RE-APPOINTMENT OF MEDIA HOUSE'S CHIEFS BY GOV. ABDULRAHMAN, EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN INFORMATION DISSEMINATION --- RATTAWU

The Kwara State Council of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria, RATTAWU has hailed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for reappointing Alhaji Tajudeen Kayode Aremu as the General Manager of Radio Kwara and immediate director of Information, State's Ministry of Communications, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Ayobami Akanbi as General Manager of the Kwara State Television Authority, stating that the effort is geared towards strengthen information dissemination on the laudable programs and policies of the present administration.

Alhaji Kayode Aremu and Alhaji AbdulRazaq Ayobami were on Thursday evening appointed as the heads of the state owned Radio and Television in a Press statement from CPS to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye.

RATTAWU in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Usman Oke and Secretary Comrade Yusuf Mubaraq, rejoices with the appointees and charged them to bring their wealth of experience to bear as a core professional media executives and work towards actualizing government policies through effective and efficient projection and promotion of government's programs in order to curb incessant fake news which has become order of the day.

While calling on the New General Managers to prioritize the welfare of their workforce to enhance effective service delivery, RATTAWU pledged their unalloyed support for them to achieve the mandate of consolidating on the already established gains and milestones in the organizations

  " We received the news of Reappointment of Alhaji Kayode Aremu as Radio Kwara Gm with joy and happiness, his second coming will provide opportunity for him to build and improve on his achievements while in office before, we pray Allah to direct his steps "

COST OF GOVERNANCE: PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS NON-INCLUSION OF FGN OFFICIALS WITH NO DIRECT UNGA PARTICIPATION FROM TRAVELING IN NIGERIA'S DELEGATION

As part of a broader effort to reduce the cost of governance in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to freeze the processing of visas for all government officials seeking to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly without proof of direct participation in UNGA's official schedule of activities.

To prevent any sharp practice in this regard, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria is accordingly guided on official visa processing while Nigeria's Permanent Mission in New York is further directed to prevent and stop the accreditation of any government official who is not placed on the protocol lists forwarded by the approving authority.

By this directive of the President, all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies are mandated to ensure that all officials, who are approved for inclusion in the UNGA delegation, strictly limit the number of aides and associated staff partaking in the event. Where excesses or anomalies in this regard are identified, they will be removed during the final verification process.

The President wishes to affirm that, henceforth, government officials and government expenditure must reflect the prudence and sacrifice being made by well-meaning Nigerians across the nation.

Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

August 28, 2023

STORM AT Al ITTIHAD BETWEEN BENZEMA AND NUNO: KARIM CALLS FOR A SOLUTION

Things are not getting any better at Al Ittihad. If a few days ago a conflict was revealed in the dressing room over the transfer policy, which included new signing Jota, now both Karim Benzema (the star) and Nuno Espirito Santo (the coach) are the protagonists.

As the Saudi media 'Al-Sharq Al-Awsat' explains, the crisis is heating up. It was not enough for the reigning champions to start the season with two wins in two games. After a summer full of transfers (Benzema, Kante, Fabinho and Jota), complications have arisen.

As the outlet explains, the problem now is that Benzema's relationship with Nuno is very tense... due to the treatment that the former Real Madrid player receives from the Portuguese coach. This is how they tell it 

The coach, leader of last season's title-winning side, has made it clear that Benzema does not fit his style of play, sources tell Al-Sharq Al-Awsat. Moreover, it goes further, Nuno "did not ask for his signature" this summer. Benzema himself reportedly conveyed his dissatisfaction with this situation to the intermediary who brought him to the Saudi Pro League. Benzema, who has yet to score a goal after two rounds of the championship, is said to have asked the intermediary to find "a solution".

In addition, it is worth mentioning another episode cited by the Saudi media: Benzema had asked for the captaincy but 'clashed' with the decision of Nuno, who decided to give the armband to Romarinho, and then to Ahmed Sharahili

BREAKING: SCORES FEARED DEAD, OTHERS TRAPPED AS MULT-STOREY BUILDING COLLAPSES IN ABUJA

Unspecified number of persons have been reportedly killed following the collapse of a multi-storey building in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

According to the eyes witness accounts that the incident occurred on Wednesday night due to heavy downpour.

