As the world converges in Baku, Azerbaijan for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) less than 11 days away, Nigeria has yet another unique opportunity to assert its interests and priorities in the global climate discourse. With the country’s vulnerability to climate change evident, it is imperative that Nigeria’s delegation pushes a bold agenda that addresses the nation’s pressing climate needs.

A top priority for Nigeria in Baku should be securing increased adaptation financing. While wealthier nations are primarily responsible for historic emissions, African countries, including Nigeria, suffer disproportionately from climate impacts. Notably, African nations received only 20% of global adaptation finance flows in 2021–2022, a figure far below the 45% allocated to East Asia and the Pacific region. As Nigeria faces intensifying climate impacts like rising temperatures, severe flooding, and drought, adaptation funding is vital to safeguard livelihoods and stimulate economic resilience.

In 2024, floods have affected 34 states, 217 local governments, and over a million people. Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) estimates that $142 billion is needed to build climate resilience by 2030. At COP29, Nigeria should advocate for increased financial commitments from developed countries, emphasizing the importance of grant-based funding and technology transfer. Furthermore, Nigeria’s climate response requires enhanced capacity and expertise across various sectors. Thus, COP29 offers a crucial platform to secure commitments for technology transfer, training, and capacity-building programs that could foster homegrown climate solutions and support green job creation.

Another key focus for Nigeria is enhancing its technological capabilities to fight climate change. The Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (FMSTI) has initiated a needs assessment to identify essential technologies for climate mitigation and adaptation across agriculture, transportation, and biodiversity. However, constraints in trained manpower, suitable technology, and inadequate funding hinder progress in biodiversity conservation. By expanding partnerships with other countries and international organizations, Nigeria can address these gaps and protect its rich biodiversity. This collaboration is essential, given Nigeria’s high deforestation rate of 3.7% annually, one of the highest globally.

Food security also remains a significant concern as climate change disrupts Nigeria’s agricultural systems, which are highly dependent on rainfall. Droughts, floods, and erratic weather patterns have severely impacted crop yields, affecting the livelihoods of the 70% of Nigeria’s workforce involved in farming. Through climate-smart agriculture (CSA), Nigeria is working on seed improvement, hybridization, and climate-resilient crops. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) is promoting the Nigeria Farmers’ Soil Health Card Scheme (NFSHCS), an initiative aimed at enhancing soil fertility, improving productivity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At COP29, Nigeria should seek investment in climate-smart seeds, irrigation systems, agroforestry, and land restoration technologies to address challenges like land degradation and desertification.

Nigeria’s energy sector, responsible for around 70% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, is also an area of critical focus. The government aims to produce 30% of its electricity from solar and wind power by 2030. Additionally, Nigeria has committed to the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge, which targets a tripling of renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. Nigeria has made strides in renewable energy, with initiatives such as the Renewvia and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) solar mini-grids in rural areas, and the World Bank and African Development Bank-supported Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP). With these efforts, Nigeria is well-positioned to secure additional partnerships for its energy transition at COP29.

Moreover, reducing emissions from the transportation sector is vital. The transportation industry, a significant carbon emitter, releases approximately 60 million tons of CO2 yearly, a figure expected to rise. At COP26, Nigeria pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2060 and aims to deploy 13 million electric vehicles (EVs) by 2050, with 100% adoption by 2060. As a step toward this goal, Nigeria announced the roll out of 100 electric buses at COP28, an initiative that can attract further investment in clean transportation. Borno and Lagos states are already making strides in EV adoption, with Lagos committing $260 million for 1,000 electric vehicles. Nevertheless, Nigeria needs to improve EV infrastructure to fully embrace electric mobility. At COP29, Nigeria should present its clean transport strategy to garner the necessary funding and expertise.

This year’s COP presents a pivotal moment for Nigeria and other climate-vulnerable nations to assert their priorities and gain substantial commitments from the global community. Nigeria’s delegation should be united in its efforts, with government, civil society, and private sector stakeholders all working together toward shared climate goals. Additionally, Nigeria can leverage the Nairobi Declaration to enhance its influence, using it as a blueprint to advocate for climate finance, climate justice, technology transfer, energy transition, climate-resilient agriculture, and capacity building. This approach will help Nigeria balance its development ambitions with the global climate response.

