Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has assigned portfolios to the 25 new commissioners and members of the State Executive Council sworn in on Tuesday.

According to a statement by Abubakar Bawa the Press Secretary to Sokoto State governor, the governor wished the commissioners success in their service to the government and people of the state.

The full list of the commissioners and their respective ministries are as follows, Nasiru Binji, Commissioner of Justice and state Attorney General; Ibrahim Adire, Ministry of Local Government; Idris Gobir, Ministry of Works, and Deputy Governor, Muhammadu Shagari, Ministry of Finance, and Sharifu Kamarawa, Ministry of Home Affairs.

Others are Alhaji Tukur Alkali, Ministry of Basic & Secondary Education; Dr Jabir Mai Hula, Ministry of Religious Affairs; Nasiru Tsoho, Ministry of Lands & Housing; Aminu Iya, Ministry of Higher Education; Hadiza Shagari, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs; Sambo Danchadi, Ministry of Information; Alhaji Bello Wamakko, Ministry of Agriculture; Ministry of Animal Health and Fisheries Development, Aliyu Tureta, and Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Jamilu Gosta.

Also in the list were Bala Kokani, Ministry of Science & Technology; Yusuf Maccido, Ministry of Water; Hajiya Asabe Balarabe, Ministry of Health; Nura Tangaza, Ministry of Environment; Shehu Chacho, Ministry for Special Duties; Ministry of Social and Humanitarian Affairs, Ya’u Danda; Culture and Tourism, Aminu Bodai; Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industries, Haruna Bashar; Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy, Bashar Kwabo; Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Resources, Sanusi Umar, and Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Alhaji Isah Tambagarka.

Rivers State Signage and Advertising Agency, RSSAA, sealed the premises of a new generation church at Rumuosi Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state over the electrocution of five youths on Monday.

It was gathered that the church owned the metal structure that caused electrocution of the five youths.

It was also gathered that operatives of the state police command had arrested the assistant pastor of the church following the incident.

Five persons were Monday electrocuted while erecting a metal structure that would be used for placing the church’s signages, whereas four others who were part of the team of nine youths are still hospitalized.

The billboard metal frame had touched the live high-tension wire while the nine youths were making efforts to mount it.

It was gathered that following the incident, yesterday, officials from RSSAA sealed off the premises of the church that owns the billboard, pending outcome of ongoing investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed that police had picked the assistant pastor of the church.

Iringe-Koko said investigation into the incident was still going on, adding that the arrested person would assist the police in the process.

The Managing Director, RSSAA, Tony Okeha, said the church and the nine people, who attempted to mount the Billboard did not seek government approval before the act.

Okeha said: “They do not have any approval from the agency. We have spent time warning people against illegal activities such as this. We regret what has happened but this will serve as a deterrent that people should learn how to do things the proper way.

“The agency regulates what billboard structures should be erected where and whether it will cause visual blind or accident and all such consequences. We go out every day to remove illegal structures because of where they are erected and because of the low standard.”

He warned people erecting billboards without the agency’s authorisation to stop forthwith, adding that anyone arrested would be punished.

Seeks synergy among South East governors

Widow of the late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Ambassador Bianca, has intensified call for the release of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, haven been declared free by a competent Nigerian court.

Delivering a keynote address at the Annual National Conference and Convention of the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) in Dallas, Texas in USA, the former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, sh called for greater synergy among governors of the South East, and urged them to continue to intensify efforts towards the release of Kanu.

AVID is a congregation of American citizens, both men and women of Igbo extraction, who are serving military officers and veterans who have served honourably in various branches of the United States military at different times, different conflicts and different theatres of war.

Ojukwu, who was special guest, noted that the initial nonchalant attitude of Igbo leaders towards Kanu’s illegal rendition and continued unlawful incarceration contributed greatly towards inflaming the tensions within the South East region today.

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared a total sum of N966.110bn July 2023 Federation Account Revenue to the Federal Government, States and Local Government Councils.

This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the FAAC meeting for the month of August.

