Super Eagles head coach Finidi George says his team is focused on their next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

The three-time African champions are yet to record a win in the qualifiers after drawing their opening two games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

The West Africans must beat Hugo Broos’ side to get their qualification campaign back on track.

Finidi is wary of the difficult task ahead of his team but is confident they can surmount the hurdle.

“We know Nigerians would love the team to win all the time, and we’ll just get the players focused on the game, one game at a time. We focus on the South African game and see how we can win that one before we talk about the Benin Republic game. For me, as a coach, it’s either you have a good result, or you don’t have a good result,” Finidi said in an interview with Eagle FM.

“One cannot be scared in life. Like I said, going through life is difficult, you walk through it with the difficulties that you know you’ll encounter. So that’s how I look at life and approach it that way, and football will not be any different. We will do our job and make sure we get the best out of that game, and apart from that, nothing else.”

The long-awaited student loan programme will take off on Friday with 1.2 million students in federal tertiary institutions across the country, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, Akintunde Sawyerr, has said.

Sawyerr, who spoke at a pre-application sensitisation press conference in Abuja, on Monday, said 1.2 million students in federal universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and technical colleges would benefit from the first phase.

Data obtained from the National Universities Commission website indicated that the nation has 226 federal tertiary institutions comprising 62 universities, 41 polytechnics, 96 monotechnics and 27 colleges of education.

President Bola Tinubu, on April 3, signed the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2024, into law.

The assent was sequel to the separate considerations by both the Senate and the House of Representatives of the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

The executive bill titled, ‘A bill for an Act to repeal the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2023 and Enact the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Bill, 2004 to Establish the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as a body corporate to receive, manage and invest funds to provide loans to Nigerians for higher education, vocational training and skills acquisition and related matters,’ was signed in the presence of the leadership of the National Assembly, ministers and major stakeholders of education.

The Act empowers the Nigeria Education Loan Fund to provide loans to qualified Nigerian students for tuition, fees, charges and upkeep during their studies in approved public tertiary institutions and vocational and skills acquisition establishments in the country.

The new law which repealed the Student Loan Act, 2023, removed the family income threshold so students can apply for loans and accept responsibility for repayment, according to the Fund’s guidelines.

Access to education

Speaking after he signed the bill, Tinubu said no Nigerian, regardless of their background, would be excluded from obtaining quality education.

“This is to ensure that no one, no matter how poor their background is, is excluded from quality education and opportunity to build their future,” said the President at the State House, Abuja.

Although the government initially announced that the scheme would be launched in September, it suffered several delays leading to an indefinite postponement.

The Presidency had linked the delay to Tinubu’s directive to expand the scheme to include loans for vocational skills.

Last Thursday, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund announced May 24 as the official date for the opening of the portal for loan applications.

Addressing journalists on Monday, ahead of the opening of Friday’s portal, Sawyerr said, “There are approximately 1.2 million students in federal tertiary institutions owned by the government. Today, by inference, 1.2m students maximum at the federal level (will benefit), but there might be an opportunity to increase the capacity in terms of more institutions, and when we begin to bring in state-owned institutions, then the numbers can go up.’’

He explained that only students whose institutions had uploaded their data on the Fund’s dashboard would be eligible to apply.

While calling on students in federal tertiary institutions to visit the website, www.nelf.gov.ng to apply from May 24, the CEO added that students in state universities and vocational skills centres could apply at a later date.

He said the requirements to apply include the admission letter from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, National Identity Number, and Bank Verification Number as well as completed application forms from its website.

“The loan application process has been streamlined to ensure easy access for all eligible students in federal tertiary institutions. Applicants can access online support to assist with any questions or concerns during the application process.

“We believe that education is a vital investment for the future. We envisage that the student loan initiative of Mr President is a testament to this commitment,” he said.

One of the key features of the programme, he stressed, is the absence of physical contact between the loan applicant and NELFUND.

