The death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and other military officers on Friday in Kaduna, no doubt threw the entire country into mourning as it is no doubt one disaster that is becoming too many for the nation’s defence formation even as the crash sparked mourning through the length and breadth of the nation.
President Muhammadu Buhari who is deeply saddened over the air crash expressed shock while condoling with families of the deceased, the military, and Nigerians in general, describing them as: “heroes who paid the ultimate price for peace and security in the land.”
While praying that God receives the souls of the patriots, the President says the crash “is one mortal blow to our underbelly, at a time our armed forces are poised to end the security challenges facing the country.”
Buhari pledged that the departed would not die in vain, Mr. Femi Adesina, Spokesperson to the President, said in a statement.
Also voicing their grieve at the calamity, the Senate President, Mr. Ahmad Lawan and his colleague at the House of representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, also sounded their deep sadness over the tragic death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, and other military officers killed in an air crash on Friday while on official trip to Kaduna.
Lawan describes the tragedy as a national disaster of immense proportion that has thrown the entire nation into mourning.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Chief of Defence Staff and the entire members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria over this tragedy.
“This incident is saddening, coming at a time there is a fresh momentum in the nation’s war against insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes.
“The Chief of Army Staff and the other officers gave their lives for the security and unity of Nigeria and will be remembered as heroes in the history of the country.
“I commiserate with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari and the families of the deceased over the tragic incident and wish the departed souls eternal peace.” Lawan said, according to the statement made available to the media by Mr. Ola Awoniyi, who is the Special Advider on Media to Lawan.
In this vein, Mr. Lanre Lasisi, the Special Adviser to the Speaker in a statement while quoting his Principal, said: “The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has described as shocking and sad the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, and seven others in a plane crash on Friday evening in Kaduna.
“The death of the Army Chief was unfortunate coming at a time that the Nigerian military was finding solutions to the security challenges in the country.”
According to him, having taken over from the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, a couple of months ago, Attahiru has shown a lot of commitment in tackling the security situation in the country.
He said: “The Nigerian military, especially the Nigeria Army, has lost a dedicated and committed senior officer whose services to fatherland will be sorely missed.
On the air crash which claimed the top military officers on Friday, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki was also thrown into mourning mood
Obaseki reiterated that Attahiru and others passed in an Airforce aircraft crash in Kaduna, on Friday evening.
Obaseki expressed shock and sadness over the unfortunate incident, praying that God will grant the repose of their souls.
“We pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident and admonish the military to continue with the patriotic efforts to secure the country,” he said.
“Lt. Gen. Attahiru served Nigeria meritoriously, bringing his skill, experience and expertise to bear in prosecuting the war against terror.
“He will always be remembered for his gallantry, commitment to service and dedication to our fatherland,” Obaseki added.
———- Forwarded message ———
From: Oluyinka Akintunde <oluyinkaakintunde@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, May 20, 2021 at 4:16 PM
Subject: Foreign Countries Should Refund Stolen Funds With Interest – ICPC Chairman
To:
INDEPENDENT CORRUPT PRACTICES AND OTHER RELATED OFFENCES COMMISSION
ICPC: Foreign Countries Should Refund Stolen Funds with Interest
By Dwelleth Morountodun
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye SAN, has canvassed the payment of interests on stolen funds by benefiting foreign nations as part of measures to redress the menace of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs).
The ICPC boss also disclosed that the Federal Government of Nigeria was currently reviewing legacy transactions in oil and gas, tax investments and the use of waivers in Nigeria in order to curb IFFs.
ICPC Spokesperson, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, in a statement made available to the media, said the ICPC boss made the disclosure at the International Conference on IFFs and Asset Recovery, held at the ICPC Headquarters, Abuja, said illegal movements of funds from African countries abroad has made the continent to be the biggest victim of IFFs.
He urged foreign beneficiaries of IFFs to deduct loans to African countries from the illegal funds in their possessions, and returned the outstanding amount with interests to the continent.
He said, “Africa is the biggest victim of IFFs. If you evaluate what we have lost as a continent against what African counties owe, Africa should be a net creditor to the world. They can decide to deduct the loans given to African countries from all the money taken from the continent, there will still be a substantial amount to return to Africa.
“The money should also be returned with interests as they have been in use over there. The money should be placed in an Escrow account, and a regional development bank that knows how to manage money should be in charge of such funds.”
The ICPC Chairman advocated a workable framework that will reduce the timeframe for the repatriation of identified stolen funds and assets, decrying the huge loss suffered by the continent due to long and tedious processes which usually takes several years to complete.
