EndSARS: Protesters Storms Kabba, Lists Demands...

Hundreds of #EndSARS protesters has stormed the city of Kabba, headquarters of Kogi West Senatorial district, demanding for good governance in the state and country. 

The protesters, who were mainly youths, stormed the ancient city on Monday. They called for end to bad governance in the area as well as articulate for other demands for the senatorial axis from governments. 

The protesters marched to the area office of the Nigeria Police in Kabba displaying placards with different inscriptions: “Bad Politicians Are the Real SARS”, “Stop Killing Us Before Our Time”, “#EndSARS, END SWAT” 

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Babatunde Jude Nayo said the people of the community and the senatorial district at large cannot keep quiet in the face of the agony people of the area had suffered in the hands of the disbanded SARS unit. Nayo also said the protest against the police brutality was a kicker to the many issues working against the progress of the area. 

They listed five other demands that they expected to be addressed by the three tiers of governments failure to which they will take to the street. “We want an end to bad governance in the state, because bad governance is worse than SARS.  “We want all the township roads in Kabba to be fixed, we seek for the industrialization of Okunland, we want the NTA Kabba to go live again, and we want the College of Agriculture, Kabba to be converted to full fledge Federal University.” 

The youths, however, gave one week ultimatum to the governments to convince them that their demands will be met. 

 Speaking to the protesters, the Area Commander, Kabba Police Area Command, Dauda Lasisi urged the protesters to ensured that the protest go on peacefully. He also warned them to beware of hijackers who may want to use the protest for their personal gains. He, however, called on the protesters to channeled their grievances to the right political class who can ensure that their demands are met.

 Source: Kogireports

Delta State Governor's Aide, Prince Olusoji averts clash between an Army general and End Sars Protesters in Warri(Video)

Prince Olatunji Olusoji who's a Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties to the Governor of Delta State Sen. Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa yesterday in Warri averted an eminent crisis that would have resulted to serious breakdown of law and other in Warri and it's metropolis .

Trouble started when the convoy of an Army General was blocked by angry protesters around the popular PTI roundabout from passing through the City enroute Port Harcourt. The protesters in their large numbers barricaded the roads leading into and out of the city preventing vehicular movement all through yesterday. 

As soon as Prince Olatunji Olusoji SSA Special Duties to Governor Okowa got hold of the situation he quickly rushed down to the scene where he engaged both the angry protesters and the soldiers in dialogue and he was able to pacify the protesters before allowing the Army General and his convoy to have their way to avoid the type of unfortunate crisis between Soldiers and members of the Islamic Movement popular known as shifted in Kaduna some years ago.

Watch video 

HAJIA AISHA DAHIR-UMAR: OPENING OF A NEW VISTA IN PENCOM

 

By Alex Enemanna

To say that Hajia Aisha Dahir-Umar has set the tone for barrage of many goals in the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and indeed the country’s pension industry since she came on board on acting capacity in the last three years will be to say the least. A woman of resilience, focus, candour, capacity and character, she has amidst vicious and venomous political interferences kept her head high in carrying out her reformatory agenda, an assignment she was both emotionally and psychologically prepared for. 

The results of the energy she has exerted in repositioning the foremost pension regulatory agency in the country is there for all to see. Despite the tantrums deliberately targeted at distracting her, Aisha Umar has risen above Machiavellian distractions and set an eye towards leaving a lasting legacy for which posterity will be kind to her and the right page of our history proud of her.  

For the first time in a long while, we see a PenCom that has exhibited readiness not only protect the pension assets of our senior citizens and retirees, but to ensure they receive their benefits as at when due with a minimal stress. Under a robust and rejuvenated PenCom which Hajia Aisha Umar presides, we are seeing a near total compliance by employers with the guidelines for life insurance policy for their employees and submission of insurance certificate in accordance with the provisions of Section 4(5) of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014.

Under her leadership this is not only followed religiously as a way of protecting our people from exploitative tendencies of some employers, but as a regulatory agency that knows her onion, defaulters and recalcitrant employers are dealt with using the instrumentality of the law. Also, under her leadership, employers who fail to remit their employees’ pension contribution into their RSAs are not ignored but prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to intending offenders. 

As at the last count, the Commission has instituted legal actions against 191 recalcitrant employers, out of which 79 opted for out-of-court settlement with the Commission, 35 judgments obtained while 77 are at different stages in court. Who would dispute her competency and focus towards fostering better post-service years for our people and protecting the rights of those who have meritoriously served our country? President Muhammadu Buhari, being a man who has never hidden his desire to ensure that the competent and most qualified persons occupy key positions may have intentionally delayed the confirm of Hajia Aisha Umar as the substantive Director General of PenCom to be sure of her integrity and capacity after the unceremonious removal of her predecessor, Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu. Has she proven that? In multiple ways.  

