The Lagos State Governorship Election Tribunal is set to deliver judgment on Monday on the petitions filed by the governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and his counterpart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor.

The Justice Arum Ashom-led panel communicated this message to parties on Saturday.

Rhodes-Vivour and Jandor are challenging the return of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the March 18 governorship elections in Lagos State by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

On August 12, lawyers in the petitions adopted their final written addresses before the tribunal.

The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the judgment of the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal affirming the election of Governor Hyacinth Alia of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PDP made this known hours after the tribunal sitting in Makurdi, the state capital, upheld Alia’s election and dismissed its petition for lack of merit.

In a statement Saturday by its state Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, the party said it would seek legal redress at the Court of Appeal.

The PDP said a review with its team of lawyers indicated that the judgment did not meet the requirements of substantive justice.

It further argued that the verdict was not in alignment with extant electoral laws, guidelines and regulations

The party said it has accordingly directed its lawyers to appeal the judgment at the Court of Appeal, Abuja within the timeframe specified by law.

The statement reads: “Benue State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rejects the judgment passed by the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal dismissing the party’s petition and that of its Governorship Candidate, Engr. Titus Tyoapine Uba, challenging the return of Hyacinth Alia as Governor of the state at the 2023 elections.

“After a review of the judgment with its team of lawyers, PDP believes that it does not meet the requirements of substantive justice and is not in alignment with extant electoral laws, guidelines and regulations.

“The party has accordingly directed its lawyers to appeal the judgment at the Court of Appeal, Abuja within the timeframe specified by law.

“Our great party urges its teeming supporters across the state to be calm and of good cheer in the faith that though the walk to justice may be long, the goal of reclaiming the Governorship mandate will surely be achieved in the end.”

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has said he would rather prefer to serve a single term decorated with laudable feats than serve for eight years with nothing to show for it.

The governor stated this on Saturday at a press conference being part of the activities to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the creation of the State christened the ‘Land of Promise.’

Eno insisted that he would rather invest in life-changing projects and programmes for the teeming 7.9 million residents of the state than allow a few influential people to hold him captive.

He promised to invest massively in infrastructural facilities stressing rural development, adding that his administration is working with the local government chairmen to acquire 50 hectares of land in each council for agricultural purposes.

Eno said, “We are trying to ensure that my recurrent expenditure does not run at par with my capital expenditure. Whatever we save is to be put back in the rural areas. Every N500 million I save would give me a school, would give me a hospital.

“I prefer a good first term than a useless two-term. It is only when you account for four years well that you would be asked to go again. I’d rather put money in rural communities. My job is to ensure that the 7.9m people are satisfied. I discovered that almost everybody is waiting for the government.

“The challenge before us is to maintain the existing infrastructure. We lack a maintenance culture. That is why we seek to establish an asset management agency to help in the maintenance of our assets. We build new ones when we have to.

“We are working with the 31 Local Government chairmen on agricultural development. We will be using not less than 50 hectares of land per Local Government Area for farming.

“I am not perfect, but I promise that I will not deliberately launch this state into something we would regret. We will do our best.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that he is not done with football despite approaching his 39th birthday and has achieved almost everything in the game.

The 38-year-old Portuguese football icon who is currently playing for Al Nassr in the Suadi Pro League had to reaffirm this after scoring two goals against star-studded Al Ahli.

Al Ahli paraded European football icons like Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, Alex Saint-Maximin, Édouard Mendy, and Franck Kessie.

But it was Al Nassr who had just three major former European stars like Marcelo Brozović, Sadio Mane, and Cristiano Ronaldo that triumphed in the 7 goals thriller.

In the encounter, Ronaldo and little-known Anderson Talisca scored two goals each for Al Nassr as the game ended 4-3 in favour of Al Nassr.

Ronaldo’s two goals in the game means that the 38-year-old Portuguese football icon has scored 29 goals in 33 games for Al Nassr since he joined the club in January.

Recall that when Manchester United terminated Ronaldo’s contract in November 2022, most of his critics urged him to retire especially after he failed to land a top club in Europe.

But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has proven his critics wrong so far and he can’t stop reminding them that only his legs can force him to retire from the game.

After his man-of-the-match performance against Al Ahli on Friday, Cristiano Ronaldo said: “They say Ronaldo is done… but it’s not true. I will continue to play until my legs say: Cristiano, I’m done”.

“I still have a lot. I still love football and scoring goals. I still love winning. They say I’m done but I’m still proving that it’s not true”.

The Anambra State governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has increased the monthly running cost for public schools in the state from N10,000 to a minimum of N50,000 only.

Soludo disclosed this while holding an interactive session with Head Teachers and Principals of public schools in the state.

The governor also assured that there will be an upgrade in infrastructure in all public schools in the state in the coming weeks.