Besides, Prof. Owasanoye said there were on-going efforts by the Federal Government to block illicit outflows of funds through the review of international transactions that enable IFFs.
His words: “We are reviewing the legacy transaction in oil and gas, tax investments and the use of waivers in Nigeria to close loopholes that facilitate IFFs. For instance, a lot of damage can be done through confidential clauses in loans, oil and gas contracts, and others. The review will prevent dodgy politicians from taking money out.”
A member of the Thabo Mbeki Panel on Illicit Financial Flows out of Africa, Ms. Souad Aden Osman, said that efforts to stop IFFs were more critical now than ever due to the huge level of poverty and underdevelopment in Africa.
In her lead presentation titled “Common African Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR), Osman urged African countries to mount a coordinated effort against IFFs by taking action and speaking with one voice to recover stolen funds.
She said, “CAPAR is the bedrock for technical instrument for negotiating for funds taken from the continent to be returned. It recommends efficient recovery and unconditional return of stolen assets with due respect to our sovereignty.”
CAPAR, she added, recommended the deployment of recovered assets for the good of the citizens and not be allowed to be re-stolen.
“The recovery and return of asset must be applied for the development of the country. We should be mindful that the identified assets are at the risk of retransfer unless frozen by destination countries,” said Osman of the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa (CoDA), a civil society organisation.
In his contribution, the Chairman African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AU-ABC), Hon. Luis Andriamifidy, identified some of the challenges the Council face in repatriation of IFFs to include: the matter of sovereignties of countries involved, a common legal framework to be adopted, and how to proceed with court processes especially on admissibility of evidence, among others.
Andriamifidy, who emphasised the need for a policy dialogue to ensure a common Africa position, called for a strong advocacy approach both within and outside the continent.
The Commissioner of Anti-Corruption Commission of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Francis Ben Kaifala, lamented the issue of cultural differences and how assets recovery has not taken root in many African countries unlike Nigeria and Kenya.
He revealed that his organisation had in two years recovered over $3 million in cash excluding cars, houses, among others, which was more than what they country had achieved in 18 years.
He stressed the importance of developing a common legal assistance which will reduce the resources spent in chasing after IFFs by African countries.
Kaifala also recommended training, development of pressure system on international bodies, streamlining of recovery processes to make them less cumbersome, and a proper framework for the discovery and disposal of assets as part of measures address IFFs.
In her lead presentation during the second plenary session, a member of the United Nations High Level Panel on IFF (FACTI Panel), Hon. Irene Ovonji-Odida, expressed the hope that the conference will result in an increased understanding of IFFs and commitment to action which is needed to curb it.
Speaking on “Financing Sustainable Development by Stemming IFFs: the FACTI Report in Perspective”, Ovonji-Odida revealed the cost of financial integrity gaps.
According to her, FACTI discovered that $1.6 trillion, which is 2.7% global Gross Domestic Product, was lost in money laundering by criminals; $500-600 billion lost to tax havens by corporations and BEPS while $20-40 billion was lost to bribes to public officials in developing countries, and $7 trillion private wealth hidden by banking secrecy in advanced countries.
She said these loses were responsible for fiscal deficits, regressive taxation, criminality, low public trust, and weak rule of law, among others.
On FACTI Panel’s recommendations, Hon. Ovonji-Odida mentioned an overhaul in the international tax norms and institutions, plus a corporate tax vision including reforms on transparency; a domestic structure; law and enforcement mechanism to be reformed with increased transparency and more dynamic response to emerging risks.
In his contribution, the Chief Executive Officer, Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU), Don Deya, opined that sustaining political will was key to the issue of IFFs.
He suggested the reformation of international tax laws and institutions while calling on investigative journalists and whistleblowers to put pressure on beneficiary countries.
Alvin Mosioma, Executive Director of Tax Justice Network Africa, in his contribution, also said that the problem was the lack of political will to concretise and transfer talk to action on the issue of IFFs.
He aligned his recommendations with FACTI and stressed the need for more political support; creation of accountability mechanism for leaders both globally and nationally; and increased capacity building for countries.
He finally charged Africa to organise and present a united front against IFFs which is affecting it adversely as a developing continent.
On his part, a reporter with Agence ECOFIN, Togo, Fiacre Kakpo, said Africa needed to take the bull by the horn by asking the international community to stop IFFs if they are not truly encouraging it.
He suggested that Africa insist on accurate tax information while ensuring that all loopholes in tax laws are plugged.
