About 45 passengers in three fully loaded 15-seater commercial buses are reported to have been abducted by armed men in Orokam, along the Otukpo-Enugu Road in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state.

It was gathered from an eyewitness and driver of one of the commercial transportation companies in Makurdi, who narrowly escaped the ambush with his passengers, that the incident occurred at about 3:30pm on Thursday.

The heavily armed men were reported to have ambushed the ill-fated commercial vehicles when they sprang from the nearby forests in Orokam and forced their drivers at gunpoint to pull over.

According to him, “it was easy for the armed men to stop the vehicles because that portion of the road is very bad.

“The first person that came out of the bush was a heavily built young man who came out carrying an automatic rifle and a chain of bullets round his body.

“I saw three of them come out of the bush with guns, this was at about 3:30pm on Thursday in broad daylight.

“Their target was obviously commercial buses, maybe because of the number of passengers that could harvest ransom for them. In this particular instance, they took passengers in three-loaded buses that were heading toward Otukpo

“My saving grace was that a J-5 articulated vehicle was in my front. So when we were all stopped, before they got to my vehicle, I jumped out and ran into the bush, and all my passengers also followed. Luckily, none of my passengers were caught by the armed men.

“We ran into the bush, leaving our valuables, including phones, and they did not touch them. All they were looking for were the occupants of the bus.

“They took all their victims into the forest. After hiding in the bush for close to 30 minutes, when we realised it was safe to come out, we started running back to our bus to flee.

“At that point, we saw soldiers on motorbikes and a hilux van asking us where the armed went with the victims.

“This happened in-between a police and army checkpoint in Orokam after the Trailer Park at the bad portion of the road.

“Since I started driving, I used to hear stories of people being kidnapped on the road, I saw it happening live and I almost became a victim. I cannot thank God enough.”

Meanwhile, it was gathered that the armed men have already opened negotiations with family members of the kidnapped passengers for the payment of ransom for their release.

A manager in one of the commercial transportation companies at the busy Wurumum Park who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that the armed men initially asked for N15 million for each passenger, “but they negotiated and settled for N3million for each of the passengers.

“Some of the family members came here to find out if we have any details or are in touch with the kidnappers, but we told them that our company was not involved.

“They lamented that they had reached agreements with the kidnappers, and while trying to resolve how the N3 million they demanded would be sent to them, the phone line went off and they have not been able to reach the armed men anymore.

“So it is like they have been moving from one park to the other to find out the companies that own the buses involved in the unfortunate incident. But from what we heard one of the vehicles has its head office in Gboko.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene, said, “I don’t have that report yet.”

At the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja to represent Nigeria at the 2024 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum scheduled to hold in Davos, Switzerland. 

The VP will join other political and business leaders across the world at the annual Forum to discuss global socio-economic and development issues. 

Top on Vice President Shettima's agenda, apart from the plenary session, is the launch of the Private Sector Action Plan for African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) at a special session to be co-chaired by him. 

He is also billed to hold high-level discussions with the Managing Director of IFC, Makhtar Diop and the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, among others. 

Also on the sidelines of the annual meeting, Sen. Shettima will chair a roundtable dialogue on Nigeria's economic path. He will also attend a special session dedicated to building trust in the global energy transition programme. 

The Vice President is expected to return to Nigeria after participating in the week-long event.

Stanley Nkwocha

Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media and Communications

(Office of The Vice President)

14th January, 2024

The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their first game of the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast on Sunday.

Equatorial Guinea drew first blood in the 37th minute when Iban Salvador scored a well-placed shot, leaving the Super Eagles’ goalie, Stanley Nwabali, motionless.

An instant response from Nigeria following a kickoff saw Victor Osimhen head an equalising goal for Nigeria before the break.

Despite many chances, Nigeriafailed to get the winning goal. Although Osimhen scored his first AFCON goal on his first appearance, he, in the 75th minute, missed a big chance.

Nigeria, in Group A, will further challenge Ivory Coast, and Guinea Bissau later in the tournament.

