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Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts

Easter: Senator Barau Preaches Unity, Tolerance, Perseverance

Easter: Senator Barau Preaches Unity, Tolerance, Perseverance

As Christians all over the world celebrate Easter, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has rejoiced with Christians in the country. 

The Federal Government had declared Friday, March 29, and Monday, April 1, 2024, as public holidays for the celebration of Good Friday and Easter Monday, respectively.

Senator Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, congratulated Christians for the successful completion of the Lenten season, a period of 40 days of fasting and prayer that culminated in the Easter celebration.

 He enjoined Christians to imbibe the teachings of Jesus Christ and the lessons of Easter which emphasise peace, love, perseverance and forgiveness.

He called on all Nigerians to reflect on the state of the nation and rededicate themselves in prayers and sacrifice even as he said the country’s challenges were surmountable if the people unite, love one another and pray for the country and its leadership to move the nation forward.

"I congratulate the entire Christian faithful on the occasion of this year's Easter celebration. I equally congratulate our Christian brothers and sisters on the successful completion of the  Lenten season, a period of 40 days of fasting and prayers," he said.

He prayed for peace and prosperity for all Nigerians and urged them to enjoy a stress-free and violence-free celebration.
As Christians all over the world celebrate Easter, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has rejoiced with Christians in the country. 

The Federal Government had declared Friday, March 29, and Monday, April 1, 2024, as public holidays for the celebration of Good Friday and Easter Monday, respectively.

Senator Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, congratulated Christians for the successful completion of the Lenten season, a period of 40 days of fasting and prayer that culminated in the Easter celebration.

 He enjoined Christians to imbibe the teachings of Jesus Christ and the lessons of Easter which emphasise peace, love, perseverance and forgiveness.

He called on all Nigerians to reflect on the state of the nation and rededicate themselves in prayers and sacrifice even as he said the country’s challenges were surmountable if the people unite, love one another and pray for the country and its leadership to move the nation forward.

"I congratulate the entire Christian faithful on the occasion of this year's Easter celebration. I equally congratulate our Christian brothers and sisters on the successful completion of the  Lenten season, a period of 40 days of fasting and prayers," he said.

He prayed for peace and prosperity for all Nigerians and urged them to enjoy a stress-free and violence-free celebration.

You're A Visionary Leader, Senator Barau Greets President Tinubu At 72

You're A Visionary Leader, Senator Barau Greets President Tinubu At 72

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a visionary leader, urging all to support the president in his quest to address the challenges facing the country.

Senator Barau stated this, in a statement, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, to mark the President's 72nd birthday.  

" I join all Nigerians and other admirers around the world in rejoicing with a Great Visionary Leader of Our Time, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on his 72nd birthday, on March 29, 2024.
 
" Your Excellency, you are, indeed, an exemplary embodiment of our democratic ideals, having been among the foremost in the vanguard of the struggle for the attainment and entrenchment of democracy in our dear country. 
 
" No doubt, your democratic temperament and sagacity are greatly facilitating the achievement of the Renewed Hope Agenda - in synergy with the National Assembly - restoring hope and taking our dear nation out of the security and economic challenges besetting it," he said.

The Deputy President of the Senate called on Nigerians of all persuasions to pray for the country and offer their full support to President Tinubu as he resets Nigeria.
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a visionary leader, urging all to support the president in his quest to address the challenges facing the country.

Senator Barau stated this, in a statement, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, to mark the President's 72nd birthday.  

" I join all Nigerians and other admirers around the world in rejoicing with a Great Visionary Leader of Our Time, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on his 72nd birthday, on March 29, 2024.
 
" Your Excellency, you are, indeed, an exemplary embodiment of our democratic ideals, having been among the foremost in the vanguard of the struggle for the attainment and entrenchment of democracy in our dear country. 
 
" No doubt, your democratic temperament and sagacity are greatly facilitating the achievement of the Renewed Hope Agenda - in synergy with the National Assembly - restoring hope and taking our dear nation out of the security and economic challenges besetting it," he said.

The Deputy President of the Senate called on Nigerians of all persuasions to pray for the country and offer their full support to President Tinubu as he resets Nigeria.

National Productivity Centre Launches Corporate Enhancement Programme

National Productivity Centre Launches Corporate Enhancement Programme

In a strategic move to bolster organizational effectiveness and foster a more vibrant workplace culture, the National Productivity Centre introduced its Corporate Enhancement Programme on March 26, 2024.

 The event saw the launch of the first edition of the Corporate Culture booklet, a milestone initiative undertaken by the Corporate Affairs and Information Department in collaboration with the Human Resource Management and Consultancy and Business Development Departments of the Centre.

In his opening remarks, the Director General, Dr Nasir Raji Mustapha shed light on the significance of corporate culture, emphasizing the importance of employees' attitudes towards their work and personal lives.

 He further stressed the need for passion and proactive contributions to the growth of the Centre, aimed at enhancing organizational practices and fostering a conducive work environment.

The event featured insightful presentations by officers, focused on key aspects of organizational culture and workplace ethics. Hajiya Maimuna Adaji, the Head of the Corporate Affairs and Information Department, delved into the intricacies of "improving NPC organisational culture," highlighting the pivotal role of organizational philosophy in shaping employee behavior and management practices.
Barrister Philip Idokwu, in his presentation on "Work Ethics and Discipline in the Workplace," underscored the importance of cultivating a culture of efficiency and effectiveness among staff members to drive organizational success. 

Similarly, Mrs. Tonye Ukwa's discourse on "5S Good Housekeeping" advocated for a systematic approach to enhancing workplace productivity through diligent maintenance practices.
Engineer Lynda Bitrus Elisa expounded Work Occupancy, urging employees to leverage their time at work to maximize productivity and add value to themselves and the Centre as a whole. 

The programme garnered overwhelming support from Directors across various departments, who commended the initiative as a significant step towards achieving organizational excellence.

In a show of commitment to the programme's objectives, management affirmed their dedication to fostering a collaborative work environment and holding staff accountable for upholding the Centre's corporate culture. Introductions were made for the newly appointed Information Desk Officers, signaling a progressive effort to enhance communication channels and promote a culture of transparency within the Centre.

As the event drew to a close, Mr. Martin Okonkwo, Deputy Director of the Corporate Affairs and Information Department, gave the Vote of Thanks, expressing optimism for the programme's success and reaffirming the Centre's commitment to sustaining a dynamic and growth-oriented workplace culture. The Director General also unveiled the Information Board.

The Corporate Enhancement Programme marked a pivotal moment in the Centre's journey towards organizational excellence.
In a strategic move to bolster organizational effectiveness and foster a more vibrant workplace culture, the National Productivity Centre introduced its Corporate Enhancement Programme on March 26, 2024.

 The event saw the launch of the first edition of the Corporate Culture booklet, a milestone initiative undertaken by the Corporate Affairs and Information Department in collaboration with the Human Resource Management and Consultancy and Business Development Departments of the Centre.

In his opening remarks, the Director General, Dr Nasir Raji Mustapha shed light on the significance of corporate culture, emphasizing the importance of employees' attitudes towards their work and personal lives.

 He further stressed the need for passion and proactive contributions to the growth of the Centre, aimed at enhancing organizational practices and fostering a conducive work environment.

The event featured insightful presentations by officers, focused on key aspects of organizational culture and workplace ethics. Hajiya Maimuna Adaji, the Head of the Corporate Affairs and Information Department, delved into the intricacies of "improving NPC organisational culture," highlighting the pivotal role of organizational philosophy in shaping employee behavior and management practices.
Barrister Philip Idokwu, in his presentation on "Work Ethics and Discipline in the Workplace," underscored the importance of cultivating a culture of efficiency and effectiveness among staff members to drive organizational success. 

Similarly, Mrs. Tonye Ukwa's discourse on "5S Good Housekeeping" advocated for a systematic approach to enhancing workplace productivity through diligent maintenance practices.
Engineer Lynda Bitrus Elisa expounded Work Occupancy, urging employees to leverage their time at work to maximize productivity and add value to themselves and the Centre as a whole. 

The programme garnered overwhelming support from Directors across various departments, who commended the initiative as a significant step towards achieving organizational excellence.

In a show of commitment to the programme's objectives, management affirmed their dedication to fostering a collaborative work environment and holding staff accountable for upholding the Centre's corporate culture. Introductions were made for the newly appointed Information Desk Officers, signaling a progressive effort to enhance communication channels and promote a culture of transparency within the Centre.

As the event drew to a close, Mr. Martin Okonkwo, Deputy Director of the Corporate Affairs and Information Department, gave the Vote of Thanks, expressing optimism for the programme's success and reaffirming the Centre's commitment to sustaining a dynamic and growth-oriented workplace culture. The Director General also unveiled the Information Board.

The Corporate Enhancement Programme marked a pivotal moment in the Centre's journey towards organizational excellence.

FULL TEXT OF SPEECH BY OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA, AT THE PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF A BOOK, ESSENTIALS OF PUBLIC ASSET MANAGEMENT, WRITTEN BY NIYI OLANIPEKUN

FULL TEXT OF SPEECH BY OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA, AT THE PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF A BOOK, ESSENTIALS OF PUBLIC ASSET MANAGEMENT, WRITTEN BY NIYI OLANIPEKUN



By Jumoke Owoola 
FULL TEXT OF SPEECH BY OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA, AT THE PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF A BOOK, ESSENTIALS OF PUBLIC ASSET MANAGEMENT, WRITTEN BY NIYI OLANIPEKUN, AT CITY DWELLERS HOTEL, OSOGBO, ON TUESDAY MARCH 26, 2024

It gives me great pleasure to be at this very important occasion, the launching and public presentation of the book, ‘Essentials of Public Asset Management’ written by Niyi Olanipekun. I must therefore thank the author for the kind invitation to this event.

I may not be an expert on the subject of asset management, but I have been privileged to occupy public offices three times – first as commissioner in Lagos, then as the governor of our dear state, Osun, and as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These offices have put me in position of responsibility over public assets.

Public assets can be traced to the mythical social contract and the origin of government when individuals gave up the power of governing themselves and surrendered it to the sovereign who will govern on their behalf. The common public utilities like roads and water bodies became facilities used by members of the public, superintended and managed by the government on behalf of all members of the state.

Of course, public assets have grown with time to include cash, stocks, street lights, vehicles, stadia, infrastructure, buildings and even public toilets. Government is now defined in the adequacy and effectiveness or otherwise of these assets. Take roads for instance. These are essential for the seamless movement of persons and goods from one place to another, for economic and social activities. One of the ways in which the effectiveness of government is measured is the state of roads and this includes safety from accidents and attacks by criminals.

Vehicles are essential to the functioning of the government and not a privilege or for fancy. An official has to be at the right place and at the right time to be effective. Though there are often abuses but this will not vitiate the purpose. Government vehicles must therefore be sufficient and be well maintained.

Government buildings are a prime asset. A perceptive writer and editor with _Time_ magazine, Nancy Gibbs, in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack in the United States wrote that if you want to cripple an empire, it makes sense to main its cathedrals. The strength, power and prestige of a nation are revealed in the quality of government buildings. In many cases, these assets are a monument and a testament of the people’s creativity and sense of value. In some countries, private assets are acquired by the government and then designated as monument.

In the past, the most beautiful and the grandest building in any community used to be the king’s palace. This is why an invading and conquering power would first desecrate and then destroy the king’s palace to assert their conquest.

It must be noted that though these assets are named after the government, they are indeed owned by the people whom the government is established to serve. It is therefore self-defeating for the people to steal, vandalise or destroy public asset during riots and in a fit of public rage. It is the greatest act of self-harm. It is the most unwise thing to do. 

These assets will be replaced anyway at public expense and the scarce resources that should have been devoted to other things will now be deployed for their replacement or restoration. Some may not even be easy to be replaced immediately and the public would now be denied of their use after the rage had died. It is therefore the responsibility of every citizen to protect public assets from theft, vandalism and destruction.

I must commend the author who was part of our administration and served in the management of public assets. His experience, no doubt, must have inspired this book. It is a collection for history and for the understanding of the craft of asset management. It will also help those in position to manage public asset have insight and gain from his experience. I greatly applaud his effort and recommend the book for all.

I am asking as well that those who occupied positions of responsibility in government to also put their experience together in a book for the public to drink from their fountain of wisdom.

I thank most sincerely all our people, associates, associations, groups and individuals who have come here to honour me with their presence, as I thank you all for your kind attention.

Osun a dara!

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was the former Governor of Osun State and also the immediate past Interior  Minister in Nigeria.


By Jumoke Owoola 
FULL TEXT OF SPEECH BY OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA, AT THE PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF A BOOK, ESSENTIALS OF PUBLIC ASSET MANAGEMENT, WRITTEN BY NIYI OLANIPEKUN, AT CITY DWELLERS HOTEL, OSOGBO, ON TUESDAY MARCH 26, 2024

It gives me great pleasure to be at this very important occasion, the launching and public presentation of the book, ‘Essentials of Public Asset Management’ written by Niyi Olanipekun. I must therefore thank the author for the kind invitation to this event.

I may not be an expert on the subject of asset management, but I have been privileged to occupy public offices three times – first as commissioner in Lagos, then as the governor of our dear state, Osun, and as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These offices have put me in position of responsibility over public assets.

Public assets can be traced to the mythical social contract and the origin of government when individuals gave up the power of governing themselves and surrendered it to the sovereign who will govern on their behalf. The common public utilities like roads and water bodies became facilities used by members of the public, superintended and managed by the government on behalf of all members of the state.

Of course, public assets have grown with time to include cash, stocks, street lights, vehicles, stadia, infrastructure, buildings and even public toilets. Government is now defined in the adequacy and effectiveness or otherwise of these assets. Take roads for instance. These are essential for the seamless movement of persons and goods from one place to another, for economic and social activities. One of the ways in which the effectiveness of government is measured is the state of roads and this includes safety from accidents and attacks by criminals.

