French President Returns Urgently Amidst Violent Protests Following Police Killing of Teenager.

June 30, 2023

France’s President, Emmanuel Macron, cut short his attendance at an EU summit on Friday to convene a crisis meeting in response to the escalating unrest.

The protests, now in their third night, erupted following a police officer’s fatal shooting of a teenager. The demonstrations have resulted in torched cars, looted shops, and a significant number of arrests.

According to police sources, the confrontations between protesters and law enforcement were less prevalent, with the focus shifting to widespread looting.

Flagship stores of major brands like Nike and Zara in Paris were reportedly among those targeted.

Beyond the vandalism of commercial establishments, public buildings also faced attacks. Regional authorities reported a Molotov cocktail targeting a police station in the Pyrenees city of Pau.

Furthermore, an elementary school and a district office were set ablaze in the northern town of Lille.

These acts of unrest stem from long-standing grievances surrounding policing practices and racial profiling, particularly in France’s economically disadvantaged and ethnically diverse suburbs. The death of 17-year-old Nahel has reignited these concerns and sparked a wave of protests.

AFP journalists saw President Emmanuel Macron leaving the European Council summit in Brussels to chair a crisis meeting on the violence — the second such emergency talk in as many days.

Ahead of the meeting, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said the government was considering “all options” to restore order, including declaring a state of emergency.

Around 40,000 police and gendarmes — along with elite Raid and GIGN units — were deployed in several cities overnight, with curfews issued in municipalities around Paris and bans on public gatherings in Lille and Tourcoing in the country’s north.

Despite the massive security deployment, violence and damage were reported in multiple areas.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said 667 people had been arrested in what he described as a night of violence, while 249 police officers were injured, none of them seriously.

Rioting apparently linked to the Paris police shooting had even followed Macron to the Belgian capital, with Brussels police reporting 63 people detained late Thursday for setting fires and erecting barricades.

– ‘Severely disrupted’ –

France has been rocked by successive nights of protests since Nahel was shot point-blank on Tuesday during a traffic stop captured on video.

In her first media interview since the shooting, Nahel’s mother, Mounia, told the France 5 channel: “I don’t blame the police, I blame one person: the one who took the life of my son.”

She said the 38-year-old officer responsible, who was detained and charged with voluntary manslaughter on Thursday, “saw an Arab face, a little kid, and wanted to take his life”.

The memorial march for Nahel, led by Mounia, ended with riot police firing tear gas as several cars were set alight in the western Paris suburb of Nanterre, where the teenager lived and was killed.

Heightened security appeared to do little to deter unrest Thursday night.

In the city centre of Marseille, a library was vandalized, according to local officials, and scuffles broke out nearby when police used tear gas to disperse a group of 100 to 150 people who allegedly tried to set up barricades.

In Nanterre, the epicenter of the unrest, tensions rose around midnight, with fireworks and explosives set off in the Pablo Picasso district, where Nahel had lived, according to an AFP journalist.

The Paris region’s bus and tram lines remained “severely disrupted” on Friday, the RATP transport authority said, after a dozen vehicles were torched overnight in a depot and some routes were blocked or damaged.

The government is desperate to avoid a repeat of the 2005 urban riots, sparked by the death of two boys of African origin in a police chase, during which 6,000 people were arrested.

Macron has called for calm and said the protest violence was “unjustifiable”.

The riots are a fresh challenge for the president, who had been looking to move past some of the biggest demonstrations in a generation sparked by a controversial rise in the retirement age.

– ‘Bullet in the head’ –

There have long been concerns over allegations of systemic racism in the French police and the UN rights office said Friday the killing of the teen of North African descent was “a moment for the country to seriously address the deep issues of racism and racial discrimination in law enforcement.”

Nahel was killed as he pulled away from police who were trying to stop him for a traffic infraction.

A video, authenticated by AFP, showed two police officers standing by the side of the stationary car, with one pointing a weapon at the driver.

A voice is heard saying: “You are going to get a bullet in the head.”

The police officer then appears to fire as the car abruptly drives off.

Exodus of Multinational Companies From Nigeria Looms Over Electricity Tariff Issue, MAN Warns.

Favour Bassey Otu

June 30, 2023

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has raised concerns over the potential repercussions of power distribution companies implementing the proposed increase in electricity tariffs.

According to MAN, if the tariff hike is enacted, it could compel numerous multinational companies to relocate their factories from Nigeria to other countries.