Following COP29, the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) is expected to hold a post-COP29 meeting to evaluate outcomes and develop an implementation plan. This will be a critical next step in ensuring Nigeria’s commitments translate into tangible climate actions.

All the best to our delegates at COP29.

Professor Daniel Musa Gwary is the director of the Centre for Arid Zone Studies, University of Maiduguri. His work focuses on climate adaptation and disaster risk management

The headlines of today are a stark reminder of a world grappling with public and private boundaries as high-profile figures repeatedly find themselves caught in the tide of scandal. Recent controversies surrounding Baltasar Ebang Engonga, Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), and hip-hop mogul P. Diddy serve as prime examples of how morality and discretion have become blurred in the glare of the modern media spotlight. 

These incidents beg a larger question: Are we, as a society, falling into the trap of a modern-day Babylon, a world driven by indulgence, with societal boundaries slipping away at every turn? Are we seeing a cultural shift where the virtues of restraint and responsibility are losing ground to sensationalism and self-gratification?

To address these questions, we must delve deeper into the scandals, their broader implications, and what they reveal about society at large.

Public figures hold a unique position in society; they are role models, influencers, and, in many cases, symbols of what society values or aspires to become. When people in such influential positions are caught in controversial circumstances, it is natural for the public to react with a mixture of fascination and outrage. Baltasar Ebang Engonga, who occupies a prominent financial oversight role in Equatorial Guinea, has reportedly been implicated in a scandal involving explicit videos, footage that stands in sharp contrast to the responsibilities of his position. For a government official, such behavior could indicate not only a personal failing but a deeper vulnerability that may undermine the public’s trust in institutions intended to guard the public interest.

Similarly, P. Diddy, who has long been a significant player in the music and entertainment industry, faces allegations of sexual misconduct. While the details continue to unfold, the headlines and reactions have fueled a debate about accountability, power dynamics, and the extent to which fame can insulate people from facing real consequences. P. Diddy’s case also reflects a cultural fascination with the very thing that horrifies, stories of excess, indulgence, and power gone unchecked.

The ancient story of Babylon, a city notorious for its decadence, lives on as a cautionary tale of what can happen when a society loses its moral compass. The metaphor of Babylon resonates today, not simply because of high-profile scandals but because of society’s tendency to consume and propagate them. The media, both traditional and social, is constantly fueled by public interest, which thrives on scandal. Stories about the private lives of Ebang Engonga and P. Diddy do not just appear; they are disseminated, shared, and amplified because of society’s insatiable appetite for spectacle.

Yet this compulsion to scrutinize and even revel in the moral downfalls of public figures comes with consequences. As we continuously broadcast and consume these narratives, a kind of cultural desensitization sets in. What would have once been shocking or career-ending scandals are now absorbed into the fabric of our everyday media diet, rendering each new story less impactful than the last. This collective numbing is troubling because it suggests a gradual erosion of societal standards, where once-taboo behaviors become routine and expected.

Our technologically advanced world means that anything can be recorded, shared, and sensationalized in seconds. This digital transparency, while valuable in holding people accountable, has also brought us closer to the kind of voyeuristic society that ancient Babylon symbolized. In the case of Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the alleged explicit videos circulating on social media illustrate how modern technology can both reveal private indiscretions and magnify their impact.

For public figures, the line between private missteps and public consequences is thinner than ever, creating a new reality in which they must constantly weigh the repercussions of every action. Technology not only exposes such acts but also accelerates the spread and consumption of scandalous content. And as society consumes these stories, technology also reshapes our relationship with them, allowing us to interact, comment, judge, and even participate in the lives of others in ways that were previously unimaginable.

The cumulative impact of these scandals raises larger questions about the moral direction of society. Are these high-profile downfalls isolated cases of individuals with questionable judgment, or are they symptomatic of a broader societal trend toward moral indifference? As each new scandal emerges, public outrage seems to subside faster, making space for the next scandal on the horizon. This pattern hints at a society that has come to accept, and perhaps even expect, the kind of behavior that once elicited public condemnation.

Moreover, when society routinely witnesses the powerful act with apparent impunity, it can foster a sense of disillusionment and moral confusion. If public figures such as Ebang Engonga and P. Diddy are allowed to retain their influence and prestige despite scandal, what message does that send to the public, particularly the younger generation? The lesson is both implicit and troubling: success and power can justify, or at least cushion, moral lapses.