Signed:
Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, ICPC Spokesperson
20th March, 2021
Kind Regards
Oluyinka Akintunde
Email: oluyinkaakintunde@gmail.com
Twitter: @Oluyinka
Phone: +2348023001052
FG Moves to Legalize ‘Illegal, Artisanal oil/Gas Refiners
By Seun Adams
The federal Government has pledged to legally mainstream the mini/modular refineries otherwise called illegal refiners into the country’s oil refinery processes and programmes with the aim to bring sanity into the system and the overall development of the nation.
The federal government budgets and spends through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) several billions of naira on security to protect the pipelines which still suffer high degree of vandalism across the country.
The disclosure was made in communique emanating from a 2-day summit declared open by the Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, which included the Minister of State for National Planning, Prince Clem Agba and the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang and other top government officials in Abuja.
It added: “Upon successful formalization of the mini refineries, part of the funds budgeted for security agencies and pipeline protection could be applied in setting up small scale mini/modular refineries whereby integrated practitioners would now be employed to refine for the nation.
The Communique tasked the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to establish a desk under the relevant department for modular and mini refiners’ operations and develop framework to organize the mini refinery operators into legal operations as it obtains in the mining sector.
It added as a matter of urgent matter that a committee be setup comprised of the Office of the Vice President, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Ministry of Petroleum Resources and its agencies, Office of the National Security Adviser, Ministry of Environment, Federal Fire Service (FFS), representatives of the Federal University of Petroleum Effurun, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU), the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), the Petroleum Technology Development Funds, Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board, Niger Delta Development Commission, the Presidential Amnesty Office, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Representative of Domestic Refinery Operators amongst others and impaneled to address: development of model for establishment of mini refineries, their integration into the economy, provision of feedstock (crude oil), safety and environmental best practices in the petroleum industry and generally facilitate implementation of this initiative of integrating domestic mini refineries and establishing/mainstreaming them to boost in-country refining capacity;
It urged the National Assembly and other relevant stakeholders are to be engaged to ensure mainstreaming the relevant legal framework into the National legal system to ensure seamless integration of mini and modular refineries into the national economy by addressing issues addressed herein in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), the statement said.
That the DPR should develop guidelines for licensing of mini refining operations, and prescribe graduated fees commensurate with the production capacity;
In order to ensure national technical regulations and standards in the design, the resolution further explained that testing and construction of all critical infrastructure, as well as safety and compliance with all extant environmental laws, regulations and standards in the petroleum industry, are adhered to in all phases of the mini and modular refineries.
“That a special fund be set up by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with Sovereign Wealth Funds, Multi-lateral funds and the Federation Account as was done in the Power Sector reforms to address modular and artisanal refineries.
“Agencies like NNPC, PPPRA, NDDC, NASENI, PTDF, PEF, NCDMB, Presidential Amnesty Office, DPR, etc., who are stakeholders in the oil industry should each identify, mentor and sponsor at least one Pilot each of the mini refinery model developed in the country, as corporate social responsibility to the nation.
“That a technical team be set under the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Presidency, National Agency for Science, Engineering and Infrastructure (NASENI) to coordinate the team of experts and researchers to undertake field visits to mini refineries for the purpose of ascertaining the level of technological needs and standards and to recommend appropriate technologies for mini refiners.
“That the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Warri, Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU) and NASENI should be engaged and on their own engage the mini refinery operators on standard construction of modular and mini refineries which shall be subject to approval by Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and other relevant bodies before it is deployed for purchase by domestic artisanal refiners;
“That State Governments with NNPC, DPR should create refinery parks in each state for co-location of artisanal refineries where their activities will be monitored, environment protected, and any bye-product of one plant being processed by another plant within the co-operative park;
“As part of their corporate social responsibility each major oil company operating in Nigeria should be directed to mentor and sponsor at least one modular or mini refinery operation in their area under the overall supervision of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and its relevant agencies (NNPC, DPR, and NCDMB);
“That laws prohibiting hot-taping of pipelines should be stringent enough to deter perpetrators, but feedstock (crude oil) should be availed mini refiners that apply for it after verification of the purposes and payment.” The Communique added.
