Gov. Alex Otti has said that no fewer than 2,300 ghost workers have been discovered in the state following the on-going biometric verification of civil servants and public servants in the state.

Otti had during his inaugural speech on May 29, promised to regularly pay workers but vowed to frontally combat ghost workers syndrome.

A statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko, said the State Government had saved over N200 million on monthly wage bill as a result of the verification exercise.

The statement quoted the State Accountant General, Deaconess Njum Onyemenam, as saying that the huge savings were made using a unified payment system.

It further quoted Onyemenam, who spoke after a meeting with the Governor as saying that the verification exercise was still ongoing and that the government hopes to make more savings.

“So far, we have been able to save N220 million from the ongoing verification of workers in the state, local governments and pensioners.

“Not less than 2,300 ghost names have been weeded out of the payrolls, using the unified payment system and we hope to still identify more as we continue with the exercise,” the Accountant General said.

“She confirmed that following Governor Otti’s directive, government had last week paid the arrears of April salaries, left behind by the immediate past administration and also June pensions to retirees”, the statement added.

According to the statement, the Accountant General assured that Local Government staff, who had been skipped when the June salaries were paid, due to their failure to submit their verified payment schedule, “will receive their salaries this week”

In another development, the Abia State commissioner for trade, commerce and industries, Chimezie Ukaegbu, has said the government had banned illegal levies and double taxation in the state.

Ukaegbu stated on Sunday after touring markets in Aba, saying the ban was aimed at reducing financial burdens on the traders and sanitising revenue generation in the state.

He assured that the present administration in the state was committed to giving markets the necessary attention, and appealed to traders to cooperate with the administration.

Earlier, Ukaegbu had told the traders that the tour was aimed at having a first-hand information on their challenges to guide the administration to create a conducive business environment for them.

He said the administration would place premium on smooth trading and reactivation of markets to boost businesses and internally generated revenue.

The commissioner, who urged them to avoid anything that would cause division and discomfort in the markets, solicited their support and cooperation for the administration.

Similarly, the director of commerce in the ministry, Nmecha Udensi, commended Governor Alex Otti and the commissioner for their dreams for traders and the markets.

In their separate remarks, the chairman of Old Court Market, Sunday Anokwuru, and his counterpart of Good Morning Market, Esinna Ogbonna, expressed support for the administration.

Senator Iyiola Omisore, the National Secretary of All Progressives Congress, APC, has been replaced with the Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter.

This is just as the proposed National Caucus and National Executive Committee, NEC, meetings slated for July 18 and 19 have been put on hold.

The new developments were announced by the Acting National Chairman, Senator Abubakar Kyari, after the meeting of the National Working Committee, NWC, at the party secretariat today, Monday.

Kyari told journalists that both Omisore and the erstwhile National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, were no longer part of the APC leadership.

He said that according to the party’s Constitution, he was now the acting national chairman of the party.

Kyari’s words: “We are here to address the happenings and recent developments regarding the party.

“The NWC wishes to inform you about the resignation of the National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu and that of the National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

“My humble self as the Deputy National Chairman (North) to assume the office of the Acting National Chairman.

“Consequently too, the Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter, will now assume the office of Acting National Secretary of All Progressives Congress.

“With the recent development, we implore everybody here that the proposed National Caucus and National Executive Committee meetings slated for July 18 and 19, 2023 are hereby postponed.

“This postponement is not indefinite. A new date will be communicated in the nearest future.

“There are no allegations against them. Both of them resigned voluntarily and that is what is available at this moment. The details of their resignation will be made known to you in the nearest future.

“Everybody has its own style of administration and I think this present set of NWC will be relying on what the constitution says.”

Osun Assembly on Monday, passed a Bill reverting the name of the state to ‘Osun State’ from the ‘State of Osun’.

Recall that the state’s name was changed to ‘State of Osun’ in 2012 during the tenure of former Governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

The Assembly, through a Bill called ‘Osun State Anthem, Crest and Flag Amendment Bill 2023’, has now reverted the name of the state to what it was before the change in 2012.

