Former Education Minister dies

  Former Nigerian minister of education, Professor Fabian Osuji is dead. He died on Wednesday morning, according to a family member who confirmed the news. He had returned from a vacation in the United States on Saturday and had been treated for undisclosed medical issues. Osuji was born on January 20, 1942, and attended Holy Ghost College in Owerri, Government College in Umuahia, the University of Nigeria in Nsukka, Enugu State, and the University of Ibadan, Oyo State. He conducted his post-doctoral research at the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London. He became a Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan in 1973, a post he held till 1981. He was also a Visiting Scientific Fellow at the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Food and Agriculture Organization. He became a Dean of the College of Science, Dean of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and member of the Governing Council of Imo State University. He was appointed Professor of Applied Biology, at St. John’s University, New York (CUNY) USA (1997-1999). He was also a Visiting Professor at several universities in Nigeria and worldwide. Known as a scholars’ scholar, he published 35 papers and books to his credit. He celebrated his 80th birthday in 2022 when family and friends gathered to extol the virtue of a man highly regarded as a sound educationist. The former educationist died aged 81.

You’ve Grown Wings – APC Knocks Seyi Makinde For Criticizing Tinubu

The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Seyi Makinde for condemning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to remove the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as fuel.  In a statement, the APC accused Makinde of overstepping his bounds and lacking the authority to criticize Tinubu’s leadership. APC’s Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, emphasized that Makinde is the only governor openly criticizing the incumbent president for the subsidy removal.  Sadare argued that the governor should focus on addressing challenges within the state rather than blaming Tinubu for the economic situation. The statement highlighted Makinde’s past silence during the subsidy removal under former President Muhammadu Buhari and accused him of exploiting the recent labour protest to deflect blame from his administration.  The APC also raised concerns about the utilization of allocations, claiming that Makinde received over N207 billion without significant positive impact. APC accused him of engaging in wasteful spending, capital flight, and misplaced priorities, leaving the state grappling with issues of hunger, poverty, and unemployment. The statement reads: “Makinde has grown more wings in his penchant for misleading the public and sacrificing others for his ineptitude in government. Funny enough, the PDP-dominated State House of Assembly spoke in the same tone on the same day, and we understand the script being played by the governor. “Gov. Makinde holds the record of the only governor in Nigeria who constantly blames the sitting President for his failure to add value in his state. Out of the 36 governors, the Oyo State helmsman was the only one who criticized President Bola Tinubu over the removal of fuel subsidy when he stated that the decision was untimely and not well thought out. This was what he did to former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2023 as he distanced himself from Aso Villa on account of ego and thereby denied the Pacesetter state a lot of opportunities for four years. “As he is wont to do, Makinde attempted to take advantage of the labour protest on Tuesday to heap all the blame for the bad economy in the country on the federal government, forgetting that governors like him were more culpable for the extent to which the quality of life has degenerated. Why blame President Tinubu for stopping wasteful spending on fuel subsidy when the decision has been enabling you to collect improved allocations in the last nine months, although without much to show for it? “The Oyo State government has received over N207 billion in allocations from Abuja since May last year, and this excludes the billions of naira accrued to the 33 local government councils which the governor hijacked from them. “Rather than use the whopping allocations to create wealth, Gov. Makinde mopped up more funds from loans, grants, IGR, and illegal sale of government assets without accountability. So, who then addresses hunger, poverty, and unemployment in Oyo State when the governor always engages in wasteful spending, capital flight, and misplaced priorities?” the statement added

