Author Archives: News All Around

The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has dealt a significant blow to the leadership of the Nigerian Navy, passing a vote of no confidence in Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. The move comes amid allegations of economic sabotage, including crude oil theft, diversion, and providing security escorts for oil thieves.

The NDYC, which represents the youth of the Niger Delta region, condemned the Navy’s actions in the strongest terms, saying they undermine the efforts of the President Bola Tinubu administration to stabilize the economy. The group demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations, including a recent incident involving MT PRESTIGIOUS and MT MONTAGU, and called for those found culpable to be brought to justice.

The vote of no confidence comes at a time when Nigeria is struggling with economic challenges, and the NDYC emphasized that such activities only worsen the suffering of the Nigerian people. They urged swift and decisive action to rectify the situation and promote lawful and sustainable maritime activities for the benefit of all Nigerians.

The development is likely to put pressure on the Nigerian government to take action against the alleged criminal activities within the Navy and ensure accountability among its leadership. The move by the NDYC may also spark further scrutiny of the Navy’s operations and leadership, potentially leading to reforms and changes in the top brass.

Iman Tajudeen

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has come hard on those who staged a protest against the Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle.

A group of people were spotted at the Abuja office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, demanding re-opening of investigation against the former Zamfara governor.

Reacting to the development, the National President of the Ohanaeze Youths, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said the protest was in a chain of actions lined up to discredit the minister for standing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Okwu recalled that he had earlier raised the alarm over the plot by some Northerners opposed to Tinubu’s leadership to slam Matawalle’s image, having seen him as the rallying point for Mr President in the North.

He said, “It is, therefore, not a surprise that early Friday morning, the same people recruited people from the outskirts of Abuja and moved them to the city centre to protest against the minister.
“There was no doubt that most of the said protesters were ignorant of their mission to the EFCC office; they merely came to deliver on the job they were assembled to do.

“We therefore, once more retrait our advice to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu not to be deceived by the same people who have vowed to truncate his second term in 2027.

“We urge Mr President to be wary of these desperadoes who are hellbent on destroying any good person around his government. They should not be given any space at all to thrive in their evil machinations.”

“Once more, we stand solidly behind the Defence Minister and urge him to continue the good work he is doing, as could be seen in the improved security across the country,” Okwu stated.

He vowed that a time would soon come when “we will expose all those behind this desperate attempt to discredit the current government.”

Dresu Akogo

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to take swift and decisive action against the growing trend of sponsored protests aimed at ridiculing the party and President Bola Tinubu. According to NAN Chairman Salihu Suleiman, the recent protest sponsored from Zamfara State is a clear example of this alarming trend, which involves financing unruly crowds to engage in misconduct under the guise of protest.

_Sponsored Protests Undermine Democracy_

The NAN believes that these protests serve hidden agendas rather than genuine grievances and are a calculated attempt to undermine the presidency and embarrass the government. The deliberate targeting of Minister of State Defence Bello Matawalle, a dedicated supporter of President Tinubu, demonstrates that this protest was driven by political motives seeking to sow division and discord within the ruling party.

_APC Must Take a Stand Against Sponsored Dissent_

The NAN emphasizes that protests play a vital role in any democratic society, but when hijacked by external forces with ulterior motives, they lose their legitimacy and become tools for manipulation and deception. The leaders of the APC must take a firm stance against sponsored dissent and ensure that the party remains a symbol of integrity and transparency.

_Exposing and Sanctioning Sponsors is Crucial_

The NAN calls for the sponsors of such protests to be exposed and appropriately sanctioned, as this is a necessary step in rooting out this insidious practice. Those who seek to manipulate public opinion for personal gain must be held accountable for their actions, and the APC leadership must demonstrate that they will not tolerate such behavior within their ranks.

_Sponsored Dissent Threatens Political Integrity_

Sponsored dissent represents a dangerous trend that threatens the integrity of the political system and undermines the trust of the people in their leaders. The APC must take decisive action to address and eradicate this practice, upholding its commitment to transparency and accountability and ensuring that Nigeria’s democracy remains strong and vibrant.

