NIGERIAN NOTCH

President Buhari has approved a take-off grant of N1 billion to establish Nigeria’s first aviation and aerospace university, to be located in Abuja. In 2017, the federal government had said an aviation university would be established to “manufacture” aircraft components and eventually “produce” aircraft. Hadi Sirika, minister of aviation, made this known when he led the management team of the aviation ministry on a visit to Rasheed Abubakar, the executive secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), on Friday. He said the institution named “The African University of Aerospace and Aviation” would be dedicated to research and development in civil aviation and aerospace technology. The minister explained that the decision to establish the specialised university was informed by the need to fill some identified gaps in the growth and development of the aviation sector. “We are deficient in research and development in civil aviation and aerospace technology, and that has caused a...

Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag-bearer for the Anambra 2021 election, has urged eligible voters in Anambra State to take advantage of the continuous voter registration (CVR) exercise announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the November 6 polls.  The election regulatory body over the weekend announced that the registration and data update of eligible voters would commence on Monday, June 28. 2021.  In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, from his campaign office in Udoka Estate, Awka, Ozigbo stressed the importance of getting a voter's card and how exercising their fundamental right to vote in the November election would impact the standard of living Ndi Anambra.  Ozigbo, a globally respected business mogul, discouraged voter apathy in several parts of the country, stating that citizens who refuse to express the right to vote are doing a disservice to the growth of Nigeria's democracy.  "Registeri...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it will partner with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to enhance its operational capabilities within Enugu State. The FRSC Sector Commander in Enugu State, Mr Joseph Udoabba, said this when he paid a courtesy call to the management of EEDC at its corporate headquarters in Enugu on Thursday. Udoabba said that the visit was essentially to ``further fortify and cement the already existing cordial relationship’’ between the Command and EEDC. “I hope we will continue on that cordial note,’’ he said. He also commended the efforts of EEDC in ensuring effective electricity distribution in the state as well as entire South-East states. ``FRSC is soliciting for support in the area of power supply to its Command headquarters, unit and licensing offices to enable the corps efficiently carry out its operations without disruption,’’ he appealed. Responding, the acting Managing Director, EEDC, Mr Paul Okeke, on behalf of the Management of EED...

The Senate and House of Representatives have passed the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). The bill was first passed at the house of reps after the Committee of the Whole considered the clauses of the bill based on the recommendation of the Committee on PIB. Mohammed Monguno, chairman of the ad hoc committee on Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), presented a report and the lawmakers voted on 319 clauses of the bill. Monguno said by passing the bill, the ninth house would have succeeded in enacting important legislation. He added that the bill would make the oil and gas industry more transparent and competitive. After the bill was passed, the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, commended the lawmakers for “making Nigeria proud”. At the senate, the bill was passed after a clause by clause consideration of the report of its joint committee on Petroleum (Upstream, Downstream and Gas) on PIB. Senate President Ahmad Lawan congratulated the lawmakers and said the Ninth National Assembly has achieved one of it...

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said troops of Operation HADIN KAI killed 73 Boko Haram Terrorists and rescued 55 victims in Borno State. The acting director, Defence Media Operations, Brig-Gen Benard Onyeuko, disclosed this during an update of the military operations across the country between June 18-30, 2021. He said the operations yielded attendant successes in the various theatres across the country. He said the troops conducted ambush operations, clearance operetions as well as responded to distress calls, repelled terrorist attacks on troops’ locations and dominated the theatre of operations. The DHQ spokesman said the Air component of Operation HADIN KAI also conducted series of Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance and air interdiction missions to reveal and destroy terrorists’ enclaves as well as their logistic supplies and equipment. Gen Onyeuko added that troops consistently struck BHT/ISWAP strongholds throughout the theatre of operation. He said during the offensive...

  The House of Representatives has passed the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). The House Committee of the Whole, on Thursday, considered the report of the Ad hoc Committee on PIB and passed the bill. The report was laid on Wednesday by the Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee, Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno). The 318 clauses in the bill were passed in less than 20 minutes. The passage was not without drama, as the deputy speaker, Idris Wase (APC, Plateau), did not recognise members trying to raise points of order. At a point, the deputy speaker jumped from clause 189 to 200. The PIB was first introduced into the National Assembly in 2008 as an executive bill by then president, Umar Yar’Adua. The Sixth National Assembly (2007 – 2011) failed to pass the bill. The bill was reintroduced into the National Assembly in 2012 by President Goodluck Jonathan.   Last June, 47 out of the 360 members of the House of Representatives in the Seventh Assembly (2011 – 2015) were present when the bill wa...

