Let us start by defining our terms: To maximise means to take the best possible advantage of; to enlarge or stretch to its elasticity limit. The opposite of “maximise” is “minimise”. If a student had the capacity or capabilities to make a First Class but ended up making a Second Class Upper, we would say he did not maximise his capabilities even though Second Class Upper is still a very good grade. In a business if we make less profit than the opportunities available or if, in a position in government a leader performs below par despite the avalanche of resources at his disposal, it can be said that such a fellow did not maximise but has minimised his opportunities and time in office. An average performance, where the capacity to do more is available, does not maximise but minimises. Remember the book “An enemy called average” by John Mason. It is only when we maximise that we are at our best; it is only then that we give our best to society. Destinies are best fulfilled when opportunities that come our way are maximised.

“Times and seasons” are moments and seconds that become minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, decades, and millennia, etc. Embedded in “times and seasons” is the understanding that it is fleeting, however long and inexhaustible it may seem at first, and that it waits for no one. Hence, the saying: Time and tide wait for no man. Seasons, like tides, signify unpredictability, ups and downs and the absence of uniformity. In fact, what is predictable in seasons is its unpredictability! Hence the saying: No condition is permanent! Times and seasons are sometimes good or favourable and, at others, bad and unfavourable; the Book of Job teaches that we cannot expect or accept what is “good” from God and not expect to receive the very opposite once in a while. Philosophers such as Aristotle and Cicero came up with the concept of “summum bonum” which, to the former, is an ultimate end or goal (the full enjoyment of life in joy and happiness) at which all human action is directed and to the former, the highest or ultimate good towards which human beings gravitate or should gravitate. The opposite of this, however, is what another philosopher, Thomas Hobbes, described as “summum malum” or greatest evil, which is the fear of violent death. Hobbes famous quotes of a “state of nature” in his book, Leviathan, described it as “a war of all against all, and the life of man solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short” Hobbes countered Aristotle and Cicero when he posited that there is no “summum bonum” or ultimate good but only ultimate evil. He said: “We desire not to die. While there is no “summum bonum” or greatest good, there is a “summum malum” or greatest evil, which is death. We passionately wish to avoid death”. This is the theory that Hobbes used to justify State power and the restriction of human freedom for the benefit of all; otherwise, if everyone were allowed to exercise their liberty without restraint, society would be ungovernable and no one would, in the end, be safe.

Scripture has so much to teach us about times and seasons and how to maximise them. Unfortunately, many of us use the Bible only to bind and loose, to cast out and command to come; good and profitable as these may be, a greater benefit, in my view, is derivable from the application of Bible wisdom and teachings to our everyday living. We have a rich repertoire of harvests in the word of God concerning times and seasons and how to maximise them. The Preacher tells us in Ecclesiastes 3: 1 – 8 that “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven…” Some have posited that this is the philosophy of Determinism and have queried what room, if any, is left for freewill. My answer is that within the limits or borders set, there remains still a lot of legroom for anyone intent on maximising times and seasons!

Strike the iron when it is hot! Opportunity comes but once! Opportunity once lost can never be regained! “I shall pass this way but once” is a quote that has been credited to multiple authors but the central theme or message remains the same: “Any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now… for I will not pass this way again! That is the limit of the knowledge available to mankind for now. We do not know what tomorrow hides in its belly! Therefore, procrastination is the thief of time. We cannot maximise times and seasons if we are like the sluggard in Proverbs 2: 33: “Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep. So shall your poverty come as one that travaileth, and thy want as an armed man” We must also apply two other wisdoms of the Preacher if we must maximise times and seasons: “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth” (Ecclesiastes 11: 1-6) and “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be like good” (Ecclesiastes 11:6). The parable of the sower as told by Jesus Christ Himself confirms the above. (Matthew 13; 18-23).

Knowing times and seasons is one of the greatest challenges that confront man. Jesus Christ says the end time that we predict on a daily basis is only known to God. The Preacher says therein nothing new under the earth. There is nothing that is happening today that did not happen in times past. And there in no prediction or prophecy of God, if we truly believe He is God; that will not come to pass. So, why pay against such? We predict but come to grief because we lack an understanding of the times and seasons for their manifestation. We rush to press with prophecies, dreams and visions and end up being called prophets of doom or fake prophets. Maybe truly you were Number 16 but you became Number Nothing because, failing to ask for times and seasons for the manifestation of that which you received and how it shall be fulfilled, you ran before your time and another took your place. This is where Daniel and the Virgin Mary differed from us.  Daniel asked for the times and seasons; and when Mary received the message from Angel Michael, she asked “How can this thing be?”