After the Bill was passed for third reading at the plenary session, Mr Adewale Egbedun, the Assembly Speaker, said the Bill would be forwarded to the governor for assent.

He said the new Bill, after it is assented to by the governor, would replace the Osun Anthem, Crest, and Flag Bill 2012.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new Bill, aside from reverting the name of the state, also changes the flag and crest of the state to the Nigerian flag and the Nigerian Coat of Arms.

The State Anthem established by the old Bill was, however, sustained by the new Bill.

The Assembly, thereafter, screened 13 of the 25 commissioner nominees who appeared before it, after the report of the ad-hoc screening committee was adopted.

Mr Akinyode Oyewusi, the Chairman of the ad-hoc screening committee, while making recommendations, said all the nominees are competent and qualified to be commissioners.

Oyewusi said the nominees met the requirements of the law and that they should be confirmed in line with section 192 (2) of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (amended).

The speaker, Egbedun, however, said the nominees would all be considered for confirmation after the House is through with screening.

In a related development, the Osun State Muslim Community, OSMC, an umbrella body of Muslim groups in the state, during the week exonerated Governor Ademola Adeleke of any wrongdoing in the compilation of the list of his cabinet nominees.

Addressing newsmen as part of the one-week event to mark the 1445 Hijrah Calendar, the President of the group, Sheikh Mustapha Olayiwola, said the governor has been balanced in his appointments, so far.

His words: “The Governor had first appointed his kitchen cabinets, who are all Muslims. His Chief of Staff, the Secretary to the State Government and his spokesperson are all Muslims and powerful members of the administration.

“Besides, the appointment of commissioners is not an exclusive duty of the governor, so many factors are considered in concluding, but so far, we believe the governor has done well and has not marginalised the Muslims in the state. Many appointments would still be done and more Muslims would be appointed.

“Our advice is that more Muslims should be involved in politics rather than staying away from it under the guise that it is a dirty game.”

Amotekun, the ondo state security network agency, has apprehended a total of 28 individuals involved in various criminal activities across different areas of the state.

Among the alleged offenders were two female students from secondary school who were detained by the agency for orchestrating a false kidnapping scheme and extorting money from their mother.

Presenting the suspects to the public at the command headquarters in Akure, the capital city, on monday, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, the commander of the corps in the state, disclosed that the two girls, aged 13 and 15, respectively, were in junior secondary school (jss) 1 and jss 3.

As per the commander’s account, the perpetrators concealed themselves at Oka-Akoko in Akoko south-west local government area and proceeded to contact their mother, assuming the role of kidnappers. they demanded a ransom of N100,000.

Adeleye further revealed that the girls, posing as kidnappers, called and issued threats to the monarch of their town, coercing him to pay the ransom within 24 hours under the threat of harm to the abductees in their custody.

He said, “The 28 suspects we are parading today (monday) shows that we have more kidnapping than any other criminal activities. this is in continuation of our efforts at ensuring that kidnapping in ondo state becomes a thing of the past.

“We have people who kidnapped themselves and raised alarm and in our diligent investigations, we were able to unravel the mystery surrounding their disappearance to the extent that they have confessed.”

The amotekun boss noted that the arrest of the suspects was in collaboration with the operatives of the department of state security as the telephone line being used by the girls was tracked to where they were.

Speaking, one of the girls, who confessed to the crime, said it was her elder sister that lured her to it.

The 13-year-old said, “On that day, my sister and i spent the night in our grandma’s place and left there around 6:00 am the following day. while on our way back home, my (elder) sister told me that she had a plan to get money from our mother.

“She then revealed her plan to declare ourselves kidnapped and asked for N50,000 each ransom from our mother. it was my sister who taught me what to say when they put a call through to my mother.

“When we called we didn’t know that it was the monarch that was speaking with us on the phone and we threatened to kill our victims in captivity if they failed to pay the ransom quickly.”

Former lawmaker Shehu Sani has said those loyal to President Muhammadu Buhari in the All Progressives Congress (APC) are now being treated with disdain and no longer have a say in the party.

