Despite the efforts of the security operatives to tackle the deteriorating security crisis in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, killings and abduction of residents have continued, DAILY POST reports.
The blood-thirsty assailants, who have been causing mayhem in the nation’s capital city, recently intensified their unprovoked attacks on residents.
Although the security operatives recently recorded successes in the battle against terrorism in the city by rescuing kidnap victims and arresting suspects, our correspondent gathered that some of the unfortunate attacks are underreported.
Mrs Maria was on a postnatal visit to her daughter, Christiana, who recently gave birth after being childless since she tied the knot with her husband, Igba, about ten years ago.
The bandits had invaded their residence near the Mopol Barracks, Dei-Dei, hacked the husband to coma and whisked away Christiana, her mother and the one-month-old baby to an unknown destination.
One of the neighbours, Adejor Jacob, who narrated the incident to DAILY POST on Saturday, said the abductors had demanded N90 million ransom prior to the murder of the victims.
According to him, “The late Christiana gave birth recently after being barren for more than ten years. Her mother came to Abuja from Benue State for the postnatal and to celebrate with the family over the newborn.
“The kidnappers earlier asked the husband to pay N90 million ransom as the only condition to release his wife and his mother-in-law.
“A day before they were killed, the kidnappers contacted the husband and they both negotiated and settled for N10 million.
“The kidnappers asked him to make the money available before 10 am the following day, which was last Thursday.
“Before the agreed time, the kidnappers called the husband to inform him that the one month old-baby was ill.
“There was another victim that the kidnappers released that day so they gave her the little baby and asked her to take the newborn to a hospital.
“The kidnappers gave her the phone number of the baby’s father and asked her to call when she got to the hospital.
“The woman did as she was instructed. The hospital called Igba and he went there and recovered his baby. After a few hours, we received a report that Christiana and her mother had been killed.
“Their lifeless bodies were dumped and some police officers went there to recover them. They have been deposited at the Kubwa General Hospital.”
When our correspondent visited the area on Saturday, it was gathered that the residents who are still in shock over the unprecedented murder, are living in fear.
According to a resident who does not want to be mentioned, “many people are relocating from Dei-Dei due to security issues in the area.
“There has been a series of kidnappings and killings in this place since January but most of the incidents are not captured by the media.”
When contacted by DAILY POST, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh declined speaking on the matter.
Meanwhile, DAILY POST reports that the daredevil terrorists have been on rampage, terrorizing some areas in the territory, including Kawu, Gaba, Dei-dei, Kubwa Hills, Ushafa, Bwari, Mpape, Kubwa, Lugbe, Pyakasa, Keti, Gbaupe, Gbaukuchi, Airport Road, among others.
Earlier last week, reports emerged that over 200 violent attacks have been recorded across all the six area councils of the FCT since President Bola Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023.
It was gathered that at least 89 residents of the nation’s capital have been killed by the terrorists, while 176 were kidnapped within the period.
This has instilled palpable fear and anxiety on residents, particularly those residing in the satellite areas.
DAILY POST reports that nightlife, especially in the Bwari Area Council, has drastically diminished as most residents desert the streets before nightfall.
Some schools and businesses were recently shut down over fear of attacks by the pitiless kidnappers.
Elder Ben Ijeoche, a security expert, told DAILY POST on Saturday that until the Federal Government and the National Assembly agreed to establish state police, the security crisis may continue.
He said, “We have been saying this but it looks like there is nobody to listen. The National Assembly should amend the 1999 Constitution accordingly to enable each of the 36 states and the FCT to establish their own police force.
“This will help reduce the issue we are facing right now. When you mobilize an officer from Abuja to Plateau, the officer will be limited in discharging their duties because they don’t know the place very well.
“Someone who has lived in the crisis area for a long time should be able to know how to tackle the challenges better. The person wearing the shoes knows where it pinches.
“State police will also create jobs for the youths and take some of our youths away from the bush.”
However, the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, has assured that residents of the territory will get positive news within days.
“I can assure you that in a matter of days, you will be hearing positive stories.
“We are ready to support our security agencies with whatever they need to ensure that our people can sleep with their two eyes closed.
“We are going to provide the councils with motorcycles to support the vigilante groups so that they can get information and assist our security agencies,” he added.
The Chairman, Mangu Local Government Area, Marcus Artu, confirmed the development to The Nation by phone.
But he could not say how many gunmen were killed.
“I cannot not give the casualty figure, but they are many, and this is the beginning of meeting their Waterloo.
“What I was told is that some attackers came out in large numbers this morning (Saturday) and wanted to attack the people but the soldiers repelled them.”
COAS to soldiers: Adopt more aggressive posture against those disturbing Plateau peace
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, on an assessment visit to Mangu LGA yesterday, ordered troops of the 3 Division Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force Operation Safe Haven to adopt more aggressive posture and decisively stamp out terrorists causing mayhem in Plateau and neighbouring states.
“Go hard on those disturbing the peace of the Plateau and neutralise any terrorist annihilating people and burning or destroying property and other economic valuables,” he said while addressing them.
The COAS, who received briefing on the security situation from the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Major-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, acknowledged that the security dynamics on the Plateau are complex owning to its political background, interwoven with cultural and economic sentiments.
These, he added, accounted for the prolonged duration of the conflicts and the escalation in its lethality.
Gen. Lagbaja inspected the arms and ammunition recovered by the troops and commended them for not allowing the crisis to escalate to other parts of the state.
He was confident that the troops would be more resilient and leave no stone unturned in ensuring that peace and tranquility is restored on the Plateau and other troubled parts of the country.
He charged the troops to live up to the expectations of all peace loving and law abiding residents of the Plateau, harping that trust is earned and the troops must do all within their means to maintain the trust of the people they are tasked to protect.
Lagbaja, who seized the opportunity to pay a courtesy call on Governor Mutfwang, expressed appreciation to the government and people of Plateau State for their effort in ensuring that peace reigns in the state.
