UBA SANI’S FIVE ACTIONS THAT CHANGED KADUNA’S HEALTHCARE HISTORY

“We must put in place measures to ensure inclusiveness, responsiveness, fairness and integrity in policy making and service delivery” — Kaduna Governor, on June 12th, 2023

By NASIR DAMBATTA

Kaduna, a state with an estimated population of about ten million people and 1,064 primary healthcare facilities was experiencing a man-made backward slide, owing to what discerning observers considered as weak management capacity in the state’s healthcare system. Now there is the growing consensus that five recent and unforgettable actions of Governor Uba Sani have given a major facelift to Kaduna’s healthcare delivery system. Let us maize through them, in no particular order.

Number one, is the approval by the governor, dedicating 15% of Kaduna’s annual budget to the health sector. This landmark disclosure was reported the day key stakeholders stormed Kaduna, notably officials of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF among others. The interaction between Governor Sani and the stakeholders revolved around issues of upgrading primary healthcare services with the aim of ensuring universal health coverage and routine immunisation for children and women.

Number two, Governor Uba Sani ensured the distribution of medical equipment and consumables to 290 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) of the State. The objective of committing huge resources to the supply of ultramodern healthcare facilities was to enhance access to affordable and efficient healthcare services especially in the new spirit of rural renewal.

The governor was on point to have offered that the initiative’s impact goes beyond the medical equipment but underscored the determination to invest heavily in the healthcare workforce, their training, and providing an enabling environment for professional excellence.

Hear him: “Our goal is to provide them with the tools they need to make informed decisions, deliver precise diagnoses, and administer effective treatments”.

Number three, the Governor inaugurated five mobile medical trucks, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to provide medical services to communities that are difficult to reach.

It is obvious that the mobile trucks policy will address the problems of long and difficult terrains that make it nearly impossible for rural communities to access health services.

His words: “With these medical trucks, screening and diagnosis of ailment will be brought to the doorstep of the citizens of Kaduna State. Our administration is committed to taking all necessary steps to make significant progress towards achieving universal health coverage”.

In a nutshell, the vision of his administration is to build and strengthen an enhanced health system that is adequately equipped, well-staffed with comprehensive, accessible and affordable services to deliver distanced standard of care.

Number four? The approval for the recruitment of 89 medical doctors was a game-changer. This approval for the continuation of the recruitment of 89 medical doctors to address the staffing gap identified in 2017, as recommended by a special committee, gladdened the hearts of Kaduna populace no end. This initiative, the governor once revealed, was amongst others, designed to boost doctors’ morale and improve access to quality healthcare for the residents.

Number five, Governor Sani gave full backing to the partnership with a United Nations agency to confront the growing menace of the consumption of psychotropic substances in the State. The partnership with this UN body, known as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), marked a significant milestone in the efforts to combat substance abuse in the State. This move will also be helpful to human capital development and citizen engagement.

Evidently, these five major steps by the administration of Senator Uba Sani has changed the history of Kaduna State’s healthcare services in an unprecedented way. It is therefore obvious that the governor will go down in history as a leader who gave a befitting touch to modernizing the Kaduna healthcare system, while making it so affordable that people at the grassroots will not be left out. This all-embracing strategy has been at the heart of the government’s SUSTAIN Agenda.

Dambatta is Senior Special Assistant on Print Media to the Governor of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Nasarawa: Coalition Condemns Appeal Court Verdict, Cites Threats to Democracy”

In the heart of Nasarawa State, amidst the backdrop of political turbulence and legal contestations, a unified voice emerges. The Coalition of Indigenous People of Nasarawa State recently convened at the Nasarawa State Stadium, articulating their profound concerns regarding the erosion of democratic values and the suppression of indigenous rights within their region.

Led by Hon. Kefas Elisha Tigga, the coalition’s convener, the assembly sought to shed light on the challenges plaguing their democratic process. At the core of their grievances lies the unsettling outcome of the gubernatorial elections held on March 18th, 2023.