The Commander of the 302 Artillery Regiment Nigeria Army Onitsha, Anambra State Col A B Usman has paid courtesy visit on His Royal Majesty- Igwe Dr. Robert C. Eze ( Okofia Vi ) Igwe Ukpo and Clan head of Dunukofia. The Igwe accompanied by his cabinet delegation led by Ichie Emma Ogbuka (Deputy leader of Cabinet Business) Ichie Sir Izuchukwu Nwabueze, Principal Secretary & Chairman Ukpo Ceremonies Committe, received him on behalf of Ukpo Community. Speaking at the event, the Commander informed the Igwe that he assumed office some weeks ago and as it is customary, he came to visit him on familiarization bases, seek his blessings, the cooperation of Ukpo community in particular and Anambra State in general.  Col. Usman also used the occasion to point out the fact that he has enormous regards for the Ukpo most outstanding illustrious son - Prince Engr Dr. Arthur Eze, OFR whom he described as his great friend. The Igwe in his speech urged  the Commander to be upright in the dis...

By Collins Ughalaa KSC In 1969, Toyota Motor Company Ltd, a giant automobile industry, faced strict public scrutiny following the recall problems it confronted. The media was awash with bad stories about the automobile giant. The President of Toyota Motor Company Limited, Eiji Toyoda, called a meeting of the staff of the Company. During the meeting he delivered a speech where he called on the employees to "take a valuable lesson from the recall problems." He called on the employees to revisit Toyota's basic philosophy on quality and think hard about how to derive valuable lessons from the recall problems. "The first is that we have adhered to the founding philosophy of Toyota to make cars available for everyone, and to this day put the customer first in all things. And the second is that we have worked day and night to deliver ever-higher quality and ever-lower prices in accordance with our motto, 'Good Thinking, Good Products'".  The Toyota motto of ...

Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo, a former Governorship aspirant on the platform of APGA,  today picked the Governorship ticket of African Democratic Party (ADC). The ADC Primary Election for Governorship in Anambra state, which is in line with INEC directives was free, fair and credible as it produced Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo in an affirmative voice vote with over 7,351 delegates of the party endorsing his candidature to fly the flag of the party in the November 6 2021 Election in Anambra state.  In announcing him winner, the Primary Election Chairman, High Chief Anayo Arinze said that Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo having meet the conditions of the party, he will hereby be addressed as the ADC candidate of the party for the Anambra Election.  In his acceptance speech, Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo, thanked ADC for finding him worthy to fly there flag in the November 6 Election in the state. He stressed that if elected the govenor of Anambra, that Anambra families will be his first priority. He also p...

The Enugu Electricity Distribution PLC (EEDC) has re-emphasized that the meters currently being installed across its network under the National Mass Metering Program (NMMP) is free of charge to its customers. This was made known by the Head Corporate Communications, EEDC, Emeka Ezeh in a reaction to news published by an online news platform, with the caption, “Pre paid meter for sale in Enugu as EEDC collects N20,000 from customers”. Ezeh dissociated EEDC from such act, stating that the information is baseless as the author could not reference any customer who paid EEDC for meter nor referenced any receipt issued for that purpose or even the account the payment was made into. “As a matter of fact, EEDC has put measures in place to ensure that there is no room for extortion, and that even when it happens, that there are channels through which customers could report such cases”. To discourage this act, the company issued press releases, embarked on publicity and customer sensitization ac...

