October saw us sensitizing the public, especially young people on the importance of participating in the electoral process, by voting candidates of their choice. We also discouraged political apathy and highlighted the danger attached. For this cause, the Association organized a ‘Peace walk’ and with the aid of placards, it passed the message of Peace and Participation to the Ondo people. In the same vein, the Association was not silent about the ‘Popular Police Brutality’ that littered the streets and eroded the media. It was indeed a sad phase for the country. The Association organized a campaign and in the spirit of solidarity, raised a voice against Police Brutality.

Sad to note also is that the unemployment rate among young people rose from 29.7% to 34.9% in the second quarter of this year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. These worrisome figures continue to emphasize the need to upskill our youths and ensure their economic independence. This is a course that we are set to chart in the next few months. 

The National Association of Ondo State Students is launching a skill acquisition programme tagged

ONE NAOSSite, ONE SKILL. This project is targeted at empowering Ondo state students with relevant 21st-century digital skills. It is no news that the world is turning digital, we are in the future already.

More than 5,000 Ondo State students across Nigeria will benefit from this initiative. The courses include CopyWriting and Blogging, Graphic Design & Illustration, Forex / Cryptocurrencies, Digital and Social Media Marketing. Others include Retail Management Merchandising, Distribution and Marketing, Project and Product Management, Data Analysis Pivot Tables and Microsoft Excel, Programming and Assembly Language. We are excited to set on this course and are encouraging relevant stakeholders and partners to move with us on this journey.

With no doubt, the Association is persuaded that One NAOSSite One Skill empowerment initiative will prepare Ondo state students in secondary and tertiary institutions for the emerging digital economy, and raise a breed of problem solvers that would represent Ondo state and Nigeria in the world and lower the unemployment rate.

The Association would like to appeal to Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu to remember his promises concerning the payment of bursary, especially in a time like this where the country is just recovering from the effects of the pandemic. It is clear that bursary will relief students of Ondo state. We have waited for over eight months now and we call on the Governor to hearken to our pleas. We also call on the Ondo state government, to look into the payment of the West Africa Examination Council fee for Ondo State Public Schools to lift this burden off the shoulders of Sunshine boys and girls. As a dividend of democracy, let free education be free to the common man. We also call on the government to put infrastructures in place that will hasten the reopening of state-owned institutions. For if we are to lead the future, time must not be wasted in the present. We do hope that our pleas would hearkened to.

We also implore our Governor to consult with the Federal Government on resolving the impasse ongoing with the Academic Staff Union of Universities. The coalition of Students Union Presidents met in Ibadan recently for this purpose and issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve this impasse and reopen Universities in the country. Our stand is simple and replicates the resolution of the meeting held in Ibadan. We call on the public to also request that our Government promptly resolves this deadlock for the sake of the future of this country.

Finally, as students of Ondo state, we have seen the worst and best of days, we have experienced history. 2020 has tested us on all sides, yet we are strong and unbroken.  We should hold-on, a better time will come. Let us be upright in all our conducts, remembering that we are the image of the State and we are the Future. 

Long live NAOSS.

Long live Ondo state.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Aluta Continua! Victoria Ascerta.

Signed:

Comrade Ayoade David Kikiowo,

Global President, 

National Association of Ondo State Students

November 17, 2020

Copyright © 2020, Office of the President, Com. Ayoade Kikiowo 

All rights reserved.

A SPEECH PRESENTED BY AMB. BAKARE LUQMAN, CFO, CNO, CCSCRN, GCYP ,COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE,  TRANS-AFRICAN YOUTH INITIATIVE (TAYI), ON THE OCCASION OF THE AWARD PRESENTATION TO CHIEF (DR.) GEORGE MOGHALU , MANAGING DIRECTOR, NATIONAL INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY (NIWA).

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 4TH 2020.

PROTOCOL:

On behalf of the entire executive and members of TRANS-AFRICAN YOUTH INITIATIVE, I heartily welcome you to this epoch making occasion. I thank God who granted us journey mercies to this great occasion on the award presentation to a distinguished, outstanding and understanding Nigerian.

For the avoidance of cumbersome ambiguity, the TRANS-AFRICAN YOUTH INITIATIVE is the officially recognized voice of the 1.2 Billion young people of the Commonwealth. It is the largest and most diverse youth-led organization in the Africa. TAYI plays an integral role in advancing the youth development agenda and co-ordination of activities and policies of the Commonwealth in the field of youth. The council works for and represents the voice of all young people within the 53 Commonwealth nations.

more so, we pay keen attention to public office holders who have made the society better through their various means.

Our recognized activities include: Organizing seminar/workshop to enlighten Youths on societal ills such as cultism, examination malpractice, indecent dressing, drug abuse, presentation of seasonal lectures and symposia to train youths on leadership and skills acquisition, campaign against corruption, religious intolerance, violence on streets and other countless beneficial activities numerous to mention in print.

Through the years, the organization has been observing the way public office holders have been discharging their assigned duties in bid to delivering the Dividends of Democracy to the people of their respective community so that they could be identified, recognize and encourage to do even more.