Sani said this in reaction to the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu as the National Chairman of the party.

Within Nigeria had reported that Adamu, the erstwhile APC chairman, tendered his resignation letter on Sunday night.

Following the development, Senator Abubakar Kyari, APC Deputy National Chairman (North), has taken over the affairs of the party.

Adamu is purported to be a loyalist of the former president.

It was alleged that Adamu worked against the emergence of President Bola Tinubu prior to the presidential primaries and even after he emerged as the candidate of the party.

Sani, in a post via his verified Twitter handle on Monday, following confirmation of Adamu’s resignation, taunted Buhari’s supporters in the APC.

He noted that Buhari’s supporters were now orphans who had become pariahs and are being thrown out of the party.

“The Buharists are now orphans; they are purged in their party,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, Sani has proffered a solution to the deepening security crisis in the south east which is engendered by the sit-at-home order enforcement.

On how to tackle the effects of the sit-at-home order on socio-economic activities, Sani asked the federal government and governors of Southeastern state to resort to financial inducement.

Senator Sani suggested that since the sit-at-home is usually observed on Mondays, the government should start sharing N50,000 palliatives to South-East residents in market places every Monday in order to make them come out.

Recall that the factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa, has been declaring a series of sit-at-home in the South-East zone in protest of the continued incarceration of the leader of the proscribed group, Nnamdi Kanu

The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has debunked the report of the removal of police aides from certain top politicians and their relatives.

Egbetokun said the report is fake and did not emanate from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) or any of its formations.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Monday clarified the letter purportedly originating from MOPOL 45 FHQ ABJ, which is: “fake and did not emanate from the NPF or any of its formations”.

Addressing the ambiguity surrounding the signal, CSP Adejobi emphasised the signal deviates from the Police’s telegraphic message structure and standard as the signal bears the signature of a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), which is highly irregular, as a signal of this nature would typically be signed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), who heads such formations, and not a higher-ranking officer.

Adejobi said: “The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has taken immediate notice and has ordered a thorough investigation into its source and assures that appropriate action will be taken against those responsible for its creation and dissemination.”

The memo circulating in the media space was also described as fake by some top police officers.

Since the memo went viral, there has been confusion in the police force over the authenticity of the memo.

A senior mobile police officer, who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that the memo is fake.

The police officer, who is conversant with signals and memos, said it didn’t come from the police authorities.

Curvaceous film star Destiny Etiko has spoken on trust and loyalty as it concerns her relationships with those she considers dear to her heart.

She described herself as being ‘picky’ with people she befriended and one whose friendship with others is devoid of second chances.

Etiko, who claimed to have been heartbroken numerous times by those she genuinely loved and cared, about said loyalty meant a lot to her and would waste no time in disconnecting from any friend regardless of who the person is if she sensed even an ounce of disloyalty.

She explained that’s because she possesses an unwavering kind of loyalty even in the face of betrayal.

She said for that reason, it was almost impossible to give anyone who betrayed her a second chance as she’s someone with zero tolerance for fakeness.

The 33-year-old screen diva wrote: “Loyalty is a big deal to me. That’s why I’m very picky with my friends. I’m such a loyal person naturally. Even in the midst of fallout/betrayal. My loyalty remains the same.

Read Also: Actress Destiny Etiko calls out colleague over alleged debt

“I don’t give second chances when it comes to friendship. U betray me & I cut you off for life. I forgive but cut off. My heart is so pure & tender. I don’t want no fakeness. Zero tolerance”.

“This is soooo me. A wonderful heart that has been broken a lot of times by people I loved so much and sacrificed a lot for.

“But the thing is, when I decide I move, no turning back.

The film producer went on to advise individuals on guiding their lives jealousy seeing it had no duplicate.

“LIVE HAS NO DUPLICATE GUYS. Guide yours with every of your being”, she added.

Underlying the notion of celebration everywhere is the idea of accomplishments and success. This is why Yoruba people in Nigeria are generally renowned for their sometimes lavish weekend parties and rejoicings. 

