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2023: Only Nigerians Can Decide Who’ll Take Over From Me — Buhari

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As the 2023 elections draw near, President Muhammadu Buhari has again spoken about his successor.

Last year when he granted an interview to a national television station, the president said he did not care about the person who would succeed him.

He later said although he had a preferred candidate, he did not want to unveil the person because “he may be eliminated if I mention.”

Speaking on Monday after joining other Muslims to observe Eid-el-Fitr prayers at the parade ground, Mambilla Barrack in Abuja, Buhari restated the commitment of his administration to a free, fair and transparent process.

Asked to speak on who he would like to hand over to, the president said; “The person that Nigerians elect.”

Buhari also challenged the heads of military and other security formations in the country to go after terrorists and eliminate them.

He said his administration was committed to working towards making the country safe for Nigerians.

He said farmers must be assured of their safety as they returned to the farms, thereby securing the country’s food production.

“We’ll continue to make the environment secure, especially when the rainy season is coming so that farmers can go back to their farms and we wouldn’t have problems with food security.

“Heads of the services; Army, Navy, Air Force, the Inspector-General of Police and so on, are very much aware of the situation. It’s their duties to know where the terrorists are and eliminate them,” he said.

Other prominent personalities who observed prayers at the same venue with the President were; National Security Adviser, retired Major General Babagana Munguno; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba; a former Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazzau and a former Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako among others.

World Press Freedom Day: Satisfactory Wage To Journalists, An Assured Tool To End Press Gag – Don

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World Press Freedom Day: Satisfactory Wage To Journalists, An Assured Tool To End Press Gag – Don

World Press Freedom Day:  Satisfactory Wage To Journalists, An Assured Tool To End Press Gag – Don

A lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Calabar, Dr. Patrick Okon, has declared that real press freedom will be elusive until the media are adequately remunerated.

Okon made the statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar, the Cross River capital city Tuesday in commemoration of the 2022 World Press Freedom Day.

The day is observed annually on May 3, to raise awareness of the importance of press freedom.

It also reminds governments of their duty to respect the right to freedom of expression enshrined in Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The theme for 2022 is “journalism under digital siege”.

The don said that journalists were still poorly paid, subjected to abuses and not regarded as professionals in the society.

He, however, pointed out that although journalists were freer now than in the military regimes.

The former House of Representatives member said that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) had not provided enough access to public information as some government businesses were still operated like cults.

“The FOIA which I incidentally took part in midwifing as a federal legislator has not provided enough access to public services information; journalists are still denied access to information in government agencies run like cults.

“On the digital era, I think it has enhanced immediacy in reporting and improved production but it has also opened the door to a lot of misinformation in the guise of citizen journalism.

“There is an urgent need to moderate the activities of the digital platforms being used to dish out this misinformation and disinformation,” he said.

Okon, however, called on the media to learn to assert themselves as professionals, adding that some journalists practiced infantile journalism in search of basic comfort.

“As a result, many of them have become subservient to those they look up to for financial gain, this has affected their newsgathering, reporting, and management.

“Many of them have failed to continually develop themselves by taking up available training and retraining opportunities,” the don said.

He added that the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) had also not done much in exercising its responsibility of safeguarding its members.

How AGF Malami Dispensed Expensive Car Gifts To Associates Ahead Of Kebbi Governorship Election (PHOTOS)

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Court Stops Malami From Frustrating Hearing On Appeal Stopping Him From Deleting Section 84 Of Amended Electoral Act
Abubakar Malami

Some associates of Abubakar Malami, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of The Federation, have received exotic cars as gifts.

The cars such as Toyota Prado, Lexus, Toyota Hilux, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles were given to them a week after the minister announced his governorship bid.

Malami is planning to succeed Governor Atiku Baudu of Kebbi State in 2023.

Some of the beneficiaries are workers at the Khadimiyya for Justice and Development Initiative, a foundation established by the minister.

Defending his principal’s action, Umar Gwandu, spokesman of the Minister, said, “friends and associates of Malami donated and distributed vehicles to long term workers in the Khadimiyya Foundation”.

The gifts have however attracted criticisms, particularly on social media.

Malami is one of the ministers that was reappointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

Below are the cars

Indigenous Firm Partners With WordPress On Digital Training For Kids

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EarlyBrite, a learning platform, has announced it had partnered with WordPress to offer free training to 1,000 kids between ages five and 16 on digital skills.

Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Victor Tubotamuno, in a statement issued in Lagos, said that the training was in commemoration of the 2022 Children’s Day.

Tubotamuno said that training was expected to equip the children with digital skills in a live format session and prepare them for the future of work and employers of labour.

“The online sessions have been scheduled to hold for two weeks, between May 27 and June 9.

“The kids will be taught how to design a website using WordPress by over 20 tutors and the only criteria required from them is to register via the link that will be provided.
“The kids will be taught how to design a website using WordPress by over 20 tutors and the only criteria required from them is to register via the link that will be provided.

“The session is intended to focus on digital skill development, and those who attend will be able to take advantage of opportunities presented by the industry.