‘Portal user-friendly’

According to him, the portal provides a user-friendly interface for students to submit their loan applications conveniently.

He encouraged students in federal tertiary institutions to take advantage of the opportunity to secure the required financial assistance for their education, even as he urged the applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible to ensure timely processing.

He revealed that in addition to the interest-free loan, applicants will also receive monthly stipends for upkeep.

He, however, did not state the amount, saying, “That figure will be capped. And we will look very closely at each application and make a decision based on several factors as to what fees will be paid to them.’’

“The fees for the institution are going to be paid not to the students but to the institution. And that will be paid at the maximum of that fee per session. We will only pay for a session at a time because people drop out of institutions, they change institutions,” he clarified.

The NELFUND boss also pointed out that the institutions have vital roles to play in providing the Fund with data on fees payable by students at the departmental, faculty and other levels.

According to Sawyerr, the agency is also working with security agencies to ensure that people do not take advantage and defraud the process.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has called on state governments to ensure responsible and transparent use of the matching grants allocated for the implementation of the Universal Basic Education Commission programme.

The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Hamid Bobboyi, emphasised the directive during the inauguration of a six-day training programme for accountants and auditors from UBEC and State Universal Basic Education Boards in Abuja.

Addressing the participants, Bobboyi condemned the undue pressure often placed on financial officers by state officials, urging SUBEBs’ financial officers to uphold integrity and resist such pressures to avoid compromising standards.

“The training aims to update participants on the revised accounting manual and to provide a comprehensive understanding of financial infractions and sanctions,” Bobboyi stated, adding, “This knowledge is essential for ensuring effective service delivery in basic education.”

Highlighting the mandates of UBEC and SUBEBs in implementing the Universal Basic Education programme, Bobboyi stressed the importance of a robust accounting system to ensure the judicious use of government funds.

He stressed the imperative of fidelity to accountability regarding the management of the Federal Government’s UBE Intervention Fund.

To achieve these objectives, continuous enhancement of professional competence among UBEC and SUBEB staff is necessary, he noted.

Bobboyi lamented that despite previous training efforts, there has been limited improvement in financial practices.

He cited findings from regular quarterly financial monitoring by UBEC, which revealed poor record-keeping and infractions against established guidelines.

He explained that the findings and recommendations from these monitoring activities had been communicated to SUBEBs for corrective actions.

Bobboyi stressed the importance of adhering to existing rules and guidelines to ensure accountability and transparency in financial transactions.

“As finance officers, it is your duty to comply strictly with these government stipulations. Engaging in or condoning wrongdoing will not be excused. Remember, reports from UBEC’s financial monitoring can be requested by agencies enforcing compliance with laws and regulations,’’ he warned the officials.

He further urged the participants to fully engage with the training and return to their offices equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to improve accounting practices at both the commission and boards.

To protect the FGN-UBE Intervention Fund, the Director of Finance and Accounts at UBEC, Adamu Misau, noted that a new sanction regime developed in 2022 had been approved for implementation.

The delay in its implementation, he said, was to ensure all financial managers received adequate training, which the current programme aimed to provide.

“We expect that by the end of this training, financial officers will be better prepared to manage the FGN-UBE Intervention Funds responsibly, adhering to financial regulations and due process,” Misau concluded.

Super Eagles of Nigeria midfielder, Alex Iwobi has stressed that he has no regrets for choosing his ancestral home over England in international football.

Alex Iwobi was born in Lagos, Nigeria but was raised in London and had his basic football education at Arsenal Football Academy. He graduated from the academy and started his professional football career at the club.

Due to his skills and enormous potential, Alex Iwobi represented England at Under-16, Under-17, and Under-18 levels. Despite that, he opted to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Iwobi made his international debut for Nigeria on March 25, 2016, against Egypt in an African Cup of Nations qualifier.

Since then, the former Everton versatile midfielder who now plays for Fulham has gone on to become one of the most prominent members of the national team.

