BREAKING: Kebbi LG Chairman is dead

The Executive Chairman of Maiyama Local Government Area, Hon. Zayyanu Muhammad Bello, is dead. The Kebbi State Government officially announced his passing after a prolonged illness, Daily Post reports. The news of his death was conveyed to the public through a statement released by Ahmed Idris, the spokesman for the state governor, on Thursday. Bello, a dedicated public servant, breathed his last early in the morning at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) in Sokoto. “Regrettably, with a heavy heart, I announce the death of Hon. Zayyanu Muhammad Bello, Executive Chairman of Maiyama Local Government. “He died early this morning at UDUTH Sokoto after a protracted illness.” The statement read. The statement added that the government would communicate details of his burial arrangements to the public in due course.

BREAKING! Lucky Aiyedatiwa Sworn In As Governor

Following the unfortunate passing of Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, the Acting Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has been sworn in as the substantive Governor. After the swearing-in ceremony, Aiyedatiwa is expected to promptly appoint key officials such as the Chief of Staff, Chief Security Officer, Chief Press Secretary, among others, and initiate a cabinet reshuffle. The demise of Governor Akeredolu occurred on Wednesday in a German hospital after a challenging battle with leukemia. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by key figures including the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, members of the assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, and the state chairman of the ruling party APC, Ade Adetimehin. Additionally, members of the Executive Council, political office holders, and other party members graced the occasion with their presence.

Akeredolu’s Death A Colossal Loss- AGF

Attorney General of the Federation(AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, has described the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State as a colossal loss to the country, the legal world and civil society organisations. Prince Fagbemi said Akeredolu’s days as the president of the Nigerian Bar Association brought immense growth to the bar. “I’m saddened by his death. He was a patriot, a goal-getter and legal luminary who served his state well and the entire country. “He will be sorely missed by the NBA, Body of Benchers, Body of Senior Advocates, Nigeria Governors Forum and Southern Governors Forum” the AGF said. In a statement on Wednesday, the AGF extended his sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, the government and people of Ondo State, and the entire nation, while praying God to grant his soul rest in peace. END.

INEC Implements FG Retirement Policy: Four Directors set to Retire

In compliance with the government’s reviewed policy on retirement from the federal public service, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the retirement of four directors of Election Management Body. Based on circular number HSCF/SPSO/268/T3/2/37 issued on July 27, 2023, it becomes mandatory for a director who has put in eight years of service on the rank to retire. Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, revealed that INEC will comply with the government’s directive requiring Directors with eight or more years of service to retire from the public sector. This decision will result in four directors proceeding on terminal leave. Notably, two of these directors hold pivotal roles as heads of departments at the National Headquarters, while the remaining two occupy the positions of Administrative Secretaries within the State offices. However, an exemption clause under Circular MH. 7205/T/31 dated September 7, 2023, exempts Clinical Officers within the medical cadre from this retirement policy. Olumekun conveyed the Commission’s well-wishes to the affected Directors as they prepare to conclude their tenure and retire from their roles within the Commission.

Akeredolu’s Death, A Big Blow To APC – Tinubu Mourns

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the demise of Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu. Akeredolu, 67, died in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27 after a prolonged battle with leukemia. Reacting to the Southwest governor’s death, Tinubu in a statement on Wednesday described Akeredolu as man who moved the nation towards equity, fairness and justice in his strident advocacy against every form of injustice. “Rotimi was a strong voice in wilderness calling us to rethink our security architecture so we can have a more secure nation. His unrelenting advocacy led to the birth of the local police in the South West.  “Rotimi was a man of ideas and action. While he was with us, he taught us the power of action and service. “We fought many battles together to restore progressive governance in the South West, Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.  “Governor Akeredolu was not just a friend, ally and associate, he was a brother and soulmate. “His death is a blow to our governing APC and the progressive family as we are diminished by it. “I hope that his successor Aiyedatiwa will hold steadfast to the vision of governance left by this towering political leader”, part of the statement read.

Nigeria Set to Commence Gas Supply to South Africa by 2024

Nigeria, a significant player in the global energy sector, has announced plans to initiate gas supply to South Africa in the first quarter of 2024.  This development was revealed by David Ige, the Executive of Riverside LNG, a prominent Nigerian-based energy company, during a recent interview held in Abuja. Highlighting the growing collaboration between the two nations, Ige stated that substantial discussions on energy collaboration have been initiated.  Earlier this year, Riverside LNG solidified a gas-export partnership with Johannes Schuetze Energy Import AG of Germany, indicating a broader expansion of its market reach. “We’d probably close out another segment of the market very early in the year, an off-take for South Africa,” Ige stated, pointing out the evolving gas market spanning approximately 3,000 nautical miles from Nigeria, covering southern Africa, western Africa, northwest Europe, the Caribbean, and South America. Nigeria, recognized for its vast energy resources, boasts 202 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of untapped proven gas reserves, as confirmed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Plateau massacre: Death toll hits 150, over 6,000 displaced

