FG Planning To Establish Agency In Charge Of AI, Robotics — Minister

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February 23, 2022

Oba of Benin On The Return Of Two Bronze Artifacts — From left to right: Nigeria High Commissioner to Great Britain, Ambassador Sarafa Sarafa Tunji Isola, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, Princess (Barr.) Ikuoyemwen Ewuare Amuiwu (Oba Ewuare II's first daughter and Director-General of Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Professor Abba Isa Tijani at the hand-over ceremony of the two returned Benin artifacts in Benin City.

The Leadership and members of NBM of Africa Worldwide, Benin Zone, have congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, on the return of two looted Benin artifacts; bronze Cockerel (Okpa) and Uhunwun-alao (Head of Oba) by the Jesuit College of the University of Cambridge and University of Aberdeen, Scotland to the Oba of Benin.

Recall that the bronze cockerel and head of Oba valued at £2.5m were handed over to the Monarch on Saturday at his palace by the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mr. Tunji Ishola, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, 125 years after they were looted from the Oba palace, during the 1897 Benin punitive expedition.

The Benin Zone, NBM of Africa, in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Comrade Idahosa Moses, on behalf of the President, Benin Zone, said that members of the movement heartily commended President Buhari and Oba Ewuare II for ensuring that the artifacts were returned safely to the Oba palace, where they were looted.

The statement read in part: “It is with great joy and delight that, we members of the NBM Benin Zone congratulate His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II and the people of the Great Benin Kingdom on the return of two Benin artifacts (bronze Cockerel and head of Oba) by Jesuit College, Cambridge University and University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

“No doubt, the arrival of the two artifacts is not only historic and symbolic but has also further expanded the splendor of other artifacts in the palace, and we pray for the urgent return of over 10, 000 other Benin looted artifacts currently domiciled in over 145 Museums across Europe and the US.

“This remarkable event is indeed an auspicious and timely blessing to humanity as we continue to celebrate His Majesty’s reign with all the remarkable achievements since His ascension to the ancient throne of his forebears.

“We call on other institutions and authorities holding unto other looted Benin artifacts to emulate the kind and noble gesture of Jesuit College of Cambridge University, and the University of Aberdeen, Scotland and return Benin artifacts in their possession, as it will be deservice to black-race and humanity at large if the artifacts are not returned to the Oba Palace, their original abode.

“May God bless and keep safe His Royal Majesty and grant him good health, happiness, more wisdom and long life, Oba Gha Tokpere, Isee!!!”.

The Zonal PRO said the Benin artifacts transcend beyond mere artworks, as they are symbols of traditional heritage of the Great Benin Kingdom which must not be allowed to be domiciled outside the palace of the Oba.

He extolled the pragmatic efforts and innate diplomatic acumen of the Benin monarch in sustaining the development of the culture and tradition of the people, saying the Benin Kingdom has experienced tremendous transmogrification that has returned the kingdom to its place of pride as the cultural and traditional hub of the black race.

The NBM of Africa Worldwide, a Pan-African Organisation, says it is rooted in Pan-African principles and ideology.

It also claims to have transformed, over the years, into a distinguished organization, as Neo-blackism, constituting a combination of radical intellectualism and Pan-African ideals, which seeks to advocate for the rights of Africans globally, and sustainable development of the continent.

Federal Ministry Of Finance Gutted By Fire

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February 23, 2022

There was a fire incident at the Federal Ministry of Finance early hours of Wednesday.

Eye witnesses said that fire was caused by an explosion of expired inverter batteries at the basement of the Minister’s building.

However, it was learnt that the was no casualty nor any major damage to the building as security officers in the premises promptly put out the fire.

An official of the ministry described it as “a minor fire incident.”

Eye witnesses said that fire extinguishers strategically located in the premises were used to successfully fight the fire, even before the arrival of the Fire Service men.

Details later…

Delta Community Erects Shrine To Protest Operation Of Matrix, Pinnacle Oil & Gas, Others

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February 23, 2022

Ifiekporo community, Warri south local government area of Delta State, in the early hours of Wednesday, mobilised to shut down the portion of Ode Itsekiri road leading to the depot of Matrix, Pinnacle oil and Gas , AYM Shaffa and several companies in the area over alleged failure by the companies to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the community.

Public relations officer of the community, Mr Monoyo Edon who spoke on the reason for the protest said the companies had failed to sign an MoU with the community for almost ten years of their operations, a Vanguard report says.

”We are not asking for too much, just sign an MoU with the community but they have been avoiding this. We have written several letters to them.and even gave them ultimatum on this. “, he said.

