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Kwara Gov’t to focus on agro processing in Isin Community

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The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has promised that his administration will focus on agro processing in the coming years to deepen government’s investment in agriculture.

According to him, the government will concentrate more on cashew production and processing in Isin community, among other developmental projects.

The governor gave the assurance at the 14th coronation anniversary of the Olusin of IsanIlu -Isin and paramount ruler of Isinland, Oba Solomon Olugbemiga Oloyede Atobatele the second.

At the event, Governor AbdulRazaq was given the title of Ambassador of Isanlu- Isin while the first lady, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq was confered with the title of Yeye Atunluse of the kingdom.

He said, he counts on their support to do better adding that in terms of developmental efforts, the government will continue to do more and work on the Oke-Onigbin – Isanlu-Isin road, among other requests.

The Governor thanked the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin for the title and congratulated him on his 14th coronation anniversary.

“On behalf of the people and government of Kwara State, we wish you well. We also thank you for the peace in your domain. Working with the local government chairman, we have seen stability in Isanlu-Isin and across Isin local government area. This is due to your hard work and we commend you for that, the governor stated.”

At the event, monarchs and community leaders commended the state government’s strides in the area of meaningful and physical development.

The Governor, meanwhile, has congratulated the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin and paramount ruler of Isinland Oba Solomon Olugbemiga Oloyede Atobatele II on his 14th anniversary as a monarch.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across the state, including cabinet members, Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) Chairman for Isin Local Government, Tunde Timothy Fadipe; Senior APC chieftains led by Alhaji Moshood Mustapha; first class monarchs led by the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye, and Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu, and top industrialist, Alhaji Kamorudeen Yusuf.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin commended AbdulRazaq’s contributions to the growth of the state, particularly Isin land.

He said the infrastructural projects the government has executed in Isin have turned around the community, assuring the Governor of their support and overwhelming votes at the polls.

“Your Excellency, this 14th year coronation anniversary was organized to honour and appreciate your good performances, especially in Isin local government area in general and Isanlu-Isin in particular. This is evident in the field of education through comprehensive renovation of school buildings and supply of various modern educational materials,” he said.

“For example, your government also comprehensively constructed a block of two classrooms at Baptist LGEA Primary School, Isanlu-Isin at the site of the first school building constructed in 1945.

“Another block of six classrooms was renovated at Saint Joseph’s LGEA Primary School, Isanlu-Isin. To crown it all, your government also constructed an ICT centre of 25 system units at the same Saint Joseph’s LGEA Primary School, Isanlu-Isin. The centre is now operational.

“Again, your government carried out a comprehensive renovation of the Dispensary and Maternity (Idi-Igba) Centre, Isanlu-Isin. This was supported with the full perimeter fencing of the health centre. The performances were also complemented by your administration with the provision of comprehensive delivery of health services, facilities, and drugs to health centres throughout Isin local government area,” Oba Oloyede.

said the administration has performed so well across the state and in Isin LG in particular, pledging that the people will cast their votes for the Governor and other APC candidates at the polls.

Prince Shaibu Olanrewaju, who was the guest speaker at the event, said the state was until 2019 a mortuary of infrastructural wreckages and backlog of salary arrears for royal fathers.

He urged the people of Isanlu-Isin and Kwara State to reciprocate the good gesture of Governor AbdulRazaq.

Chadian rebel soldiers to face trial over president dead

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Chad to begin trial of 150 rebels accused of causing the death of President Idriss Déby.

The trial will take place in Kléssoum, in a high security prison, a local news website reported citing judicial sources.

The suspects belong to the Front for Concord and Change in Chad (FACT), the rebel movement which launched an offensive to overthrow Chad’s goverment from its rear bases in Libya in 2021.

They are being charged with terrorism, enlisting child soldiers, mercenaries, undermining state security, and assassination of a sitting president.

Idriss Deby was killed on the frontline in April of 2021 while overseeing the army’s operations to drive back the rebels.

He had just won a new mandate in a vote criticized as fraudulent.

With the help of France, Chad’s new military rulers were able to stop the rebel advance.

Nearly two years since Deby’s death, negotiations between rebel movement and the Chadian government have stalled.

The group has boycotted peacebuilding talks, demanding the release from jail of its members.

africanews

Nigeria’s Communications Commission promises innovative service delivery

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Saturday assured Nigerians of enhanced quality experience through innovative service delivery.

The Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Prof. Umar Garba-Danbatta made the disclosure during the NCC special day at the 44th Kaduna International Trade Fair.

Represented by the head consumer affairs , Mr Banji Ojo, the chief executive officer said that the commission would continue focusing on excellence and efficiency of regulatory activities.

“The commission will ensure increased connectivity to telecoms consumer through deployment of robust infrastructure.

”The NCC is driving initiatives for full commercial launch of Fifth Generation (5G) network in Nigeria; already, spectrum licences for the companies that will rollout service have been issued.

“Though, the deployment will start from the state capital and gradually extends to other areas across the state. The 5G network will bring substantial network improvements, including higher connection speed.”

He stated that the 5G would provide higher mobility and capacity, low-latency capabilities to communications services, adding that one of the licensees had began commercial launch in Lagos.

According to him, the  telecommunications sector had been a driver of the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government, as it continues to provide the needed digital stamina to support the economy.

He explained that the Commission had embarked on digital literacy training for entrepreneurs across the six geopolitical zones of the country to equip them with the requisite skills.

Garba-Danbatta reiterated the NCC’s commitment to protecting and empowering consumers from unfair practices willingly or unwillingly orchestrated by the service providers.

”This is based on our regulatory mandate of ensuring that consumers of telecommunications services get value for their money, and to be treated right as very important stakeholders.

“As a regulator, we also ensure we constantly inform you, the consumers on how to be protected to prevent cases of online fraud or eschew consumer falling victims of cybercrime antics during their legitimate use of the Internet,” he said.

 

Gabon society groups express fair in August elections

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Talks in preparation for Gabon’s presidential election in August are set to begin on 13th Monday February with vivid memories of 2016, when the poll was marred by violence and the raiding of the headquarters of the main opposition candidate.

Citizen campaign groups and religious leaders were not invited to the meeting.

Marc Ona is president of Tournons La Page which brings together six civil society organisations.

“The government did not appreciate the tone of the bishops, he says. “They spoke in the presence of the Vatican representative and the civil society which has always been critical of the management of public affairs and their organisation.

“These two components are an obstruction to the debates that will suffer. The debate that will open between the two parties.

“When you look at the composition of the government and the opposition, these are people who know each other. Maybe they don’t want the church and the clergy to be able to intervene to stop them from doing their thing.”

Civil society activist was excluded from the discussions but are clear about the points they believe would help to improve electoral governance; elements that they hoped would be included during dialogue.

“We need to review the electoral law. We need an impartial election organising body. You have followed the election of the president of the electoral commission. It was a member of the government who was elected. This does not bode well for the organisation of elections,” adds Ona.

He suggests this position should be held by a neutral person such as a member of the clergy.

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Women Group Drums Support For Anambra State APGA Senatorial Candidate

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Golibe Difu Philip Ladies Movement has endorsed the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, flagbearer for Anambra North Senatorial District, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, to represent the zone at the red chambers.

The women group made the endorsement at Ugwunadagbe Primary School Aguleri, Anambra East Council Area, Anambra state, during a prayer rally session organised for Mrs. Obiano to win the forthcoming election.

Golibe Difu Philip Ladies Movement is a group of women drawn from the seven local government areas that make up Anambra North, which are Anambra East and West, Ayamelum, Onitsha North and South, Ogbaru and Oyi, with the mandate to ensure justice, good governance and to protect the interest of women, especially those at the rural areas.

Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Obiano, who said she was elated with the mass turnout of the women to throw their support behind her, gave the assurance that she is coming out for good governance, promotion of the interest of women and children as she did during her time as Anambra Governor’s wife, as well as to ensure that dividends of democracy get to the door steps of people of Anambra North Senatorial District.

The ex-governors wife,maintained that training and empowerment of the youths in the zone will be her first priority, even as she promised to work tirelessly to see that River Niger will be dredged to stop the incessant flooding ravaging people of the area, as well as ensure that other government interventions are attracted to the zone.

In his remark, the Director General, Osodieme Campaign Movement, Chief Chinedu Nnatuanya, said that it is the time of Omabala people of Anambra North to represent the zone; as people from Ogbaru, Onitsha North and South have represented for thirteen years now, stating that for justice and equity to prevail, people of Anambra North should vote massively for Osodieme because she was carefully chosen because of her sterling qualities, even as he said that she will be active and speak their voice more than any other candidates.

