Urhobo News

• Urge Kwarans to judge him by his record of performance

Media professionals in Nigeria on Saturday described the governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, as the most outstanding governor in the country.

They also expressed satisfaction with the level of transformation taking place in Kwara State.

‘’We are fascinated by the quality of work on all projects executed by the AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq administration’’.

At a tour of major projects in the North Central geo-political zone, the media professionals praised the governor for his unparalleled achievements and style of administration.

They scored the Kwara State governor high for his meticulous utilization of scarce resources, inclusive strategy, job creation and human capital development programme.

‘’There are several reasons why AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq should be returned in 2023. Practically, all over the 16 council areas, his development thrust are there for all to see’’

Chairman of the Nigerian Media Professionals Group, Mr. Daniel Okeme at a press conference in Abuja praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq for his policy of accountability, transparency and prudent management of resources.

He commended him for renovating all hitherto moribund infrastructures in Kwara State.

Okeme emphasized the transformation agenda of the governor, security, equitable distribution of appointments, Kwara social investment programme and Kwarapreneurs, the most significant economic programme for the youths.

He commended the governor for connecting a lot of communities to the national grid, providing rural communities with potable water and giving priority to the health, education, agriculture, water, information, environment, women, youths and sports sectors.

Okeme said Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq should be judged in 2023 strictly by his record of performance.

‘’Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq has a consistent political character. He is reliable. It is based on the track record and sterling qualities of the governor that notable people in the state are urging him to continue in 2023 ’’

The media professionals praised the Kwara State governor for the enabling and conducive environment in place.

They underscored the good work Rasak is doing in Kwara State, economic development, skill acquisition, agricultural inputs subsidy scheme and the standing of Kwara State before the governor came in.

Particularly, the media professionals applauded the governor for discharge his duties, placing Kwara State in the world map and positioning it appropriately in the comity of Nigerian State.

‘’Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq represents a radical departure. In the area of road construction and maintenance, the AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq administration report is excellent. Many roads have been built in both the urban centres and the rural areas. Electrification projects are going on all over the state. Many towns have been connected to the national grid’’

PRESS RELEASE

NATIONAL YOUTH DAY: YOUTH REMAIN A MAJOR FORCE IN BUILDING A GREATER LAGOS, SANWO-OLU 

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the youth as a major force in building a greater and sustainable Lagos, as well as a better future for the nation.

He said that the youth segment is an essential key in the development of any nation, because they have the potential and capacity to make change happen for themselves, their communities and for the rest of the world.

In a statement he issued on Monday in commemoration of the National Youth Day, the Governor stressed the importance of youths to building a greater, sustainable Lagos and Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu explained that the National Youth Day celebration has been set aside to celebrate Nigerian youth and the contributions they make, as well as highlighting issues affecting them with the aim of tackling these issues to support them.

While further revealing that his administration is youth-friendly and inclusive, Sanwo-Olu said: “We have embarked on the implementation of a series of Youth engagements and empowerment activities and programmes through various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“These youth programmes and initiatives are part of the effort to address issues bothering on youth development and empowerment in the entrepreneurial, agriculture, Information Technology and Leadership skills among other facets of life.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also noted that his administration has implemented mindset changing and reorientation programmes to build the capacity of young people in Lagos State to think positively and take up their role in nation building.

Some of these programmes according to Governor Sanwo-Olu include the Lagos State Youth Leadership Initiative known as the IBILE Youth Academy, which produced Youth Ambassadors that are already making waves as change makers in their communities, implementing various life touching and empowering pet projects leveraging on local collaboration and resources.

He said: “The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund is supporting young people with great entrepreneurship skills and ideas to establish and nurture their businesses on the path of sustainable growth and profitability.

“The agripreneurship programme has created opportunities for young people in the agriculture value chain as well as the Graduate Internship Placement project which we are currently implementing through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment.

“Also in the area of Information Technology, the Lagos Codes and Software training programme has upskilled a number of young people within and outside of school in building critical skills demanded in the workplace. We have also witnessed 22 start-ups headed by young people in the areas of agric-tech, ed-tech etc all funded by the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council”.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also revealed that the first Lagos Police Youth Dialogue was recently organised “towards strengthening the relationship between them and creating a synergy that will improve both their interaction and security situation in the State.”

Sanwo-Olu while reaffirming his commitment not to rest his oars in engaging and empowering the teeming youths in the journey towards a Greater Lagos, advised them to utilise their skills and potentials in significantly rebuilding the state and nation for the best of all the citizens.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

NOVEMBER 1, 2021

SERAP sues Buhari, wants court to order recovery of ‘missing N881bn in 367 MDAs’

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari “over his failure to probe allegations that over ₦880bn of public funds are missing from 367 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), to ensure the prosecution of those suspected to be responsible, and the recovery of any missing or diverted public funds.”

The suit followed the grim allegations contained in part 2 of the 2018 annual audited report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation that ₦880,894,733,084.811 was spent by 367 MDAs without any appropriation.