Vehicles are essential to the functioning of the government and not a privilege or for fancy. An official has to be at the right place and at the right time to be effective. Though there are often abuses but this will not vitiate the purpose. Government vehicles must therefore be sufficient and be well maintained.

Government buildings are a prime asset. A perceptive writer and editor with _Time_ magazine, Nancy Gibbs, in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack in the United States wrote that if you want to cripple an empire, it makes sense to main its cathedrals. The strength, power and prestige of a nation are revealed in the quality of government buildings. In many cases, these assets are a monument and a testament of the people’s creativity and sense of value. In some countries, private assets are acquired by the government and then designated as monument.

In the past, the most beautiful and the grandest building in any community used to be the king’s palace. This is why an invading and conquering power would first desecrate and then destroy the king’s palace to assert their conquest.

It must be noted that though these assets are named after the government, they are indeed owned by the people whom the government is established to serve. It is therefore self-defeating for the people to steal, vandalise or destroy public asset during riots and in a fit of public rage. It is the greatest act of self-harm. It is the most unwise thing to do. 

These assets will be replaced anyway at public expense and the scarce resources that should have been devoted to other things will now be deployed for their replacement or restoration. Some may not even be easy to be replaced immediately and the public would now be denied of their use after the rage had died. It is therefore the responsibility of every citizen to protect public assets from theft, vandalism and destruction.

I must commend the author who was part of our administration and served in the management of public assets. His experience, no doubt, must have inspired this book. It is a collection for history and for the understanding of the craft of asset management. It will also help those in position to manage public asset have insight and gain from his experience. I greatly applaud his effort and recommend the book for all.

I am asking as well that those who occupied positions of responsibility in government to also put their experience together in a book for the public to drink from their fountain of wisdom.

I thank most sincerely all our people, associates, associations, groups and individuals who have come here to honour me with their presence, as I thank you all for your kind attention.

Osun a dara!

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was the former Governor of Osun State and also the immediate past Interior  Minister in Nigeria.

Northern Group Lashes At Critics Of Tompolo

Northern Group Lashes At Critics Of Tompolo

By Abubakar Yusuf 

The Arewa Intelligentia Caucus has lambasted General Olarenwaju.the former communications Minister over his negative comments on a pipeline surveillance companies engaged by the federal government.

A statement jointly signed by the President  of the group, Abubakar Ciroma and Nasiru Adamu , the publicity secretary released on Wednesday frowned at the unguarded utterances credited to the retired general and sone self appointed groups.


He said it is a figment of imagination for anyone or group to contemplate that the military and the security company Tantita are colluding to encourage oil thefts in the Niger Delta rather than protecting same.

The statement further maintained those that are afraid of Tompolo and the security outfit, Tantita are at work .

He described them variously those at work are dissidents who failed to influence government to turn down it's renewal, illegal bunkerers that the company had rose against their activities, those who also lost bid to secure the security job, as well as their bid to decentralize the security job.

They also accused them of their inability to plant a surrogate in the presidential amnesty program , and those economic saboteurs whose activities were checkmated by the Tantita security outfit.


The statement further reads..


WHO IS AFRAID OF TOMPOLO IN THE NIGER DELTA AND WANTS HIM  EASED OUT?

"On the heels of the March 14, 2024, murder of officers and soldiers of 181 Amphibious Battalion, Nigerian Army Bomadi, in Delta State, Retired Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju, former Communication Minister, like a dinosaur emerged out of oblivion to take a swipe at private security companies, hired by the Federal Government to provide surveillance over the nation's oil assets. "

"In a follow up, three days, or there about, a faceless group also came out to make a frontal attack at Tompolo and his security  surveillance outfit, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL)."

" Its grouse was that Tompolo and the murdered Nigerian Army officers and soldiers were involved in oil theft.
 Accusations Nigerians see as a lie and unsubstantiated."

"The questions that arise from the tirades prompt one ask: who is afraid of Tompolo and Tantita and wants their integrity tarnished to get them out of the way?"

"1 They are the frustrated crude oil barons in the Niger Delta, whose illegal crude oil bunkering activities were crippled and flushed out by Tantita Security Services Limited. "

"2.They are those who lost bids to secure pipelines surveillance and protection contracts.
 They were denied contracts because security reports that found them unworthy."

"3.They are those who failed in their desperate effort to break and decentralize the existing pipelines surveillance contracts of the Federal Government."

"4.They are the same collectives of disenchanted national economic saboteurs, who lost sleep and peace of mind, because their ill intentions were checkmated by operatives of Tompolo's Tantita. "

"5 They think Tompolo once again out smarted them when they failed to plant through the back door, a surrogate in the Presidential Amnesty Programme, as administrator."

"These people are known to the Federal Government as men having dubious objectives and intentions.
 They have never been found worthy of trust. Their criminal activities are well known to the authorities."

" They are envious of Tompolo for being in a symbiotic and warm relationship with the federal government, to take  the nation's  economy out of the woods.
They regularly drag him with petty blackmails out of frustration.
 Will engaging in names - calling help their situation?"

 "Only genuine repentance from criminality would.
 Those who go to equity must appear with clean hands. 
The government is not oblivious of their notoriety. 
 Tompolo is a man of conscience and integrity, vilifying campaigns won't change public perception of him."

"For us outside the Niger Delta, we deeply appreciate Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, for stabilizing crude oil production, raising it from 600,000 barrels per day to near 1.7 million barrels. This is patriotism at work and a standing up for the fatherland."

"The recent collaboration between the Armed Forces and Tantita galvanized the economy, else it would have been in complete shambles. Those Tantita chased out of Niger Delta for crude theft and economic sabotage are fighting back, using decoys like General Olanrewaju retired and others."

"Tantita's operations have caused collateral damage to the facilities of the oil syndicates. Equipment worth millions of dollars, used in stealing and siphoning crude were impounded by Tantita. "

"The thieves have done all they could to manipulate the situation, including running to court and coercing Tompolo. But the situation remains unchanged and dicey for them. "

 "The determination to properly apply the law in the prosecution of the crews of the impounded vessels, MT Kali and MT HARBOR SPIRIT had taken the wind off the sails of the oil syndicates."

"They have deployed every tactic in the book to fight the system, but their tricks are not working. The court order, which sanctioned the confiscation of the bunkering vessels, their contents and detention of crews is still in place.
 No cutting corners this time, the battle to free crude production completely from criminal interference rages. "

"We are therefore elated that the baron owners of the ships are being held and prosecuted. 
This is the first time that the law is being fully applied.
 Thanks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for not listening to fifth columns."

"Tantita's operation has received accolades from the Presidency, the Service Chiefs, National Assembly (NASS) and a consortium of national newspapers, including the powerful Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)."

"Even the Navy, that initially posed resistance to Tantita backed down, when confronted with the firm's resolute determination to put an end to the economic sabotage. "

"A prophet is usually not honoured at home. Desperate oil thieves  at home and their  international backers of oil barons are those behind efforts to drag Tompolo and Tantita in the mud."

 "They have joined hands with those who either  failed in the bid for  the pipeline surveillance contracts or failed to  in their wicked desire to force the Federal Government to decentralise the ongoing contracts."

"It is ridiculous to associate Tompolo with the despicable killing of soldiers at Okuama. Is Tompolo from that area? Is Okuama an integral part of Tompolo's enclave in Gbaramatu kingdom, where he holds the ace?"

"Does Tompolo's overlordship spread to Urhobo community of Okuama, in Ughelli South Council Area of Delta State, the hotbed of the bloodbath ? 
 Those smearing him want to create doubts on his character.
 They failed in previous attempts. They will also fail in this."

"The Nigerian Army came public to tell the nation that they know those who murdered their personnel and the cirsumstances leading to the tragic end of the slain troops. Tompolo is as clean as a whistle."

 "And from available intelligence, the wanted leader of the killer gang, one Endurance Okodeh, alias Amagbein, also recently killed a Tantita coordinator in the area. 
Okuama does not have oil and gas facilities. So, where was Tompolo taking the soldiers to for bunkering in the araea when they ran into ambush as expressed in the publication?"

"Before Tantita recent alliance with the Nigerian Navy, there were some misconceptions between both parties. The Navy would have exposed Tompolo if he was involved in illegal bunkering, this would have afforded the Navy the much-needed opportunity to strike and  nail the ex-Niger Delta militant leader. At the end of the face-off, the Navy and its authorities were forced to eat the humble pies."

"Fabricating stories of Tompolo's theft of oil is therefore not credible.
Tompolo should not be distracted. His people and their external cohorts  are the one after him for selfish reasons. He should be left alone."

 "Must Tompolo be dragged into everything just to pull him down?
 Those of us outside the Niger Delta, especially all right thinking Nigerians are happy with the role Tompolo is playing in the national interest."

"The syndicate of crude thieves have hired all and sundry to malign and disparage Tantita and other private security companies involved in pipelines surveillance. All their effort seems like water poured on the back of a dock." 

"Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju being one of such individuals. He placed the cart before the horse to his utter embarrassment."

"The assault on Tompolo and Tantita appears not to bear fruits, because like an octopus, the Federal Government has many tentacles everywhere.
 It keeps an eye on Tompolo. The government knows the allegations are not true. The promoters of the smear campaign shall fall flat on their faces and destroy themselves in the process."

"We in the AREWA INTELLIGENTIA CAUCUS, a broad-based intellectual forum of the three Northern geo-political zones of Nigeria, therefore seizes this opportunity to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to confer a national honour on Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, in acknowledgement of his roles in nation building and development.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria."
By Abubakar Yusuf 

The Arewa Intelligentia Caucus has lambasted General Olarenwaju.the former communications Minister over his negative comments on a pipeline surveillance companies engaged by the federal government.

A statement jointly signed by the President  of the group, Abubakar Ciroma and Nasiru Adamu , the publicity secretary released on Wednesday frowned at the unguarded utterances credited to the retired general and sone self appointed groups.


He said it is a figment of imagination for anyone or group to contemplate that the military and the security company Tantita are colluding to encourage oil thefts in the Niger Delta rather than protecting same.

The statement further maintained those that are afraid of Tompolo and the security outfit, Tantita are at work .

He described them variously those at work are dissidents who failed to influence government to turn down it's renewal, illegal bunkerers that the company had rose against their activities, those who also lost bid to secure the security job, as well as their bid to decentralize the security job.

They also accused them of their inability to plant a surrogate in the presidential amnesty program , and those economic saboteurs whose activities were checkmated by the Tantita security outfit.


The statement further reads..


WHO IS AFRAID OF TOMPOLO IN THE NIGER DELTA AND WANTS HIM  EASED OUT?

"On the heels of the March 14, 2024, murder of officers and soldiers of 181 Amphibious Battalion, Nigerian Army Bomadi, in Delta State, Retired Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju, former Communication Minister, like a dinosaur emerged out of oblivion to take a swipe at private security companies, hired by the Federal Government to provide surveillance over the nation's oil assets. "

"In a follow up, three days, or there about, a faceless group also came out to make a frontal attack at Tompolo and his security  surveillance outfit, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL)."

" Its grouse was that Tompolo and the murdered Nigerian Army officers and soldiers were involved in oil theft.
 Accusations Nigerians see as a lie and unsubstantiated."

"The questions that arise from the tirades prompt one ask: who is afraid of Tompolo and Tantita and wants their integrity tarnished to get them out of the way?"

"1 They are the frustrated crude oil barons in the Niger Delta, whose illegal crude oil bunkering activities were crippled and flushed out by Tantita Security Services Limited. "

"2.They are those who lost bids to secure pipelines surveillance and protection contracts.
 They were denied contracts because security reports that found them unworthy."

"3.They are those who failed in their desperate effort to break and decentralize the existing pipelines surveillance contracts of the Federal Government."

"4.They are the same collectives of disenchanted national economic saboteurs, who lost sleep and peace of mind, because their ill intentions were checkmated by operatives of Tompolo's Tantita. "

"5 They think Tompolo once again out smarted them when they failed to plant through the back door, a surrogate in the Presidential Amnesty Programme, as administrator."

"These people are known to the Federal Government as men having dubious objectives and intentions.
 They have never been found worthy of trust. Their criminal activities are well known to the authorities."

" They are envious of Tompolo for being in a symbiotic and warm relationship with the federal government, to take  the nation's  economy out of the woods.
They regularly drag him with petty blackmails out of frustration.
 Will engaging in names - calling help their situation?"

 "Only genuine repentance from criminality would.
 Those who go to equity must appear with clean hands. 
The government is not oblivious of their notoriety. 
 Tompolo is a man of conscience and integrity, vilifying campaigns won't change public perception of him."

"For us outside the Niger Delta, we deeply appreciate Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, for stabilizing crude oil production, raising it from 600,000 barrels per day to near 1.7 million barrels. This is patriotism at work and a standing up for the fatherland."

"The recent collaboration between the Armed Forces and Tantita galvanized the economy, else it would have been in complete shambles. Those Tantita chased out of Niger Delta for crude theft and economic sabotage are fighting back, using decoys like General Olanrewaju retired and others."

"Tantita's operations have caused collateral damage to the facilities of the oil syndicates. Equipment worth millions of dollars, used in stealing and siphoning crude were impounded by Tantita. "

"The thieves have done all they could to manipulate the situation, including running to court and coercing Tompolo. But the situation remains unchanged and dicey for them. "

 "The determination to properly apply the law in the prosecution of the crews of the impounded vessels, MT Kali and MT HARBOR SPIRIT had taken the wind off the sails of the oil syndicates."

"They have deployed every tactic in the book to fight the system, but their tricks are not working. The court order, which sanctioned the confiscation of the bunkering vessels, their contents and detention of crews is still in place.
 No cutting corners this time, the battle to free crude production completely from criminal interference rages. "

"We are therefore elated that the baron owners of the ships are being held and prosecuted. 
This is the first time that the law is being fully applied.
 Thanks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for not listening to fifth columns."