Main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) former national spokesperson, Olisa Metuh has observed that President Bola Tinubu has refrained from using his ongoing war against corruption as a tool to witch hunt his political rivals unlike what obtained under the last All Progressives Congress (APC) government led by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said in a statement on Sunday that the years between 2015 and 2023 witnessed an era where being a member of the ruling party conferred immunity on every infraction committed.
According to the former PDP National Publicity Secretary, such attitude gave rise to unimaginable impunity and the wanton desecration of national values, wealth, and resources.

He said President Tinubu has renewed confidence in the Nigerian project, especially in observing best democratic practices.

Metuh said that president has restored regard for the liberty and freedom of individuals as well as for transparency and accountability.

The former opposition spokesman, who was prosecuted on corruption charges but discharged by the courts, asserted that Tinubu’s fight against corruption and financial crimes is different from a fight targeted at opposition figures whilst protecting and sparing those in the corridors of powers.

Noting the positive steps the president has already taken to retool the country, Metuh called on all Nigerians to set aside their various interests and support him.

The statement he titled, “Work in Progress: Why Nigerians Should Support President Tinubu,” reads: “In the past eight years (May 2015 to May 2023) a vast majority of Nigerians lost hope and faith in the Nigerian project giving the deep damage done to the psyche of citizens, the economy, national unity and the practice of democracy in our country.

“A lot of people were skeptical about the direction the nation was headed, given the deep social wounds and the devastation done on every fabric of our nationhood.

“Within those years, we witnessed a country where serving in government or belonging to the ruling party conferred immunity on individuals. This resulted in unimaginable impunities and the wanton desecration of national values, wealth, and resources. Those in opposition were humiliated, degraded, and persecuted by the massive might of the state.

“However, in the last seven months, under the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there is renewed confidence in the Nigerian project, especially in observing best democratic practices. This government definitely appears to have regard for the liberty and freedom of individuals as well as for transparency and accountability.

“The most reassuring step is the genuine, determined, and uncompromising fight against corruption and financial crimes in the country, different and distinct from a fight targeted at opposition figures whilst protecting and sparing those on the corridors of powers.

“Today, we see serving ministers and people who are holding top offices being removed from office and investigated for prosecution over corruption and financial crimes.

“In the past, the fight against corruption was merely a political cum campaign tool fueled with massive media trials and only targeted at diminishing opposition shining talents. The fight against corruption is now distinctive to persons who have questions to answer and not a tool for persecution.

“More importantly, there is no more demarketing of Nigerians and Nigeria as a nation by those who tagged our hardworking youth as lazy and tarred innocent and resourceful Nigerians on the international arena with the brush of corruption.

“Nigerians across the board, have applauded the unprecedented patriotic stand for good governance in cutting the cost of governance at the federal level reflected in the recent slashing of all official entourage to state and international events by 60 per cent.

“President Tinubu has demonstrated proactive leadership; a listening and approachable leadership that respects the sensibilities of Nigerians as well as the need to re-engineer our nation for greater multi-sectoral productivity.

“This uncommon patriotism requires the recognition and support of all well-meaning Nigerians within the public, private, and civil society sectors irrespective of political, ethnic, religious or vocational affiliations.

“From that standpoint, I call on all Nigerians to set aside every sectional, political, and religious sentiment and put the national interest first by supporting President Tinubu bearing in mind that his success is the nation’s success today and for generations yet unborn.

“Nigeria’s future is much better served by contributions, inputs, and constructive criticisms as obligations and duties of responsible citizens in every participatory democracy.

“Finally, it is evident that there is a sure and steady move to where we want to be as a nation. This government indeed, is reflective of a good work in progress.”

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to significantly reduce the National Assembly’s hefty budget of N344.85 billion.

This appeal is made in light of the pressing economic challenges facing Nigeria.

In a move advocating for fiscal responsibility and transparency, SERAP has urged the legislative leaders to request President Bola Tinubu to submit a revised supplementary appropriation bill reflecting the reduced budget for the National Assembly’s approval.