Death toll from the attacks launched on 23 villages in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State, from Saturday night to early Monday morning rose to 155 yesterday; while over 6,000 people are said to have been displaced. The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) condemned the attacks and called for a change in military tactics. Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, Director, Publicity and Advocacy/Spokesperson, NEF, in a statement, said: “NEF expresses concern over the inability of the military to prevent the Christmas Eve killings, despite claiming to have promptly responded to 36 distress calls from different locations in Plateau State in the 48 hours leading up to Christmas. This highlights the Forum’s growing suspicions regarding the efficacy and sufficiency of the government’s operational methods. “NEF questions whether the strategies employed by the government are flawed or grossly inadequate, given the audacious regularity and ease with which the attackers operate across the northern region. “NEF is also deeply concerned about the recent security incident in Ruwan Dorawa village, Zamfara State that unfolded on the same Christmas Eve resulting in the loss of two innocent lives and the abduction of over 25 individuals, predominantly children and women, including the wife of the village head. “In light of this incident and the escalating security challenges faced by the region, NEF urgently demands a comprehensive investigation into the reported security lapse in Ruwan Dorawa village. The findings of this inquiry must be made public, and those responsible for the security breach must be held accountable to ensure justice for the victims and prevent such incidents from reoccurring,” the statement said. The Forum also called upon the relevant authorities to give immediate attention to the several administrative and judicial commissions of inquiry reports concerning security incidents in Plateau, Kaduna and other conflict areas in the North. It further called “For a reassessment of the current strategies deployed by the government, as they have proved ineffective and inefficient in curbing the escalating violence. NEF strongly condemns this devastating act and expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this heinous crime.” Kwara State governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the attacks on Plateau villages as shocking and sad. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor asked the security agencies to get to the root of the incident. He condolled with the people and government of Plateau, especially the bereaved families. He said, “Nothing justifies the violence visited on innocent people” and urged the security agencies to get to the roots of the incident and bring perpetrators to book. He prayed to God to give comfort to all the affected families and appealed to everyone on the Plateau to do everything to avoid “A cycle of violence, which only inflicts generational pains and underdevelopment”. Similarly, the Northern States Governors’ Forum described the attacks as reprehensible and heinous. Its chairman and governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, expressed deepest condolences to the affected families and communities as well as the government and people of Plateau State. In a statement by his spokesman, Ismaila Uba Misilli, he said it was “Reprehensible and disheartening to hear the loss of over 100 hundred lives and destruction of properties that occurred during these attacks, especially during a time when residents were preparing to celebrate the festive season. “Such acts of violence are not only cowardly but also run counter to the spirit of unity and coexistence that our region upholds. “We must all prioritise peace and harmonious living in our communities. Now, more than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to peaceful coexistence and solidarity regardless of our differences. “We must unite in our commitment to peace and security, and stand firm against all forms of violence and division,” the governor warned in the statement. Yahaya commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his leadership and responsible handling of the situation in the aftermath of the attacks and assured him that the northern governors stood united in solidarity with him in the face of adversity and would work together towards lasting peace in Plateau State. He commended the security agencies operating in the area, and implored them to redouble their efforts in safeguarding the lives and property of the people, harping on urgent need for increased vigilance and swift action to ensure the safety of all citizens. He also urged members of the communities to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the security agencies for immediate intervention. Meanwhile, the governor of Plateau State, Celeb Mutfwang, said 64 communities in the state had been displaced by terrorists occupying the areas and some schools. Speaking on Channels Television yesterday, Mutfwang highlighted the immense burden placed on the state by the continuous displacement of citizens due to terrorist activities. He said, “When people are dislocated from their villages and they have to run for shelter, now we are struggling to provide shelter for these people that have been displaced and dislocated from their communities. “If they stay away from those communities for a sustained period of time, the terrorists would come in. As I am talking to you today (Tuesday), in Riyom Local Government, in Barkin Ladi Local Government, schools have been occupied by these terrorists for almost a number of years now. “We have not less than 64 communities that have been displaced and their lands have been taken over by these terrorists.” The governor condemned the perceived inaction under the previous administration, stating that residents felt the terrorists were given official government backing. He emphasised that the current occupation of schools did not happen overnight, with some having been seized for as long as five years. “Under the last regime, the feeling among people in Plateau State particularly the victims of these terrorist attacks was that it looked as if the terrorists were given official government backing to be able to terrorise them because little or nothing was done to repel these attacks. “I can tell you these schools