_Action Now: APC Must Protect Nigeria’s Democracy_

The Kaduna Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has commended the Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, for his exceptional leadership and transparent information management, which has significantly enhanced public credibility and goodwill for the current administration.

In a statement issued by the Chapter Chairman, Haroun Malami, on the occasion of the Minister’s birthday, the NIPR acknowledged Alhaji Idris’ demonstration of the highest standards of public relations practice, showcasing character, competence, and credibility in his handling of government communication since assuming office.

The Chapter praised the Minister as an innovator who has made a purposeful shift from the old norm, building on his experience as the Kaduna State Chapter Chairman. His patriotism and service to nationhood in various capacities have left an indelible mark, with laudable footprints and remarkable accomplishments that testify to the impact of public relations on outcomes.

The NIPR expressed its appreciation for Alhaji Idris’ commitment to elevating public trust in governance and deepening citizens’ faith in the country. The statement concluded with a prayer for the Minister’s continued good health, wisdom, and strength in his patriotic service to the nation.

This version maintains the same message and structure but with a few tweaks to enhance clarity and readability.

…Says Ategbero Led BoT Selectively Blind 

The Interim Management Committee (IMC) National Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Hon. Abubakar U. Abdullahi has reacted to the newspaper in publication over claims what he termed erroneous claim that the Interim Management Committee is unknown.

According to Hon. Abubakar, the Interim Management Committee exist and has continued to oversee the affairs of the association pending the election of substantive officers.

In a letter written to Daily Trust Editor to clear the air over  the erroneous publication, ALGON body said ,…” our current National Chairman of the IMC, is Hon. Abdullahi U. Abubakar, chairman representing Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory took over from Hon. Abdullahi S. Maje, a former chairman of Suleja local government area in Niger State.

“Let me reiterate that the Interim Management Committee was set up by the General Assembly in 2019 in furtherance to conducting elections of substantive leadership into the association, this feat which Alabi and Ategbero led BOT has continued to challenge in the judiciary space. Please note that the matter between the IMC and Alabi led faction is before a court of competent jurisdiction, brings me to wonder the claim made in the publication by Ategbero refuting any knowledge of the IMC.”

…Read full text of Letter:

The Editor News 

Daily Trust Newspapers 

THE IMC EXISTS, ALABI FALSELY PARADING AS ALGON PRESIDENT; ATEGBERO LED BOT SELECTIVELY BLIND

I write on behalf of the Interim Management Committee of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON to react to a recent newspaper publication signed by the Hon. Ategbero led Board of Trustees on behalf of the Hon. Kolade Alabi led faction of the association.

It is well within the news and the full glare of the public, the constant crisis besieging the association as a result of battle for supremacy for the past few years, this rejoinder is the IMC’s mode of clarification on the allegation made by the BOT, stating that the Interim Management Committee is unknown.

First let me reiterate that the Interim Management Committee exist and has continued to oversee the affairs of the association pending the election of substantive officers, our current National Chairman of the IMC, is Hon. Abdullahi U. Abubakar, chairman representing Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory took over from Hon. Abdullahi S. Maje, a former chairman of Suleja local government area in Niger State. 

It is imperative to note that our activities overtime, has been clear for all to see especially as it bothers on eradicating the usurpers, lawbreakers who hijacked the leadership of our association and held it hostage for over 5 years.

Alabi has continued in flagrant violation of subsisting court order restraining him and his cronies from parading as leadership of ALGON, carryout activities in that same vein through the backing of Hon. Odunayo Ategbero led BOT. the former is not a member of any of the 774 constitutionally recognized local government areas, and according to the constitution, a person who is just a local council development area chairman, cannot be president of the association.

 Infact these persons, deceitfully gained the position they currently occupy.

We have overtime, casted a vote of no confidence on the Hon. Ategbero led board of trustees, we are not surprised that they have allowed themselves to be puppet in the hands of Alabi and co.