Furthering their push for accountability, SERAP has also demanded the publication of detailed breakdowns of the National Assembly’s budget, including specific allocations such as the N3 billion earmarked for the Senate Car Park and another N3 billion for the House of Representatives Car Park.

In the letter dated 13 January 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Passing appropriation bills that are inconsistent with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution is a fundamental breach of the constitutional oath of office by the lawmakers.”

SERAP said, “The arbitrary increase by the lawmakers of their own budgetary allocation, if not cut, would have significant fiscal consequences and exacerbate the country’s debt crisis.”

According to SERAP, “The unilateral and self-serving increase by the lawmakers of their own allocation also offends the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances and the notion of the rule of law.”

The letter reads in part, “The increase in the National Assembly budget raised serious questions in the minds of the Nigerian people about how the lawmakers are spending their commonwealth.

“The National Assembly ought to be more responsible to the public interest and more responsive to it. The National Assembly has a constitutional responsibility to combat waste and abuse in its own spending if it is to effectively exercise its oversight functions and hold the government to account.

“Transparency and accountability in public administration is an essential element of democracy. Transparency in the spending of the National Assembly budget would give the public a tool to hold the lawmakers accountable.

“It would also protect Nigerians from any potential abuses of governmental or legislative power that may exist.

“Nigerians have a right to scrutinize how their lawmakers spend their tax money and commonwealth, especially given the precarious economic realities in the country and the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy on vulnerable Nigerians.

“Cutting the N344.48 billion National Assembly budget would be entirely consistent with your constitutional oath of office, and the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution.

“Cutting your budget would promote efficient, honest, and legal spending of public money. It would serve the public interest and restore public confidence in the National Assembly.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the National Assembly to comply with our request in the public interest.

“SERAP also urges to clarify the details of the N8.5 billion budgeted for ‘National Assembly liabilities’ and to disclose the nature of any such liabilities and how and why they have been incurred.

“SERAP urges you to clarify why N225 million is budgeted for the National Assembly E-Library and N3 billion is budgeted to buy books for the National Assembly Library while the ‘take-off grant’ for the National Assembly Library is N12.1 billion.

“The budget of N344.48 billion by members of the National Assembly is a fundamental breach of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations.

“According to our information, the National Assembly increased its own allocation in the 2024 budget to N344.48bn. The new budgetary allocation to the National Assembly is over 70 percent of the N197bn proposed by President Bola Tinubu for the lawmakers in the budget proposal submitted to the National Assembly.

“The N344.48bn National Assembly budget, which is an increase of about N147bn, is reportedly the highest ever budgetary allocation to the National Assembly.”

“The breakdown of the N344.48bn National Assembly budget is as follows: National Assembly Office – Senate – N49.1bn; House of Representatives – N78.6bn; National Assembly Service Commission – N12.3bn; Legislative Aides – N20.3bn; NILDS – N9.09bn; Service-wide votes – N15.1bn; Senate Appropriation Committee– N200m.”

“Other budget items include: House Appropriation Committee – N200 million; Public Account committees of Senate and House – N280.7 million National Assembly Library Take Off Grant – N12.1 billion; National Assembly building (ongoing) – N4.2 billion; and National Assembly Liabilities – N8.5 billion.

“Other items include: National Assembly E-Library – N225 million; Constitution Review – N1 billion; and Completion of NILDS HQ – N4.5 billion; Construction of NASC Building – N10 billion; Office of Clerks and Permanent Secretaries – N1.2 billion; and Alternative Power System – N4 billion.

“Other items in the National Assembly budget include: National Assembly Zonal Offices – N3bn; Senate Car Park – N3 billion; House of Representatives Car Park -N3 billion; and Furnishing of committee rooms (Senate) -N2.7 billion; Furnishing of committee rooms (House) – N3 billion; Design, Construction, Furnishing and Equipping of National Assembly Ultramodern Printing Press – N3 billion.