President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, who gave the warning while speaking to newsmen, noted that some international manufacturing firms had already exited the country due to the harsh operating environment including the power crisis, adding that any further hike in tariff would lead to an exodus of companies, and thus called on the government to reconsider the move.

Recall that various public notices from some of the electricity distribution companies, DisCos, had stated that the electricity tariff would be raised by about 30 to 40 percent for selected categories of consumers with effect from July 1, 2023.

They have, however, backtracked on their earlier announcement of a tariff hike, stating that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had yet to approve the hike.

Meshioye stated: “In every system, there’s always a core structure and this includes the elements that make up the total cost spent in generating your revenue. Now, what we experience as manufacturers is that energy cost is a major cost in processing our products.

“The downsizing of businesses in Nigeria, for instance, shows that businesses are not doing very well. So this power issue and other things have made some manufacturers, particularly international businessmen relocate from Nigeria to other countries.

“Therefore anything to reduce this energy cost will be very beneficial both to manufacturers and the masses in general. So it (power) is a high cost to us and a major driver in terms of cost. At the same time, it could lead to other things.

“It is one of the things that make some manufacturers seek to move their business to another region and site their factories there. It is not the only reason, but, of course, it is one of the major ones.”

On other reasons that might make manufacturers exit Nigeria, Meshioye said: “We have the unpredictability of the foreign exchange rate. In a business model, the more predictable the forex, the better you are.

But the availability of the forex itself is another thing. All these are problems that border manufacturers.”

Tension Builds Among NASS Principal Officers as they Await Tinubu, APC’s Approval.

Favour Bassey Otu

June 30, 2023

AHEAD of the resumption of the 10th Senate, next Tuesday, various camps battling to produce some of the remaining principal officers are awaiting the nod of President Bola Tinubu.

As it was done recently, the National Working Committee, NWC, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is expected to name the party’s nominees for the Senate Majority Leader, Deputy Majority Leader, Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip.

However, it has to be done with the blessing of President Tinubu, who returned to the country after official/private visits to Paris and London, a source told Vanguard.

On May 8, 2023, the party released the zoning formula for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, picking Godswill Akpabio (Akwa-Ibom/South-South) President of the Senate; Jibrin Barau (Kano/North-West) for Deputy President of the Senate; Tajudeen Abbas (Kaduna/North-West) for Speaker; and Benjamin Kalu (Abia South-East) for Deputy Speaker.

“If the president played a critical role in the emergence of Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and their deputies, which are elective positions, you can expect that he will be very much interested in other positions that are principally the affairs of the party,” a top APC source told Vanguard.

The composition of principal officers may be delayed

Meanwhile, there are indications that the emergence of the other principal officers may be delayed till mid-July or later. Reason: The National Assembly offices are still under renovation. This means a temporary chamber may be used on July 4 for the plenary.

Also, the APC hierarchy is yet to take a position on the issue. A meeting of the National Executive Committee, NEC, has been fixed for July 11. Before then, a meeting of the party’s National Caucus would be held on July 10.

The meeting would look at the selection of the remaining principal officers among other issues if the plenary is postponed, it was gathered.

Following intense pressure from National Vice Chairman, North-West, Salihu Moh. Lukman, the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led NWC fixed the NEC meeting for July 11.

The decision was taken after the dates were approved by President Tinubu who had been given three options to pick from.

Adamu’s refusal to convene regular meetings of relevant party organs had pitched him against Lukman who accused him of running the APC like a garrison commander.

The July 11 meeting will be the second NEC meeting to be convened by Adamu more than a year after the assumption of office.

Tinubu’s hand

There are strong indications that the issue of who becomes the Senate Majority Leader would be determined by President Tinubu

A source told Vanguard that President Tinubu and the APC may overlook Northern Senators who are at the moment eyeing the position of Senate Majority Leader.

Already, the fight for the position of Senate Majority Leader has polarised senators from the North and South, especially the South-West, with the former insisting on producing the Senate Majority Leader.

A Senator who spoke with Vanguard yesterday said:” The matter of who becomes the Senate Majority leader is becoming interesting as the leadership of the APC is at a crossroads at the moment and awaiting President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Senator Adamu led NWC to send names of those, who will form the leadership to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio to announce during plenary upon resumption of the Senate.”

Ndume, Buhari, and Bamidele fight for Senate Leader

Vanguard gathered the former Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, APC, Borno South; immediate past Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central; and Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, APC, Oyo North are very much interested in the position of majority leader.

While Ndume is from the North-East, Bamidele and Buhari are both from the South-West.