“I wouldn’t say I have any regrets. I’d like to say I respected England, they gave me a lot of opportunities and I was able to do them proud,” Alex Iwobi told Hotsports Nigeria.

“But I feel more at home with Nigeria. I feel this is where I’m at home and where I represent, like my family, everyone. I’ve grown up in a Nigerian culture so I’d say that I have no regrets about picking Nigeria over England

“I’ve been here for a while now and I’m familiar with the team. Even from the first time I came here they always made me feel welcome.

“I’m always enjoying myself not just when we are playing matches but in training. In the camp, it’s like one big family so it makes it easier for me to express myself and join in.

“I’m enjoying my time and hopefully there’s more years to come as well.”

A Kenyan man has allegedly committed suicide following the outcome of the 2023/24 English Premier League season, which Manchester City won on Sunday, May 19.

In a viral video seen by Pulse, the deceased, who was wearing an Arsenal FC jersey, was spotted in a position that seemed like he had hung himself to death.

It was gathered that the unknown man, whose identity is yet to be determined, was an Arsenal fan.

Man City and Arsenal entered the season's final day knowing that a slip from either of them would cost them the title.

However, Man City entered the final day of the season with a two-point advantage over Arsenal, with 88 and 86 points, respectively.

A win for Man City against West Ham at the Etihad would seal them a record fourth consecutive EPL title, while Arsenal also required a must-win against Everton at the Emirate stadium and a slip from Man City to secure their first EPL title in 20 years.

Man City eventually won the title after defeating West Ham 3-1, while Arsenal needed a late winner in stoppage time to defeat Everton 2-1.

However, the tragic video of the Arsenal fan who killed himself has sparked mixed reactions amongst netizens on social media.

Media Vita In Morte Sumus (In the midst of life we are in death.) This is a Gregorian chant that I often recall whenever there is an accident, a sudden, shocking abbreviation of life in the midst of hope and promise, a most tragic reminder of man’s mortality. Life as either a chemical or biological process must come to an end when it will, but it is the time and manner of it that leaves the lasting imprint on our memory. The tragic death of the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi (63), his foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian (60) and seven others in a helicopter crash on Sunday evokes these thoughts afresh, as well as frightening memories. 

Nigeria was thrown into shock in February this year when the tragic news was reported that Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Holdings had died in a helicopter crash in the United States along with his wife, Chizoba, his 29-year-old son, Chizzy and his lawyer, Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo on their way to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. The quartet had a great future ahead of them. Wigwe had just completed a university, the Wigwe University in his home town of Isiokpo, Rivers State, through which he planned to raise educational standards and provide opportunities and quality. He and Ogunbanjo were full of life. The death of three members of a family in one tragic accident was beyond comprehension. Nigerians and the international community mourned. The week before his death, I had received a phone call from Herbert, sharing his views about a subject we had discussed on The Morning Show. He was a kind, affable gentleman, completely without airs. I know many people in high places who are just full of hydrogen, with blown up ego. Not Wigwe. 

“Reuben, I am travelling, but when I get back next Wednesday, I will call you”, he had said.  He did not return. I was at a wedding party when news of the accident broke. It sounded like a fairy-tale but soon it was confirmed. Jesus! I was supposed to leave the wedding party and rush to a birthday party. I could not bring myself to go to that other party. I checked my phone. The call from Wigwe was still on my call log. How can somebody that spoke with me just a few days ago, die like that?”, I asked. There was an outpouring of tributes from every segment of society that he was involved with proving the maxim, that a man’s worth is not determined by the length of his life, but the impact that he makes. As Abraham Lincoln put it: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Thucydides says: “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but what is woven into the lives of others”. 

Herbert Wigwe’s life was short, but his impact was profound. As was the case also with Kobe Bryant, American professional basketball player, five-time NBA Champion, two times NBA Finals Most Valuable Player and NBA Most Valuable Player (2008), one of the most outstanding men on America’s basketball court. He died in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, along with nine others, including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. They were going for a basketball game in Thousand Oaks, California. 