 Ategbero led BOT, has continued to thread the path of sabotaging the IMC simply for their selfish interest of enriching the pockets. Their actions show total disregard for the constitutions that binds the association, their nonchalance in creating a solution that would end the crisis, has shown that they are core beneficiaries of it. They have proven to being BOT of propaganda, biasness and greed against the IMC.

The Interim Management Committee is saddled with the sole responsibility of savaging and restoring the association to its glory, we do not want to be seen bantering words in the media spaces, with humans who do not have anything to loose. 

Let me reiterate that the Interim Management Committee was set up by the General Assembly in 2019 in furtherance to conducting elections of substantive leadership into the association, this feat which Alabi and Ategbero led BOT has continued to challenge in the judiciary space. Please note that the matter between the IMC and Alabi led faction is before a court of competent jurisdiction, brings me to wonder the claim made in the publication by Ategbero refuting any knowledge of the IMC.

It is also in the news, anti-graft agencies of the criminal offences carried out by Hon. Kolade Alabi, one is the 5.2 billion naira funds belonging to the 774 LGAs purportedly diverted by the former, Mrs Binta and perhaps the Ategbero led BOT who by their actions, have shown that they may be aware of the process. As a committee, we have ensured that the public are aware of the issues surrounding the association, the trustees of any association, holds the authority and responsibility to ensure the fulfilment of an association’s mandate, rather than that, the BOT has drifted and sabotage the associations from carrying out and achieving the mandate.

Finally, let me reiterate that against unsubstantial letter written and signed by the Ategbero led faction, the Interim Management Committee exists and was never ever nullified or dissolved, we shall in due time inaugurate an electoral committee to conduct elections for credible leadership for the association as instructed by the General Assembly (Please note that we shall be transparent and all activities will be captured by the media), Alabi led faction and the BOT is bent on misrepresenting court judgement to massage their ego and divert public attention from their criminal activities in the association and lastly, the IMC, is very open to the media for further questioning or inquiry.

Thank You.

Signed: Hon. Mohammed I. Abubakar

The Secretary General, IMC

By Dramani Usman

The North Eastern Youths Advocacy for Peace and Development (NEYAPAD) has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard in totality the open letter issued by one Mr. Frank Tietie and his group calling for the dissolution of the newly constituted board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

The Frontline Youths organization in a statement issued by its leadership in Gombe noted that ordinarily, it won’t have joined issues with Tietie, who is alleged to be on assignment on behalf of some desperate politicians from the North East to frustrate the confirmation of the Board, saying their response is propelled by the desire not to allow him to assault the sensibilities of right thinking Nigerians.

The group said the purported issues raised by Mr. Frank Tietie, are not only shallow and otiose but do not hold water, as such it does not deserve the attention of Mr. President as he has other urgent matters of National Importance to attend to, further saying Frank Tietie who masquerades as a Human rights activist and lawyer operating under the imprint of some phony non-governmental organizations notorious for grant hunting.

The youth group wondered what metric of evaluation Tietie employed in measuring the qualifications of those who are to be appointed to man the board of the very strategic Intervention Agency that warrants him calling those appointed unqualified considering the speed and focus with which the new board members have hit the ground running since their assumption of office last month, albeit in an acting capacity.

The group further averred that there is no crisis of confidence in the commission as there is currently an excellent rapport existing between the Staff and the management, this is so due to the quality of individuals appointed to lead the interventionists agency, adding that there is nothing illegal in their appointments in acting capacity pending the confirmation of the Senate, saying it is not a practice alien to Nigerians.

On achieving the Mandate of the commission, the group noted that the people of the crisis-infested zone are happy with the various humanitarian and other interventions currently ongoing as they are aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the people.

The group wondered why Mr. Frank Tietie who hails from the Niger Delta region is not concerned about the activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and is not offering his unsolicited advisory there but is more concerned about the North East if not for briefcase advocacy.

The group further urged briefcase activists who are not from the zone to stay off the activities and issues surrounding the Board and management of the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) saying they are hirelings carrying out the biddings of their paymasters, further expressing optimism that the newly appointed leader will be confirmed by the Senate to continue in earnest the strides in development currently going in the North East zone.