“There are also other items in the National Assembly budget: Design, Construction, Furnishing and Equipping of the National Assembly Budget and Research Office (NABRO) – N4 billion; National Assembly Hospital Project – N15 billion; National Assembly Recreation Centre – N4 billion; Procurement of Books for the National Assembly Library – N3 billion; and National Assembly Pension Board (Take-Off Grant) – N2.5 billion.

“Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended] provides that, ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

“Under Section 16(1)(a)(b), the National Assembly has the obligations to ‘harness the resources of the nation and promote national prosperity and an efficient, a dynamic and self-reliant economy’, and to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen.

“Section 16(2) of the Nigerian Constitution further provides that ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.

“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on the National Assembly to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.

“Section 81 of the Nigerian Constitution, and sections 13 and 18 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act constrain the ability of the National Assembly to unilaterally insert its own allocations in the budget without following the due process of law.”

Popular Nigerian rapper, Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, better known as Ruggedman, has said that he doesn’t see the Super Eagles winning the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Naija News reports that the AFCON tournament commenced on Saturday, January 13, 2024, with the inaugural match featuring the host country Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire) against Guinea Bissau at Alassane Ouattara stadium.

Nigeria is expected to play their first match of the tournament at 3 PM today against Equatorial Guinea.

However, Ruggedman has expressed doubt about the Super Eagles winning their fourth AFCON title this year.

The 50-year-old entertainer poured out his heart while speaking about his admiration for football, Super Eagles, Manchester United, Victor Osimhen, and more, during a recent interview with The PUNCH.

Speaking on his favourite sport growing up as a child, Ruggedman said: “Growing up, like most young kids across Nigeria, I enjoyed and still enjoy football. I love playing football. I also represented my secondary school in a relay race once but it obviously was not my calling.”

On whether his parents were a discouraging factor from pursuing a career in sports, Ruggedman said: “They did not need to discourage me because I did not take up any sport as a career.

“I was and I still am very passionate about football. I grew up reading football comic books like Roy Of The Rovers. I became a football lover in the early 1980s from watching “Big League Soccer.”

Speaking on his journey into the entertainment industry, he said: “From a very young age, I just loved music. Growing up, I was more into music shows on TV like Top of The Pops, Soul Train and Kessingsheen Hit Show.”

I Hope They Do But I Doubt Super Eagles Winning AFCON

When asked whether he is a fan of the Nigerian National Football team, Ruggedman answered in the affirmative.

However, he downplayed their possibility of winning the tournament, saying: “As a Nigerian, yes I think they can win it but realistically and with the way we seem to have lost a couple of warm-up matches towards the competition, coupled with the history of politics being played in players selection, I do not see us winning it. I hope we do, but we all know games are not won by hoping.”

Announcing his pick on best African player of all time, the singer said: “I know some will argue that I might be choosing him because he is Nigerian. Some will say he did not win much during his time playing, but I choose Jay Jay Okocha any time, any day. To me, he is the most naturally skilled footballer I have ever seen.”

Osimhen Is My Favourite

Ruggedman, during the interview, picked Napoli’s striker as his favourite player in the Super Eagles squad, Naija News reports.

He said: “My friend, Victor Osimhen. Not just because we are friends, but his stats speak for him. He has achieved a lot as a footballer, broke our jinx and won the African Best Player award, which Okocha didn’t even win, and what he did last season in the Serie A is phenomenal.”

On his opinion on whether the male and female national teams should earn the same, he said: “I believe they should be paid their value.”

There is a growing controversy over plans by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the leadership of Dr Yemi Cardoso to decongest the headquarters of the bank located at the Central Business District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

To decongest the headquarters of the apex bank, key departments will be transferred from Abuja to Lagos, its former headquarters. A total of 1,533 members of staff of the bank are expected to be affected.

Findings by Daily Trust on Sunday show that the departments penciled down for relocation by the CBN governor are: Banking Supervision; Other Financial Institutions Supervision; Consumer Protection Department; Payment System Management Department and Financial Policy Regulations Department.