The Social Democractic Party (SDP) in Anambra state has elected Chief Edward Ekelen as the flag bearer of the party. He will represent the party in the November 6 2021 gubernatorial election.  The candidate of the party, Chief Arinze Edward Ekelen polled 111 votes out of 116 delegates of the party to emerge candidate of the party,  being the only person that meet the conditions of the party for the primary election. Declaring him winner, Hajia Maggie Marina Batubo, the chairperson of SDP Primary Election panel for Anambra state, said that Chief Arinze Edward Ekelen meet the conditions of the party, and having polled the highest number of votes will represent the party in the November 6th Gubernatorial election in the state. She said that out of 116 acredited voters for the primary election, 111 voted, 3 votes were voided while 2 were absent.  In his acceptance speech, Chief Arinze Edward Ekelen, thanked SDP party faithful in the state for standing behind him, without whic...

His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma on Tuesday has sworn-in 11 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries into office.  Governor Hope Uzodimma while addressing them said that their appointment is a testimony of their proven knowledge and competence in their career, stressing that they attained the position on merit after they passed a competitive examination. "I have come with a new order, which sees merit competence and diligence as the only criteria for attaining position of leadership. Any of you who play politics with his/her job will be treated as a saboteur, flee from corruption and nepotism for you to earn your career in glory". He said. Responding on behalf of her colleagues (Mrs) Ekenze Edith expressed gratitude for the appointment, assured Gov. Uzodimma of their loyalty and diligence in making sure that all policies of the administration *are* achieved for the development of Imo State. The list of the Newly *Sworn-in* Permanent Secretaries include:  Ekenze Edith C. (Mr...

  …returned to Nigeria to face trial The Federal Government has arrested the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami(SAN), who made the disclosure to journalists on Tuesday, revealed that Kanu was arrested and brought back to Nigeria on Sunday. He said the arrest followed a collaborative effort between security agencies in Nigeria and Interpol. Meanwhile, Kanu has been taken before the Federal High Court in Abuja for the continuation of his trial on charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, unlawful possession of firearms and management of an unlawful society. HomePress Statements Full text of Malami’s speech announcing Nnamdi Kanu’s re-arrest PRESS STATEMENTS By ElombahNews On Jun 29, 2021 Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami addre...

In its determination and relentless efforts to put to an end to the scourge of Out of School Children in Nigeria, the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education has launched the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) in Kastina State. Speaking during the official launching of the Programme in the state, the Hon. Minister of State for Education Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba  said that the BESDA programme is one of the  initiatives of the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry Education which was introduced earlier this year in order to fastrack efforts aimed at addressing the issue of Out of School Children. Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba  expressed the commitment of the Federal Government towards ensuring that the issue of Out of School Children is holistically addressed, pointing out that no stone will be left untouched in the drive of the Federal Government targeted at tackling the menace of Out of School Children. Earlier while welcomin...

One of the aspirants in the just-concluded Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary election in Anambra State, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has congratulated the poll's winner, Valentine Oizgbo.  Ekwunife, the senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial Zone at the National Assembly came third after polling 44 votes, 18 votes behind Ozigbo, who scored 62 votes.  The PDP primary election held on Saturday, June 26,  2021, at the Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka, and was conducted by an electoral committee led by His Excellency Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State.  In a congratulatory statement issued on Sunday, June 27, 2021, Senator Ekwunife noted that a winner must emerge in every democratic process, and Ozigbo was the winner of the PDP governorship primary.  Senator Ekwunife further called on the party to unite around Ozigbo's candidacy and ensure that the PDP emerges victorious at the November 6 governorship election. "As ...

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, has sworn in the 18 judges recently elevated to the Court of Appeal. Below are the new justices of the Court of Appeal: Mohammed Danjuma (Niger State), Muhammad Sirajo (Plateau), Abdul-Azeez Waziri (Adamawa), Yusuf Bashir (Taraba), Usman Musale (Yobe), Ibrahim Jauro (Yobe), Abba Mohammed (Kano State), Bature Gafai (Katsina), Danlami Senchi (Kebbi), Mohammed Abubakar (Sokoto). Hassan Sule (Zamfara), Kenneth Amadi (Imo), Peter Affen (Bayelsa), Sybil Gbagi (Delta), Olasunbo Goodluck (Lagos), Adebukola Banjoko (Ogun), Olabode Adegbehingbe (Ondo), and Bola Ademola (Ondo).