No vehicle could drive through the portion of the road blocked by the protesters.

Some of the other companies are Keonomax, Parker oil and Gas, Salbas oil and Gas and others.

The protesters mounted what appeared like a shrine with a priest sitting close and occasionally making incantations.

They said the protest would continue until the firms heeded to their demand for an MoU with the Ifiekporo community.

No staff of the companies could be reached for comments.

Some stranded at the major gate leading to the companies

2023: Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu Best Governorship Material For Abia — Political Scientist [VIDEO]

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February 23, 2022

2023: Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu Best Governorship Material For Abia — Hon. Mkpa Uka — Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu

A Political Scientist and philanthropist, Hon. Mkpa Oju Uka has said the deputy governor of Abia State, Rt. Honourable Ude Oko Chukwu is the best governorship material the state needs as the race for next governor of the state in 2023 gathers momentum.

He maintained that Abia North in the spirit of equity and fairness should be allowed to produce the successor to the incumbent Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu to avoid situations of confusion.

Speaking in ABN TV’s Political Perspective recently, Hon. Uka said any plan to shift the governorship seat of the state from Abia North where it started in 1999 and went to Central and South where it is at the moment will not be tolerated.

He insisted that what he called Abia Charter of Equity should be respected or the state will engulf in crisis.

Hon. Uka was speaking against the backdrop of agitation for the governorship seat of the state to move to the Ngwa political bloc of the state.

“It started somewhere, (Abia North) normally it has to end somewhere. Everywhere you go around the world, it will go where it started so that it will follow the same sequence otherwise you create confusion, otherwise you create controversy.

“Somebody in Abia North is expectant of becoming the governor and you are telling him, let it start from Abia Central, why create confusion? It should follow the sequence in respect to Abia Charter of Equity” he said.

The Political Scientist therefore drummed support for former Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly and the Deputy Governor of the state, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, saying he is qualified and experienced to lead the state.

Describing the Deputy governor as an established Accountant with ICAN Certification, well read, well learned, well exposed, loyal, humble, tested and tried, Hon. Uka said Oko Chukwu is well known among his people and embraced in every part of Abia State.

He said the Deputy governor is the only that can fix Abia and take the state to the next level.

Watch The Video Below…

Unity Of Our Country In The Interest Of All Nigerians — Akpabio

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February 23, 2022

Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio has emphasised the need for Nigeria’s continued existence as one indivisible entity insisting that such will be in the interest of all Nigerians.

Senator Akpabio said it is best for current crop of leaders to work towards bequeathing a united, prosperous and better Nigeria to future generation.

Akpabio stated this in his keynote remarks at the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the ascension to the throne of His Royal Highness, Emir of Azara, Dr Kabiru Musa Ibrahim, in Azara, Nasarawa State.

“Twenty years on the throne of your forebears is simply the benevolence of God. I am here today with a large entourage from all regions of the country to demonstrate that we are all one, no matter the different languages and religions we speak and believe in,” he said.

The former governor of Akwa Ibom State described the Azara monarch as “a great Nigerian, who has contributed a lot to the health of the people of Azara and Nasarawa State in general.

“My presence today in Azara, is to celebrate a friend and brother and to further ensure that Nigeria must remain one united entity. It is important for this cordiality to exist and we will continue to build bridges across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

“It is important we join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari, to do everything within our powers to put this country together, particularly, all of us who have benefited so much from this country,” he stated.

2-Year-Old Baby Abducted In Abia Community

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February 23, 2022

Unknown Gunmen Attack Police Team In Bayelsa, Kill One, Injure Others

A two-year-old baby has been abducted in Umuobiakwa, Obingwa Local Government Area of the state.

Confirming the incident in Aba on Tuesday, spokesperson of the state police command, Geoffrey Ogbonna, said the child whose identity was given as Precious Akataobi, was reportedly abducted by suspected child traffickers at her mother’s shop in Umuobiakwa on Saturday.

Narrating how the incident happened, he said the child’s mother was with her and his elder brother in the shop until she went into the compound to bring something.

He said the woman left the girl in the custody of her elder brother.

Ogbonna said the command further learned that at that point, some persons came to the shop, bought something and gave the boy a N500 note to get change.

He said as soon as the boy went into the compound to get the change from their mother, the abductors fled with the baby.

He said the command had commenced preliminary investigation into the matter.

He, therefore, appealed to residents of the state to assist the police with credible information that could help in tracking down the baby and her abductors.

He warned parents to be vigilant and guard against exposing their children to danger.