Part of the memo seen by Daily Trust on Sunday reads, “This is to notify all staff members at the CBN head office that we have initiated a decongestion action plan designed to optimise the operational environment of the bank.

“This initiative aims to ensure compliance with building safety standards and enhance the efficient utilisation of our office space.

“This action is necessitated by several factors, including the need to align the bank’s structure with its functions and objectives, redistribute skills to ensure a more even geographical spread of talents and comply with building regulations as indicated by repeated warnings from the facility manager, and the findings and recommendations of the Committee on Decongestion of the CBN head office.

“The action plan focuses on optimising the utilisation of other bank’s premises. With this plan, 1,533 staff will be moved to other CBN facilities within Abuja, Lagos and understaffed branches.

Attempt to get official reaction from the CBN was not successful as the Director of Corporate Communication, Hakama Sidi Ali, could not be reached. However, a management source who prefers anonymity because he has no permission to speak on the issue said the move was true but not entirely as publicly reported.

 The source said, “The headquarters was designed to accommodate slightly over 2,000 staff members but currently has over 4,000. So, about 1,533 staff members have to be relocated.

“The second reason is that departments like Banking Supervision and Payment Systems have the bulk of their work domiciled in Lagos, so it makes proper administrative sense to operate out of Lagos.

“So, as we speak, 80 per cent of them are headed back to Lagos because they have no business in Abuja.”

Daily Trust on Sunday finding also shows that some other staff will be posted to a state branch of the CBN, especially where they are understaffed.

The move has been generating different reactions, particularly on social media. While some Twitter users see it as a welcome development, others said it has an undertone.

Below are some reactions:

 [DailyTrust]

There was panic on Friday over the demolition of a perimeter fence belonging to the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

DAILY POST learnt that the demolition, which was carried out by thugs, created tension among the residents of nearby estates, as well airport workers.

A reliable source told our correspondent that a swift response by men of the Nigerian Air Force led to the arrest of some of the perpetrators.

There was also confusion over claims that the men behind the demolition were escorted by the police and some unknown gunmen.

This is not the first time the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, is coming under such attack.

In August 2020, a similar act was carried out, a development that drew the ire of the then aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, as well as the immediate past Enugu Governor, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Sirika, who stormed the airport then, vowed to apply all lawful means to prosecute one Arch. John J. Emejulu, who was said to be responsible for the destruction of the concrete perimeter fence, covering about 2km.

About four years later, Emejulu is being accused again of bringing the thugs that destroyed a section of the airport fence on Friday, January 12, 2024.

Mr Mark Benson, a private security guard manning one of the estates close to the airport fence, Oriental Estate, told journalists that several armed men and thugs invaded the area on Friday.

He said they accessed the airport fence through the estate’s gate.

According to him, “at about 9 am, I lock everywhere, one man carry police and other people come break the estate gate keys, force themselves inside here and start demolishing airport fence.

“I called the estate chairman and other people, so airport people came and arrested him.” (sic)

DAILY POST learnt that the aviation minister, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, was not pleased with the development and has activated a process to bring the perpetrators to book and stop a repeat of such.

It was also gathered that the Enugu airport manager, Mr Hillary Umunna visited the scene on Saturday in company of some other aviation workers.

Meanwhile, a resident of Oriental Estate, Barr Vincent Egechukwu Obetta described the development as totally condemnable and unacceptable.

Obetta told journalists that, “we share an adjoining fence with the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

“When this thing was happening yesterday, we thought it was a terrorist act because a particular airline was landing when some group of men with the police marched into this place and started destroying the fence that will lead them into the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, property.

“As communities that surround the FAAN property, we called the attention of the government.

“This matter, the land in dispute, (if there is any dispute at all) is already before a court of competent jurisdiction and when a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, every issue that is related thereto becomes sub-judice.

“So, we disagree with a situation where people are using the police to perpetrate illegality. Since December 20, we have not slept in this area; we won’t accept it.

“We believe in the rule of law and we believe in the authority of Nigeria. But we are not going to take a situation where some people choose to be lawless.

