Man in court for allegedly assaulting FERMA official

Man in court for allegedly assaulting FERMA official

 The defendant, whose residential address was not given, is charged with a three-count charge bothering on conspiracy, assault, and intent to steal.

 He told the court that the defendant, who also threatened other staff of the agency, allegedly attempted to steal N1.5million from them during the attack.

 The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges while his lawyer, Mr. Jimmy Jones, prayed the court to grant his client bail in the most liberal terms.http://nannews.com

https://ournigerianews.com/man-in-court-for-allegedly-assaulting-ferma-official/

Child found with dispatch rider not stolen – Police

Child found with dispatch rider not stolen – Police


 

The Police Command in Lagos said that the 10-month-old child found with the dispatch rider was not stolen nor was he kept in the courier box as alleged by the mob.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos Command, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

He said the command’s attention was drawn to a video going viral on social media alleging that a yet-to-be-identified dispatch rider stole a child found and recovered in a dispatch box.

“On 11th March 2022, a video of a dispatch rider accused of concealing a suspected stolen child in a courier box went viral on the social media, causing apprehension.

“Although the incident was not reported at any police station, however, the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, directed that the incident should be investigated immediately.

“In compliance with the directive, the investigation was initiated which led to the discovery of the scene.”

Ajisebutu said that when the mother of the child, Mrs Lovina Biturs, was contacted, she said that the dispatch rider, Mr Williams Tadule, did not steal his child.

“The child was actually taken away and put on the dispatch motorbike by the rider with the consent of his mother.

“She said that her baby is fond of the rider who is a relative and a neighbour.

“The baby was crying uncontrollably when Tadule wanted to go pick up something in the neighbourhood, to pacify the baby, his mother allowed him to go with the rider.

“Passersby who saw the child with the rider along Sangotedo area, Ajah on the said day, became suspicious and concluded that the child might have been stolen.”

The PPRO said that the people raised the alarm which attracted a mob, they pounced on him.

“The mob descended on him through beating without finding out the truth.

“He was eventually rescued by the Chairman of the Sunview Estate, Sangotedo.”

Ajisebutu said that the Commissioner of Police, warns members of the public against any form of jungle justice as such uncivilized action has grave consequences.

 
https://ournigerianews.com/child-found-with-dispatch-rider-not-stolen-police/

Tinubu seeks Ooni, Owa Obokun’s royal blessings for his presidential ambition

Tinubu seeks Ooni, Owa Obokun’s royal blessings for his presidential ambition


A Presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, on Thursday visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, seeking royal blessings for his 2023 presidential ambition.

Tinubu, whose first point of call was the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, said he was in Ile-Ife for Ooni’s prayers over his 2023 presidential ambition.

The presidential aspirant said it was time for people to support him to become the president of the country in 2023.

He claimed to have supported President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 to become the president and was re-elected in 2019.

Tinubu said he would need the support and cooperation of the traditional rulers to achieve his dream, urging them to work for his success during the 2023 general elections.

“President Buhari will soon finish his tenure and I am saying he should not just leave the post, he should hand it over to me.

“I want to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I want you to pray for me,” he said.

Tinubu said he has the ability to diversify the nation’s economy for prosperity, peace and stability, urging Nigerians to play politics of tolerance.

In his remarks, Ooni described Tinubu as a leader that God had bestowed his grace on.

“You have helped much destiny, you have raised many leaders, one can judge this by the massive crowd that followed you here.

“You have come to the throne of Oduduwa for prayers and blessings.

“You need to be grateful to God who created you to be a special breed. God caused your popularity to be spreading across the country.

“We are grateful that you come here today, we are proud of you, you are our star.

“God will grant your aspiration; all the ancestors of Yoruba land will aid your dream. Your steps shall be guided by the spirit of our forefathers.

“God has given you a good name and he will stay by you, you shall continue to be relevant. Your creator shall guide your steps to the seat you are aspiring for.”

At the palace of Owa Obokun in Ilesa, Tinubu said he was at the palace to seek royal blessings over his aspiration.

“I am a new hope for Nigeria, capable and competent enough of ruling this nation as a president.

“That is why I come for your blessings, prayers, encouragement and support to get to my Promise Land.

“I want to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in APC and step into his shoes,” he said.

Aromolaran, who offered prayers for Tinubu, said God would grant him his heart desires.