"Tantita's operation has received accolades from the Presidency, the Service Chiefs, National Assembly (NASS) and a consortium of national newspapers, including the powerful Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)."

"Even the Navy, that initially posed resistance to Tantita backed down, when confronted with the firm's resolute determination to put an end to the economic sabotage. "

"A prophet is usually not honoured at home. Desperate oil thieves  at home and their  international backers of oil barons are those behind efforts to drag Tompolo and Tantita in the mud."

 "They have joined hands with those who either  failed in the bid for  the pipeline surveillance contracts or failed to  in their wicked desire to force the Federal Government to decentralise the ongoing contracts."

"It is ridiculous to associate Tompolo with the despicable killing of soldiers at Okuama. Is Tompolo from that area? Is Okuama an integral part of Tompolo's enclave in Gbaramatu kingdom, where he holds the ace?"

"Does Tompolo's overlordship spread to Urhobo community of Okuama, in Ughelli South Council Area of Delta State, the hotbed of the bloodbath ? 
 Those smearing him want to create doubts on his character.
 They failed in previous attempts. They will also fail in this."

"The Nigerian Army came public to tell the nation that they know those who murdered their personnel and the cirsumstances leading to the tragic end of the slain troops. Tompolo is as clean as a whistle."

 "And from available intelligence, the wanted leader of the killer gang, one Endurance Okodeh, alias Amagbein, also recently killed a Tantita coordinator in the area. 
Okuama does not have oil and gas facilities. So, where was Tompolo taking the soldiers to for bunkering in the araea when they ran into ambush as expressed in the publication?"

"Before Tantita recent alliance with the Nigerian Navy, there were some misconceptions between both parties. The Navy would have exposed Tompolo if he was involved in illegal bunkering, this would have afforded the Navy the much-needed opportunity to strike and  nail the ex-Niger Delta militant leader. At the end of the face-off, the Navy and its authorities were forced to eat the humble pies."

"Fabricating stories of Tompolo's theft of oil is therefore not credible.
Tompolo should not be distracted. His people and their external cohorts  are the one after him for selfish reasons. He should be left alone."

 "Must Tompolo be dragged into everything just to pull him down?
 Those of us outside the Niger Delta, especially all right thinking Nigerians are happy with the role Tompolo is playing in the national interest."

"The syndicate of crude thieves have hired all and sundry to malign and disparage Tantita and other private security companies involved in pipelines surveillance. All their effort seems like water poured on the back of a dock." 

"Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju being one of such individuals. He placed the cart before the horse to his utter embarrassment."

"The assault on Tompolo and Tantita appears not to bear fruits, because like an octopus, the Federal Government has many tentacles everywhere.
 It keeps an eye on Tompolo. The government knows the allegations are not true. The promoters of the smear campaign shall fall flat on their faces and destroy themselves in the process."

"We in the AREWA INTELLIGENTIA CAUCUS, a broad-based intellectual forum of the three Northern geo-political zones of Nigeria, therefore seizes this opportunity to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to confer a national honour on Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, in acknowledgement of his roles in nation building and development.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

Integrated Institute Of Professional Management Appoints Dr Akor As Chairman, Council

Integrated Institute Of Professional Management Appoints Dr Akor As Chairman, Council

By Abubakar Yusuf 

The Integrated Institute of Professional Management (IIPM) has appointed Dr Kashim Akor NPOM, FNIM as the new council Chairman.

A letter of appointment dated Tuesday, 26th March , 2024 stated that the appointment was based on his vast experience, and distinguished service as the former Director General, National Productivity Centre as well as to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity made you invaluable to the leadership team .

Dr Akor who is expected to provide a crucial role in providing strategic direction , oversight, and guidance to the institute, with a view to ensuring that it continue to uphold the commitment to excellence in professional management, training and certification.

The four year term appointment of Dr Kashim, the immediate past Director General , National Productivity Centre NPC took effect from April , 1 , 2024.
By Abubakar Yusuf 

The Integrated Institute of Professional Management (IIPM) has appointed Dr Kashim Akor NPOM, FNIM as the new council Chairman.

A letter of appointment dated Tuesday, 26th March , 2024 stated that the appointment was based on his vast experience, and distinguished service as the former Director General, National Productivity Centre as well as to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity made you invaluable to the leadership team .

Dr Akor who is expected to provide a crucial role in providing strategic direction , oversight, and guidance to the institute, with a view to ensuring that it continue to uphold the commitment to excellence in professional management, training and certification.

The four year term appointment of Dr Kashim, the immediate past Director General , National Productivity Centre NPC took effect from April , 1 , 2024.

Teachers Internship Scheme: UBEC And Streamlining Of Basic Education

Teachers Internship Scheme: UBEC And Streamlining Of Basic Education

By Abubakar Yusuf 

The Teachers Internship Scheme (TIS) was conceived to avoid the recurrence of pre and post COVID experiences were learning was suspended as a result of the global pandemic that ravaged the world over with Nigeria not in exception.

The Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC on the drivers seat took advantage of the situation to inculcate technological breakthrough in its curriculum, deploying skills and knowledge of teachers in Basic Education in the country .

Also the need to assist the sub national level to keying into the high technology demand, with Education not left out, particularly in the 21st century occasioned the timely resolution and decision of the current leadership under Dr Hamid Bobboyi to move Basic Education beyond mere analogue, rhetorics and in line with the global realities.

This was against the backdrop of the previous arrangement under the Federal Teachers Scheme (FTS),  that was laced with outdated arrangements, hence the enrollment of some professional teachers to undergo in-depth training for two years, with dual advantage of inculcating modest technology driven experience and also to improve Basic Education with equation to global engagements.

With unabated experiences militating against its operations under the artificial and natural occurences, the proactive decisions taken by the commission to avoid recurrence led to the establishment of 37 Smart Schools across the country, that will reduce to the barest minimum the experience of pre and post COVID era. 

The debilitating effects of COVID among other unforseen circumstances led to the decision to design a laudable program to support state governments in line with the emergence of new crop of teachers at that level, who are possessed with the skills and knowledge to excel digital age and deploy Smart Education.

The commission using multiple approach also decided to introduce the Teachers Internship Scheme (TIS) to nip in the bud the dearth of teachers and need to reorient the existing ones across the country.

This was followed by the establishment of Resource Centres to cater and train the school personnel deployed for capacity building in line with the rules of engagement, in collaboration with KOICA, a major global sponsor of technology driven projects under a multi million running into $10.4M arrangements.

Since Information and Communication Technology has become the order of the day world over, capable of enhancing teaching and learning at Basic Education level , since the new order that is in vogue cannot be overlooked.

The two years internship organised by the commission for Education graduates who are expected to undergo  training will transform not only teachers of new breed with high tech skills and knowledge , harness power of technology, and will inturn transform learning outcomes/ expectations.

Conversely, the new breed of teachers deployed for Nigeria's Basic Education programs will not have inculcated a Smart Teachers experience and exposure alone, but becomes  innovators with catalyst for changes and modernisation, as well as architect of a brighter future for the Nigeria child and a reformed teaching profession.

Aside transforming the Basic Education with the new internship program, the impact of technology on every aspect of Education will become sancrosanct, with detachment of traditional mode no longer viable, as this will also guarantee adequate preparation for future challenges and opportunities.

The new era of global competitiveness across the world that is modest with the establishment of Smart Schools in conjunction with State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB across the state and the FCT,  will be capable of streamlining not only capacity building, but digital content that included Maths and Science Education.

This new arrangement, no doubt will prepare and project Basic Education in Nigeria as an alternative to both pre and post COVID era,  with intermittent lockdowns across the globe with grave consequences on the country.

Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on [email protected]
By Abubakar Yusuf 

The Teachers Internship Scheme (TIS) was conceived to avoid the recurrence of pre and post COVID experiences were learning was suspended as a result of the global pandemic that ravaged the world over with Nigeria not in exception.

The Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC on the drivers seat took advantage of the situation to inculcate technological breakthrough in its curriculum, deploying skills and knowledge of teachers in Basic Education in the country .

Also the need to assist the sub national level to keying into the high technology demand, with Education not left out, particularly in the 21st century occasioned the timely resolution and decision of the current leadership under Dr Hamid Bobboyi to move Basic Education beyond mere analogue, rhetorics and in line with the global realities.

This was against the backdrop of the previous arrangement under the Federal Teachers Scheme (FTS),  that was laced with outdated arrangements, hence the enrollment of some professional teachers to undergo in-depth training for two years, with dual advantage of inculcating modest technology driven experience and also to improve Basic Education with equation to global engagements.

With unabated experiences militating against its operations under the artificial and natural occurences, the proactive decisions taken by the commission to avoid recurrence led to the establishment of 37 Smart Schools across the country, that will reduce to the barest minimum the experience of pre and post COVID era. 

The debilitating effects of COVID among other unforseen circumstances led to the decision to design a laudable program to support state governments in line with the emergence of new crop of teachers at that level, who are possessed with the skills and knowledge to excel digital age and deploy Smart Education.

The commission using multiple approach also decided to introduce the Teachers Internship Scheme (TIS) to nip in the bud the dearth of teachers and need to reorient the existing ones across the country.

This was followed by the establishment of Resource Centres to cater and train the school personnel deployed for capacity building in line with the rules of engagement, in collaboration with KOICA, a major global sponsor of technology driven projects under a multi million running into $10.4M arrangements.

Since Information and Communication Technology has become the order of the day world over, capable of enhancing teaching and learning at Basic Education level , since the new order that is in vogue cannot be overlooked.

The two years internship organised by the commission for Education graduates who are expected to undergo  training will transform not only teachers of new breed with high tech skills and knowledge , harness power of technology, and will inturn transform learning outcomes/ expectations.

Conversely, the new breed of teachers deployed for Nigeria's Basic Education programs will not have inculcated a Smart Teachers experience and exposure alone, but becomes  innovators with catalyst for changes and modernisation, as well as architect of a brighter future for the Nigeria child and a reformed teaching profession.

Aside transforming the Basic Education with the new internship program, the impact of technology on every aspect of Education will become sancrosanct, with detachment of traditional mode no longer viable, as this will also guarantee adequate preparation for future challenges and opportunities.

The new era of global competitiveness across the world that is modest with the establishment of Smart Schools in conjunction with State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB across the state and the FCT,  will be capable of streamlining not only capacity building, but digital content that included Maths and Science Education.

This new arrangement, no doubt will prepare and project Basic Education in Nigeria as an alternative to both pre and post COVID era,  with intermittent lockdowns across the globe with grave consequences on the country.

Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on [email protected]

Ojo; Hitting The Ground Running In FHA

Ojo; Hitting The Ground Running In FHA

By Abubakar Yusuf

The new Managing Director, Chief Executive officer CEO, Federal Housing Authority FHA, Hon Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on February 15th, 2024 along with his management team to boost his Renewed Hope Agenda in the housing sector in the country.

With decades experience in the real estate business both in the private and public sector, Ojo secured the nod of Nigeria government to enable him contribute his quota to national development, with huge wealth of experience.

Ojo who assumed duty after the inaugural ceremony held on Thursday, February 22nd ,2024 described  the leadership  as a"new sheriff in town ".

"Hon Oyetunde Ojo, has reiterated the readiness of the Authority’s new Executive Management Team to turn around the agency's fortune in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR."

"Hon Ojo who revealed this at the inaugural meeting on Thursday, 22nd February  2024, between the Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa with the agencies under his ministry. "

"The MD, who said he has noted the lapses on the side of the Authority as was contained in the Hon Minister's address, stated  that  his team would do everything to return FHA to the path of glory.and success. "

"According to him," a new sherif is in town. Our mission is to help Mr. President realize the Renewed Hope agenda of his government ".

Through to his statement, he promised to key in with a view to revolutionizing the housing sector in line with the aspirations and expectations of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ojo who was visibly prepared for the new assignment stated that the era of needles bureaucracy has become a thing of the past , stating he will be working day and night , both in the rain and the sun to meet the expectations of the government and it's anxiousness to deliver affordable mass housing to ordinary Nigerians.

In his maiden brief to journalists and playing host to the management of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, a financial institution that supports development of housing and real estate sector which Nigeria is a leading member to familiariase with the new leadership and administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  at the same time kick start thr arrangements to invest quantum amount of Multi Billion Dollars into housing development in Nigeria.

The significance of the meeting showed the willingness and enablement of the new leadership to tackle housing deficit in Nigeria headlong, with a promise to provide not only affordable houses, but for low income earners across the country.

He stated that the era of using Lagos and Abuja as a template for measuring the success and achievements of previous leadership in FHA has gone for good , as the new leadership will spread across the 36 states of the country including the Federal Capital Territory FCT.

"We want to see the new FHA making giant strides and in road in housing in Ekiti, Yobe, Kebbi , Sokoto , Ebonyi, Benue among many other states in the country." He opined.

The new Managing Director who described the visit of the global financing outfit for real estate as timely promised to work assiduously with the leadership to realize it's investment in the housing sector in Nigeria not for 2024 alone , but going forward particularly keying into tue new design of studios, one bedrooms , two or three bedroom apartments along with the newly embraced "rent to own " arrangements in line with the  new administration's commitment of providing shelter for Nigerians.

He said Nigeria as a founding member and strong key player cannot afford cannot afford not to tap into the huge investment of the Bank across the world to the benefits of the dire need for shelter by Nigerians.

The leadership of FHA demanded an increase of investment into housing in the country considering the growing need for more affordable houses by Nigerians of all strata from the Bank.

"The FHA will be ready to key into your global arrangement of PPP, Project Finance, Fund Management Group, Project Prepayment fund among many others to deliver on its mandate."