The party has not taken a decision on which geo-political zone of the country should produce the Senate leader and his deputy

With the election of Senator Akpabio and Senator Jibrin Barau as Senate President and Deputy respectively, attention has shifted to the other principal offices

The game among the Senators is the push by some South West Senators to produce a Yoruba Majority Leader. They are being countered by some Northern Senators who want the North to produce Senate Leader arguing that if a South West Senator becomes the Majority leader, it would create more tension in the already tensed 10th Senate following the last election of Presiding officers where former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari from the North-West lost to Akpabio from the South-South.

Thus, all eyes are on Tinubu and the APC hierarchy as their decision would go a long way in ending or inflaming the intrigues and quagmire in the National Assembly.

Aside from the office of the President of the Senate and the Deputy who must go through an election, the other principal offices are purely the affairs of the parties, which nominate members for such positions.

In the Senate, the principal office positions for the ruling APC are the Majority Leader, Chief Whip, Deputy Majority Leader, and Deputy Majority Whip.

The opposition parties produce Minority Leader, Minority Whip, Deputy Minority Leader and Deputy Minority Whip.

With 59 senators, the APC is the majority party in the Senate while the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is the major opposition party with 36 senators. The other parties with slots in the Senate are the Labour Party, LP, 8; New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, 2; Social Democratic Party, SDP, 2; All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, 1; and Young Progressives Party, YPP, 1.

In essence, the six opposition parties have altogether 50 senators as against APC’s 59.
The four geo-political zones that are yet to produce principal officers are the North-East, North-Central, South-East and South-West

In accordance with the tradition of the Senate, geo-political zones that did not produce the Senate President and the Deputy, are expected to occupy the key positions, especially in the ruling party.

As it is, the South-South and North-West are out of the equation having produced the President of the Senate and the Deputy.

Atiku, Wike’s camps battle for Minority Leader

In the PDP, there is a battle between the camps of the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, and the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku over who should be the Senate Minority Leader.

While the party and Atiku are rooting for former Speaker of the House of Representatives and immediate past Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto South) for Senate Minority leader, Wike wants Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North) for the position and this is causing tension in the party.

A strategic move towards blocking the choice of PDP for the Minority leadership positions of the Senate and the House of Representatives was made, last Thursday when Wike held a marathon meeting with Senate President Akpabio and Barau at the National Assembly, it was gathered.

Wike, who was in a black suit, left the Senate wing of the National Assembly at about 6:30 pm in the convoy of Senate President Akpabio, Deputy Senate President of the Senate Jibrin Barau and other Senators like Salihu Mustapha (APC Kwara Central), Jibril Isah (APC Kogi East ) as well as the recently appointed Senior Special Assistant, National Assembly Matters (Senate ) to President Tinubu, Senator Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel.

According to a source at the meeting, Wike’s plan with the leadership of the Senate is to have a minority leader from his camp in the PDP.

According to the source, though the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives are being very careful with the plan they believe that if Wike succeeds in factionalizing PDP caucuses in both chambers, having unpopular minority leaders from their fold is possible.

The source said: “Having assisted APC to win the Presidential election in Rivers State in February, supported the aspirations of the now elected four presiding officers of the 10th National Assembly, getting his loyalists among the principal officers from PDP is his plan now. He is very serious with the plan and is getting the required support from the leadership of the National Assembly as well as membership of the other minority political parties in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.”

Opposition senators move against Atiku’s bid to install Tambuwal

However, some senators elected on the platforms of the six opposition political parties have concluded arrangements to move against Atiku Abubakar’s bid to deliver Tambuwal as Senate Minority leader.

The aggrieved senators have vowed to resist Tambuwal’s emergence in the way and manner they fought against the alleged imposition of Akpabio as Senate President. No fewer than 46 senators voted against Akpabio. Their choice was former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, APC, Zamfara West, who lost to Akpabio.

Some of the Minority Senators who spoke after a meeting on Wednesday said that the indications are clear that with what Tambuwal did against the PDP, he would use the minority leadership position to negotiate and apologize to President Tinubu who he betrayed after making him Speaker of the House of Representatives.

A PDP Senator from Rivers State, another Senator from the North and a ranking Senator from the South-West who spoke to Vanguard in confidence vowed to resist attempts to impose Tambuwual on them.

According to them, Tambuwal has a record of throwing his political allies under the bus at critical moments to promote what they described as his selfish interest.

The Senators resolved to vote for any ranking Senator other than the former Sokoto State Governor because “he is on a mission to use the minority leadership position to negotiate for self-preservation and use the platform to run for the Presidential election in 2027.”