We are passing through interesting times in our country as we speak, to quote the iconoclastic Dr. Tai Solarin, but can we “pray” like Tai did, for our road to be rough? And can our road be rougher than it is right now? You may not believe it, it can! Each time we think we have had the worst, worse things happen! May we not know better yesterday is a prayer God is yet to answer for this country! But may we as individuals not know better yesterday! Keeping hope alive is one of the surest ways of maximising times and seasons. Some biblical examples of how our forefathers maximised times and seasons will do.

       1. When there was famine in the land, just like we have in our land today, Isaac wanted to run away just like his father, Abraham before him had done but God counselled him not to. Bible records  that Isaac sowed in the land and reaped multiple folds and became richer than his wealthy father. We were not told that Isaac only prayed and fasted and did vigil. He might have done all of that but, importantly, he sowed in the land. He worked hard. Faith without work is dead. Hard times have two faces: The hardship that comes with it and the opportunities it spins; it depends on which one we choose to see.

2. When Pharaoh had the dream that unsettled him, the solution that Joseph proffered was “save for the rainy day” Tell me, what happened to Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Fund? Assuming we made saving a habit, we will not be where we are today. As individuals, we must take a cue from this.
3. When there was famine in the land, Naomi and her household did the opposite of what Isaac did: they “japa” to the land of the Moabites but what happened to them there? Naomi lost her husband and two sons and returned home empty. By the time she did, the problem she ran away from had dissipated! But for Ruth that came back with her, she would actually have transformed from Naomi (Pleasant) to Mara (Bitterness).
4. In the siege over Samaria, four lepers took the risk to go into the enemy camp; without that, they would have died and, possibly, the entire city would have perished from a danger that no longer existed but which they knew nothing about, until God used the lepers to open their eyes. Taking calculated risks, like the lepers did, is one of the ways to maximise times and seasons like the one we are passing through today.
5. The widow of Zarephath, the Shunamite woman and Tabitha (Dorcas) gave sacrificially; so also the widow who cast her mites into the offering bag. Giving opens doors. Closed destinies get an expression when the heart is primed to give sacrificially. Ten lepers were cleansed but only one returned to show appreciation; as a result, his miracle was made more perfect than that of the other ingrates. Two words that many people find very difficult to say are “Sorry” and “Thank you”!
6. What do you have, Elisha asked the widow of one of the sons of the prophets. Jesus Christ, to feed the thousands, blessed the few loaves of bread and pieces of fish that the lad had with him. Many Christians today have nothing to do; yet, they desire blessings and miracles, praying day and night and shouting “amen, I receive” all over the place. What they want is magic.
7. Blind Bartimaeus refused to be cowered; the more they tried to shut him up, the louder he cried. A closed mouth is a closed destiny. Bartimaeus was also specific about his vision and mission: “That I may receive my sight”! Many have no clear idea of their purpose in life. How can such maximise times and seasons?
8. Jephthah, like David, was a reject but each developed their God-given gifts and talents. If you have what the world needs, they will look for you. Be a solution provider. Never go to people and say, “Please, help me”. Rather, say to them, “I can help you. I have something you need!” A man’s gifts maketh a way for him. And be diligent in whatever you do. Add value! “Seeth thou a man diligent in his business…” (Proverbs 22:29).
9. As much as it lies within your power, stay healthy. “Mens sana in corpore sano: A sound mind in a sound body”.
10. This is the digital age; the age of high-tech. Technology must not pass you by. If it does, you have become irrelevant and cannot in any way maximise times and seasons.

Finally, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand on the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13-20).

(Lecture delivered on the platform of the JOURNALISTS FOR CHRIST FELLOWSHIP at the International Press Centre (IPC), 11, Dideolu Court, Dideolu Estate by First Bank, Ogba, Lagos on Saturday, 22 July, 2023).