Why Oronsaye Report Won’t Reduce Governance Cost — Falana

A Senior Lawyer and Human Rights Activist, Femi Falana, SAN has stated why the Oronsaye reported adopted for implementation by the Tinubu led federal government will not reduce the cost of governance.  Falana, described the 12-year old Steve Oronsaye Report as outdated.  In a statement on Tuesday, the Senior lawyer, said the report won’t “substantially reduce the enormous costs of governance in the country as it does not reflect the current situation in the public service,” contrary to the belief in official circles.  The Federal Executive Council (FEC) chaired by President Bola Tinubu had on Monday approved the full implementation of the Oronsaye report. According to the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, the move was in line with the need to reduce cost of governance and streamline efficiency across the governance value chain. Falana said, “No doubt, the implementation of some of the recommendations of the Panel will take appreciable time as the merger of certain bodies require constitutional amendments or repeal of a number of statutes. “The 800-page report of the Steve Oronsaye Panel recommended the reduction of statutory agencies from 263 to 161, scrapping 38 agencies, merging 52, and reverting 14 to departments in different ministries, “Since the Goodluck Jonathan administration produced a White Paper on the Steve Oronsaye Report in 2014, the Federal Government has created more ministries, departments and agencies. “Whereas the Report recommended the reduction of 263 agencies to 151, the number of ministries, departments and agencies has increased to 1316. Even the current administration has increased the number of ministries and created new agencies. To that extent, the Steve Oronsaye Report is completely outdated. “However, in implementing the Oronsaye Report the Federal Government should ensure that the crisis of insecurity is not compounded through the retrenchment of hundreds of thousands of workers. “Instead of downsizing the public service the Federal Government should ensure that the two houses of the National Assembly are merged while the number of Ministers, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants is significantly reduced.”

New Health Insurance for FCT Residents

In a move aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility and reducing financial barriers, the Federal Government has introduced the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) to residents across the FCT’s six area councils. The scheme, designed to prioritize the healthcare needs of marginalized groups, offers subsidized enrollment and free registration for the poor and vulnerable. Dr. Mohammed Danfulani, Director of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, announced the commencement of enrollment during a sensitization drive held in Gwagwalada for Abaji, Kuje, Kwali, and Gwagwalada area councils. Residents can enroll in the scheme for an annual fee of N13,500, with provisions in place for those unable to afford the cost. “The Federal Government’s commitment ensures that every individual, irrespective of financial status, gains access to essential healthcare services through the FHIS,” stated Dr. Danfulani, highlighting the nationwide implementation of similar initiatives. Addressing concerns regarding service delivery, Pharmacist Adedeji Fatai, Head of the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit at FHIS, assured the public of stringent quality control measures to uphold standards across healthcare facilities. Community leaders, including Estu Sule Dobi, the District Head of Dobi in Gwagwalada area council, praised the scheme’s introduction and advocated for comprehensive awareness campaigns to reach remote communities. Grace Johnson, a beneficiary of the scheme, commended the FCT leadership for the efficient enrollment process, signaling widespread acceptance among residents. Additionally, as part of its support measures, the Federal Health Insurance Scheme distributed delivery kits to expectant mothers in the FCT, underscoring its commitment to maternal and child healthcare. The launch of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme represents a significant stride towards achieving universal healthcare coverage and improving health outcomes for FCT residents. With its emphasis on inclusivity and quality assurance, the scheme is poised to address healthcare disparities and promote well-being across the region.

Senate Advocates Introduction of Food Stamp Program to Combat Food Insecurity

In response to the growing incidence of food insecurity in Nigeria, the Senate has proposed the implementation of a food stamp program akin to what obtains in the United States. The resolution, put forth during Tuesday’s plenary session, emphasizes the need for immediate action to mitigate the impact of various factors contributing to the crisis, including conflicts, climate change, inflation, and currency devaluation. Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) spearheaded the motion titled, “Introduction of food stamps in Nigeria as an interim measure to address imminent food insecurity in the country,” with co-sponsorship from Senator Saliu Mustapha (APC, Kwara Central). Ndume underscored the urgency of the situation, citing projections from the October 2023 Cadre Harmonisé Analysis indicating that approximately 26.5 million Nigerians could face severe food insecurity in 2024. Highlighting the multifaceted nature of the issue, Ndume pointed to ongoing conflicts, adverse effects of climate change, skyrocketing inflation rates, and the devaluation of the national currency as key drivers of food insecurity. In response to these challenges, the Senate advocated for the adoption of a food stamp program modeled after the successful initiative in the United States. Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) echoed Ndume’s sentiments, drawing parallels between the proposed Nigerian food stamp program and its American counterpart. He emphasized the potential of such a program to provide crucial assistance to vulnerable segments of society. To operationalize this initiative, the Senate directed the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to collaborate with development partners and relevant stakeholders, notably the Lagos Food Bank Initiative. The latter organization gained recognition for its Temporary Food Assistance Programme (TEFAP) in previous years, offering valuable insights and expertise in the implementation of food assistance programs. The Senate’s proactive stance on addressing food insecurity through the introduction of a food stamp program reflects a concerted effort to safeguard the well-being of the populace. By leveraging partnerships and drawing inspiration from successful models, Nigeria aims to bolster its resilience against the challenges posed by food insecurity.