The body has intervened severally in many other continental issues with direct bearing on the political and socio-economic fortune of many countries especially Nigeria. In doing so, we have created avenues for our members to participate in the business of nation building and an atmosphere to mélange ideas for self actualization. All these efforts are geared towards promoting integration and cooperation of every individual/corporate institution involved in providing good governance, peace and stability as well as accelerated development in Nigeria.

SIR, you are indeed a golden fish with no hidden habitat, as keen observer of your delectable and impeccable records, your visionary leadership and characteristic are rarely found amidst other men and lovers of youths in Africa.

Permit me to chronicle the following areas, where the quintessential icon have displayed rare commitment to the cause of humanity which make a gathering of this magnitude unavoidable Vis-à-vis, Adequate Security of live and properties,Educational Development, Educational Empowerment, nation building, Youth emancipation to mention but a few, philanthropy and your indelible contributions towards the transformation of good governance in NIWA among others which you have demonstrated in the quotidian running of your office, in conformity with the vision of His Excellency ,President Mohamodu Buhari, in transforming Nigeria among others.

We in TAYI, believes that there is urgent need for the present crop of Nigerian leaders and aspiring leaders in all human enterprise to start realizing the dreams of the founding fathers of our dear country, Sir Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr Nnamdi Azikwe, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, Sir Samuel Ladoke Akintola and Sir OlabisiOnabanjo whose activism snowballed from students unionism to nationalism, agitated for and secured, independence for most African countries in the 1950s and 1960s, while also dreaming new dreams to advance the progressive course of humanity.

I will like to say at this point that dreams of building a better society is sacrosanct and tedious, and can be perfectly achieved through a collective and collaboration effort from all well meaning habitats of such society, because when men hold the same idea in their mind, nothing can isolate them, neither the wall of the prison, nor the sod of cemetery, for a single idea and a common goal sustain them. It is on this premise that I want to appeal to the good people of NIWA, traditional Rulers, Local, States and Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the BokoHaram and Niger Delta Avengers menace in the northern and southern  part of the country in other to restore peace to the states affected.

Philosophers have interpreted the world; it is left for us to change it. A society can be move to greater height and higher ideas only by the number and strength of dreamers, thinkers and achievers available to it.

 Giving expression to these dreams requires continuous dose of patriotism, selflessness, determination and courage to trudge on against all odds, as being exemplified by our recipient of today’s award. I want to pray in the word of Martin Luther King Junior that May God gives us the ability to change what we can change, the resilience and fortitude to bear that which we cannot change and above all, the wisdom to distinguish between what we can change and what we cannot change. Amen.

As part of our goals and objectives, we are to embark on a program which we intend to carry out this month. The main theme of the conference:

“A HOLISTIC TO QUALITY ASSURANCE IN AFRICAN HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS-PRAGMATIC INTERVENTIONS BY THE SUPPLY AND DEMANS ACTORS”, which is starting on the 16th-20THNovember2020 at Accra Ghana. The summit will feature in Local Government Areas acrossall commonwealths African countries including Nigeria.

We hereby appeal to individuals, public office holders, and entrepreneurs to support us both financially and in kind to enable us attending these programs and other challenging tasks bedeviling us as an organization.

The award recipient has earned himself this NELSON MANDELA most revered Africa Patriot award of excellence as“AFRICA PATRIOTIC LEADER”And NIWA  AS "MOST ORGANISED AND YOUTH FRIENDLY GOVERNMENT AGENCY IN  AFRICA" Under his leadership, which was unanimously agreed at the national executive meeting held at the United Nations Youth Assembly, New Portein, South Africa.

Indeed, the recipient has won the heart of African Youths by his conduct and credentials as a distinguished leader, dogged administrator, bastion of hope and a state man per excellence.

I hereby, on behalf of the organization congratulates our amiable recipient of this award and wish him happy years ahead and we would continue to support you through prayers and goodwill.

To make a conclusion, we believe this honor will inspire other rulers to emulate your lives saving approach to issues of national development.

I thank you all and wish you save journey to your various destination.

Long live Chief George Moghalu,

Long Live NIWA,

Long live TAYI,

Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Oui Soweto!!! Oui Africa!!!

More pictures below :

Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, has slammed lawmakers at the House of Representatives for demanding more slots in the Special Works Programme of the Nigerian Government.

With 30 out of 1000 slots per local government to each member of the House, the minority caucus of the lower chamber rejected the slots, saying the sharing process was not transparent.

In a reply to the lawmakers, Keyamo said the slots were only a privilege not a right. 

He also said that the constituents of the lawmakers will benefit from the special works, adding that the threat of the lawmakers to reject the slots given to them was inconsequential.

He said, “The question of slots to certain persons was never a question of a right or entitlement, it is just a privilege given to them to recommend persons within their constituencies.

“The template is that 1000 persons will be picked from each local government area. That means whether they reject or accept is irrelevant because their constituents will still have their full entitlement of 1000 per local government.

“Except they want to tell Nigerians that it is only a section of those local government councils that they represent and not all the persons in the local government.”