At its core, the notion of a “modern-day Babylon” evokes a sense of lost boundaries and diminishing standards, where excess and self-gratification take precedence over restraint and accountability. But there remains an opportunity for society to choose a different path, one that emphasizes personal responsibility and communal values. While scandals like those of Baltasar Ebang Engonga and P. Diddy capture the headlines, they also serve as cautionary tales. They remind us of the potential fallout when people in positions of power are not held accountable.

If society wishes to avoid a descent into Babylonian-style moral decay, it must do more than simply watch these scandals unfold. It must demand accountability from its public figures and challenge the systems that allow such behaviors to go unchecked. It means calling for transparency, enforcing standards, and fostering a culture where influence is tied to integrity rather than power alone.

Are we living in a modern-day Babylon? The answer is not so straightforward. Society is undoubtedly witnessing a moment where traditional boundaries are tested, where private scandals of public figures like Baltasar Ebang Engonga and P. Diddy are dissected for all to see. Technology has brought the far corners of the world into our homes and our hands, but it has also blurred the boundaries of public and private, decency and voyeurism, accountability and indifference.

Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to indulge in these stories, and the values they reflect, lies with each individual. As we engage with these narratives, we are at once consumers and creators of the culture around us. Whether we continue to foster a modern-day Babylon or strive for a higher moral ground depends on the standards we set, the boundaries we enforce, and the responsibility we demand from both our leaders and ourselves.

In a world poised at a moral crossroads, let the scandals of today remind us not only of the dangers of excess but of the power of restraint, integrity, and accountability. Only then can we hope to avoid the path of Babylon and build a society where power is tempered by purpose, and influence is rooted in virtue.

Quincy Jones, a legendary figure in music whose 70-year career saw him excel as an artist, bandleader, composer, arranger, and producer, has passed away at the age of 91.

Jones died on Sunday night at his home in Bel Air, California, as confirmed in a statement from his representative, Arnold Robinson, shared with Entertainment Journalists. No cause of death was provided.

“With full but broken hearts, we share the passing of our father and brother, Quincy Jones,” the Jones family said. “This is a profound loss for our family, yet we celebrate the extraordinary life he lived, knowing there will never be another like him. He was truly one of a kind, and he will be dearly missed. We find comfort and pride in knowing that the love and joy that defined him were shared with the world through everything he created. Through his music and boundless spirit, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”

The news hit like a somber note. When I heard Quincy was dead, memories stirred deep within me, and nostalgia came rushing in, transporting me back to a time when Nigeria’s entertainment industry was not just thriving but vividly and excellently documented. This was not just about the individuals like Quincy who gave the industry its pulse and its rhythm. It was about an era when entertainment journalism in Nigeria brought life to our screens, papers, and minds.

In those days, reading about stars like Quincy and other music legends was an experience that extended beyond just the headlines. We saw their world through the pens of journalists who crafted stories with skill and respect for their craft. Publications like “Prime People”, “Vintage People”, “Quality”, and “Climax” coupled with entertainment pullout published in various daily newspapers in those days brought the stars closer, uncovering the lives of musicians, actors, and entertainers in a way that was both captivating and insightful.

In fact, these newspapers and magazines were the trusted voices of our entertainment industry, setting high standards for the quality and integrity of celebrity reporting. They not only celebrated the stars but also critically engaged with the challenges, the growth, and the changing tides in the industry. It was through these pages that we saw Quincy and other entertainers rise, evolve, and make waves both locally and internationally. The writers behind these publications saw entertainment as a serious beat, one that required dedication, research, and, most importantly, respect for those it covered.

Back then, entertainment journalism held an esteemed place. It was journalism in the true sense of the word, where stories were verified, sources were genuine, and the integrity of reporting mattered deeply. It was an era that respected the artist, the fan, and the reader. They told stories not for shock value but for the impact, for the historical record, and for the sheer love of documenting our culture.

Quincy’s passing has reminded me of this golden era, a time when every article, every interview, and every feature brought us closer to the stars while upholding the profession’s standards. Today, with digital media’s fast pace and the rise of social media “gossip” sites, much of that integrity has been lost, replaced with sensationalism and a rush to break the story first, often at the expense of accuracy and respect.