He said a marching order had been handed down to troops to sternly enforce law and order and to be decisive in tackling the security situation on the Plateau.
[TheNation]
•Says the West, allies have succeeded in demeaning our school system
•‘How we are containing education challenges in Gran Hermano Academy’
Chijioke Godfrey Nwajioha, an academic consultant of international repute, is the Chairman, of Gran Hermano Academy, Awka, Anambra State. In this interview, Nwajioha speaks on how the Tinubu administration can harness the renewed hope mandate by infusing indigenous technology into the school curriculum to sustain the future of education in Nigeria. Excerpts:
What is your view on government policy to ensure Nigerians get quality education?
To ensure that Nigerians receive quality education, government must adopt a holistic approach that focuses on all levels of education, from pre-school to tertiary. There must be a focus on improving teacher quality as well as increasing access to education and providing adequate learning resources. In addition, there must be a focus on addressing the specific needs of vulnerable groups such as girls, children with disabilities, and children living in conflict-affected areas. There must also be a strong monitoring and evaluation system in place to track progress and ensure accountability. Overall, government’s education policy must be comprehensive, inclusive and well-funded. To further elaborate, I believe that the following policy areas are particularly important: Investing in early childhood education: Early childhood education is crucial in laying the foundation for a child’s future academic success.
Government should invest in expanding access to pre-school education as well as training and professional development for early childhood educators. Increasing access to secondary education: Secondary education is important for preparing young people for the workforce and for further education. Efforts should be geared towards expanding and increasing the number of secondary schools to accommodate more people in rural areas and improve the quality of secondary education in the hinterlands.
Improving technical and vocational education: Technical and vocational education is important for preparing young people for the world of work. However, there is a significant gap between the demand for skilled workers and the supply of skilled workers in Nigeria.
Government should work to improve the quality and relevance of technical and vocational education, as well as increase the number of trained workers. Ensuring access to higher education: Higher education is important for personal and professional development, as well as for driving economic growth. Presently, there is a significant gap in access to higher education in Nigeria, especially for low-income and rural populations. Government should work to increase the number of public universities, provide access to education loans for those who cannot afford the fees, and improve the quality of higher education by ensuring adequate funding, continuous training, and research.
What is your view on government’s four-year strategic plan to serve as an education road map for education development?
The Nigerian government’s Strategic Plan for Education Development (SPED) is a roadmap for improving the country’s education system over the next four years. SPED is a comprehensive plan that covers all levels of education, from basic to tertiary. The plan’s key objectives include improving access to and equity in education, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as girls, children with disabilities, and children in conflict-affected areas; improving the quality of education, including the training and development of teachers; improving school infrastructure; and increasing the use of technology in education.
SPED is an ambitious plan, and it is not clear whether all of its objectives will be achieved within the four-year timeframe. Most times, government comes up with a well-thought-out program that, if judiciously implemented, will improve the well-being of its citizens, but what we see in most cases is a lack of political will or a misplaced priority to drive the process.
There are several challenges that could hinder the implementation of the plan. These include limited funding, lack of qualified teachers, inadequate infrastructure and political instability. However, the plan does have the potential to make significant improvements to the Nigerian education system, and its success will depend on the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders. If the plan is successfully implemented, it could lead to improved access to education, better learning outcomes, and increased economic growth and development in Nigeria.
In my opinion, there are several key factors that will be crucial for the success of the SPED. First, it is important to ensure that the plan is adequately funded. Government must commit to increasing spending on education and ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively. Second, there must be a focus on improving the quality of teacher training and development, as well as the overall quality of education. Third, it is important to create an enabling environment for learning by ensuring that schools have adequate infrastructure and resources.
There must also be political stability and commitment to the plan from all levels of government. It could be said that insincerity on the part of those saddled with the responsibility of driving the process has always been a clog in the wheel of progress in achieving a set goal. So for me, it’s achievable with commitment, sincerity of purpose, and concerted efforts.
Experts are of the view that a crucial step in this direction would reduce Japa syndrome. What are your thoughts on this?
Yes, I agree with that assertion! The japa syndrome, or the brain drain phenomenon, if you like, is a real and pressing challenge for Nigeria. I believe that reducing this trend will require a multi-pronged approach that includes improving the quality of education, increasing access to opportunities, and addressing economic challenges. Improving the quality of education will make Nigeria a more attractive option for talented individuals, as it will give them the skills and knowledge to succeed in the global economy.
Secondly, increasing access to opportunities, such as jobs and internships, will give individuals a reason to stay in Nigeria and contribute to its development. Furthermore, addressing inflation and unemployment will help create a more stable and prosperous environment for individuals to live and work in. In addition, untying the country from the shackles of corruption, improving infrastructure, and promoting the rule of law will also help to create an environment that is conducive to retaining talent.
I believe that addressing the Japa syndrome requires a holistic and comprehensive approach that considers all of these factors. You see, the world has become a global village; access to information is at the tip of your finger, thereby creating opportunities for the young ones to interact with their peers elsewhere, and by doing so, you will wonder why what works seamlessly elsewhere will be difficult to achieve in Nigeria. The menace is a big challenge that requires a complex and multifaceted approach that addresses both the push and pull factors that are driving this phenomenon.
It is important to create opportunities and conditions in Nigeria that will give young people the desire to stay and contribute to the development of the country. This includes improving education, creating job opportunities, and promoting social justice. At the same time, it is also necessary to address the factors that are drawing young people to leave Nigeria, such as economic insecurity, political instability, and insecurity. By addressing these issues, we can reduce the incentive for people to leave the country and instead encourage them to stay and contribute to its future.
It is important to address the broader social-economic and political context in which the Japa syndrome exists. As I said before, tackling corruption, strengthening institutions, and creating an environment that is conducive to innovation and growth will put an end to all these anomalies. Let me add that this is very important, and I would want the government to take this very seriously. To solve the education problem in Nigeria, there should be legislation prohibiting those who didn’t do a degree course in Nigeria from being considered for jobs in any government establishment.