One of the sources said: “As a result of his antecedents, Senators are rejecting calls by PDP officials and their governors insisting that Tambuwal is no option.

“You can trace the major political activities of Tambuwal in the past decade. He seems to have a record of treachery and betrayal of close friends and allies as he did to Jonathan, Wike, Tinubu himself and several others.

“In 2019, he went against his party, the PDP, and a sitting president to rubbish the PDP zoning arrangements just because it favoured him. When he became speaker with the support of opposition elements (that is Tinubu, Buhari and other leaders), he used the platform of the speakership to effectively rubbish the presidency of Johnathan and the PDP and decamped to the APC and negotiated to be governor.

“Buhari, Tinubu, Wammako and others rewarded him for his treachery against the PDP, but his ambition could not be accommodated so he betrayed Wammako, Tinubu, Buhari, aligned with Atiku and came back to PDP with the APC mandate that was given to him with the hope of running for the presidency.

“Wike against all odds backed him and promised to deliver the presidential nomination to him but Thank God that did not succeed.”

Another Senator said: “In 2019, he again went for a presidential visit but this time did not get Wike’s support, he then Betrayed Wike at the PDP presidential primaries. This is the record of the politician Atiku wants to foist as minority leader of the party.

“Also, his senatorial election in Sokoto is now being contested; he was desperate to come to the Senate with the ambition that he would be rewarded with the position of Senate President. When it emerged that the PDP did not get the majority and with the defeat of Atiku and Okowa, Atiku and the PDP then changed their plan to make him minority leader to compensate him.”

It’s too early to read primordial sentiments to my appointments —AKPABIO

Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio while reacting to reports that Senators are angry with him for appointing Christians and southerners as his Chief of Staff and Deputy, advised that it was too early to read primordial sentiments to the only two appointments he has made, saying that he is a highly detribalised Nigerian.

A statement from the Media Unit of the Office of the Senate President read: “The President of the 10th Senate is a highly detribalised Nigerian with strong conviction in the potentials of our diversities. The needless agitation is a distraction that should have no place in our current efforts at rebuilding a society that is strong in growth and opportunities.”

Marcelo Brozovic, Highly Sought After by Barcelona, Nears Move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Social Plus Africa

June 30, 2023

Barcelona’s target and Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozovic has reportedly agreed to move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.

Renowned football journalist, Fabrizio Romano has provided updates on the transfer saga, revealing that Brozovic has now given his approval to Cristiano Ronaldo’s team.

According to reports, Inter Milan is set to receive a transfer fee of €23 million for Brozovic.

Furthermore, the midfielder will earn a staggering total package of €100 million and commit to a three-year contract with Al-Nassr.

Barcelona had previously been considered as potential suitors for Brozovic, with rumors suggesting the midfielder was willing to patiently wait for an offer from the Spanish club.

However, it seems that Brozovic’s patience ran out quickly, leaving Barcelona in a position where they must now explore other options in their search for a new midfielder.

While there have been speculations linking Oriol Romeu as a potential alternative, it’s likely that more names will emerge in the coming days as the rumor mill churns.

Barcelona’s inability to secure the services of Marcelo Brozovic will undoubtedly force them to shift their focus elsewhere in their quest to strengthen their midfield.

Brozovic’s decision to join Al-Nassr comes as a blow to Barcelona, who will now need to regroup and consider alternative targets in their pursuit of reinforcements.

Meanwhile, Barcelona will need to act swiftly and decisively to secure a suitable replacement for Brozovic.

They will be keen to avoid any further setbacks and ensure they bring in a quality player who can contribute to their squad.

Barcelona’s loss may very well prove to be Al-Nassr’s gain, as they secure the services of a talented midfielder who has been a key player for Inter Milan in recent seasons. Brozovic’s arrival will undoubtedly strengthen Al-Nassr’s midfield and enhance their chances of success in domestic and continental competitions.

The departure of Brozovic from Inter Milan represents a significant loss for the Italian club, which will now need to identify a suitable replacement. It remains to be seen how they will fill the void left by the Croatian midfielder and whether they will reinvest the funds received from the transfer towards strengthening their squad in other areas.

Overall, Marcelo Brozovic’s decision to join Al-Nassr marks a significant twist in the transfer saga, impacting both Barcelona and Inter Milan’s plans for the upcoming season.

The midfielder’s move to Saudi Arabia highlights the global appeal of football and the increasing competitiveness of clubs in different regions.

