DAILY DIGEST

By Olufemilade Oyinade

Muslim women in Nigeria, under the aegis of Coalition of Muslim Women for Asiwaju (COMWA), have said that they would not stop seeking spiritual support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) until he emerged as the president of Nigeria in the 2023 election.

The group which made the pledge at the special prayer held in Badagry and Epe divisions of Lagos state, respectively, disclosed that members, numbering over 16 million have agreed to cast their votes for the party.

The group’s National President, Rasheedah Adebari explained that they deemed it necessary to hold the special prayer for Tinubu, citing the proximity of the commencement of the election activities while noting that effort was not enough without spiritual backing.

She said Tinubu’s huge contribution to national development has made their members with Permanent Voter Card (PVC) resolved to vote for the APC Presidential candidate.

Adebari, in her reaction to the same faith ticket generating heated debate, advised those against it to embrace the emergence of the party’s Vice Presidential candidate, Kashim Shettima as God’s will.

“When did religion become important for a candidate to emerge or win an election? We don’t think it is. What we understand is that anybody who wants to emerge as a winner in any election must go through votes. It will be unwise for him to pick an unpopular or unelectable running mate in the name of religion that cannot guarantee votes”. She explained.

She added that religion should not be used as a basis for supporting him, saying that someone who raised the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Lagos to over 50 billion naira would do well if given a bigger opportunity.

In her welcome address, the coordinator of COMWA in Epe, Mujidah Abdulganiyy-Alli, said it was high time Muslim women, most especially, hijab sisters, got themselves involved in politics. “COMWA as an organization of Muslim women is aimed at sensitising and mobilising hijab sisters who are skilled in politics at the grassroots levels.

“We also want to use this medium to invite other hijab sisters into politics; to tell them that wearing of hijab does not hinder them from advocating for good governance in the country,” she noted.

By Abiodun Alli

Ogun State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ade Akinsaya has disclosed that the Dapo Abiodun administration inherited outstanding debt of N202billion from the Amosun government on roads alone.

Amosun embarked on massive demolition of properties across the state in his desire to expand some roads to as much as 8-lanes without paying compensation to affected owners.

In addition, it was double jeopardy as many of the roads were abandoned midway through the construction process, while others did not take off at all.

The Commissioner who disclosed this at the weekend that state government would begin paying compensation to owners of properties demolished by the administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun to pave way for the expansion of some road projects across the state.

He said Prince Dapo Abiodun has already approved that the compensation payment should commence to alleviate the sufferings of those affected, adding that the payment would be done in phases.

Akinsanya noted that the demolitions carried out by Amosun’s administration were unnecessary, adding that it ended up compounding the problems being faced by the present government.

According to him, the state government now has billions of compensation claims to contend with in addition to looking for another huge sums of money to complete the abandoned roads.

The commissioner said the state government has decided on the policy of no demolition in its project execution, except where necessary and unavoidable.

He said the last administration had earmarked some houses for demolition preparatory to the rehabilitation of Kemta-Somorin road in Abeokuta. The project is nearing completion without any demolition carried out, he added.

“Our road design and construction is such that we try to avoid demolition. It is actual not necessary to demolish while constructing roads, unless it is actually unavoidable.

“The same thing applies to bridge construction. Most of the bridges constructed by that regime were a waste of resources. For instance, on the entire stretch of the 19kilometers Atan-Lusada-Agbara road has only one bridge. And the length is short,” he said.

Meanwhile, Governor Abiodun has been praised for his intervention in the compensation process.

A resident of Agbado, who lost many shops to Amosun’s bulldozers, Mr. Abayomi Olanreway, commended Governor Abiodun for his magnanimity.

He berated the last administration for subjecting people to unwarranted hardship, even as he regretted that the road had been abandoned for more than six years now that the demolition took place.

Olanrewaju, who said he depended on his shops to survive before the demolition, also disclosed that their road was better before the bulldozer moved in for the massive destruction.

Another resident, Taiwo Adebari, also expressed gratitude to the state government, noting that the compensation will help in alleviating some of their sufferings.

By Tolulope Odugbemi

Sexy female police officers in viral Tik-Tok video have been suspended for Impersonation and violation of social media policy

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba has suspended two Supernumerary Police Officers: Obaze Blessing with SPY number 5709, and Obaze Emmanuella Uju with SPY number 5708, with immediate effect, for breach of the provisions of the Police Act, 2020, and The Nigeria Police Guidelines for Recruitment/Promotion/Discipline of Supernumerary Police (SPY) 2013

The decision of the number Police officer in Nigeria had to do with a Tik-Tok video posted on August 3, 2022 by one of the Police personnel which has since gone viral.