“When the assailant was caught, he was saying that the authorities of the Enugu State Police Command approved his action; we will no longer accept the invasion of this place by some group of unknown gunmen aided by the police.”

Similarly, the Chairman of Oriental Estate, Engineer Chris Aniemeje urged the federal government to deal decisively with Emejulu.

He recalled that this was not the first time Emejulu was allegedly invading the Enugu airport.

According to him, “It is quite unfortunate the menace being caused by one architect J.J. Emejulu.

“He has been making trouble, destroying houses, fences all around, in the name that he owns the property, but he could not produce any title document to that regard.

“There was some time he came and broke the whole airport perimeter fence, claiming that his property is within the airport premises, and after doing that, he ran away.

“Now that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has left office, he is back, escorted by police and thugs.

“Even the one that happened yesterday being the 12th of January, 2024, he came with some unknown gunmen, and a police van.

“They were breaking down the already finished concrete airport premiere fence.

“We alerted the Air Force that there was a security breach; by the time they came, the thugs ran away but they were able to apprehend the man behind the demolition.

“It is quite an unfortunate situation that one man will be unleashing terror and encroaching on government property and we the residents close to the airport are no longer comfortable.

“I wonder why he should be left to carry out these activities and he would be let free.

“We urge the government to come into it; the federal government should apprehend him and deal decisively with him. I’m surprised that he is not languishing in jail after what he did in 2020; now he is back doing the same thing.”

Other landlords within the airport neighbourhood who spoke to journalists included Engr Chidiebere Didiugwu and Joshua Akachukwu.

They both lamented that the development has exposed them to danger.

“Everyday he is disturbing us with unknown gunmen. Even on 3rd January, he came; this area has become highly susceptible to attacks.

“We are appealing to the government to bring an end to this,” Didiugwu pleaded.

Similarly, Akachukwu said, “We have been exposed; we are now vulnerable to attacks by both hoodlums and reptiles; our wives and children are afraid.”

Further enquiries by DAILY POST showed that the Enugu State government was equally sad over the demolition of the airport fence and vowed to bring the perpetrators to book.

Meanwhile, DAILY POST made attempts to obtain reactions from the Enugu State Police Command but got no response.

A phone call was put to the Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe but he did not answer the calls.

A text message was subsequently sent to him Saturday evening, but as of the time of filing this report, he was yet to respond.

Efforts to also obtain reaction from Emejulu were unsuccessful. But a source hinted that he was laying claims to the airport land.

It is unclear whether he has been released by the police, but his car was still sighted within the premises of the Airport Police Division.

A police source confirmed that he was transferred to the State CID.

“I don’t know whether he has been released, but he was brought in here on Friday,” the source said.

[DailyPost]

President Bola Tinubu has approved the posting and redeployment of twenty-four permanent secretaries across various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government.

Naija News understands the posting and redeployments affect some incumbent permanent secretaries, while the President also approved the distribution of new portfolios to five of the permanent secretaries, who were appointed in November last year.

The action of the President is said to be part of the process of rebooting government activities.

According to a report monitored on This Day, Dr. Evelyn Ngige, was redeployed from Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to midwife two portfolios – the newly created Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture and Creative Economy, and Federal Ministry of Tourism.

Dr. Magdalene Ajani was redeployed from the Transportation Ministry to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Ajani will replace the incumbent Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr. Olusade Adesola, who is proceeding on retirement from the service. Ajani, who resumed duties in 2020, will now be replaced by Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, who was moved from the Service Policies and Strategies Office (SPSO) OHCSF.

Jafiya Lydia Shehu, was redeployed from Common Service Office (CSO), OHCSF to the Federal Ministry of Finance.

James Sule, was also redeployed from the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Yakubu Adam Kofamata was moved from the Federal Civil Service Commission to the Federal Ministry of Power.

The five permanent secretaries appointed last year, who were just given portfolios include: Rimi Nura Abba, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and Ella Nicholas Agbo, who moves to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

Watti Tinuke takes over from Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar as the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Development.