We should be proud of our system and make it work. The West and her allies have succeeded in demeaning our school system, whereas it’s on record that the majority of Nigerian students that travel out to further their education go there and distinguish themselves and beat their contemporaries. What does that tell you? We must create an enabling environment and prioritize investment in education to dissuade our young, bright minds from ‘japaing’.
What are the challenges of obtaining quality education, and how have you contributed to ensuring Nigerians get quality education?
Going by your word “experienced proprietor,” the challenges I have faced in providing quality education are multifaceted. For example, one of the biggest challenges is the lack of qualified and experienced teachers. There is a severe shortage of teachers, especially in this age of technology, and many of the teachers that are available are not adequately trained or are unemployable. To address this challenge, I have worked to provide professional development opportunities for teachers as well as to recruit and train new teachers. In Gran Hermano Academy, quality is our watchword, and, to that end, we have invested much in training our teachers to be in tune with the demands of the modern classroom.
We have been able to do so because of our firm belief in excellence. I have also worked to develop curricula and teaching materials that are relevant and engaging for students. I believe that quality education is key to the development of any nation, and I am committed to doing my part to ensure that Nigerians have access to high-quality education. Another challenge I have faced is the lack of infrastructure and resources. Many schools, especially in rural areas, lack basic infrastructure such as electricity, clean water, and sanitation facilities. These challenges make it difficult for students to learn and for teachers to teach effectively. To address this challenge, I have worked with local and international organizations to provide funding for school infrastructure projects.
This can lead to students dropping out of school or not performing well. To address this challenge, I have worked to raise awareness about the importance of parental involvement in education and to provide training for parents on how to support their children’s learning. Overall, the challenges I have faced in ensuring quality education for Nigerians are significant, but I am committed to finding solutions and making a difference.
You are aware of the challenges bedeviling the education sector, which include insecurity, accessibility, funding, teachers’ capacity building and institutional management. How have you been able to contain these challenges for over 10 years?
It has been a bumpy ride for 10 years, but God has been very gracious. First and foremost, we have been able to contain these challenges by building a strong partnership with the community where we operate. We have worked closely with community leaders, parents, and other relevant stakeholders to develop a shared vision for education in the area. This has helped to build trust and ensure that we are all working towards the same goal. We have also been able to leverage technology to help address some of the challenges. We use technology surveillance cameras (CCTV) to monitor the environment and also working closely with government security agencies. On teachers’ capacity building, I have worked to build the capacity of teachers through professional development opportunities, access to resources, training and retraining, and financial and material rewards. It will interest you to note that during our 10th anniversary celebration on December 8, 2023, we rewarded the pioneer staff with a plot of land each here in Awka, Anambra State. All these are geared towards motivating them to do more, as opposed to the popular saying that “teachers’ reward is in heaven.” All of that has helped to improve the quality of education and address some of the challenges related to teachers’ capacity over the last 10 years of our commitment to the development of education. I have also been able to address some of the funding challenges through innovative fundraising initiatives.
For example, I have worked with local businesses to establish scholarships and other forms of financial support for students. Just during our 10th anniversary, our invited guests raised handsome funds to support the above initiative. Overall, I have been able to make progress in addressing these challenges through a combination of partnerships, technology, and fundraising. I believe that continued collaboration and innovation will be key to making further progress in the future. One area where I have seen significant progress is improving security in the environment where we are operating. I have worked with local law enforcement agencies, and government has also done so well in reducing the fears and threats of insecurity to the barest minimum.
I have also put surveillance cameras and security guards in place. These have helped to create a safer learning environment for students and staff. In addition, I have worked to create a culture of safety and security in the school community. This includes regular drills, safety training for staff, and awareness campaigns for students and parents. These efforts have helped to make students feel safe and secure in school and have yielded tremendous achievements in academic excellence.
What road map have you put in place to produce reliable and accountable leaders as promised by GHA before the next 10 years?
To understand our 10-year road map and goals for producing reliable and accountable leaders, it is important to appreciate where we came from in the last 10 years. It has become common knowledge that “schools promote exam malpractice.”. It was against this backdrop that Gran Hermano Academy was founded to bring about academic excellence. Our motto is ‘Raising Leaders Through Excellence’. When we started, we first defined our objectives, core values, and vision, and these have been our guiding principles in all that we do and in the day-to-day running and activities of the school. Promotion of examination malpractice is a serious issue that must be addressed in order to produce accountable and reliable leaders. It is a malady that must be condemned by every right-thinking person because it shakes the foundation of hard work. Several measures can be taken to combat this problem. First, there must be a strong commitment from school administrators, teachers, parents, and students to combat cheating and promote integrity in the exam process.
This can be achieved through education and awareness campaigns as well as clear consequences for those who engage in malpractice. Second, there should be improved security measures in place at exam centers to prevent cheating and ensure that exams are conducted fairly and transparently. In Anambra State, for example, the Ministry of Education has made it mandatory for all WAEC centers to be covered and equipped with CCTV cameras.
There should be a strong emphasis on promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the classroom so that students are better equipped to succeed without relying on cheating. Ultimately, the goal should be to create an environment where students are rewarded for their hard work and dedication rather than for their ability to cheat.
By taking these measures, we can help to ensure that our educational system is producing responsible and ethical leaders who are prepared to make a positive impact on society. So, for us, we have succeeded in changing the narrative in the past 10 years, and the records are glaring. So, to answer your question, by the next 10 years, judging by the awesome achievements and records so far and by the roadmap we have set in motion, we will have produced more reliable and accountable leaders that will be able to give account of themselves academically and otherwise.
So far, what collaborative efforts beyond the government or industry stakeholders have you made to make your students compete internationally?