In a spirited and impassioned address to the press, dignitaries, justice advocates, and concerned citizens, Tigga articulated the coalition’s dismay over a recent appellate court judgment. This judgment, overturning the lower tribunal’s decision, created ripples of discontent, challenging the very essence of majority rule in Nasarawa’s democratic fabric.

“We stand at the precipice of a dangerous precedent,” declared Tigga, emphasizing the critical need to safeguard the indigenous people’s right to have their voices heard through the ballot box. He underscored that the rightful winner, Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu of the PDP, was unjustly overlooked by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ultimately leading to a tumultuous legal battle.

The coalition vehemently contested the irregularities and manipulations allegedly orchestrated by the APC in key wards, particularly in Gayam and Chiroma. They cited instances where votes exceeded the accredited numbers, questioning the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.

What struck a chord among the attendees was the coalition’s lament over the derogatory labeling of peaceful protesters, especially women. Tigga expressed deep anguish over their disparaging treatment, decrying the mockery faced by those exercising their right to voice their concerns. The coalition found themselves insultingly branded as “hired crowds” and even derogatorily called “prostitutes.”

“We seek liberation, not because of someone’s charisma, but to break free from the shackles of power that hold our state hostage,” emphasized Tigga, highlighting the significance of their vote for Ombugadu as a symbolic step towards emancipation from control and exploitation.

Amidst calls for intervention from international bodies such as the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, European Union, and the United States, the coalition’s fervent appeal resonates: a plea for the Supreme Court’s intervention to rectify what they perceive as an injustice and a defiance of the people’s will.

As the conference drew to a close, the reverberating message echoed a steadfast hope that justice, devoid of mere technicalities, will prevail. The coalition’s unwavering stance embodies the aspirations of Nasarawa State’s indigenous people—a fervent desire for fairness, justice, and an unwavering commitment to democracy’s foundational values.

Aluminum industry in Guangxi sees fruitful results in green, low-carbon development

By Zheng Yi, People’s Daily

What is “green aluminum?”

People’s Daily recently visited Guangxi Investment Group LiuzhouYinhai Aluminum Co., Ltd.in Baise, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region to find the answer.

In a workshop of the company, dozens of electrolytic cells were seen electrolyzing alumina powder into aluminum liquid meeting purity standard. Every 24 hours, the boiling aluminum liquid would be extracted and sent to downstream foundries.

Over half of the electricity used by the electrolytic cells was clean energy. Thanks to advanced technologies, current efficiency was maintained at 93.5 percent, with the comprehensive energy consumption on a downward trend.

By utilizing clean energy, promoting clean production, and enabling carbon footprint traceability, Guangxi Investment Group Liuzhou Yinhai Aluminum Co., Ltd.became the first company in China to have obtained a “green aluminum” carbon label for its aluminum electrolysis project.

Only enterprises that have significantly lowered carbon emission and pollutant discharge in the production of aluminum can receive this carbon label. The greening of the aluminum industry is an epitome of China’s efforts to advance green and low-carbon transformation.

China is the world’s largest producer of electrolytic aluminum. The production of electrolytic aluminum is electricity-intensive, and that’s why it matters in China’scarbon emission reduction.To achieve the”dual carbon”targets, the aluminum industry mustembrace green and low-carbon development.

The “green aluminum” carbon label tracks the total carbon emissions of aluminum products when they are produced, transported and consumed. This helps strengthen carbon management across the industrial chain, transforming the energy-intensive industry towards an energy-efficient one.

Many clients of Guangxi Investment Group LiuzhouYinhai Aluminum Co., Ltd. only purchase aluminum alloy plates with the “green aluminum” carbon label. By utilizing clean energy, the company can save 40-50 million yuan($5.64-7.05 million) in electricity fees annually.

As green development becomes a societal consensus, proactively developing green technology and products is also an industry consensus. Taking green transformation and upgrading as a priorityand nurturing green and low-carbon industries not only enhances the development potential of enterprises, but also shapes the global competitiveness of the Chinese aluminum industry.

