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NBC Suspends Shutdown of 53 Broadcast Stations after IPI Nigeria’s Intervention.

₦2.6BN renewal license debt: NBC suspends shutdown of 53 broadcast stations after IPI Nigeria’s intervention.

Following the intervention of the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has suspended the revocation of the operating licenses of 52 broadcast stations owing various sums in licensing fees.

The NBC has now given the affected stations up to 6PM on Tuesday, August 23, to pay up their debts.

In revoking the licenses on Friday, the commission had ordered the stations off air beginning this Saturday, citing Section 10(a) of the 3rd Schedule of the National Broadcasting Commission Act CAP N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The provision says, “10. A licence may be revoked by the Commission in the following cases, that is (a) where the prescribed fee has not been paid on the due date…”

After the announcement, IPI Nigeria engaged the Ministry of Information and Culture, the NBC and the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) to explore amicable resolution of the dispute.

“We are glad to report that the Director General of NBC, Malam Balarabe Shehu Ilela, has graciously agreed to grant an extension on compassionate ground,” IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, said on Saturday.

“Even though this is a temporary relief, we are hopeful that all parties will engage in the next few days with a view to arriving at a lasting resolution of the matter. We thank the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Mallam Illela for listening to us and allowing a window for dialogue.

“During our engagement with the Commission, the NBC explained that the commission had in the past granted several concessions to broadcast organisations, including writing off substantial parts of their debts and engaging them consistently to fulfill their financial obligations to the regulator.

“We implore the affected broadcasting organisations to take advantage of this window of opportunity by reaching out to the NBC.

“Nobody benefits when broadcasting stations are shut down. Members of the public have come to rely on these stations to know what their governments are doing to keep them safe in this challenging security environment. Other governments’ policies are also disseminated to the public through these channels.

“In view of the nation’s economic downturn, we further appeal to the affected broadcast stations and the NBC to agree a workable payment arrangement of the outstanding dues.”

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News Politics Religion

NO RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION IN ONDO ~ GOV AKEREDOLU

GOV AKEREDOLU: NO RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION IN ONDO

•We’ll Never Forget Akeredolu – Muslims

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said there is no religious discrimination in the State.

The Governor noted that religious tolerance is rooted in Ondo State, adding that both Christians and Muslims as well as traditionalists are given equal treatment in the Sunshine State.

This is even as Muslims in the State declared that the administration of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, will never be forgotten in the history of the State.

Arakunrin Akeredolu, who spoke at the Housewarming Ceremony of Albarka Lodge built by the Grand Imam of Akure, Sheikh Abdul-Hakeem Yayi Akorede, said the religious tolerance in the State is largely responsible for the peaceful co-existence of the various religious leaders in the State.

He congratulated Sheikh Akorede and commended him for toeing his father’s path in principle and action.

In a brief lecture, Imam AbdulRafiu Ajiboye Lagbaji said the administration of Governor Akeredolu has benefited both Muslims and Christians.

He noted that Governor Akeredolu has shown love and commitment to the Muslim community, adding that the Mosque built at the Government House premises by the Governor has continued to bring joy and satisfaction to the Muslims in the State.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Members of the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; Muslim Clerics and other important dignitaries.

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News Politics

Suspected Hoodlums Attack Osun First Lady’s Convoy

Suspected Hoodlums Attack Osun First Lady’s Convoy

Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola’s convoy was reportedly ambushed by alleged hoodlums on Friday night.

Although details of the incident were still hazy at the time this story was filed, sources in Owode, Ede, the scene of the incident, claimed that Mrs. Oyetola’s convoy was traveling to Osogbo and was in the area of Owode Market when intermittent gunshots were heard on Friday night at 8 o’clock.

Alayande, a local resident who wished to go by only that name, told Objectv Media on Saturday that a truck had caused a traffic obstruction when the caravan arrived at the Owode market crossroads.

A fight broke out between the security personnel who were part of the convoy as they attempted to get the truck driver to go.

“It was while trying to make the truck driver to move that altercation ensued between security men attached to the convoy.