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1281/2021 filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Buhari to promptly investigate the alleged missing N881bn of public funds, and to ensure the prosecution of those suspected to be responsible, and the full recovery of any missing, mismanaged or diverted public funds.”

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “Complying with constitutional requirements and international standards on spending of public funds would ensure effective and efficient management of public resources, and put the country’s wealth and resources to work for the common good of all Nigerians.”

According to SERAP: “It is in the interest of justice to grant this application, as it would improve respect for the rights of Nigerians, and improve their access to essential public goods and services, which ought to be provided by the indicted MDAs.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “President Buhari has a constitutional duty to ensure the investigation and prosecution of allegations of corruption, as well as recovery of any missing public funds. Section 15[5] of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution [as amended], requires the Buhari administration to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”

SERAP is arguing that, “Granting the reliefs sought would help to address the adverse consequences of unconstitutional and poor management of public resources on the human rights of poor Nigerians.”

SERAP is further arguing that, “The alleged missing public funds have hampered the ability of the indicted MDAs to meet the needs of average citizens, as the missing funds could have helped the government to invest in key public goods and services, and to improve access of Nigerians to these goods and services.”

Joined in the suit as Respondents are the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN; and the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed.

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyer Kolawole Oluwadare, read in part: “The failure to investigate the allegations of grand corruption contained in part 2 of the 2018 annual audited report constitutes a grave violation of the duty placed on the Nigerian government to take appropriate measures to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public finances.”

“Mandamus is a high prerogative writ which lies to secure the performance of a public duty. It gives command that a duty of a public nature which normally, though not necessarily is imposed by statute but is neglected or refused to be done after due demand, be done.”

“If there is a discretion to perform the duty, the court has the power to examine whether the discretion to refuse to act has been properly exercised.”

“Recovering the alleged missing public funds would reduce the pressure on the Federal Government to borrow more money to fund the budget, enable the authorities to meet the country’s constitutional and international obligations, and reduce the growing level of public debts.”

“These damning revelations suggest a grave violation of the public trust, the Nigerian Constitution of 1999, and international human rights and anti-corruption standards. Spending of public funds without appropriation will create opportunities for corruption.”

“Transparent and accountable public financial management is a key pillar of good governance, and of vital importance to provide public goods and services to citizens, as well as to create and maintain fair and sustainable economic and social conditions in the country.”

“Corruption thrives in contexts that provide opportunities to engage in illicit conduct, widespread motives to take advantage of such opportunities and weak controls.”

“The prevention of corruption is more effective in environments that minimize opportunities, comply with constitutional and international legal requirements and standards, as well as encourage integrity.”

“Section 80(2) of the Nigerian Constitution provides that no money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation except to meet expenditure that is charged upon the fund by the Constitution or where the issue of the money has been authorized by an Appropriation Act, Supplementary Appropriation Act or an Act passed in pursuance of section 81 of the Constitution.”

“Similarly, articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party impose legal obligations on the Buhari administration to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds, and to promote sound and transparent administration of public affairs and public property.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

31/10/2021

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

PRESIDENT BUHARI TO ATTEND CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE IN GLASGOW; PARTICIPATE IN PARIS PEACE SUMMIT

President Muhammadu Buhari will Sunday, October 31 depart Abuja for Glasgow, Scotland to attend the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The President is scheduled to deliver his national statement at the High-Level segment for Heads of State and Government at the conference on Tuesday, November 2.

President Buhari’s address is expected to highlight Nigeria’s key priorities and action to tackle climate change as well as progress on the country’s transition to low carbon economy, consistent with achieving the Paris Climate Agreement.

The conference, hosted by the United Kingdom in partnership with Italy, will bring parties together to help accelerate action towards the Paris Agreement as well as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Given Nigeria’s leading role in taking climate action and as a signatory to the Paris Agreement, COP 26 will afford a unique opportunity for the Nigerian delegation to work with other parties to make progress on the main goals of the conference including securing global net zero by mid-century and keeping 1.5C within reach; adapting to protect communities and natural habitats as well as mobilising the much needed finances to meet the set targets.

In Glasgow, President Buhari will participate in some side-line events hosted by US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.

The President will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of State, Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (Rtd) and Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

President Buhari will thereafter travel to Paris, France on an official visit to reciprocate an earlier one to Nigeria by the French President, Emmanuel Macron, and also attend the Paris Peace forum 2021, the fourth edition to be hosted by the French President.

It will have Heads of State and Government and CEOs of major multinationals, as well as several civil society actors, gathering to advance concrete solutions to the enormous challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to improve global governance in times of COVID-19.

The Summit will focus on spurring a more solid and inclusive recovery by addressing the various gaps in global governance, offering initiatives to better tend to the global commons, and putting forward new principles of action for the post-COVID world.