In attendance and signatory to the communique includes: Prince Clem Agba, the Minister, Budget and National Planning, (State), Senator Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President, Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Babayo Ardo, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Engr. Kamoru Busari, Director, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Abuja, Dr. Kabiru Nakaura, Chairman of Board, National Bureau of Statistics, the Executive Vice Chairman Prof. Mohammed Haruna, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Idris O. Musa, Director General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Colonel Millian Dixon Dikio (rtd), the Interim Administrator/CEO, Presidential Amnesty Office, Abuja, Mr. Effiong Akwa, the Sole Administrator/CEO, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. H. A. Adimula, Ag. Principal/CEO, Petroleum Training Institute, Warri, Delta State, Dr. Peter C. Ekweozoh, the Director, Environmental Science and Technology Department Federal, Ministry of Science and Technology, Abuja, Dr. Akenn Sunday M. Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, (Abuja), Prof. I.A.M. Dabo, Mini Refinery Development Research Team, ABU, Zaria and Mr. Godwin Sunday, National Chairman, Domestic Refineries Owners Association of Nigeria (DROAN).
The others include: Engr. Dr. Omonigho B. Otanocha, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State and Anthony Abiye George, Head, Oil & Gas Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Abuja.
I’m in a reflective mood Dele and have been deconstructing what makes great leaders great and good humans strong.
As part of my process, I’ve been considering the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from life.
Highly admired by Nigerians across sectors because of his tenacity and display of his spirit of service and encouraging his workers to operate at their absolute best.
Today Dr. Berry has through resilience ignited and sustained the interest of Nigerians in organic agriculture revolution
In the spirit of service and encouraging you to operate at your absolute best as we navigate the pandemic.
I wanted to share 16 of them. So here you go:
#1. Excellent things happen to people who do excellent things. #2. Morning exercise is a game-changer, #3.
The things that are hardest to do are the things that are generally the wisest to do, #4. Words can help others grow. Or hurt people’s hearts, #5. Creativity shines brightest when we are alone. Make time for silence, stillness and solitude, #6. Education is inoculation against disruption. Read for an hour each day to protect your hope, refine your craft and grow your knowledge.
#7. The fears you don’t face become your walls. And doubts are destroyed by strong action.
U.S Training: Physically Challenged Gifted Artist, Abosede Gets VP’s Boost
By Seun Adams
For 27 years old Ms. Abosede Okeowo, what many called disability has become for her a game changer. Ignited with a high spirit of creativity and service she is navigating the high walls with ease and destroying doubts with strong will.
Here is a creatively talented Nigerian undeterred with her physical limitation and concentrating her focus on her artistic skills that has launched into outer space.
Not only has she, by reason of her talent won recognitions, but now the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has offered her a United States (US) Online scholarship to horn her art skills.
Recall that the 27-year-old artist braced the odd at the peak of the pandemic to present a pencil portrait of Prof Osinbajo to him during at the instance of the courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife in 2020.
Abosede Okeowo, an indigene of Otun Ekiti, Mobaland in Ekiti State suffered an illness when she was a child which resulted in her current state of health. She is a self-taught artist who, driven by passion, nurtured her talent in drawing to her current stage of expertise.
She is known for making drawings of many dignitaries which has brought her to the limelight.
Abosede Okeowo, first caught the attention of the Vice President when she drew a portrait of his wife, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo. She yet again enthralled Osinbajo with her skills when she drew and presented a lifelike portrait of him.
The Vice President was represented by a team led by Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, accompanied by Mrs. Ebi Awosika, Senior Technical Assistant to the Vice President on Community Engagement on the 8th of May 2021 at the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, the Oore of Otun-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
In her remarks, Awosika described Abosede as a girl whose talent will take her to places to compete with people who are able bodied. Awosika also expressed gratitude to God for Abosede and stated that it was “just the beginning of greatness for the young artiste”, while presenting the talented artiste with a special wheelchair, laptop and a scholarship in Hyper-Realistic Portrait Course (a virtual course offered through an American online programme).
“This scholarship will help Ms Okeowo to realise her dreams and desire to own an establishment where she can teach others how to draw and help those who are physically challenged to also fulfill their life ambitions.” she added.
The Oore of Otun Ekiti, Paramount Ruler of Mobaland Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo in Ekiti, who received the envoy on behalf of the VP expressed gratitude on behalf of Bosede Okeowo’s family, Otun Ekiti Community and the entire Mobaland to Osinbajo and his wife, for recognizing and making life meaningful for Ms. Bosede Okeowo and her family.
Ms Abosede with Oba Adeagbo, Dr. Ebi Awosika, Senator Femi Ojudu and others at the Oba’s Palace in Otun Ekiti.
Buhari Felicitates with Obi of Onitsha @80
By Seun Adams
The Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari, on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, has expressed the President’s felicitation with the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe on the occasion of his 80th birthday during the week end.