Under her fruitful leadership, pension has been taken away from the period when only those in the MDAs were captured in the scheme. Courtesy of her marshaled out focus, we now have Micro-Pension Plan (MPP) guideline which has provided a safety net for those who are in the informal sector of the economy as a way of increasing pension awareness in the country.      

This is exclusively meant for self-employed persons, especially those with irregular income, usually in the informal sector and those largely financially uninformed with limited or no access to financial services particularly pension plans. The focus of this outstandingly visionary leader in introducing this was to improve the standard of living of the informal sector participants at retirement and reduce dependence on extended family for support upon retirement. Today, the MPP has given the okada rider, the mechanic, the tailor, the welder etc an opportunity to be enrolled in pension scheme while leveraging on this effort to boost the country’s pension assets which has since exceeded N10 trillion. President Muhammadu Buhari personally flagged off this exercise last year.     

Under her watchful eyes, cases of people forging death certificates to claim death benefits of retirees especially by next-of-kins even while they are still alive has drastically reduced. Today, we have Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) who have been firmly mandated to improve on internal risk control, investigate documentations submitted by beneficiaries before forwarding to PenCom for approval. Errant next-of-kins do not dare such under the current PenCom leadership and go scot-free. We are all living testimonies to how the pension sector has consistently made meaningful contributions in the area of infrastructure financing in our country courtesy of the Sukuk fund and others.  

At a time when all efforts are geared towards ensuring that we move forward as a nation, all hands ought to be deck so that we achieve the country for which coming generations will be grateful for. It is pertinent to say when confirmed the substantive Director General of National Pension Commission, she will consolidate on the current achievements which has undoubtedly brought pride to millions of Nigerian pensioners. Lest we forget, her experience, expertise and technical know-how were not purchased with the currency of ethnic correctness or political alignment. 

While I wholeheartedly agree with the principle of Federal Character and the rights of every part of this country to have a sense of inclusion in governance, it is also important to state that the history of our stunted growth as a country cannot be complete without the mention of trivialities such as ethnicity and our penchant to murder merit on the slab of regional correctness. I am also happy that notable civil society organizations have engaged the lone voice in the Senate who from all indications appears interested in what is going on in PenCom over the huge capital base and not necessarily an effort to have someone from the region of the unceremoniously disengaged former DG complete whatever was left of her tenure. 

Hajia Aisha Umar has shown that she is a treasure to her fatherland and the President, Muhammadu Buhari has done the needful by forwarding her name for confirmation to the Senate as the substantive Director General of PenCom. I appeal to the leadership of the Senate presided over by Distinguished Senator Ahmed Lawan, a nationalist and a pro-development patriot to do the needful by ensuring the speedy confirmation of Mrs. Aisha Umar as the substantive DG. This will not only be a value addition in terms of her morale boost but will be a collective honour for millions of our retirees who courtesy of her vision are no more subjected to artificial bottlenecks before they could access their pension fund investment after meritoriously serving our country.

Enemanna is a Public Affairs Commentator

Okun Youth hails Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Olusoji on his birthday, describe him as ‘a rallying point for Okun Youth

Okun Youth of Kogi West Senatorial District on the platform of Okun Youth Leader's Forum (OYLF) have felicitated with Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Olusoji, SSA special duties to Delta State Governor on the occasion of his birthday.


The Public relations officer of the group, Mrs. Deboral Ajileye, described Asiwaju Olusoji as a unifying and rallying point for all those who genuinely have Okun interest at heart mostly the youth Constituency.

While the group rejoiced with Asiwaju Olusoji, she reiterated the Forum commitment to identifying and appreciating successful sons and daughters of Okun land who have distinguished themselves in selfless service to Okun land.

The statement read in part:” Okun Youth Leader's Forum joins friends, families and government of Delta State to celebrate the birthday of Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Olusoji on his birthday. We celebrate this special occasion with Your and your entire family.

“We in particular wish to acknowledge and commend your leadership and commitment to a united, prosperous Okunland.

“We acknowledge your contributions to our our people during this trying period of Covid 19 pandemic through your insightful and resolute inputs.

Congratulations and Happy Birthday to Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Olusoji, you certainly represent our unifying and rallying point for all well meaning Okun Youth.
We rejoice with you and wish you a happy birthday. “

Your Diamond Jubilee/retirement, Harvest of Honour & Selflessness, Omoluabi Extols Engr. Iluromi

Senior Special Assistant to Kogi Governor on Political Matters, Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi has congratulated former Controller at Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engr Bode Iluromi as he clocks 60.

Omoluabi also congratulated him on his retirement after meritorious service to fatherland, describing it as double celebration and remarkable achievement. 