Tinubu seeks Ooni, Owa Obokun’s royal blessings for his presidential ambition
https://ournigerianews.com/tinubu-seeks-ooni-owa-obokuns-royal-blessings-for-his-presidential-ambition/

Omoyele Sowore Arrested in Abuja

Omoyele Sowore Arrested in Abuja 

By: Collins Mbakwe

Former Presidential Candidate and Publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore has been arrested in Abuja.

According to a statement released by his aide, Femi Adeyeye, Sowore is currently being detained at the dreaded ‘Abbatoir’ SARS station in Abuja.

“As at the time of releasing this statement that he is currently at the dreaded SARS unit called ‘Abattoir’ and men from that station were the ones who carried out the arrest.”

“We are monitoring these events and we can assure all members that these re-occurring illegalities and attacks won’t be allowed to stand. The specific reason(s) for his arrest remain sketchy at this time.”

Our Nigeria News Magazine learned that the fiery activist was picked up after stepping out of the court where the chairman and members of the party had converged to witness a case. Sowore had filed an appeal against the ruling of the Federal High Court that declared Leonard Nzenwa as the acting Chairman of the AAC.
https://ournigerianews.com/omoyele-sowore-arrested-in-abuja/

Police arrest Abba Kyari, 4 other Police Officers

Police arrest Abba Kyari, 4 other Police Officers 


The Nigeria  police have arrested a suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Abba Kyari, and four other police officers over his involvement in drug trafficking.

Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed their arrest in a statement in Abuja, revealed that they have been handed over to authorities of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)

"Others arrested alongside Kyari include ACP Sunday Ubuah, ASP Bawa James, Inspector Simon Agrigba, and Inspector John Nuhu, while the fifth suspect, ASP John Umoru, is still at large.

"They were arrested on Monday for their involvement in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy, discreditable, unethical and unprofessional conduct, official corruption, and tampering with exhibits in a case of illicit drug trafficking involving a perpetual transnational drug cartel, the police said.

The arrest of the officers was sequel to pieces of information received from the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on 10th February 2022,” said Adejobi who is a Chief Superintendent of Police. “In line with standard administrative procedure of the Force, the Inspector General of Police ordered a high-level, discreet, and in-house investigation into the allegations.

“The interim investigations report revealed that two international drug couriers identified as Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus, both males, were arrested at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu on the 19th of January 2022 upon their arrival from Addis Ababa aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight ET917.

“The arrest led to the recovery of a substantial quantity of powdery substance suspected to be cocaine from the two narcotic couriers. The operation which was intelligence-driven was undertaken by a unit of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).”

While the case and the two suspects were transferred to the NDLEA on January 25, Adejobi explained that the findings of the in-house investigation ordered by the police chief established “reasonable grounds for strong suspicion” that the IRT officers involved in the operation could have been involved in some underhand and unprofessional dealings, as well as official corruption which compromised ethical standards in their dealings with the suspects and exhibits recovered.

He added that beyond this, the police investigation also established that the international narcotics cartel involved in the case had “strong ties” with some officers of the NDLEA at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu who were said to be on their payroll.

The two arrested drug couriers, according to the police spokesman, confirmed that the modus is for the transnational drug barons to conspire with the NDLEA officers on duty and send them their pre-boarding photographs for identification, seamless clearance, and unhindered passage out of the airport with the narcotics being trafficked.

The two arrested drug couriers also confirmed that they have been enjoying this relationship with the NDLEA officers at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport since 2021 and had in this instant case of 19th January 2022, been identified and cleared by the NDLEA officers as customary, having received their pre-departure photographs and other details prior to their arrival in Enugu, and were on their way out with the narcotics when they were apprehended by the police,” Adejobi recounted.

“The police investigations report also indicted DCP Abba Kyari, who has been on suspension for his alleged involvement in a different fraud case being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), for complicity in the allegation of official corruption, tampering with narcotics exhibit and sundry unprofessional conducts that negate the standard administrative and investigative protocols of the force, as well as extant criminal laws.

“It is to be emphasised that DCP Abba Kyari’s involvement in these allegations occurred while his suspension from service was subsisting. On the strength of the findings of the in-house Police Investigation Panel, the Inspector-General of Police ordered the immediate arrest and transfer of all the indicted police officers to the NDLEA authorities for conclusive investigation, while appropriate disciplinary actions are also being initiated against them by the Force leadership.