Buhari, according to Adesina, commending the royal father’s unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s unity and development.
He said: “As a notable traditional leader, President Buhari salutes the Igwe for devoting so much of his time, resources and influence to champion access to quality education as a necessity for national development.
“The President thanks Agbogidi for setting a worthy example to the traditional institution on dignity and honour in public office, respect for diversity, and dedication to the culture of peace and bridge building.”
The SA, added that President Buhari joins family, friends, well-wishers and beneficiaries of Igwe Achebe’s leadership and philanthropic gestures in praying that Almighty God grants the celebrant more years of health and happiness.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 15, 2021
Okpe Union President General, Professor Igho Natufe, restates calls for restructuring
Nigeria’s Restructuring Inevitable, Says Prof. Igho Natufe
By Frank Momoh
A renowned foreign policy expert, Prof. Igho Natufe, on Sunday, in Lagos made a critical appraisal of the Nigerian State and concluded that restructuring of the Nigeria in accordance with the notion of federalism was inevitable.
Speaking on behalf of one of Nigeria’s minority tribes: The Okpes in Delta State, on Sunday, he said: ‘’Our contribution to Nigerian development shall be influenced by the tenets of federalism.”
As a component of the Nigerian federation of ethnic nationalities, he said the Okpe union endorses the call for restructuring the Nigerian federal system in accordance with the notion of federalism.
In a paper entitled Internal Cohesion and Development in Okpe Nation, Natufe said that active participation of Okpe Union in Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Nigerian indigenous nationalities alliance for self-determination will encourage rapid development of Okpe kingdom.
He said: “Nigeria is a federation of ethnic nationalities. Okpe is one of the more than 350 ethnic nationalities that constitute this federation. Like all the other components of the Nigerian federation, there are opportunities and challenges that we must grapple with to move Okpe forward and firmly establish Okpe Union as a powerful voice for the Okpe Nation in the various communities of ethnic nationalities in Delta State and in Nigeria, including the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination.
“The union shall be an active participant in these organizations by promoting and defending Okpe interests as a distinct ethnic nationality. These interests shall be pursued at all fora, domestic and international, with inputs from all stakeholders in Okpeland and Okpe in the Diaspora.
He pledged that the Okpes shall establish and maintain strategic relationships with all ethnic organizations in Delta State and in Nigeria on the principles of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect of the rights of each ethnic nationality to define and determine its own socio-economic and political development.
The renowned foreign policy expert hailed all the contestants, elders, delegates and observers that contributed to the success of the Annual General Assembly (AGA) and National Elections of the Okpe Union.
‘’Yesterday, a new National Executive Council (NEC) was elected to guide the affairs of the Okpe Union for the next four years. I congratulate all the contestants, elders, delegates and observers that contributed to the success of the Annual General Assembly (AGA) and National Elections. I commend and congratulate the Immediate Past President, Mr. Patrick Akpotor and members of the previous NEC for their stellar leadership in conducting the affairs of Okpe Union during their tenure. I also congratulate Mr. Igho Akeragha, Chair of the Electoral Committee and his committee members for their invaluable services to the Okpe Union. Be assured that every one of you shall have a role to play in Okpe Union as we move forward’’.
The crucial role of the newly elected officers was equally addressed by Natufe.
‘’Your unanimous vote for me to assume the portfolio as the President General of our great Union is an honour and privilege which I humbly accept. With the calibre we elected yesterday as members of NEC, I can assure you that a new dawn has arrived that is anchored on the provision of selfless leadership for the growth and development of our beloved Okpe Nation and Okpe Kingdom. The gender balance in the NEC demonstrates Okpe Union’s adherence to the concept of equity which we are going to champion in Okpeland’’.
The former University of Benin lecturer noted that the success of the regeneration of the union which the present executive committee is committed would depend to a great extent on reconciliation, unity and progress.
‘’Our immediate and foremost priority is to focus on Okpe reconciliation, unity and progress as we grapple with the challenges of youth and women empowerment in Okpeland. My dear Compatriots, I state very clearly and categorically that there is no division in our 91-year-old Union as, in fulfilment of our mandate, we have reviewed our Constitution to meet the needs and aspirations for the Okpe Nation and Okpe Kingdom in the 21st Century. We in NEC shall count on all Okpe nationals at home and in the Diaspora to contribute their advice and knowledge to this historic imperative vis-à-vis the delivery of our 4-Year Agenda’’.