And now again, in the past few days, there has been yet another case of a helicopter crash involving prominent persons in Iran: the President, the Foreign Minister and seven others.  They were returning from a diplomatic mission to Azerbaijan, namely, the inauguration of a dam at the Eastern border which was attended by President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan. It took a search and rescue party led by the Iranian Red Crescent Society, scouting around for 15 hours, before it was confirmed yesterday morning that the wreckage of the helicopter had been found, and there were no signs of life. President Ebrahim Raisi was a prominent political and religious figure in Iranian politics. He and the late Foreign Minister were aligned with the conservative and hardline factions in Iranian politics. Raisi had served as a prosecutor in his early years, and as a member of a panel of judges, the so-called Assembly of Experts which sanctioned the execution of political prisoners. He later became Attorney General of the Republic. He ran for the Presidency in 2017, but lost to the more moderate Hassan Rouhani. He would be lucky in 2021 when he won, and became President in what was a controversial election with low voter turn-out. It was believed that his emergence as President was carefully managed by his mentor, the man who has the final say in all matters in Iran, the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khameini.  He was looking forward to running for a second term in office in 2025. And now he is dead.  As is the case with the death of all prominent public figures, there has been a surfeit of tributes from the Middle East, the EU, India, Russia, China, Hamas, Hezbollah, Malaysia, Pakistan, France, Turkey and the UN. Syria and Lebanon have announced three days of mourning. 

He has been described as a martyr who died while serving the nation by the Iranian state media. In the face of the testy relationship between Iran and the US and its allies, Raisi was a fierce nationalist, rabidly anti-Israel and anti-America. In the on-going conflict between Israel and Hamas, his sympathies were with the latter. Whatever praises may have been heaped on him in Iran and the Islamic world, Raisi championed a policy of oppression. It was under his watch in 2022, for example, that a 22-year-old woman, Mahsa Amini was detained, and allegedly killed in detention for wearing a loose headscarf. In the course of the mass protests that followed, more than 500 people were killed, over 22, 000 others were detained. He is praised however for the diplomatic truce that was reached with Saudi Arabia last year. 

In all the three cases of deaths resulting from helicopter crashes cited above: one common thread is that every accident occurred as a result of the malfunctioning of the helicopter and weather issues as well.  In the Wigwe case, the reports cited poor weather, rain and showers in the area of the crash, on the edge of the Mojave Desert Preserve. When Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter accident at Calabasas, investigators also cited poor visibility and low cloud ceiling in addition to pilot error. Preliminary investigations into the crash in Iran have indicated challenging weather conditions and technical fault. In a political twist to the Iran incident, former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif blames US sanctions for the crash.  The truth is that Iranian aircraft cannot be serviced with spare parts, due to sanctions, and hence, the fleet belong to the pre-1979 Revolution era, old and deteriorating. The helicopter that crashed did not even have a functional signal system. Besides, the Bell 212 that crashed is US-made. 

 In all three, the aircraft crash landed and burst into fire. But the thing about death, is that even “in the midst of death, there is life, and that should shock us” – a reversal of the original saying by James Koester. My simple interpretation of that is that even when loved ones die, despite the pain and the anguish, life moves on nonetheless. Human beings have leant the art of clinging to life. The finality is individual, personal. The community grieves and returns to the art of living. Herbert Wigwe died on Friday, February 9, 2024. By Monday, February 12, the Board of Access Holdings Plc had announced Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer.  By March 14, the company re-appointed its co-founder, and non-executive chairman, as Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings in a substantive capacity. Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa has at every turn memorialized and honoured her husband, Kobe but she and her three surviving daughters have embraced life with equanimity. The family naturally feels the pain of death most, some people never heal, but still life goes on. 

