CrossFire Interrogator

Governors of the South South states under the auspices of the BRACED (Bayelsa Rivers Akwa-Ibom Cross Rivers Edo and  Delta) Commission, on Tuesday, met in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. The meeting, which was hosted by Governor Douye Diri, had in attendance the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the deputy governor of Delta State, Monday Onyeme and his Akwa Ibom counterpart, Senator Akon Eyakenyi. Rivers State governor, Sim Fubara, sent two representatives to the meeting. In a communique read by Governor Obaseki, who is chairman of the commission, the South-South states lamented the persistent poor state of electricity in the region. The commission noted that member-states had made huge investments in the power sector by successive governments of the region and called on the power companies operating in the region to work more closely with the state governments to ensure the operationalization of the new Electricity Act of 2023.   It also called on the Federal Government to e

    The Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, says that peace is paramount for the execution of projects and the rapid development of the Niger Delta region.   Ogbuku stated this during the Capacity Building Training on Conflict Management and Peace building for the staff of the Commission in Port Harcourt.  He stated that building capacity among the work force in dispute and conflict resolution was necessary to achieve peace for development in the Niger Delta region.   The Managing Director, who was represented by the Director Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Patrick Ekade, noted that conflict was something that could arise anytime and anywhere, hence it was necessary for the staff of the Commission to equip themselves with the needed capacity to enable them serve as peace ambassadors in the region.   The Acting Director, Dispute and Conflict Resolution, Mr.    Godwin Ogedegbe, affirmed that development could onl

 … for us, its EDO FIRST always!  … for them, its godfather only!  By Chris Osa Nehikhare  When critics of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, raise the issue of servicing politicians or in more clear terms the godfathers, what usually comes to mind are the words of Jesus Christ, the greatest teacher in history, who said in Matthew 6:24 that “No man can serve two masters.” He further explained that “for either he will hate the one and he will love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and he will despise the other. You are not able to serve God and mammon.” In Nigeria’s current political system, most elected political leaders struggle with divided loyalties, torn between serving the interest of the people and those of their political benefactors, but in the long run, one suffers, and in most cases the former. I watched with disdain and utmost disappointment the most recent embarrassing outing of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the camera-shy and ineloquent candidate of the All

The Federal Government on Monday reiterated its commitment to nurture young talents by fostering technological advancements. The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, made this commitment at the Award Ceremony of the 2024 Rwanda International Competition and the USA World Robotics Festival held in Abuja. Mamman emphasised the importance of recognising and supporting the nation’s young heroes. He acknowledged the outstanding accomplishments of students from Federal Government College, Ikirun, and the Federal Government College, Oyo, who excelled in the international competitions. The minister said the achievements of the young talents at the competition was a great feat for the nation. “The achievements of our young innovators reflect our commitment to providing a technology-driven educational environment. “We are dedicated to nurturing critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity from the foundation level, and ensuring that every child in Nigeria has access to opportunities in

  The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has tasked the State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) on delivering quality education to Nigerians. The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hamid Bobboyi, made this known at a meeting with UBEC and SUBEBs quality assurance officers, on Monday in Abuja. “As professionals, you need no convincing that quality assurance is an important component of the teaching and learning process. “It ensures that school services consistently meet set standards; that content aligns with established educational standards and that the materials are relevant, appropriate, supportive and effective for the learners. “The federal government, doesn’t own any school, it’s the states that have these schools and it is our responsibility to ensure that we work very closely with them in the various areas in teaching. “This is to ensure that quality is assured in our schools in teaching, and ensure that teaching and learning is taking place properly,” he said. Also

  ...Promises Not To Touch Council Funds  Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Monday, swore in 14 new commissioners, newly-elected chairmen of the eight local government councils, their vice chairmen as well as the chairman of the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue, Daniel  Iniekezimene. The ceremony took place inside the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa. The re-appointed cabinet members, who served in the governor’s first term and retained their portfolios, include Biriyai Dambo SAN (Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice), Moses Teibowei (Works and Infrastructure), Maxwell Ebibai (Finance), Dr. Gentle Emelah (Education), Daniel Igali (Sports Development) and Preye Brodricks (Special Duties, Bayelsa East). Others who returned but were re-deployed are Dr Ebieri Jones, who was assigned to Trade and Industry from Mineral Resources while Flint George, who served as Special Duties, Bayelsa Central, was assigned to Budget and Economic Plannin

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, will on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, lead Governors of the South South States for the BRACED (Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta) Commission Governors Council meeting taking place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The meeting among other issues will focus on regional interests and addressing critical issues affecting the region, including power, security, agricultural financing, and youth empowerment, among others. In a statement, the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, said the meeting to be chaired by Governor Obaseki who is the current chairman of the Council, will be attended by the Governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Delta States. According to him, “The BRACED Commission Governor's Council, comprising the Governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa lbom, Cross River, Edo and Delta States will meet on Tuesday, 30 April 2024 in Yenegoa, Bayelsa state. “The meeting will d