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the governor's aide while expressing gratitude to God for such a personality as Engr. Iluromi in Okunland and Kogi in general, said his birthday and retirement radiates God's faithfulness, grace and kindness.

"Engr. Iluromi's selflessness, humility and candour which he distinguished himself for during his service years is unparalleled. His 60 years of age has been a collection of honour and integrity which saw him rise through the ranks in civil service and later became a Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Works from where he retired. 

"He became a shoulder to cry unto for our people at times it mattered most. Apart from facilitating several roads construction in Okunland which impacted the people's standard of living and brought about economic boom, he also facilitated numerous opportunities for our teeming youths at different sectors. 

"Undoubtedly he is a role model in effective service, truthfulness, good behaviour, sound morality and service to humanity. His footprints of love for his people are visibly seen in the lives he has touched. 

"His generosity and humanitarian gestures speaks to how much of heart of gold he is blessed with. He has demonstrated that he is a good ambassador of Kogi, and we are proud of him for retiring with his head high and clean bill of record" Omoluabi said. 

While wishing Engr. Iluromi a happy birthday and fulfilling retirement age, Omoluabi urged him not to get tired of pressing for the good of his people using his influential voice and contacts. He enjoined Engr. Iluromi to use his wealth of experience, contacts and time to support Kogi government in her drive to move the state forward, especially in areas of infrastructural development and policy formulation and implementation.

WHY MAMUD ALI MUST BE VOTED INTO POWER

 

By: Bassa PDP Chairman

The Bassa Local Government Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) began its election familiarization tour in Kpata ward yesterday with a promise that Bassa would get a better deal if they vote for its candidate Comrade Mamud Ali. The Local Government PDP Chairman Augustine Wodi described the huge crowd as a sign the party would sweep the polls in December 12 general elections. It was also evidence that the Bassa-nge district has spoken its mind, he said.

Insisting the PDP has the best candidate, Mr. Wodi said Comrade Ali has all it takes to combat insecurity and solve many of the challenges facing the local government.

Speaking, Comrade Ali told cheering supporters that having climbed to success from a humble beginning, he could replicate the pattern for the people of Bassa. 

Also in a statement by his media office yesterday, Comrade Ali condemned the killing that has been going on in the land and called for a seven-day mourning in honour of the innocent lives.”

Comrade Ali maintained that the PDP “is still the number one party in Nigeria.” He urged the people to cast their votes for him, saying he has experience and capacity to tackle the problems facing the land.

Others who took turns to explain why Comrade Ali is the candidate of choice included the party's Organising secretary, Woman leader and youth leader.

Comrade Ali has repeatedly said he would execute the agenda of tackling insecurity in the local government once he is elected. One after the other, speakers at a colloquium held at the gathering warned that the Bassa must unite and not allow an opportunity to achieve the goal slip by.

The PDP Chairman of the local government Mr. Augustine Wodi, who organised the event, noted that the elections would afford the people a chance to redefine their destiny. According to him, “Many may not think or feel so, but our civilisation is endangered. It is endangered to the extent that the land to which we belong is endangered. It is not part of our people to surrender to failure or poverty. But at present, we are going through a degree of poverty, hopelessness and failure that we have never seen before. The onus is on us to fight until we achieve success and overcome.”

The forum tagged, 'Bassa-nge Youth Vanguard' was in attendance who urged the people to push for change-the-change. The Bassa-nge Elders Forum', regretted that the current administration is steeped in untruth. According to her, it is the “most corrupt government we have ever had.”

Signed:-

YUNUSA DAUDA

Director of Media (Official Spokesperson)

Mahmud Ali Chairmanship Campaign Organization

08153849320

08036546223

07012773617

Omoluabi condoles with Solomon Adebayo's family, says he died a hero

Senior Special Assistant to Kogi Governor on Political Matters, Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi has expressed sadness over the death of former Director Local Government in the state, Mr Festus Solomon Adebayo.

Mr. Solomon passed on at the weekend after a brief illness. 

Omoluabi in a condolence message to the family and people of Oweland on Sunday described the late Adebayo as a very resourceful personality, community leader and teacher who lived all his life in serving humanity. 

"The death of our Uncle, Mr Festus Solomon Adebayo is not a loss for his immediate family alone but for the government and people of Kogi State where he served as a teacher and later in the local government service where he rose to become the Director of local government. 

"As someone who learnt under the tutelage of Sir Adebayo as his English Language student, I can attest to his kindness, devotion and commitment to duty even in the most difficult situations. He was a perfect gentleman, a disciplinarian and cerebral Nigerian.

"His zeal and technical know-how in knowledge transfer made him outstanding in the discharge of his duties and indeed the envy of all. 

"Sir Adebayo's disposition of humility, integrity and honour even when he rose to the top echelon of local government service as the Director of local government remains great asset for which he will be missed. 