The building is located at the ever-busy Lagos Street, Garki village, Garki II district of Abuja

ABUJA LAND: FG TO REVOKE LAND ALLOCATION , MAPS OUT 6,000 BUILDINGS, SLUMS

The ex-Rivers State governor warned that houses that distorted the Abuja Master plan, including those built on green areas will be demolished, vowing to ‘’step on toes

According to the 2022 report by the Federal Capital Territory Administration indicated that at least 6,000 abandoned homes may be affected by the threat of demolition or revocation of land titles.

Checks indicate that the 6,000 structures that may be affected by the restoration plans included buildings that have been abandoned for a long time in violation of the building code.

Findings shows that the slums that might be affected by the urban renewal programme would include Apo Mechanic Village, Byanzhin, Dawaki, Dei Dei, Durumi, Dutse, Garki, Garki Village, Gishiri, Gwagwalape, Idu, Jabi, Kado Village, Karmo, Karshi, Karu, Katampe, Ketti Village, Kpaduma, Kabusa, Kpana Village, Kubwa, Lokogoma, Lugbe, Mabushi, Mpape, Nyanya and Piya Kasa.

UMAHIi: IT IS ILLEGAL TO CONDUCT FRESH ELECTION FOR EBONYI SOUTH ZONE – LP’s OKORIE TELLS INEC

The Ebonyi South Senatorial candidate for Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Linus Okorie, has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to desist from conducting a fresh election for the zone, while the matter is still pending in court.

Recall that Okorie, who participated in the February 25, 2023 National Assembly Election, had draged the All Progressives Congress (APC) and David Umahi to court, for allegedly rigging, manipulating and perpetrating other irregularities in the election.

Okorie, who spoke to newsmen in Abakaliki, made this known while reacting to the rumours making the rounds that INEC is allegedly planning to conduct a fresh election to replace the former governor, David Umahi, who resigned his position in the senate to become a minister of works.

We observed that campaign posters of personalities, including that of Umahi’s younger brother, Austin, have flooded the town, declaring interest to contest in the alleged rumoured Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone election.

He said, “Today, the tribunal is sitting to adopt all the final addresses of all the parties. After today, they (Tribunal) will reserve judgement, that may be next week.

“If that judgement is given, if the court decides that it was Umahi who won that election, then two things will happen; if nobody goes to Court of Appeal to challenge it, INEC will fix a date for a new election, in which case, anybody can participate, but if the court didn’t rule that way, INEC can do nothing

PRESIDENT TINUBU SETS AGENDA AS MINISTERS TAKES OATH

Forty-five ministers will today take the oath of office with a focus on the economy and security of Nigeria.

Top Presidency sources that spoke with Journalists on Sunday revealed that the ministers would be guided by the eight-point agenda of President Bola Tinubu as stated in his election manifesto.

It was further stated that President Tinubu might put in place a performance index for his cabinet members.

This decision was reached to see the performance of the ministers have an immediate impact on the economy, security, and other key areas.

President Tinubu has intentions to build on the achievements of his predecessor in the areas of blue economy, security, job creation, and anti-corruption.

The source said, “The President will likely set goals for them (ministers) in terms of the key objectives his administration seeks to achieve. He will speak generally to his expectations from the ministers and also challenge them on how they can work together in synergy to actualize his programs and policy as contained in his manifesto for the economic development of the country.

Tinubu had last Wednesday unveiled the portfolios of 45 ministers nine days after they were confirmed by the Senate.

Like his predecessor, the President will head the petroleum ministry while a former Senator, Heineken Lokpobiri, is the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources.

In his 80-page manifesto containing multi-sectoral policy options tagged, ‘Renewed Hope 2023 – Action Plan for a Better Nigeria,’ Tinubu listed an eight-point agenda that his administration would vigorously pursue.

Top on his priority lists of action plans was national security, economy, agriculture, power, oil and gas, transportation and education.

