The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has stated that he will have an input in determining his successor in 2027.

Naija News reports that Makinde asserted on Thursday, while receiving the report from the Committee on Review and Update of Public Service Rules and Other Regulations in the State Civil/Public Service, held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

While emphasizing his influence in the 2027 election process, Makinde addressed those currently lobbying for his position and acknowledged that the ultimate decision rests with the electorate.

He highlighted the importance of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election, noting that party dynamics will play a crucial role in shaping the final decision.

He added, “I may not have the final say in who takes over, but I will definitely have my input.

“As the current leader of the party in Oyo State, I will be involved in discussions and deliberations that will guide our choice.”

Speaking on the Committee report on the Review and Update of Public Service Rules and Other Regulations in the State Civil/Public Service presented to him, Makinde expressed his commitment to leaving a transformative legacy for the state’s civil service by transitioning from manual processes to digital systems to eliminate unnecessary delays within the workforce.

According to him, many of the Public Service Rules are obsolete, and there is a need to review the rules to world standard practice that would transform the State Civil and Public Service.

Makinde, while commending the committee, revealed that their efforts not only validated his position of leaving a desirable legacy in the state but would improve and better the service conditions for the state workers.

He assured the committee that he would constitute a technical committee that would work on implementing and operationalizing their recommendations.

Former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu for embarking on a two-week vacation in the United Kingdom amidst Nigeria’s ongoing economic struggles and insecurity.

Lamido questioned whether Tinubu had any empathy for the plight of Nigerians, who are grappling with widespread hardship.

Recalls that Tinubu departed Nigeria for the UK on Wednesday, with his Special Advisor on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, clarifying that the trip is part of his regular annual leave.

Onanuga explained that the president would use this time for a working vacation, reflecting on his administration’s economic reforms. He added that Tinubu would return to the country after his two-week leave.

“He will use the two weeks as a working vacation and a retreat to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms.

“He will return to the country after the leave expires,” the statement said.

In response, Lamido took to Facebook, accusing the president of ignoring the suffering of the people.

In a post titled “Deaf, Dumb, Confounded,” Lamido wrote: “President Bola Tinubu traveled abroad to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms.

“Does President Tinubu have the human empathy, compassion, love, care, and concern to ponder and reflect on Nigerians’ dire situations while in the comfort of Europe?”

Lamido concluded his message with a biblical reference, comparing the situation to the story of Pharaoh and Moses: “Once upon a time, there was Pharaoh, and there was also Moses.”

A Gambian businessman has been reported dead in a tragic car accident near Ziguinchor, in the Casamance region, while his Senegalese mistress and her friend, who were with him at the time, survived.

According to reports from Senegalese media, the man had picked up the two women to drive them to The Gambia for a weekend getaway when the accident occurred on Saturday, September 29, 2024.

Local police and emergency services responded to the scene, where the two women were treated for minor injuries and taken to a nearby hospital.

The man, however, succumbed to severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities believe speeding may have been a factor in the accident.

The deceased's identity has not been disclosed, though he was described as a businessman who divided his time between Guinea-Bissau, Casamance, and The Gambia.

Folashodun Shonubi, a former acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has disclosed that the redesigned naira notes released by the apex bank under the leadership of Godwin Emefiele was different from what former President Muhammadu Buhari approved.

Shonubi disclosed this while appearing before Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

The Deputy Governor of Operations informed the court that Emefiele had claimed that there were intrigues and politics involved in the naira redesign exercise.

While responding to questions from Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, Shonubi said the late 2022 naira redesign exercise, ahead of the 2023 general elections, was fraught with politics.

“The currency redesign of 2022 was the only one I was part of. When we had meetings with the defendant (Emefiele), he said there were politics and intrigues around the whole exercise,”Shonubi stated.

He informed the court that the former CBN governor presented a document during one of the CBN’s Committee of Governors’ meetings, which contained the signature of the President.

Shonubi also revealed that the redesigned naira notes produced by the CBN under Emefiele were not the same as what was approved by the President.