The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

The N966.110bn total distributable revenue comprised statutory revenue of N397.419bn, Value Added Tax revenue of N271.947bn, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N12.840bn and Exchange Difference revenue of N283.904bn.

In July 2023, the total deductions for cost of collection was N62.419nn while total deductions for savings, transfers, refunds and tax credit cancellation was put at N717.962bn.

The communique put the balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) at $473,754.57

From the total revenue of N966.11bn; the Federal Government received N374.485bn, the State Governments received N310.670bn and the Local Government Councils received N229.409bn.

A total sum of N51.545bn was shared to the relevant States as 13 per cent derivation revenue.

Gross statutory revenue of N1.15trn was received for the month of July 2023. This was lower than the sum of N1.152trn received in the month of June 2023 by N2.497bn.

According to the communiqué, in the month of July 2023, Import and Excise Duties and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) increased considerably while Value Added Tax (VAT) increased marginally. Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Companies Income Tax (CIT) and Oil and Gas Royalties recorded significant decreases.

…says Tinubu caring, listening President

Leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, on Tuesday, commended President Bola Tinubu for reinstating the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, describing it as a good step in the right direction.

According to him, among all attempts to address the agitation of the Niger Delta, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs is the direct attempt, and therefore plays a vital role in coordinating and implementing programmes and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development, peace, and stability in the oil-rich region.

The MNDA was not among the ministries allocated to the newly appointed ministers and raised concerns among leaders, the intelligentsia, and stakeholders of the oil-rich Niger Delta, fuelling speculations that it may have been scrapped by the President.

But President Tinubu redeployed Abubakar Momoh from the Ministry of Youth and reassigned him to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs

Dokubo-Asari in a commendation statement in Abuja requested that President Tinubu should consider returning the Niger Delta Development Commission back to the nomenclature of the Oil Mineral Areas Development Commission.

He said, “Mr. President, I am grateful and wish to commend your decision to reinstate the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. This decision shows your determination, reflects your deep understanding of the challenges and unique needs of the Niger Delta region, and demonstrates your commitment to addressing them.

“Despite all attempts to address the agitation of the Niger Delta, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs is the direct attempt and therefore plays a vital role in coordinating and implementing programs and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development, peace, and stability in the oil-rich region. With its reinstatement, there is renewed hope for the people of the Niger Delta that their concerns will be effectively addressed and their voices heard in your administration.

“Several attempts have been made to ameliorate and address the agitation of the Niger Delta people including the setting up of the Niger Delta Area Development Authority, and the establishment of OMPADEC in 1992.

“In 2000, OMPADEC was changed to the NDDC. Mr. President, I know you are aware that OMPADEC was established to rehabilitate and develop the oil mineral-producing areas of Nigeria which had been subjected to the devastating effects of ecological destruction and environmental pollution. This means that oil-producing areas that are not geographically in the Niger Delta, are captured in the OMPADEC programmes.

“The change of nomenclature from OMPADEC to the NDDC suggested that the commission was established to address the agitation of only oil-producing areas in the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers State.

“Mr. President, I beg you to consider returning NDDC to OMPADEC nomenclature, with its core mandate of addressing issues of rehabilitating and developing the Oil Producing Areas of Nigeria, including Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, Kogi, Rivers and any other area blessed with oil mineral.”

The activist said the history, struggle, and agitation of the Niger Delta have been rough and tough, from colonial times to independent and post-independent era.

He said, “The colonial governments ignored the agitation of the Niger Delta people. They cruelly suppressed it by the treatment meted out to King Jaja of Opobo, King Ibani Chuka of Okrika, Chief Ukwujiagu of Okujiagu-Ama of Okrika, King KokoBoy Ockiya of Nembe, Chief Anya’a Amatoru Goodhead, the paramount head of the Goodhead Tariah Group of Houses of Kalabari, Nana of Itsekiri, and several Kings of Bonny, among others.