"His leadership acumen and ability to turn seemingly difficult situations around will be greatly missed. He lived an exemplary life and distinguished himself in the positive page in the history book of Kabba, Kogi and the nation at large" Omoluabi said. 

He further urged the Adebayos to take heart, noting that their son died a hero after years of meritorious service to fatherland at various capacities.

60th INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE FROM HON TEEJAY YUSUF

As Nigeria marks its 60th independence anniversary, we should all thank God for the gift of life but with the current administration, Nigeria really has little or nothing to celebrate. It is noteworthy that while the APC government is spending undisclosed humongous millions of Naira to celebrate, most Nigerians are not celebrating but quietly pondering their situation at home.

Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary is a period for sober reflection and instead of joining in 365 days of celebration with no disclosure of how much is again being wa

sted on frivolous expenditures that leave out the voiceless majority, we must all ponder how fake promises and populist pretensions got us to where we are today.

Today, the PDP years appear far more peaceful and comfortable than we now see; unemployment and poverty has now become a sad blighted to numerous homes, towns and villages across the federation even as abductions and killings by rampaging herdsmen, foreign bandits and armed robbers have become daily occurrences in many towns, villages and along the highway.

Today, every Nigerian citizen should honestly ask himself or herself whether life was this cruel and vicious under the PDP.

In 2014, just before APC came in, along with its reckless nepotism in employments and vicious sectionalism in federal appointments, the leader of APC told the nation that ‘Nigeria had nothing to celebrate on Independence Day’.

As reported by various mass media platforms on September 28 and September 29, 2014, the APC Leader said: “Today, the nation staggers beneath the weight of trouble multiplied by hardship. Peace and unity seem to have yielded the moment to violence and discord. We exist as a political unit on a map but we do not prosper as brothers and sisters in one nation, under one flag and pursuant to one accord.”

While today’s sad realities are far much worse, I urge all the people of Nigeria not to lose hope but to emulate the unyielding hope of the people of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency who firmly believe that with the gracious blessings of God Almighty, the genuine people-centred governance that we stand for, will become enthroned in due course

This is not exactly the right day to worry about why they prefer to spend $1.9 billion on a rail line, 50 kilometres inside Niger Republic or to worry about why they have not given our unemployed graduates and hardworking people the right opportunities needed to make lives better; it is a day to renew our hope in God and join efforts towards freeing all of us from the current bondage governance by democratic means.

Light will always come after darkness; while they celebrate, let us all thank God for the gift of life even as we work and pray for genuine change.

Princess Layemi Joledo congratulates Nigerians on 60th Independence anniversary celebrations; reiterates need for patriotism to make the country better.

Kogi State born politician, gender equality activist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Princess Layemi Joledo has  congratulated Nigerians on the 60th Independence Anniversary and urged all stakeholders in the Nigeria Project to show genuine patriotism that will engender a better nation for all.

In a statement released to Journalists in Lokoja, Princess Layemi Joledo lauded the selfless 

efforts of the Country's founding fathers while  urging leaders at all levels to redouble efforts in ensuring the labours of heroes past are not in vain.

She appealed to Nigerians to remain steadfast while praying to God for leaders to be availed all this is required to succeed in their offices. 

Princess Joledo expresses her firm conviction in the Nation's ability to overcome the various challenges confronting the nation if only leaders and followers alike  imbibe uncommon patriotism devoid of parochial inclinations. 

Princess Joledo admonished the youths to stay away from vices and negative traits in order to pave way for their greatness in the future. 

She lauded the leadership provided at the Federal and State levels so far despite the plethora of problems the nation is grappling with.

She called on all and sundry to continue to support the current administrations at both the national and state level as this will provide the conducive atmosphere for the progress and development of the Country. 

NIGERIA @ 60: KEEP HOPES ALIVE - AGDU TELLS NIGERIANS

Nigeria got her independence from the British Government on the 1st October, 1960 and became Republic in the year 1963, that gave us total freedom and the opportunity to operate as a sovereign state. 

The journey of our nationhood so far is a tough one with numerous challenges ranging from communal clashes to political crises, from military coup to civil war that nearly consume the nation etc and we are still together as one indivisible and indissoluble state. 

Nigeria is facing a lot of challenges including insecurity, bad governance, and corruption, in view of these, we want to use this opportunity to intimate Nigerians the needs to keep hopes alive because the future is very bright. 

Nigeria @ 60 Anniversary is a time to celebrate the achievements and  memories of the past, the happiness of the present, and the hopes of the future. As we celebrate, let's remember to pray for peace, and progress of our community and our nation. 

Happy Independence Day.

Signed:

Yusuf Adeyanju Yisau, AGDU National Public Relations Officer. 

1st of October, 2020.