Sunday, July 8, was no different as the people of Ikenne and their friends across the nation celebrated their illustrious son and associate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, after his tour of duty and eight meritorious years of service to the nation as Vice President. I need not state that the Prof was with his beautiful wife, Oludolapo, whom he fondly calls ‘’Dolly’’. She is the granddaughter of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Ikenne has always seen big parties, big funerals and lavish pageantries. But the Osinbajo reception was a grand event that many will not forget so soon.

Right from the streets you wouldn't miss the spirit of rejoicing and excitement that the Ikenne Development Association was bringing home the immediate past VP for such a time of thanksgiving.

Guests from across the country descended on the sprawling city in Ogun State. Some even arrived the state a day or two earlier. They turned up in colours – politicians, governors, traditional rulers, businesspeople, academicians, the young and old. Ordinary folks were also welcome. The guests were not disappointed as Ikenne Development Association, the hosts and organizers of the event, had spared no expense in delivering the right degree of pomp. The large hall, beautifully decorated, was full to capacity. It was the first time the new hall was in use as the IDA had just completed the project in time to honour the law professor who became VP from among them.

 There were dances, songs, tributes and speeches. The feeling in the air was one of satisfactory attainment. Merriments were in surplus. The atmosphere was convivial and joyous. 

Ikenne has been famous for ages for many reasons. The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Tai Solarin, hailed from there. The town was also made famous by Mayflower School, located on a 90-acre piece of estate and founded on January 27, 1956, by the Solarin, a Nigerian educator, humanist and social crusader. Ikenne was a Mecca of sorts for politicians and journalists when Chief Awolowo was alive; and when he died in 1987, nearly every person of note showed up. Another big crowd returned to the town in 2015 when Awo’s widow, Chief HID Awolowo passed away. I recall that President Muhammadu Buhari attended her funeral. Chief Awolowo’s mausoleum remains a major attraction. Ikenne is also the hometown of 13 legal luminaries, all senior advocates. Prof Osinbajo himself is the seventh of them. I do not know of any other town in the country that produces so many SANs. 

The town has recently been provided with many amenities including hospitals, market, schools, solar-powered street lights thanks to the intervention of Prof Osinbajo. So, it was not a surprise that practically everybody had lined up the streets to welcome Prof. Osinbajo’s motorcade when he arrived that Sunday afternoon.

Commercial motor cycle riders made up for police escort riders just like they would do for a president or vice president. It was a clear case of a prophet being honoured at home! Osinbajo’s entrance with his wife and entourage was grand as he exchanged banters acknowledged sporadic burst of affection and greetings by the many guests and townsfolk.

Prayers and National Anthem over, the event began with introductions of guests. Among them were three serving governors, two of them from the PDP: Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Godwin Obaseki (Edo) and Duoye Diri (Bayelsa). Others were Boss Mustapha, the former SGF, former ministers Rauf Aregbesola and Niyi Adebayo both of whom were also former Governors of Osun and Ekiti States. There were also former Governors- Donald Duke-Cross River and Sen. Serieke Dickson-Bayelsa, again from the PDP, driving home Osinbajo’s well known bipartisan appeal, which was demonstrated all through his 8-year tenure.

The Managing Director of NDPHC, Mr. Chiedu Ugbo, the Director-General of BPE, Mr. Alex Okoh and Mr. Laolu Akande, the VP’S official spokesperson while in office and now Editor in Chief of Empowered Newswire were also in attendance.

The Akarigbo of Remoland and paramount ruler of the entire towns making Remoland, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi was also seated. In all parts of Nigeria, such high-profile events must be graced by the traditional chiefs of the community. Our traditions and customs add colour and flavour to our way of life and enriches the diversity of our federation. 

Others who attended the high-profile gathering were the Alakenne of Ikenne land, Oba Onakade; Alhaja Abimbola Jakande; Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi; Chief Wale Babalakin, SAN, and Mr. Segun Awolowo, Dr. Nicolas Auddifren, Pastor Seyi Malomo amongst others.