In Iran, the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khameini had urged the nation not to worry, and that “there will be no disruption in the country’s work”. Iran has declared five days of mourning, and the first official state funeral will take place today. Meanwhile, the Cabinet of ministers has met, and replacements have been announced. Article 131 of the Iranian Constitution prescribes that in the event of the death of the President, the first Vice President assumes office, hence Mohammed Mokhber is now the Acting President of Iran. Ali Bagheri Kani, former Deputy Foreign Minister is also now the Acting Foreign Minister. Within 50 days, the Constitution prescribes that a new election must be held to elect another President.  So, even in Iran life goes on. What remains is the country’s next election in early July. Who will be Iran’s next President? A hardliner or a moderate and what would be the implications of the choice among likely candidates at a time Iran faces serious economic, regional and global challenges? 

Helicopters are scary things, from the swirling blades that you have to be mindful of as you board or disembark, to the fact that they are very shaky most of the time when they are air-borne especially when there is a little shift in the weather condition. Helicopters are not as stable as regular planes. One of the reasons I felt all hope was not lost when the Jonathan administration left office in 2015 was that I would not have to travel in those machines again, at least not as part of regular duty routine. In 2012, it was a really sad moment for the Nigerian government when General Andrew Owoye Azazi, National Security Adviser, Governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Yakowa, and four others died in a Navy helicopter crash in the forest of Okoroba in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on their way to the Port Harcourt International Airport. The helicopter burst into flames; its occupants were burnt beyond recognition. Every Nigerian President and senior government officials use the helicopter a lot, to cover distances, and in our time, the helicopter was the regular shuttle from the airport to the Villa, or to some nearby locations. On more than one occasion, going to the same Bayelsa state from Port Harcourt, we have had quite some anxiety. 

But it was in Switzerland that we had real anxiety about flying in a helicopter in a mountainous region. It was January 2013, I think. We had travelled to Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, something we did every year. But the weather was truly harsh that particular year. We landed in Geneva and hopped into the helicopter to take us straight to Davos. When we were airborne, it turned out that the weather was almost zero. It was so foggy up there we could not see anything ahead. And this was in Switzerland with the mountains or the Swiss Alps as they are otherwise called. We all became anxious. There was panic written all over our faces, including the President’s.

“It is not good for a President to die in a helicopter crash, and in a foreign country”, President Jonathan said, trying his best to remain Presidential. It is not good for a Special Adviser to die in a helicopter crash either, I thought quietly to myself. 

“But sir, these are oyinbo people sir and this is their country. They will know the terrain very well, and I think they have good technology.” 

The President directed there and then that on our way back from Davos, if the weather was still foggy, we would all return to Geneva by road. No helicopter ride in that kind of foggy weather. 

Later that year, July 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan was in China on a five-day state visit. It was a significant trip to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and China. We were well received and everything went well. The hospitality was great. The chemistry was right. But I recall that one of the programmes on our list could not take place. We were to visit a particular province, but the issue came up that we would have to go in a Chinese aircraft, flown by Chinese pilots, because the route to the province is mountainous and even only carefully chosen and trained pilots are allowed to fly on that route. Mountains again, after the experience in Switzerland? The Foreign Affairs people and the PAF Commander had to find a diplomatic way of standing down that part of the trip. Besides, it would have been odd to allow another sovereign and its pilots to take over the management of the movement of the Nigerian President. Nonetheless, President Jonathan’s visit to China was successful. It prepared the grounds for the deepening of bilateral relations between both countries. There were no more issues with helicopters and foggy weather for a while, except when we had a bird strike stopping our aircraft in South Africa and we had to change planes, and yet another bird strike during the 2015 election campaigns in Northern Nigeria, and an aircraft had to be brought from Abuja to take us back.  In life, we survive only by chance. 