He also outlined policy options for healthcare, digital economy, women empowerment, judicial reform, federalism, decentralisation of power and foreign policy.

The document also included programmes on decent wages for workers, manufacturing, naira stability and total transformation of the country.

In a statement that accompanied the release of the manifesto on October 20, 2022, Tinubu said, “When I was governor of Lagos, my team and I developed institutions and policies that changed the face of the state. It became a safe place for its residents and an engine of prosperity for all those willing to work in pursuit of their economic dreams.

“What my team and I achieved in Lagos, together we all can achieve for Nigeria. Our objective is to foster a new society based on shared prosperity, tolerance, compassion, and the unwavering commitment to treating each citizen with equal respect and due regard

Four top officials in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Chief of Staff to the President who spoke with Punch said that to create immediate impacts, the ministers would tackle economic and security challenges facing the country.

The source stated, “Although the manifesto will be our guide, emphasis will be on the economy and security. This administration inherited a battered economy with many Nigerians facing a cash crunch. The cabinet will have the mandate of tackling security and economic challenges.”

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up at the inauguration venue with the deployment of security operatives, ahead of the swearing-in

A source said, “The security there has been beefed up and according to the arrangement on the ground, no car either from the ministers-designate, their guests, or any other person would be allowed into the venue.”

TINUBU REDEPLOYS OYETOLA, TUNJI-OJO, RENAMES ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY

The President also redeployed another minister-designate, Abubakar Momoh, from the Federal Ministry of Youth to the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

“The Federal Ministry of Youth is to be re-assigned to a Minister-Designate soon,” said presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement on Sunday.

The changes take immediate effect, said the presidential spokesman.

According to Ngelale, Tinubu also redeployed a minister-designate, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, to the Ministry of Interior while Sa’idu Alkali was redeployed as the Minister of Transportation.

The statement added, “Furthermore, both Ministers of State in the Oil & Gas sector are now domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources with the following designations:

“(i) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri is the Hon. Minister of State (Oil), Petroleum Resources

“(ii) Hon. Ekperipe Ekpo is the Hon. Minister of State (Gas), Petroleum Resources

“The President approves the renaming of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management as the Federal Ministry of Environment,”

YOU MUST WEAR PANTS, BRA ON CAMPUS, ILARO STUDENT COUNCIL ORDERS

Ilaro Poly Student Council has ordered female students to dress decently while on campus. 

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This instruction was contained in a memo at the weekend by the school’s New Media office and signed by Seaker of the student council, Sulaimon Adedamola. 

The memo warned female students of the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State to desist from attending classes without pants and bra

It stated that female students are required to wear bras and pants when on campus as this is not just for their comfort but also out of respect for other students

SARAKI COMMENDS RESIDENT DOCTORS FOR CALLING OFF STRIKE

Yesterday, I had lunch with some members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). After commending them for their patriotic decision to call off the strike action they earlier embarked on and the sacrifices they make, they apprised me of some of the challenges they face in their daily duties.

The one that shocked me most was the revelation that many of the members put in over 100 hours of service every week. I remember that as a young doctor working in the hospitals, the maximum hour I was doing per week was 72 hours. The UK and most countries have since reduced the maximum number of hours a doctor can work in a week for safety reasons. Yet, in our country, some doctors still put in over 100 hours! This constitutes a danger to the patients those doctors attend to.

I understand that this is a result of an acute shortage of personnel. Many of our qualified doctors and nurses have left the country to practice overseas. I am even surprised to learn that not only the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and other Western nations attract doctors from Nigeria, other African countries like Ghana, Gambia, Kenya, and Senegal now poach Nigerian doctors.

Some of the problems are not necessarily just poor remuneration but a result of bureaucratic bottlenecks which delay the prompt replacement of those who have left. Those responsible for this need to address it urgently as this, I am told, is one of the conditions for calling off the strike action.

As regards the poor pay, all state governments and the federal government should look into this. Surely countries like Gambia don’t have the resources that we have. So, it is about the premium we put on the remuneration of the medical personnel.