“I heard several gunshots where I stood near the junction. It was dark but there was altercation between security men and some people suspected to be hoodlums,” he said.

Osun police command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, has not responded to text message sent to her on the matter as of the time of filing this report.

But Information Officer to the office of the First Lady, Oluwatunmise Iluyomade, said the convoy was attacked.

She said “No life was lost in the incident. Some security personnel attached to the convoy sustained various degrees of injuries.”

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Article News Politics

Are Peter Obi’s Supporters losing Oxygen? By Fredrick Nwabufo

Are Peter Obi’s supporters losing oxygen? By Fredrick Nwabufo

Like the breaking of every phantasmagoria, the futility of chasing a will-o-the-wisp soon becomes clear. It may take a while, but even the fog of illusion gives way for common sense when the blistering light of reality hits.

The Peter Obi presidential bid is a dream of which time has not come. Is it good to dream? Yes. But while dreaming, it is important for the dreamer to maintain consciousness and not lose himself in the vortex of his own fantasy.

Peter Obi’s presidential bid is an attempt at future possibilities. This is, perhaps, one of the merits of the current, but fast vanishing “Obidient fad”. Another merit is the mainstreaming of the south-east in the national political discourse. This is good. It has been quite a while since this happened.

But Peter Obi must be that politician. He must apply some logic, mute the vacuous praises of sycophants, and eschew personal interest for the greater good.

He should be willing to sacrifice fleeting adulations for greater future glory and purpose.

Peter Obi and his party, the Labour Party (LP), should consider forging an alliance with Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This is the most realistic way of ensuring and securing his bid for the future.

From a pragmatic standpoint, Peter Obi, alone, cannot win the 2023 presidential election. But he can use the current show of support from the south-east and the south-south to his advantage by aligning with a candidate from any of the two major political parties – the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Alliance politics has been the custom in Nigeria since the 1960s. So, it is not out of place.

But why I am wary of suggesting Peter Obi’s alliance with the PDP is because the south-east has had an abusive, doomed and fruitless relationship with the PDP for over 16 years. The region benefited neither in infrastructure development nor in human capital development during the PDP years. It was 16 years of barrenness, blind loyalty, mortification and abuse.

So, my suggestion, which is born out of necessity and the political self-preservation of the south-east, is that Peter Obi, the LP, the south-east and all his supporters seek a yet-to-be-explored option. It is said in Igbo: ‘’Nwanyi nu o di na abu o mara nke kam nma’’ – which is loosely translated as, ‘’when a woman experiences two husbands, she will know which is better’’. The yet-to-be-explored option is the APC. The south-east has been there, done that with the PDP.

Peter Obi must not let the momentum he has mustered in the past few months be frittered away in a star-crossed quest. He must seek to build a bigger structure by holding out a hand for a viable political pact. Nnamdi Azikiwe did it. Alex Ekwueme did it as well.

There have been arguments on whether Peter Obi can retain his support base in the event he seeks an entente with another candidate. Really, that will be a test of the social complexion of his supporters. If Peter Obi’s supporters do not trust his judgment enough to keep their flags up, then it implies that this cacophony about him has just been a sensational distraction for the meme-loving and trend-hugging Nigerian youth.

It will make great political meaning if the south-east, the south-west and the north work according to a unitary purpose at this time in the life of our country. Historically, the south-east and the south-west have not really been companionable political allies – even though both zones share much in common and have lived as affable neighbours for decades. But 2023 can be the beginning of new things. It can be the beginning of a more robust political relationship between the south-east and the south-west.

The rhetoric on social media is fast dissolving into an ethnic brawl between the Igbo and the Yoruba. We must retreat from this path and see the bigger picture. The Igbo and the Yoruba are kins held by a shared destiny and connected by the umbilicus of history, marriage, and family.

And by the way, ‘’Obidients’’ are no longer as loud as they used to be. Have they been beaten to retreat? Have they seen the futility of their political expedition? Have they been taught good manners? Or are they beginning to lose oxygen? Well, it is good they keep their campaign vacant of threats, slurs and hate speech.