To seize the initiative in green transition requires the strength from technology. Digitalization and intelligentization can play vital roles in facilitating green and low-carbon development.

In digitally upgraded workshops, industrial software and relevant equipment can be used to collect energy conservation data from electrolytic cells and smart meters. By constructing abstract models, manufacturing data visualization can be achieved on relevant applications.

Properly harnessing technological tools and upgrading manufacturing equipment can empower green transitions. By vigorously innovating and digitalizing production management, enterprises can make carbon reduction effects measurable, traceable, and assessable. This not only injects momentum into the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries but also strengthens the foundation for improving carbon emission accounting systems.

The aluminum industry chain is being extended in Baise, Guangxi – scrap edges and corners from aluminum processing are re-melted and shaped into aluminum ingots and rods; metallic iron is extracted from solid waste of alumina production and made into construction materials and roadbed materials.

Recycled aluminum and relevant derivatives have made aluminum recycling a”green recycling,”strengthening weak links in the industry, expanding the circular economy and forming new competitive edges.

This proves that green development aims to achieve maximum economic and social benefits with minimum resources and environmental costs, and itupgrades theentire industrial chain.

Transformation and upgrading are mandatory for corporations, pivotal for industrial economies, and critical breakthroughs for regional development. The transition of the traditional aluminum industry is guided by green, low-carbon, and high-quality development,supportedby digital and smart production management models, and advanced by the amplified value of the circular utilization of resources.

Nowadays, both solar panels on rooftops and wind turbines in forests are injecting”green electricity” into Baise’s aluminum industry. Pursuing green and low-carbon developmentand followinga whole-industrial-chain perspective, China’s aluminum industry will achieve bigger success in green transition.

Strengthening partnership the right choice for future of China-U.S. relations

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

Recently, at the invitation of U.S. President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping flew across the Pacific Ocean on a trip to San Francisco. At the century-old Filoli Estate, Xi held a meeting with Biden to find the right way for China and the United States to get along with each other.

At this critical juncture of history, the San Francisco meeting between the Chinese and U.S. presidents achieved significant outcomes, making a key step to steer China-U.S. relations toward a healthy, stable and sustainable direction.

Xi pointed out that China and the United States should jointly develop a right perception, manage disagreements effectively, advance mutually beneficial cooperation, shoulder responsibilities as major countries, and promote people-to-people exchanges. This has built together five pillars for China-U.S. relations and established the “San Francisco vision” oriented toward the future.

To jointly develop a right perception comes first in the five pillars, which mirrors Xi’s profound thinking on the real challenges and future direction of China-U.S. relations.

“I have always had one question on my mind: How to steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relations clear of hidden rocks and shoals, navigate it through storms and waves without getting disoriented, losing speed or even having a collision?” Xi said at a welcome dinner by friendly organizations in the United States.

“In this respect, the number one question for us is: are we adversaries, or partners? This is the fundamental and overarching issue,” said Xi.

Xi’s important remarks made at the welcoming dinner were thought-provoking. China and the United States are two major countries with extensive common interests and bear important responsibilities for world and regional peace, stability, and prosperity. For China and the United States, turning their back on each other is not an option. It is unrealistic for one side to remodel the other, and conflict and confrontation has unbearable consequences for both sides.

In recent years, China-U.S. relations have encountered challenges and difficulties. The root cause is U.S. misperception toward China and the China-U.S. ties.

Some people in the United States hold onto the Cold War mentality and zero-sum game mindset, seeing China as a primary competitor and the most consequential geopolitical challenge, which severely distorts the perception of China. It will only lead to misinformed policymaking, misguided actions, and unwanted results.

To find the right way to get along with each other, China and the United States need to jointly develop a right perception. Only by doing so can the foundation for mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation be laid.

Jointly developing a right perception means the two countries must accurately understand each other’s strategic intentions.

