The Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday, vowed to send the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after anyone who has been discovered to have paid for the stool of the Alaafin of Oyo.

Makinde, who has pledged to protect the ancient stool with everything in his power, declared today that the stool is not for sale, so people trying to pay their way through should desist from such an act.

The governor made this submission in Iseyin during the official opening of the Iseyin Campus of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.

He said anyone who might have given money to anyone because of the stool would be sent to the anti-graft agency, Naija News reports.

The governor noted that not only would he refer such people to the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYOCA) but would personally take such individuals to the EFCC.

While ensuing for peace among the citizens of Oyo town, he called on those jostling for the stool to embrace peace so that the next occupant could be announced just like in the case of the new Aseyin of Iseyinland.

The event has former President Olusegun Obasanjo as the Special Guest of Honour to unveil the commemorative plaque and Commission the project.

[NaijaNews]

HE Nigeria Football Federation has named a squad of 25 Super Falcons players, including Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, Rasheedat Ajibade and other 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup stars, for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Sao Tome and Principe.

The nine-time African champions will host Sao Tome and Principe at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos next Friday, with the return leg of the first qualifying round tie scheduled for four days later.

Also included in the squad from the World Cup are 40-yead-old team captain Onome Ebi, defenders Oluwatosin Demehin and Rofiat Imuran, midfielder Toni Payne, and forwards Ifeoma Onumonu and Gift Monday.

Among the players called up for the tie but who were not at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where the Super Falcons reached the round of 16, are Besiktas striker Vivian Nwachukwu, Edo Queens defender Comfort Folorunsho, Bayelsa Queens goalkeeper Monle Oyono and Robo Queens midfielder Esther Onyenezide.

Osinachi Ohale, Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, Ashleigh Plumptre and Uchenna Kanu, all of whom were involved in the World Cup last month, were not invited.

It is still not clear who will guide the Super Falcons during the tie as the NFF is negotiating a contract renewal with head coach Randy Waldrum after they had initially declared the position vacant.

The winners of the tie between Nigeria and Sao Tome will face either Cape Verde or Liberia in the second qualifying round scheduled for between November 27 and December 5.

Morocco, who hosted last year’s edition of the continental showpiece, will again host the tournament next year.

ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:
Goalkeepers:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Monle Oyono (Bayelsa Queens)

Defenders:
Onome Ebi (Naija Ratels); Akudo Ogbonna (Remo Stars Ladies); Comfort Folorunsho (Edo Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Nicole Payne (Paris Saint Germain, France); Jumoke Alani (Edo Queens); Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims, France)

Midfielders:
Peace Efih (Sporting Club de Braga, Portugal); Esther Onyenezide (FC Robo Queens); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Regina Otu (AS Saint Etienne, France)

Forwards:
Flourish Sebastine (Bayelsa Queens); Ifeoma Onumonu (NY/NJ Gotham FC, USA); Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona Femeni, Spain); Vivian Ikechukwu (Besiktas JK, Turkey); Gift Monday (UDG Tenerife, Spain); Chiamaka Okuchukwu (Rivers Angels); Opeyemi Ajakaye (FC Robo Queens)

[NaijaTimes]

The Vice Chancellor University of Calabar, Prof Florence Obi, on Friday defended the actions of the institution towards addressing the sexual assault case against the Dean of Law faculty stressing that the Institution followed due process.

The Vice Chancellor stated this in an interactive session with journalists in her office. She stressed that by setting up a fact finding panel, the management of the institution gave the suspended Dean of Law faculty, Prof. Ndifon, an opportunity to defend himself.

The VC said, “We have followed all laid down processes as stipulated by the laws of the university of Calabar in this matter.

“We set up an investigative panel which is for fact finding, it is not a disciplinary panel that should try staff and there are different procedures in the trial of a staff.

“The best you can do for a staff is to set up an investigative panel which is what we have done.

“If we believed so much what the students alleged, we would have sent him to a disciplinary panel.

“From the fact finding panel, we will get to the disciplinary panel so these are procedural processes. we have not violated any due process and will not violated any”.

The VC maintained that there is no injunction from the court of law against the activities of the panel and so the panel is still sitting.

While giving an insight of the viral audio purported to have emanated from the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy, the VC stated that they do not consider it expedient to respond to the disturbing things said by the Minister in the audio.

Obi stressed that students of the law faculty wrote and submitted a petition and protested against the suspended Dean adding that those who testified before the panel were not induced by any one to do so.

The Vice Chancellor maintained that authority of the Institution is poised to remain focused on doing the right thing so that the truth can come out after thorough investigation.

[Leadership]

Immediate Past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON, has congratulated the Alake of Egbaland, HRM Oba (Dr) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III on the occasion of his 80th birthday anniversary.

In a congratulatory letter to the Monarch personally signed by the former Vice President, he said:

“Yours have been seasons of quality, patriotic, selfless, and honest service; in your youth, to your Nation, having sworn as a soldier to lay down your life for her, and in later years devoting your life to the service of Egbaland and its peoples and the development of Ogun State.