By Oge Onitsha  Onitsha Anambra State All Progressives Congress guber primaries that holds yesterdsy,  being 26th June 2021 across 326 wards in the state has been hijacked by Some power players in the ruling party. According to the Daily Independent Correspondent who visited Anambra North  and Anambra Central Sentorial Zones, it was gathered  that at about 4:00 pm, no electoral material have arrived in  the wards, nor electoral officers  seen. This raised dust that the process is no longer free and fair. It could recalled that APC NWC  has approved  a direct primaries for the Anambra gubernatorial primaries which the party members  have gone  to their wards to cast their votes. In some zones visited  virtually all party members were seen stranded at the various polling centers without the INEC nor Party Officials. At Oba Idemili South Local Government Area,of the state Party  faithfuls who came out to vote as early as 10 am ,co...

The All Progressives Congress, APC, says it plans to begin sales of forms for its congresses on July 1. Al-Mustapha Medaner, APC director of organisation, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. Mr Medaner said the decision followed the approval of the Gov. Mai Mala Buni-led APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee, CECPC, of the party. He said purchase of forms for ward congresses would take place from July 1 to July 7, while inauguration of ward and local government congresses, screening and screening appeals committee would hold on July 10. Mr Medaner announced the timetable and schedule of activities for the conduct of congresses across wards, local government areas and states for election of party officials. He added that screening of aspirants for the ward positions would take place from July 12 to July 16, while inauguration of ward and local government congresses and congresses appeals committee would hold on July 19 and ward congresses on July 24. Mr...

  The State Working Committee (SWC), of the APC received a surprise August  visitor in the person of Sen. Andy Uba in its brief meeting of June 27,2021 in Awka. Sen. Uba who was declared winner of Anambra State Governorship  Primaries on Sunday appealed to the SWC to champion reconciliation with all chapter members to create a smooth path to Anambra State Government House with him as flagbearer.  He pledged to work closely with the SWC, noting that nobody would be shortchanged as everyone is required in the task ahead.  In response Caretaker State  Chairman Sir Basil Ejidike acknowledged that there were hitches and  flaws in the process of the primaries, but that the committee sent in by National Secretariat has concluded its aasignment'.  He noted that what the party considers a priority now is 'to keep the house together and go into Anambra State Government House' Dressed in immaculate white and accompanied by the Director General of his campaig...

Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2021 Anambra governorship election, has expressed his gratitude to his party's leadership and fellow aspirants following the conduct of the party's state primary election held on Saturday, June 26, 2021.  Ozigbo, a respected business mogul, polled a majority of the votes cast by the automatic delegates at the PDP primary held at the Prof Dora Akunyili Center, Awka, to emerge as the party's party flagbearer for the gubernatorial election scheduled for November 6, 2021.  In a statement issued from his campaign office in Udoka Estate, Awka, Ozigbo maintained that the outcome of the primary marks "a significant turning point in the history of Anambra State".  Ozigbo thanked leaders of the party, including Peter Obi, the Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2019 general election, Prince Uche Secondus, the National Chairman of the PDP, "for acting as worthy gatekeepers of an era of nati...

The winner of Anambra APC Primary Election held on Saturday 26th June 2021, Senator Andy Uba has called for unity in the party to enable them win the gubernatorial election in Anambra.  Senator Uba made this call while granting a world press conference at his Awka campaign office, to accept the odious task of winning Anambra for APC, after he was declared winner by the Dapo Abiodun led electoral panel for the Anambra APC Primary Election.  Senator Uba thanked registered members of APC in the state for voting him enmasse, and called on others who contested the election with him to join hands to build a state. He said " I am humbled by this honor done me, I owe you a debt of gratitude. I once more thank you for nominating me to drive this process, to free   Anambra from the shackles of fringe ineffectual governance. You have charged me with the responsibility to bring our state to the mainstream of national Politics. I accept wholeheartedly this responsibility and I am...

Aspirants of the APC in Anambra state has rejected the direct primary election results, that was announced over the weekend by Dapo Abiodun, the govenor oh Ogun state.  Also, local government party chairmen of APC in the  state have described as disappointing the announcement of results of the June 26 primary of the All Progressive Congress in the state, when no election was held, they said. Speaking on behalf of other aspirannts after a crucial meeting yesterday at Awka the state capital, Chief George Moghalu, said the party did not hold any primary election as scheduled.  "There was no APC primary election in Anambra. The opportunity was not provided for the party to choose its flag bearer for the November 6th governorship election in the state. "APC primary election was slated for June 26th in Anambra, and aspirants went out of their way to mobilize supporters at the ward levels; but unfortunately, the elections did not hold. The election did not hold; but the committe...

The Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma, on Saturday pleaded with the fifteen thousand youths who benefitted from the N4 billion empowerment funds of his government not to disappoint him (Uzodimma). Uzodimma spoke at the Dan Anyiam stadium in Owerri, while addressing the beneficiaries from the 27 local government areas of the state. According to the governor, the aim of the empowerment was to economically empower the youths to be successful entrepreneurs in the future as well as to lead the country. The governor said among other things, “Today is significant in your life and the life of this administration. We are taking a practical steps to actualize our agenda for the empowerment of our youths so that they can be economically empowered to secure their future. “When I created the ministry of entrepreneurship we are mindful of the fact that it is time to train our youths in various skills acquisition so that they be empowered. I commend you the beneficiaries for the patient. I must thank...

By Muna Francis  The 1967 civil war which was literally fought on our own end of the country brought a lot of wanton destruction of lives and properties in our region. Succinctly put, at the end of the civil war, the Eastern Region was a shadow of its former self. The region had been razed by the canons from the FG and in a bid to right the wrongs of the war, the government declared the war no Victor, no vanquished and went ahead to commission a massive reconstruction and rehabilitation of the region. Like Most Government policies, funds earmarked for the reconstruction of the region found their way into the private pockets of government officials. The Igbos once more, picked themselves up, came together and rebuilt their region collectively. A very solid example of this is the Imo state airport which was built from the collective contributions of Ndị Igbo. This collective spirit of Ndị Igbo is fast eroding as our leaders are now more interested in enriching their families and frie...

By Martin Okorowu It was Harold Geneen who told us that; it is an immutable law in business that words are words, explanations are explanations, promises are promises-but only performance is reality. And I for one agree with him because feelings and perception cannot be measured. They are not metric. That you feel in  a certain way about Mr. A and have a perception about Mr. B does not in anyway give a clear lead as to whether their individual performances on a venture portends progress, growth or retrogression. You have to use numbers, data and statistics. The unemployment rate of Imo State - Nigeria according to the NBS stood at 48.7% as at the second quarter of 2020, and is by far the highest when compared to any other state in the country. Imo State is largely a civil service town and has been unlucky with state governors over the last 20 years. Private sector jobs are hard to come by in the serene state with most industries setting up show in nearby cities like Aba, Port Harco...

Valentine Chineto Ozigbo yesterday at Dora Akuyili development center in Awka, emerged the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP for the November 6th Anambra election in a keenly contested primaries.  There has been jubilations in the PDP for his emergence, because of his rich background from the private sector.  Ozigbo the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, got the party's ticket in a free, fair and credible primaries amidst tight security. Valentine Ozigbo who hails from Amesi in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State (Anambra South Zone)/polled 62 votes to beat his closet rival Dr. Obiora Okonkwo from Ogidi, Idemili North Council Area (Central) who pollled 58 votes while Senator Uche Ekwunife came third with 44 votes. Announcing the results, the head of the electoral committe, His Excellency Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, stated that Ozigbo polled a total of 62 to win the primary, which has been seen by many as the most transparen...

  But Chikezie Onuigbo (Mnsi) The Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri was bursting to its full capacity yesterday as Governor Hope Uzodinma scored another homerun. True to his promise, 15,000 Imo Youths who had received training in various vocations were empowered with a seed capital of N250,000. It is safe to say that this is the first of its kind in Imo State. The N4B Empowerment Program which was designed as a business stimulus to create jobs and stimulate the economy has been a major source of controversy in the past few days. While the enemies of our dear State are still shocked that Governor Hope Uzodinma could fulfill his promise to empower as many youths as possible, others couldn't help but only stare in disbelief. In all of the deserved media attention that has trailed the historical occasion, there is one fact that has remained incontrovertible -- it cannot be denied that unemployment is a big issue in Nigeria, no matter your political affiliation. According to the Nigeria Bureau ...