As we say goodbye to Quincy, perhaps it is time to reflect on what entertainment journalism could and should be. Let his legacy remind us not only of his talents but of an era that documented his and others’ lives with dignity, dedication, and a commitment to storytelling that today’s entertainment journalists can learn from and, hopefully, aspire to replicate.

Without a doubt, the recent passing of Quincy, a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry, has reignited conversations about the significance of entertainment journalism and its role in capturing the vibrant essence of showbiz. His legacy not only highlights the impact of influential personalities in the industry but also serves as a poignant reminder of a time when entertainment reporting thrived on authenticity, creativity, and deep engagement with artists. As audiences reflect on the golden era of showbiz reporting, characterized by in-depth stories and genuine connections with celebrities, there is a growing recognition of the need to revive this form of journalism to bridge the gap between entertainment and its audience.

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, where sensationalism often overshadows substance, the revival of entertainment journalism is both timely and essential. As fans crave insightful narratives that celebrate the artistry and human experiences behind the glitz, a renewed focus on quality reporting can enrich public discourse about the entertainment industry. This revival can also encourage new talent in journalism to embrace the craft’s rich storytelling traditions, fostering a more meaningful relationship between entertainers and their audience. Quincy’s death underscores the urgency of this endeavor, challenging journalists to reclaim their role as storytellers and curators of culture in a rapidly changing media environment.

The Sokoto State Government has issued a warning regarding the rise of a new terrorist faction in the region, identified as LAKURAWAS.

The State Deputy Governor Idris Gobir revealed this during a meeting with participants from Course 33 of the National Defence College, Abuja, who were on a study tour in Sokoto.

Naija News reports that Gobir explained that the group operates with a religious ideology and is equipped with advanced weaponry.

“Our assessment shows that LAKURAWAS is active in about five local government areas across the state,” he noted.

Gobir expressed concern over this development, especially as the state is already grappling with widespread banditry.

“The threat is expanding,” he said, adding that security agencies are working diligently to counter this new danger.

The Deputy Governor highlighted the state’s ongoing collaboration with federal security forces to safeguard lives and properties.

He emphasized various measures the state government has implemented to address these security challenges and hoped that insights from the National Defence College study tour would help authorities understand the evolving threats and devise effective strategies for securing peace.

Air Vice Marshal Titus Zuwahu Dauda, leader of the visiting delegation, provided background on the college, which was founded in 1992 as Nigeria’s premier military institution.

He explained that the college trains officers from the military, police, and strategic agencies, preparing them for high-level responsibilities. So far, 2,982 participants have graduated, including representatives from 30 African and Asian nations.

At the tour’s conclusion, Dauda stated, the team would present an oral and written report on their observations and recommendations for improving security in the state.

[NaijaNews]

Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield for the first time on Tuesday, as his Bayer Leverkusen side take on Liverpool in the Champions League, the trophy he helped the Reds win in 2005.

Alonso played 210 games for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009, with the highlight undoubtedly being the miracle comeback in the Reds’ Champions League final win over AC Milan in Istanbul.

The Spaniard scored Liverpool’s third goal in seven minutes to bring them level to 3-3 before they went on to win on penalties.

Alonso, 42, remains hugely popular with Liverpool fans and could have been in the home dugout had things gone differently.

Last season, after Jurgen Klopp’s shock decision to leave the club, Liverpool fans – who had taken notice of Alonso’s incredible run at Leverkusen – were hoping he could be headed to Merseyside.

Alonso though knocked back the reported interest from Liverpool as well as from former sides Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to stay at Leverkusen, who he had on track for a first-ever German top-flight title.

Alonso still speaks fondly of his time as a player on Merseyside and after Friday’s scoreless draw with Stuttgart, he said he was eagerly awaiting his return.

“Champions League at Anfield? It doesn’t get much better than that,” he said.

“This game means a lot to me. It will be a big game. To play in the Champions League, at Anfield, it’s difficult to experience anything better.

“The atmosphere is great. Liverpool is one of the best teams in Europe at the moment. It’s a huge challenge but a beautiful challenge for us.”

Any regret at missing out on Alonso is likely to have subsided among Liverpool fans, given their impressive start under Dutchman Arne Slot.

With 13 wins and a draw from 15 matches – officially the best start of any new Reds manager – Slot has Liverpool sitting top of the Premier League table.

In Europe, Liverpool are alongside Aston Villa as one of only two sides to have won three from three.