“Of very few can it truly be said, as we say of you: “He lives his life for faith, country, and the benefit of those less fortunate than himself.”

“Your example of a disciplined, contented, personal, and loving family life challenges the false notion that privilege must come with greed and excess. You are indeed a Monarch for all seasons.”

Below is the full text of the tribute :

A MONARCH FOR ALL SEASONS

Dolapo and I joyfully join Olori, the royal family, the Governor of our State, the Council of Obas, Chiefs, Elders, the good people of Ogun State, and all friends and associates across the world in thanking God for your most remarkable 80 years on earth.

Yours have been seasons of quality, patriotic, selfless, and honest service; in your youth, to your Nation, having sworn as a soldier to lay down your life for her, and in later years devoting your life to the service of Egbaland and its people and the development of Ogun State.

Of very few can it truly be said, as we say of you: “He lives his life for faith, country, and the benefit of those less fortunate than himself.”

Your example of a disciplined, contented, personal, and loving family life challenges the false notion that privilege must come with greed and excess. You are indeed a Monarch for all seasons.

I am truly grateful for the wise counsel and guidance you have given me at all times and the unfailing warmth and affection you have always shown to Dolapo and me.

Today on the day of your birth, I pray that the Almighty God who brought you in good health and joy to the throne of your fathers will keep you in good health and joy for the many more years of life He will give you on earth. Your Kingdom will know greater peace and prosperity, and as your days, so shall your strength, wisdom, and favour with God be in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Happy 80th Birthday, Your Majesty!

Released by Mohammed Brimah
Media Office of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON
Vice President (2015 - 2023)
14th September 2023

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. has denied speculations that it plans to move its headquarters in Abuja to Lagos.

Mr Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) NNPC made the denial at the resumed investigative hearing of the ad hoc committee on the acquisition of OVH Energy by NNPCL on Friday.

Kyari said that contrary to the petition by petitioners, the company had no plan of moving its headquarters to Lagos, adding that this was in spite of its present status of a private company, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

He said the insinuation might not be unconnected with the fact that 70 per cent of its operations were in Lagos, adding that moving the headquarters would incur additional cost on the company.

He said the NNPC Ltd. had merged its operations and moved the right people where they were required to function.

According to him, the registered headquarters of NNPC Ltd. is in Abuja, the mere fact that the GCEO sit with the operations staff does not mean it had moved to Lagos.

According to him, those making the allegation were doing so because they don’t want to move; this is the challenge of merger and acquisition all over the world. We have given them option to resign.

“The company cannot keep them where they are not needed; this is what the petitions are all about.”

He noted that in every merger and acquisition, the dominant culture must be allowed to take over such as service, adding that this was exactly what the NNPC Ltd was doing.

“Merger and acquisition comes with challenges but we are minimising the impact, we have to make the business happen.

“We are doing everything possible to ensure that it has no negative impact and we will ensure it creates value,” he said.

Speaking on the need to retain expatriates, he said there was no national oil company of limited liability that does not have expatriates, adding that it took him many days of engagement to make the expatriates stay.

“We don’t have the capability and there is no way we can progress without having inclusion of people that can create values,” he said.

Kyari said that the NNPC Ltd. needed to be the national oil company that people could deal with, adding that international partners always looked at inclusion and the NNPC must get expatriates to live and work with it.

He, however, said that Nigerians must learn to thank him for a job well done, saying, “I must say that this country should thank me, and I say that without reservation.

According to him, in the first quarters of 2023, we made N18.4 billion profit and before we acquired OVH, we couldn’t make it.

He added that before now, the NNPC Ltd. struggled to control 15 per cent of OVH, disclosing that now they were now in control of 30 per cent.

Rep. Hassan Na’laraba, the Chairman of the committee, commended the GCEO for the clarification, adding that they were issues based to wade off corruption.

He said the GCOE could be re-invited for further clarifications because the committee still had a week to submit its report, adding that there was need to have an interface with him in the course of oversight.

As Tinubu Sees Economic Gains In Grazing

President Bola Tinubu has announced that the Federal Government will acquire lands for ranches to stem the persistent conflicts between farmers and Fulani herdsmen while generating revenue.

The crisis between the herdsmen and farmers has lingered for over 24 years and has led to the loss of lives and properties.

During a meeting on Thursday with former Kano State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, the President announced that the government will cover the cost of acquiring land for herders.

This new development led to the establishment of a Presidential Committee to address the herders and farmers clashes, create employment, and bolster the livestock and dairy industries in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Tinubu explained that the Committee is expected to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to propose recommendations that will promote peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers, ensure the security and economic well-being of all Nigerians.

“Out of every tragedy, if you are careful, you will see an opportunity. We have faced this conflict for some time. We know it is a homegrown problem. It is very hard for people to stay away from their traditional, old ways.

“I tried in 2018 to bring about a solution to this problem, but it proved elusive. But I’ve been told not to ever give up, and today I believe the solution is here,” the President stated, referring to the committee report, which contains several recommendations.