As a former governor and Senate President who introduced the Community Health Insurance Scheme at the state level and

initiated the inclusion of one percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund as a basic health fund as one of the ways to improve the welfare of doctors and other health personnel, I see the danger we find ourselves if nothing is done urgently at all levels to build on these past efforts.

For the governments at national and sub-National level, in the absence of enough qualified personnel, building big hospitals and sophisticated equipment is putting the cart before the horse. And this should be reflected in setting priorities while preparing their budget.

As a matter of urgency, all stakeholders - policymakers, government officials at national and sub-national levels, non-governmental organisations, development partners, civil society groups, individuals who run health-related foundations, and others - we should all do our bit in addressing this exit of our medical doctors and nurses.

Let me at this point say kudos to the doctors for working under these tough conditions. We appreciate their patriotism.

TREAT US LIKE OTHER ESSENTIAL WORKERS ... RATTAWU TELLS KWST GOVERNMENT

The Leadership of the Kwara State Chapter of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria , RATTAWU has called on the Kwara State Government to Prioritize Media Workers in it's Palliative Policy as it is done to health workers and other essential workers in the state.

Kwara RATTAWU in a closed door meeting with the State Head of Service, Mrs Susan Modupe Oluwole, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment and Training, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, appealed to the administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to approve full implementation of weigh-in allowances for workers in the state owned media houses and art sector in accordance with thirty thousand naira minimum wage.

RATTAWU explained that approving the allowances will reduce the burden and untold hardship facing the state owned media workers occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal.

The Union also raised concern over the inability of it's members of not rising to grade level 17 like there counterparts in the ministry , adding that the policy should be reviewed to guarantee Justice and fairness.

Responding, the Permanent Secretary, Establishment and Training, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed reiterated the determination of Government of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to improve welfare of the state workforce and promised that the matter will be looked into and their messages will be delivered to the appropriate quarters.

In a similar development, the union also had audience with the Kwara State House of Assembly Chairman Committee on Communications, Hon Rukayat Shittu with the same demands and promised to look at the edict establishing such media organizations for possible review.

RATTAWU delegation was led by the Chairman, Comrade Oke, Secretary, Yusuf Mubaraq , Members of the State Executive Council, SEC and Rep of NLC

BREAKING: ECOWAS ORDERS ACTIVATION OF MILITARY FORCE AGAINST NIGER

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ordered the chief of defense staff committee to immediately activate the  standby force.

President of ECOWAS, Omar Alieu Touray, made the declaration while reading the resolution taken at the Extraordinary meeting on the Niger coup  in Abuja on Thursday.

The regional bloc said all efforts to dialogue with Niger junta have been rejected by coup leaders.

The ECOWAS leaders also condemned the continuous detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family members.

“The Authority having considered the memorandum presented by the President of the ECOWAS commission on the current situation in the Republic of Niger, as well as ECOWAS engagement since the last extraordinary summit; and having considered the reports of the envoys of the chair, to Niger and various other places; carefully considered the report and recommendations of the ECOWAS committee of chiefs of defense staff;

Extensively discussed the latest development in Niger since the last extra ordinary Summit held on 30th July 2023. Noted that all diplomatic efforts made by ECOWAS, in resolving the crisis have been defiantly repelled by the military leadership of the Republic of Niger;

“Taking note of the expiration of the one week ultimatum given for the restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger decide as follows:

“A. Reiterates its strong condemnation of the attempted coup d’etat and the continued illegal detention of President Mohammed Bazoam, his family and members of his government

Call on the African Union to endorse all the decisions taken by the ECOWAS authority on the situation in Niger.

“Further call on all partner countries and institutions including the United Nations to support ECOWAS, in its effort to ensure a quick restoration of constitutional order, in conformity with its normative instruments.

“Direct the President of the Commission to monitor the implementation of the sanctions

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY LEADERSHIP: GOGA CONGRATULATES SALIU MUSTAPHA, SHAGAYA, ALUKO, CHARGES THEM TO PRIORITIZE CONSTITUENTS' WELFARE

 The Senatorial candidate for New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, Hon. Aiyelabegan Kayode Abdul Goga has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Senator representing Kwara Central, Mallam Saliu Mustapha on his appointment as the Chairman of Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.