The Federal Government will on Monday meet with the representatives of the organised labour in an effort to prevent the nationwide strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress.

However, the NLC has advised citizens to stock their homes with food items, medicines and other essential things ahead of the commencement of its seven-day strike to protest the removal of fuel subsidies and the escalating cost of living in the country.

The warning, it noted, had become necessary because the strike would cripple the country as movement would be severely curtailed as commercial transport operators would withdraw their services, while markets, schools and healthcare facilities would be forced to shut down.

Assistant General Secretary, NLC, Chris Onyeka, said in an interview with one of our correspondents that the citizens should also minimise their movements so as to avoid being stranded.

NLC has given the government a seven-day ultimatum with threats of a nationwide strike scheduled to commence on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. The labour movement in a statement signed by its National President, Joe Ajaero, accused the Tinubu-led Federal Government of failing to meet up with the demands it presented to it following the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, which caused an astronomical rise in the pump price of the commodity.

Following the announcement of the strike by the NLC, the government team immediately called for an emergency meeting with the organised labour comprising the NLC and Trade Union Congress with a follow-up meeting on Friday at the State House.

However, officials of the organised labour angrily stormed out of the meeting following the alleged failure of the government team to show up.

Onyeka noted that the labour team would meet with the government on Monday, adding that the outcome of the meeting would determine the next step.

He said, “Nigerians should be prepared. That’s what we are saying. Being prepared means you have to stock food in your house and be economical with your movement at this particular point in time so as to avoid being stranded. It is going to be a nationwide mass protest and we are sure that it will affect every corner of the country. We are seriously mobilising across the nation. We are currently at work at the secretariat alongside the CSOs.

“We may not shut down the power supply system, but as the protest goes on, we may shut down other places depending on the response of the government. The (Friday) meeting didn’t hold at all. The government side was not prepared. The representatives were not available. They didn’t show any seriousness towards what they were doing. One of the things we do is hold dialogues. We don’t run away from the table anytime they call us. We are having another meeting with them on Monday.”

Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers, and the National Union of Electricity Employees, on Saturday, confirmed that they were mobilising their members to ground the supply of fuel and the national electricity grid from Wednesday in response to the planned mass protest called by the NLC.

General Secretary, NUPENG, Afolabi Olawale, told our correspondent, “The congress has taken a unanimous decision and it is mandatory that every affiliate should obey the directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress.”

When probed further to confirm if NUPENG was mobilising its members to halt the lifting of petroleum products, Olawale replied, “That’s it. I’ve given you an answer.”

On their part, electricity workers stated that they would shut the national power grid as it was binding on all employees in the sector to join the mass protest.

The acting General Secretary, NUEE, Dominic Igwebuike, stated, “The NUEE is an affiliate of the NLC and I’ve told you that we will join the strike action.

“The issue is that if there’s a deadlock between labour and the government; that means that the mass protest is still going on, and definitely electricity workers, as an affiliate of the NLC, will partake in the mass protest.

“So, all workers in the power sector will join the mass protest on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. It is binding on every staff member to join the strike action. So, if it results in a blackout, the only option is for the government to listen to us if it wants power to return.

“The government should listen to the Nigerian masses who are going through serious suffering right now. That is the only thing we are asking for. So, for now, the protest is going to hold, unless there is a further directive from the NLC.”

National Deputy President, TUC, Tommy Etim, blasted the government over the lack of seriousness shown so far with regard to the negotiations.

“When we got to the Villa on Friday, we waited for almost two hours at the gate for clearance with no intervention. It was after two hours that we were allowed in. By the time we got to the point of the meeting, we realised that the team representing the government failed to show up. So, it is wrong to actually say labour stormed out of the meeting. How can labour storm out of a meeting that did not hold? We felt very disappointed because we did not expect this from the government,” he said.

National Executive Council of the NLC had on Friday endorsed the August 2 nationwide strike and mass protests proposed by the body over the recent hike in the pump price of petrol.

However, the Federal Government had told the NLC that it was legally restrained from embarking on the planned nationwide strike due to the ruling of the National Industrial Court, which restrained organised labour from embarking on the strike.

The steering committee members met the government delegation on Wednesday, where the two parties agreed to reconvene on Friday to get a brief from the government’s subcommittees on mass transit, compressed natural gas and cash transfer.