Abia Assembly In Rowdy Session Over Attempt To Remove Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader

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February 22, 2022

Abia Assembly Writes DSS, Police On Suspension Deputy Speaker, 8 Others

Abia State House of Assembly on Tuesday witnessed a rowdy session following a motion seeking the removal of the Deputy Speaker, RT. Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu and the Majority Leader, Hon. Solomon Akpulonu over poor performance.

The motion brought before the House as a Matter of Urgent Public Importance was raised by the Deputy Majority Leader and Member representing Ukwa East Constituency, Hon Paul Taribo.

According to Hon. Taribo, the Principal Officers have not performed very well and have not lived up to their expectations, calling for approval of the Speaker, Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji for the House to vote for their removal.

Contributions from the Minority Leader, Hon Chijioke Chukwu, Hon Obinna Ichita, Hon Okey Igwe, Hon Thomas A.C. Nkoro, Rt Hon Chikwendu Kalu and Hon Munachim Alozie resulted into a heated argument, throwing the Assembly into a rowdy session.

In response, the Speaker, Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji noted that Hon. Taribo who brought up the matter of urgent public importance did not give specific reasons and the offences of the principal officers in question.

He therefore adjourned plenary indefinitely.

ASUU Strike To End Soon — FG

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February 22, 2022

The Federal Government on Tuesday assured that the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, would be called off soon, saying it was taken aback by the renewed strike which university teachers embarked on February 14, 2022.

Addressing the resumed conciliation meeting with the Union, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, said the government was surprised ASUU negated the understanding and assurances it gave through the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Supo Ayokunle.

Quoting Senator Ngige, Deputy Director Press and Public Relations, Charles Akpan, who was in Botswana for the meeting of the African Regional Labour Administrative Centre, ARLAC, when ASUU declared action, the Minister said he thought the university teachers and their employer, the Ministry of Education would have resolved the areas of disputes within days.

According to him, “I sincerely thought ASUU and the Ministry of Education would have resolved the issues, which hopefully are not major areas of dispute, warranting industrial action. To my surprise, I came back, and the strike is still on. Be that as it may, it is the mandate of my Ministry to apprehend industrial disputes wherever they occur and we have apprehended this.

“From this negotiation, we are having today, ASUU will appreciate that government means no harm. This is because even if there are still lapses in the implementation of the agreement, they are not such that will lead to industrial action. To that extent, we have to do everything possible to resolve this.

“But I must tell you that on the government side, they were taken by surprise in that before then, NIREC met with you (ASUU) and reported to the President. Having met with you (ASUU) and having given the details of their meeting with you, we sincerely hoped we won’t again take this route of industrial action. So, the government side is taken by surprise- Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance and all are taken aback.”

Ngige however assured that, the strike had been apprehended by his Ministry and that the ongoing conciliation would prepare the ground for an expanded meeting that will involve NIREC.

“It is my mandate to apprehend industrial disputes and this has been apprehended so we can discuss, and later expand to what is called tripartite plus meeting, involving members of NIREC who are top religious and traditional rulers, we cannot push aside. And that is as soon as we are done and agree on issues here.”

The Minister expressed optimism that the strike would be called off soon to enable students to go back to school, saying “It should not be one month strike. In fact, there is nothing like one month strike or warning strike in labour parlance. A strike is a strike. We want this to end as soon as possible, as we sort out all grey areas in the agreement as the ILO Principles at Work allows for renegotiation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. So we go back to the draft agreement. We must avoid another situation where our children bear the brunt of two elephants fighting.”

As a neutral negotiator, however, the Minister urged the government side of the negotiation to leave no stone unturned infidelity to agreed timelines, noting “I hence urge the government side to be realistic and factual as far as this negotiation goes. I wear a double cap, first as a conciliator and then, a Minister of the Government of the Federation. While I say so far, so good, let’s not rest on our oars. We must keep to the timelines.”

Apart from that, all the issues in the agreement are being religiously implemented, including but not limited to the payment of Earned Academic Allowances through the office of the Accountant General of the Federation in November / December 2021. So, most of the issues in the 2020 agreement, which moved over to 2021, and for which we met in October 2021, to make a progress report, are all works in progress. So it is wrong for you to say nobody is doing anything on the MOA.”

Speaking, ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, blamed the Federal Government for the ongoing strike, alleging that apart from not implementing the 2020 MOA, the government also failed to convene the regular implementation monitoring meeting as agreed.

ASUU insisted that calling off the industrial action depended entirely on the Federal Government as members were determined not to shift ground until their demands are met.

2nd Niger Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kano Expressways To Be Completed In 12 months ― Minister

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February 22, 2022