[Leadership]

Danielle Trenney, a 39-year-old project manager from western Pennsylvania, is so anxious about Tuesday’s U.S. presidential election that she decided to put up a Christmas tree early this year to distract her family.

Trenney said she knew of other families doing the same in Bellevue, a Pittsburgh suburb and an electoral hotbed prized by  Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump, rivals in a race that analysts say will go down to the wire.

Bunecke, 68, a retired graphic designer who plans to vote for Trump. Bunecke is so sick of the anger, the constant calls from pollsters and the campaign ads bombarding her in the battleground state of Pennsylvania that she would instead tune out completely.

In recent days, Reuters correspondents spoke to more than 50 voters across the seven competitive states that will determine the next president. They encountered an electorate on edge: worried about how the country would look should their preferred candidate lose, worried the other side would make trouble, and worried the political divide would only grow deeper.

Some turn to religion, others to yoga, swimming or lifting weights. Some follow the news closely, while others have shut off their TVs and smartphones to lose themselves in books or take long walks outdoors.

“I wish my smartphone were smart enough to know I’ve already voted,” said Lynn Nicholson, 72, a Harris voter in Marietta, Georgia, who has found refuge from the deluge of campaign ads through walking, gardening and photography. “It’s overwhelming.”

Todd Harrison, 49, of Canton, Georgia, a pest control specialist leaning toward Trump, said he has stopped watching sports on TV because of the barrage of political ads.

“The closer I get to the election, the madder I get,” Harrison said.

Many voters worried about what could happen after the election, especially if Trump lost. They fear a wave of lawsuits and court hearings, demonstrations, and even violence.

Trump claims the only way Democrats can win is by cheating. Harris has said she is ready to confront Trump if he prematurely declares victory.

Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, a 57-year-old Harris supporter in Detroit, said she is concerned about what Trump’s incendiary rhetoric could provoke.

“It’s like he’s igniting a base of violence in advance,” she said. “It’s scary.”

However, Lillian Hall, a 68-year-old former teacher and retail store owner from Hendersonville, North Carolina, and a Trump supporter, said she was scared there would be rioting if Harris lost.

“I think there’ll be anger like we’ve not seen yet if Trump wins,” Hall said.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted last month found widespread worries that the U.S. could see a repeat of the unrest that followed Trump’s 2020 election defeat when the then-president’s false claim that his loss was the result of fraud prompted hundreds of followers to storm the U.S. Capitol.

Some 74% of registered voters who responded to the Oct. 16-21 survey said they were concerned extremists would commit acts of violence if they were unhappy with the election results. Democrats were most likely to think that: 90% agreed, compared with 64% of Republicans and 77% of independents.

A few voters said in interviews they were trying to channel their anxieties by helping to get out the vote for their candidate.

Shirley Easton, an 85-year-old Tucson, Arizona, resident who described her mental state as “scared out of my mind,” said she had been mailing postcards to persuade people to vote for Harris.

Easton said she feared for the future of her seven granddaughters after the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 reversed its landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that legalised abortion nationwide.

“For my grandchildren, I’m terrified,” she said.

Lisa Fields, 60, a marketing professional, was so concerned that she travelled from her Manhattan home on Saturday to knock on doors for Trump in Delaware County, a critical suburb of Philadelphia.

She hopes Trump will bring peace to the Middle East and the country will become more unified regardless of who wins.

“We need to come together for the greater good. And I’ll focus on that the day after because while I disagree with people voting the other way, they’re entitled to, and that’s the beauty of America,” Fields said.

Other voters said they were trying to disengage from the election as much as possible.

Jean Thomson, 63, an executive coach in Marietta, Georgia, who voted for Harris, said the dozens of political flyers that arrive in the mail go straight into her trash.

“I don’t even look at them,” she said, adding she was meditating and spending more time in nature to cope with her stress. Only some people were headed to the woods.

When the results start rolling in on Tuesday, “I will be watching with my Xanax and my bottle of Sauvignon Blanc,” said Gillian Marshall, a 55-year-old Lyft driver in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Marshall, a Democrat who said she voted for Harris, echoed a sentiment nearly universal across political divides: “I just want this nightmare to be over.”

Source: Reuters

Housing deficit is causing untold hardship on the people of Kogi State amid the present economic hardship in the country, DAILY POST reports.