Ahmed Dunoma Umar is assigned to the Federal Ministry of Youth.

Ndayako Aishetu Gogo is the new Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Interior.

Three other new permanent secretaries yet to be assigned portfolios are: Adeoye Ayodeji, Bako Deborah Odoh and Omachi Omenka.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria’s journey to a fourth African Cup of Nations starts today (Sunday) against the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Ebimpe Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Touted as favourites alongside the Ivorians who won the championship opener against minnows, Guinea Bissau, the Nigerians’ preparations have been disrupted by a deluge of withdrawals from Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Boniface, and Sadiq Umar while Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho is also a doubt for today.

On the pitch, things are not any better. The defeat to the Syli Nationale of Guinea in the preparatory game has raised doubts about the manager, Jose Peseiro’s tactical ability.

There was also some concern about imbalance in the squad. This was, however, quickly dismissed by Peseiro at the pre-match presser on Saturday.

The manager also confirmed that Terem Moffi, who is replacing the injured Boniface will not arrive in time for Sunday while Iheanacho and late addition Paul Onuachu had only just landed in Ivory Coast.

So, the larger part of the Super Eagles’ firepower is expected to come from the recently crowned African Best Player and leading scorer in qualifying (10 goals), Victor Osimhen.

Despite the withdrawals, Peseiro is still armed with Africa’s best attackers, including  Moffi, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Ademola Lookman.

For the Super Eagles opponents, Equatorial Guinea who are winless in their previous two encounters, continuing their impressive record of progressing to the last eight whenever they participate at the continental showpiece motivates them before Sunday’s fixture.

Juan Micha’s men go into Cote’D’Ivoire in outstanding form, unbeaten in 11 competitive and non-competitive games, including victories in World Cup qualifying games against Namibia and Liberia without conceding a goal.

They are also buoyed by the presence of striker Emilio Nsue, a key part of Equatorial Guinea’s hopes of success at AFCON 2021.

Though success is far from assured against the Nigerians, manager, Micha believes they can hurt their opponents

“We have an ambition in this tournament, we want to win the tournament. We are aware of what to do, we want to give our best

“We have a complicated game tomorrow, Nigeria is among the favourites but we we have prepared ourselves to be at the highest level.

“They have players missing and they have replacements, we are aware of Nigeria’s potential and we have our potential too. We have prepared for the game,” he told a press conference on Saturday.

Facts and figures about the game

1. This will be the first encounter between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. They faced each other in the qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup – Nigeria won both matches (1-0; 2-0).
2. Nigeria are making their 20th appearance at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. They have won the tournament on three occasions (1980, 1994, 2013) and reached the semi-finals in 14 of their last 17 AFCON participations.
3. Nigeria were beaten finalists the last time the CAF Africa Cup of Nations was held in Côte d’Ivoire, they lost 3-1 against Cameroon in 1984.
4. Nigeria have won 12 of their last 15 matches at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (L3). Their last draw dates back to the 2013 group stages, against Zambia (1-1).
5. Nigeria scored 22 goals in six games during qualifying for the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, the highest tally among the 24 teams at this year’s tournament. 10 of those goals came from Victor Osimhen, that’s twice as many as any other player (4 players on 5 goals)
6. This is Equatorial Guinea’s fourth CAF Africa Cup of Nations appearance, but it’s only the second time they have qualified as non-hosts. They have so far always reached the knockout stages: quarter-finalists in 2012 and 2021, and 4th place in 2015.
7. Equatorial Guinea have never scored more than two goals in their previous 15 matches at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
8. Only two of Equatorial Guinea’s 11 goals at AFCON have been scored in the first half of matches.
9. Victor Osimhen was directly involved in 55% of Nigeria’s goals during the qualifying campaign (10 goals, 2 assists). It’s the highest tally of goals scored in the qualifying phase of an AFCON edition since Moumouni Dagano with Burkina Faso in 2010 (12 goals).
10. Despite Victor Osimhen scoring 10 of their 22 goals, Nigeria had 10 different goal scorers in qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, more than any other team.

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