He called for more community involvement under the Public, Community, Private Partnership arrangement in the schools such as in engaging in quality assurance and club of patrons to better the quality of education in the schools.

The governor pointed out that his administration will come up with independent monitoring team for schools, as well as provide phone numbers for schools as a feedback mechanism.

He expressed optimism that his administration will eventually get to the point where text books for children in public schools will be free, stressing that the aim is to make education accessible to the poorest of the poor, mainstreaming public schools to become smart and the model.

Soludo stated that part of the goal is to end the era of “PTA” teachers in schools, reiterating that the prosperous homeland cannot be attained by creating the vicious circle of the widening difference between the quality of education received by children of the poor and that of the rich.

He said that the primary role of government is to provide qualitative education and stressed that the quality of education in the public schools appears to be the weakest, assuring that his administration intend to bring back the era of using education as an equaliser and ladder of opportunities.

David Umahi, the minister of works, says the proposed Abuja-Lagos highway will be completed in four years.

In a press conference on Saturday, the minister said driving from Lagos to Abuja will take 4 hours when the project is completed.

The minister of works said the construction of the Lagos-Abuja highway is going to take four years, and the road will be solely made with concrete, which is “cheaper than asphalt”.

At the press conference in Lagos, Umahi, flanked by Kenny Martins, the chairman of Advance Engineering Company – consortium in charge of the highway – said the project, a Public Private Partnership (PPP), would be solely funded by the consortium in charge.

He added that the federal government would only be in charge of supervision.

“When I first introduced this to the public, many doubting Thomases were saying ‘it is impossible, Lagos-Abuja that is done in 14 hours cannot be done in four and half hours’, that is the renewed hope of Mr President,” he said.

“The president has approved that I fast-track this project. This project is going to be two lanes, but each lane is going to be a two-carriage way and it is going to be 14 metres.

“The only carriageway that is equivalent to this is the third mainland bridge where each carriageway is 14 metres. It is going to be built on 275-millimeter thick concrete.”

Unahi also said the live-shelf design of the project will be 100 years, adding that it would also include a number of bridges and tolling points.

“We are not putting any kobo but we will assist them in every direction. I give kudos to Advance Engineering Company, I am very satisfied with their concept and what they have put in place.

“So, the next thing is to bring the business proposal so we can negotiate on what the cost of the project is going to be. Then they go to the ministry of finance and negotiate on the issue of their money.

“The good thing is that we are building this road on concrete so we can predict the cost of this project. In asphalt, you cannot predict the cost. The cost of asphalt roads changes every month.”

In addition, the minister explained that “concrete roads are more durable and cheaper than asphalt”. He also said he has given directives that “all ongoing projects that have not advanced up to 80 percent” should be completed using concrete.

The United States Department of State has cautioned American citizens about travelling to Nigeria due to various security concerns.

It made this known in its Travel advisory statement released recently which underscores the elevated risks associated with crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the presence of armed gangs in several areas of the country.

In the warning, specific locations are singled out as heightened risks: Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states are flagged for terrorism and kidnapping. Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states are noted for kidnapping.

Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (except for Port Harcourt) are highlighted for crime, kidnapping, and the presence of armed gangs.

The advisory also mentions that violent crimes, such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape, are common across the country.

Kidnappings for ransom are frequent, often targeting dual-national citizens and perceived affluent U.S. citizens visiting Nigeria.

Terrorist activities are a continued threat, with attacks targeting various locations where crowds gather, such as shopping centres, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, and transportation hubs. Terrorist groups may collaborate with local gangs to expand their influence.

Additionally, parts of Southern Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions, are affected by civil unrest and armed gangs.

Armed criminal activities, including kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security forces, are prevalent in this area. Tensions between farming and herding communities in rural regions can also escalate into violence.

The U.S. government’s capacity to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens is limited in many parts of Nigeria due to security conditions.

According to the advisory for those who still choose to travel to Nigeria, the advisory recommends several precautions.

Such as carrying proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa if required. Staying vigilant, monitoring local media for updates, and being prepared to adjust plans.- as well as steering clear of participating in demonstrations and large political gatherings for safety reasons.

The House of Representatives has announced that it will return from its yearly break on September 26, 2023. This was stated in a letter sent to members on Friday by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria.

After a plenary session on July 27, 2023, during which Speaker Tajudeen Abbas named the heads of the House’s standing committees, the 10th Assembly adjourned for a break.

A statement by the House spokesman and chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, Jr., noted, “The 10th Assembly has been very prolific and in about 100 days since inauguration has recorded a total of 470 bills passed first reading and four passed second reading. There have also been a total of 175 motions considered by the House so far.

“Despite the recess, the Green Chamber continued to function as various ad hoc committees continued to carry out their crucial mandates which have generated significant positive public interest. Honourable members also continued to carry out various constituency outreaches across the country.”