The concerned officers include DCP Abba Kyari, ACP Sunday Ubuah, ASP Bawa James, ASP John Umoru (at large), Inspr. Simon Agrigba and John Nuhu. They have all been, accordingly, handed over today 14th February 2022 to the NDLEA authorities.”

In addition, the police spokesman said the IGP has formally requested the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer to ensure the identification, arrest, and investigation of the anti-drug agency’s officers found to be colluding with the international drug cartel involved in the case.

The police chief assured Nigerians of the force’s commitment to upholding the tenets and values of policing, in line with the agenda of ethical regeneration, restoration of professional standard, enhancement of the anti-corruption drive, and respect for the rule of law and inter-agency collaboration in the drive to stabilised the internal security order of the country.
https://ournigerianews.com/police-arrest-abba-kyari-4-other-police-officers/

INEC to deploy new technology for Plateau by-election –official

INEC to deploy new technology for Plateau by-election  –official

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it had deployed the INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) for the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency and Pankshin South state Constituency by-election slated for February 26.

Plateau INEC Head of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Registry Mr Tol Wakili said at a stakeholder meeting on Friday in Jos, that the machine uses software known as Bimodal  Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

Wakili said that the machine was a massive improvement from the card reader machine that was deployed in previous elections.

The HOD said that, unlike the card reader, the BVAS would identify fingerprints and faces of registered voters.

“Wakili said that machine was used for the dual purpose of identification and authentication.

“In case the fingerprint fails, the machine would capture the face of the voter.

“Both of them cannot fail at the same time, if that happens it means the person with the Permanent Voters Card is not the owner,” he said.

According to him, the card reader had loopholes that desperate politicians explored and used to undermine INEC’s efforts at credible and transparent elections.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Plateau,  Mallam Halilu Payi, said that the stakeholders meeting was part of the activities to have a fair, credible and transparent by-election in Jos North/Bassa and Pankshin.

Payi stated that the stakeholders meeting was one of the critical platforms that INEC used to carry all stakeholders along.

Election activities hold around political parties and they need to be aware of their roles, adding that if they failed to understand their roles, the election may not be successful.

“We are here to brief the stakeholders, including security agencies, on the things we need to do before that actual day of the election.”

He further said that a total  of 652,581 registered voters were expected to participate in the elections, made up of Bassa Local Government with  145,904 registered voters, Jos North, 453, 556, while  Pankshin South had 53, 121.

He stated that the ongoing continuous voter registration was preparatory to the 2023 election and not for the by-election.

He said that those who just registered and were yet to get the  PVC would participate in the by-election.

The state Commissioner of Police, Bathlomew Onyeka, assured the stakeholders that the security agencies were fully prepared for the by-election.

Onyeka, who was represented by ACP Yusuf Ishak, advised the stakeholders to step down the information concerning the elections.

He warned that security agencies would not condone lawlessness during the elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that traditional, religious and civil society organisations, as well as other stakeholders, attended the meeting.
https://ournigerianews.com/inec-to-deploy-new-technology-for-plateau-by-election-official/

INEC to deploy new technology for Plateau by-election –official

INEC to deploy new technology for Plateau by-election  –official

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it had deployed the INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) for the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency and Pankshin South state Constituency by-election slated for February 26.

Plateau INEC Head of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Registry Mr Tol Wakili said at a stakeholder meeting on Friday in Jos, that the machine uses software known as Bimodal  Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

Wakili said that the machine was a massive improvement from the card reader machine that was deployed in previous elections.

The HOD said that, unlike the card reader, the BVAS would identify fingerprints and faces of registered voters.

“Wakili said that machine was used for the dual purpose of identification and authentication.

“In case the fingerprint fails, the machine would capture the face of the voter.

“Both of them cannot fail at the same time, if that happens it means the person with the Permanent Voters Card is not the owner,” he said.

According to him, the card reader had loopholes that desperate politicians explored and used to undermine INEC’s efforts at credible and transparent elections.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Plateau,  Mallam Halilu Payi, said that the stakeholders meeting was part of the activities to have a fair, credible and transparent by-election in Jos North/Bassa and Pankshin.

Payi stated that the stakeholders meeting was one of the critical platforms that INEC used to carry all stakeholders along.

Election activities hold around political parties and they need to be aware of their roles, adding that if they failed to understand their roles, the election may not be successful.

“We are here to brief the stakeholders, including security agencies, on the things we need to do before that actual day of the election.”

He further said that a total  of 652,581 registered voters were expected to participate in the elections, made up of Bassa Local Government with  145,904 registered voters, Jos North, 453, 556, while  Pankshin South had 53, 121.

