Osimhen plays with passion. That’s what every country wants their players to do 💪🏿💪🏿🔥
List Of Africa’s Most Visited Countries In 2023
Africa’s Most Visited Countries (2023)
1. Egypt – 14.9 million tourists
2. Morocco – 14.5 million
3. Tunisia – 9 million
4. South Africa – 7.6 million
5. Tanzania – 1.797 million
6. Kenya – 1.75 million
7. Rwanda – 1.4 million
8. Mozambique – 1.2 million
9. Mauritius – 1.1 million
10. Zimbabwe, Uganda – 1 million+ each
Usman Ododo Sworn-In As Kogi Governor (Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAVNAwjW1dE
Usman Ododo has been officially sworn in as the governor of Kogi State, succeeding Yahaya Bello, who completed his second term in office after months since his election.
The inauguration ceremony took place in Lokoja on Saturday, with Ododo taking the oath of office around 2:24 pm.
His inauguration came just minutes after Salifu Joel Oyibot took his oath of office as the deputy governor of Kogi State
War Against Crude Oil Theft: NUJ Honours Tompolo
…E×-militant commander to be conferred with NUJ’s Award in Abuja in February
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to confer a national merit award on the former militant commander in the Niger Delta, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo.
The honour, according to the national leadership of the NUJ, is in recognition of Tomplo’s contributions to the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta and the success recorded in the war against crude oil theft and pipelines vandalism being spearheaded by the ex-commmder of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).
National President of NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo, made these revelations, during a visit to Tompolo at Oporoza Community, Warri South West LGA, Delta State, during the weekend.
He said the formal presentation of the award to Tompolo would take place during the forthcoming annual conference of the association in Abuja, in February.
Isiguzo led some national leaders of the association , including National Secretary, Mr. Shuaibu Usman Leman, as well as state and local chapter leaders of NUJ to the meeting.
Isiguzo, while briefing Tompolo and his aides, said in arriving at the decision, the NUJ profiled the activities of the former militia, especially his involvement in the restoration of a lasting peace in the region.
Isiguzo said Tompolo contributed largely to the relative peace in the hitherto war-ravaged oil-rich region.
Also, Isiguzo hailed Tompolo for his relentless commitment to put an end to the menace of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other sharp practices associated with exploration of crude oil and production as well as transportation of petroleum products.
According to the NUJ president, Tompolo, through the instrumentality of his pipelines surveillance company, Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL), the nation’s waterways have become a nightmare for criminal elements and economic saboteurs.
Isiguzo recalled some giant strides recorded by TSSL under the leadership of Tompolo in the manhunt for the oil buccaneers and illicit oil barons along the nation’s waterwaysespecially the recent arrest of MT Kali, illegally siphoining crude oil from Pennington Oil field of the Anglo-Dutch energy giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Bayelsa State.
Isiguzo admitted that with the patriotic zeal of TSSL in the pursuit of the oil thieves, the nation’s crude oil production was on steady rise, adding that this development “is ultimately pushing the nation on the path of sustainable economic recovery and prosperity.”
Isiguzo said the NUJ aligned with other stakeholders within and outside the country, who have poured ecomiums and accolades on TSSL and its operators for satisfactorily performing its oversight functions over the surveillance and protection of the nation’s economic assets.
He said, “Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, the NUJ has profiled your activities and we are impressed by your patriotic zeal to ensure that Nigeria works again by your pursuit of those pilfering the nation’s oil wealth. The NUJ is glad to note that crude oil production is gradually on the rise and we can meet the OPEC quota with ease. With more revenue from additional crude oil production, we can have more money to run our money.”
“The NUJ also acknowledges the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta for which you have played pivotal roles. For these significant contributions you have made towards the nation’s growth and development, the NUJ has decided to honour you with one of our prestigious awards.”
“We are here to formally intimate you about the decision by the NUJ to accord you this well-deserved honour. To demonstrate the seriousness attached to this engagement, I have with me the National Secretary, Mr. Shuaibu Usman Leman as well other leaders of the NUJ from the state council and Warri chapter of the association .”