“The agitation necessitated the setting up of the Willink’s Commission in 1957 to look into the fears and agitations of the minorities of colonial Nigeria. After a thorough investigation, a White Paper declared the Ijaw areas of the Eastern and Western regions and the Ogoni territories in the Eastern region, as special and endangered territories and people.”

Dokubo-Asari argued that the NDDC was not exclusively established to mitigate only the interest of oil-producing areas of the Niger Delta, as many erroneously think.

“From the foregoing, it is clear that the NDDC has no relation with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. Oil-producing areas should be treated on their merit, while the Niger Delta areas of Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states should be treated solely as Niger Delta from a geographic and scientific point of view.

“Your restoration of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has shown that you are a listening and caring leader and President. The Niger Delta will not forget this singular action, and we will pay back in multiple folds,” he said.

The Special Military Task Force, Operation Safe Haven, maintaining peace in Plateau State and its environs, says it has arrested a total of 39 suspected criminals, including bandits, in the state.

It was learnt that the suspects were arrested at different locations within the joint operation area of Operation Safe Haven, Operation Hakorin Damisa IV, and the 3 Division, Nigerian Army in the past week.

Its spokesperson, Captain Oya James, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday.

He further disclosed that two of the suspects had been on the wanted list for involvement in several armed robbery and kidnapping activities in the state.

The statement read in part, “Troops of Operation Safe Haven and Operations Hakorin Damisa IV from August 14 to 21, 2023, have arrested 39 criminal suspects in connection with banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery, as well as recovered arms, ammunition, and hard drugs.

“The suspects were arrested at different locations within the Joint Operation Area of Operation Safe Haven and the 3 Division Nigerian Army Area of Responsibility.

“Two of the suspects have been on the wanted list for involvement in several armed robberies and kidnapping activities.

“Troops recovered 1 AK 47 rifle, 1 pump-action magnum gun, 1 AK-47 magazine, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special, and an Itel mobile phone from the suspects. A suspected kidnapper and arms dealer was also captured at Kuba village in the Bokkos LGA of Plateau State.

“Similarly, troops arrested two militia gang members identified as being among those who attacked the Heipang general area recently and recovered 2 x AK 47 rifles, 7 fabricated rifles, and 4 pump action cartridges during the operations. A drug syndicate operating in Bassa LGA was also nabbed during sting operations, and seven drug peddlers were arrested with a large cache of drugs.

“Additionally, troops arrested a total of 307 cows for grazing on farmlands belonging to locals at Kubat Community and Mabel village of Mangu and Bokkos LGAs, respectively. Furthermore, a total of 37 distress calls were prompted and responded to by OPSH within the period leading to the rescue of 17 kidnapped victims, foiling of cattle rustling, and repelling of attacks on vulnerable communities, especially in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom LGAs.”

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party for the February 25 presidential election, Peter Obi, has said that his party would win the November 11 governorship election in Imo State.

Speaking in Owerri, the state capital, on Tuesday at the flag-off of the campaigns for the party in the state, Obi said that LP is known for performance and excellence.

Using Abia State, which his party controls, as an example of good governance, Obi said that the people of Abia State now have hope and are witnessing good governance because a “first-class brain” who knows what he is doing is now the governor of the state.

Obi said, “Abure is the national chairman of our party. We don’t have another chairman. LP will win Imo State. Athan Achonu is the only candidate of the party, and he is the best in Imo State. I am happy nobody has changed the process. I believe in the process.

“We want Nigeria to have leaders who will do what they preach. We know what it takes to change Nigeria. That is why we are here. We know what it takes to change Imo State. In Abia today, there is hope; that is what is called governance. This is because a first-class brain who knows what he is doing is the governor there.

“I believe in the process. Achonu emerged through the right process. Vote for LP, and things will start happening.”

The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, said that he was the chairman of the panel that conducted the primary election that produced Achonu as the governorship candidate of the LP in the state.

“Distinguished Senator Athan Achonu is the only governorship candidate of the party. I was the chairman of the panel that conducted the primary election, which produced him as the winner of the election. I am here to bear testimony that he is our candidate for the November 11 governorship election in Imo State.’’