Since the focus of the new FHA is to provide affordable houses to the people at the grassroot, all hands must be on deck to embrace the new spirit by the new leadership along with the followership. He stated.

Soon after the working and courtesy call by the management of Shelter Afrique, FHA doles out 72M cheques to seven beneficiaries of Retirement Saving Account RSA, the first of it's kind in Nigeria on February, 29th , 2024.

In his address at the occasion, while commending both the management of Federal Housing Authority Mortgage Bank FHAMB and the Nigeria Pension Commission PENCOM, he requested for more beneficiaries beyond the symbolic presentation, while the Bank's management stated that over 100, 000 beneficiaries had been recommended for the new scheme.

With the new disbursement of the 25% RSA, beneficiaries will be enabled into entering into mortgage arrangements with the Bank with a view to providing shelter even while in service in addition to the National Housing Fund NHF and Mortgage loans.

FHAMB as one of the recognized primary mortgage institutions PMI had access to RSA fund for it's customers spread across all government agencies and departments.

The management of FHAMB presented a detailed arrangements of the new platform that will attract revenue of over 1B to the Bank at a stretch , promising to go beyond 100, 000 beneficiaries in the course of time.

"In his words , Ojo reiterated the commitment of the present management and administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under his Renewed Hope Agenda seeing the problems of housing resolved by all means possible, stating that more actions should be redoubled towards increasing the beneficiaries of the RSA."

"For me , I don't stick to my address, I like to speak generally on the observation of any shortcomings of any program.
Let us do more to increase the beneficiaries across board, even though this is a good start."  Hon Ojo stated.

Ojo who also embarked on familiarisation visit to all departments in the agency along with his management team tasked the head of various units to be alive to their responsibilities in line with the new spirit.

He promised to embark on visitation to the six geopolitical zones comprising of 36 states which he has already started.

It is obvious that with the new zeal and template, the new leadership high deliverable expectations will resolve the lingering housing deficits in the country.


Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on [email protected].
By Abubakar Yusuf

The new Managing Director, Chief Executive officer CEO, Federal Housing Authority FHA, Hon Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on February 15th, 2024 along with his management team to boost his Renewed Hope Agenda in the housing sector in the country.

With decades experience in the real estate business both in the private and public sector, Ojo secured the nod of Nigeria government to enable him contribute his quota to national development, with huge wealth of experience.

Ojo who assumed duty after the inaugural ceremony held on Thursday, February 22nd ,2024 described  the leadership  as a"new sheriff in town ".

"Hon Oyetunde Ojo, has reiterated the readiness of the Authority’s new Executive Management Team to turn around the agency's fortune in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR."

"Hon Ojo who revealed this at the inaugural meeting on Thursday, 22nd February  2024, between the Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa with the agencies under his ministry. "

"The MD, who said he has noted the lapses on the side of the Authority as was contained in the Hon Minister's address, stated  that  his team would do everything to return FHA to the path of glory.and success. "

"According to him," a new sherif is in town. Our mission is to help Mr. President realize the Renewed Hope agenda of his government ".

Through to his statement, he promised to key in with a view to revolutionizing the housing sector in line with the aspirations and expectations of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ojo who was visibly prepared for the new assignment stated that the era of needles bureaucracy has become a thing of the past , stating he will be working day and night , both in the rain and the sun to meet the expectations of the government and it's anxiousness to deliver affordable mass housing to ordinary Nigerians.

In his maiden brief to journalists and playing host to the management of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, a financial institution that supports development of housing and real estate sector which Nigeria is a leading member to familiariase with the new leadership and administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  at the same time kick start thr arrangements to invest quantum amount of Multi Billion Dollars into housing development in Nigeria.

The significance of the meeting showed the willingness and enablement of the new leadership to tackle housing deficit in Nigeria headlong, with a promise to provide not only affordable houses, but for low income earners across the country.

He stated that the era of using Lagos and Abuja as a template for measuring the success and achievements of previous leadership in FHA has gone for good , as the new leadership will spread across the 36 states of the country including the Federal Capital Territory FCT.

"We want to see the new FHA making giant strides and in road in housing in Ekiti, Yobe, Kebbi , Sokoto , Ebonyi, Benue among many other states in the country." He opined.

The new Managing Director who described the visit of the global financing outfit for real estate as timely promised to work assiduously with the leadership to realize it's investment in the housing sector in Nigeria not for 2024 alone , but going forward particularly keying into tue new design of studios, one bedrooms , two or three bedroom apartments along with the newly embraced "rent to own " arrangements in line with the  new administration's commitment of providing shelter for Nigerians.

He said Nigeria as a founding member and strong key player cannot afford cannot afford not to tap into the huge investment of the Bank across the world to the benefits of the dire need for shelter by Nigerians.

The leadership of FHA demanded an increase of investment into housing in the country considering the growing need for more affordable houses by Nigerians of all strata from the Bank.

"The FHA will be ready to key into your global arrangement of PPP, Project Finance, Fund Management Group, Project Prepayment fund among many others to deliver on its mandate."

Since the focus of the new FHA is to provide affordable houses to the people at the grassroot, all hands must be on deck to embrace the new spirit by the new leadership along with the followership. He stated.

Soon after the working and courtesy call by the management of Shelter Afrique, FHA doles out 72M cheques to seven beneficiaries of Retirement Saving Account RSA, the first of it's kind in Nigeria on February, 29th , 2024.

In his address at the occasion, while commending both the management of Federal Housing Authority Mortgage Bank FHAMB and the Nigeria Pension Commission PENCOM, he requested for more beneficiaries beyond the symbolic presentation, while the Bank's management stated that over 100, 000 beneficiaries had been recommended for the new scheme.

With the new disbursement of the 25% RSA, beneficiaries will be enabled into entering into mortgage arrangements with the Bank with a view to providing shelter even while in service in addition to the National Housing Fund NHF and Mortgage loans.

FHAMB as one of the recognized primary mortgage institutions PMI had access to RSA fund for it's customers spread across all government agencies and departments.

The management of FHAMB presented a detailed arrangements of the new platform that will attract revenue of over 1B to the Bank at a stretch , promising to go beyond 100, 000 beneficiaries in the course of time.

"In his words , Ojo reiterated the commitment of the present management and administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under his Renewed Hope Agenda seeing the problems of housing resolved by all means possible, stating that more actions should be redoubled towards increasing the beneficiaries of the RSA."

"For me , I don't stick to my address, I like to speak generally on the observation of any shortcomings of any program.
Let us do more to increase the beneficiaries across board, even though this is a good start."  Hon Ojo stated.

Ojo who also embarked on familiarisation visit to all departments in the agency along with his management team tasked the head of various units to be alive to their responsibilities in line with the new spirit.

He promised to embark on visitation to the six geopolitical zones comprising of 36 states which he has already started.

It is obvious that with the new zeal and template, the new leadership high deliverable expectations will resolve the lingering housing deficits in the country.


Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on [email protected].

Education For All: Hon Akus Awards Full Scholarship To Kscoe Students

Education For All: Hon Akus Awards Full Scholarship To Kscoe Students

Member Representing Ankpa1 State Constituency at Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon Lawal Akus earlier today, awarded scholarship to students of Kogi State College of Education (KSCOE), Ankpa.

Hon. Akus  gave the award during  the matriculation ceremony of the College as part of his efforts to ensuring education for all in his constituency especially the children from the less privileged homes.

Akus who described education as an everlasting gift to humanity, and as part of the things in his campaign promises, he presented a check of five hundred thousand naira (500,000) initial deposit of four million naira (4,000,000) for the sponsorship of thirty four (34) Ankpa1 students in the College.

He enjoined the students to take their studies seriously and as well be good ambassadors of the school and indeed Ankpa. He tasked them to utilise the opportunity judiciously while appealing to the rest to have faith in his administration as he works on enrolling more beneficiaries. 

On his part, the Provost of the College, Dr Mohammed Kabir Ibrahim lauded Akus for prioritising education in Ankpa Local Government. He said finding some students of the College worthy of earning scholarship is the best encouragement from a leader of his repute.

He thanked the Honorable for being a major partner of the school while praying God grant him everlasting joy and happiness. 

AKUS MEDIA TEAM
Member Representing Ankpa1 State Constituency at Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon Lawal Akus earlier today, awarded scholarship to students of Kogi State College of Education (KSCOE), Ankpa.

Hon. Akus  gave the award during  the matriculation ceremony of the College as part of his efforts to ensuring education for all in his constituency especially the children from the less privileged homes.

Akus who described education as an everlasting gift to humanity, and as part of the things in his campaign promises, he presented a check of five hundred thousand naira (500,000) initial deposit of four million naira (4,000,000) for the sponsorship of thirty four (34) Ankpa1 students in the College.

He enjoined the students to take their studies seriously and as well be good ambassadors of the school and indeed Ankpa. He tasked them to utilise the opportunity judiciously while appealing to the rest to have faith in his administration as he works on enrolling more beneficiaries. 

On his part, the Provost of the College, Dr Mohammed Kabir Ibrahim lauded Akus for prioritising education in Ankpa Local Government. He said finding some students of the College worthy of earning scholarship is the best encouragement from a leader of his repute.

He thanked the Honorable for being a major partner of the school while praying God grant him everlasting joy and happiness. 

AKUS MEDIA TEAM

Alia Visits Benue State Hospitals Management Board

Alia Visits Benue State Hospitals Management Board

By Isaac Uzaan 

The Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia Tuesday, March 26, 2024 paid unscheduled visit to the Benue State Hospitals Management Board, Makurdi.

The Governor expressed displeasure at the dilapidated nature of the building which is housing over 200 staff of the board and promised that his administration would reconstruct and furnish it with state-of-the-art facilities to meet modern standard.

He advised the head of the board to consider moving some staff to hospital facilities in the local government areas to decongest the centre and enhance capacity in the local areas.

The Executive Secretary, Benue State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Onoja Matthew, while taking the Governor round the facility, outlined many challenges including lack of furniture and deplorable condition of the building and appealed to the Governor for a quick intervention.

The Governor was accompanied by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Yanmar Ortese, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Paul Biam, and Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Chenge, amongst others.
By Isaac Uzaan 

The Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia Tuesday, March 26, 2024 paid unscheduled visit to the Benue State Hospitals Management Board, Makurdi.

The Governor expressed displeasure at the dilapidated nature of the building which is housing over 200 staff of the board and promised that his administration would reconstruct and furnish it with state-of-the-art facilities to meet modern standard.

He advised the head of the board to consider moving some staff to hospital facilities in the local government areas to decongest the centre and enhance capacity in the local areas.

The Executive Secretary, Benue State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Onoja Matthew, while taking the Governor round the facility, outlined many challenges including lack of furniture and deplorable condition of the building and appealed to the Governor for a quick intervention.

The Governor was accompanied by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Yanmar Ortese, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Paul Biam, and Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Chenge, amongst others.

Nigeria's "Oil Curse": 'Paradox of Plenty' or 'Poverty of Paradox'? By Richard Odusanya

Nigeria's "Oil Curse": 'Paradox of Plenty' or 'Poverty of Paradox'? By Richard Odusanya

By Richard Odusanya 

Nigeria is blessed with vast natural resources and rich environments. It is generously endowed with productive land and valuable natural resources, which include renewable resources (such as water, forestry, and fisheries) and non-renewable resources (minerals, coal, gas, and oil). Natural resources dominate many national economies and are central to the livelihoods of the poor rural majority. These resources are the basis of income and subsistence for large segments of Nigeria's population and constitute a principal source of public revenue and national wealth.

Nigeria’s "Oil Curse" is a phenomenon called the ‘Resource Curse’. This is sometimes rendered as ‘The Paradox of Plenty’ or ‘The Poverty Paradox’. It’s factual, and perhaps, Nigeria —and her developmental inertia —seems to be the most plagued, in the whole Godless world, by this curse. Resource Curse is the phenomenon of countries with abundant natural resources having less economic growth, less democracy, or worse development outcomes than countries with fewer natural resources.

Whereas, this contribution argues that current approaches to conflict resources uphold a specific conceptualization of the relationship between natural resources, war, and peace, which is premised on the so-called ‘resource curse’ theory. This theory expounds a ‘paradox of plenty’ whereby states rich with natural resources experience poor economic growth and an increased likelihood of violent conflict. Within this context, natural resources (oil, minerals, diamonds, timber) are defined in terms of their role in increasing the risk of conflict or acting as an obstacle to peace.

Thus, for example, viewing history through an evolutionary lens and perspective: Yes, it is important to report what is happening in our beloved country Nigeria, and be outraged by Insecurities, Pain, Misconduct, Outright Unprofessional and 'Gross Mismanagement' at the Central Bank. Uncharacteristically, given that, the struggle by the government to woo investors is more or less like a mirage because of some of the factors that affect efficiency and time consciousness....we need to pray for our leaders to be conscious of their responsibilities and not be carried away by the perks of office. However, as a country, It’s not all doom and gloom. 

On the flip side, amid the economic challenges in Nigeria, with $1 presently exchanging below ₦1,300.00 (one thousand and three hundred naira), yet basic goods are unaffordable, hope wanes. Since the inception of the Muhammadu Buhari government in 2015, a change initiative led to a decline, marked by economic turmoil and illegality. The Apex Bank (CBN), tasked with financial stability, contributed to the economic downturn through embezzlement and outright Profligacy. It is important to emphasize hope, restoration, and positive change for the well-being of Nigerians who have endured the consequences of a faltering economy and questionable governance.

Of course. As long as there is breath there is hope. For one reason or another, Nigeria is considered the giant in Africa. However, Nigeria as a country is presently beset with many problems including institutionalized corruption, poor social infrastructure, struggling educational systems and facilities, epileptic power supply, youth unemployment, etc. Yet, we still have not given up. It underscores the essence of 'Leadership - which is undoubtedly what we need as a nation. What else has God not provided to make Nigeria a great nation? Natural/human resources; Arable land/good weather?