Xi pointed out that China’s development is driven by its inherent logic and dynamics. China is promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. It will not take the old path of colonization and plundering, or the wrong path of seeking hegemony with growing strength. It does not export its ideology. It has no plan to surpass or unseat the United States. Likewise, the United States should not scheme to suppress and contain China.

China is consistently committed to having a stable, healthy and sustainable relationship with the United States. China never bets against the United States, and never interferes in its internal affairs. China has no intention to challenge the United States or to unseat it. Instead, China will be glad to see a confident, open, ever-growing and prosperous United States. Likewise, the United States should not bet against China, or interfere in China’s internal affairs. It should instead welcome a peaceful, stable and prosperous China.

In recent years, some people in the United States, out of their strategic anxieties, have seriously misjudged and deliberately distorted China’s strategic intentions. They stubbornly view China, which is committed to peaceful development, as a threat and thus play a zero-sum game against it. They are going further down the wrong path.

To prevent the giant ship of China-U.S. relations from getting disoriented, losing speed or having a collision, such misperception toward China must be eliminated first.

Jointly developing a right perception means the two countries must practically respect each other’s legitimate rights and interests. China hopes to see win-win cooperation with the United States. At the same time, China has interests that must be safeguarded, principles that must be upheld, and red lines that must not be crossed.

Over the past decades, the relationship between China and the United States has experienced ups and downs, and the U.S. side should have a clear understanding of this.

Taiwan question remains the most important and most sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations. The U.S. side should take real actions to honor its commitment of not supporting “Taiwan independence,” stop arming Taiwan, and support China’s peaceful reunification. China will realize reunification, and this is unstoppable.

U.S. actions against China regarding export control, investment screening and unilateral sanctions seriously hurt China’s legitimate interests, and go against the U.S. promise of not seeking to contain or suppress China’s development.

Development of China is innovation-driven. Stifling China’s technological progress is nothing but a move to contain China’s high-quality development and deprive the Chinese people of their right to development. It is important that the U.S. side take China’s concerns seriously and adopt tangible steps to lift its unilateral sanctions so as to provide an equal, fair and nondiscriminatory environment for Chinese businesses.

The world is developing, and the times are changing. China and the United States cannot repeat the outdated history of major-country confrontation. Instead, the two countries should be partners that respect each other, coexist in peace, and work together for mutual benefit. This is the right choice for the future.

In recent years, China-U.S. relations have been at a low ebb, leading to an increase in discussions about the “Thucydides trap” in the international community. The crux of the “Thucydides trap” lies in a cognitive error rather than objective conflicts of interest.

Xi once pointed out that there is no such thing as the so-called Thucydides trap in the world. But should major countries time and again make the mistakes of strategic miscalculation, they might create such traps for themselves, he explained.

This time in San Francisco, he once again stressed that the world is big enough to accommodate both countries, and China is ready to be a partner and friend of the United States.

What he said demonstrated profound wisdom in grasping the development of China-U.S. relations while following the logic of historical progress and the trend of the times, and showcased a broad-mindedness in planning the development of China-U.S. relations at the level of the future of humanity and Planet Earth.

China and the United States, the largest developing country and the largest developed country, must handle their relations well.

Both sides should take the San Francisco meeting as a new starting point to truly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, enhance mutual understanding through communication and dialogue, eliminate biases and misjudgments by developing a right perception, and jointly promote the continuous improvement and development of China-U.S. relations.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

Chinese service robots achieve success in overseas market

By Wang Ying

Chinese manufacturers of service robots are receiving orders from around the world, according to a report by Nikkei Asia.

The Shenzhen-based tech firm Pudu Robotics, founded in 2016, reported a revenue of $100 million in 2022.

KEENON Robotics Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shanghai, is also preparing to accelerate its overseas expansion. By the end of 2022, the company had sold approximately 35,000 robots, with nearly 10,000 of them sold to destinations outside China.