He stated that the ongoing continuous voter registration was preparatory to the 2023 election and not for the by-election.

He said that those who just registered and were yet to get the  PVC would participate in the by-election.

The state Commissioner of Police, Bathlomew Onyeka, assured the stakeholders that the security agencies were fully prepared for the by-election.

Onyeka, who was represented by ACP Yusuf Ishak, advised the stakeholders to step down the information concerning the elections.

He warned that security agencies would not condone lawlessness during the elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that traditional, religious and civil society organisations, as well as other stakeholders, attended the meeting.
https://ournigerianews.com/inec-to-deploy-new-technology-for-plateau-by-election-official/

NIGERIA IS OUR NIGERIA: WE MUST join HANDS TOGETHER TO MAKE IT WORK OR W...

Insecurity: Military train 98 youths on intelligence gathering

Insecurity: Military train 98 youths on intelligence gathering

The Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Kaduna State and Bauchi State, says it has trained 98 youths on intelligence gathering and surveillance in southern Kaduna.

Maj. Ishaku Takwa, the Media Officer of the task force, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Jos.

According to Takwa, the gesture aimed at addressing the incessant activities of bandits and other insecurity in the southern parts of the state.

The media officer said that the youths were selected from various communities and across ethnic and religious groups in the area.

He said, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, the Commander of the task force, charged the beneficiaries to put the knowledge gained into good use.

“In a bid to curb the incessant banditry activities in southern Kaduna, OPSH trained 98 youths on surveillance and information gathering.

“The youths selected from all the communities and ethnic groups in southern Kaduna passed out in a colourful graduation ceremony.

“Addressing the youths during graduation on Wednesday, the commander of OPSH, charged them to distance themselves from sentiment and discharge their duty without fear or favour.

“He stresses that the essence of the training is to ensure that the communities are protected against enemies of peace,” the statement.

Takwa said Ali warned them to desist from thuggery and focus on the assignment given them.

He said that the commander called on residents of the communities to cooperate and support the beneficiaries toward ensuring a crime-free society.

Insecurity: Military train 98 youths on intelligence gathering
https://ournigerianews.com/insecurity-military-train-98-youths-on-intelligence-gathering/

Amina Dikwa Foundation intervention in Borno State.

LG boss urges community associations to execute people-oriented projects

LG boss urges community associations to execute people-oriented projects

Mr Yunana Barde, the Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has urged Community Development Associations in the area to execute people oriented-projects to augment government efforts.

Barde made the call in Kafanchan on Wednesday when he received the leadership of Kafanchan (Fantswam) Development Association (KDA) in his office.

“I want to call on Community Development Associations to mobilize their people on community self-help projects.

“This will help fast track the pace of development in their respective areas as against depending on government for everything,” he added

Represented by the Vice-Chairman, Christie Usman, the chairman said that for any society to grow, a multi-dimensional approach for development had to be adequately adopted.

He stated that the council was always open to work with public-spirited individuals and organizations to execute meaningful projects that have a direct bearing on the populace.

The Council boss described Development Associations as partners in progress and veritable tools for rapid social transformation and peacebuilding.

He lamented the continued activities of bandits and kidnappers in the area and called on traditional and religious leaders to work with the government in its bid to end the menace.

Earlier in his address, the National President of KDA, Bonat Tagwai, said the group were in the chairman’s office to pledge their support to the council in its determination to provide purposeful leadership.

Tagwai appealed to the chairman to help in hastening the completion of the Kafanchan modern market, popularly called Yakowa market.

According to him, the market, when completed, has enormous potential to increase the revenue base of the council to enable it to embark on meaningful projects for the people.

He also decried the alarming rate of school dropouts, drug abuse and unemployment among the youths in the area.

He advised the chairman to initiate empowerment programs that would equip the youths with skills to make them self reliant. (NAN)

https://ournigerianews.com/lg-boss-urges-community-associations-to-execute-people-oriented-projects/

Zamfara warns politicians against hasty accusations against Gov. Matawalle

Zamfara warns politicians against hasty accusations against Gov. Matawalle

The Zamfara Government has warned politicians and organisations against hasty accusations against Gov. Bello Matawalle.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications, Mr Zailani Bappa, gave the warning in a statement in Gusau on Wednesday.

“We have noticed an increasing trend of reckless accusations against the person of Governor Bello Matawalle from disgruntled quarters across the state.’’