I think it is important to remember that the story isn’t complete until you’ve won! Things may not be going the way you expect at the moment, but don’t despair. Keep affirming your trust and confidence in the Lord by praising Him for perfecting all that concerns you. Refuse to give up, and rejoice in Him for being your deliverer and rescuer. Consider for a moment the inspiring story of Paul and Silas. Things couldn’t have looked more hopeless for them as they huddled in chains in the dark dungeon of a Roman prison. Instead of cringing in fear and hopelessness, they praised God all night and experienced a mighty deliverance (Acts 16:23-36).

As a strong advocate of good governance and fair society, I want to conclude this article focusing on the 'Paradox of Plenty' or 'Poverty of Paradox' with revolutionary and resurrection messages. For me, the Easter period this year is quite distinct. It's time to RENEW-HOPE in our beloved country Nigeria. As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, we must remember we have a hope greater than anything in this world. We are Resurrection people.

Finally, permit me to share the RESURRECTION message from Floyd Williams Tomkins Jr. An American Episcopal Priest, and Rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Philadelphia, USA. Floyd solemnly posited: “Let the resurrection joy lift us from loneliness and weakness and despair to strength and beauty and happiness.”

EASTER-IN-VIEW.

Richard Odusanya
By Richard Odusanya 

Nigeria is blessed with vast natural resources and rich environments. It is generously endowed with productive land and valuable natural resources, which include renewable resources (such as water, forestry, and fisheries) and non-renewable resources (minerals, coal, gas, and oil). Natural resources dominate many national economies and are central to the livelihoods of the poor rural majority. These resources are the basis of income and subsistence for large segments of Nigeria's population and constitute a principal source of public revenue and national wealth.

Nigeria’s "Oil Curse" is a phenomenon called the ‘Resource Curse’. This is sometimes rendered as ‘The Paradox of Plenty’ or ‘The Poverty Paradox’. It’s factual, and perhaps, Nigeria —and her developmental inertia —seems to be the most plagued, in the whole Godless world, by this curse. Resource Curse is the phenomenon of countries with abundant natural resources having less economic growth, less democracy, or worse development outcomes than countries with fewer natural resources.

Whereas, this contribution argues that current approaches to conflict resources uphold a specific conceptualization of the relationship between natural resources, war, and peace, which is premised on the so-called ‘resource curse’ theory. This theory expounds a ‘paradox of plenty’ whereby states rich with natural resources experience poor economic growth and an increased likelihood of violent conflict. Within this context, natural resources (oil, minerals, diamonds, timber) are defined in terms of their role in increasing the risk of conflict or acting as an obstacle to peace.

Thus, for example, viewing history through an evolutionary lens and perspective: Yes, it is important to report what is happening in our beloved country Nigeria, and be outraged by Insecurities, Pain, Misconduct, Outright Unprofessional and 'Gross Mismanagement' at the Central Bank. Uncharacteristically, given that, the struggle by the government to woo investors is more or less like a mirage because of some of the factors that affect efficiency and time consciousness....we need to pray for our leaders to be conscious of their responsibilities and not be carried away by the perks of office. However, as a country, It’s not all doom and gloom. 

On the flip side, amid the economic challenges in Nigeria, with $1 presently exchanging below ₦1,300.00 (one thousand and three hundred naira), yet basic goods are unaffordable, hope wanes. Since the inception of the Muhammadu Buhari government in 2015, a change initiative led to a decline, marked by economic turmoil and illegality. The Apex Bank (CBN), tasked with financial stability, contributed to the economic downturn through embezzlement and outright Profligacy. It is important to emphasize hope, restoration, and positive change for the well-being of Nigerians who have endured the consequences of a faltering economy and questionable governance.

Of course. As long as there is breath there is hope. For one reason or another, Nigeria is considered the giant in Africa. However, Nigeria as a country is presently beset with many problems including institutionalized corruption, poor social infrastructure, struggling educational systems and facilities, epileptic power supply, youth unemployment, etc. Yet, we still have not given up. It underscores the essence of 'Leadership - which is undoubtedly what we need as a nation. What else has God not provided to make Nigeria a great nation? Natural/human resources; Arable land/good weather?

I think it is important to remember that the story isn’t complete until you’ve won! Things may not be going the way you expect at the moment, but don’t despair. Keep affirming your trust and confidence in the Lord by praising Him for perfecting all that concerns you. Refuse to give up, and rejoice in Him for being your deliverer and rescuer. Consider for a moment the inspiring story of Paul and Silas. Things couldn’t have looked more hopeless for them as they huddled in chains in the dark dungeon of a Roman prison. Instead of cringing in fear and hopelessness, they praised God all night and experienced a mighty deliverance (Acts 16:23-36).

As a strong advocate of good governance and fair society, I want to conclude this article focusing on the 'Paradox of Plenty' or 'Poverty of Paradox' with revolutionary and resurrection messages. For me, the Easter period this year is quite distinct. It's time to RENEW-HOPE in our beloved country Nigeria. As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, we must remember we have a hope greater than anything in this world. We are Resurrection people.

Finally, permit me to share the RESURRECTION message from Floyd Williams Tomkins Jr. An American Episcopal Priest, and Rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Philadelphia, USA. Floyd solemnly posited: “Let the resurrection joy lift us from loneliness and weakness and despair to strength and beauty and happiness.”

EASTER-IN-VIEW.

Richard Odusanya

Maurice Orwough: A Man With A Heart Of Giving; His Scholarship Scheme In Perspective

Maurice Orwough: A Man With A Heart Of Giving; His Scholarship Scheme In Perspective

By Terfa Naswem

Hon. Maurice Orwough is a man who believes in elevating the human race. Concerned by the needs of others, has been using his philanthropy to transform the lives of countless people within and outside his community.

He established his scholarship scheme known as: "Hon. Maurice Orwough Scholarship Scheme 2024" with the aim of uplifting 100 students, 10 from each of the 10 council wards in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State at the pilot stage of the scheme.

Hon. Orwough upholds the ideology of philanthropy by Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) who came from Scotland to the United States in 1848, and his family settled in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. At age thirteen, Andrew went to work as a bobbin boy in a cotton mill. He then moved rapidly through a succession of jobs with Western Union and the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1865, he resigned to establish his own business enterprises and eventually organized the Carnegie Steel Company, which launched the steel industry in Pittsburgh. At age sixty-five, he sold the company to J. P. Morgan for $480 million and devoted the rest of his life to his philanthropic activities and writing. During his lifetime, Carnegie gave away over $350 million.

Just like Carnegie, Orwough has made enormous sacrifices to put smiles on the faces of children, youths, women and widows so that they will be able to help themselves to also make impact on their respective communities.

Many persons of wealth have contributed to charity, but Carnegie was perhaps the first to state publicly that the rich have a moral obligation to give away their fortunes. In 1889, he wrote The Gospel of Wealth, in which he asserted that all personal wealth beyond that required to supply the needs of one's family should be regarded as a trust fund to be administered for the benefit of the community.

Even though, Orwough is not as rich as Carnegie was, he takes it as a moral obligation to give away his fortunes as trust fund to be administered for the benefit of Guma community and beyond.

Carnegie's philanthropic interests centered around the goals of education and world peace. One of his lifelong interests was the establishment of free public libraries to make available to everyone a means of self-education. There were only a few public libraries in the world when, in 1881, Carnegie began to promote his idea. He and the Carnegie Corporation subsequently spent over $56 million to build 2,509 libraries throughout the English-speaking world.

Carnegie set about disposing of his fortune through innumerable personal gifts and through the establishment of various trusts. Each of the organizations established by Andrew Carnegie has its own funds and trustees and is independently managed.

Like Carnegie, Hon. Orwough through his scholarship scheme and other acts of his philosophy is a message to others to do the best they can to touch lives no matter how little it might be. What they might see as little in their eyes can go a long way to change lives. He believes that together, we can make our communities better through philanthropy.
By Terfa Naswem

Hon. Maurice Orwough is a man who believes in elevating the human race. Concerned by the needs of others, has been using his philanthropy to transform the lives of countless people within and outside his community.

He established his scholarship scheme known as: "Hon. Maurice Orwough Scholarship Scheme 2024" with the aim of uplifting 100 students, 10 from each of the 10 council wards in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State at the pilot stage of the scheme.

Hon. Orwough upholds the ideology of philanthropy by Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) who came from Scotland to the United States in 1848, and his family settled in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. At age thirteen, Andrew went to work as a bobbin boy in a cotton mill. He then moved rapidly through a succession of jobs with Western Union and the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1865, he resigned to establish his own business enterprises and eventually organized the Carnegie Steel Company, which launched the steel industry in Pittsburgh. At age sixty-five, he sold the company to J. P. Morgan for $480 million and devoted the rest of his life to his philanthropic activities and writing. During his lifetime, Carnegie gave away over $350 million.

Just like Carnegie, Orwough has made enormous sacrifices to put smiles on the faces of children, youths, women and widows so that they will be able to help themselves to also make impact on their respective communities.

Many persons of wealth have contributed to charity, but Carnegie was perhaps the first to state publicly that the rich have a moral obligation to give away their fortunes. In 1889, he wrote The Gospel of Wealth, in which he asserted that all personal wealth beyond that required to supply the needs of one's family should be regarded as a trust fund to be administered for the benefit of the community.

Even though, Orwough is not as rich as Carnegie was, he takes it as a moral obligation to give away his fortunes as trust fund to be administered for the benefit of Guma community and beyond.

Carnegie's philanthropic interests centered around the goals of education and world peace. One of his lifelong interests was the establishment of free public libraries to make available to everyone a means of self-education. There were only a few public libraries in the world when, in 1881, Carnegie began to promote his idea. He and the Carnegie Corporation subsequently spent over $56 million to build 2,509 libraries throughout the English-speaking world.

Carnegie set about disposing of his fortune through innumerable personal gifts and through the establishment of various trusts. Each of the organizations established by Andrew Carnegie has its own funds and trustees and is independently managed.

Like Carnegie, Hon. Orwough through his scholarship scheme and other acts of his philosophy is a message to others to do the best they can to touch lives no matter how little it might be. What they might see as little in their eyes can go a long way to change lives. He believes that together, we can make our communities better through philanthropy.

Centre Raises Alarm Over Alleged Fraud, Illegality in NPA, Rivers Port

Centre Raises Alarm Over Alleged Fraud, Illegality in NPA, Rivers Port

The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) says it has uncovered alleged fraud and illegal operations at the Rivers Port purportedly under the watch of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

The Centre said that it had received numerous petitions against Ibeto Jetty and its illegal labour operations to the detriment of the country's revenue. 

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the Centre's Executive Director of Media, Comrade Jacob Okpanachi, said unregistered dock workers are currently operating foreign vessels.

According to him, the activities have diverted the government revenues which run into billions of naira while shortchanging the legitimate registered dock workers of their wages.

"We want to publicly share with Nigerians our feelings, frustrations and pains about the happenings in Rivers Port, which the NPA seems to have turned a blind eye to," Okpanachi said.

"In the past year, we have received several petitions from concerned Nigerians on the alleged illegal labour operations at the Ibeto Jetty, which has been a conduit pipe for siphoning government revenue by a few individuals.

"The arrangement stems from the erroneous approval granted to Ibeto Jetty to operate as a port, as a result of the disingenuous advice of the former Port Manager, Mr. Adamu Michael, through the former Executive Director of Marine and Operations, Onari Brown.

"We need to know the rationale behind the decision to allow unregistered dock workers to operate foreign vessels at a private Jetty while denying the government its through-put/ berthing fees and also under declaration of tonnage.

"Within a year of such activities, the activities have diverted the government revenues which run into billions of naira and counting, while shortchanging the legitimate registered dock workers of their wages.

"While the CEO of Ibeto is already facing a humongous fraud case at the Lagos Federal High Court, we are receiving more allegations of these under-table arrangements to the detriment of the dock workers and the Nigerian government in these times of scarce resources under the watch of the NPA management.

"Shipping agents have been lamenting how they can no longer carry out their legitimate business, the reason being that they cannot charge rates agreeable to the CPIU rates published by the same NPA."

The Centre, therefore, urged the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy to probe the activities of Ibeto Jetty and the Rivers Port to ensure a level playing field for all players according to the law.
The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC) says it has uncovered alleged fraud and illegal operations at the Rivers Port purportedly under the watch of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

The Centre said that it had received numerous petitions against Ibeto Jetty and its illegal labour operations to the detriment of the country's revenue. 

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the Centre's Executive Director of Media, Comrade Jacob Okpanachi, said unregistered dock workers are currently operating foreign vessels.

According to him, the activities have diverted the government revenues which run into billions of naira while shortchanging the legitimate registered dock workers of their wages.

"We want to publicly share with Nigerians our feelings, frustrations and pains about the happenings in Rivers Port, which the NPA seems to have turned a blind eye to," Okpanachi said.

"In the past year, we have received several petitions from concerned Nigerians on the alleged illegal labour operations at the Ibeto Jetty, which has been a conduit pipe for siphoning government revenue by a few individuals.

"The arrangement stems from the erroneous approval granted to Ibeto Jetty to operate as a port, as a result of the disingenuous advice of the former Port Manager, Mr. Adamu Michael, through the former Executive Director of Marine and Operations, Onari Brown.

"We need to know the rationale behind the decision to allow unregistered dock workers to operate foreign vessels at a private Jetty while denying the government its through-put/ berthing fees and also under declaration of tonnage.

"Within a year of such activities, the activities have diverted the government revenues which run into billions of naira and counting, while shortchanging the legitimate registered dock workers of their wages.

"While the CEO of Ibeto is already facing a humongous fraud case at the Lagos Federal High Court, we are receiving more allegations of these under-table arrangements to the detriment of the dock workers and the Nigerian government in these times of scarce resources under the watch of the NPA management.