“The CBN, under Emefiele, produced something different from what former President Muhammadu Buhari approved,” he said.

French tactician, Hervé Renard, has revealed that he came close to becoming the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Renard, who has enjoyed stints at Ivory Coast and Zambia, disclosed that he was approached by the Nigeria Football Federation following the unexpected exit of Finidi George in May.

His name was heavily touted as a replacement before talks with German Bruno Labbadia fell through, leaving the Super Eagles in limbo.

Renard shared that the NFF’s offer was the most lucrative he had received, but after much deliberation, he decided to decline.

“I almost went to Nigeria. I weighed the pros and cons for a few days, even weeks, before eventually turning it down. It was the best offer I’ve had so far, but it didn’t suit me in the end,” Renard told French outlet L’Équipe, as reported by Brila FM.

Meanwhile, interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, who has been tasked with leading the team through the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya, has hinted at the conditions that could see him take on the job full-time.

Eguavoen outlined that any consideration for a permanent role would require a long-term contract, along with patience and consistent backing from the football body.

“The Super Eagles job isn’t one you take lightly. If I were to take it permanently, I’d need to sit down, reflect, and think deeply because it’s not a small task.

“It’s going to be tough. I’d need a long-term contract, patience, and clauses in the deal because you don’t win every day. It takes time to build a team,” Eguavoen told Brila FM.

Eguavoen, who has had three previous stints as head coach, lamented that he was never given enough time to truly implement his vision for the team.

“In 2006, I was in charge for six months. Every other time, it was just two months or two to three games. Clemens Westerhof had five years. Gernot Rohr had six years. They got time, but I never had two straight years,” he noted.

He reiterated that to succeed as the substantive coach, he would need long-term assurances, contractual clauses, and a show of confidence from the NFF.

Nigeria is winning the war against terror and banditry, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said.

He said this at the opening ceremony of the News Agency of Nigeria’s first Annual International Lecture on Thursday in Abuja.

”Our target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism. Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever.

“As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the North-East, North-West, and some other parts of the country,” the minister explained.

Mr Idris added, “Indeed, this quote from President Booa Tonibu has amplified the resolve and determination of this administration to address the security challenges confronting us.

“By understanding the root causes, evaluating the impact on our territorial integrity, and implementing strategic policy measures, we can effectively address the challenges posed by this crisis.

“The task ahead is daunting, but with determination, collaboration, and a united effort, I am confident that we can safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and contribute to the restoration of peace and stability in the Sahel region.”

The Sahel region, he said, has experienced instability and violence over the years, which has escalated to terrorism and other insecurity issues.

“The violence in the Sahel is not an isolated issue, and no single country can tackle it alone,” he said.

According to the minister, the federal government is tackling insecurity through intelligence gathering and other grassroots measures.

Mr Idris added that understanding the root causes of insecurity can lead to effectively managing and addressing the issues of insecurity.

He also mentioned that the lecture was timely and significant because it proffers deeply into the deep crisis in the Sahel and explores the strategies available based on the country’s security architecture.

(NAN)

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he proposed a single six-year tenure and the rotational presidency for Nigeria in a bid to advance democracy.

Naija News reported that Atiku, in his letter addressed to the National Assembly, appealed to the legislators to immediately commence constitutional alterations to accommodate a single six-year tenure and rotational presidency.

The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate’s letter was addressed to the Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Barau Jibrin, and dated August 30, 2024.

Explaining the reason for his proposal, the Special Adviser to Atiku on Media, Paul Ibe, said the former Vice President’s recommendations were to “advance the course of constitutional democracy in Nigeria, especially as the National Assembly continues its ongoing effort to revise the 1999 Constitution.

“These amendments seek to raise the standard of the educational qualification of political office seekers. An end to violent takeover of political parties and thereby strengthening internal structure of political parties.”

Ibe added that it would reduce the tendencies of political parties to breach the constitution and  electoral acts

“Reducing the tendencies of political parties to breach the constitution, electoral act, rules and guidelines made thereunder, and the constitution of the political party

“The implication of the above is that political parties are allowed a very wide latitude to breach the perimeter of laws on elections.