We have leveraged the competitive nature of private schools to find ways to distinguish us from our contemporaries. Running to school is not a tea party. Manufacturing industries and factories push their products to the market and maintain the same product style as long as the demand remains the same, but the education industry demands creativity, innovative models, and skills daily if you must remain in the business. There are several collaborative efforts that I have made to help my students compete favorably both nationally and internationally. One such effort is the development of partnerships with international organizations, such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the British Council, and other education consultancies. As a registered member of the British Council, we undertake the following international examinations:
- Checkpoint 2. IGCSE 3. IGCSE Upper Secondary 4. IGCSE Advance (A’ LEVEL) Through these partnerships, we have been able to offer students the opportunity to participate in international competitions, such as the International Maths Olympiad, the International Science Olympiad, the Turkish Maths Competition, and other national competitions. These experiences have allowed my students to gain valuable skills and knowledge and have also helped to raise the profile of the school on the international stage. I have also collaborated with universities and companies for workshops and training for the senior classes in various educational programs. This has provided them with valuable experience and exposure to different industries and cultures. I have further worked with different professionals and organizations to develop a curriculum that is aligned with international standards so that my students can compete with their peers from around the world. Basically, we have collaborated with other educational institutions to provide my students with access to world-class resources and facilities, such as libraries, laboratories, and technology centers.
Are there scholarship initiatives for vulnerable, bright, and underprivileged students?
I am one of those who believe in building human capacity. Prior to setting up the Academy, I have been investing in human capital development, giving scholarships to many indigent, vulnerable, and underprivileged persons in primary, secondary, and higher institutions of learning. In our academy, there are also several scholarship initiatives for vulnerable, bright, and underprivileged students, which are open to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential. During admission, there is a criterion or threshold that one must satisfy to qualify for a scholarship. In addition, we partner with several private and corporate scholarship programs that provide support to deserving students from low-income backgrounds. As I said earlier, during GHA’s 10-year anniversary, we raised funds for that purpose. These initiatives are helping to ensure that all students have access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic status. Scholarships are to reward hard work, assist the underprivileged, and challenge other students to do better. “We rise by lifting others,” says Davido.
Like President Bola Tinubu emphasizes, is there attention given to science and technology students to encourage the infusion of indigenous technology into regular curriculum reviews?
Yes, the Nigerian government has been placing greater emphasis on science and technology education in recent years. This is reflected in the National Policy on Education, which emphasizes the need to integrate science and technology into the regular curriculum. For example, the policy states that science and technology should be taught at the primary school level and that there should be a focus on applied science and technology in secondary schools.
The policy also calls for the establishment of science and technology centers and the promotion of research and innovation in the field.
This is part of a broader effort to encourage the use of indigenous technology and to make Nigeria a leader in the field of science. Indigenous technology refers to technology that is developed within a particular country or region rather than being imported from elsewhere.
In the context of Nigeria, it refers to technology that is developed by Nigerian scientists and engineers using local resources and knowledge. This can include anything from engineering to agricultural technology to computer science. Indigenous technology is important because it helps to ensure that the benefits of technological advancement are shared more evenly, and it also helps to promote national development and self-reliance, but unfortunately, Nigeria and Nigerians have not really developed the potential to develop some of the technological tools needed in that regard. Our appetite for foreign products is the bane of not looking inward, and it was further exacerbated by the harsh business environment, which doesn’t support production, and the unfriendly economy. If the policy must succeed, there must be a deliberate effort by the government to encourage local manufacturers of such technology gadgets.
Although the infusion of technology into curriculum reviews is gaining momentum, there is definitely a growing focus on incorporating indigenous technology into the curriculum of science and technology students in Nigeria.
This is evident in the new curricula that are being developed by organizations like FSTEB and NASRDA, which aim to promote the use of locally developed technologies in schools. This is especially important in fields like engineering, where students need to be familiar with the specific technologies and materials that are used in Nigeria.
Additionally, many universities and colleges are now offering courses that focus specifically on indigenous technology in order to train students in the latest developments in this field. One of the main challenges facing the promotion of indigenous technology in the curriculum is the lack of adequate funding and resources.
In order to develop and implement indigenous technology, there needs to be a significant investment in research and development, as well as in infrastructure and facilities. This is something that the government and other organizations are working to address, but there is still a long way to go.
Additionally, there needs to be a greater emphasis on collaboration between schools, government agencies, and private companies in order to create a more comprehensive and effective approach to promoting indigenous technology. This will require a shift in mindset and culture, as well as a commitment to long-term investment.
However, the benefits of doing so are clear: by promoting indigenous technology, Nigeria can create a more sustainable and resilient economy, as well as increase its global competitiveness. Consequently, the skills and knowledge that students gain through the study of indigenous technology can be used to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the country, such as climate change, food security, and energy independence.
In short, the infusion of indigenous technology into the curriculum is a crucial step towards creating a more prosperous and sustainable future for Nigeria.
[Vanguard]
A 37-year old woman, Bilikisu Kazeem, has died from bullet wound sustained during a battle between the police and kidnappers on Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Police Spokesman in Ogun State, Omolola Odutola, disclosed this on Saturday in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Odutola said as a result of the engagement, nine out of ten persons were rescued from the suspected kidnappers on the highway.
Suspected kidnappers had on Friday abducted travellers on the Lagos- Ibadan expressway, including the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos state, Philip Aivoji.
According to Odutola, officers’ intervention had, however, aided the release of nine out of ten victims while only the PDP chairman remained in captivity.
Speaking on casualties recorded, Odutola said, “A White Mazda Bus registered as LSR 288 XE was slightly damaged, while Eunice Afolake Osalusi “f”, Erinfolami Samuel “m”, Obafemi Da Altantra “m” and Adeyinka Mathew sustained non-ife threatening bullet injuries in their escape attempts, they are recuperating and stable in hospital.
“Sadly, one Bilikisu Kazeem “f” aged 37years, gave up the ghost before getting to the hospital. Her remains was immediately collected by her relatives who were conveying her to the hospital, declining any autopsy examination from the police.”