Our Reporter

“Please stop deliberately misleading our Youths. Any Nigerian who was smart enough to invest a mere N1.8m in Apple Corporation shares in 1980 will be worth more than N10 Trillion today.

This statement signed by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate was released on Saturday August 27,2022 and made available to our Editorial team.

He said Youths were being deliberately misled by those who never saw a million dollars until they got into public office or became banking executives and started stealing.

According to him, a $1,000 daily basic travel allowance of a good business executive in 1990 invested into Apple Corporation shares, is today worth at least $2.5 million dollars.

He said, “Some of us still alive today, received per diem of $1000 per day, locally and abroad in the private sector in the 1990s. I bought my first computer and professional IT Tools, outright with such per diem in 1986.

The statement read in part, “Call a thief a thief. Let rogues call themselves rogues, without using the collective “we are all rogues”. Those who imported Tokunbo cars for $5,000 or new cars with $10,000 in 1990 to show off, instead of investing in Apple shares for example, should not assume all today’s wave-making multi-billionaires in politics and business, are rogues like them.

Please tell the youths the truth. I, Asiwaju Tinubu was a millionaire in dollars as a NADECO chief at least 10 years before I became the governor of Lagos State. Let others openly declare the sources of their billions.

The reality today is still that creative and very intelligent youths will still earn allowances in dollars without needing to lie as internet trolls. As liars they will only lose credibility and respect, as they grow older. Let the 2023 Presidential campaigns be on issues and not lies”.

By Olamide Yinusa

It was a very cheerful moment in Imasayi, Yewa North Local Government as Engr. Temitope Steven Kuyebi played host to the leadership of his foundation known as Temitope Kuyebi Foundation (TKF) across the length and breadth of Yewa North/Imeko Afon federal constituency.

During the interactive meeting, he pledged his unflinching support for Prince Dapo Abiodun re-election and all other APC candidates both State and Federal level in the forthcoming general elections.

Kuyebi Enjoined all leaders of the party to mobilize all the foundation member across the length and breath of Yewa North – Imeko/Afon Federal Contituncy for massive support for Prince Dapo Abiodun on his Second Term ambition in order to ensure Victory come 2023 at the polls.

While appealing to the foundation members to remain calm and disregard all forms of distractions going on politically, he encouraged them to be committed to the APC cause by all ramification, stressing that their labour before and during electioneering campaign would be duly rewarded.

In response, TKF leaders and some elders and leaders promised to come together, prepare and assiduously work towards the Success of APC come 2023.

Speaking at the reunion meeting Hon. Adeshi Matthew from Yewa North, Alh. Ismail Doga from Imeko Afon Local Government and Mrs Balogun expressed appreciation to Engr. Temitope Kuyebi for his continuous believe and support towards the Party, promising to make him proud by working relentlessly to ensure Victory for All APC candidates at all level across the Federal and State constituency come 2023 while also promising unalloyed loyalty and support for Engr. Temitope Kuyebi

In His closing remark, Engineer Temitope Kuyebi was delighted with the turn out and promise massive mobilisation for all members to support All Progressives Congress (APC) immediately the campaign starts and to be physically on ground to support them as the need arose. He wished everyone a safe journey back home.

…pledges support for second term bid

By Bisade Ojoye

Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, has applauded the Ogun State Government for taking the initiative to repair federal government roads which are in bad shape around Ota and its environs.

Oba Obalanlege who gave the commendation when he led Awori Obas under the aegis of Awori Obas Forum and the Olota in-Council on a courtesy call on the State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his office at Oke-Mosan Abeokuta noted with dismay the poor condition of federal roads in the town, which he said had caused the people a lot of hardship.

The Oba noted that state governments have no business in repairing roads that belong to federal government but expressed disappointment over the long years of neglect which he said led some State governments to take responsibility in fixing the roads in order to reduce the suffering of their people.

“Let me say that in the first place, it is not the job of the State governments to take over federal roads but because the federal government has refused to put these roads in order, that is why the Ogun State Government wants to put them back in order, and that will help the people of Ota and other Awori axis”.

“Whatever is going to make the people happy, that is going to reduce the suffering of our people, we are fully in support. All the Awori Obas are in support of the governor in ensuring that these roads are rehabilitated”, the monarch stated.

He advised the federal government to concede the roads to state governments for prompt repair and pay them base on kilometres of federal roads that pass through their State.

On the reason for the visit, the Awori top traditional ruler said he and others rulers have been impressed with the performance of the governor in the last three years, saying all parts of the State, including Awori land, have benefited from the projects executed by the government.