The steering committee was set up by the Federal Government to draw up intervention plans to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.

As the Senate prepares to commence the screening of President Bola Tinubu‘s 28 ministerial nominees tomorrow, a distinct divide has emerged regarding the proposed process.

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Majority Leader, and Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, insist the screening will be thorough and that nominees will not be allowed to merely “take a bow and go” without facing questions.

However, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the former Senate Minority Leader, strongly disagrees, predicting no significant changes in the procedure.

An anonymous senator who spoke with Vanguard concurs with Abaribe, noting the list’s heavy composition of former governors, senators, and House of Representatives members could lead to a lax screening process.

Adaramodu declared, “This time, the screening will be very thorough,” detailing that they’ll evaluate nominees’ experience, character, personality, and background, but made clear there would still be instances of the “take-a-bow-and-go” protocol.

On the other hand, Abaribe argued that the screening won’t be different, stating, “Nothing has changed to give any signal of a change in methodology.”

Despite differences of opinion, Senators Bamidele and Adaramodu promise a detailed review of the ministerial nominees, ensuring their capabilities to fulfil the roles adequately.

The ministerial nominees include noteworthy figures such as former Governors Nasir El-Rufai, Nyesom Wike, Abubakar Badaru, and Dave Umahi, along with other prominent politicians.

The screening will begin on Monday, July 31, and expectations run high among the Senators and the public alike.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand has continued to witness momentous moments that will be etched in history.

One such moment is the Super Falcons 3-2 win against co-hosts Australia on Thursday at the Brisbane Stadium.

The prowess of Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale (Player of the Match), Rasheedat Ajibade, and Toni Payne birthed the now notable moment of Oshoala taking off her jersey to celebrate netting the third goal that brought Nigeria victory in the match.

But Oshoala is not the first female footballer in world football to take off her jersey to celebrate a goal. Here are Five Female Footballers Who Removed Their Jerseys To Celebrate A Goal.

Brandi Chastain

Now retired American football player and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, Chastain became a hot topic in 1999 following how she chose to celebrate netting the winning penalty in the final of the Women’s World Cup.

Chastain, who had months before missed a penalty kick in a game against China, clinched the World Cup title for the US in a penalty shootout against China, in the finals.
The game which took place at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, saw Chastain remove her shirt to celebrate the win, a move that earned her praises and criticisms alike and is today considered worldwide a vital symbol of women’s athletics.

Valentina Giacinti

Giacinti, in a game against Inter Millan in 2021, netted four goals and celebrated by removing her shirt which took many aback. She however later addressed her fans stating that her reaction to the win was not planned.

Sam Kerr

Reminiscent of Brandi Chastain’s iconic goal celebration at the 1999 Women’s World Cup, Chelsea star Kerr, ripped off her jersey to celebrate netting an injury-time goal against Aston Villa in the 2022 Women’s Super League.

Chloe Kelly

Although met with a yellow card for removing her shirt to celebrate a winning goal at the 2022 Euro Championship Finals against Germany, Kelly made it to the list of women who have celebrated wins in this iconic way.

Asisat Oshoala

Sparking a massive social media conversation, Oshoala had many talking when she removed her shirt to celebrate the winning goal against Australia at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup Competition.

Oshoala, a Muslim, who came in as a substitute in the 63rd minute of the game, netted the team’s third goal in the 72nd minute of the game played at the Brisbane Stadium. She celebrated by ripping off her jersey, also showing her sports bra in the process, a move that has since been etched in the hearts of many.

Nollywood actor cum Labour Party (LP) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has alleged that the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) is responsible for the propaganda about a retired colonel, Chinyere Obi, shot by thugs during the 2023 election.

Naija News earlier reported that Chinyere, in an interview with PUNCH, narrated how suspected political thugs shot her during the election.

According to her, the incident was reported to the Imo state criminal investigation department (CID) and the suspect was arrested but later released. Hence, she petitioned the AIG at Umuahia Police Headquarters, Zone 9.

Speaking about the sacrifices she made for the party during the campaign, the retired colonel said she sold all her properties, bought food items, bags and made customised shirts which were distributed.

Chinyere claimed that neither Peter Obi nor the LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, showed concern for her ordeal as they allegedly abandoned her.