“We seize this opportunity to also formally invite you to the investiture and presentation of the awards during our national conference in Abuja in February,” Isiguzo added.
Responding, Tompolo, who was joined to receive the NUJ delegation by a former member of Bayelsa State House Assembly, representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 4, Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei and his Media Adviser, Mr. Paul Bebenimibo, expressed gratitude to the NUJ for the honour accorded.
The ex-militant leader said he was elated that a strategic stakeholders in the Nigeria project such as NUJ has recognised and appreciated his contributions to national development and singled him out for the award.
Tompolo assured the NUJ and Nigerians that the award would spur and trigger him to do more for the country.
Members of the NUJ in the entourage of the national president include the immediate past Chairman of Delta State Council, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, a Senior Journalist, Asiwaju Sola Adebayo and Chairman of Warri Correspondent Chapel of NUJ, Mr. Okies Vicky-Okpomor, one of his predecessors and Vanguard’s correspondent, Chief Akpokona Omafuaire, ThisDay newspaper Senior Correspondent, Mr. Sylvester Idowu and Mr. Gbenga Ahmed of Independent Television (ITV), Benin-city, among others.
NDDC Trains 200 Niger Delta Youths On Welding, Fabrication
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has trained 200 youths across the Niger Delta region in welding and fabrication, in recognition of the importance of the skills in the engineering sector, especially in oil and gas, construction and manufacturing.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the trainees in welding and fabrication in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said that the goal of the training was to equip the participants with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field to create new opportunities and possibilities for the youths.
In a statement on Saturday by Pius Ughakpoteni, Director, Corporate Affairs maintained that the NDDC Boss noted that the graduation ceremony was held simultaneously in three other centres where the training was conducted; namely: Eket, Akwa Ibom State; Warri, Delta State and Benin, Edo State. “The 200 graduands are drawn from the nine states covered by the NDDC,” he said.
Ogbuku, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Rev. Julius Oworibo, said that the NDDC management recognised the need bring youths of the region into the mainstream of the nation’s oil and gas industry, stating: “It cannot be over emphasised that the oil and gas industry is the mainstay of the nation’s economy and oil is mainly gotten from the Niger Delta region. Therefore, the youths of the region must be adequately equipped with knowledge and skills to compete favourably in the industry.”
The NDDC Chief Executive Officer noted that the Regional Development Master Plan of the Commission listed capacity building and human resources development as one of the strategic plans to be stressed to reverse the many years of neglect of the Niger Delta region.
Ogbuku stated: “The management of NDDC recognises the importance of skills development to change the ugly narrative in our region. It is a known fact that skills are the only global currency that can be earned in any nation. It is the only tool that guarantees legal migration for any person that attains competency level in any chosen skill.”
“I am convinced that with this programme, NDDC has been able to inculcate the basic welding skills that will provide daily living for the beneficiaries. To assist in doing this, NDDC has donated some welding equipment, comprising welding machine, grinding machine, tool box and a cash grant of one hundred thousand naira only (N100,000) to support your independent practice.”
In his address, the NDDC Director, Commercial and Industrial Development, Dr. Godwin Nosiri, said the NDDC was empowering the youths of the Niger Delta to actively participate in economic activities and thus contribute to the development of the region.
He remarked: “It is a thing of joy that we are experiencing the graduation ceremony of the phase one of the NDDC Welding and Fabrication Training Programme. The NDDC is an interventionit agency established to bring about human and infrastructural development in the region.”
The Director urged the graduates of the training programme to make effective use of the equipment and started packs given to them to provide required services to the public, as well as generate income to support their families.
The lead consultant for the training, Dr Solomon Edebiri, commended the NDDC for sponsoring the programme, noting: “This singular act amongst others star projects the Commission is undertaking, attests to your commitment to redefining development in the Niger Delta area.”
Speaking on behalf of the trained youths, Mr. Onyema Godspower, thanked the NDDC for giving the youths an opportunity to be useful to the society. He appealed for the expansion of the training to accommodate more youths.