Kogi, which shares boundaries with about 10 states in the country, is hosting the popular River Niger and River Benue.

The strategic location of the state has made people settle down quickly since it was created in 1991 under the then Military regime of General Ibrahim Badamisi Babangida.

The issues of housing before now were a little bit fair for both the indigenes and civil servants working with the Federal and the State governments.

Unfortunately, it is now a nightmare for people who do not have their own house to get accommodation.

Some governors built houses for civil servants to ameliorate their sufferings.

Recall that during the then military administration of Colonel Paul Omeruo, (9th December 1993 – August 22 1996), he built Adankolo Estate, Colonel Augustine Aniebo, (August 1998 – May 1999) built what is now known as Aniebo Quarters, which is housing more than 300 Civil Servants both serving and retired in Kogi State.

Additionally, during the Civilian regime of Late Prince Abubakar Audu, (May 29th 1999 – May 29 2003) workers heaved a sign of relief concerning accommodation problem as his administration built first and second 200 housing units, Lokongoma Phase one, and two, Workers village, legislative quarters, while Ibrahim Idris, (May 29 2003 – 6th February, 2008) built 500 housing units and Captain Idris Ichalla Wada built flood estate for people affected by the 2012 flood in Kogi State.

The immediate past administration did not build housing estate for workers.

DAILY POST observed recently that a single room that used to be N40,000 depending on the area now goes for N80,000 to N100,000.

Also, one room and parlour self contain that is usually given out by landlords for N120,000 to N150,000 is now going for N350,000 to N450,000.

House rent for two and three bedroom flat is above N600,000 which is out of the reach of civil servants and other low income earners in the State.

Residents Lament

Some residents, including civil servants, disclosed that the skyrocketing rent, if not checked immediately by the State Government, could lead many residents into depression.

Abdullahi Umar, a resident of Adankolo said, “it is alarming the way landlords are increasing the prices of house rent.

“In Nigeria today, we are faced with hardship, many of us can’t send our children to school again. Now, house rent has hit the roof. Who did we offend in this country?

“Kogi State is even worse because the landlords don’t have pity on Kogites that are managing to earn a living.

“Imagine that I was paying N35,000 for one room, but I woke up one morning and my landlord said the house rent has increased to N90,000 without doing any renovations.

“This is the height of wickedness. We barely feed two times in a day and we are still battling with rent wahala. This must stop”.

Another resident, who identified herself as Hajia Mulikat Adomu, averred that the government should come up with a policy that would checkmate the excesses of landlords in the state.

According to her, some landlords were deliberately frustrating and inflicting pains on their tenants.

“Just because we don’t have any option, they keep treating us like rags.

“Government should please come to our aid. I believe when the government builds housing estate for residents and civil servants at a subsidized rate, it will ameliorate the sufferings of the masses and stop the consistent exploitation of the people by landlords,” she opined.

Landlords prefer renting houses to Yahoo Boys – Estate Manager cries out

Mr Peter Suleiman, Chief Executive Officer, Good Trust Estate Management Limited, says many landlords in Lokoja, the Kogi State Capital, now prefer to rent their houses to suspected advance fee fraudsters (Yahoo Boys), as tenants.

This, according to him, is because the yahoo boys can afford such exorbitant rent at the detriment of tenants running legitimate and genuine businesses.

In a chat with journalists recently, the estate expert, who appealed to the state government to urgently check the excesses of the landlords, noted that their action meant exploitation of genuine potential tenants.

Suleiman argued that the unhealthy development encouraged crime in the state.

He also expressed concern that as the landlords charged exorbitant rent, they failed to add value to their houses to make such structures conducive for the tenants.

He said: “It is quite unfortunate that landlords in Lokoja and its environs prefer to give their houses to yahoo boys instead of law abiding citizens.

“Just recently, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, apprehended some yahoo boys in Lokoja.

“Since they now know that staying in a hotel will expose their nefarious activities, they now prefer renting houses.

“When they approach these landlords, they can pay a higher amount.

“If you approach these landlords for house, they will open up to you that if you are not a yahoo boy, they won’t give you their house, because they are not sure if you can pay the next rent. Also, they will insist that you pay for two years.

“The essence of them insisting on Yahoo boys is that they know these guys will not complete their duration before exiting.

“What is now the hope of the common man who is doing genuine business? This is promoting cyber fraud.