Hunger Protests: NLC, FG Trade Tackles

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reacted to the presidency’s claim over the ongoing protests. The organized labour said the nationwide protest is not about minimum wage but hunger and economic hardship. Contrary to the Presidency’s claim that the protest revolves around the minimum wage review, NLC’s National President, Joe Ajaero, emphasized that the union is addressing broader issues. Speaking on TVC, presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale described the demonstrations by the NLC as needless. Ajaero accused the Federal Government of neglecting the union’s demands since the removal of fuel subsidy, resulting in an increased cost of living.  Expressing concerns about the minimum wage, he stated, “What will be the minimum wage that will remove hunger?” Highlighting the impact of deregulation, Ajaero pointed out that the rising expenses, especially in transportation, have worsened the already dire situation. The NLC proposed various solutions, including the introduction of CNG buses, but lamented the lack of implementation. Notable figures such as Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, NLC president Joe Ajaero, Omoyele Sowore, Deji Adeyanju, and Lawyer Femi Falana actively participated in the protest in Abuja.  The demonstrations have unfolded across all states in Nigeria, signaling a widespread concern for the economic well-being of the citizens.

NECO Releases 2023 November/December SSCE Results 

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has unveiled the results of the external 2023 November/December Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), revealing a commendable 67.35% of candidates achieving five credits and above in English Language and Mathematics. The official announcement was made by NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Wushishi, at the headquarters in Minna, Niger State, on Monday.  The results, accessible on the official NECO website, www.neco.gov.ng, were released just 67 days after the conclusion of the examination held from November 20 to December 20, 2023. Out of the 74,950 candidates who registered, 39,213 were males (52.31%) and 35,737 were females (47.68%). Notably, 50,066 candidates secured five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics, representing 67.35%.  Furthermore, 84.11% of candidates, totaling 62,530, achieved five credits and above irrespective of English Language and Mathematics. Professor Wushishi also highlighted a decline in examination malpractice cases, with 8,518 reported cases, reflecting a 25.4% reduction from the previous year.  Notable actions were taken, including blacklisting one centre each in Kaduna and Ogun States for whole centre cases, blacklisting two supervisors in Oyo and Lagos States for poor supervision, and blacklisting a Borno State centre for aiding and abetting through sharing WhatsApp messages. In a significant development, NECO introduced the e-Posting Software to streamline staff posting, addressing historical challenges such as lopsidedness and favoritism.  The Registrar emphasized that this digitalized process would provide staff with notifications about eligible assignments at the beginning of each year, enhancing transparency and fairness.

Police Denies Sealing NLC Lagos Office

Lagos State Police command has denied a report of sealing the secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Yaba, Lagos, on Monday. State’s Police spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, described the report as rumour, saying the Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade only went to the NLC secretariat to address protesters. The police spokesman stated this in reaction to the rumour, and giving reasons for heightened security upgrades in hotspots around Lagos on Monday. Hundeyin told newsmen that the police proactively arrived at the NLC secretariat and other hotspots to ensure adequate security for planners of the strike and to prevent their procession from being hijacked by hoodlums. “The Commissioner of Police, Mr Fayoade addressed the protesters before the procession took off in his presence. “The procession was peaceful and without any untoward incident,” Hundeyin said, adding that CP Fayoade monitored the security operation and the protest, ” he said. He stated that the protesters neither caused traffic obstruction nor got involved in violent activities. Heavily armed police operatives were seen at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, and other parts of Lagos on Monday, in readiness for a planned protest by organised labour. The NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC had scheduled a nationwide strike for February 27 and 28 to protest what they called hardship currently faced by Nigerians.