Nehikhare Expresses Shock At Allegations of Marginalization
…And State of Development in Orhiomwon LGA by Ize Iyamu
The Edo State Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation, representing Orhiomwon Local Government Area in the Edo State Executive Council, Mr. Chris Osa Nehikhare has expressed shock at former APC Gubernatorial candidate and an indigene of Orhiomwon LGA, Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu on an Arise Television , where he made allegations of marginalization and the poor state of development in the Local Government Area.
Mr. Nehikhare in a press release on Friday, 26th of January, 2024 said that Pastor Ize-Iyamu had misplaced self-interest for Orhionmwon/Edo interest and that Iyamu was on international Television making categorical statements on what Edo people want or how they feel without a credible opinion poll while the Edo State government has commissioned many independent opinion polls to determine what projects the people and different LGAs want.
“I watched you on ARISE TV and frankly, I was shocked to hear you make allegations of marginalization and the state of development in our beloved Local Government Area, Orhionmwon.
“I am sure your supporters would have informed you and congratulated you that you were very articulate but I regret to inform you that you seem to have misplaced self-interest for Orhionmwon/Edo interest. I bet that unlike the State Government that has commissioned many independent opinion polls, you or your party haven’t but you were on international Television to make categorical statements on what Edo people want or how they feel. Let me inform you that in Today’s Edo, Government works with data not hearsay and innuendos. For us, it’s Edo First! Always.
“The truth is that Orhionmwon has been unlucky over the years with the quality of leadership it has been saddled with; over the years,
“Orhionmwon has produced a Chief of Staff under Chief Lucky Igbinedion between 1999 and 2003 in the person of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu
“Orhionmwon also had a representative in Government as a Secretary to the State Government between 2003 and 2007 in the person of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu
“Orhionmwon produced a deputy governor between 2008 and 2016 under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in the person of Pius Odubu
“The LGA also has Patrick Aisowieren sitting on the board of the NDDC
“Orhionmwon sons, H.E Pius Odubu and Hon Patrick Aisowieren represented the Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode federal constituency in the National Assembly for sixteen straight years before being rewarded with the positions of deputy governor and NDDC state representative respectively.
“Before Hon Aisowieren, another Orhionmwon son was the immediate last state representative in the person of Hon. Saturday Uwuliekhue
“The truth is we’ve also had a minister. You claimed that we had not.
“Curiously, all these people are members of the opposition party in the State, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Yet you, my brother, claims that the LGA has been marginalized, when all these people have held critical positions in Edo State before now.
“One would wonder if it is until they become governor before they are able to make a positive impact in the lives of their people and the local government, because, as it is often said, ‘he who is faithful with little is most likely faithful with much.’
“Meanwhile, Governor Godwin Obaseki has barely served for eight years and has brought so much development and impactful projects to the local council which is currently benefitting our people and improving the lives of thousands of residents in the LGA.
“It is on record that the Governor facilitated the setup of Duport Midstream Company Limited (DMCL) facility in Egbokor, in our own Orhionmwon, which is the second refinery in the State, after the Edo Refinery. The facility boasts of a 2500bpd modular refinery, a data centre, gas processing facility and a power plant, providing ample infrastructure to drive industrial growth in its host community, Orhionmwon.
“Is there a tertiary institution at Orhiomnwon? Yes.
“At one time, Esigie Teacher Training College was a foremost institution for training teachers in the Western/Midwest regions.
The school over the years became moribund. But leaders in the LGA, including yourself, kept mute. It became a campus of Ekiadolor. And by the time Governor Obaseki came into Office in 2016, that campus had become moribund.
“In 2017, the Governor began work on the facility, renovating, revamping and revitalizing the campus.
Today, it is fully operational as one of three campuses of the Edo State College of Education with a focus on training teachers for Early Childhood Education, Primary Education and various Basic Education certificate programme.
“Also, the Federal Govt Smart School for Basic Education is located in Abudu, Orhionmwon LGA, and this is contrary to your narrative on national television.
“Leveraging on the huge gas deposits which you mentioned, Governor Obaseki has turned Orhionmwon into a gas and petrochemical hub. Today, over four oil and gas companies currently have major installations in Orhionmwon. Let me use this opportunity to call on more of our people resident in Orhionmwon to take advantage of these to build economic mobility.