“Such indiscipline by political parties and infidelity to the electoral parameters yield chaos in the system.

“The above amendments will enthrone the discipline that is needed in a democracy,” Ibe said.

The Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) organisers, have announced the nominees for its 2024 edition, with Nollywood actor cum movie producer, Femi Adebayo, securing seven nominations.

The nomination list was released on Wednesday at a press briefing at the Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.

In partnership with the Lagos government, the 20th edition of AMAA is themed ‘Celebrating African Creativity’, and the award ceremony will be held on November 2 at the Balmoral Hall, Sheraton, Ikeja, Lagos.

While the Nigerian movie ‘The Weekend’, by Uche Okocha, clinched 16 nominations, Femi’s ‘Jagun Jagun’ secured seven nods.

See the full nominee list below:

1. Efere Ozako Award for Best Short Film

The Last Shoe Maker – Uganda
Seben – Mali
Dear Future Wife – South Africa
Isolated – Nigeria
Jolie – Angola
Strike A Blow And Die – Malawi
Don’t Call Me Beautiful – Ghana
Sins Of A Father – Zimbabwe/USA

2. Jubril Malaifia Award for Best Animation

Heavy crown – Libya
Counter punch – Kenya
Journey of the legend – Cameroon
Hadu – Nigeria
Between Paya and Koulou – Senegal
Oya (The goddess of gods) – Nigeria
Set Pieces – Sudan

3. Best Documentary

A Quand L’Afrique – Congo Brazzaville
The Night Still Smells of Gun Powder- Mozambique
The Return Train – Mali
Gateway To Dreams – Cameroon
Rainbow Nation – South Africa
Dela- The Making of EL-Anatsui – Nigeria
Donga – Libya
Rising Up At Night – DRC

4. Ousmane Sembene Award for Best Film in an African Language

Makula -Uganda
Jagun Jagun- Nigeria
The Queenstown Kings – South Africa
Kaka – Nigeria
Eskhalemi Sikantombella- South Africa
Unheard – Uganda
Out of Breath – Nigeria

5. Michael Anyiam Osigwe Award for Best Film by an African-Born Director Living Abroad

Out Of Breath – Nigeria/UK
Orah – Nigeria/Canada
Isolated – Nigeria/UK
Under The Hanging Tree- Namibia/UK
Kipkemboi – Nigeria/ Canada

6. Best Diaspora Short Film

The Neigbourhood Alert – USA
Bottled Up – Jamaica
The Golden Boy – USA

7. Best Diaspora Documentary

The Wu Tang Clan: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre – USA
A Rising Tide – USA
Colour – USA

8. Best Diaspora Narrative Feature

Outlaw Posse – USA
Mickey Hardaway-USA
Love After Holidays – USA

9. Best Achievement in Production Design

Orah
The Queenstown kings
The Weekend
Jagun Jagun
Kipkemboi
Makula
Out of breath

10. Best Achievement in Costume Design

The Beads
The Weekend
White and Black
Jagun Jagun
The Queenstown Kings
Mai Martaba
Out of Breath

11. Best Achievement in Make-Up

The Weekend
Nawi
Letters to Goddo
Out of Breath
Jagun Jagun
Anjola
White and Black

12. Best Achievement in Soundtrack

The Weekend
Under the Hanging Tree
The Queenstown Kings
Orah
Boda Love
Mojisola
Red Carpet

13. Best Achievement in Visual Effects

Kipkemboi
Jagun Jagun
Under The Hanging Tree
The Weekend
Bokwagter
Out of breath

14. Best Achievement in Sound

A Smile, A Wink and a Tear
The Weekend
Under the Hanging Tree
The Queenstown Kings
This is Lagos
Kipkemboi
Boda Love

15. Best Achievement in Cinematography

The Weekend
Nawi
Kipkemboi
Letters to Goddo
This is Lagos
The Queenstown Kings
A Smile, A Wink and A Tear