            The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of candidates who participated in the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with 64,624 results under investigation. The Board Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede disclosed this at a news in Bwari on Monday. Oloyede said that 1,989,668 candidates registered for the examinations held in 118 towns in 774 Computer Based Test Centres (CBT). According to the registrar, out of the registered candidates, 1,904,109 sat for the examination while 80,810 were absent. He explained that 64,624 results were under investigations for various reasons such as verification (2,896), procedural investigations(4,594), prima facie established exam misconduct (78). He said other results under investigation were centre-based investigation involving 57,056 candidates in 18 centres across the country.  The 18 centres listed for the investigation were 12 in Edo, three in Akwa Ibom, two in Delta and one in Kwara s

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has applauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing Mr Jim Ovia as the Chairman of the newly established Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund). The National President of NANS, Lucky Emonefe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday. He expressed confidence that Ovia, under his stewardship as chairman of NELFund would effectively provide loans to Students in need, while enabling them to pursue their academic aspirations without financial constraints.  He said this would undoubtedly foster the growth of the Nigerian education sector and empower those who aspire to further their education. " We are optimistic that Mr Ovia will leverage his expertise and wealth of experience to ensure the efficient and transparent operation of the NELFund, reaching a wide array of Students in need. "President Tinubu's astute decision in appointing Ovia underscores the substantial impact NELFund will have

  …Commissions International Market The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike has commended the current Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for partnering with state and local governments in the region to drive the development process. A press release signed by the Commission's Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Pius Ughakpoteni on Apri; 26, 2024 stated that t he Minister gave the commendation in Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, during the commissioning of the Omagwa International Market and Motor Park built by NDDC in partnership with Ikwerre Local Government Council. Wike, who was represented by the Minority Leader, Federal House of Representatives Hon. Kingsley Chinda, said such collaboration would foster development at the grassroots across the Niger Delta region. The Minister lauded the NDDC for partnering with the Ikwerre Local Government Council in the c

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) says over 2.5 million students have been enrolled in theTertiary Education, Research, Applications and Services (TERAS) platform provided by the Fund. Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc Sonny Echono, disclosed that the platform has excess capacity but public institutions are given the preference of onboarding first before it is extended to private universities. Echono spoke in Abuja at the 2nd Registrars' Workshop and 75th Business Meeting of the Association of Registrars of Nigerian Universities, ARNU, with the theme: "Sustainable Legal Framework as Panacea for Industrial Harmony in the Nigerian University System: Challenges and Remedies." The TETFund boss said the fund has enlisted the support of Registrars of tertiary institutions and other stakeholders to ensure maximum utilisation of the ICT infrastructure for administrative, research and other purposes by students and staff of their institutions. "And in fact I have

  Itsekiri personnel of the Tantita Security Services Limited on Friday debunked a viral video where some persons were seen protesting against High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo  and his security outfit, claiming that Itsekiri people have not been employed in the firm. The Tantita beneficiaries of Itsekiri extraction had gathered at Ugbodede Community, in Warri South Local Government Area, of Delta State to counter the viral video during a press briefing on Friday. Fidelis Lori, Coordinator of Obodo, Opumami Cluster, and six other communities asserted that several Itsekiri indigenes have ongoing paid employment with Tantita Security Services Limited. “We have contract with the Tantita Security Services Limited. We have those that are employed directly by Tantita Security Services and by the grace of God, most of our coordinators are here. "We are here to tell the general public that whatever they were saying was indeed misleading. Itsekiri communities to the best of o

The Executive Secretary, National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC ), Dr Iyela Ajayi,  says the Federal Government is upgrading 50 selected senior secondary schools across the country.                                                    This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the Commission's Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Mrs Fatima Bappare, in Abuja on Thursday.           Bappare quoted Ajayi to have said this during a recent courtesy call on the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Education, Dr John Mamman.                                                                      Ajayi revealed that the Federal Government College, Nasarawa, was among the selected schools for the upgrade.  He added that President Bola Tinubu placed high priority in the development of the education sector, hence evident in the budget allocation to the sector in the 2024 appropriation Act.  “Upgrade of the 50 selected senior secondary schools across the nation, which

  The World Bank is partnering with the Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN) School of  Consulting Engineering (ASCE) on training workshop specifically tailored for project implementation units (PIUs) of World Bank-funded projects in Nigeria and parts of West Africa. The training workshop is designed to equip participants on best practices in contract management and cultivate expertise among professionals engaged in international development projects across Nigeria and some parts of West Africa.  The partnership underscored the joint commitment of the World Bank and Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria, ACEN to enhance learning and development strategies, particularly within procurement and contract management, in the context of  projects funded within the West Africa Region.  At the training workshop in Abuja on Wednesday, the President of ACEN, Engr. Kam-Selem Bukar, said the training would afford government's MDAs to do the right thing when it co