The Police Spokesman listed exhibits recovered from the scene to include “one AK47 Magazine containing 28 live ammunition believed to belong to the hoodlums, handsets, car key, were handed over to respective owners.”
She added that the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations had mobilised Tactical Commanders, on joint operations with other security agencies to ensure that the PDP chairman is rescued unhurt.
[DailyTrust]
No fewer than 140 officials will track and assess the performance of federal ministries, departments, and agencies ahead of the first assessment exercise at the end of this month.
This is as the officials joined the third technical retreat for delivery desk officers of federal ministries on the implementation of presidential priorities and ministerial deliverables in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, which began on Wednesday.
A senior official working closely with the Central Delivery Coordination Unit headed by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Mrs Hadiza Bala-Usman, revealed that the officers, who would conduct the assessment, were drawn from 35 federal government ministries, departments and agencies.
“It will involve a permanent secretary and directors of planning and other officials, four each from 35 ministries. They are considering the modalities of the assessment, the key performance indicators and the reporting mechanisms and all of those,” the official who did not want to be mentioned told one of our correspondents.
At the retreat, Bala-Usman echoed President Bola Tinubu’s words to participants when she warned that her principal would sack ministers who failed to perform their duties.
She noted that Tinubu was poised to deliver on his promise of making life better and easier for Nigerians.
Calling for the total commitment of delivery officers and directors of planning in ministries, Bala-Usman said, “We must understand that the President is very serious about his promises and that ministers will be assessed, and ministers will be dropped if they don’t perform.
“You must understand that as ministerial delivery desk officers, you are the engine room that will provide that feedback, constantly track ministerial progress, and report challenges and bottlenecks to the central coordinating and delivery unit.”
The presidential aide, who dove into the specifics, explained, “In the Ministry of Aviation, we will be assessing FAAN on customer experience at the airports; are the escalators, lifts, and conveyor belts functional?
“What are the consequences of delayed time of departure for airlines? These are things that everybody can feel and see.
“When talking about agriculture, we want to see our index of fertiliser use per hectare grow because of the attendant investment that has been made in fertiliser interventions.”
On October 17, 2023, Bala-Usman said her office would begin a quarterly assessment of the performance of the 48 ministers (now 47) appointed by the President by January 2024.
She said January would be the best period to begin the exercise as all the ministries would have received their budgets for the 2024 fiscal year.
“We’re looking to commence an assessment of the respective ministries in January 2024. We’re going to have a quarterly assessment of performance, which will culminate into an annual scorecard,” the former boss of the Nigerian Ports Authority explained in an interview on TVC.
She said the annual scorecard would be reviewed during periodic retreats where performances would be assessed against key performance indicators.
The three-month period for the first evaluation will follow a three-day cabinet retreat for ministers and presidential aides, which was held from November 1 to 3, 2023, where ministers signed a performance bond with the President.
The bond signed by each minister and permanent secretaries detailed the deliverables each ministry plans to achieve within the 2024 budget cycle.
“That performance bond is what we’re going to use to track the performance of the ministers,” Bala-Usman had said.
Lawyers, CSOs comment
Commenting on the development, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Mike Ozekhome, said the performance review of the ministers should not be the priority of the government as the nation was in a dire strait.
He stated, “This President should be one in a hurry. This country is battered and tattered. The country is bleeding. The people are downtrodden. There is anger and melancholy. There is poverty. There is agony. Nigerians are crying and in abject penury. There is gnashing of teeth across the divides in Nigeria.
“How can a bag of rice be selling at over N55,000 and the Presidency is talking about assessing ministers? Take a look at the naira that is currently in a free fall because we are subjected to neo-colonial dictates from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
“To me, it is a case of ‘Physician heal thyself’ as the President is trying to heal the ministries. To assess a minister is to know the deliverables. What benchmark did the President set when he appointed the ministers? What was in the All Progressives Congress manifesto as to their deliverables?
“Since the ministers were sworn in more than six months ago, what have they done? If we take the Ministry of Works, for instance, it will be easy to assess how many roads have been constructed or started or earmarked for commencement. But, for other ministries like special duties; how will they be assessed?
“As for the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Humanitarian Affairs, how will they assess them? Where is all the money that has been pumped to alleviate poverty? Why is there so much poverty in the land? What number of Nigerians has been brought out of poverty? What are the verifiable indices to show that this has been done? I have already seen some ministers who are not performing at all. Some of them are just there like onlookers.”
On his part, Chief Yomi Alliyu (SAN), faulted the move, saying, “In the first instance, I don’t see how anyone will assess a minister. The criteria are bound to be subjective rather than objective. This is because ministers are not really the ones working in the ministries. They are just policymakers. The civil servants are the ones who will implement policies. In that instance, it is the members of the public who can assess whether a minister is working or not.
“A minister could be hyperactive and corrupt. We have seen ministers use their former companies as pipes to siphon government money from another ministry and some of them are still serving.
“You will not say because a minister has some media hype, he will score well and perform. Sometimes, it is not the people that you hear of who are the performers in this country. Nobody can evaluate any minister other than members of the public.”
Also reacting, another senior lawyer, Mr Ebun Adegboruwa (SAN), stated that it was PresidentTinubu himself who needed to be assessed.
“I don’t think the President has the moral justification for such an assessment. It is the President himself who needs an assessment. The ministers have no direct responsibility to the people of Nigeria. They were not the ones elected. The buck stops on the President’s table. Is it for the insecurity, inflation, or the collapse of the exchange and forex regime?” he queried.
Civil Society Organisations called on Tinubu to suspend ministers who underperform or are found to be enmeshed in corrupt practices.
The Chairman of Civil Society Organisations in Rivers State, Enafaa Georgewill, made the call in an interview with one of our correspondents, adding that ministers could be likened to employees who should be held accountable when necessary.
Georgewill stated, “The President can be likened to an employer and if an employer employs an employee and the employee is not performing as expected, he who hired them should fire them and where there is a need for caution, disciplinary action like suspension and other reprimand actions should be taken.