16. Best Achievement in Editing

Under The Hanging Tree
The Weekend
This is Lagos
Nawi
Kipkemboi
The Beads
Anjola

17. Best Achievement in Screenplay

Under The Hanging Tree
The Weekend
Letter To Goddo
This is Lagos
Boda Love
The Queenstown King
Out of Breath

18. National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVB) Award for Best Nigerian Film

The Weekend
This is Lagos
Afamefuna
Jagun Jagun
Mai Martaba
A Smile, A Wink and a Tear
Out of Breath

19. Best Young/Promising Actor

Michell Lemuya (Nawi)
Likhona Mgali (The Queenstown Kings)
Agape mngomezulu – Orah
William Dias – Bokwagter
Kofi Adu-Gyamfi -Tejiri
Ruby Akubueze – She
Fatima Muhammed – Mai Martaba

20. Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Sandile Mahlangu – The Queenstown Kings
Ochungo Benson – Nawi
Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey – The Weekend
Ikechukwu Onunaku -Afamefuna
Lucky Ejim – Orah
Solomon Fixon Owoo – Letters to Goddo
Femi Adebayo- Jagun Jagun

21. Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Meg Otanwa – The Weekend
Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa – The Queenstown Kings
Elsie Chidera Abang – Kipkemboi
Tessa Twala – The Queenstown Kings
Bukunmi Oluwashina – White and Black
Somkele Iyamah-Idhalamah – Orah
Chioma Akpotha – Mojisola

22. Best Actor in a Leading Role

Zolixa Xaluva – The Queenstown Kings
Gabriel Afolayan – This is Lagos
Duncan Murunyu Mungai – Boda Love
Nenesenor Abloso – Letters to Goddo
Bucci Franklyn – The Weekend
Femi Jacobs – Anjola
Chidi Mokeme – Out of Breath

23. Best Actress in a Leading Role

Girley Jazama – Under The Hanging Tree
Oyin Oladejo – Orah
Unati Faku – The Queenstown Kings
Uzoamaka Aniunoh – The Weekend
Laura Pepple – This is Lagos
Jackie Appiah -Red Carpet
Ife Irele- A Smile, A Wink and A Tear

24. First Debut Feature by a Director

Letters to Goddo – Harry Bentil
Rising Up At Night – Nelson Makengo
She – Seun Richards

25. Best Director

Daniel Emeke Oriahi – The Weekend
Kenneth Gyang – This Is Lagos
Jahmil X.T Qubeka – The Queenstown Kings
Perivi Katjavivi – Under The Hanging Tree
Lonzo Nzekwe – Orah
Harry Bentil – Letters To Goddo
Izu Ojukwu- A Smile, A Wink and A Tear

26. Best Film

Under The Hanging Tree
The Weekend
This is Lagos
A Smile, A Wink and A Tear
Orah
Letters to Goddo
The Queenstown Kings

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police Command have arrested four criminal elements terrorizing the territory.

A statement on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh said the suspects are notorious kidnappers responsible for several killings and kidnappings in the nation’s capital.

According to the statement, the criminals suspected to be bandits have “confessed their intending plans to attack some government institutions and estates within the FCT”.

Josephine Adeh identified the criminal elements as Yau Sani, a.k.a. Baba (an ex-convict), Nuhu, a.k.a. Giwa, Kabiru Mohammed, and Yusuf Hassan.

She said they were arrested at their criminal hideout in Sauka, Abuja “living within the general population”.

The suspects also confessed to being responsible for the killing of seven kidnap victims in the territory.

“These gangs have attacked Dakwa, Dawaki, Aco estate, Dupe Village, Zuma Rock, Kuchiko village and some villages in Niger and Kaduna”, she said.

“They also led Police operatives to another hideout in Gauraka Forest, Suleja, Niger State, where they dug out four (4) AK-47 rifles, thirteen (13) AK-47 magazines, one hundred and sixty-two (162) rounds of 7.6 mm live ammunition”, the statement added.