  A Civil Society Organisation, FIDES ET RATIO Academy has rolled out massive skills training programmes for Nigerians. The Managing Director of the organisation, Paul Chukwuma at a news conference on the state of education in Abuja on Wednesday, attributed the high rate of unemployment in the country to shortage of skilled manpower. He explained that a situation where graduates have certificates but lacked the required skills for employability was unacceptable. He stressed the need for stakeholders in education to lay more emphasis on skills rather than paper qualification for economic growth. "I discovered the basic issue we have in our educational system is that the educational system we were introduced to, and to a very large extent we still carry along with, is deficient in the key essential elements that every human being should think about, and that is skills.  "We prioritised paper qualifications over skills; everybody wants to be a PhD holder; everybody wants to be

  The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has emphasised the importance of technology in driving economic growth and social development in the Niger Delta region. A press statement signed by Mr. Pius Ughakpoteni, NDDC's Director of Corporate Affairs on 24 April, 2024 in Port Harcourt stated that, while s peaking at the Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2024, Ogbuku, said it was necessary for the NDDC to collaborate with technology experts to impart skills to the youths and boost their chances of gaining employment in the field of technology. The NDDC Chief Executive Officer said that by sponsoring the Tech Expo, the Commission was demonstrating its commitment to fostering technological growth and development in the region. He noted: “T echnology is key to the future of the Niger Delta. The way technology is changing, it is only wise to change with the times and prepare for the future. We are ready to collaborate with relevant organisations to

Care International, Nigeria, an NGO has urged the Federal Government to establish a policy framework that will encourage people, especially women, to embrace a saving culture. Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, at the 2024 National Savings Group Conference, with the theme, “Accelerating Financial and Economic Inclusion: The Pivotal Role of Savings Group in Nigeria”, the Country Director of the NGO, Dr Hussaini Abdu, said doing so would reduce poverty, especially in rural communities. Abdu underscored the need to strengthen the process of the saving groups to encourage more participation from all parts of the country. “For anyone who knows the political economy of this country, poverty is deeply entrenched in the country and it is even more entrenched in the rural areas. “One of the drivers of poverty in the rural areas is the lack of basic social services.  Among these services are financial services. “But we also know that in the rural communities, people have reacted to those conditions b

The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu has said that the ministry would continue to prioritise the application of technology in education for informed decisions. Sununu said this in Abuja on Wednesday, at the 2024 Information Technology Professionals’ Assembly. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the assembly withthe theme: ‘Artificial Intelligence: An Enabler for Economic Transformation and Sustainable Development’, was organised by the Computer Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN). The Minister emphasised the importance of technology in providing students with access to online resources as well as encouraging researches. “In the last few days, President Bola Tinubu has approved the project of the education which encapsulated the generation of overall data of all school in Nigeria right from kindergarten to our tertiary institutions. “This will enable us to have the actual data and number of students, their performances, the number of schools and their curren

  Mr. Osita Chidoka, Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, has called on Nigerian educational institutions, particularly southeast educators, to reverse the growing ugly trend of importing education that is fast gaining acceptance amongst Nigerians of all classes. In a keynote address titled "Let Us Build and Export Education: A Vision for Southeast Nigeria, at the Southeast Educators Conference, Chidoka urged educators to reverse the trend. He said the trend where Nigerians predominantly seek education abroad must urgently be addressed. "With over 71,753 Nigerians studying overseas, of which about 11,000 are in African schools and only one international student opting for Nigeria,.:' Chidoka emphasised that Southeast Nigeria, with its high literacy rates and robust basic education performance, is ideally positioned to become a leading educational hub in Nigeria and Africa.  His address resonated with the audience comprising school administrators, gov

By George Etakibuebu As campaigns for the Edo State governorship election in September officially kick-off today, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr Asue Ighodalo, has appealed to the other political parties participating in the election and their candidates in particular, to endeavour to focus on issues, be decorous and not dwell on inanities.    Ighodalo made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Asue Ighodalo Media Team in Benin City. The PDP gubernatorial hopeful was quoted as saying that, “I sincerely believe that we are ready for the campaigns as the Independent National Electoral Commission has formally lifted the ban on public campaigns for the September election, beginning from tomorrow, April 24. On our part, we are ready to play by the rules. We will focus on issues. Edolities want to know and hear us talk about what we are bringing to the table to solve the problems of insecurity, poverty, infrastructure and many more. We will make decorum our wa