Gombe extends Eid-el-Kabir holiday to Friday.

Social Plus Africa

June 29, 2023

The Governor of Gombe State Muhammadu Yahaya, has directed the extension of Eid-el-Kabir holidays to Friday.

According to a press statement signed and released on Thursday by Jibrin Yusuf, on behalf of Gombe’s acting Head of Civil Service, Ahmed Abdullahi, the gesture was to ensure workers enjoy the festivities alongside their counterparts nationwide.

Yusuf’s statement partly read, “I am directed to inform you that His Excellency, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, (Dan Majen Gombe) has approved the extension of the Public Holiday to Friday 30th June 2023 to enable Civil Servants in the State to continue with the Celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir along with their counterparts nationwide.”

While wishing them a happy return by Monday, he added that essential service would be maintained.

“The Acting Head of Civil Service wishes all Workers and indeed the General Public a peaceful celebration.

“Meanwhile, all essential services would be maintained throughout the Public Holiday and Workers will resume work on Monday 3rd July, 2023, please,” Yusuf added.

NCPC Boss Extends Eid-El-Kabir Greetings to Muslim Faithful, Calls for Unity and Prayers for the New Administration.

Social Plus Africa

June 29, 2023

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev Dr. Yakubu Pam, has sent warm greetings and felicitations to the Muslim faithful across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

In a press release issued on Friday by the Deputy Director and Head, Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka, Rev Dr. Pam urged Muslims to uphold their faith in God as they commemorate the obedience and trust in God demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.

Rev Dr. Pam emphasized the importance of using this festive period to foster peaceful coexistence with their neighbors, urging Muslims to let the sacrifices they make during Eid-el-Kabir serve as a catalyst for unity and harmony among communities.

He appealed to them to eschew divisive tendencies and work towards building a more inclusive society.

In addition, the NCPC Boss called on Muslims to utilize the opportunity presented by Eid-el-Kabir to offer prayers for the success of the new administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. Rev Dr. Pam expressed his hope that the renewed hope promised by the new administration would come to fruition, bringing about positive change and progress for the nation.

Recognizing the significance of collective effort in achieving national development, Rev Dr. Pam emphasized the need for every citizen to contribute through prayers and personal sacrifices. He emphasized, “We must be able to make sacrifices as a people if we are to enjoy the dividends of democracy.”

The NCPC Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka, affirmed the message conveyed by Rev Dr. Yakubu Pam. In the press release, Toruka further stated that the nation relies on the prayers and support of its citizens to enable the government to fulfill its promises of a better life for all Nigerians.

As the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations kick off across the country, Muslims are encouraged to embrace the spirit of love, generosity, and empathy that define the occasion. The NCPC Boss’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, faith, and collective responsibility in building a prosperous and harmonious society.

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission is dedicated to fostering peaceful coexistence and promoting interfaith dialogue in Nigeria. Under the leadership of Rev Dr. Yakubu Pam, the NCPC continues to play a vital role in promoting religious tolerance and understanding among the diverse religious communities in the country.

Tinubu arrives Ogun, visits Awujale.

Favour Bassey Otu

June 29, 2023

The President, Bola Tinubu, is currently in Ogun State for his first official state visit after being sworn in as President.

The President is currently being hosted at the palace of Awujale and the Paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

Present at the ongoing event were Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; ex-Ogun governor, Gbenga Daniel; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, among others.

The president is also expected to visit the Awujale of Ijebu, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

Details later…

Gov. Bello flags off reconstruction of 13.71km itakpe– Okene road, Inspects Ongoing Projects at CUSTECH.

Social Plus Africa

June 28, 2023

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, on Tuesday, commenced the reconstruction of a 13.71km road, stretching from Itakpe Junction to Kabba Junction, and ending at Total Junction. The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

During the flag-off ceremony, Governor Bello emphasized that despite the road being under the jurisdiction of the federal government, the recurring challenges faced by travelers and local communities, as well as the negative perception it creates for the state, compelled his administration to take the initiative.

The governor highlighted that numerous appeals had been made to the federal government and its relevant ministries and agencies in the past, but they had not been heeded.
He also expressed confidence in CCECC Nigeria Limited, the construction company entrusted with the project, assuring that they would deliver a road of exceptional quality. He anticipated that upon completion, the road would rank among the best in the country.

The Commissioner for Works, Samson Bako outlined the scope of the construction work, which included complete scraping and construction of an 8.7km stretch from Itakpe Junction to Kabba Junction, rehabilitation and asphalt overlaying of a 5.1km section from Kabba Junction to Total Junction, provision of hydraulic structures, crush rock, a 150mm thick stone base, asphalt, concrete binding and wearing layers, as well as reclaiming gullies.