In recent years, the Chinese robotics industry has experienced rapid development, with the service robot sector maintaining a fast growth rate.

Statistics show that in 2022, the operating revenue of the Chinese robotics industry exceeded 170 billion yuan ($23.94 billion), making China the world’s largest robotics market.

According to data released by the International Federation of Robotics, the Chinese robotics industry maintained steady growth in the first half of 2023. A total of 3.53 million sets of service robots were produced, representing a year-on-year growth of 9.6 percent.

In recent years, China has introduced a series of policies to support the development of the robotics industry. According to an outline for the development of the robotics industry during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China plans to build itself into a global source of innovation in robotics technology, a hub for high-end manufacturing, and a leading center for integrated robotics applications by 2025.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Education, and 15 other departments jointly issued an action plan on “robotics+” that aims to expand the use of robotics. The action plan is expected to further implement the goal of doubling China’s manufacturing robot density by 2025 compared with that of 2020, and significantly increasing the use of service and special robots.

Service robots are an important category of robot products. They can replace human labor in performing certain daily tasks, improve life quality for consumers and reduce manual labor input. Based on specific needs, service robots can operate autonomously with minimal human intervention or be remotely controlled by human operators.

Service robots can provide assistance in various fields and scenarios, including but not limited to the food and beverage industry, healthcare, hospitality, building services, and logistics. They can perform tasks such as greeting guests, meal deliveries, express parcel deliveries, cleaning, and providing medical assistance.

Jiao Ziyuan, a researcher at the Beijing Institute for General Artificial Intelligence, told People’s Daily that currently, service robots developed and produced in China are mainly used for food delivery, cleaning, and medical assistance. The overall domestic market is showing a positive trend, with a high rate of localization and an increasingly advanced level of technology.

This is attributed to the significant breakthroughs made by China in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence speech recognition and image recognition, Jiao explained.

Chinese manufacturers of service robots are accelerating their expansion into the global market. According to a report released by International Data Corporation in July this year, “going global” became an important source of growth for most manufacturers in 2022 because of the low market penetration, high labor costs, and higher profit margins for products sold overseas.

The report said the income made overseas by many manufacturers was on par with or even significantly higher than their revenue in the Chinese market. In 2022, Chinese manufacturers of commercial service robot generated nearly $200 million in revenue from overseas markets, representing a year-on-year growth of 103.4 percent.

Jiao said that China’s service robots are leading in technology, price, and service. In terms of technology, China applies advanced artificial intelligence technology to service robots, resulting in higher stability and intelligence. In terms of price, China has a relatively complete industrial chain related to robots, which leads to higher cost-effectiveness. In terms of service, Chinese manufacturers can provide customized services based on different needs.

However, Chinese manufacturers of service robots, facing increasingly fierce competition in the international market, still need to continuously improve their technological and innovative capabilities, pay attention to cultural differences between China and foreign countries, comply with regulations and standards in various countries, provide excellent after-sales service and technical support, continuously optimize the industrial chain, and maintain their advantage in cost control.

Jiao pointed out that in the future, humanoid robots will be one of the mainstream directions for the development of service robots. Humanoid robots can better adapt to real-life scenarios, enabling service robots to transition from specialized to general-purpose. For manufacturers, strengthening the technological research and development of humanoid robots and reducing costs may be an important direction in the future.

Synergy needed to develop China’s sci-fi industry

By Hai Ya

Recently, my novelette “The Space-Time Painter” won the Hugo Award for Best Novelette, which was announced at the 2023 World Science Fiction Convention in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan province. It was a great encouragement to me to receive the trophy from my predecessor Liu Cixin.

My steps along the path of science fiction creation are fueled by a deep passion inside. When I was a child, I liked to visit the Xinhua Bookstore near my home, where I stumbled upon reading sci-fi works including Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, The Mysterious Island, and Chinese work Dense Fog over the Old Gorge.

During my middle school years, I consciously looked for sci-fi novels to read, and sci-fi magazines were always shared by my classmates then. This reading environment further fueled my love for science fiction.