“Does Orhionmwon have the largest land mass in Edo? Yes. Tapping into this huge asset, Governor Obaseki introduced the Edo State Oil Palm Programme, which today has transformed Edo State as the largest producer of oil palm in West Africa with Orhionmwon as the host community to majority of these oil palm investments.
“In electricity, whether you like it or not, Edo has become a frontier State in electricity reforms in the Country. While we acknowledge that electricity supply is a huge problem across the country, especially in rural areas, Governor Obaseki has taken bold steps to address this issue in the State by opening up the space for more actors to provide electricity. The first success story is the Ossiomo Power Plant which currently generates and distributes 24hrs/7days a week uninterrupted power. The project is currently being expanded across the State.
“It is precisely to address rural electrification that the Edo State Electric Power Sector Reform Bill was passed in September 2022, creating two statutory bodies — a regulatory commission to establish a framework for a state electricity market and an electrification agency, which today implements the state electrification fund in unserved and underserved areas.
“It is incontrovertible that Governor Obaseki has continued to blaze the trail, embarking on bold and transformative projects that have benefited millions of Edo people, including the good people Orhionmwon, our Constituency.
“The governor’s track record of inclusivity and good governance speaks to his sincere intentions over the past seven years that have translated to the progress recorded across all sectors of the State, from agriculture to education, health and technology, among others, and Edo people and Orhionmwon people are aware of these facts.
“It is clear that Obaseki’s legacies cannot be blemished. Edo people know the truth and will not be deceived.
“I urge you to go about your campaign with the understanding that the dynamics of politics have changed. Edo people are sophisticated and strategic in thoughts and action.
“Of course as a brother, I always wish you well.
NDDC Assures Police Of Support In Niger Delta
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has assured that it will continue to support the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies in their efforts to provide security in the Niger Delta region.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, gave the assurance when the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, paid him a courtesy visit at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.
Ogbuku said that the NDDC appreciated the services of the police to the society, adding that as an interventionist agency, the Commission had a responsibility to make sure that those who protect the lives and property of the people were given the necessary backing to enhance their capacity to maintain security in the Niger Delta region.
He stated: “Security can only be achieved through collaboration and sharing of information. The NDDC has always been at the fore in supporting the police. We have executed a lot of projects to support the police and some are on-going. In the past, we provided patrol vehicles for the police across the region.”
The NDDC boss observed that without the support of the security forces, the Commission would not perform optimally, noting:
“The police deserve all the support that they can get, because they are the ones working, while the rest of us are sleeping.”
Ogbuku called the attention of the police to the Marine Base axis, adjourning the NDDC headquarters, stating that “the Commission will collaborate with the police to improve the capacity of the marine command to provide adequate security in the riverine areas of the region.”
Speaking earlier, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police said that the NDDC had demonstrated commitment to assisting the Nigeria Police to provide adequate security in the Niger Delta region.
He commended the NDDC for providing facilities to enhance the operations of the Police and other security agencies and urged it not to relent. He said that the police needed the cooperation and support of all organisations to succeed.
“We acknowledge the role the NDDC has been playing in the Niger Delta and its assistance to the Police. We will cooperate with NDDC and also seek your assistance in some areas.
Niger Delta is important to the economy of Nigeria. NDDC projects and facilities need to be protected and we are here to assist.”
“We are here to seek collaboration on how best we can improve the security of lives and properties in the state. The policing pattern in Lagos, Kaduna and other areas, is different from what is obtainable in the Niger Delta. We know the importance of the Niger Delta to the economy of nation and the task of securing the region.”
In his remarks, the NDDC Executive Director Projects, Sir Victor Antai, thanked the police for acknowledging the contributions of the NDDC to the Niger Delta region and commended the security agencies for keeping the peace in the region and making it safe for everyone.
Reconciliation: Kano State Important To APC, Says Uzodimma
Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, on Thursday, said Kano State is important to the political fortunes of the governing party, the All Progressives Congress.
Uzodimma did not deny a PUNCH report which revealed that President Bola Tinubu has directed the APC chapter of Kano to reconcile with the governing party in the state, the New Nigerian Peoples Party.