He said such accusations came from “disadvantaged politicians seeking for relevance and some so-called professional organisations seeking for recognition by all means.

Bappa said those politicians and organisations had cash in on the open-door policy of the governor to bring his name to disrepute.

“It must be stated here that democracy and freedom of speech are sacrosanct but in no way a ticket to abuse the institution of authority with slander and libel.’’

Bappa said that anybody or organisation with complaints against any misdeed must follow due process in seeking redress.

According to him, they should do this by reporting any matter to the security operatives and approaching the court for redress based on the outcome of the investigation.

He warned that henceforth, no person or group should publicly accuse the state governor or his administration with “baseless innuendos’’.

“We hereby draw the attention of all persons and organisations to be cautious as the law will take its course on any further slander or libel against the governor.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Tuesday, an online medium had accused the governor of sponsoring thugs to attack its office in Gusau. (NAN)
https://ournigerianews.com/zamfara-warns-politicians-against-hasty-accusations-against-gov-matawalle/

Enugu schools to resume Jan. 10, says Commissioner

Enugu schools to resume Jan. 10, says Commissioner

The Enugu State Ministry of Education says all schools in the state will resume for the new academic session on Jan. 10.

The Commissioner for Education,  Prof. Uchenna Eze, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Wednesday that the state was operating a uniform timetable for all schools, both public and private.

”The ministry has informed all schools to observe all existing COVID-19 prevention protocols. The ministry will also work relentlessly to ensure that schools in the state still remained COVID-19 free.

”We are going to do that by active cooperation and collaboration of schools’ management. As schools resume on Monday, the ministry supervisors will  move from school to school to ensure all necessary COVID-19 prevention protocols are observed or put in place,” he said.

The commissioner urged schools to get their temperature thermometers ready, make provision for running water and soap or alternatively alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

”They must also ensure good spacing of the pupils as well as functional sick bay and first aid box to ensure quick medical attention and isolation of any pupil suspected to fall sick during school hours.

“Pupils must come to school wearing their face masks,” he noted. (NAN)
https://ournigerianews.com/enugu-schools-to-resume-jan-10-says-commissioner/

COVID-19: Nigeria records 428 new infections, 8 deaths

COVID-19: Nigeria records 428 new infections, 8 deaths

Nigeria recorded 428 new COVID-19 infections with eight deaths on Tuesday in 13 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Nigeria Centre For Disease Control (NCDC) made this known on Wednesday.

The centre said Nigeria now has 244,548 confirmed cases in the 36 states and the FCT.

The NCDC said Rivers led with 188 cases followed by Ondo with (54), the FCT (42), Imo (25), Nasarawa (24), Oyo (23), Edo (18), Akwa Ibom (16), Ogun (14), Osun (10), Kano (7), Ekiti (3), Borno and Plateau (2) each.

It added that Bauchi and Sokoto states reported that they recorded no cases on Tuesday.

The NCDC also disclosed that 634 persons were discharged on Tuesday.

It added that 216,814 Nigerians have been successfully treated and discharged nationwide while over 24,681 people were still down with the virus.

It said that with the eight confirmed deaths from the COVID-19 complications on Tuesday, the country’s death toll rose to 3,053.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Public Health agency noted that 3,863,081 people have been tested for the virus.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency said as at Dec. 8, 2021, 3.5 million eligible Nigerians have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The agency also said that 6.6 million Nigerians had taken the first dose while 3.5 million had been fully vaccinated against the virus.

The Federal Government also assured Nigerians of adequate doses of vaccines in-store to cover a large percentage of the population, adding that the country was awaiting about 57 million doses of the vaccine.
https://ournigerianews.com/covid-19-nigeria-records-428-new-infections-8-deaths/

No plans to abandon Ilesa water project says Osun Assembly Speaker

No plans to abandon Ilesa water project says Osun Assembly Speaker

 Mr Timothy Owoeye, Speaker of Osun House of Assembly, has debunked a report which alleged that an ongoing water project in Ilesa has been abandoned by the state government.

Owoeye, in a statement on Wednesday in Osogbo, said the write-up, entitled: “Settling political scores through People’s basic need in Ijeshaland”, his constituency, is filled with unsubstantiated claims.

“The attention of the Office of the Speaker has been brought to a write-up titled Settling Political Scores through People’s Basic Need in Ijeshaland” that is being circulated online.