“We are pleased with the good work he has been doing and to assure him of our support in the coming election. He has done wonderfully well and we believe that by the time he returns to office for a second term, he will do more.

“We, members of Awori Obas Forum, in Ogun State and the Olota- in-Council, are together and we want to assure the governor that we will support him. With our daughter, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, they are going to perform very well in their second term in office”, Oba Obalanlege submitted.

By Bisade Ojoye

Chief Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja General of Nigeria who is first daughter the Presidential candldate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the National executive of a group known as, Folashade Tinubu Solidarity Movement (FOTSOM) to support her father’s presidential ambition.

Tinubu-Ojo inaugurated FOTSOM on Monday this week at Cyprian Ekwensi Center for Art and Culture, Area 10, Abuja in preparation for the 2023 presidential election campaign planned to start in few weeks.

Tinubu’s daughter while addressing the press men said a lot of people believed in her father because, according to her they know her, “at this crucial period in Nigeria we need expertise, we need experience, we need one who has done before. We Dont have to gamble in this present electioneering period, that is why we are confidently and boldly coming out to campaign for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We are flaunting his robust credentials, qualities as a bridge builder, dexterity as an exemplary manager of man and resources, a goal-getter per excellence not just because of us as individual but because of the Nigerian nation state. He is endowed with the knack to turn the nation around for the better. Having been tested with his performances in Lagos state he should be trusted with the country.”.

The National Chairman of Folashade Tinubu Solidarity Movement, Prince Kayode Sijuade Akin-Samuel stated that Asiwaju Tinubu’s numerous unimaginable and unprecedented achievements have been speaking eloquently for him, saying that made him the right president for Nigeria in 2023.

He stressed, “looking back at the track record of Tinubu when he was the governor of Lagos State, he exhibited the quality of a detribalized leader. He was the only governor that had Nigerians across the county in his cabinet as commissioners, Directors of agencies, Special Advisers, Special Assistants and and so on.

“The blueprints he did for Lagos still remains the guide for rapid development; internally generated revenue increased from 700 millions to several billions. Remember that Lagos is a mini Nigeria if he could excel so admirably in Lagos, then we should allow him replicate his resourceful administration at the federal level, and I believe he will take the nation out of the woods.

When asked about his view on Muslim-Muslim ticket, Akin-Samuel said “if we want Nigeria to regain it’s lost glory, we should seperate religion from governance. Religion a personal belief while governance is a collective issue. If we are able to do this, we will surely move forward. Anyone talking about it is just using it as political propagandas for campaign. We should come together to support Asiwaju for a new Nigeria”.

The FOTSOM President was confident that. “Obi cannot be a threat to Tinubu, both of them were governors before. Tinubu was Lagos and Obi in Anambra. To answer your question on competence, go and check their track records and how much they have contributed to national development, you can easily judge and know who to follow”.

By Sunday James

Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa who addressed state house correspondents on Thursday August 25, said there was little the Federal Government could do to diplomatically resolve issues in the territory because Northern Cyprus is not recognised by the international community except Turkey.

She said, “think twice before going to Northern Cyprus. We can’t do much for Nigerians there. Our students are being killed daily.

According to her, “some people will tell you that their destinies are abroad but if you want to go, go legally.”

Dabiri-Erewa who also urged Nigerians in Diaspora not to be afraid to invest in the country because of insecurity, stated that while the country’s insecurity challenge is a source of concern, it is only temporary because of stiff measures currently employed by the Federal Government to tackle the situation.

She disclosed that the commission has recorded over $20 billion in diaspora remittances for 2021.

By Bisade Oyinade

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday, commissioned a multi-million dollar packaging films plant in the state, with a charge to companies operating in the state to engage more Corporate Social Responsibility programmes.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of Flex Films Africa PVT Limited along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Abiodun charged the company to contribute its quota by either adopting a school or primary health care center for rehabilitation.

The governor explained that Corporate Social Responsibility programmes when rendered, would further motivate the host communities and the people to support the growth and success of such a company.

“What I want to charge you is that area of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It is good for you to come here, employ our people, but you must also look after them because the more you look after them, the more they are willing to take ownership and be part of what you do and also protect it

“Please ensure that you wrap up on that Corporate Social Responsibility by adopting one of our schools around here, our primary health care center, providing subsidized transport for your staff. You know that whatever it is that you can do to support the welfare and well-being of these people, I am sure that they will also in turn appreciate that by being very motivated and dedicated and support your growth,” he said.

Abiodun who noted that his administration has been deliberate with its various policies which had ensured the creation of a focused and qualitative environment for public-private sector to thrive, said that the focused and qualitative environment has continuously led to the transformation of the state as well as the economic growth and individual prosperity of the people.