“We have not even started in Abia, but the noise is everywhere. We are less than 100 days in office in Abia. The Labour Party is known for its governance. Vote for the Labour Party,” Otti said.

The national chairman of the party, Abure, said that he was confident that the LP would form the next government in the state.

Abure said that the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress had failed Nigerians and the people of the state in particular.

Speaking after the party’s flag was handed over to him, Achonu said that on his assumption of office as the next governor of the state, he would conduct a local government area election, fix the roads and the electricity, end insecurity, and ensure that civil servants and pensioners are promptly paid.

He said that he would make history by becoming the first physically challenged person to emerge as governor.

Achonu added that “The Labour Party will rescue Nigeria. We will win Imo, Enugu, Kogi, and Bayelsa states.”

The high point of the event was the handover of the flag of the party to the governorship candidate of the party and the flagging off of the campaigns in the state by the national chairman of the party.

The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has called on the Federal Government to provide equitable palliative for its members to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.

In a statement signed issued and signed by Head of Media, MWUN, Com. John Kennedy Ikemefuna, on behalf of President General of the Union, Comrade Prince Adewale Adeyanju, the union said “The leadership of (MWUN) under the leadership of Comrade (Prince) Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, requests in the face of the recent economic reforms where the Federal Government had chosen a part of subsidy removal – a decision that has rippled the nation’s economic landscape, affecting every citizen, the industry and most especially the workforce that keeps maritime running.

According to the statement, the Maritime Workers Union in the light of the aforesaid wish to demand with humility that MWUN be considered for payment of palliative incentives to its members to cushion the excruciating effects over the subsidy removal.

The statement reads that there’s no gainsaying that the maritime industry is the fulcrum around, which the nation’s economy revolves.

“This is knowing too well that products which fill our markets, the energy that propel our factories and resources that sustain our people flow through the maritime veins; yet, amidst this turbulent times, the maritime workforce has been left grappling with uncertainties battling dual challenges of the economic restructuring and the relentlessness at sea. This is a situation that demands not just our empathy but with utmost encouragement.

“In view of the foregoing, MWUN humbly requests that palliative incentives be given our members. Hence, we as a Union suggests that a meeting of management/union be convened to discuss the modalities and when to commence payment,” the statement reads in part.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has said the state will increase the number of households targeted for palliatives from 300,000 to 400,000 households.

The governor on Tuesday in Maiduguri said this is a result of the N5bn presidential initiative received by the state from the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to alleviate the hardship and sufferings among the people in the state.

It was reported that each household will be made up of six family members to be multiplied by 400,000, which, by implication, moves Zulum’s new target to 2.4 million individuals.

Governor Zulum had, on August 1, 2023, while launching a new phase of palliatives’ distribution, announced a target of 300,000 households each with six persons, which will multiply to 1.8 million individuals.

“Today we are here to distribute palliatives to 100,000 vulnerable households under the Presidential Initiative; this is in addition to the 300,000 households the Borno State Government had rolled out early this month,” Zulum told newsmen at the former Bakasi IDPs camp, the venue of the distribution exercise, on Tuesday.

He added, “You may recall that the Federal Government has announced N5bn to all states, and with that amount, we intend to reach an additional 100,000 vulnerable families.”

The governor further explained that the Presidential Initiative is a collaboration of the federal, state, and local governments.

The FG, he noted, is granting 52 per cent of the total amount, while the state and local governments will refund 48 per cent of the amount.

Since July, Zulum has accelerated palliatives to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on the lives of citizens.

The palliatives have so far been distributed in Gwoza, Kukawa, Jere, and Maiduguri Metropolitan local government areas to thousands of benefitting families.

The state’s deputy governor, Umar Kadafur, flagged off a similar distribution in Biu town on Monday.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has been the best in history for African teams, and it will be remembered for ages to come.

All four CAF representatives recorded at least one win each, with three of them – Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco – qualifying for the knockout rounds for the first time ever.

Several stars from these nations have created beautiful moments for fans, making it incredibly difficult to pick the team of the group stage.