UK Students Launch ‘Career Boycott’ Against Barclays Over Climate Policies

Hundreds of students from prominent UK universities have taken a strong stance against Barclays, initiating a “career boycott” in protest of the bank’s climate policies. The group, comprising over 220 individuals from universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and University College London, has firmly conveyed their refusal to work for Barclays, citing the bank’s refusal to give financial support for fossil fuel companies as the crux of their protest warning that the bank risks losing top talent if it continues these practices. In a formal letter addressed to Barclays, the students highlighted their concerns, asserting that the bank’s purportedly ambitious decarbonization goals contradict its actions, particularly in financing major oil and gas entities like Shell, TotalEnergies, Exxon, and BP. They criticized the discrepancy between Barclays’ professed commitment and the support extended to fossil fuel companies, many of which have scaled back their climate pledges. The students’ letter further emphasized the shifting stances of major oil corporations. Notably, BP revised its emission reduction target from 35% to a range of 20% to 30% by 2030, while ExxonMobil quietly withdrew funding for low-carbon fuel creation using algae. Additionally, Shell reneged on promises to increase investments in renewable energy this year. Their demand to Barclays is clear: cease all financing and underwriting for oil and gas firms, not solely their projects, and substantially increase funding for wind and solar energy initiatives. Michelle Hemmingfield, representing Students Organising for Sustainability UK, underscored the significance of this movement, indicating that Barclays heavily relies on STEM applicants from top universities like Oxbridge for recruitment, posing a potential challenge should the bank persist in financing new oil and gas infrastructure. This “career boycott” compounds Barclays’ existing challenges, following prior scrutiny from climate activists at its AGM and pressure regarding sponsorships and affiliations. The bank’s spokesperson defended its actions, stating alignment with a goal to become a net-zero bank by 2050, emphasizing efforts to collaborate with clients in transitioning toward a low-carbon model. Barclays cited a 32% reduction in emissions financed in the energy sector since 2020 and substantial green financing initiatives, aiming to facilitate $1 trillion in sustainable financing between 2023 and 2030.

Nigeria’s Diaspora Remittances Predicted to Surpass $20 Billion in 2023, World Bank Reports

The World Bank’s recent Migration and Development Brief forecasts a significant upsurge in diaspora remittances flowing into Nigeria to surpass a staggering $20 billion by year-end, 2023. This surge reflects a broader trend of a 1.9% increase in total remittances within the Sub-Saharan Africa region. The report, unveiled this month, outlines projections indicating that remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa will rise from $53 billion in 2022 to $54 billion in 2023. Furthermore, it anticipates a continued upward trajectory, reaching $55 billion by 2024. The tempered growth in 2023 is attributed to the sluggish pace of expansion in high-income economies, where a significant number of Sub-Saharan African migrants earn their livelihoods. Nigeria, serving as the recipient of 38% of remittance flows to the region, experienced a marginal uptick of approximately two percent. Similarly, other key beneficiaries such as Ghana and Kenya registered estimated gains of 5.6% and 3.8%, respectively. The report also highlights the influence of fixed exchange rates and capital controls, diverting remittances away from official channels towards unofficial ones. Looking ahead to 2024, the projections indicate a 2.5% increase in remittance flows to the region. Notably, remittances from the United States have exhibited stability, while the euro area’s recovery remains hampered, with output lingering 2.2% below pre-pandemic projections. The World Bank’s findings underscore the resilience and substantial contribution of Diaspora remittances to the economic landscape of Nigeria and the wider Sub-Saharan African region, albeit in the face of ongoing challenges in global economic recovery.

Ondo Gov, Akeredolu is Dead

Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, the Governor of Ondo State, has passed away after a prolonged struggle with leukemia. According to a source within his family, Akeredolu breathed his last in Lagos, under the care of State House doctors, unable to travel abroad due to his health condition. The 67-year-old governor, who had been undergoing medical attention since his return from Germany in September, recently handed over power to his deputy, Aiyedatiwa, following directives from President Bola Tinubu. Aiyedatiwa had been acting as Governor during Akeredolu’s periods of medical leave. Akeredolu’s health struggles were evident earlier in the year when his wife, Betty, announced the suspension of her 70th birthday celebrations due to unforeseen circumstances related to her husband’s health. Reports surfaced indicating the Governor’s battle with leukemia, a cancer of the blood affecting the production of essential blood cells, leading to severe health complications. Leukemia, which disrupts the body’s ability to fight infections, manifests in various forms, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Its symptoms, as outlined by medical sources, encompass weakness, bruising, fever, infections, bone pain, and several other discomforts. The Governor’s courageous fight against this formidable disease and the subsequent impact on his ability to govern drew public attention and concern. Akeredolu’s passing leaves a void in the state leadership, prompting grief and tributes from citizens across Ondo and beyond.