The allure of science fiction lies in its ability to create worlds different from reality through scientific imagination, allowing people to experience the wonders of fantasy.

For sci-fi enthusiasts, writing their own stories seems a natural next step. As you repeatedly soar through the wonders crafted in novels, there comes a day when you want to create your own literary universe with your pen.

A common challenge in sci-fi creation is that authors often use lengthy and esoteric terms to explain the sci-fi settings. This not only raises the barrier to reading acceptance but also disrupts the narrative flow, making it difficult to gain widespread readership and popularity.

On the contrary, Liu Cixin’s works such as The Three-Body Problem and The Devourer stand out with prominent sci-fi elements while telling intricate and captivating stories that provoke deep thoughts. These works have inspired me to believe that storytelling is paramount in science fiction, whether it is hard or soft sci-fi.

In my creative work, I always adhere to the principle of putting the story first and pay particular attention to whether the sci-fi elements can be easily comprehended by readers. Gradually, I have learned to naturally introduce sci-fi settings through plot evolution, revealing the sci-fi world to the readers step by step.

The opening of my work The Space-Time Painter doesn’t have many sci-fi elements but rather resembles a mystery story. As the story unfolds, the sci-fi settings start to emerge. Judging from the results, this creative approach has made my works beloved by more readers.

After I won the Hugo Award, many people asked me where the inspiration for the innovative setting in The Space-Time Painter came from, which combines science fiction and traditional culture.

The direct inspiration came from the ancient painting A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains by Wang Ximeng of China’s Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). The renowned artist left behind this masterpiece, but only sparse biographical details about him exist in historical records, leaving ample space for literary imagination.

As a child, I repeatedly read an accessible edition of Zizhi Tongjian (Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance), whose gripping contents have stuck with me over the years, leaving me yearning for more of the unfinished story threads. Just one historical detail, when unfolded, can be turned into an outstanding work of literature. My series of historical science fiction exactly originated from such unfinished story threads in history.

Every writer’s creation has historical and cultural imprints, and the science fiction sector is no exception. Chinese civilization has a long and continuous history, and the fine traditional Chinese culture serves as a vast “database” for literature creation. By drawing from and innovatively transforming this cultural heritage, new literary works, films, television programs, tourism projects, and cultural and creative products can be continuously produced.

In China today, more and more creators are actively engaging in the creative transformation and innovative development of China’s fine traditional culture. Seeking inspiration and materials from our ancient civilization has become a consensus among creators.

For me, the combination of science fiction and traditional culture is not a deliberate choice but a natural progression. I believe that even without The Space-Time Painter, other writers would make the same choice.

Science fiction can only bloom in the spring of science and technology. No matter what kind of science fiction, it originates from science. With the continuous advancement of science and technology and the constant breakthroughs being made, people are filled with longing and curiosity for science. This attracts them to read sci-fi works and thus brings vitality to the industry. It can be said that the prosperity of science and technology in China today is the biggest engine driving sci-fi creation.

As a financial practitioner, I often think about the future of China’s science fiction from an industrial perspective, hoping that the industry can truly thrive.

I believe that to achieve this vision, a more complete industrial chain is needed to address the shortcomings in the development of the industry. At the same time, key aspects such as film and television adaptations need to be well managed to play a leading role.

For example, the successes of excellent film and television works such as The Wandering Earth, Moon Man and The Three-Body Problem have had a significant impact on the overall improvement of the sci-fi industry.

On one hand, they have made sci-fi works widely spread and stimulated market demand. On the other hand, they have refined the division of labor in the industry, allowing professionals to do their specialized work, thereby solidifying the cultural industrial system and foundation of the industry.

Developing the sci-fi industry is not a short-term task; it requires the joint and synergetic efforts of various aspects such as literary creation, copyright trading, and film and television adaptations.