Then came time for speeches. All the governors, traditional rules and other important guests took turns to pay glowing tribute to Prof Osinbajo for his sterling leadership qualities, service to the country, love for the people and contributions to the success of the Buhari administration.

In his remarks, Osinbajo renewed his commitment to work for the development and support of Ikenne Remo, his home town. He described the place as ‘’an incredible town”, drawing a long applause from the audience.

Resplendent in white agbada, Osinbajo said, “Ikenne is a great place indeed and of course, we know that this is the home of our sage and our father, the great Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the man for whom free education was attributed, and also good governance and infrastructure all over the Western region was attributed. 

“I say to all the young men and women here, your progress has only begun, where ever it is that we (the older ones) stop is only your own starting point. We are here to support and enable you to reach the height you can achieve.” He thanked the people for the thanksgiving reception. “Today is a day of thanksgiving and I thank the Almighty God and will continue to thank Him. I also want to thank so many of you who are here. It has been a great honour for me. The Almighty God who has enabled you to honour me in this way will honour you too. God will bless you and the name of the Lord will be glorified in your homes and everywhere you go,” Prof. Osinbajo said. 

Turning especially to Gov. Abiodun, Osinbajo expressed his gratitude for the support he had received from his State Governor.

“I thank you for not just your speech, but for your encouragement through the years and through the times. You have proven to be a brother indeed. 

“His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, my dear brother Godwin Obaseki and his amiable wife, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, thank you for making the time today. Your Excellency, the Governor of Bayelsa, Duoye Diri, my brother and friend of so many years, thank you for not just coming alone, but coming with a delegation from Bayelsa State. I have the greatest love and respect for you. Former Governor of Bayelsa, State Seriake Dickson who is also our in-law, thank you for honouring me today.” 

Osinbajo also lauded other guests like the former Governors of Osun and Cross River States, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Donald Duke, as well as the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and immediate past Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo. Prof. Osinbajo acknowledged the support he received from the Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, stating that “there is no time that he has not taken a personal interest in all my affairs, political and whatever affair. He has demonstrated that truly he is a father of the Remo nation’’. 

The immediate past Vice President thanked the Chairman of this occasion, Otunba Adeleke Adeshina. “He is a man who through the years has shown great interest in the affairs of not just Ikenne and Remo, but in the affairs of this nation. He continues to serve this nation faithfully,” Prof Osinbajo said.

When Governor Dapo Abiodun spoke earlier, he was filled with gratitude.He expressed the appreciation of the government and the entire people of Ogun State to God for the strength and wisdom given to Prof. Osinbajo through which he was able to navigate Nigerian politics and government. “Indeed, one of the things that put Ogun State on the world map is the trail-blazing records that the sons and daughters of our dear State have set in different fields of human endeavour. Among numerous others, the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, GCFR, stands tall in governance and public administration. “In furtherance of his legacy and ideology, Prof Osinbajo has not only distinguished himself in his calling but also raised the bar in good governance. Our own Prof, in whom we are well pleased, we all know is a prodigious intellect.” The governor noted that the State is “proud that Professor Osinbajo has exhibited an unwavering commitment to the socio-economic and political development of our dear Nation, Nigeria. You served with dignity, integrity and utmost character. Congratulations! The government and people of Ogun State are very proud of you. Now that you are back at home, we will continue to tap into your wealth of experience, especially in matters relating to good governance.”

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki said working with Osinbajo as Vice President was a special experience for him and he was eternally grateful for the opportunity. "Working with a man who had a vision, a man who is committed to this country, a man who has character and a man who has integrity, for me was a unique experience," Obaseki said.

"During our National Economic Council (NEC) sessions, we see an intellectual, who worked through all the papers presented to us. I know Ikenne people are known for hard work and diligence. He brought those characteristics to us in NEC. Your Excellency, we say thank you’’.

Former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson in his tribute said, "we are here because we see in the former Vice President a man of character, a man who served this country meritoriously. We are also here in the reciprocity of whom the former vice president has been to our state in his official capacity as Vice President of this country," Dickson said, adding that Osinbajo had visited Bayelsa before and during his tenure as governor not less than five times officially. ‘’At any time that we called upon him to do one thing or the other, he has always been there. He has done a lot for our state, Bayelsa."