Speaking on behalf of CCECC Nigeria Limited, Engr Andrew Zhou assured that the project would be completed efficiently, maintaining high quality standards.

Governor Bello also conducted an inspection of ongoing projects at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Osara. This included internal road networks and other infrastructure developments.

Eid-el-Kabir: Embracing the Spirit of Sacrifice and Generosity.

Social Plus Africa

June 28, 2023

On this joyous occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, as we celebrate Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering devotion and obedience to Allah, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Muslims around the globe.

Today, let us draw inspiration from the exemplary virtues demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim: his sacrifice, patience, steadfastness, generosity, and unwavering obedience to Allah’s command and constituted authority. These qualities should guide us as we face the contemporary challenges of nation-building, reminding us of our shared heritage and the destiny of national greatness that awaits the people of Kogi State, both within and outside the country.

The progress we have achieved in the past seven years would not have been possible without the sacrifices, understanding, and commitment of our citizens. It is their unwavering support that has propelled us forward.

In my first term as Governor of Kogi State, the pursuit of harmony, cohesion, unity, security, political stability, progress, equity, justice, and above all, prosperity were the cornerstones of our administration. These principles continue to define my leadership, policy and programmes of our administration in this second term.

Our government remains steadfast in safeguarding the peace and security of our people, ensuring the inviolability of their persons and property. The Almighty has blessed us with this peace, and it has become ingrained in the lives of Kogites.

Any attempt to disrupt or reverse our hard-won gains, driven by the thirst for political power at any cost, will be met with vigilance and an uncompromising response.

As you celebrate this auspicious event, I encourage you to demonstrate love and generosity towards your fellow human beings. Let these virtues resonate not only on this festive day but also in our everyday lives.

Eid-El-Kabir Mubarak!
Yahaya Bello
Governor, Kogi State

Okun Area Traditional Council to Gov Bello: You Etched Your Name in Gold in the Hearts, History of Every Okun Person

Favour Bassey Otu

June 28, 2023

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, warmly received the Okun Area Traditional Council at his residence in Okene on Wednesday. Led by the esteemed Obaro of Kabba, His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, the council expressed their deep appreciation for the governor’s efforts.

Governor Yahaya Bello took the opportunity to extend his heartfelt congratulations to the people of Okunland and the entire Kogi State on the recognition of Kogi State University, Kabba by the National Universities Commission and other relevant tertiary education authorities. He said the establishment of a university in Okunland was a sweet fulfillment of the age-long desire of the people.

The Obaro of Kabba expressed the purpose of their visit, which was to express gratitude to the governor for his remarkable efforts in developing Okunland, particularly the establishment of a state-owned university in Kabba. Oba Solomon Owoniyi highlighted that the visit coincided with the holy Sallah period, and it was deemed fitting to extend their heartfelt appreciation to God for using the governor as an instrument to bring the Kogi State University to fruition.

Oba Solomon Owoniyi further stated, “Since the 1980s, the people of Okun have yearned for a university, but various challenges prevented its realization. However, our responsive governor, with unparalleled speed and zeal, diligently facilitated the establishment of the university through the necessary state and federal processes. Today, we are collectively overjoyed and grateful for the actualization of the university, making it the 62nd state university and the 265th in the country.”
The Obaro assured that Okunland possessed a wealth of professors who would collaborate with their counterparts from other parts of the state to ensure the optimal functioning of the university. Additionally, the traditional rulers in Okunland pledged to provide a conducive environment for the smooth operation of the university. The Obaro appealed to well-placed Okun sons and daughters to contribute their quota towards the resounding success of the institution.

Expressing deep appreciation, the Obaro acknowledged that Governor Yahaya Bello had etched his name in gold in the hearts and history of every Okun person. He expressed gratitude and promised continued support, loyalty, and alignment with the governor in his future endeavors, even beyond his tenure.
The Okun Area Traditional Council pledged unwavering loyalty to the governor and his administration and vowed to work closely with him as preparations for the next gubernatorial election commence.

It is noteworthy that in May, Governor Yahaya Bello, through the state executive council, announced plans for the establishment of the third state-owned university, to be situated in Okunland, within the Western Senatorial district of the state. Following the committee’s recommendations, which were endorsed and recognized by the National Universities Commission on June 26, 2023, the establishment of the university was confirmed.

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