Fredrick Nwabufo aka Mr OneNigeria is a writer and journalist.

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Education News Politics

ONDO STATE GOVERNOR BAGS HONORARY FELLOWSHIP AWARD OF NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF BUILDING

GOV AKEREDOLU BAGS HONORARY FELLOWSHIP AWARD OF NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF BUILDING

•Says Recruitment Of Qualified Architects, Builders Has Promoted Efficiency

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Tuesday received Honorary Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Building.

Governor Akeredolu was conferred with the Honorary Fellowship Award at the opening ceremony of the 52nd Buildersʼ Annual Conference/AGM of the Nigerian Institute of Building held at the International Centre For Culture and Events in Akure, the State Capital.

Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya; Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc Sonny Echono; Director-General and Chief Executive of the Industrial Training Fund, Sir Joseph Ntungi Ari and others are among those honored at the event.

In his remarks, Governor Akeredolu noted that his administration has employed young, efficient and qualified Architects, Engineers and Builders into the State Public Service.

The Governor noted that the recruitment of the top-notch professionals became Imperative so as to face-lift public buildings in the State.

Governor Akeredolu stressed that the step taken had equally forestall deficiency in productivity, adding that ICT was a major criterion for their employment.

Arakunrin Akeredolu explained that the employed professionals had been engaged in the design, construction and maintenance of new and existing public buildings within the State.

According to the Governor, some of the aesthetic projects handled by the professionals, include:” the ODIRS Headquarters Complex situated majestically opposite the venue of this conference, Home Owners Charter Building within the Ministry of Works compound, New Guest Chalets at Presidential Lodge on Government House Grounds and the ongoing ODBPP Office Building beside the Governor’s Office”

“Our officers have also performed exceptionally in the renovation, restructuring and maintenance of public buildings within the State. The renovation and restructuring of the State Secretariat Office Complex and the TESCOM Building both situated within Alagbaka, Akure”

“The Building and Construction sector is very crucial in any country’s economic development. Therefore, any government with the intention to leave a positive mark with the opportunity granted by the valuable votes of the electorate that brought it in, must as a matter of necessity pay due attention to the development of the public built-environment.

“Professionals in the built industry should, among other things, adopt the best modern practices in the design, construction and management of public building infrastructure in Nigeria. This is as the wealth and value of a country is often measured at first glance by the value of its physical built-environment.”

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News Politics

2023; Deji Adeyanju Places $10,000 Bet On Peter Obi To Lose 2023 Poll

By Sola Omoniyi

2023; Deji Adeyanju Places $10,000 Bet On Peter Obi To Lose 2023 Poll

Convener of Concerned Nigeria, Deji Adeyanju has placed a bet of $10,000 on Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) to emerge “third” in the 2023 elections.

According to Mr Adeyanju, Obi falls short in terms of support and national reach compared with Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar.

Adeyanju called on Obi’s supporters in Nigeria and the diaspora, particularly a person he called Ben, to make a bet with him.

Media mogul, Dele Momodu confirmed Adeyanju credited his account with $10,000 on Monday.

“Now waiting for Ben the Obidient to do his part. We don’t display fake cash on social media here. Still ready to bet more because I’m looking for money for my PhD. next year,” Adeyanju wrote on Twitter.

In another post, Adeyanju said, “The Obedient guy, Ben is telling new stories now after agreeing on a call with Egbon Dele MOMODU and giving me the go ahead to pay the money in the Whatsapp group we created for this purpose.

“After displaying fake money online, the guy is suddenly afraid to perform. Obidents, why do you always lie like your mentor? Pay up Ben!”

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News Politics Religion

2023 Election: Yoruba Elders, Pro Tinubu Supporters Protest Muslim-Muslim Presidential Ticket

2023 Election: Yoruba Elders, Pro Tinubu Supporters Protest Muslim-Muslim Presidential Ticket

No fewer than 5,000 Yoruba Elders majorly members of the ruling All Progressives Congress and supporters of Bola Tinubu on Monday took to the streets of Lagos to protest the party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, calling for a Christian to be incorporated.