The state helmsman noted that his administration has ensured the provision of adequate security in the state through the provision of security gadgets like bullet proof vests, communication equipment, motorcycles and vehicles for security agencies in the state.

He added that the investment on infrastructure in the state was also done to make the state more accessible to investors.

Abiodun, while commending the chairman of the firm for enlightening his administration on the damages plastics have done to the environment and the need to arise and be conscious of the use of biodegradable materials, added that his administration would be looking at the possibility of passing a law that would ensure that companies that produce plastics begin to use poly biodegradeable plastics.

He added that the construction of the agro cargo airport which is set to be delivered by the end of 2022 would further help the economic development of the state.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of Flex Films Africa PVT Limited, Ashok Chaturvedi, who thanked the governor for providing a conducive atmosphere for private companies to thrive in the state, noted that the company is an eco-friendly institution.

By William Adeyemi

he draw for this year’s UEFA Champions which was streamed on the UEFA website, announced on Thursday evening in Istanbul, Turkey.

Below is the UEFA Champions League group stage draw in full:

Group A
Ajax, Liverpool, Napoli, Rangers

Group B
Porto, Atlético, Leverkusen, Plzeň

Group C
Bayern, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Club Brugge

Group D
Frankfurt, Tottenham, Sporting, Marseille

Group E
AC Milan, Chelsea, Salzburg, Dinamo Zagreb

Group F
Real Madrid, RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk, Celtic

Group G
Man. City, Sevilla, Dortmund, Copenhagen

Group H
PSG, Juventus, Benfica, Maccabi Haifa

By Sunday James

Protesters, under the auspices of Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups, yesterday, stormed headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, calling for the termination of a multimillion Dollars pipeline contract awarded to former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo).

The demonstrators comprising coalition of 225 youth groups in the North warned they would paralyse activities at NNPC headquarters if the contract was not revoked within seven days.

The protesters brandished banners with inscriptions: “How can a fugitive be in charge of national assets’, ‘Chief of Defence Staff militarising other zones but romancing Niger Delta militants’, ‘revoke the pipeline contract now’, among others.

Spokesperson for the groups, Victor Duniya, said implication of the contract was that a private citizen like Tompolo would be allowed to handle not just light but sophisticated weapons to be able to ward off possible attacks from vicious oil bunkering cartels.

The Federal Government had reportedly renewed a multi-million Dollars pipeline surveillance contract to Tompolo, who was Commander of the defunct Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND).

According to Duniya, the development was coming at a time the North has been bleeding profusely due to activities of terrorist while youths were not allowed to get weapons to defend themselves and their communities.

He therefore called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mele Kyari and Group Executive Director, Upstream, Adokiye Tombomelye, over the roles they played in the contract procedures.

“We are aware that Tomopolo and his boys are major beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), wherein the Federal Government under the leadership of the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua extended same to the restive youths of the Niger Delta.

“Till date, supposed ex-agitators are being sponsored to world-class universities, others are being trained to acquire skills, while those with established businesses are constantly being empowered”, he stressed.

By Sunday James

Protesters, under the auspices of Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups, yesterday, stormed headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, calling for the termination of a multimillion Dollars pipeline contract awarded to former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo).

The demonstrators comprising coalition of 225 youth groups in the North warned they would paralyse activities at NNPC headquarters if the contract was not revoked within seven days.

The protesters brandished banners with inscriptions: “How can a fugitive be in charge of national assets’, ‘Chief of Defence Staff militarising other zones but romancing Niger Delta militants’, ‘revoke the pipeline contract now’, among others.

Spokesperson for the groups, Victor Duniya, said implication of the contract was that a private citizen like Tompolo would be allowed to handle not just light but sophisticated weapons to be able to ward off possible attacks from vicious oil bunkering cartels.

The Federal Government had reportedly renewed a multi-million Dollars pipeline surveillance contract to Tompolo, who was Commander of the defunct Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND).

According to Duniya, the development was coming at a time the North has been bleeding profusely due to activities of terrorist while youths were not allowed to get weapons to defend themselves and their communities.

He therefore called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mele Kyari and Group Executive Director, Upstream, Adokiye Tombomelye, over the roles they played in the contract procedures.

“We are aware that Tomopolo and his boys are major beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), wherein the Federal Government under the leadership of the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua extended same to the restive youths of the Niger Delta.

“Till date, supposed ex-agitators are being sponsored to world-class universities, others are being trained to acquire skills, while those with established businesses are constantly being empowered”, he stressed.