 The I.T expert and Convener of The Goga Forum equally conveyed the felicitations to the duo of Hon. Mukthar Tolani Shagaya and Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko on their respective appointments as the Vice Chairman, House Committee on Basic Education and Vice Chairman, House Committee on Privatization and Commercialization.

 The congratulatory statement implored the lawmakers to consider the privilege of their appointments as the drive to double down on their commitment to quality representation and service to humanity to aid inclusive growth and development.

He, however, wished them the requisite wisdom and divine guidance to acquit themselves brilliantly in the discharge of their duties.

PARA-ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION APPOINTS BARR. AIYELABEGAN AS CHAIRMAN

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Initiative on Education for Global Growth Barr. Aiyelabegan Lare AbdulKadir was today crowned as the Chairman, Kwara Para-Athletics Association. 

The Legal Luminary who double as Principal Partner at Aiyelabegan L.A Kadir and Co is one of the sports enthusiast, who believe that sports in all sphere remains the bedrock for not only for physical fitness, treatment of non-communicable disease but also creating unity among ages.

Immediately after the inauguration, Barr. Aiyelabegan reaffirmed his commitment towards the development of Athletics in the State and beyond 

He sought for sports enthusiasts' support, as he promised to operate open door administration.

VALUEJEt PRE SEASON: KW: UTD PLAYER WINS MAN OF THE MATCH AWARD

Kwara United Football Club defender, Abdulafeez Musa, who was voted  as Optimus Bank Man of the Match  against Remo Stars in the opening  game of the ongoing ValueJet pre-season tournament has said that the award will challenge him greatly, especially in the forthcoming season. 

Remo Stars forced Kwara United Football Club to a one-all draw in the match, with the Captain of his side, Abdulafeez Musa putting up a scintillating performance that earned him the award, which attracted a rewarded of N100, 000, courtesy of Optimus Bank.

According to him "Its a measure of my readiness for the 2023/2024 NPFL season. Its a plus to my career, and a challenge to do more.

"I dedicate the recognition to my teammates, because we fought the battle together. I will also want to commend the coaches for their sacrifice and support.

The match lived up to its billings, with both Coaches, Kabir Sulaiman Dogo of Kwara United and Daniel Ogun

KWARA UNITED OPENS VALUEJET PRE-SEASON CAMPAIGN WITH HOST TEAM (REMO STARS)

Kwara United Football Club will tomorrow, Friday August 4th, 2023, begin its campaign in this year’s ValueJet pre-season tournament with a top-level clash with homers, Remo Stars FC, at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State, beginning from 9.00am.

The club has earlier been drawn in Group A of the Eight-team format competition, alongside hosts and CAF Champions League candidate, Remo Stars, Heartland FC of Owerri and Sporting Lagos.

The other group, Group B has CAF Confederation Cup candidate, Rivers United FC, Abia Warriors, Shooting Stars Sports Club and Beyond Limit FC.

Kwara United FC is currently in Ikenne for their second phase of preparations ahead of the commencement of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) competition, part of which is the participation in the ValueJet competition. 

Before leaving Ilorin, the Technical Adviser of the team,  Coach Kabir Sulaiman Dogo had said that the camping and pre-season was crucial to the team's preparations ahead of the forthcoming season. 

According to the NPFL Organizers, the league will commence on August 26th, and the ValueJet pre-season, according  to Coach Dogo, will serve as a build-up, as it will afford the technical crew the opportunity to re-assess the players they have picked so far.

“We are in Ikenne with as many players as possible, out of which we will continue with the plus and minus, until we get the right combination of players for the team. Our campaign in the ValueJet competition and other friendly matches will be crucial to our preparations.

This year’s ValueJet pre-season will be the second tournament to be organized in the summer before the commencement of the 2023-2024 League campaign, both domestically and on the continent following the advent of the Naija Super 8.

The ValueJet Cup is proudly sponsored by the owners of ValueJet Airline, a private domestic Nigeria airline, led by Remo Stars Chief Kunle Soname, and is prepared to host eight invited Nigeria Premier League Clubs.