The pro-Tinubu protesters, under the aegis of the Coalition of APC Stakeholders Network and Southwest Supporters of Tinubu, began their peaceful walk from Shoprite Ikeja to the State House, Alausa.

According to them, the only obstacle between the former Lagos State and the presidency in 2023 is his running mate, Senator Kassim Shettima.

In his address, the group’s President-General, Elder Arokoyo Samuel, described Tinubu as a “political colossus and astute political strategist” who has successfully built an enviable foundation for the party.

“He has also been crucial in the nation’s democracy being an important figure for almost four decades, hence his emergence as APC presidential candidate was perceived as a breadth of fresh air”.

Being known as a lover of peace, tolerance and exclusivity, he said it was, however, surprising that Tinubu opted for a fellow Muslim as the APC’s vice-presidential candidate.

Rejecting the combination, Samuel said “As a multi-religious and multi-ethnic country, any attempt for one religion to dominate the political structure could only widen the gap of mistrust and destroy the delicate sense of tolerance cultivated over the years.

“Hence, the choice of Shettima was not only ill-timed but also a total disregard for the diversity of the country, crushing the bridges built to connect the religious differences and promote ethnic harmonious co-existence”.

The Coalition of APC Stakeholders Network and Southwest Supporters of Tinubu said it is using peaceful protest to urge the party’s presidential candidate to drop Shettima.

“We want the best for the nation and the Muslim-Muslim ticket isn’t. This will set negative precedents for future generations. We must not fail our children.

“In place of Shettima, Tinubu should pick a Christian from the north-central. Doing so will assure the APC of a higher chance of gathering more votes from the North and across the country.

“The north-central dominated by Christians played a vital role in the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections. As popular as PMB is in the North, the only times he succeeded were when he won this zone, despite always dominating the Muslim-dominated North West and North East in his previous three attempts.

“There are a good number of Christian voters in the following northern states Kogi, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Taraba, Kaduna, Adamawa, Gombe, Borno, and the FCT, whose votes can be harvested to about 70% if we have a Northern Christian running mate on the ticket.

“Tinubu will write his name in gold should he make this bold decision. He will become the toast of Christians. Imagine the kind of momentum our leader will gather should he get the backing of almost 50 million Christians in Nigeria.

“It is our prayer that Tinubu will look beyond the surface and make this bold decision. We anticipate his timely action”.

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News Politics

Good Leaders Aren’t Appreciated Until They Leave Office, Oshiomhole Praises Jonathan

Good Leaders Aren’t Appreciated Until They Leave Office, Oshiomhole Praises Jonathan

The former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, has said that Nigerians don’t appreciate good leaders until they leave office, noting that former President Goodluck Jonathan left enviable legacies behind.

The ex-national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) confessed that he fought former President Jonathan out of office due to their differences in political interests.

He stated this at the one-year memorial lecture in honour of late Captain Hosa Okunbo, in Abuja today.

Oshiomhole said: “You (Jonathan) left legacies even though that I had cause to fight because it is politics. The legacy you have left, there is no successor who can afford to do less.

“But the logic of multi-party democracy is that even an angel can be defeated. You have set a standard that none of your successors can afford to go below.

“Part of your (Jonathan) legacies was when you launched the almajiri school and your thought was that no Nigerian child should be left on the street and also appropriated special funds.

“These ideas are not new but what we lack is the will to transform it to practice. We never know who are our friends until when we are no more.

“No one is appreciated until he or she leaves office,” he said.

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News Politics

Federal Government Renames Kaduna State To Zazzau State.

Federal Government Renames Kaduna State To Zazzau State .

President Buhari has finally signed a bill that changes the name of Kaduna State to ZAZZAU STATE.

The Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan under the provisions of and power of Senate of the federal republic of Nigeria has assented the bill and sent to President Buhari for final endorsement.

The bill which was jointly sponsored by Senator Suleiman Abdu Kwari of Zone 1 and Senator Uba Sani of Kaduna central got the approval of 13 members out of 15 of the House of Representatives representing different parts of Kaduna state.