“Until those in authority, and in this case, the President, begin to instil discipline and real governance, as well as social welfare, we will not be able to make real progress. So, yes, the President has the power to reprimand ministers and he should use it.”
The Director of Youths for Change, Taiwo Oyayinka, urged the President to ensure the dismissal of underperforming ministers as he had earlier promised.
He said, “President Tinubu promised us last year that ministers who underperform would be dismissed; he should stand by this charge. Corrupt ministers should be flushed out of the system.
“Such an action will serve as a deterrent to others. There should be no sacred cow in power. All those found culpable should be suspended or dismissed.”
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Segun Sowunmi, said the assessment of ministers was a novel idea, but noted that such an endeavour must be holistic.
He said, “This is the first time we have heard that ministers are going to be accessed and that there will be consequences after the assessment, but you know anything with government, especially in our country, it is always better for you to exercise some caution because if you celebrate early, you may just end up disappointed.
“On the surface, it is a good idea; maybe it will help us scale up service delivery. Also, maybe the report of the assessment can serve as a benchmark either for the others or people who will be taking government office.”
The National Secretary of New Nigeria People’s Party, Mr Oladipupo Olayokun, “I think that is the normal thing to do because when you give someone an assignment, you should periodically assess his performance because don’t forget that the President told Nigerians that the ministers would be assessed. It is a departure from what we witnessed in the past eight years, especially given what Nigerians are experiencing under this government.”
The National Director, Media and Publicity of the Labour Party, Dr Yunusa Tanko, said, “Any minister found wanting shows he or she is not qualified to serve the country. If the President wants to begin to screen his aides, that means he must have presented himself for screening ab initio. He does not have a locus standi to start screening people because if they were screened ab initio, we would have known about their credentials.”
The British government on Saturday said it would be “temporarily pausing any future funding” to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees after Israel accused several staff members of involvement in Hamas’s October 7 attack.
“The UK is appalled by allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel,” the Foreign Office said, adding that the aid would be put on hold while “we review these concerning allegations”.
[NaijaTimes]
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Saturday in France, received a Nigeria Football token.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, made this known in a statement on Saturday.
Ngelale said the president received the token ahead of the Super Eagles’ Round of 16 clash against Cameroon at the African Cup of Nations (AF CON) today.
The presidential spokesman added that President Tinubu looks forward to a quality showing from the Super Eagles.
The statement reads: “H.E. President Bola Tinubu today receives a Nigeria Football token ahead of the Super Eagles’ Round of 16 clash against Cameroon at the African Cup of Nations.
“The President looks forward to a quality showing from our men!”
Nigeria Vs Cameroon 2023 AFCON Clash Will Be Tougher – Ahmed Musa
The Captain of the Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa, has noted that Nigeria‘s clash with Cameroon later tonight (9 p.m.), January 27, will be tougher than the last time the two countries met.
Ahmed Musa played a prominent role when Nigeria faced Cameroon in the 2019 AFCON round of 16 in Egypt. The Super Eagles knocked out the five-time AFCON winners 3-2 to book a place in the quarter-finals stage.
The Super Eagles went on to finish third in the edition of the tournament and they will have to attempt beating the Indomitable Lions once again in the 2023 AFCON round of 16.
But Ahmed Musa who is the most capped player in the Super Eagles believes that this next meeting might not be as easy as their last meeting.
According to the Eagles’ captain, the Cameroonian who managed to finish third in Group C wouldn’t want to be knocked out of the 2023 AFCON by Nigeria just like in their 2019 meeting.
[NaijaNews]
The implementation of Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) has begun in Ogun State.
This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the state Primary Health Care Development Board, (OGPHECADEB) Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, during a sensitisation meeting with all cadres of health workers across the 20 Local Government Areas and the Primary Health Care (PHC) staffers.
Dr. Ogunsola, according to the Board's Press Officer, Mrs. Fatimah Alatishe, explained that PHCUOR was a policy document, introduced by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and approved by the National Council on Health in 2011, to reduce fragmentation of all services under one authority, revealing that the reform was promoted by the Federal Goverment to integrate PHC structures and programmes at sub-national levels under one state-level body, which is the Primary Health Care Development Agency or Board.
He added that the policy would bring together health workers in all the 20 Local Government Areas of the state and the Primary Health workers, assuring a seamless communication and good working relationship between the workers in the headquarters and the local governments.
The Executive Secretary, who regarded PHC workers as service providers closer to the grassroots, underscored the need for them to be abreast of any reform in PHC service delivery system, promising that the Board would continue to ensure improved health care services across board.
Contributing, the Director, Health Care System in the Board, Dr. Esther Ogunsilu, while highlighting the pillars of the initiative, said the conceptual framework for implementing the PHCUOR include, Governance and Ownership, Legislation, Minimum Service Package, Repositioning, Systems Development, Operational Guidelines, Human Resources, Office Set-up, Funding Sources and Structure, among others.
Also speaking, his counterpart in the Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Thomas Solarin, urged the workers to always make themselves available to patients as and when due and be diligent, in order to achieve a better healthcare delivery to the people.
In his remarks, Chairman Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Mr. Babatunde Emilola-Gazal, who doubled as the Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, described the PHCUOR policy as a welcome development which would give more encompassing health care delivery in all PHCs across the council areas, promising that all Local Government Chairmen would give their support to achieve success.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), has urged men and officers of the agency to shun any enticement that conflicts with the ethos of their profession as anti-narcotic operatives.
Marwa gave the charge on Saturday in Jos, Plateau State, during the graduation of members of the Strike Force elite corps in the agency.
In his remarks, the agency boss appealed to the officers to embrace the discipline that had been instilled in them during their training and ensure they were incorruptible in the discharge of their duties as anti-narcotics officers.
“Here is my appeal to each of you: shun any enticement that conflicts with the ethos of your profession as an anti-narcotic operative. Anything that would compromise your discipline and dedication to duty should be avoided.