In a statement via Twitter on Saturday, Kenneth Okonkwo said Chinyere was with LP supporters in Abuja earlier this month (July) during an event organised to mark the birthday of LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The thespian said the retired colonel also reinstated her love for the quest for a new Nigeria.

He added that attempts by the APC to dissuade Chinyere from her principled stand for Peter Obi had failed, hence the reason for the blackmail and propaganda.

He wrote: “I was with my sister and our Veteran Distinguished Military Officer, Col Chinyere Obi (Retd) at the Merit House, Abuja, on the 19th of July, 2023 at an Obedient movement organised event to mark the birthday party of @PeterObi where we talked over some communication mix up when some hired hoodlums shot her for defending the votes for a new Nigeria and she reinstated her love for the quest for a new Nigeria championed by @PeterObi.

“All attempts by the agents of the failed ruling party to dissuade her from her principled stand for a new Nigeria failed, hence their resort to unending blackmail using her image for their unfounded propaganda. We love you, Col Obi, till tomorrow”

Concerned over the state of affairs within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its presidential candidate in the last election, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, met with other bigwigs yesterday in Abuja to strategise on how to stop the party from being cornered by the G-5 governors.

Besides Atiku, other party leaders at the meeting which was held at the residence of former external affairs minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, are Atiku’s running mate and former governor Ifeanyi Okowa and former PDP national chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu.

Also present at the closed door meeting were some PDP governors; Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa); Bala Mohammed (Bauchi); Sheriff (Delta);

Godwin Obaseki (Edo); Ademola Adeleke (Osun); Mutfwang- (Plateau); Dauda- (Zamfara).

Other party leaders at the meeting are former governor of Sokoto State, Sen Aminu Tambuwal; former governor of Niger, Babangida Aliyu; and former governor of Kano, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau.

No member of the National Working Committee (NWC) was present.

Atiku in his twitter handle said; “Earlier today, I joined other leaders and stakeholders of our great party, the @OfficialPDPNig, at a meeting in Abuja. The meeting was ripe with productive discourse and collaborative energy.”

LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered that the meeting was called to reflect on the unfolding events in the party.

Former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, was recently nominated for a ministerial position in the Tinubu administration. Before then, members of the G-5 governors and other party leaders had been hobnobbing with Tinubu.

A source conversant with the

meeting told our correspondent that the leaders deliberated on the unfolding presidential tribunal, the romance between the G-5 governors and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration.

It was learnt that the party leaders were displeased with the seeming inertia by the leadership over the recent appointment of Wike as a ministerial nominee.

Some of the leaders were worried that the appointment could be passed off as an attempt to portray the PDP as endorsing a government of national unity while still seeking to retrieve its mandate in court.

“We expect that the party leaders will engage the national leadership in the coming days over the unfolding events in the party. But we do agree that the quality of leadership has to improve,” a source said.

Attempts to ascertain why the NWC members were not present were abortive as calls placed to the national publicity secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba, were not responded to.

Calls to Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, on the outcome of the meeting equally yielded no results.

ith a few hours left for documentation ahead of their screening scheduled to commence tomorrow, the 28 ministerial nominees have been trickling into the National Assembly Complex, Abuja to submit the necessary personal information that may be required of them by the Senate.

The exercise, which began on Friday, is due to close today.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele warned yesterday that the screening would not be a ’take a bow and go show’.

Bamidele was referring to the honour reserved for former federal legislators and other respected Nigerians nominated for appointments requiring confirmation by the Red Chamber.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abdullahi Gumel, had on Friday invited the nominees to appear for documentation not later than today for the purpose of filling some forms that will aid the Senators to assess their suitability for appointment as ministers.

Investigation by The Nation yesterday showed that some of the nominees had visited Gumel’s office as advised for documentation.

It was gathered that some others who were outside of Abuja at the time of the SSA’s announcement on Friday were making arrangement to be in the city today to do the needful.

But the number of those who have done their documentation was unavailable at press time.

Gumel did not respond to our reporter’s telephone calls or text message.

However, a source said: “Some of the nominees had left Abuja when the announcement was made on Friday.

“Some however returned to Abuja hurriedly today (Saturday) and have completed the exercise. We are expecting others who have promised to return and carry out the exercise on Sunday.