The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, in his address, lauded the patriotism of the former VP, commended him for his meritorious eight years of service to Nigeria, saying Osinbajo represented them very well. Attesting to Osinbajo's integrity, the monarch recalled a time when some unfounded allegations were being orchestrated politically against Osinbajo in the midst of two-term tenure, saying he went to inquire from the former VP about what happened and Osinbajo confidently spoke out nailing the wild claims in the coffin.

He said, "I recall when he was at the helm of affairs. I had to gather eminent sons and daughters of Remo; we went to see him in Lagos. We asked him ‘Mr Vice President all these things we are hearing are they true that you took this, you took that’? 

"He looked me right in the eyes and said Kabiyesi, I know where I am coming from before I became the Vice President, I knew who I was with all the opportunities I now have, I won't take anybody's kobo.

"Immediately he told us that, we went on the offensive saying it is not possible, It can't happen because we believed what he told us. Osinbajo is a man of integrity and he has represented us well,' His Royal Majesty concluded.

It would be recalled indeed that many of those who had published the allegations not only retracted the story but also issued public apologies.

The President of Ikenne Development Association, Otunba Adedoyin Adesina, who is the Aare Asoludero of Ikenne land, had in his welcome address, thanked Osinbanjo for the numerous projects he spearheaded in his hometown throughout his eight-year tenure. The guests were amazed when the Otunba started reeling out the projects one by one. He also stated that it was Osinbajo who turned the sod for the construction of the event center used for the thanksgiving and appreciation event in his honour. "Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is remarkable to highlight that the foundation laying ceremony of the edifice that we are in today was done by our former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on the 7th of November 2015," Otunba said. The applause was huge.

That applause was not only for the litany of human capital development and infrastructure projects that the immediate past VP facilitated but also the sense of overwhelming fulfillment in Ikenne and across Nigeria that Prof. Osinbajo served diligently and with all his heart. This was the overall spirit at Ikenne on that Sunday afternoon.

Let me begin with the diagnosis of the "Root of Social Evil" in a tweet by our revered Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, the Bishop of Rome, and the sovereign of the Vatican City State. Pope Francis, posited: "As long as the problems of the poor are not radically resolved by rejecting the absolute autonomy of markets and financial speculation and by attacking the structural causes of inequality, no solution will be found for the world’s problems or, for that matter, to any problems. Inequality is the root of social ills." I argued that we have a system that is programmed in such a way that encourages dishonesty and prone to inequality.

When one recognizes this objective truth, the evil of inequality—of rejecting the equal worth of all and the treatment that necessarily corresponds with its recognition—can be seen as the true foundation of social injustice. It defines how we view our relationships with others and the social structures that exist (and have the capacity to either foster human flourishing or perpetuate injustice). One sees that social evil is rooted in the rejection of equality. Unarguably, this is part of some of the areas that we need to pay serious attention to and addressed the issues that undermines our collective interest, turning our situation around. Nigerians will certainly be more than happy to start experiencing a new dawn and the verdict of posterity, the verdict of history, and the judgment of God will be kind to all of us as we take heed.

Sadly, Nigerians are currently experiencing excruciating effects of yesterday's mismanagement through hardship, terrorism, kidnapping, killings, insurgencies, and economic downturn in recent past years, it has been hellish. Therefore, the idea of continuation of yesteryear's obnoxious policies aimed at encouraging fraudulent activity should be completely discouraged given the results of the immediate past administration in such issues. The idea of sharing money as a form of palliative for the masses was a complete failure. As such, sharing of money as exemplified by the immediate past Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Faroug is a reminder of an unworkable system prone to corruption.

It is interesting to note that there is a previous unpleasant precedence of Buhari's government money sharing via the Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Sadiya Faroug which ended up as a huge joke - no accountability, no record of recipients, beneficiaries list or records was not available for proper scrutiny and it ultimately became a conduit pipe for embezzlement. You will hear her telling them in the Hausa language that 'Baba Buhari ya nemi mu ba wannan ɗan siyasan wannan fitina, ya sake ta' which means 'Baba Buhari asked us to give this politician this amount, release it.'