While the President is in Paris, the Nigerian government will organize the Nigeria-Paris Forum. The event is expected to pull a crowd of Nigerian and French investors, government and business leaders, diplomats and the media in the hope of showcasing opportunities on both sides as well as bringing enlightenment to bear on the prevailing security, economic and investment climate in Nigeria.

President Buhari is expected back in the country after the engagements.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

October 31, 2021

PDP Convention2021 : 21 New Members Of PDP NWC Emerge

PDP Elects New Members Of National Working Committee At The National Convention. See Full List.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has just elected a new set of members into its National Working Committee (NWC) to take over the leadership of the party.

Twenty-one people were elected at the party national convention which began on Saturday October 30 and lasted till Sunday October 31 at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

See the full list of the newly-elected national officials:

National Chairman – Iyorchia Ayu

Deputy National Chairman (North) – Umar Damagum (Contested)

Deputy National Chairman (South) – Taofeek Arapaja (Contested)

National Secretary – Samuel Anyanwu (Unopposed)

National Treasurer – Ahmed Mohammed (Unopposed)

National Organising Secretary – Umar Bature (Unopposed)

National Financial Secretary – Daniel Woyegikuro (Unopposed)

National Women’s Leader – Professor Stella Effah-Attoe (Unopposed)

National Youth Leader – Muhammed Suleiman (Contested)

National Legal Adviser – Kamaldeen Ajibade (Unopposed)

National Publicity Secretary – Debo Ologunagba (Unopposed)

National Auditor – Okechuckwu Daniel (Unopposed)

Deputy National Secretary – Setoji Kosheodo (Unopposed)

Deputy National Treasurer – Ndubisi David (Unopposed)

Deputy National Publicity Secretary – Ibrahim Abdullahi (Unopposed)

Deputy National Organising Secretary – Ighoyota Amori (Unopposed)

Deputy National Financial Secretary – Adamu Kamale (Unopposed)

Deputy National Women’s Leader – Hajara Wanka (Unopposed)

Deputy National Youth Leader – Timothy Osadolor (Unopposed)

Deputy National Legal Adviser – Okechukwu Osuoha (Unopposed)

Deputy National Auditor – Abdulrahman Mohammed (Unopposed)

AKR PROJECT: JULIUS BERGER DONATES LONG-LASTING INSECTICIDAL NETS TO ADDITIONAL FIVE THOUSAND HOUSEHOLDS IN KADUNA AND KANO COMMUNITIES

Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has under its corporate social responsibility (CSR)  initiative in the month of October 2021 extended its malaria prevention support to an additional five thousand households in Kaduna and Kano States. This households were reached through the donation of long-lasting insecticidal nets and Guide to Malaria Prevention pamphlets to several primary schools within the states. The beneficiary schools in Kaduna included L.G.E.A Primary School, Dullu Tafa in Kagarku Local Government; LEA Primary School, Kanfanin Zangon Aya in Igabi Local Government and Bashir Abubakar Primary School, Anguwan Dankali in Zaria. In Kano, Sha’iskawa Islamiya Primary School in Garun Malam Local Government and Central Primary School Wak in the Bebeji Local Government Area of the state are some of the schools that benefited. Each school received a total of one thousand long-lasting insecticidal nets paired with a Guide to Malaria Prevention pamphlets.

This recent CSR donations is in continuation of the company’s malaria prevention campaign, which has over the years benefited many communities where it has ongoing projects.

Expressing appreciation on behalf of L.G.E.A. Primary School Dullu Tafa, the Head Teacher Mr. Funom Bawa said, “This insecticide treated nets distributed to the student will help reduce malaria infections in the community as well as absenteeism in the school… What Julius Berger has done today will go a long way and you can tell from the joy expressed by the students that they value what is given to them because insecticide treated nets are expensive and for someone to receive one free of charge is cause for celebration”.

Malam Yusuf Aliyu who is the Head Teacher, Sha’iskawa Islamiya Primary School, Garun Malam Local Government, Kano spoke on behalf of the school. He said, “This is the first time that any company will donate items to us here. It is a very good gesture, we appreciate it and the parents will too, when the children take the nets home to them…, malaria has been a big challenge here”.

Recent statistics put the prevalence of malaria in Nigeria at 23 percent and long-lasting insecticidal nets have been found to be both effective and sustainable at reducing malaria infections in communities.

The Julius Berger Nigeria Plc delegation on this Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) outing was led by Mr. Yusuf Ibrahim, Project Coordinator for the ongoing Abuja-Kano Road Reconstruction Project (AKR). He was accompanied by Akeem Lawal of AKR Section 1, Muhammed Umar, Community Liaison Officer for AKR section 2, and Dahiru Umar, Public Relations Officer for AKR Section 3. Mr. Michael Ashofor of the company’s Corporate Communications Department was also in the delegation.

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc continuously and proactively seeks opportunities to create value and impact people and communities on a larger scale. The company’s commitment to making a difference through socially relevant work is resolute.