The bill was deliberated in the Red Chamber and got 2/3 support of the senators of the federal republic of Nigeria.

According to the clerk of the National Assembly, Ojo Olatunje Amos, 123 civil organizations from different parts of Kaduna state seeked for renaming of Kaduna state to Zazzau State.Their sole aim was to maintain the history and norms of people of the state.Now that President Buhari has signed it into law, amendment of the 1999 constitution is on the way with respect to ZAZZAU STATE.

While addressing Newsmen in the Red Chamber, Senator Suleiman Abdu Kwari told newsmen that this a results of what people of the state demanded from us as their representatives in the Senate. The word Kaduna has no reasonable meaning as far as history of Kaduna is concerned ,and therefore, change for the name is Paramount.

Senator Uba Sani briefed newsmen on the importance of the change.He described the change as a dividend of Democracy to the people of the state.

The deputy governor of Kaduna State ,Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balaraba, who represented his Excellency, the Executive governor of ZAZZAU STATE ( formerly Kaduna State),Malam Nasiru Elrufa’i congratulates the entire people of the state on this golden achievement. She urges the entire people of the state to take this development as a mean of peace and unity for the state.
She further commended the efforts of all the law makers of the state for their meritious Job in seeing this dream came reality.

The president of the civil organization in person of Alhaji Junaidu Dikko who who led 57 organizations from Zone 1 senatorial District tenders his appreciation onbehalf of the entire civil organizations that pressured for actualization of this development.He mentioned this development as Diamond achievement to the entire people of the state.

The Secretary general of the federation, Boss Mustapha, who represented the president in the inauguration event congratulates the people of Kaduna State ( Now Zazzau State ) for this democratic development. He urged people of Zazzau State to use this as medium for mutual coexistence and political development amongst the entire people of the state.

The Emir of Jama’a who represented the Kaduna Council of Chief recognized the hardworking of Kaduna Senators, House of representatives and memebers state house of assembly for their tireless effort in making this change.He stated that, the word Zazzau has been in existence for the past 700years like katsina, Kano, Zamfara,etc., but Kaduna has no general accepted meaning which undermines the history of people of the State in general. But with the new name of Zazzau State history, norms, values and dignity of the people of the state is restored.

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News Politics

PDP Crises Deepens As Wike Ally Seyi Makinde Rejects Campaign DG Position

PDP Crises Deepens As Wike Ally Seyi Makinde Rejects Campaign DG Position

More troubles for Nigeria’s main opposition party as efforts by PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar to manage the raging internal conflict threatening to doom the party’s 2023 challenge suffered yet another significant setback with reports of Oyo Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, rejecting an offer to preside over the party’s Campaign Council as Director General.

Governor Makinde’s snub is believed to be informed by his continued loyalty to his Rivers counterpart, Nyesom Wike, who is on a war path with Mr. Atiku Abubakar over issues related to the conduct of the presidential primary process and the selection of a running mate.

Wike, who lost to Atiku in the primary, has accused the former Vice President and other Governors of the party of malicious collusion against him and general disrespect, in spite of his contributions to keeping the party afloat when Mr. Atiku abandoned it for Dubai after his defeat in the 2019 General Elections.

In his ongoing commissioning of projects, the Rivers Governor has raised eyebrows with his open fraternization with counterparts and leaders of the APC and has warned of a looming defeat for the PDP due to Atiku’s poor management.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State played a lead role during Wike’s challenge for the PDP primary ticket and has repeatedly asserted his persisting support for him. His rejection of the campaign DG position has complicated Atiku’s calculation who had hoped to recruit a chief campaigner with some level of popularity from his main opponent’s South Western region.

Sources add that Atiku’s flip-flopping, including his sudden and unexplained axing of Chief Gbenga Daniel as the DG of his campaign whilst as an aspirant to be replaced by Dr. Bukola Saraki, may have contributed to Governor Makinde’s decision to snub the offer and focus on his second-term bid.

The development has increased the anxiety within the party and frustrated allies of Atiku who fear that internal rebellion may prove the death knell for the party in 2023.

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