Cost of Governance: FG Lists Agencies to be scrapped

The federal government announces the list of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), either to be eliminated, merged or prunned as part of the implementation of the Oronsaye report that has been pending for more than a decade.  This decision, announced after Monday’s Federal Executive Council meeting, stems from a report initiated by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.  Led by Steve Oronsaye, the committee identified overlapping agencies causing competition and wasteful expenditure, recommending the reduction of 263 statutory agencies to 161, abolishing 38, and merging 52. Additionally, 14 agencies are proposed to revert to departments within ministries, aiming for a more streamlined government structure. Below are government agencies set to be merged or scrapped. – 38 Federal Agencies to be abolished – Public Complaints Commission, National Poverty Eradication Programme, Utilities Charges Commission, National Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, National Intelligence Committee, etc. – 14 agencies to be fused into ministries where they were created e.g Debt Management Office to the Federal Ministry of Finance – Public Health Department back to the Federal Ministry of Health – National Information Technology Development Agency to be fused into the Ministry of Communication Technology – Reduction of statutory agencies from 263 to 161 – 52 institutions to be merged: NTA, FRCN & VON into the Federal Broadcasting Corporation of Nigeria (FBCN) – NCC & NBC into Communication Regulatory Authority of Nigeria (CRAN); – CCB, EFCC & ICPC to be merged into the Anti-Corruption Commission. – Another key recommendation of the committee was to discontinue government funding of professional bodies and councils. Consequently, there is a need to amend the Professional Bodies (Special Provisions) Act, of 1972 which mandates the government to provide financial support of various kinds to such bodies. – They include the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN); Computer Professionals Council of Nigeria (CPRCN); Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON); Nigeria Press Council; Architects Registration Council; Council for Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN); Estate Surveyors’ Registration Board (ESRB); Town Planners Council (TPC); Nigerian Builders Council (NBC; Quantity Surveyors’ Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRB); Nigerian Builders Council (NBC); and Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG). Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution to be scrapped and its functions to be transferred to the Department of Strategic Studies in the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs (NIIA). The committee recommended that the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Authority (PPPRA) and Petroleum Equalisation Fund be merged with Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF). Based on the White Paper, the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) would be abolished and its enabling law repealed as its functions are being performed by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission. A similar fate awaits the Salaries and Wages Income Commission. – The trio of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) were recommended to be merged into a new body to be known as the Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA) and their respective enabling laws amended accordingly to reflect the merger. – Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), the Committee recommended that it be merged with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to synergize for management and utilization of resources. – The Committee recommended that the enabling law of the National Commission for Nomadic Education be repealed and the Commission’s activities taken over by the Universal Basic Education Commission. – National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

IPOB: Kanu knows fate on fresh bail application, March 19

Nnamdi Kanu, the self acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will on March 19, know fate on his fresh bail application in the terrorism charges against him by the federal government. The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, fixed the date after taking arguments from his counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, praying for his bail, while counsel to the FG, Adegboyega Awomolo SAN objected to granting of bail. In his argument, Kanu prayed for bail to enable him to have unfettered access to his lawyers for his defense. He also claimed to be suffering from acute hypertension and acute heart disease, among other diseases. Responding, FG objected to the application on the ground that Kanu was once granted bail but jumped and fled the country. Awomolo posited that all the bail conditions set by the court were breached and violated and pleaded with the court to dismiss the request. On another motion before the court, Kanu prayed the court not to allow continuation of his trial until certain conditions were met by the federal government. Among others, he requested that Department of State Security (DSS)operatives be barred from interfering with his lawyers during visitation. He also asked that the court should compel the federal government to wear the clothes of his choice. Reacting, the federal government objected to the request on the ground that he has no right under any law to dictate how his trial should be conducted. Consequently, Awomolo asked the court to dismiss the motion on the ground that it was a gross abuse of the court process that must not be allowed. In the meantime, the matter will continue March 19 for ruling on the bail application.