"Shipping agents have been lamenting how they can no longer carry out their legitimate business, the reason being that they cannot charge rates agreeable to the CPIU rates published by the same NPA."

The Centre, therefore, urged the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy to probe the activities of Ibeto Jetty and the Rivers Port to ensure a level playing field for all players according to the law.

Ramadan Lecture 2024; Project Beyond 2023 Pray For Tinubu's Administration To Succeed

Ramadan Lecture 2024; Project Beyond 2023 Pray For Tinubu's Administration To Succeed

By Abubakar Yusuf 

The Project Beyond 2023 has organised the 2024 annual Ramadan lecture with it's theme Gratitude, Patience and Embracing Challenges with Optimism.

The event which took place at the headquarters in Abuja was held on Sunday 23rd March , 2024.

Speaking at the occasion, the guest speaker, Professor Shehu Ahmad Said Galadanchi recalled the last year's Ramadan program when prayers was held for the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He reminded Nigerians that after every tribulations there is relief, stating that there is high hopes for all Nigerians.

He stated that "Easy will follow hardship ", stating that the current challenge shall come to pass in the shortest possible time.

He reminded the people that the challenges of hardship was preferable to others country's who at war and tribulations, stating that the economy will pick up.

He reiterated that the holy month is all encompassing, as it is a period of prayers, supplications, kindness, assistance and many more.

He advised the audience to pray fervently for the present administration and read the Holy Quran indepthly at this period.

Other guest lecturer like Dr Abdulmumin Yusuf Ashiribo also presented his lecture.

The event hosted by the Special Adviser to the President on Agriculture and Food Security, Muftau Abiodun Yunusa.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari also grace the occasion .

Highlights of the program included the distribution of food to mark the iftar period.
By Abubakar Yusuf 

The Project Beyond 2023 has organised the 2024 annual Ramadan lecture with it's theme Gratitude, Patience and Embracing Challenges with Optimism.

The event which took place at the headquarters in Abuja was held on Sunday 23rd March , 2024.

Speaking at the occasion, the guest speaker, Professor Shehu Ahmad Said Galadanchi recalled the last year's Ramadan program when prayers was held for the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He reminded Nigerians that after every tribulations there is relief, stating that there is high hopes for all Nigerians.

He stated that "Easy will follow hardship ", stating that the current challenge shall come to pass in the shortest possible time.

He reminded the people that the challenges of hardship was preferable to others country's who at war and tribulations, stating that the economy will pick up.

He reiterated that the holy month is all encompassing, as it is a period of prayers, supplications, kindness, assistance and many more.

He advised the audience to pray fervently for the present administration and read the Holy Quran indepthly at this period.

Other guest lecturer like Dr Abdulmumin Yusuf Ashiribo also presented his lecture.

The event hosted by the Special Adviser to the President on Agriculture and Food Security, Muftau Abiodun Yunusa.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari also grace the occasion .

Highlights of the program included the distribution of food to mark the iftar period.

FHA MD Hon Oyetunde Ojo Visits The Chief Of Defence Staff, General CG Musa

FHA MD Hon Oyetunde Ojo Visits The Chief Of Defence Staff, General CG Musa

... as FHA seeks for collaboration to house the military

The Managing Director and Chief Executive,  Hon Oyetunde Ojo,Thursday 21st March, called for a collaboration between the Federal Housing Authority and the Nigeria military for the provision of proper and adequate housing for the military personnel. 

Hon Ojo who made this presentation when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) , Gen. C G Musa in his office, also used the opportunity  to condloe the CGS over the sad incident in Delta State that took the lives of some soldiers .

Addressing Gen Musa, the MD thanked him for  crucial role the armed forces are playing in the protection of the internal and external the  noted the vital role and sacrifices the military is making in  protecting  both the external and internal Integrity of the country. He told the CGS that the main purpose of the visit was to work for the provision of quality and affordable houses for the personnel of the Armed Forces in view of the crucial role and sacrifices they make. 

In his words,  the MD said; ":we deem.it fit that with what your men and women of the Nigeria Armed Forces are doing in this country, you deserve more than just having  shelter, you deserve having affordable shelter, you deserve giving qualitative shelter ".

The MD noted that morale of the men would be boosted once they are aware   that  their families are protected in case of injuries  casualties or retirement by having roofs over their heads. This he said is the reason why the Authority has come to seek for partnership with the Armed Forces for off takers. 

Hon Ojo stressed the need for profiled off takers because the houses to be built are targeted at individuals. " as we start building,  we are not going to give that animals and goats,  we are going to give it to human beings like you and I,  Sir the said. That is why we have decided that our port of call in terms  of off takers of this administration  will be the Nigeria Armed Forces because of the critical role you are playing".

Hon Ojo informed the CGS of the various house types and delivery models that Authority has adopted to satisfy all Cadre and strata of Nigerians.  He noted such model as carcas; where the exterior,  electrical and plumbing would be done, one Bedroom and Studio formats would be targeted at junior and younger officers,  while the senior officers could go for the finished ones. 

In his response,  the CGS, Gen CG Musa, acknowledged the importance of Housing  for men of the Armed Forces because of mobile nature of their job especially during their retirement. 

He appreciated the cost effective approach of management and called for emphasis to laid on quality in the case of Mass Housing. He also expressed interest in the building of comprehensive estates that would have such facilities as  hospitals and recreational areas where the personnel can train and dissipate energy. 

The Army chief said the the military Engineers would have to liaise with FHA in materializing this laudable initiative. 
The Chief of Logistics in his submission welcomed the initiative as an opportunity the military has been looking up to. He acknowledged the existence of other government schemes which he said are difficult for the personnel to access.

He therefore called to know how soon the scheme would tske off. He also wanted to know the various payment modes and the availability of mortgage facilities.  Finally he sought to know the possibility of building a military cluster for the personnel in FHA estates.
... as FHA seeks for collaboration to house the military

The Managing Director and Chief Executive,  Hon Oyetunde Ojo,Thursday 21st March, called for a collaboration between the Federal Housing Authority and the Nigeria military for the provision of proper and adequate housing for the military personnel. 

Hon Ojo who made this presentation when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) , Gen. C G Musa in his office, also used the opportunity  to condloe the CGS over the sad incident in Delta State that took the lives of some soldiers .

Addressing Gen Musa, the MD thanked him for  crucial role the armed forces are playing in the protection of the internal and external the  noted the vital role and sacrifices the military is making in  protecting  both the external and internal Integrity of the country. He told the CGS that the main purpose of the visit was to work for the provision of quality and affordable houses for the personnel of the Armed Forces in view of the crucial role and sacrifices they make. 

In his words,  the MD said; ":we deem.it fit that with what your men and women of the Nigeria Armed Forces are doing in this country, you deserve more than just having  shelter, you deserve having affordable shelter, you deserve giving qualitative shelter ".

The MD noted that morale of the men would be boosted once they are aware   that  their families are protected in case of injuries  casualties or retirement by having roofs over their heads. This he said is the reason why the Authority has come to seek for partnership with the Armed Forces for off takers. 

Hon Ojo stressed the need for profiled off takers because the houses to be built are targeted at individuals. " as we start building,  we are not going to give that animals and goats,  we are going to give it to human beings like you and I,  Sir the said. That is why we have decided that our port of call in terms  of off takers of this administration  will be the Nigeria Armed Forces because of the critical role you are playing".

Hon Ojo informed the CGS of the various house types and delivery models that Authority has adopted to satisfy all Cadre and strata of Nigerians.  He noted such model as carcas; where the exterior,  electrical and plumbing would be done, one Bedroom and Studio formats would be targeted at junior and younger officers,  while the senior officers could go for the finished ones. 

In his response,  the CGS, Gen CG Musa, acknowledged the importance of Housing  for men of the Armed Forces because of mobile nature of their job especially during their retirement. 

He appreciated the cost effective approach of management and called for emphasis to laid on quality in the case of Mass Housing. He also expressed interest in the building of comprehensive estates that would have such facilities as  hospitals and recreational areas where the personnel can train and dissipate energy. 

The Army chief said the the military Engineers would have to liaise with FHA in materializing this laudable initiative. 
The Chief of Logistics in his submission welcomed the initiative as an opportunity the military has been looking up to. He acknowledged the existence of other government schemes which he said are difficult for the personnel to access.

He therefore called to know how soon the scheme would tske off. He also wanted to know the various payment modes and the availability of mortgage facilities.  Finally he sought to know the possibility of building a military cluster for the personnel in FHA estates.

Okuama Tragedy; Oodua Integrity Network Knocks Olarenwaju Over Misguided Utterances

Okuama Tragedy; Oodua Integrity Network Knocks Olarenwaju Over Misguided Utterances

By Abubakar Yusuf 

The Oodua Integrity Network has described as a "dirty job" a statement credited to Major General Tajudeen Olarenwaju on the killing of soldiers in okuama linking it to security oil pipelines surveillance.

A statement released on Saturday and jointly signed by the President Chief Adewale Adeosun and the secretary, Ige kilanko avered that for such an unfortunate incidence that elicited shock among the citizens, an incident not witnessed in recent time could be trivialized with such an unguarded statement from a perceived statesman of his calibre.

While wishing the soul of the departed soldiers and officers eternal rest, praying that God will give the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.

For an incident that has generated so much condemnation treated with kid gloves by a man rather than commiseration with his constituency were he had lived the better part of his life.

His position and press release over the okuama killings and position on the engagement of non- state actors in the security of oil installations, displayed his naked ignorance , self serving and unstatemanly.

While displaying his hatchet job and hirelings, his position on the security of oil pipelines surveillance and installation has been overtaken by the global practices and requirements, stating that at no time will the military deployed to man installation at the expense of their primary assignment, hurriedly making reference with other nations.

The self centered and personal emotions along name-calling adopted by the former general was an amazing indicator of his premeditated stance towards resolving the national issues, stating that the name-calling of oil pipelines surveillance handler as thugs, bandits and hoodlums was tantamount  to a misconception.

The group expressed utter embarrassment and worries from such  a decapitating statement coming from a highly placed individual of high military background and accomplishment, but shrouded in a myopic tendencies.

"It appears the former general was beginning to lost his sense of reasoning fall out of the immediate past administration of President Buhari to engage the private security guard after the military could not guarantee the security of same National asset."

The engagement of the private security guard had secured the OPEC allotted 2.5M per day down from the paltry 600,000 per day the country was battling with at the peak of oil bunkering when his advice was required.

The statement further said..


OKUAMA KILLING OF 181 BRIGADE SOLDIERS: RTD MAJOR GENERAL TAJUDEEN OLANREWAJU UNSOLICITED MISREPRESENTATION OF PRIVATE SECURITY OIL PIPELINES SURVEILLANCE.

*WHY WOULD A 78-YEAR OLD MAKE HIMSELF AVAILABLE FOR  DIRTY JOBS?

"The brutal killing of officers and soldiers of the 181 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Bomadi, Delta State, elicited shock amongst citizens of this nation. An incident of its type hasn't been witnessed, nor thought of, since the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua granted Niger Delta youths Presidential Amnesty over a decade ago. "

"Therefore, the last week spine- chilling occurrence in Okuama, Delta State, was most abhorrent.
 May the Lord grant each of the fallen soldiers  eternal peace, and their families the fortitude to bear huge loss."

"The incident has generated so much discourse across the country. 
In the list, is the press statement of 78-year old retired Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju Rtd, of March 21, 2024. "

"If it was for commiseration with the Nigerian Army and families of the slain soldiers, it would have been glossed over like others. 
After all, the military is his primary constituency. "

"But the old soldier, in the Press statement purportedly issued by his Media office, titled, "NON-STATE ACTORS PROTECTING OIL INSTALLATIONS POLITICALLY, ECONOMICALLY UNSAFE FOR NIGERIA, dovetailed into areas he has since lost expertise."

 "His knowledge of security matters has long flagged after many years in retirement.
In hurry to discharge the job he was hired to deliver, the retired general said constitutionally recognised military institutions should be positioned and equipped to do the job through specially-trained and strategically built forces like it's done in India and Venezuela."

"He poured venoms on the operators of private surveillance security providers hired by the Federal Government to safeguard the nation's oil and gas equipment, labelling them as militants, thugs and hoodlums, who are not different from bandits."

"Having read this widely circulated press statement, as a Yoruba group familiar with the genesis of the  enlistment of the private security providers for the tasks of safeguarding our national assets, we believed that the ex-General should be enlightened and educated on the matter."

"Our response also became expedient because as a Yoruba group, we are bothered about the public conduct and utterances of our  leaders.  Ex-Gen Tajudeen Olanrewaju in pouring the unwarranted venoms displayed arrant ignorance and exhibited unpardonable ignorance unexpected of a Yoruba man, with his level of accomplishment.  We are constrained to disagree with him and clear the air over his needless vituperations."

"Where was the Retired General when former President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR decided to hire private security companies to keep surveillance over Federal Government owned oil assets? 
Is it a different military the nation had then, than it has now?"

 "What prompted the former President Muhammadu Buhari to look outside the Nigerian Armed Forces to seek help for the protection oil pipelines?
 Has the prevailing situation changed? 
We do not need knowledge of rocket science to throw light on the matter. "

"The Armed Forces failed to live up to their duties. Right under their noses crude oil thieves took over the nation's oil production. 
The government lost its major source of foreign exchange earnings. Nigeria could barely produced 600,000 barrels per day, from its over 2.5 million barrels OPEC allotted quota. "

"The government couldn't live up to its responsibility to citizens.
 It went cap in hand in search of foreign loans. 
Where was General Olanrewaju, when Buhari needed advice?
 The old general's tirades against private security firms surveillance of crude oil pipelines, because of the Okuama slaughter of soldiers is unsolicited. It doesn't resonate. "

"The killing of officers and soldiers of the 181 Brigade, Bomadi, has no nexus with pipelines surveillance. 
General Olanrewaju smelt a rat where there is non.
 Does the communal feud between Okuama and Okoloba communities has any connection with crude oil theft, or pipelines surveillance contracts? No!"