The youths group finally urges the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discard the latest attempt to derail and bring confusion into the interventionists agency but to also be wary of the likes of Tietie who did all they could to see that the renewed hope administration never came to be but failed monumentally, further warning that the group will activate all resources at its disposal to fight constructively those who want to frustrate the confirmation of the board.

The much anticipated Global ministers classrooom with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome holds today and tomorrow. This Programmme will equip millions of ministers and Christian Leaders across the nations of the world.

According to Mr. Olajide Babasola, Media Manager of the International School of Ministry arm of Loveworld Incorporated, organizers of the historic event, “it is going to be an awesome experience at the Global Ministers Classroom with Pastor Chris and to participate actively, invitees are encouraged to follow the instructions on this link http://www.ismglobalministersclassroom.org/v/ISMGlobalMinistersCell”.

Speaking Further , Mr. Babasola listed some Effective Guidelines in Preparation for the Global Ministers Classroom with Pastor Chris Stating that, “You wouldn’t want to miss out on any part of the program, reason we painstakingly drafted this guide to guide you in the course of the program.”

The Global Ministers Classroom is a 24hour event, and you can can participate while at home via http://www.ismglobalministersclassroom.org

Finally, you are to inform them that they are expected to converge the following day, The grande finale will be on Saturday 2:00pm, GMT+1 with our man of God, Pastor Chris and Pastor Benny.

God bless you richly and we wish you a resounding and victorious GMC.

The Northwest Progressives Forum( NPF) has lampooned ex-Presidential aide Mr. Obono-Obla, for what it described as “reckless outburst and attention-seeking rant” against Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari, a frontline APC contender for the slot of Senate President.

In a media statement signed by the group’s Director of Public Relations, Adamu Isa on Saturday, the group wondered why the ex-presidential aide “who has case of fraud with the ICPC has the guts to call Yari names and even object the APC Senate President’s legitimate struggle for the number-three seat”.

The group, in the statement, recalled that “the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) in late January 2021 arraigned Mr. Obono-Obla, and two others for fraud and certificate forgery.”

 The Statement stressed that Obono-Obla, as a former Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution and ex-Chairman of the disbanded Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), “was arraigned by the ICPC and the matter is not yet over”.

The NPF also reacted to the stance of the Forum of National Assembly Legislative Aides from the North West, which reportedly expressed displeasure with the refusal of Yari to back down for Senator Akpabio.

“We were not surprised that the Forum of Legislative Aides of the National Assembly would hold a Press Conference to insinuate that Yari’s backing out of the race was the only way forward just because they have a hidden agenda . Truth is, at the end of the day, only Senators elected under the 10th Senate have the power to choose their leaders from amongst themselves.

“We’re  happy to have read and fully support the position of the ruling party as reflected in the full-page interview of the National Chairman of the APC, His Excellency Abdullahi  Adamu, in the Daily Trust, when he said ‘ Senators will elect elect their leaders on D-day”, the NPF Director said in the Statement

Millions of seasoned Ministers and Pastors from around the world would participate in the two-day Global Ministers’ Classroom (GMC) with Pastor Chris, an interdenominational program organized under the auspices of the International School of Ministry for Prayer, Fellowship, Strategy, and the Word.

The program is open to all Ministers of the Gospel – Church Leaders, Pastors, Ministry Leaders and Executives, Ministry staff, and all categories of Church Workers. The first edition of the program which was held in 2018, was born out of the desire of the man of God, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Dsc D.D, to have a platform through which the Holy Spirit equips and imparts Ministers of the Gospel for remarkable and transformational impact in Ministry. Over the years, classroom attendance has increased; from 8 million in 2018 to 78 million in 2022 with participating Ministers from 239 Nations of the world.

Today, the GMC has become one of the tools that have helped millions of ministers of the Gospel around the world to become effective in their work and walk in ministry; and to fulfill God’s calling upon their lives. Indeed, in these unprecedented times, the Global Ministers’ Classroom will strengthen Ministers’ desire to fulfill their role in evangelization and making disciples of nations.