While attending the World Science Fiction Convention, I found that most foreign sci-fi fans and authors are seniors, but in China, we have a vibrant community of young sci-fi enthusiasts and creators. We are seeing an increasing number of teenagers and even younger individuals who are passionate about science fiction. This signifies a promising future for Chinese science fiction.

As long as we put in sincere efforts and dedication, we can create rich and impactful Chinese science fiction that moves the world.

(Hai Ya is a Chinese science fiction writer. The article is compiled by People’s Daily journalist Zhang Mingse based on an interview with Hai Ya.)

NFF’s Integrity Strategy Guidelines Put Nasarawa State FA Chairman, Salisu Galadima, Under Scrutiny

Salisu Galadima, the Chairman of Basira FC and Nasarawa State Football Association (FA), finds himself under scrutiny following the implementation of the Nigerian Football Federation’s (NFF) newly introduced integrity strategy guidelines.

According to the guidelines, Galadima’s activities seemingly contravene points 6, 8, and 9. The stipulations specify that State FA Chairmen are prohibited from concurrently holding roles as Football Club Chairmen (6).

Additionally, State FA Chairmen who are also part of Football Club Boards must choose between their roles (6). Moreover, all football stakeholders, including State FA Chairmen, Club Chairmen, Officials, and Coaches, are directed to refrain from acting as intermediaries (8) such as Agents/Managers to players.

Galadima, known for his role as Basira FC’s chairman and owner, currently involved in the Nationwide League One NLO has come under further scrutiny due to his association as an agent to several players abroad. Notably, his representation includes Sunusi, a player plying his trade in the United States.

The directive is clear in its stance regarding dual roles within the football ecosystem and the potential conflicts of interest that may arise. It emphasizes the need for individuals in positions of authority to prioritize transparency and avoid engaging in activities that could compromise the integrity of the sport.

The NFF’s General Secretary has underscored the gravity of non-compliance, warning that any official failing to adhere to these guidelines would be summoned before the NFF Ethics Committee. This would be for breaching both the FIFA Code of Ethics and the NFF Integrity Strategy Guideline, suggesting potential consequences for those in contravention.

Group Congratulates Abba Moro, Commend Akpabio for Stabilising the Senate

A front line rights group, Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) has commended Senator Abba Moro on his appointment as the Senate Minority Leader in the 10th Senate describing it as well deserved.

In a congratulatory message signed and made available to journalists in Abuja by Amb. Solomon Adodo, National Convener of RUN in Abuja, the group described Abba Moro as a highly experienced politician, a seasoned administrator, and roundly competent legislator, noting that he has all it takes to succeed in his new assignment.

According to the message, “Comrade Abba Moro is a highly distinguished and prolific administrator. His experience as Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have availed him the requisite experience and and exposure needed to excel in every aspect of public governance. We are therefore, confident that he’ll be an invaluable asset to the actualisation of the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President.

“While we acknowledge that Senator Abba Moro is a politician, it is our firm conviction that he will put national interest above partisanship and deliver excellently as he has always done in all his national assignments. Our confidence in his abilities as a patriot are unwavering”.

In the same vein, the group also commended the exemplary leadership of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, especially in stabilising the Senate. RUN further maintained that, under Akpabio, the tenth Senate has enjoyed a harmonious working relationship with the executive arm of government for the benefit of Nigerians.

“The Senate under Senator Godswill Akpabio is poised to work for the benefit of Nigerians. The harmonious relationship between the Senate and the Executive has not only paved way for efficient passage of Bills but has also ensured that there is smooth oversight function and efficient policy formulation for the good of Nigerians. This is indeed a pro-people adminstration and it is normal that the Senate is working hand in hand with the Executive”, the statement added.

The group finally urged dissenting Senators and Nigerians who feel dissatisfied with the leadership of the Senate and indeed the adminstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “exercise restraint and patience as real and sustained change takes a lot of courage, determination and above all due process to be attained and in the fullness of time, Nigerians will be glad they had progressives as leaders. As for the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, every discerning Nigerian knows that he is a stickler for maintaining Senate rules and upholding the dignity of the legislature. History will judge him favorably”.