“Everybody cannot do cyber fraud or yahoo yahoo as they all call it.

“The Kogi State Government should as a matter of urgency, come up with a policy to checkmate the excesses of these house owners in Lokoja, and other parts of Kogi State.

“This is necessary before all our children see advance fee fraud as the best line of making money,” he said.

Suleiman also lamented the prevalence of fake house agents operating in the state.

“These fake house agents masquerading around are the people deceiving the landlords by bringing Yahoo boys who will pay heavily for house rent.

“Kogi State is a civil service state and does not deserve this level of exploitation amid this harsh economy.

“Recently, I was managing one house, the landlord called me that he has jerked up his rent from N150, 000 to N600,000.

“I now asked, what are the modalities for this sudden increase when there is no renovation in the house?

“He told me openly that in the compound next to him, an agent brought some boys that paid N700,000 for house rent, and that do I expect him to still retain the old price?

“This is barbaric, satanic and should be stopped.

“If not urgently addressed, Kogi State will be snowballing into a hub of cyber fraud simply because of the mindset of these landlords who want to amass quick wealth for themselves without considering the implications,” he said.

Meanwhile, Suleiman has proposed 1000 housing units for civil servants in Kogi State.

In a statement sent to DAILY POST on Monday, he noted that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo will be writing his name in gold when he builds the housing estate for civil servants to address the issues of housing deficit.

The Estate developer said “Things are very hard as we speak. Nigerians generally finds it difficult to feed themselves daily, aside paying exorbitant house rent.

“This 1000 proposed house units will cushion the suffering of civil servants in term of accommodation.

“It will save them from the consistent exploitations of landlords.”

Kogi govt. warns landlords against patronizing Yahoo Boys

Meanwhile, the Kogi State government has cautioned landlords in the state against renting their houses to internet fraudsters, popularly referred to as Yahoo Boys.

The State Security Adviser, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), gave the warning during an interactive session with journalists in Lokoja.

He warned landlords that their houses risked demolition if they continued to give the apartments to Yahoo Boys.

According to him, “Security agencies will soon go after houses and hotels used by Yahoo Boys.

“Appropriate sanctions will be handed to affected landlords and hospitality facilities”.

He revealed that the government, in partnership with security agencies, had identified houses built with proceeds of criminal activities and those housing men of the underworld, insisting that such houses would soon be demolished.

Omodara urged residents to assist government and security agencies with necessary information to arrest internet fraudsters in the state.

[DailyPost]

Scores of terrorists roaming the area where Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line is located have been killed by the troops of the Nigerian Air Force who were deployed to provide cover for electricity workers repairing the line.

It was learnt that the terrorists, who were planning to wreck more havocs on the critical facilities and possibly kill the electricity workers were neutralised on Friday when the fighter jets of the force rained airstrikes on them.

Daily Trust had reported how 17 Northern States were thrown into darkness for more than one week following destruction of electricity towers, a major conduit supplying electricity to the North the area by the adversaries.

But President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Minister of Defence and the Service Chiefs to order troops to provide cover for electricity workers to enable them to carry out necessary repairs on the damaged infrastructure.

Giving an update Monday night, the spokesman of NAF, Olusola Akinboyewa disclosed that the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions carried out by the service confirmed the presence of terrorist fighters in the area.

Akinboyewa, an Air Commodore, explained that they were converging to disrupt the repair of the transmission line, adding that the terrorists were subsequently engaged and several of them were killed in the process.

[DailyTrust]

The Federal Ministry of Works has directed Julius Berger, the contractor handling Section One rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, to evacuate the project site.

This followed a 14-day final termination notice issued to the company on Monday, dismissing any possibility of further negotiations.

The ministry said the termination was based on non-compliance with the reviewed cost, scope, and terms, stoppage of work, and refusal to remobilise to the site, as directed.

It noted that negotiations had been ongoing for several months without any significant progress.

A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, disclosed this information on Monday in Abuja, stressing that the decision was reached during a management meeting of the ministry at its headquarters.

Recall that the works ministry had in the last 13 months been in constant talks with the company, in order to reach an amiable position on the said alignment but to no avail.

The latest development follows an earlier threat by the minister to revoke the contract that was awarded to the company in 2018 when former President Muhammadu Buhari was in power.