“The Office of the Speaker would have disregarded the report but it will not be appropriate to allow the misinformation to sink in the minds of our good people of Osun.

“The said piece with the headline, “Ilesa water project is about to be abandoned like all the previous government projects”, looks faceless, not signed and filled with unsubstantiated allegations”, Owoeye said.

He said the author of the story should have asked questions if he or she was in doubt instead of spreading ‘false’ information.

“The 7th Assembly presided over by Timothy Owoeye, is one that is overseeing the performance and expenditure of the Executive based on the interest of the people.

“It is an indirect way of compelling the executive to be answerable to the citizens.

“The 7th Assembly has continually been engaging the Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr Amidu Tadese, and the Chief Consultant of the water project in Ilesa,  Mrs Tawa Williams”, Owoeye said.

The Speaker said he was very passionate about the water project, adding that he would do his best to ensure that the project was completed.

“The House of Assembly Committee on Water Resources, headed by Mr Babatunde Olateju, in its oversight function, had paid several visits to the Ilesa water project,” he said.

According to him, the Assembly knows that all project’s components are almost completed except the treatment plants in Kajola, which was affected by mining activities in Ijesaland and COVID-19 pandemic.

“My candid advice for us all is that we should rally round this present administration in ensuring that more development is brought to the state,” the Speaker said (NAN) 
https://ournigerianews.com/no-plans-to-abandon-ilesa-water-project-says-osun-assembly-speaker/

Islam is a Religion of Peace

Nigeria our nation

PEACE AND UNITY

Tukur & Tukur Farms FC wins Buratai Peace Cup 2021

Tukur & Tukur Farms LTD Football Club has emerged as the winner of the first edition of Ambassador Tukur Yusufu Buratai Peace and Unity Football Cup competition.

The team received the prestigious cup after defeating FC Zaria Liners with 3-1 in the final which took place at the Tukur & Tukur Farms's stadium in Keffi, Nasarawa State on Saturday.

The Commissioner of the tournament, Muktar Umar Yakubu said the competition was organised and sponsored by Kabiru Lawal (Jarmau Jaji), popularly known as “Socket”, in honour of the former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria's Envoy to the Republic of Benin, Amb. Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd)

“The tournament was in appreciation of Buratai's effort towards peacebuilding during his stay at Jaji as a Directing Staff and Chief Instructor before becoming the COAS, adding that about 18 teams were registered for the tournament.

     

The Team Manager, Tukur & Tukur Farms FC, Ibrahim Lawal said the tournament is one of the best in Nigeria.

He commended the organiser of the tournament for providing the platform, describing Buratai as “an Ambassador of Peace and a man of the youths.”

The Team Manager, FC Zaria Liners, Bello Mustapha also commended Amb. Buratai, describing him as a man of integrity who loves and cares for the youths.

The Paramount Ruler of Alesa-Eleme, Rivers State, HRH Emere Sir Emperor John Dimkpa Nkpe II JP, who was also present at the occasion, said the tournament is a way of promoting peace and unity in the country and called on Nigerians to embrace peace and unity.



Also speaking Amb Tukur Yusufu Buratain said he uses the opportunity of the tournament to invite some football Scouts to come and pick the best among the youth the perform in the competition.



He also urged Nigerian Youth to shunt violence to embrace peacebuilding and he also said that tournaments will be nationwide next year.

 
https://ournigerianews.com/tukur-tukur-farms-fc-wins-buratai-peace-cup-2021/

ONA 2021: Dr Salamatu Suleiman to receive General Yukubu Gowon Excellence Award in Leadership

ONA 2021: Dr Salamatu Suleiman to receive General Yukubu Gowon Excellence Award in Leadership


 

The Board and Management of OurNigeria News Magazine and organiser of the OurNigeria News Awards (ONA) has ratified to confer the General Yukubu Gowon Excellence Award in Leadership on the Chairman, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman.

ONA is an annual event where prominent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their chosen careers and communities are identified and celebrated. This year’s edition is the second in the series and it is scheduled to take place on the 17th of December 2021 at the Lady Kwali Hall of Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja.

The selection of Dr. Suleiman for the General Yukubu Gowon Excellence Award in Leadership is in recognition of her exemplary commitment, honesty, and an outstanding sense of patriotism as a technocrat and her efforts towards promoting political stability and peace in Nigeria.