Rather, he told State House correspondents that “Kano is not only important to APC but to Nigeria, so it’s an important state for all of us. NNPP is a political party. The APC is a political party. The most important thing is the interest of Nigerians and the people.”
Exactly one week ago, President Tinubu held closed-door talks with a delegation comprising the leadership of the Kano State Chapter of the APC at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Leading the delegation was the APC Chairman and former Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who arrived at the Villa in the company of his one-time deputy and the party’s candidate in the March 18 governorship election, Nasir Gawuna.
The meeting came barely a week after the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Gawuna’s main opponent, Abba Yusuf of the NNPP, as the duly elected governor of the Centre of Commerce.
Last March, power in the northwestern state shifted from the APC when Gawuna polled 890,705 votes, falling behind Yusuf, who the Independent National Electoral Commission declared the winner with 1,019,602 votes.
However, the APC candidate contested the results in court despite conceding defeat earlier.
Although the outcome of Thursday’s closed-door talks was not made public, our correspondent reliably gathered that the President had instructed them to return to Kano and make peace with the ruling NNPP to move the state forward.
The NNPP was the fourth contender in the February 2023 presidential election when it fronted former Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former Kano State Governor, who dealt APC’s Tinubu a humiliating defeat in the state.
Asked about the reconciliatory move, the IMO Governor said “Government is one and no matter the political party you belong to, we are one.
“At the end of the day what we are looking for is how to ensure that the ordinary man on the street is taken care of and there is security for all of us and the welfare of our citizens is also protected, which is the primary purpose of government.”
Uzodimma said he was meeting Vice President Kashim Shettima, to brief him on the efforts made so far to stem crude oil theft.
On December 21, the National Economic Council, chaired by the Vice President set up committees on Economic Affairs and Crude Oil Theft & Management.
Both committees are headed by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak and his Imo State counterpart, Hope Uzodimma, respectively.
This followed deliberations on critical economic matters and assessments of potential short-term, medium and long-term strategies for addressing pressing economic issues…at the 138th meeting of NEC which was held virtually.
Apprising journalists on the purpose of his visit, the governor said, “This is our headquarters of the federal government and the federal government belongs to the All Progressive Congress and you know I am the chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and I have come to welcome back the vice president and you know he is the Chairman of NEC.
“I came to give him an interim briefing arising from the subcommittee on crude oil theft that I am chairing on behalf of NEC. So we had a very positive discussion. It’s still a work in progress.”
Asked about the progress of the committee against crude oil theft, he said, “We are addressing it. At the end of the day, we are going to bring a final solution to this monster called crude oil theft.”
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo Explains New Conditions For Passport Acquisition
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who disclosed this in Abuja, said passports remained a national identity and vital documents to all citizens and its sanctity should be well protected.
According to him the new conditions/templates introduced as prerequisites for obtaining or renewing passports were instituted to curb the acquisition of Nigerian passports by non-citizens.
Dr Tunji-Ojo, who was fielding questions from reporters on the issue, emphasised that passport is a security document exclusive to Nigerian citizens.
He explained that the new conditions would not only impede non-Nigerians from acquiring the passport but frustrate attempts to fake the document in view of its security features.
He lamented that foreigners have exploited the inefficiencies of the previous system to acquire the documents.
He however acknowledged challenges faced by applicants for the new passport, assuring the public of an enhanced process in the coming weeks.
“We are building a future for Nigerians where things should be done in a better way. We changed the price of five-year passport because the 10-year passport is N70, 000; so, the one for five years should be half of that amount, which is N35. 000. We are committed to making things better in our country,” the Minister added.
Edo Governorship: Obaseki Will Support Me – Philip Shaibu
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, is confident of clinching the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial ticket.
Already, the PDP has fixed February 3 for the conduct of its primary election where a flagbearer will emerge for the governorship election.
Despite their differences, Shaibu, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, said Obaseki will support him.
“I can bet you that Mr Godwin Obaseki, the Governor of Edo State, my boss and senior brother will support me,” he said.
“He has said it at the secretariat where we had our stakeholders meeting that whoever wins, he will support and whoever that will win is nobody but Philip Shaibu.”