Internally Generated Revenue: CSO to react to allegations against NLTF

Centre for Peace, Transparency and Accountability has responded to allegations against the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) by the House of Representatives Committee on Finance for The Internally Generated Revenue
(IGR)

The Executive Director, Centre for Peace, Transparency and Accountability, Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero, reacted while offering clarifications during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

Recall that recently, a committee in the House of Representatives on finance levied accusations against (NLTF) concerning alleged irregularities in financial spending.

Ogheneyero, clarifying, stated that these claims centred on the agency’s purported failure to account for N6 billion (IGR) in 2022 and unauthorized spending of N2.0 billion in 2023.

He said that the actions of NLTF are legally grounded and aligned with the mandate established by law.

Ogheneyero said these projects span various crucial sectors, including sports development, education, social services, public welfare, and disaster management.

Ogheneyero said the agency highlights the oversight and approval process involving the president and the board of trustees in project selection, underlining the legitimacy of their endeavors.

“The NLTF refers to the Act that formed it, particularly highlighting section 40, which grants the Fund the authority to utilize its IGR for projects aimed at enhancing the lives and welfare of Nigerian citizens

“Critically, the NLTF emphasizes that all its actions are in accordance with legal provisions and the Act’s guidelines, making its spending justifiable and directed towards the betterment of the Nigerian populace.

“Moreover, concerns are raised about the house committee’s lack of thorough understanding of the NLTF’s legal framework before making accusations,” he said

He said the center for peace, transparency, and accountability has stepped in, advocating for a fair and informed approach to this issue.

Ogheneyero advocated for the committee to revisit the Act that established the NLTF and consider amending provisions to clarify the fund’s spending authority.

He urged the committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into whether the NLTF’s spending aligns with the areas outlined in the Act, ensuring adherence to established guidelines.

He highlighted that a significant portion of NLTF’s capital appropriations are directed towards construction and other intervention projects, notably those associated with members of the national assembly.

Nasarawa Speaker hails Appeal Court for reaffirming Gov. Sule’s election, says judgement reflects citizens mandate

“… calls on opposition PDP to join hands with Gov. Sule to build Nasarawa project…”

……… congratulates Gov. Sule, APC over Appeal Court victory

Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi has hailed the judgment of Appeal Court Abuja that reaffirmed Gov. Abdullahi Sule as duly elected Governor of Nasarawa State.

The Speaker, Balarabe Abdullahi stated this while reacting to Appeal Court judgement affirming Gov. Sule as the duly elected Governor of the State.

Balarabe Abdullahi congratulated Governor Abdullahi Sule and the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the party’s sound victory at the Court of Appeal.

The Nasarawa State Number Three Citizen also felicitates with the people of the State emphasizing that Governor Sule’s victory is a victory for peace, unity and sustainable development of the state and economic prosperity.

He called on all to set aside their differences and join hand with the Governor to build Nasarawa State for the benefit of all.

” On behalf of myself, family, principal officers, members and the entire staff of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, I wish to congratulate His Excellency, Gov Abdullahi Sule on his victory at the Court of Appeal today in Abuja.

” The Appeal Court victory is an affirmation of the people’s mandates freely given to His Excellency, Gov Abdullahi Sule during March Governorship election

” I also want to congratulate the APC family for Gov. Sule’s sound victory at the Court of Appeal,” he said

The Speaker also commended APC lawyers for their good presentation of evidences at the Court of Appeal which led to Gov. Sule’s victory.

“while I commend APC legal team for doing a good job, I hailed the Appeal Court for delivering a sound judgment that reflects the wishes and aspirations of the citizens of the State” He said.

He assured Gov. Sule of the 7th Assembly’s support at all times to enable him succeed.

Beside, Speaker Balarabe Abdullahi called on the opposition PDP to join hands with Gov. Sule’s administration for the overall development of the state.