He commended the people for coming together and working for the progress of Okpe kingdom.
‘’Today, Okpe in Nigeria and worldwide celebrate the 91st Anniversary of the founding of the Okpe Union, the oldest ethnic organization in Delta State. We salute the founders for their foresight in establishing the Okpe Union as an umbrella organization of Okpe nationals in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. Founded in Lagos on May 16, 1930, the Okpe Union was technically a “near Diaspora” organization. By “near Diaspora” I am referring to Okpe residents in non Okpeland in Nigeria. It was well established in several Nigerian cities, including (in alphabetical order) Abeokuta, Abuja, Ibadan, Ilesha, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, etc. and in the “far Diaspora”, the United Kingdom and North America decades before a branch was stablished at home in Okpe Kingdom, in Sapele Local Government Area’’.
To effectively discharge their responsibilities, Natufe said members of the union must redefine their strategic approach to enable them grapple with contemporary challenges.
‘’We are here because they were there. As we proudly celebrate our Founder’s Day and marvel at the successes and achievements of the Okpe Union in yesteryears, we must redefine our strategic approach to enable us grapple with contemporary challenges that confront us in Delta State and in Nigeria. I hereby provide a sketch of our agenda for the next four years. The task begins from building blocks for unity and development in Okpeland’’.
Aside this, he said the union must strive to reconcile contending views.
‘’We recognize the imperative of unity within a society for it to move forward meaningfully by providing a conducive environment for its citizens to progress and develop. Our immediate action is to strive to reconcile contending views on this front in the Okpe Nation. This will be revealed after due consultation with all stakeholders in Okpeland.
Natufe pledged to use his wealth of experience and international connections to help Okpe kingdom.
‘’Our focus shall be on the following, inter alia: Strive to align Okpe Union with the aspirations and consciousness of the Okpe man and woman, especially in the territory of the Okpe Kingdom. Liaise with Local Government Councils in Okpe Nation, District and community leaders on key issues affecting Okpe. Liaise with youth and women organizations in crafting developmental strategies for the Okpe Nation. Liaise with appropriate authorities to recognize Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality in DESOPADEC. Enhance an appreciation of Okpe Identity by agitating for the teaching of Okpe Language, Okpe History and Culture in all educational institutions in Okpeland. Liaise with all religious places of worship in Okpe land for the use of Okpe Language in their sermons. Revive the Institute for Okpe Studies that was established by the OKPE VOICE INTERNATONAL in 2008. Host an International Conference on Okpe Society in collaboration with the Institute for Okpe Studies in 2022. Liaise with appropriate authorities for the naming and recognition of the Airport at Osubi as OSUBI AIRPORT’’.
While he admitted that the Okpe people are lacking behind several ethnic groups in educational attainment, Natufe called for the launching of a one Billion Naira Okpe Scholarship Trust Fund.
‘’ In recognition of the value of education in the development of a society, we are launching a ONE BILLION NAIRA OKPE SCHOLARSHIP TRUST FUND for the education of Okpe nationals in post-secondary institutions. We shall establish a data base of Okpe nationals (teachers and students) in all post-secondary educational institutions in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. Facilitate the establishment of a post-secondary educational institution in Okpe Nation.
‘’ To facilitate growth and development in Okpeland, Natufe called for strategic alliances with domestic stakeholders and foreign partners in attracting and retaining investments in Okpeland.
‘’This will be achieved via consultation and collaboration with the two Local Government Councils (Okpe and Sapele LGCs) and chambers of commerce and industry in Okpe Nation’’.
Atiku Tasks Governors on Nigeria’s Drift
By Dwelleth Morountodun
Former Vice President of Nigeria (1999-2007) and the flagbearer under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2019 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Sunday said the major challenge facing Nigeria at the moment is that the country is drifting.
While tasking the various Governors to up their games and stop the drift, he said to keep waiting for the federal government to take the lead, and effect the changes that Nigeria needs to stop drifting, is to keep waiting for Godot. And that is a luxury we cannot afford, he added.
In a signed statement made available to the media in Abuja, he stressed that the country is not just drifting politically and economically, Nigerians are also drifting apart from each other, he added.
He said: “I have often said that the difference between us is not North and South, but between good and bad. Therefore, those who are good should come together to show those who are bad that we are in the overwhelming majority.
“I have repeatedly said that I am a Nigerian. Full stop. That is my identity. And now more than ever, we must ask ourselves this question: what does it mean to be a Nigerian?”