However, here is Soccernet.ng‘s compilation of the continent’s Best XI at the football showpiece.

Goalkeeper: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Nigeria

Nnadozie has been one of the standout players at the World Cup and is rated Africa’s best and the second-best goalkeeper overall of the group stage, behind only Jamaica’s Rebecca Spencer.

She had the highest individual rating among players on the pitch against Canada and Australia.

Nnadozie kept two clean sheets in three games and also saved a crucial penalty that earned Nigeria a crucial point against Canada.

Left-back: Ashleigh Plumptre, Nigeria

The England-born defender has been a reliable and consistent performer in Nigeria’s back four.

She has featured in all of the Falcons’ three games, ensuring that Nigeria’s defence has conceded only once from open play at this tournament.

Plumptre, one of coach Randy Waldrum’s most-trusted players, excels with her solidity, technical ability, ball skills, and precise passing.

Centre-back: Nesryne El Chad, Morocco

Despite playing only the last eight minutes against Germany, El Chad’s impact was significant.

In the second game, the 20-year-old put on a masterclass performance beyond her age, helping Morocco secure a historic 1-0 win over South Korea.

She repeated her excellent showing in Morocco’s 1-0 win over Colombia, securing their spot in the Round of 16 in their maiden World Cup appearance.

Centre-back: Osinachi Ohale, Nigeria

Ohale paired up with youngster Tosin Demehin in the center of defence after partner Onome Ebi was benched.

The Spain-based defender ensured Ebi’s experience was not sorely missed and played a crucial role in keeping dangerous attackers away from Nigeria’s goal, scoring a key goal in the 2-1 win over Australia.

Ohale has been crucial in ensuring the Falcons boast Africa’s best defence in Australia and New Zealand.

Right-back: Hanane Aït El Haj, Morocco

Hanane Aït El Haj delivered a remarkable performance in Morocco’s historic 1-0 win over South Korea and provided the cross that led to their winning goal.

She was equally solid as Morocco kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory over Colombia, securing their spot in the Round of 16 in their first-ever World Cup appearance.

Defensive-midfield: Christy Ucheibe, Nigeria

Ucheibe is Nigeria’s midfield general. The 22-year-old has battled 16 more duels than anyone else. 

The Benfica midfielder’s total of 18 tackles is twice as many as any of her team-mates, and she is one of only four Nigeria players to have found a team-mate more than 20 times in opposition territory. 

Tenacious, unrelenting, and efficient, the youngster is the wall protecting Nigeria’s defence from being breached. 

Attacking-midfield: Linda Motlhalo, South Africa

Motlhalo’s dynamic play and intelligence make her a standout midfielder for South Africa.

She has been crucial to South Africa’s impressive build-up play, with a successful dribble rate of 44% and an accurate passing rate of 78%.

The versatile midfielder scored one of South Africa’s goals against Argentina in her best performance at the Mundial.

Attacking Midfielder (Left): Racheal Kundananji, Zambia

Earlier heavy defeats overshadowed the Real Madrid striker’s performance, but she displayed her ability throughout the group stage.

Kundananji’s efforts in Zambia’s victory over Costa Rica were commendable, contributing a goal in their 3-1 win.

Attacking Midfielder (Right): Hildah Magaia, South Africa

Magaia’s fleet-footed, tireless, and versatile play has been a delight to watch in the exciting South African side.

She scored South Africa’s first goal at the tournament against Italy and was crucial in their qualification to the next round.

Striker: Barbra Banda, Zambia

Banda’s near-perfect display against Costa Rica showcased her attacking abilities, as she scored a goal, assisted another, and earned the Player of the Match award.

Despite Zambia’s early exit, her talent was evident on the world stage.

Striker: Thembi Kgatlana, South Africa

Kgatlana’s excellence and determination have been unmatched by any African star at the World Cup.

Her performances were crucial in South Africa’s historic qualification to the knockout round, including her brilliant goal and assist against Argentina and the late winning strike against Italy.