Earlier in her speech, the National Coordinator of Golibe Difu Philip Ladies Movement, Mrs. Amarachi Joseph, stated that having seen Osodieme’s benevolence to people through her CAFE Project, and her agenda for women and children during her days as the former first lady of the state, they now desire her to represent them at the Senate, regretting that for years, the women of the zone have not felt the impact of good governance and representation from their sitting Senator.

 

N.O

Igbo stakeholders pledge support for Nasarawa LP Guber Candidate

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Stakeholders of Igbo Extraction in Nasarawa State have pledged their support for the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour party (LP ), Comrade Joseph Ewuga, in his quest to lead the Nasarawa State.

They expressed their commitment when they received the Labour party leader, during his consultative visit to the Stakeholders in Lafia the state capital.

Community leaders, party stakeholders, and women leaders that spoke at the event include, the President General of Igbos in Nasarawa state, Igwe Innocent, Nathaniel Nduuba, Ezeigbo Nasarawa State and Chief Joseph Ugwueze- Chairman 1 Million Man March for Peter Obi Ahmed Datti In Nasarawa State all vowed to work hard to ensure LP wins all forthcoming elections.

They expressed joy at the emergence of Ewuga as the gubernatorial candidate of LP in Nasarawa state for the March, 11 governorship poll.

They promised to support all LP candidates to win the 2023 election.

The LP chairman Emmanuel Alex appealed to the Igbo people to come on board “the moving train” of Ewuga and LP and contribute with their votes to put Nasarawa in the hands of a competent leader.

He said if Ewuga wins the Igbo people will start drinking from his milk of human kindness, high principle, intelligence, leadership skills, and practical ideas to make Nasarawa state rise from slumber.

He is the only man that has used his position and connections to empower many people. He will execute meaningful projects.

“This is the only man that would work with technocrats, people of integrity to develop Nasarawa. He is forthright and that’s why fraudulent people de-market him because they know he won’t give them space to operate and waste the resources of the state if he becomes governor,” Alex said.

Addressing the people, Ewuga told the gathering: “We are looking for men and women of goodwill who will join hands with us to rebirth Nasarawa so that we can set it on the path of development.”

He urged the Igbo community to support his ‘rebirth’ mission as the end product would be beneficial to everyone.

The LP gubernatorial flag bearer urged the stakeholders to vote for all LP candidates from Peter Obi to the state house of assembly members.

 

N.O

Ex-foreign minister Christoulides wins Cyprus runoff presidential election

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Former foreign minister Nikos Christodoulides was elected as the new president of Cyprus in a runoff election Sunday, pledging to revive stalemated reunification talks with the nation’s breakaway Turkish Cypriots and to form a coalition government with women filling half of the cabinet positions.

READ ALSO: Cyprus Foreign Minister quits in presidential battle

Christodoulides, 49, won 51.92 percent to defeat fellow diplomat Andreas Mavroyiannis, 66, who took 48.08 percent, the government election service in the south of the divided Mediterranean island announced.

The vote on Sunday, a runoff after an inconclusive first round last week, means Christodoulides will succeed two-term conservative President Nicos Anastasiades.

Mavroyiannis told reporters: “Tonight a journey has ended, a great journey that I shared with thousands of people. I regret we couldn’t achieve the change that Cyprus needed.”

Christodoulides, who defected from the conservative ruling DISY party to run as an independent, scored 32.0 percent a week ago, against 29.6 percent for Mavroyiannis, who also ran as an independent, backed by the communist AKEL party.

Widely tapped as the election favourite during the campaign, Christodoulides is seen likely to take a hard line on moribund UN-backed talks on ending the island’s decades-old division.

The former top diplomat Christodoulides earlier voiced confidence about a win when he told reporters: “The Cypriot people know and understand what is at stake, I have complete confidence in their judgement.”

Reuters

Sokoto PDP Gubernatorial Candidate tasks supporters on PVC collection

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The Sokoto State PDP Gubernatorial candidate, Malam Sai’du Umar Ubandoma has appealed to supporters to collect their Permanent Voter Card (PVCs) and vote for all party candidates in the forthcoming general elections.