While the Kaduna-Zaria section has been completed and the Zaria-Kano section is almost done, the Abuja-Kaduna section has recorded 27 per cent progress in six years.

At an event penultimate week, Umahi accused Julius Berger of playing politics with the highway to make the current administration look bad.

Despite these efforts, an agreement was not reached between both parties, with the construction company not attending the scheduled meeting on Monday.

The statement read in part, “Based on non-compliance with the reviewed cost, scope, and terms, stoppage of work and refusal to remobilise to the site, as directed, the Federal Ministry of Works has issued a 14-day Notice of Termination to Messrs Julius Berger Plc for the Rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna and Kano States, Contract No.6350, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna),  today, November 4, 2024.

“Nigerians may wish to know that the Contract for the Rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, which was divided into three Sections was awarded to the company on December 20, 2017, and flagged off by the former Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Babatunde Fashola at an initial sum of N155.75bn on June 18, 2018. Sections II (Kaduna – Zaria) and III (Zaria – Kano) were partially completed and handed over during the twilight of the administration of former President  Muhammadu Buhari.

“Since then it has been one variation and augmentation or the other and finally, the present Minister of Works directed the redesigning and re-scoping of the Section I of the contract. The alignment was divided into two with one phase redesigned to be on continuously reinforced concrete pavement, while the remaining with asphaltic pavement.

“Approval for Section I, Phase 1 for a length of 38km on the concrete pavement was given to Messrs Dangote Industries (Nig.) Ltd, while the remaining 127km remained with the substantive contractor. Phase 1 was flagged off on October 17, 2024, with a 14-month completion period.”

Mohammed further explained that a request to rescope the project was approved by the Federal Executive Council but the contract’s terms were not agreed upon by the contractor.

He added, “Due to the stalemate of the contract and, most importantly, the desire of President Bola Tinubu, as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda infrastructure initiative, to see to the completion of this laudable project, also to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians plying the road, the ministry re-scoped it and got the approval of the Federal Executive Council.

“The award for the Re-scoping and Downward Review of Contract for the Rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna and Kano States, Contract No.6350, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) in favour of Messrs Julius Berger Plc from the sum of N797.26bn to N740.79bn was granted by FEC on September 23, 2024, and conveyed to the company on October 3, 2024.”

With the latest development, this means the Works Minister, David Umahi has revoked 11 contracts in 16 months.

[Punch]

Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja,  Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has asked politicians and traditional rulers in the country to lead with the fear of  Almighty God.

Cardinal Onaiyekan gave the charge in his homily at a mass in the chapel of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Delta State in commemoration of Saint Charles Borromeo, the Italian Cardinal often described as the “loving reformer.” 

He said leaders in various positions of authority should be conscious that the Almighty God gave them such leadership responsibilities, adding that they should lead in accordance with the will of God.

At the service were His Royal  Majesty Emmanuel Sidedo, Abe 1, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, his chiefs and others.

Onaiyekan said he was elated that the monarch and several others in his kingdom were Christians.

He said: “Saint Charles Borromeo lived during the time of the Protestant Reformation, and had a hand in the reform of the whole church during the final years of the Council of Trent.

“Although he belonged to the Milanese nobility and was related to the powerful Medici family, Charles desired to devote himself to the Church. In 1559, when his uncle, Cardinal de Medici was elected Pope Pius IV, he made Charles cardinal-deacon and administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan.

“At the time Charles was still a layman and a young student. Because of his intellectual qualities, Charles was entrusted with several important offices connected with the Vatican, and later appointed secretary of state with responsibility for the papal states. The untimely death of his elder brother brought Charles to a definite decision to be ordained a priest, despite his relatives’ insistence. Soon after being ordained a priest at age 25, Borromeo was consecrated bishop of Milan.

“Charles took the initiative in giving a good example. He allotted most of his income to charity, forbade himself all luxury, and imposed severe penances upon himself. He sacrificed wealth, high honors, esteem, and influence to become poor.

“During the plague and famine of 1576, Borromeo tried to feed 60,000 to 70,000 people daily. To do this, he borrowed large sums of money that required years to repay. Whereas the civil authorities fled at the height of the plague, he stayed in the city, where he ministered to the sick and the dying, helping those in want.

“Work and the heavy burdens of his high office began to affect Archbishop Borromeo’s health, leading to his death at the age of 46.”

[Vanguard]