Read Also: Meet HRH Emere Emperor JD Nkpe II, OurNigeria News’ Icon of National Unity

She was born on October 27, 1960, in the famous fishing town of Argungu, now in Kebbi State. Her father, late Alkali Hussaini Gwandu was an Islamic scholar and jurist from the legendary family of Alhaji Saadu, a scholar who taught as far as Egypt in the twentieth century. Her Mother Hajiya Safiyatu Hussaini is a princess from the Royal Family of Gwandu Emirate and holds the prestigious title of Gimbiyar Gwandu.

Dr. Suleiman, who is also a lawyer, by dint of sheer hard work, tenacity, resilience and perhaps, providence, rose to become a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and also a Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission (the first woman to hold such a position).

She had her primary education at Makerar Gandu Primary School, Birnin-Kebbi. In 1973, she sat for the National Common Entrance examination and passed with flying colors and thus gained entry into the prestigious Queens’s College, Lagos. She passed out with Division 1 in the West African School Certificate Examination in 1977. She proceeded to the School of Basic Studies of the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, where she obtained her ‘A’ Levels (the Interim Joint Matriculation Board Examination Certificate).

In 1978, following the footsteps of her father, she chose to study law and enrolled at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kongo Campus. She was actively involved in Student Unionism and was elected Vice President of the Student’s Union Government in 1979. She also excelled academically and came top of the class in the Annual Moot Court Competition, Faculty of Law Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1981 before she graduated with the LLB (Hons) degree. Between 1981 and 1982, she was enrolled in the Nigerian Law School where she also excelled and was called to the Nigerian bar. Between 1982 and 1983, she served her National Youth Service Corps with the Sokoto State Ministry of Justice and continued her professional career there as a State Counsel. Her quest for scholarship saw her proceed to the London School of Economics and Political Science, where she bagged the LLM with Distinction in Multinational Enterprise and the Law in 1987.

In 1989, she veered into the corporate sector and joined the Continental Merchant Bank, where she worked in various capacities, rising to the position of Company Secretary. She moved to NAL Merchant Bank from 1996 to 1997, and then to Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) as Legal Adviser/Company Secretary, a position she held until 2001 when she left to take up another appointment as Secretary/Director of Legal Services of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Her exemplary commitment, honesty, and an outstanding sense of patriotism as a technocrat brought her to the attention of President Umaru Musa Yar’adua who appointed her the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, in December 2008. In 2010, she was reappointed Honorable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, a position she held until May 2011. In 2012, she was appointed Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security, ECOWAS Commission, a position she held for a term of four years up to April 2016.

On the 18th of May, 2021, the Senate confirmed the appointment of Dr. Suleiman as Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). She was also recently appointed as Member, ECOWAS Council of the Wise.

Dr. Suleiman has been running her Legal firm, Hussaini Suleiman & Co, and also serves as an Independent non-executive Director on the Boards of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), and a few other business interests. One of her greatest passions however is poverty eradication through the empowerment of women and youth and the promotion of education for all. This is done through a Charity organization, Alkali Hussaini Foundation, which she founded in 2007.

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Suleiman, who received a Honourary Doctorate Degree from the University of Abuja in 2019, is a fellow of Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin-Kebbi, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC). In 2018, she bagged the prestigious ABU Alumni Career Service Award. In recognition of her efforts to promote political stability and peace in the ECOWAS region, she was bestowed with the West African Peace Building Fellowship in Accra, Ghana by the West African Network for peacebuilding (a regional NGO that works with stakeholders to promote peace in the ECOWAS and the AU Countries).

She had attended various development programmes at home and abroad, including at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School of Governance and the Harvard Business School. She has visited many countries around the world and received a letter of commendation for exemplary service from the Federal Government of Nigeria, the ECOWAS Commission, and other establishments where she has served.

Dr. Suleiman is consistently involved in community development programmes in Kebbi State. She currently serves as a Grand Patron of Salamatu Hussaini Government Girls Secondary School, one of the major girls’ educational institutions in Birnin Kebbi, named after her by the State Government, where she has provided support in critical furniture, learning equipment, and mentoring of the students periodically. She has extended support in the renovation of schools and provision of learning materials, and engages regularly in active advocacy with all stakeholders to improve quality of education, empower women and the less privileged, and generally contribute to poverty alleviation and national development.

 


ONA 2021: Dr Salamatu Suleiman to receive General Yukubu Gowon Excellence Award in Leadership
https://ournigerianews.com/ona-2021-dr-salamatu-suleiman-to-receive-general-yukubu-gowon-ex/