Ubandoma made the appeal to hundreds of PDP supporters in Goronyo Local Government Area in continuation of the State wide campaign rally of the party.

He said that the people could only vote for Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, himself and other candidates of the party with their PVCs.

We are here to see you and thank you and solicit your support for PDP.

‘ Please make sure you collect your PVC, keep it safely, the way you keep your money, please make sure you vote for PDP during the coming elections,” he added.

He promised more dividends of democracy to the people of Goronyo Local Government, if elected during the coming election as their next Governor of Sokoto State.

Ubandoma further pledged to deliver meaningful projects, empower women and youths to be self reliant by providing financial grants to assist them engage in various businesses.

He also reiterated that the issue of security would receive his priority attention so that people in the area could continue with their livelihood in peace.

In his remarks, the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, described Malam Sai’du Umar Ubandoma, as the only candidate that would continue to move the state forward.

He urged people of the area to vote for Ubandoma and other PDP candidates to enable them to continue to enjoy more dividend of democracy.

Tambuwal thanked the people of the area for their massive support to the party and urged them to continue to rally such support to ensure victory for the party in the forthcoming elections.

Earlier, the Director General Campaign Council of the party, former Minister of Transportation, Alhaji Yusuf Suleman, assured hundreds of party supporters that PDP candidates would deliver and bring meaningful development not only to the area, but to the entire state.

According to him, if Malam Sai’du Umar Ubandoma is elected as a Governor of the state he would consolidate on Tambuwal’s achievement and even do more developmental projects across the State.

He expressed appreciation to the people of the area and also urged them to come out en mass during elections and cast their vote for overall victory of the party.

Also Speaking, the State PDP Chairman, Bello Goronyo, charged party members to continue to mobalise support for the party candidates at all level.

If the party candidates are given the mandate they would assist in reducing poverty, improve security, continue with free education and free health care service delivery in the state.

” Agriculture would also be given a proper attention as a major profession of our people in the state,” Goronyo noted.

The Party Chairman further presented flags to House of Representative and state assembly Candidates in the area.

He also received thirteen thousand members of All Progressive Congress, APC who decamped to PDP during the rally.

 

N.O

Somaliland ceasefire leaves dozens dead

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At least 57 people have been killed in days of clashes between anti-government fighters and Somaliland security forces in the disputed city of Las-Anod after local leaders said they wanted to re-join the federal government of Somalia.

The head of a public hospital in Las-Anod, the administrative centre of Sool region, said over 400 people had also been wounded.

Somaliland and the Somali state of Puntland have disputed Las-Anod for years but the city has been under the control of Somaliland.

Traditional elders accused Somaliland forces of invading the city.

The fighting in Las-Anod first erupted after a committee of local leaders, religious scholars and civil society groups said last week they no longer recognised the Somaliland administration and wanted to rejoin Somalia.

Somaliland separated from Somalia in 1991 but has never been recognised as an independent country.

Officials there ordered a ceasefire on Friday night but some fighting continued.

Somaliland’s interior ministry said troops had acted in self-defence and the ceasefire still held.

The United Nations says ongoing fighting has displaced more than 80,000 people and water and electricity have been cut off amid shelling.

The Somali Red Crescent Society said the dead included one of its volunteers, who was killed by a stray bullet.

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US urges UN to approve more aid access to Syria

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The United States is calling on UN Security Council members to vote for increased access to quake-stricken Syria by opening more border crossings from Turkey.

READ ALSO: Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll to top 50,000, UN warns

Under a current Security Council mandate, aid workers can only use one route to enter rebel-held northwest Syria from Turkey. United Nations officials say the political issue is jeopardizing aid efforts.

Since 2014, the U.N. has been able to deliver aid to millions of people in need in the northwest part of war-torn Syria through Turkey under a Security Council mandate. But it is currently restricted to using just one border crossing.

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen stressed, “We are mobilizing funding and we are trying to tell everyone, put politics aside. This is the time to unite behind a common effort to support the Syrian people.”

Washington wants an immediate vote on authorizing more border crossings, saying it’s ready to provide any and all aid to the people of Syria.

UN aid chief Martin Griffiths tweeted that people in north-west Syria “feel abandoned.” He says he wants to correct “this failure” as quickly as possible.

Reuters