“As an anti-narcotic officer, you bear a huge obligation to remain incorruptible in the face of any temptation that might be sprung on you by drug traffickers and barons”, the NDLEA boss who was represented by the Director, Special Duties/Commander, Strike Force, Deputy Commander General of Narcotics, DCGN Ahmed Ningi told the officers.
While addressing the graduating members of the Strike Force Elite Corps, he added, “To the Strike Force operatives, I want you to be mindful that today is a milestone in your professional career in the Agency. This specialized training and the skills acquired therefrom will undoubtedly enhance your competence in the special role you will be playing for the Agency in the war against illicit drugs.
“It is important that I remind you that as the Agency scales its operation against illicit drug trafficking, your service will become increasingly essential to the successful attainment of our organisational goals. The special nature of your training requires that you serve as a force multiplier for the conventional NDLEA staff in the field.
“Moreover, the progress report I received, including the on-the-spot assessment, confirmed that the objective of the course has been achieved. Therefore, as you graduate today, I urge you not to rest on your oars, as your competence will be tested from time to time by challenges that will recur in your career as an anti-narcotic operative.
“It is gratifying to note that you have been exposed to classroom and outdoor exercises in line with the current challenges. You are, therefore, urged to consolidate the knowledge gained and apply it judiciously in your various commands. Generally, I am hopeful that the benefits of the course will reflect positively on your performance in the field.”
Explaining the significance of the elite force within the agency, Marwa said, “We have great expectations of the Strike Force, one of NDLEA’s tactical creations in 2021. The Strike Force adds strength and purpose to our drug supply reduction effort by reinforcing officers and men of NDLEA who have to work in dangerous terrain while carrying out their duties.
“The merit of having the Strike Force was evident in February 2023 when, on two occasions, the Agency was able to successfully carry out raids, seizures, and destruction of a significant amount of psychotropic substances in territories that in the past were hostile and almost out of bounds for anti-narcotic officers.
“In Ondo and Ekiti States, for instance, 255 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed across five local government areas in a seven-day operation. Similarly, in Lagos State, a notorious drug den in Patey, Lagos Island, was successfully raided in broad daylight, with over 5,000kg of cannabis and other assorted drugs seized, along with the arrest of the drug kingpin and six other suspects. Both operations were dangerous, but the Strike Force provided the needed cover, repelled mob attacks, and ensured our officers and men performed their duties safely.”
He noted that the success of the course could not have been possible without the commitment of the training facilitators and the NDLEA team of instructors.
In his welcome remarks, the Commandant of the NDLEA Academy, Jos, Hamza Umar, commended the leadership of the agency for exposing officers and men of the agency to continuous training at home and abroad.
He added, “With this new graduation, what we are saying and we have sent the signal and it is very clear that the drug barons, the drug traffickers, their days are numbered. Wherever they are, whatever it is, we’ll subdue that threat and make Nigeria suitable”
He asked the graduands not to take the privilege for granted.
A total of 391 personnel of the strike force passed out from the training which lasted for about three weeks.
Aloy Ejimakor, the Special Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Saturday said the Supreme Court has settled the controversy that the agitator never jumped bail.
Ejimakor said the Supreme Court also clarified that Kanu’s bail should not have been revoked.
Recall that in 2017, Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court in Abuja had granted Kanu bail.
Upon his release, a military invasion of his ancestral home in Umuahia, Abia State, in September 2017, forced into exile, hence he did not attend his trial on the next scheduled date and thereafter.
From then till June 2021 when he was transferred from Kenya to Nigeria, there has been a robust public debate as to whether he jumped bail or not.
But, the Appeal Court had discharged and acquitted Kanu of all terrorism charges.
This judgment was later overturned by the Supreme Court which transferred the case back to the Federal High Court.
In the Certified True Copy of the judgment delivered in December 2023, the apex court declared that Kanu did not jump bail.
Commenting on this, Ejimakor, said: “As Of Counsel, I had joined in this debate and always made it clear that Nnamdi Kanu, in the unique circumstance of the military invasion, did not jump bail. I had also written well-publicized legal treatises, maintaining that this self-evident truth will be proved and confirmed in Court in due course of time.”
He said the first judicial confirmation came in January 2022 when, in a landmark judgment, the High Court of Abia State declared that the said military invasion was a flagrant violation of Kanu’s constitutional rights, consequent upon the Court awarded him N1 billion in damages and public apology.
He said: “Following this judgment, I had issued a public Legal Notice warning all and sundry to thenceforth cease and desist from peddling the falsehood that Nnamdi Kanu had jumped bail. Whereas, vast majorities of the mainstream and social media had complied, some malicious traducers and elements from the federal government persisted with the defamatory bail-jumping narrative.
“In summation, in addition to ruling that Nnamdi Kanu never jumped bail, the Supreme Court also held that the Federal High Court should never have revoked his bail; that the prosecution wrought grand deception on the Court on the bail-jumping issue and that the bench warrant that triggered Nnamdi Kanu’s infamous extraordinary rendition was obtained by deception and should never have been issued.
“For the foregoing reasons, I implore the media, members of the public and pertinent public officials to abide by the judgment of the Supreme Court and henceforth cease and desist from peddling or publishing the false and defamatory narrative that Nnamdi Kanu had jumped bail.”
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The winner of the 2023 gubernatorial election in Kogi State, Usman Ododo, has been sworn in as the governor of the state.
This comes barely three months after he was elected to take over from Yahaya Bello, who has completed his second term in office.
Naija News learned that Ododo took the oath of office at around 2:24 pm in Lokoja, the state capital, on Saturday.
His inauguration came just minutes after Salifu Joel Oyibot took his oath of office as the deputy governor of Kogi State.
With his swearing-in, Ododo has become the 5th executive governor of Kogi state.
The event had in attendance the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Ododo’s predecessor, Yahaya Bello, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje and other top members of the party.