“We can ensure a better economy by encouraging the development of digital skills among our young generation,” he said.

Tubotamuno explained that while the digital skills industry was expanding and becoming an extremely significant part of the future, Africa presents a major shortage in digital skills, hence; the need for such training.

He stated that some of the industry’s most powerful digital gurus would feature in the programme to teach the kids how to use their digital talents to become website design experts.

Tubotamuno noted that the children would also be taught how to work professionally to build company’s website and also promote their self esteem.

He said, “In honour of Children’s Day, Nigerian award-winning actress, activist, and youth advocate, Hilda Dokubo, will be in attendance to speak on the various character traits that children need to learn in order to be successful in life and as a citizens of the country.”

EarlyBrite is an African learning platform that specializes in helping kids to discover their passions and interests in an ever changing digital world by engaging them in a multitude of activities.

The platform has successfully trained over 10,000 kids across the country on different on-demand skills such as robotics, artificial intelligence, climate impact, music production, coding, animation, augmented reality, Web3 projects and foreign languages.

I Admire Your Working Relationship, Sultan Tells Fayemi, Tambuwal

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His Eminence, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar
His Eminence, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, on Monday hailed the harmonious working relationship between the Ekiti State Governor/Chairman Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and Sokoto State Governor/Vice Chairman of the NGF, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, describing it as a good example in leadership.

Abubakar stated this when the two governors paid him sallah homage at his palace in Sokoto during the Eid Fitri.

The Sultan who, in company of his chiefs and religious leaders in the sultanate, welcome both Fayemi and Tambuwal to his palace, said he loves and admires the way the two governors work together harmoniously at the NGF and other national assignments, despite belonging to different political parties.

He said: “I admire the mutual love and respect as well as the excellent working relationship between the two of you.

“Leadership is about service, service to the people.

“The way the two of you work together as Chairman and Vice chairman of the NGF and relate like brothers, despite belonging to different parties, is a good reference point in exemplary leadership.

“At the end of the day, it is about progress and development of our country.

“I must say you are leading by example.”

Speaking further, Sultan Abubakar thanked Governor Fayemi for visiting him in his palace for the Sallah celebration.

He told his subjects present at the reception that his relationship with the Ekiti State Governor predates his ascendance to the throne, adding that Fayemi has always demonstrated his love for the country and the people.

Fayemi, who brought greetings on behalf of his other colleagues at the NGF, also praised the Sultan for his interventions in conflict resolution and peace building initiatives in different parts of the country.

Fayemi’s visit to the Emir of Gwandu, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammed Jega, also went in the same direction with the Emir praising the cordial relationship between the NGF Chairman and Kebbi State Governor and Chairman, Progressives Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

Both Governors were at the Emir of Gwandu’s Palace in Birnin-Kebbi to celebrate the eid Fitri festival with him.

The Emir recalled his strong connection to Ekiti State through his late Battalion Commander in the 1960s, Colonel Francis Adekunle Fajuyi.

The Emir, who retired from the military as a Major General, admonished the two leaders to always do what is right for the people without any expectation of praise or gratitude from them.

According to him: “It’s in the nature of our people to be envious of those in leadership position, but I urge you to know that leadership is sacrifice, leadership is service to God and country, even if it’s not appreciated.”

He thanked Governor Fayemi for coming to celebrate the Eid Fitri festival with him and his people in Gwandu Emirate and wished him well in all his endeavours.

Italy PM Urges ‘Stronger’ EU To Expand Eastwards

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Italian Prime Minister, Mario Draghi
Italian Prime Minister, Mario Draghi

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Tuesday said the EU needs to emerge stronger from the historic challenges thrown up by the war in Ukraine, including by expanding eastwards.

The conflict, he told the European Parliament in Strasbourg, was “a security, humanitarian, energy and economic crisis all rolled into one” that had revealed existing EU institutions to be “inadequate” in their response.

The answer, he argued, was “pragmatic federalism” with streamlined decision-making that would get rid of member state vetoes that currently are often able to block majority stances.

“This is the start of a path that will lead to treaty revision. And if that’s going to be the case, we should embrace it,” he said, to applause by MEPs.

Draghi, a former president of the European Central Bank credited with saving the euro from collapse a decade ago, said EU enlargement eastwards was key, including by taking in Ukraine.

“We need to fully integrate countries that have European aspirations,” he said.

He voiced Italy’s support for “the immediate opening up of accession negotiations” with Albania and North Macedonia, and for reinforced negotiations with Kosovo and Bosnia.

“We’re in favour of all of these countries joining the European Union and we also want Ukraine as a member of the European Union,” he said.

Days after Russia invaded in February, Ukraine pleaded for fast-track entry into the EU.

Brussels responded by saying the process was rigorous, complex and took years, but offered Kyiv a speeded-up preliminary evaluation stage.

Albania and North Macedonia were already poised to start the accession process since 2020, but have been in limbo because of objections from Bulgaria and conditions imposed by Germany and the Netherlands.

 

Two Dead In Central China Building Collapse

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China Building Collapse
China Building Collapse

At least two people have died in a building that collapsed in central China, the official Xinhua news agency said Tuesday, four days into a rescue operation searching for dozens still missing.