According to the former Vice President, a Nigerian is one who is committed to the idea of the indivisibility of Nigeria and who is invested in respecting, even if you disagree with, the differences that exist within this nation space, and respecting the right of others to coexist with you irrespective of religious, regional or ethnic differences.
On stopping the drift as according to him, he added, that is what being a Nigerian means to me. And that is why I believe that all those who believe in Nigeria should stand up to be counted, he explained.
“It is unNigerian to terrorise your fellow citizens. Up until about a decade ago, we did not have this. It is unNigerian to abduct people. And this is undoubtedly a new menace that has low historical precedence in Nigeria.
“The truth is that if at a national level, we address these unNigerian tendencies immediately and dispassionately, we would not have Nigerians congregating at a regional or sub-regional level to address these issues.
On the recent position of the South-south Governors, he admitted: I completely understand the necessity of their meeting and the wisdom of their decisions. But no matter how much you try to clap with one hand, the vibrations will not be the same as when you clap with two hands, Atiku said.
He added: “We have a national challenge. And as Albert Einstein said, ‘We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.’
“These problems were created by those with a regional mindset, and will not be solved by those with a similar mindset.”
For too long, he said: “We have erroneously thought that the power to make effective changes lies at Aso Rock. But without the states, nobody can get to Aso Rock. That is why for anyone to emerge as President of Nigeria, he or she must secure enough votes in two-thirds of the states that make up the Nigerian federation.”
To address the present challenges, he tasked the Governors to stop waiting on Abuja to make changes, and instead convene a National Unity Summit of all Nigerian Governors to iron out the thorny issues affecting the destiny of our nation until they figure out a way to resolve them.
He said: “Forget about your party. Forget about your tribe. Respect your religion and allow it to bring out the better part of you. Meet together. Talk together. Come up with the solutions to all our collective challenges.
“And then go back to your states, and consult with your federal and state legislators, with a view to getting them to work with their colleagues to implement the solutions you came up with.”
According to him, to keep waiting for the federal government to take the lead, and effect the changes that Nigeria needs to stop drifting, is to keep waiting for Godot. And that is a luxury we cannot afford.
On why Nigeria cannot wait, he said: “We cannot afford it because, according to the Global Terror Index, our beloved nation is now the third most terrorised nation on Earth. We are featuring prominently on the Failed States Index, and the symbols of our nation, our currency, our passport, and our international standing are fast losing value.
“To quote Einstein again, “Those who have the privilege to know have the duty to act.” We do know that our Governors know that all is not well with Nigeria. That is why they have been meeting. At regional and sub regional levels. That knowledge comes with a duty to act, and to act together. Because if we do not act together, then the alternative is that we fall asunder. And God forbid that should ever be our fate.
“We must be mindful of the fact that one in four Africans is a Nigerian. And one in seven Black people on Earth is Nigerian. Therefore, being so centrally placed by God, it ought to be clear to us that it is our duty to be a beacon of light to the Black World.
“If we succeed as a nation, our successes will resonate beyond our borders. It will give hope to the Black Diaspora and increase the standing of Black people all over the world.
“That is why we cannot fail. That is why we cannot retreat into our regional enclaves. Too much is at stake. We are too centrally located to be dislocated.
“We are far too interconnected to be disconnected. Where would my children, who have a parent from each leg of Nigeria go? Where would your children, who have sunk roots far from their ancestral heritage, go?” Atiku, said.
Oliver Wendell Holmes once said that “Man’s mind, stretched to a new idea, never goes back to its original dimension.”
Let me paraphrase him and say, Nigeria unity, stretched to a new frontier, should never go back to its original dimension.
We must grow in unity. We must glow in community. We must blow away disunity. We have no choice, considering the alternative, which is a calamity that we would not wish to return to.
So help us God.
May God bless Nigeria as one peaceful, progressive, and indivisible nation.
Former Vice President of Nigeria (1999-2007) and flagbearer under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar
FG Moves to Environment Minister Opens Expert Meeting on Mangrove Restoration in the Niger Delta
FG Moves to Reclaim Mangrove Eco-System Devastated by Pollution
Convened by the Federal Ministry of Environment, the meeting will lead to the creation of a strategy and conservation plan for the restoration of mangroves in the Ogoniland.
Mangrove Restoration: FG Fine-tunes Conservation Plan for N’Delta
By Mohammed Mohammed
The Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar has opened an International Expert Meeting on Mangrove Restoration in the Niger Delta region with pledge to improve the lives of the Ogoni communities and environs devastated by oil pollution.