"The retired General could not help with advise when President Buhari required it. The General must being on another planet when Buhari was pushed to the wall over oil theft.
 Today, through the  efforts of the private security companies, crude production has climbed to over 1.7 million barrels per day. "

"The last report on the economy of the nation showed external foreign reserves of Nigeria has reached $34 Billion.
 People other than the military rescued the situation."

"The press statement of General Olanrewaju had diluted intentions than meet the eyes. The local oil thieves and their international backers whose criminal activities were dealt crippling blows by the private security companies, have latched on the Okuama killings to raise their ugly heads once again." 

"How else would one see it, other than, the old soldier is being hired by criminal oil barons or those  failed contractors , in their bid to secure same pipelines contracts  to clear the way for them to resume the plunder of the nation's crude."

"As a retired general and elder statesman, Tajudeen Olanrewaju's contribution to national discourse could be weighty. He should not make himself a fly in the ointment of the nation. He should not take the country on tortuous journey back to Egypt. "

"General Olanrewaju should take a closer look at those prodding him to take a centre stage with his unprofitable advise and suggestions to the government. He should not front for criminals with his well earned reputation, else he becomes an economic saboteur."

"The non state actors or private security companies he criticized have received commendations for their success in ridding the nation's waterways of illegal bunkerers, not only from Mr. President, but also from the Nigerian Army and National Assembly. Even the Nigerian Navy has finally accepted them as worthy associates."

 "Has the general not heard of all these?
What he didn't add to his press release is whether the soldiers were killed by the private security contractors. Communal clashes occur everywhere across the country. There was one bloody one in Osun State recently,  was it perpetrated by Pipelines security contractors?"

"This oil thieves are criminals indeed. Otherwise, why would they dust up a Yoruba leader in the person of an outstanding military officer like ex- General Tajudeen Olanrewaju to sacrifice his reputation and muster his contacts to ease out private security operators in an unpatriotic desire to return the country to the dark days when the oil thieves held the country by the jugular. "

"If the ex-General Olanrewaju must know, newspapers' reports are awashed with revelations that one of the notorious oil bunkerers that he's labouring to return to the centre stage of the criminal business is being  wanted by the military in connection with the killings of the solders."

"It's sad that instead of  our revered General Olanrewaju to condemn the killings of the soldiers and join other well-meaning stakeholders to call for the arrest and prosecution  of the perpetrators, he wilfully veered of the matters  on hands by seizing  the opportunity to serve his benefactors - the oil thieves."

"He should be ignored in totality. 
As young Yoruba folks, we are still dazed and amazed over what would compel a 78-year old dabble into this festering issue. Is it a case of hunger and deprivation? "

"Is he broke to the extent that he couldn't pay his bills, a tempting situation that made him to be cheaply available to  desperate oil buccaneers, who found his reputation attractive  readily hired him to clear the way for the resumption of their illicit business of economic sabotage?"

"If it's a case of senility or hallucination, commonly associated with persons in his age bracket, where are the children, who should be on his surveillance at this critical stage of his life? "

"It's uncomplimentary that he would fall to the bait of  crumbs from the table of the oil thieves to serve their purposes.
The retired General should recline in his armchair and play with his grandchildren and enjoy his pension."

 "He shouldn't dabble into issues he can barely comprehend, especially pipelines protection matters that never exist while was in active service.
 And if he is still strong on his feet, he should go to the golf course to while away his time with friends."

"After all, old soldiers never die, they only fade away.
 The retired General has long lost his bearings on security matters.  "
By Abubakar Yusuf 

The Oodua Integrity Network has described as a "dirty job" a statement credited to Major General Tajudeen Olarenwaju on the killing of soldiers in okuama linking it to security oil pipelines surveillance.

A statement released on Saturday and jointly signed by the President Chief Adewale Adeosun and the secretary, Ige kilanko avered that for such an unfortunate incidence that elicited shock among the citizens, an incident not witnessed in recent time could be trivialized with such an unguarded statement from a perceived statesman of his calibre.

While wishing the soul of the departed soldiers and officers eternal rest, praying that God will give the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.

For an incident that has generated so much condemnation treated with kid gloves by a man rather than commiseration with his constituency were he had lived the better part of his life.

His position and press release over the okuama killings and position on the engagement of non- state actors in the security of oil installations, displayed his naked ignorance , self serving and unstatemanly.

While displaying his hatchet job and hirelings, his position on the security of oil pipelines surveillance and installation has been overtaken by the global practices and requirements, stating that at no time will the military deployed to man installation at the expense of their primary assignment, hurriedly making reference with other nations.

The self centered and personal emotions along name-calling adopted by the former general was an amazing indicator of his premeditated stance towards resolving the national issues, stating that the name-calling of oil pipelines surveillance handler as thugs, bandits and hoodlums was tantamount  to a misconception.

The group expressed utter embarrassment and worries from such  a decapitating statement coming from a highly placed individual of high military background and accomplishment, but shrouded in a myopic tendencies.

"It appears the former general was beginning to lost his sense of reasoning fall out of the immediate past administration of President Buhari to engage the private security guard after the military could not guarantee the security of same National asset."

The engagement of the private security guard had secured the OPEC allotted 2.5M per day down from the paltry 600,000 per day the country was battling with at the peak of oil bunkering when his advice was required.

The statement further said..


OKUAMA KILLING OF 181 BRIGADE SOLDIERS: RTD MAJOR GENERAL TAJUDEEN OLANREWAJU UNSOLICITED MISREPRESENTATION OF PRIVATE SECURITY OIL PIPELINES SURVEILLANCE.

*WHY WOULD A 78-YEAR OLD MAKE HIMSELF AVAILABLE FOR  DIRTY JOBS?

"The brutal killing of officers and soldiers of the 181 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Bomadi, Delta State, elicited shock amongst citizens of this nation. An incident of its type hasn't been witnessed, nor thought of, since the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua granted Niger Delta youths Presidential Amnesty over a decade ago. "

"Therefore, the last week spine- chilling occurrence in Okuama, Delta State, was most abhorrent.
 May the Lord grant each of the fallen soldiers  eternal peace, and their families the fortitude to bear huge loss."

"The incident has generated so much discourse across the country. 
In the list, is the press statement of 78-year old retired Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju Rtd, of March 21, 2024. "

"If it was for commiseration with the Nigerian Army and families of the slain soldiers, it would have been glossed over like others. 
After all, the military is his primary constituency. "

"But the old soldier, in the Press statement purportedly issued by his Media office, titled, "NON-STATE ACTORS PROTECTING OIL INSTALLATIONS POLITICALLY, ECONOMICALLY UNSAFE FOR NIGERIA, dovetailed into areas he has since lost expertise."

 "His knowledge of security matters has long flagged after many years in retirement.
In hurry to discharge the job he was hired to deliver, the retired general said constitutionally recognised military institutions should be positioned and equipped to do the job through specially-trained and strategically built forces like it's done in India and Venezuela."

"He poured venoms on the operators of private surveillance security providers hired by the Federal Government to safeguard the nation's oil and gas equipment, labelling them as militants, thugs and hoodlums, who are not different from bandits."

"Having read this widely circulated press statement, as a Yoruba group familiar with the genesis of the  enlistment of the private security providers for the tasks of safeguarding our national assets, we believed that the ex-General should be enlightened and educated on the matter."

"Our response also became expedient because as a Yoruba group, we are bothered about the public conduct and utterances of our  leaders.  Ex-Gen Tajudeen Olanrewaju in pouring the unwarranted venoms displayed arrant ignorance and exhibited unpardonable ignorance unexpected of a Yoruba man, with his level of accomplishment.  We are constrained to disagree with him and clear the air over his needless vituperations."

"Where was the Retired General when former President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR decided to hire private security companies to keep surveillance over Federal Government owned oil assets? 
Is it a different military the nation had then, than it has now?"

 "What prompted the former President Muhammadu Buhari to look outside the Nigerian Armed Forces to seek help for the protection oil pipelines?
 Has the prevailing situation changed? 
We do not need knowledge of rocket science to throw light on the matter. "

"The Armed Forces failed to live up to their duties. Right under their noses crude oil thieves took over the nation's oil production. 
The government lost its major source of foreign exchange earnings. Nigeria could barely produced 600,000 barrels per day, from its over 2.5 million barrels OPEC allotted quota. "

"The government couldn't live up to its responsibility to citizens.
 It went cap in hand in search of foreign loans. 
Where was General Olanrewaju, when Buhari needed advice?
 The old general's tirades against private security firms surveillance of crude oil pipelines, because of the Okuama slaughter of soldiers is unsolicited. It doesn't resonate. "

"The killing of officers and soldiers of the 181 Brigade, Bomadi, has no nexus with pipelines surveillance. 
General Olanrewaju smelt a rat where there is non.
 Does the communal feud between Okuama and Okoloba communities has any connection with crude oil theft, or pipelines surveillance contracts? No!"

"The retired General could not help with advise when President Buhari required it. The General must being on another planet when Buhari was pushed to the wall over oil theft.
 Today, through the  efforts of the private security companies, crude production has climbed to over 1.7 million barrels per day. "

"The last report on the economy of the nation showed external foreign reserves of Nigeria has reached $34 Billion.
 People other than the military rescued the situation."

"The press statement of General Olanrewaju had diluted intentions than meet the eyes. The local oil thieves and their international backers whose criminal activities were dealt crippling blows by the private security companies, have latched on the Okuama killings to raise their ugly heads once again." 

"How else would one see it, other than, the old soldier is being hired by criminal oil barons or those  failed contractors , in their bid to secure same pipelines contracts  to clear the way for them to resume the plunder of the nation's crude."

"As a retired general and elder statesman, Tajudeen Olanrewaju's contribution to national discourse could be weighty. He should not make himself a fly in the ointment of the nation. He should not take the country on tortuous journey back to Egypt. "

"General Olanrewaju should take a closer look at those prodding him to take a centre stage with his unprofitable advise and suggestions to the government. He should not front for criminals with his well earned reputation, else he becomes an economic saboteur."

"The non state actors or private security companies he criticized have received commendations for their success in ridding the nation's waterways of illegal bunkerers, not only from Mr. President, but also from the Nigerian Army and National Assembly. Even the Nigerian Navy has finally accepted them as worthy associates."

 "Has the general not heard of all these?
What he didn't add to his press release is whether the soldiers were killed by the private security contractors. Communal clashes occur everywhere across the country. There was one bloody one in Osun State recently,  was it perpetrated by Pipelines security contractors?"

"This oil thieves are criminals indeed. Otherwise, why would they dust up a Yoruba leader in the person of an outstanding military officer like ex- General Tajudeen Olanrewaju to sacrifice his reputation and muster his contacts to ease out private security operators in an unpatriotic desire to return the country to the dark days when the oil thieves held the country by the jugular. "

"If the ex-General Olanrewaju must know, newspapers' reports are awashed with revelations that one of the notorious oil bunkerers that he's labouring to return to the centre stage of the criminal business is being  wanted by the military in connection with the killings of the solders."

"It's sad that instead of  our revered General Olanrewaju to condemn the killings of the soldiers and join other well-meaning stakeholders to call for the arrest and prosecution  of the perpetrators, he wilfully veered of the matters  on hands by seizing  the opportunity to serve his benefactors - the oil thieves."

"He should be ignored in totality. 
As young Yoruba folks, we are still dazed and amazed over what would compel a 78-year old dabble into this festering issue. Is it a case of hunger and deprivation? "

"Is he broke to the extent that he couldn't pay his bills, a tempting situation that made him to be cheaply available to  desperate oil buccaneers, who found his reputation attractive  readily hired him to clear the way for the resumption of their illicit business of economic sabotage?"

"If it's a case of senility or hallucination, commonly associated with persons in his age bracket, where are the children, who should be on his surveillance at this critical stage of his life? "

"It's uncomplimentary that he would fall to the bait of  crumbs from the table of the oil thieves to serve their purposes.
The retired General should recline in his armchair and play with his grandchildren and enjoy his pension."

 "He shouldn't dabble into issues he can barely comprehend, especially pipelines protection matters that never exist while was in active service.
 And if he is still strong on his feet, he should go to the golf course to while away his time with friends."

"After all, old soldiers never die, they only fade away.
 The retired General has long lost his bearings on security matters.  "

Ramadan Lecture; Chairman, NASFAT FCT Chapter, Dr Nasir Raji Harps On Advantages Of Ramadan Fast

Ramadan Lecture; Chairman, NASFAT FCT Chapter, Dr Nasir Raji Harps On Advantages Of Ramadan Fast

By Abubakar Yusuf 

The Chairman FCT Zone , Nasrul Lahi-L-Fatihi Society NASFAT, Dr Nasir Raji Mustapha has asked Moslems across the world to take advantage of the holy month of Ramadan to rededicate themselves to the services of Almighty God and humanity.

Dr Raji dropped this message on Saturday during the annual special Ramadan Lecture held at the headquarters in Utako Abuja.

He said this year's theme of the special Ramadan Lecture, "The Lord That Answers Prayers " was hinged on the blessings derivable in the holy month enriched with a night of blessings more than a thousand month, "the Lailatul Qadir", stressing that it is a month of reengineering, redetermination of men and omen of Islamic faith.

"It is also a month of total encapsulation and demobilisation of Sheytan". Dr Nasir Raji Mustapha stated.

He advised Moslems to adhere strictly to the prescription of the holy book, saying "fasting is prescribed for you as it is prescribed for people before you, so that you may be righteous ."

Dr Raji reminded moslems that preparation for the hereafter is also sancrosanct and beyond earthly things.