“We hope they will honour their words in order for the screening to have a seamless beginning on Monday.

“We are hopeful that all the nominees would have completed their documentation by Sunday which is the deadline.”

Bamidele: Screening won’t be bow and go show

Bamidele, who will play a key role in the screening on the strength of his position as Senate Leader, said yesterday that the exercise would not be business as usual.

The Senate, according to him, will be thorough this time in screening the nominees to ascertain their competence and capability to serve Nigeria.

He spoke during a communion service organised to mark his 60th birthday at the Church of Nigeria, Bababomi, Iyin-Ekiti in Irelodun/Ifelodun Council Area of Ekiti State.

He said the nominees would be grilled on their educational background and experience in the public or private sector.

The Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District said the 10th Senate was desirous of ensuring that those holding positions under the President Tinubu-led Federal Government are those capable of adding value to governance.

His words: “Let me assure Nigerians that the screening won’t be only bow and go, except for those who had been members of the National Assembly before and who we knew and appreciated that they have the wherewithal to give Nigerians qualitative leadership.

“Nigerians expect us to be thorough. They are expecting us to do a thorough screening.

“But take a bow and go is not an unparliamentary convention; it has become a practice all over the world, and that person must be a former member of the parliament who is well known to us. Somebody we have confidence in his ability.

“We are going to follow the constitution to ensure that we deliver on our mandate to make those who voted for us happy. This will occur at the level of parliament, oversight functions and at the committee level.

“We will partner Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver on his promises to Nigerians. We are determined to ensure that all the three arms of government, particularly the judiciary, are put on good footing to be able to deliver justice without fear or favour.

“We are determined to ensure that the right people are brought on board.”

On the removal of the fuel subsidy, Bamidele said the federal government would soon roll out social investment programmes to palliate the sufferings of the masses, especially the poorest of the poor in the country.

“The federal government will put palliatives in place to help the poorest of the poor. There is also another category of palliatives that will be rolled out for the civil servants apart from the promised salary increment that will be done across states and at the federal level,” he said.

“The removal is very significant because the FG will be able to save a lot of money to do infrastructure and make all Nigerians happy.

“That was the intention of President Tinubu about the removal. He knows what Nigerians are passing through and efforts are underway to cushion the effects of this removal.”

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has clarified the reason behind the “let the poor breathe” joke he made at the plenary session on Tuesday, a sarcastic remark that has been greeted with criticisms by Nigerians.

On the floor of the Senate, Akpabio, in his urge to stop the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and distribution companies (DisCos) from hiking tariff jokingly presented the motion moved by Senator Akintunde Abiodun, from Oyo State.

Reacting to the criticisms, the Senate President, in a statement date July 27 and posted on Friday, said he did not mean to insult the citizens, as he was aware of the hardships resulting from the high cost of living.

He said the motive behind his ‘let the poor breathe’ remark “was to firmly reject any plan of increasing electricity tariffs for Nigerians, considering the ongoing economic challenges that Nigerians are faced with.”

The statement added, “We are deeply concerned about the negative tilting of a very harmless statement by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, about his deep concern and that of the Senate on the plight of the ordinary Nigerians as a result of the prevailing economic situation in the country.

“‘Let The People Breathe’ made during the Plenary on 26th July 2023, was made by Senator Akintunde Abiodun while speaking on the motion to halt the planned electricity tariff hike.”

Akpabio assured Nigerians that the upper legislative arm of the country cannot treat crucial matters with trivialities, and affirmed that the lawmakers cannot make a mockery of the challenges confronting the people.

The statement further reads, “We want to assure the general public that all matters discussed during Senate sessions are of utmost importance and are treated with great seriousness by the President of the Senate and his Distinguished colleagues

“It is crucial to clarify that the intentions of the mover of the motion and the comments of the President of the Senate were never to make light of the hardships, suffering and economic challenges faced by Nigerians at this critical juncture.

“The purpose of the proposal was to firmly reject any plan of increasing electricity tariffs for Nigerians, considering the ongoing economic challenges that Nigerians are faced with.

“The primary focus of the current National Assembly under the Chairmanship of Senator Akpabio is on the implementation of effective and well-structured policies that truly benefit the people. He has repeatedly assured Nigerians that the current Senate will work for all Nigerians.