Helicopter crashes have claimed the lives of many prominent state officials in the line of duty, including President Rene Ortuno of Bolivia (1969), Prime Minister Rashid Karami of Lebanon (1984), Burundi Defence Minister Colonel Firmin Sinzoyiheba (1998), due to poor weather, President Ibrahim Nasir of the Maldives (2008), Vice President John Garang of Sudan (2005), and Chief of Kenya’s military, General Francis Omondi Ogolla (2024). There is also a long list of leaders across the world who died in plane crashes. Between man, technology and nature, there is a lot about man’s inability to master and control the universe. There have been survivors though: In February 2019, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo of Nigeria escaped unhurt from a helicopter crash in Kabba, Kogi State.  In Iran, two helicopters travelling with President Ebrahim Raisi made it back to Tehran safely. Life is complex, the mysteries within it are far more so. May the souls of all departed persons find peace eternal.   

A member of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Prof Usman Yusuf, has accused former President Muhammadu Buhari of neglecting his home state, Katsina, throughout his eight-year tenure.

Yusuf, who spoke while appearing on a Channels Television programme on Sunday, noted that Buhari’s administration executed legacy projects in different parts of the country but failed to do any meaningful projects in the North West zone.

The former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) said even though the northern region had a “good representation” in Buhari’s government, there was nothing to show for it.

Yusuf insisted that Buhari did not do much to develop in his home state, Katsina and North generally, stating that he couldn’t even complete the Abuja-Kano highway for eight years.

He said, “The chief of staff was the one who pushed for the creation of the NEDC. Now, there is a Vice President, National Security Adviser and others from the north. What are they doing to address this issue? But we complain in the North West that we had a president that we never got anything from.

“Go to Katsina today where I come from, there is nothing to show we had a president for eight years. In the North West, let him tell us what he has done.”

Yusuf also blamed the governors of the northern region for the poor level of development of the region.

Former lawmaker, Senator Daniel Bwala, has claimed that Mr Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 election, only stands the chance to become Nigerian president from 2039.

Bwala said President Bola Tinubu will have to finish his two terms, with power returning to the north for another eight years.

The former lawmaker, in a post on his Social media handle on Monday, said power will only return to the south in 2039.

He wrote: “@PeterObi only stands the chance to be Nigerias president from 2039 when he will clock 79, or above 79 years. By then his message would no longer be “vote me because I am the younger of the candidates” but it will be “vote me because age doesn’t matter but capacity”

“The reason is @officialABAT will finish his two terms, then power would come to the north for another 8 years, before it goes to the south. The e-rodents who keep shouting “we are the youth” by then would be saying “we are the elders”. Blessed week ahead.”

The Federal Government has announced plans to commence a nationwide official groundbreaking for phase 1 of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates project across the country.

In a statement on Sunday, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa said the project will begin with 1,250 housing units in four states in northern Nigeria.

He said the groundbreaking event is scheduled to begin on May 22 in Katsina State and conclude on May 25 in Gombe State.

Dangiwa said the completion of the contracting process and the mobilisation of reputable developers marked the commencement of this significant development.

The minister said the exercise follows the programme’s official launch by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, with a 3,112-housing unit project in Karsana, Abuja, in February 2024.

He emphasised the commitment of the current administration to turning the country into a huge construction site and unlocking the potential of the housing sector to create jobs, catalyse economic growth and contribute to the economy.

The statement read in part, “The minister will officially flag off construction activities at the project sites as follows: 250 housing units at Renewed Hope Estate in Katsina on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, 500 housing units at Renewed Hope City in Kano on Thursday, May 23, 2024, 250 housing units at Renewed Hope Estate in Yobe on Friday, May 24, 2024, 250 housing units at Renewed Hope Estate in Gombe on Saturday, May 25, 2024

“We are committed to our promise to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to turn the country into a huge construction site and unlock the potential of the housing sector to create jobs, catalyse economic growth, and contribute to the $1 trillion economy while boosting national development. The 1,250 units that we are breaking ground for in Katsina, Kano, Yobe, and Gombe are only a start. After this, we shall be proceeding to other parts of the country.”