The commercial building in Changsha city, Hunan province — which housed apartments, a hotel and a cinema — caved in on Friday, sparking a massive rescue effort with hundreds of emergency responders.

“Nine people have been extracted, and two have died,” Xinhua said Tuesday citing local officials, without specifying if the dead were among those extracted from the rubble.

Earlier in the day, emergency workers had pulled out a woman alive from the flattened structure, state media said, hailing it as a “miracle”.

She was the ninth person to be extracted from the debris in four days, and state broadcaster CCTV showed footage of a person wrapped in a thick striped blanket being carried on a stretcher.

“Looking forward to more miracles,” CCTV wrote on its official social media page.

The Communist Party-run People’s Daily said the woman was conscious and able to talk to rescuers through a small hole before being rescued, adding that her “vital signs were stable.”

Search ‘at all cost’
The collapsed building had left a gaping hole in the dense streetscape of Changsha city.

Over the weekend, state media showed firefighters backed by heavy machinery trying to cut through mangled metal and concrete.

At least 14 were people still known to be trapped in the rubble while no contact had been established with 39 others.

Nine people — including the building’s owner and a team of safety inspectors — have been detained in connection with the accident, according to Changsha police.

Authorities have alleged that surveyors falsified a safety audit of the building.

President Xi Jinping had called for a search “at all cost” and ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse, state media reported.

Building collapses are not uncommon in China due to weak safety and construction standards, as well as corruption among officials tasked with enforcement.

In January, an explosion triggered by a suspected gas leak brought down a building in the city of Chongqing, killing at least 16 people.

Ex-Rangers Star Thompson Raves About ‘Versatile’ Aribo

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Europa League: Rangers Can Get Positive Result Against Leipzig

Former Rangers star Kevin Thompson has hailed Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo for his positive contributions to the club this season, reports say.

Aribo has played more games this season for club and country than any footballer in the world.

The 25 year old has also played in many positions for Rangers including upfront in the attack.

In an interview, Thompson who is the coach of Kelty Hearts stated that with Rangers’ strikers injured, the super-fit Nigerian could lead the front line.

“With Alfredo Morelos and Roofe out injured, Joe (Aribo) provided that physicality upfront against Leipzig,” Thompson declared.

“His performance in the second half was brilliant under the circumstances.

“There is every chance he’ll be asked to perform that role again.

“The manager has faith in him to do that job and I’m sure he’ll come up with the goods.

“The phenomenal number of games he has played so far highlights just how important he is to Rangers and Nigeria.

“He is now one of the first names on the team sheet for both of them.

“I’m sure he must be feeling it a bit, but this is a time of the season you need to dig deep and forget the fatigue.

“Aribo has played in so many different positions for Rangers over the past few seasons. He is the type of player who can play anywhere across the middle and in any of the front three positions.

“Aribo also played left-back in a game under Steven Gerrard last season, so that just shows his versatility.

“He is a brilliant guy to have in your squad and he is clearly one the manager really trusts.

“Being at his excellent best week in, week out is difficult when you are asked to play many different roles.

“But his performance levels for the last 24 months have been exceptional.”

Aribo has played 53 games in all competitions for Rangers this season contributing eight goals and 10 assists.

PSG Targets Osimhen For Mbappe Replacement

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Paris Saint-Germain could move for Victor Osimhen this summer, should Kylian Mbappe leave the club, reports says.

Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio told WettFreunde that the Ligue 1 champions will look to sign a new forward in case Mbappe leave the club this summer.

Mbappe is yet to sign a new deal with the Parisians and there are reports he could link up with Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Osimhen has now been tipped to replace the France international at the Parc de Princes.

The Nigeria international has been in impressive form for his Italian club during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring 17 goals and registering six assists in 29 appearances in all competitions.

Osimhen scored four times and registered one assist in five Europa League appearances for Napoli this term, while he has struck 13 times and provided five assists in 24 Serie A outings.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United are the other clubs rumoured to be interested in the striker.

Napoli signed the Nigerian in the summer of 2020 for a reported €71.3m but LOSC only received €36m of the €71.3m baseline fee.

Napoli are believed to be keen to keep hold of Osimhen but would consider offers in the region of £84m for the player.

Nigeria Must Live Within Its Means – Peter Obi

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Nigeria Must Live Within Its Means - Peter Obi
Peter Obi

Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and presidential hopeful has stated that Nigeria must transit from a consuming to a producing nation to pull her citizens out of poverty.

According to the main opposition party, the country must live within its means by cutting down on the cost of governance and investing in human capital development.

“I am saying the same thing to Nigerians for the general elections. We must live within our means in this country. That is what we need to do urgently to take our people out of poverty,” Obi said.

He added, “So we cannot allow our young people in their young age with the resources of this country to be living where they have no means of livelihood. That is what I want to do.

“That is why I said my basic function is to move the country from consumption to production. We have to change. No more sharing formula.

“I’m going to put the production formula in place. We must feed ourselves. We have enough land all over Nigeria for us to feed ourselves.”

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