Meanwhile, Yahaya Bello has rated his administration with good marks, stating that he would be departing office and leaving the state in better shape than when he arrived.
Recall that Governor Bello, whose second term in office will elapse in a few weeks, gave this remark while accepting the Fellowships Award at the 4th Combined Convocation of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, during the weekend.
At the State Polytechnic of Lokoja’s joint convocation for 2013/2014–2022–2023, the governor, who was a distinguished guest, remarked that one of his accomplishments is the State Polytechnic’s repositioning to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.
The Federal Government has vowed to probe allegations of coordinated oil bunkering scheme and multibillion-naira contract-splitting fraud levelled against the Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, made this known in a press statement released Friday by his spokesman, Henshaw Ogubike.
Naija News understands that Ogalla is facing allegations of impropriety on many fronts since his clandestine dealings came to light, details of which had reached top levels of the chain of command and on the verge of being brought to the notice of President Bola Tinubu.
According to Peoples Gazette, Ogalla was accused to have repeatedly offered the protection of the Nigerian Navy to oil thieves since he took office.
Additionally, the news platform reveal a concerted effort to stifle inquiries into vessels suspected of trafficking stolen crude oil, further tarnishing the integrity of his nascent leadership as well as a violation of the Procurement Act 2007 by splitting navy arms procurement into 30 contracts awarded to a single firm in November 2023.
Ogalla was also said to have refused to approve transfer of naval officers found culpable of several unprofessional conducts to the dismay of other members of the navy brass and disciplinary unit.
But according to Matawalle, the allegations levelled against Ogalla are serious, adding that the government is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The statement added: “In the light of the allegations, we assure the public that the ministry of defence will collaborate fully with relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
“It is our collective responsibility to maintain the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people in the institutions that safeguard our nation’s security. We call for patience as the investigative process unfolds and trusts that justice will be served in accordance with the rule of law.’’
Guinness World Records Should Recognise Tinubu For Causing Nigerians Most Hardship – Peter Obi
AdminThe 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has said President Bola Tinubu should be recognised by the Guinness World Records for “causing Nigerians the most hardship.”
Recall that Tinubu had recently bragged that he deserved to be included in the Guinness World Records over his performances in the country since he assumed office.
Speaking in a recent interview with Vanguard, the former Governor of Anambra State said Nigerians are really suffering because the reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration are not achieving what they are meant to achieve.
He said, “He (Tinubu) may actually be correct when he claims that his name deserves to be in the Guinness World Records. Don’t forget that people’s names don’t always make it into the Guinness World Records for only altruistic reasons.
“So, it depends on which angle he is coming from. If the idea is to put his name in the Guinness Book of Records for causing Nigerians the most hardship – untold hardship, of course he is spot on and I will totally agree with him because his reforms are not achieving what they are meant to achieve.”
Obi added that he had put the 2023 general elections behind him already and he was now focusing on governance and real issues.
He stated that the biggest lesson from the 2023 general elections is the fact that Nigerians are actually committed to good governance and not as complacent as people thought they were.
The former governor noted that Nigerians on the streets could judge the performance of Tinubu so far since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.
He added: “Well, for me, the biggest lesson (from the 2023 general elections) is the fact that Nigerians are actually committed to good governance. They are not as complacent as people thought they were because they, especially the youths, were actually committed to doing the right thing. That is why they came out in their numbers to participate in the elections.
“The second lesson is the realisation that the leaders, most people in the elite class are not actually interested in good governance because you can classify the electoral umpire as part of the elite class, the government, all of us are not prepared to do the right thing because if the elites are prepared to do the right thing, the result or the outcome of the election would have been different.
“But for me the elections have come and gone and I don’t want to talk about the issue of the 2023 elections again. It has come and gone and I am done with it. What I am talking about now are issues of governance because the average Nigerian today is talking about the Nigeria of today, and the Nigeria of tomorrow. That is what is important.”
Speaking on how he rates the government so far, he said, “That is really a question for the generality of Nigerians to answer. Ask the average Nigerian how he is faring today. The truth is that we have many more Nigerians thrown into poverty, millions of Nigerians don’t know where the next meal will come from. Nobody is sure what the price of a cup of rice, garri or a loaf of bread will be tomorrow. So, it is Nigerians that you should ask the question.
“It is not a question for me to answer. It is not something I alone will tell you. Ask Nigerians, the masses out there on the streets of Nigeria and you will get a feel of what they are going through. But I know that the situation is critical.”
A man, Aminu Ibrahim, who is alleged to be the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ward chairman for Birnin Yero Ward in the Shinkafi local government area of Zamfara State, has been arrested by the Nigerian Military for alleged weapons smuggling.
Naija News understands Ibrahim was arrested alongside two other men by Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadarin.
Information gathered from PRNigeria has it that the suspected chairman and his accomplices, namely Musa Usman Seun and Isah Mohammed, were arrested on Monday., 22nd January at Shinkafi.
The source quoted by the platform stated that the sum of two million, five hundred and eighty thousand naira, 1 Volkswagen Wagon, 3 mobile phones and other items were recovered from the suspects after their arrest.
The money recovered from the suspects was said to be part of the planned fund for the purchase of weapons at Ilela border in Sokoto State.
The matter is currently under investigation.
According to the source, “The troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation HADARIN acting on a credible intelligence on activities of a notorious gunrunner with intentions to smuggle arms into Zamfara state, troops immediately set up a roadblock and apprehended 3 suspected persons.
“The 3 suspects namely Musa Usman Seun, Aminu Ibrahim, and Isah Mohammed were arrested recently at Shinkafi on 22 January 2024 and the sum of Two Million Five Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira, 1 Volkswagen Wagon, 3 mobile phones and other items were recovered from the suspects.
“A preliminary investigation revealed that the huge sum of money recovered from the suspects was for exchange of Assorted weapons at the Illela border in Sokoto state. The suspects are undergoing further interrogation”.