This year’s 24-hour edition with the man of God, Pastor Chris, is scheduled to commence on Friday, 2nd of June by 2 pm GMT+1 and ends on Saturday, 3rd of June. There will also be teachings from seasoned Senior Ministers of the Gospel, impact testimonies from previous program attendees, Question and Answer segment, where participants will have their questions answered by the man of God in real-time, and lots more. It promises to be an extraordinary time of revelatory teachings and impartation for greater works in these last days.

“Ministers of the Gospel, prepare for the program and pray about it….it is the Spirit’s call; it is a moment of mobilization; God is mobilizing His Army; He is getting us ready for the final phase for the work of the Church in this world.” Rev. Chris Oyakhilome, Dsc DD.

The event will also be broadcast live in all major languages of the world; to allow many more ministers of the Gospel to participate in the program.
Registration for the program is on and free; so go ahead to register yourself, Ministers, and Christian leaders in your sphere of contact via
http://www.ismglobalministersclassroom.org/v/NigeriaGMC/

Ministers who have attended previous editions of the program recount their experience and testimonies of the impact of the program thus:
“I attended GMC 2022, and experienced a tangible increase in the anointing of God’s Spirit in my personal life and Ministry. My church has also experienced increased growth tremendously ever since”- Pastor Martinis Marinko from Croatia

“Through the teachings at the GMC, my leadership capacity was greatly increased. I became more committed to the vision of global evangelism, which led me to travel to countries such as Singapore and Bangladesh, to host Ministers Conferences for the training and equipping for more ministers for phenomenal ministry impact”.- Pastor MV. Thomas from India

“Following my participation in the GMC, the fire and passion to win more souls for Jesus was greatly stirred. I held a crusade in Nairobi, Kenya and packed out the stadium. Thousands of souls received salvation and many miracles were recorded. This brought about an increase in my church growth” – Pastor Judah Kalinga from Uganda

“After one of the editions of the GMC, I hosted the largest Ministers Conference in my country. I have also experienced notable increase in my personal finance, church growth and leadership capacity”.- Pastor Isaac Zirebwa from Zimbabwe

The 2023 GMC is just a few days away! Ministers of the Gospel from every nation on Earth will converge in this global online assembly, and be transported by God’s Spirit to fresh and new levels of effectiveness in life and ministry.

To register for the program, kindly log on to
http://www.ismglobalministersclassroom.org/v/NigeriaGMC/
and invite other Ministers of the Gospel and Christian Leaders in your world.

By Matthew Denis Abuja

A business Mogul and Chief Executive Officer of Kubib Limited, Engr. Khadijat Kuburat Ibrahim has described the mother of the two Emirs of Kano Emirates, Hajia Maryam Ado Bayero has her role model who had lived an examplary life by possessing true virtues of a mother.

She made the disclosure during an interview with Journalists shortly after the launched of the Biography of the late Mother of the Emirs of Kano, Ado Bayero II and Bichi, Nasiru Ado Bayero held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja on Thursday.

Engr. Ibrahim said ” probably words cannot express my feelings because I’m from ilorin and she is my role model. This book that is being launched today I believe is going to change alot of people’s lives especially women to be humble, courageous and exceptional because of her virtues.

” In fact I don’t even know the words I can use to describe her personality but I’m just happy that this happened and it’s a success.

Speaking on low pace women participation in politics she stressed that it depends how people perceive the political Activities but she has more interest in Investment as a businesswoman and satisfied with her status.

She said ” I will like advice women that are into politics not to give up because women rule the world too but as for me I’m ruling the business life. “

Top Dignitaries at the event includes the Governor of Kano State, Dr Umaru Ganduje, Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Senators Godwin Akpabio and Senator Barau, other government appointees, Wife of Former Head of States, Maryam Abacha, Captains of Industries

Others were Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Saad Mohammed, the Ooni of Ile, Emir of Kano Ado Bayero and that of Bichi Among other monarchs.