At the opening session of the meeting in Abuja, the Minister acknowledged that the stakeholders’ session is a turning point for mangrove ecosystems in Ogoniland.
According to him, using the knowledge and experience of the experts assembled here today, together, government and stakeholders will be able to restore the mangroves and improve the lives of the Ogoni communities who are affected every day by the negative impact of the devastating pollution.
Convened by the Federal Ministry of Environment, the meeting will lead to the creation of a strategy and conservation plan for the restoration of mangroves in the Ogoniland.
During the meeting, the conditions and methods for successful re-plantation and recovery of mangrove habitats were discussed.
International experts provided their experiences from around the world and their application to Ogoniland, in addition, examples of successful mangrove restoration already taking place in Nigeria were provided.
The meeting was attended by experts from more than 20 different institutions and was supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Mangroves are not just ecologically significant but are critical to the livelihood and food security of communities in Ogoniland.
It is hoped that the meeting will bring new momentum to the restoration efforts for mangrove ecosystems in Ogoniland, paving the way for healthy ecosystems and successful environmental remediation of areas affected by the pollution.
It is worthy of note that UNEP found extensive damage to mangroves in Ogoniland when undertaking its 2011 Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland, occasioned with the report that the impact of oil on mangrove vegetation in the region had been disastrous.
Impacts of the pollution varied from extreme stress to total destruction. In the most impacted areas, only the roots of the mangroves remain, with no stems or leaves. In many of these areas, the roots were completely coated in oil, sometimes with a 1 cm or more thick layer of bituminous substance.
Experts also found that pollution has accumulated over a very long period.
Saghir el Mohammed
Director Press
Federal Ministry of Environment
Abuja, Nigeria
Review of 1999 Constitution: Public Hearing Commences May 26, 27
By Frank Momoh
The much-awaited zonal public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution would hold from May 26 to 27.
The event which would simultaneously hold across 12 state capitals across the country would witness two public hearings per geopolitical zone.
Mr. Yomi Odunuga, Spokesperson to the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, in a statement made available to the media, said a national public hearing is expected to hold in Abuja.
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The Senate Committee, Chairman on Constitution Review and Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege disclosed, he added.
Speaking while hosting members of the Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEPAD) in his office, led by its National Coordinator, Chino Obiagwu (SAN), Senator Omo-Agege called on those who have already submitted memoranda to speak to the documents at the events.
Omo-Agege, pointed out that while Jos and Minna would host the public hearings in the North Central Geopolitical Zone, that of North East and North West would hold in Bauchi and Gombe as well as Kaduna and Sokoto respectively.
According to him, that of South-east would hold in Owerri and Enugu, even as South-South and South West would be hosted in Port Harcourt and Asaba as well as Akure and Lagos respectively.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, he assured that women’s interests in the new Constitution Review would be protected.
On the inclusion of Affirmative Action in the constitution, he called on the group to reach out to elected representatives and groups from other geopolitical zones in the country, noting that they were key in determining if such demands could scale through in the ongoing constitution amendment exercise.
“You will have also observed that on each of the Constitution Review that has been done in the past, Affirmative Action and increased women representation have always been on the agenda. But in the past, we have not been able to muster the numbers required to effect constitutional change.
“However, in every exercise, we have seen increasing numbers of legislators’ support the process. So, the challenge is how to reach the critical threshold during this process.
“Your work is quite cut out for you. But rest assured that we are partners in this business,” he said.
Earlier, the National Coordinator, Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEPAD), Chino Obiagwu (SAN), called for increased women participation in politics.
According to him, the group has already submitted six proposals to the panel, explaining that if passed, women would occupy their rightful place in both elective and appointive positions in the country.
“We solicit your support and leverage on your influence in advocating for constitutional amendment and other legal reforms geared towards increasing women’s political participation in Nigeria,” he said.
Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate.
11th May, 2021.
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Date: Fri, May 14, 2021 at 1:39 PM
Subject: STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASEPRESIDENTBUHARI GREETS OLOWOSAGO, PUBLISHER OF FOREMOST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER, AT 70
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PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS OLOWOSAGO, PUBLISHER OF FOREMOST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER, AT 70
President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with Chief Monzor Olowosago, Publisher of Oriwu Sun Newspaper, on his 70th birthday, May 15, 2021.
The President salutes Olowosago for his resilience, which has seen him publishing Oriwu Sun for 36 years, turning it into the foremost community newspaper in the country.
President Buhari felicitates with the family, friends and professional colleagues of Olowosago, asking th