Interestingly, a belief in human equality leads one to recognize the obscenity of people starving while others live in excess. One can see the evil in human beings being used as sexual objects to satiate an individual’s animalistic impulses. Pride, lust, envy, and other sins are enabled and multiplied when equality is denied. This belief in human equality is rooted in the recognition that each person is made in the image of God. Each person is a loved child of God. Each person is called to communion with God and others. Therefore, our humanity should supersede our religiosity and other considerations.

Paradoxically, our beloved country Nigeria is one of the most unequal society in the world where wealth and poverty is the central paradox of modern-day Nigeria. A key challenge confronting Nigeria is the scale of inequality, which has resulted in the lack of opportunities for most of our citizens. Surprisingly, there are no indications whatsoever that we have learned our lessons. We embrace wasteful activities, meaningless show-offs, and irresponsible behaviors. And still expect things to magically change for the better. Yes! Miracles do happen, however, it is important to note that we can only reap what we sow as a nation and as a people. I daresay that It is not rocket science.

Let me be very clear, improving the governance of public institutions and service delivery has long been a central tenet of strategies for achieving or supporting development; thereby, simplifying radical changes. As such, citizens have confidence in a government that is able to deliver basic services. The degree to which a government is able to carry out its functions at any level can often determine a country's ability to sustain democratic reforms and provide for the well-being of its citizens.

Flowing from the above, it is evidently clear that the origins of our present debacle can be traced to profligacy; squandering of riches and plundering of resources by the privileged few, particularly the public office holders, and political elites in collaboration with the business community. The concerns, therefore, is about the mechanism of transfers of funds to the ultimate targets in an unaccountable system as exemplified by the recent past experiences of our citizens. Even if the intention of the drivers are genuine and faultless! How about the recipients limitations in terms of access to the funds vis-a-vis Banks account and corresponding records. This is an area that we can not afford to overlook given a system that is programmed and suspectable to manipulation.

In conclusion, it is opined, that more enduring policies with a human face devoid of the calamitous and fraudulent activities of the past that further impoverished the citizens and sink the nation deeper into debt will suffice. EXPECTEDLY NIGERIANS ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A 'RENEWED HOPE' THAT BRINGS SUCCOUR AND REMEDY THE PAST.

Richard Odusanya is a Mind Restructuring Enthusiast.

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Monday, officially confirmed the first case of anthrax in the country.

According to a statement signed by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Columba T. Vakuru , animals showing signs of a possible case of anthrax on a farm in Suleja, Niger State, were reported to the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria on July 14, 2023.

The statement reads in part, “The case was in a multi-specie animal farm comprising of cattle, sheep and goats located at Gajiri, along Abuja-Kaduna express way Suleja LGA Niger State, where some of the animals had symptoms including oozing of blood from their body openings – anus, nose, eyes and ears.

“A Rapid Response team comprising of federal and states One Health Professional Team visited the farm to conduct preliminary investigations and collected samples from the sick animals. Subsequent laboratory tests by the National Veterinary Research Institute laboratory confirmed the diagnosis, marking the first recorded case of anthrax in Nigeria in recent years.”

Recall that the federal government had issued a warning to Nigerians weeks ago after a report of anthrax outbreak in Northern Ghana where all infected animals had died.

Anthrax is a disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus, though mostly affects livestock like cattle, sheep, and goats but can also infect people who come into contact with infected people or contaminated animal products like meat, wool, or skins. Anthrax that spreads via the skin might result through open wounds or contact with contaminated objects, while anthrax that spreads through the air can happen when spores are inhaled.

According to the statement, Nigerians are enjoined to “immediately report cases of animals bleeding from body openings to veterinary authorities, or agriculture extension workers.”

“The blood of an anthrax-infected animal does not clot. Do not process or move the dead or sick animal, quickly report to your veterinary doctor or veterinary authorities at the ministry of agriculture in your state,” th statement added.