As part of the success story of the association convened over two decades in Abuja and based on its strategic policy direction anchored on four pillars called Leadership, Empowerment, Agent of Change and Dawah "LEAD."

With ten locations , NASFAT across councils of Kubuwa, Karo , Kuje, Bwari, Iddo Sarki, Utako, Gwagwalada,  Dutse Alhaji, Kwali and Gudu.

The society also maintained an ongoing projects and programs in the FCT as follows;;

Daily Iftar during Ramadan, Model Islamic school due for commencement under PPP,  Mosque building and maintainance across councils, development of Gudu land among other programs.
By Abubakar Yusuf 

The Chairman FCT Zone , Nasrul Lahi-L-Fatihi Society NASFAT, Dr Nasir Raji Mustapha has asked Moslems across the world to take advantage of the holy month of Ramadan to rededicate themselves to the services of Almighty God and humanity.

Dr Raji dropped this message on Saturday during the annual special Ramadan Lecture held at the headquarters in Utako Abuja.

He said this year's theme of the special Ramadan Lecture, "The Lord That Answers Prayers " was hinged on the blessings derivable in the holy month enriched with a night of blessings more than a thousand month, "the Lailatul Qadir", stressing that it is a month of reengineering, redetermination of men and omen of Islamic faith.

"It is also a month of total encapsulation and demobilisation of Sheytan". Dr Nasir Raji Mustapha stated.

He advised Moslems to adhere strictly to the prescription of the holy book, saying "fasting is prescribed for you as it is prescribed for people before you, so that you may be righteous ."

Dr Raji reminded moslems that preparation for the hereafter is also sancrosanct and beyond earthly things.

As part of the success story of the association convened over two decades in Abuja and based on its strategic policy direction anchored on four pillars called Leadership, Empowerment, Agent of Change and Dawah "LEAD."

With ten locations , NASFAT across councils of Kubuwa, Karo , Kuje, Bwari, Iddo Sarki, Utako, Gwagwalada,  Dutse Alhaji, Kwali and Gudu.

The society also maintained an ongoing projects and programs in the FCT as follows;;

Daily Iftar during Ramadan, Model Islamic school due for commencement under PPP,  Mosque building and maintainance across councils, development of Gudu land among other programs.

Managing Director And Chief Executive, Federal Housing Authority Hon Oyetunde Ojo Visits Benue

Managing Director And Chief Executive, Federal Housing Authority Hon Oyetunde Ojo Visits Benue

...as the state governor, Rev Fr, Dr Hyacinth Alia pledges Land and financial support to FHA

The Managing  Director and Chief Executive, Federal Housing Authority,  Hon Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, Saturday 23rd March, 2024 continued his tour and consultation with State Governors, with a visit to the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia.

Hon Ojo addressing the governor, informed him that his apart from coming for a courtesy visit was primarily to relay the message of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), on Renewed Hope on Housing which the FHA team has taken to seven state governors. 

While thanking Governor Alia for the way reception given to his team, and the obvious visible developmental strides in Benue State, the FHA Chief Executive told the governor that the Authority’s mission is to build houses which comes top in the welfare index, and following the President's mandate to FHA to help tackle the  current housing deficit by not only  building houses for Nigerians,  but livable and affordable ones, he has come to ask for land.

According to the MD" Mr President had given us the mandate to provide houses to tackle the housing deficit. Therefore, we need land". Continuing, Hon Ojo told the governor, "you have the red biro. As a brother and friend, I know you will give us waivers like the other governors we have visited".


Reminiscent of his message to the other governors the MD and his team has visited,, the FHA boss told the governor that  as a result of the new policy of FHA management,  the Authority does not build houses anymore without consulting the state governments, whose people the houses are built for.

 He noted.that the various state governments know the preferences of the people, their culture.

" we don't want to build houses without carrying you along because you know the people and their culture. We need synergy and collaboration with you to make the houses meet the need of the people" he added. 

Hon Ojo also espoused leveraging on the value chain of Housing  and construction in  boosting the economy and fighting inflation. The FHA CEO noted that.the housing sector has the capacity to engage all manners of direct and indirect jobs.

The MD said that FHA is considerate of Nigerians in the lower rung of the economy.This according to him is why the Authority has adopted house types and models that would address their situation. 


In his words, " we don't just want to build houses, but affordable ones. That is why we have  considered those who are in the lower income bracket like junior staff and the younger ones and come up with one Bedroom apartments , Studios and carcas."

Hon.Ojo said that the idea.of carcas is t have the same exterior finishing, electricals and plumbing,  why the finishing would be according to the size of the pockets. This he said would hugely reduce the price of the houses.

The Managing Director noted that FHA is known to create cities with standard infrastructure  and all modern facilities is currently talking with institutions like JAMB, WAEC and the office of the CGS for profiled off- takers, which conveys the sense of ownership in projects.

The MD informed the governor that FHA plans a Diaspora City project for the benefit of our people living abroad. This he said would save them from the hands of fraudsters who short change them without building the kind of houses they remit money to be built for. He noted that with the current digitalisation of the Authority, Diasporians would be able to transact with FHA and monitor their investment with the Authority from any part of the world.

In conclusion,  Hon Ojo reiterated the.non.partisan mandate of President Bola Tinubu (GCFR) to FHA to build houses for Nigerians irrespective of political affiliation, leaning or inclination and thanked the governor for the collaboration and synergy with FHA to Kickstart the process of affordable housing in the state. 

In his response. Governor Alia thanked the FHA team for considering Benue State for collaboration in Housing. He pointed out that the Authority’s program is in sync with the State Government is currently doing, by engaging in massive construction. 

He said the state would give Federal Housing Authority as much land as it wants in the state and is ready to support the project. 

According to him:," for the question of land,.the answer is yes. Just tell us how much land you want. We are also ready to support the project.  It could be financial".

The Governor said that the state is excited at prospect of partnering with FHA for Housing delivery as they need houses." We are excited as we all need houses. The scheme is going to add colours  to the many feathers we.are already wearing". He stated.

Governor Alia who went ahead to list the laudable projects of his administration affirmed that the FHA's presence will add to the new Benue he is building .

Your presence will add color to the new Benue we all crave for, the development you bring to Benue can not be quantified. He concluded.
...as the state governor, Rev Fr, Dr Hyacinth Alia pledges Land and financial support to FHA

The Managing  Director and Chief Executive, Federal Housing Authority,  Hon Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, Saturday 23rd March, 2024 continued his tour and consultation with State Governors, with a visit to the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia.

Hon Ojo addressing the governor, informed him that his apart from coming for a courtesy visit was primarily to relay the message of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), on Renewed Hope on Housing which the FHA team has taken to seven state governors. 

While thanking Governor Alia for the way reception given to his team, and the obvious visible developmental strides in Benue State, the FHA Chief Executive told the governor that the Authority’s mission is to build houses which comes top in the welfare index, and following the President's mandate to FHA to help tackle the  current housing deficit by not only  building houses for Nigerians,  but livable and affordable ones, he has come to ask for land.

According to the MD" Mr President had given us the mandate to provide houses to tackle the housing deficit. Therefore, we need land". Continuing, Hon Ojo told the governor, "you have the red biro. As a brother and friend, I know you will give us waivers like the other governors we have visited".


Reminiscent of his message to the other governors the MD and his team has visited,, the FHA boss told the governor that  as a result of the new policy of FHA management,  the Authority does not build houses anymore without consulting the state governments, whose people the houses are built for.

 He noted.that the various state governments know the preferences of the people, their culture.

" we don't want to build houses without carrying you along because you know the people and their culture. We need synergy and collaboration with you to make the houses meet the need of the people" he added. 

Hon Ojo also espoused leveraging on the value chain of Housing  and construction in  boosting the economy and fighting inflation. The FHA CEO noted that.the housing sector has the capacity to engage all manners of direct and indirect jobs.

The MD said that FHA is considerate of Nigerians in the lower rung of the economy.This according to him is why the Authority has adopted house types and models that would address their situation. 


In his words, " we don't just want to build houses, but affordable ones. That is why we have  considered those who are in the lower income bracket like junior staff and the younger ones and come up with one Bedroom apartments , Studios and carcas."

Hon.Ojo said that the idea.of carcas is t have the same exterior finishing, electricals and plumbing,  why the finishing would be according to the size of the pockets. This he said would hugely reduce the price of the houses.

The Managing Director noted that FHA is known to create cities with standard infrastructure  and all modern facilities is currently talking with institutions like JAMB, WAEC and the office of the CGS for profiled off- takers, which conveys the sense of ownership in projects.

The MD informed the governor that FHA plans a Diaspora City project for the benefit of our people living abroad. This he said would save them from the hands of fraudsters who short change them without building the kind of houses they remit money to be built for. He noted that with the current digitalisation of the Authority, Diasporians would be able to transact with FHA and monitor their investment with the Authority from any part of the world.

In conclusion,  Hon Ojo reiterated the.non.partisan mandate of President Bola Tinubu (GCFR) to FHA to build houses for Nigerians irrespective of political affiliation, leaning or inclination and thanked the governor for the collaboration and synergy with FHA to Kickstart the process of affordable housing in the state. 

In his response. Governor Alia thanked the FHA team for considering Benue State for collaboration in Housing. He pointed out that the Authority’s program is in sync with the State Government is currently doing, by engaging in massive construction. 

He said the state would give Federal Housing Authority as much land as it wants in the state and is ready to support the project. 

According to him:," for the question of land,.the answer is yes. Just tell us how much land you want. We are also ready to support the project.  It could be financial".

The Governor said that the state is excited at prospect of partnering with FHA for Housing delivery as they need houses." We are excited as we all need houses. The scheme is going to add colours  to the many feathers we.are already wearing". He stated.

Governor Alia who went ahead to list the laudable projects of his administration affirmed that the FHA's presence will add to the new Benue he is building .

Your presence will add color to the new Benue we all crave for, the development you bring to Benue can not be quantified. He concluded.

Constituent Members Stage Solidarity Walk For Senator Agom

Constituent Members Stage Solidarity Walk For Senator Agom

By Dansu Peter 

A Constituent of Cross River North Senatorial District, known as Aruku Richard Monkom ( Eze Nmo) has embarked on 474.9km walk (trek), to honour Distinguished Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas, in Abuja

Eze’s voyage is basically to honour the refined and quintessential Lawmaker’s Legislative giant strides whom he has described as his idol and role model. 

According to him, the lawmaker has become a model for everyone in the society due to his standout legislative performance which is basically on Human Capital and Infrastructural Development in the Senatorial District.

Starting point- Federal College of Education Obudu, Cross River State, on the 19th of March, 2024 and is billed to arrive Abuja today being the 22nd day of March, 2024.

The Senator is willing and prepared to receive him due to his demonstration of dexterity, courage and support which he has displayed.
By Dansu Peter 

A Constituent of Cross River North Senatorial District, known as Aruku Richard Monkom ( Eze Nmo) has embarked on 474.9km walk (trek), to honour Distinguished Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas, in Abuja

Eze’s voyage is basically to honour the refined and quintessential Lawmaker’s Legislative giant strides whom he has described as his idol and role model. 

According to him, the lawmaker has become a model for everyone in the society due to his standout legislative performance which is basically on Human Capital and Infrastructural Development in the Senatorial District.

Starting point- Federal College of Education Obudu, Cross River State, on the 19th of March, 2024 and is billed to arrive Abuja today being the 22nd day of March, 2024.

The Senator is willing and prepared to receive him due to his demonstration of dexterity, courage and support which he has displayed.

Benue Reps Member, Agbese Inaugurated As Member Pan African Parliament, Eulogizes Speaker Tajudeen Abass

Benue Reps Member, Agbese Inaugurated As Member Pan African Parliament, Eulogizes Speaker Tajudeen Abass

By Dansu Peter 

The Honourable Member representing Ado, Okpokwu  Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue state,  Chief Philip Agbese has been inaugurated as a member of the Pan African Parliament,  PAP in Midrand, South Africa.

Agbese who announced his inauguration in a state ussued in Midrand, South Africa said he was trilled to meet like-minds from other nations who share the same drive for Africa's economic growth.

He appreciated the efforts of the Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Rt Honourable Tajudeen Abbas for the nomination 

He said,  "Earlier today, I was inaugurated as a member of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) in Midrand, South Africa courtesy of the Rt. Hon Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D who nominated me as part of our country's delegation to the continental body of parliamentarians working with the African Union.

"I was thrilled to meet like-minds from other nations who share the same drive for Africa's economic development and integration. From our interactions already, I have noticed how rich and gifted the continent is in terms of human resources. 

"I'm, therefore, confident that together we will address some of the problems and challenges facing Africa ranging from civil strife and insecurity to climate change-induced hunger. We have already made significant inroads to positively impact our nations and people directly. One Africa, One Voice!" He added
By Dansu Peter 

The Honourable Member representing Ado, Okpokwu  Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue state,  Chief Philip Agbese has been inaugurated as a member of the Pan African Parliament,  PAP in Midrand, South Africa.

Agbese who announced his inauguration in a state ussued in Midrand, South Africa said he was trilled to meet like-minds from other nations who share the same drive for Africa's economic growth.

He appreciated the efforts of the Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Rt Honourable Tajudeen Abbas for the nomination 

He said,  "Earlier today, I was inaugurated as a member of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) in Midrand, South Africa courtesy of the Rt. Hon Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D who nominated me as part of our country's delegation to the continental body of parliamentarians working with the African Union.

"I was thrilled to meet like-minds from other nations who share the same drive for Africa's economic development and integration. From our interactions already, I have noticed how rich and gifted the continent is in terms of human resources. 

"I'm, therefore, confident that together we will address some of the problems and challenges facing Africa ranging from civil strife and insecurity to climate change-induced hunger. We have already made significant inroads to positively impact our nations and people directly. One Africa, One Voice!" He added

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