“The President of the Senate deeply empathises with Nigerians and has never considered the current economic crisis in the country as a matter of jest. His unwavering commitment lies in serving the best interests of the Nigerian people with the release of the ministerial list and the subsequent screening and swearing-in of the ministers, we have high hopes that the newly appointed officials will promptly address the challenges and bring the much needed relief and succour to all citizens thereby, easing the current hardship and pains experienced by Nigerians.”

Says resuscitating Ajaokuta Steel Complex, Aluminium Smelter Company priorities

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reassured Nigerians, especially those living in Russia that the country will work again under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

A statement issued by the Director of Information in his office, Mr Olusola Abiola, said the Vice President gave the assurance late Friday evening in St Petersburg at a forum with members of the Nigerian community in Russia.

Senator Shettima, who was addressing concerns raised by members of the community, said: “Be rest assured that in the next nine to twelve months, there will be a swift change in the fortunes of Nigeria.

“I’m talking with all sense of certainty and responsibility because I believe in the capacity and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Speaking on the efforts of the administration to reposition the economy, the VP said: “We are here for the Africa-Russia Summit, but we are also here fundamentally to pursue the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and revival of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON).

“It is going to be a game changer. Having a vibrant steel industry is a sine qua non for the industrial take off of any nation. I can bet you, I can promise you that the President will bring Ajaokuta to reality.

“Be rest assured that if there is one legacy that President Tinubu would bequeath to fellow Nigerians, Ajaokuta is one.

“I’ll come back to Russia. We are going to drive this process, and my leader, my boss and principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is irrevocably committed to Ajaokuta and to ALSCON.

“We have begun the discussion, and we will see to it that these two companies take off. We have no option but to bring them to reality.”

Speaking further about the prospects for Nigeria’s transformation, the VP said the Tinubu administration will harness the vast human and material resources to put the country on the path of sustainable development and growth.

According to him, “this is the land of opportunities. We have the landmass and vibrant youth population. By 2035, there will be 65 million talent deficit in the world. America, Russia, Brazil will all suffer six million talent deficit, and Nigeria with a vibrant young population will be expected to fill the gap.

“So, opportunities abound in the digital space. Our target is to train 1,000,000 Nigerians on digital skills.”

The Vice President expressed confidence in the capacity of President Tinubu to transform Nigeria, noting that “the President passionately believes in the Nigeria project,” and that his emergence as leader of the nation “did not happen by chance.”

Citing examples of President Tinubu’s sterling performance as Lagos State governor, Senator Shettima said the President has shown “the propensity to inspire development across all sectors, and he has also shown the zeal, passion as well as the commitment to transform Nigeria.”

He then commended the conduct of leaders and members of the Nigerian community in Russia, stating that “the maturity exhibited by Nigerians living in Russia is an understatement, and I must confess that I am impressed by the Ambassador’s impressive achievements.”

Representatives of the Nigerian community in separate remarks commended the initiatives of the Tinubu administration to actively engage with the Russian government to improve relations between Nigeria and Russia.

Present at the forum were Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia, Amb Shehu Abdullahi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr Gabriel Aduda; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mrs Mary Ogbe; President of Nigerian Community in Russia, Dr Maurice Okoli, and Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDO), Russia, Mr Sampson Uwem, among others.

After six days in the kidnapper’s den, abducted Anambra native doctor and social media influencer, Mr. Chidozie Nwangwu, otherwise known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has been released after his abductors demanded N350 million ransom, which was delivered to them.

It was gathered that the popular native doctor, considered one of the richest men in his Oba community in Idemili South Local Government Area, was released yesterday morning.

An indigene of the town who confirmed the release said: “Akwa Okuko was released very early this morning (Saturday) and he is still celebrating with his friends and well wishers in his house in Oba. His friends rallied round and raised the money for the abductors.”

Police PPRO, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said: “Yes, he was released this morning. We are waiting to debrief him with a view to getting his experience and clue of who the abductors were, so that we can go after them.”

Nwangwu, however, declined to confirm if a ransom was paid and the location the release transpired.

Recall that Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki was kidnapped in one of his hotels in Oba last Sunday, while two of his personal aides were killed.