Speaking on some of the activities that would be attended to on resumption, he stated, “Some of the early developments expected on resumption is the conclusion of the work of all ad hoc committees and the submission of their reports for the consideration of the House, in line with the directive of the Speaker.

“It is also expected that the final draft of the Legislative Agenda developed by the ad hoc committee led by House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, will be considered and adopted by the House. The draft agenda was developed following extensive consultations with critical stakeholders.”

The spokesperson added that soon after resumption, it is anticipated that the membership of the standing committees would be announced and fully constituted.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, has congratulated the newly elected leaders of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu has established a humanitarian and poverty alleviation trust fund for the country.

Betta Edu, the minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, made the announcement on Friday at the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.

Edu said 30 percent of the funding is expected to come from the federal government while the balance of 70 percnet is expected from donor agencies.

According to the minister, the fund would have several governing caders with a structure that would show accountability and transparency.

“Thirty percent of the funding expected in this trust fund will be coming from the government of Nigeria, and is expected that the rest of this funding comes from other nations, the United Nations, donor agencies, philanthropic individuals, private sector, who we want to bring fully into the space amongst other forms of innovative fundraising,” she said.

“The essence is for us to be able to adequately address the issues which we face on the ground as a matter of urgency.

“I’m sure we already know that the president declared a state of emergency on food security in Nigeria, he equally had a state of emergency on other things like humanitarian crisis and our ability to provide durable solutions.”

Edu said the government was counting on the support of the international community and development partners to provide adequate support in tackling poverty in Nigeria.

“And as we make plans to come in and address this need, what must be key at the back of our minds is providing durable solutions,” she added.

“We must be able to address education for these persons, we must be able to address their livelihood, we must be able to address their reintegration back into communities, we must be to address their resettlement, including the provision of proper shelter for them to stay in.

“We must be able to address their GPV needs amongst other things and we’re counting on your support.”

Edu said the number of persons affected by the humanitarian crisis in the country is expected to rise and asked concerned parties to act fast.

She added that the government is seeking urgent international support to address human and climate-induced displacement and poverty in the country.

Martin Griffiths, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, welcomed the initiative, saying it would take more than the efforts of the government to tackle humanitarian issues.</p

The World Bank has approved a new $700 million loan to bolster education and empowerment initiatives for adolescent girls in Nigeria. 

The information was revealed in a statement that was posted on its website last Friday. 

The fresh loan aims to offer extra financial resources to support the ongoing initiative named the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment. 

The statement reads, 

• “The World Bank approved additional financing of $700m for Nigeria to scale up the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment programme whose goal is to improve secondary education opportunities among girls in targeted states. 
• “The additional financing will scale up project activities from the current seven states to eleven additional states and increase the targeted beneficiaries to include out-of-school girls, those who are married, and those who have disabilities.” 

Revealing further, It was noted that Nigeria is struggling with a substantial number of out-of-school children, with estimates ranging from 12 million to 15 million in the school-age group. Many of these children are concentrated in Northern Nigeria. 

 It was also noted that an estimated one million children were affected by increased insecurity around schools in 2020-2021. 

 The statement added, “In the seven AGILE programme implementing states – Borno, Ekiti, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, and Plateau – the number of girls in secondary schools has increased from about 900,000 to over 1.6 million. 

• “Under the programme, over 5,000 classrooms have been renovated and over 250,000 eligible girls have received scholarships. 
• “The AGILE programme has supported the construction and rehabilitation of WASH facilities in secondary schools and the installation of computers and solar panels which make attending school more convenient and conducive for both girls and boys. Life skills, systems strengthening, and advocacy are other key aspects of the program which address social norms impeding girls’ education.” 

Furthermore, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, stated that “Closing the gender gaps in economic empowerment by ensuring girls have access to education and skills is key for Nigeria’s development and economic prosperity.  

• “Nigeria’s working population will soon be one of the youngest and largest around the world, which means that investing in adolescent girls is imperative when addressing overall economic prospects and growth.” 

The statement also highlighted that the financing would not only benefit girls but also extend its impact to more than 15 million students and other beneficiaries, encompassing teachers, administrators, families, communities, and staff within both existing and newly established schools. 

The statement highlighted that the financing would not only benefit girls but also extend its impact to more than 15 million students and other beneficiaries, encompassing teachers, administrators, families, communities, and staff within both existing and newly established schools. 

According to the statement, the newly established fund will extend the project’s coverage to 18 states, with the goal of enhancing education and healthcare outcomes for girls in Nigeria. 

It is worth noting that this was the third loan facility approved under the administration of Bola Tinubu. 

The first was approved on June 9, 2023, with a loan of $750m to boost Nigeria’s power sector. 

The second was a loan of $500m to help Nigeria drive women’s empowerment and was approved on June 22, 2023.