The minister noted that under the 2023 supplementary budget, the ministry awarded contracts for 3,500 housing units in 13 states since December 2023.

This includes 500 housing units in Kano, and 250 housing units in 12 other states including Katsina, Sokoto, Yobe, Gombe, Nasarawa, Benue, Osun, Oyo, Abia, Ebonyi, Delta and Akwa Ibom.

It added: “The Renewed Hope City in Kano comprises 100 units of 1-bedroom (semi-detached bungalows), 300 units of 2-bedrooms (semi-detached bungalows), 100 units of 3-bedrooms (semi-detached bungalows)

“The Renewed Hope Estates in Katsina, Yobe, and Gombe each comprises 50 units of 1-bedroom (semi-detached bungalows), 100 units of 2-bedrooms (semi-detached bungalows), 50 units of 3-bedrooms (semi-detached bungalows).

“To enhance affordability and ease of offtake, we used organic designs where one bedroom can be expanded to two bedrooms and three bedrooms as the income of beneficiaries increases over time.”

The minister said the housing projects also seek to address social inequality by providing a broad range of affordable ownership options.

He said this includes single-digit and up to 30-year mortgage loans to be provided by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Rent-to-Own options where beneficiaries can move in and pay towards homeownership monthly, quarterly, or annual instalments and Outright Purchases for high-income earners.

Dangiwa added that the 1,250 housing units are being funded under the N50bn 2023 Supplementary Budget of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to receive the performance evaluations of his cabinet members this week.

As the Administration approaches its one-year anniversary next week, the ministers will have served nine months in office by tomorrow, having taken their oaths on August 21, 2023. 

The performance evaluations of special advisers and heads of key departments and agencies are also expected to be presented to the President.

The President initially inaugurated 48 ministers, but the count has dropped to 46.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong resigned on December 20 after winning his Court of Appeal case to take his Senate seat.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Betta Edu, has been suspended since March 6 to facilitate an investigation into allegations of misconduct within her ministry.

The cabinet is on edge, fearing that the assessment report could result in a reshuffle or the removal of specific ministers.

The report, compiled by Hajiya Hadiza Bala-Usman, who serves as the Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination and the Head of the CDCU, is subject to the President’s final approval.

The criteria for assessing the ministers’ performance were outlined following the retreat that took place after their inauguration.

This assessment is based on the deliverables of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) members across the administration’s eight priority areas, which include:

• Reforming the economy to deliver sustained and inclusive growth;

• Strengthening national security for peace and prosperity;

• Boosting agriculture to achieve food security;

• Unlocking energy and natural resources for sustainable development;

• Enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers for growth;

• Focusing on education, health, and social investment as essential pillars of development;

• Accelerating diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation; and

• Improving governance for effective service delivery.

The CDCU has been conducting quarterly performance evaluations of the ministers. While an interim report has been submitted, the first-year assessment is deemed “critical” in determining the trajectory for the remaining 36 months of the President’s first term.

At the commencement of the evaluation process, Hajiya Bala-Usman said: “For each of these priority areas, we agreed on specific deliverables and developed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which formed the basis for the Performance Bond which all ministers and permanent secretaries signed with the President in November 2023.

“These parameters will guide the Quarterly Assessments and Annual Scorecards, which the CDCU is mandated to present to the President.”

A top source, who spoke in confidence to The Nation, said: “The President may receive the first year performance evaluation of the ministers, advisers and even strategic departments/agencies.

“The CDCU has subjected the ministers and others to a quarterly assessment.

“From the outset, the ministers signed a performance bond. And the bond will determine their fate.

“There was also a Citizens’ Delivery Tracker App used to monitor the performance of the ministers and their portfolios. Nigerians’ verdict may also count too.

“But whatever is the eventual decision on the ministers, it is the prerogative of the President.”

The source revealed that the ministers’ ratings will align with the President’s eight priority areas, with the relevant key indicators already communicated to them.