“It is not the fault of herders and farmers that this crisis has persisted. It is the fault of the leadership who failed to find immediate solutions to solve their problems. Leadership is about thinking and doing.

“The Federal Government is fully prepared to cover the cost of acquiring the land. These opportunities will provide gainful employment for our veterinary doctors while opening doors for the private sector as the provision of new educational opportunities for herders’ and their children emerge. Medical facilities will be established. This is a life-changing opportunity that we have” the president said.

Speaking further on the importance of seizing the opportunity to generate revenue, Tinubu said, “Imagine us producing enough milk for our school children. Imagine us becoming net exporters of cheese and yoghurt. Imagine us producing the skin massively with a major Nigerian leather industry. Imagine us providing cold storage facilities and employment across the nation. These things are possible in front of us.”

Commending the president’s decision, Ganduje said, “Mr. President, I am convinced that the report submitted here today has the antidote to the problems of the livestock industry. It addresses the key reforms and presents various development options required for the sustainable development of the sector.

“The implementation of the proposals will enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, promote environmental conservation, address substantial causes of conflicts between farmers and pastoralists, and help in reducing the cost of importation for animal products like milk and beef.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo charged leaders at all levels to embrace democracy that promotes prosperity, poverty eradication, employment, and adequate security for the betterment of Nigeria.

Obasanjo gave the charge in Oyo town on Friday during the inauguration of the rehabilitated 34.8 kilometres of Oyo-Iseyin Road.

According to Obasanjo, a democracy that nurtured poverty, unemployment, and insecurity should be thrown overboard because it only characterised backwardness.

He emphasised the importance of cultivating some specific crops that would distinguish Oyo State from others, noting that Oyo had been known as a cassava farming centre.

He urged the state to embrace the cultivation of one more major crop to enhance efforts at boosting food security in the state.

Obasanjo stressed the importance of good road networks and commended the foresight of Gov Seyi Makinde in the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and construction of roads linking the five zones in the state.

He said that such projects would fast-track socio-economic development across the zones.

He urged the people of Oyo State to support Gov Makinde’s government in its efforts to develop the economy of the state.

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election has said the All Progressives Congress-led government headed by Bola Tinubu is steadily pushing the country into lawlessness.

Speaking in a statement he personally issued on the occasion of the International Democracy Day, on Friday, Obi said there’s a steady erosion of the civic space by the current government which he said if not checked could sink the country into lawlessness.

He said, “On this year’s celebration of International Democracy Day, we must remind ourselves of the need to work together to build and deepen our nation’s democracy.

“As witnessed in the country today, the mindless erosion of the very ideals and tenets on which Nigeria’s democracy was built, if not checked, will only push the nation deeper into lawlessness.

“The current trend of endemic corruption, abuse of the constitution, disrespect for the rule of law, and transactional politics which cuts across the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government, have continued to conflict with our nation’s enforcement of democracy,” the former Anambra State Governor stated.

He added that as a consequence of these democratic threats, “Our dear nation has continued to swing dangerously away from the boundaries of true democracy.

“Gradually,” he said, “we are losing one of the biggest intangible assets that makes a nation strong, which is respect for the rule of law.”

He called “on all Nigerians to remain committed to building and reinforcing our nation’s democracy.

“Once again, I restate my commitment to a new and truly democratic Nigeria. I am in this struggle solely for the betterment of our society.

“My vision of a New and truly democratic Nigeria is borne out of the deep conviction that Nigeria if given good leadership as I offer to give, will be beneficial to every Nigerian.

“We must not give up on our nation because a New and Truly Democratic Nigeria is POssible.”

The Labour Party candidate has lodged an appeal at the Supreme Court in what he said is his bid to retrieve his mandate “freely given” to him during the February 25 election.

Tinubu was declared the winner of the election and was recently affirmed the winner of the election by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in a unanimous decision in the case instituted against the INEC declaration by Obi and two others.

A stray bullet suspected to have been fired by cultists has killed a year-one student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State.

DAILY POST gathered that the incident occurred on Thursday evening at Miracle Junction in Ifite, Anambra State.

The female student was identified as Uche Jovita Chigozirim.

A colleague of the deceased, Dickson Anayochi, who spoke with journalists said Chigozirim was hit by a stray bullet at Miracle Junction.

“This girl, Uche Jovita Chigozirim, a 100 level student of the faculty of Health Science was killed yesterday (Thursday) evening by stray bullet shot by suspected cultists at the popular Miracle Junction.

“Please help us and let the world know the insecurity situation we are facing here in the UNIZIK environment and the state government is not doing anything to improve the situation.

“Please let the Inspector General of Police help us with a checkpoint around Ifite area of UNIZIK because we are tired of complaining to the state government. It’s now a culture we are almost used to. It’s really sad,” he said.

Attempts by DAILY POST to reach the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, for reaction were not successful as his mobile telephone line was not reachable.

As of the time of filing this report, the lifeless body of the student was still lying at the crime scene and covered with banana leaves.