Group hails NEDC, solicits international donors’ support for commission

The North East Peace Foundation (NEPF) has commended the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for its laudable intervention initiatives introduced in the region.

The group gave the commendation on Friday in a statement titled ‘NEDC: A Trajectory of Exceptional Service in North East Nigeria’ and signed by its Executive Director, Achenyo Ogu.

According to Ogu, the Commision’s impact has been visible, fulfilling its mandate in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy, ecological problems and any other related environmental or development challenges.

He noted that the NEDC has shown the capacity to undertake humanitarian activities with its record of excellent service delivery.

The NEPF, therefore, called on international partners and donor agencies to support the NEDC with more resources.

It noted that with enhanced partnership, the Commission will be able to achieve more and reach more Nigerians.

While applauding the leadership for their commitment towards meaningful infrastructural development in the region, the group urged them not to be distracted by mischief makers.

It noted that should this tempo be sustained, the region would experience tremendous growth and development in the years ahead.

Read the full statement below:

The North East Peace Foundation, a critical stakeholder in the entrenchment of peace and stability in North-East Nigeria, commends the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for the laudable intervention initiatives introduced in states in North-East Nigeria.

As a partner in the developmental project in North-East Nigeria, we are stating in unequivocal terms that the various interventions of the NEDC in North-East Nigeria have been impactful. They resonate with the mandate of the Commission in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy level, ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the North-East states.

We wish to state that since the establishment of the NEDC, it has carried such quantum projects across states in North-East Nigeria, that by all indications, dwarfs the humanitarian adventures of International Non-Governmental Organizations in North-East Nigeria.

It is sufficing to add that the NEDC has indeed proven that it has the capacity to undertake humanitarian activities when the records of its numerus engagements are scrutinized.

The implication is that if all stakeholders extend to the NEDC the needed cooperation, the country, particularly the northeast, will be liberated from the destruction caused by the insurgency.

It is also a statement that the NEDC, since its establishment, has hit the ground running. This is laudable and a demonstration of the emphasis on excellent service delivery by the management of the NEDC.

The North East Peace Foundation uses this medium to call on international partners and donor agencies to support the NEDC with resources to enable the Commission to do more in its various interventions in North-East Nigeria.

It is our considered opinion that given the proper support from the government and development partners, the impact of the NEDC would be felt across the nook and crannies in North-East Nigeria.

The North East Peace Foundation sees the NEDC as a trajectory in service in its contribution to peace and development in North East and Nigeria at large.

We commend the leadership of the NEDC for the rare display of commitment towards bringing about meaningful infrastructural development in North-East Nigeria. It is, therefore, our candid view that should this tempo be sustained, North-East Nigeria would experience tremendous growth and development in the years ahead.

We advise the leadership of the NEDC to stay focused and not distracted by activities of mischief-makers who have constituted themselves as clogs in the wheel of progress in the operations of the NEDC.

The North East Peace Foundation would continue to render the necessary support to the operations of the NEDC in North-East Nigeria.

More to gain from NYSC than its problems, Varsity Don insists

A University Don, Dr Okpe J Okpe has said the recent calls for the scrapping of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC scheme is unwarranted as the gains of the scheme supercedes the pains.

OKpe, a seasoned Researcher who spoke at a one day round-table discussion on appraising the NYSC Scheme, its prospects,  challenges and gains said the scheme can never die.

Okpe who teaches at the Federal University  Lafia said 

the scheme apart from inculcating  discipline in Nigerian youths by instilling in them a tradition of industry at work also enlightens on loyal service to Nigeria in any situation they may find themselves.

He said the scheme has succeeded in raising he moral tone of the Nigerian youths by giving them the opportunity to learn about higher ideals of national achievement, social and cultural improvement

“It has also developed  in the Nigerian youths the attitudes of mind, acquired through shared experience and suitable training. which will make them more amenable to mobilisation in the national interest

“It has also enable Nigerian youths acquire the spirit of self reliance by encouraging them to develop skills for self employment and also contribute to the accelerated growth of the national economy

The scheme also assist in developing  common ties among the Nigerian youths and promote national unity and integration.

Another Speaker at the session, Dr Thomas Uzah who urged the Government to increase the funding of the NYSC scheme said scrapping it will take the country more than 30 years backward.

Uzah said the scheme has gotten to a point where it has come to stay due to its social integration responsibilities. 

“The founding fathers of the scheme should be lauded for conceiving the scheme rather than describing as outlived its relevance, the scheme has done a lot of good to the country rather than its negative sides.

Another social commentator, Mojeed Dahiru who also spoke on the continous relevance of the scheme said it has contributed in removing prejudices, eliminate ignorance and confirm at first hand the many similarities among Nigerians of all ethnic groups while also ensuring an equitable distribution of members of the service corps and the effective utilisation of their skills in area of national needs

He said ” As far as possible, youths are assigned to jobs in States other than their States of origin

“That such group of youths assigned to work together is as representative of Nigeria as far as possible

“That the Nigerian youths are exposed to the modes of living of the people in different parts of Nigeria

“That the Nigerian youths are encouraged to eschew religious intolerance by accommodating religious differences

 “That members of the service corps are encouraged to seek at the end of their one year national service, career employment all over Nigeria, thus promoting the free movement of labour

“That employers are induced partly through their experience with members of the service corps to employ more readily and on a permanent basis, qualified Nigerians, irrespective of their States of origin”he said

FG, HUNGARIAN COMPANY SET TO PRODUCE AIRPLANES IN NIGERIA

The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to partner with the Magnus aircraft Manufacturing industry in Hungary to establish an assembling plant and begin to manufacture in Nigeria from start to finish before the end of the Buhari administration.

Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika expressed the interest when he paid an inspection visit to the Magnus Aircraft Industry in Pogany, Hungary.

According to a statement Tuesday by the Director Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu, the Minister explained that “if we venture with them, we may start with assembling plant and later manufacturing”, adding that the Magnus aircraft is an aeroplane that is good for Military training, has an aerobatic manoeuvre and is made of fully composite materials high strength and very lightweight.

Aerobatics is the practice of flying manoeuvres involving aircraft attitudes that are not used in normal flight. Aerobatics are performed in airplanes and gliders for training, recreation, entertainment, and sport.

Sirika further said he was very satisfied with the features and more than willing to facilitate the production of the aeroplanes in Nigeria, saying one of the significant features of the Magnus aircraft is that it uses normal car petrol and outperforms any training aircraft of its kind”

The Minister who was at the facility on the invitation of the Company, said the proposed partnership with the aircraft manufacturer will be subjected to further analysis to verify the market and government willingness to partner with a significant amount of money and logistics.

He emphasized that the local production of aircrafts in the country will facilitate the growth of Nigeria as a regional aviation super power as it will also come with maintenance and repair facilities that will attract patronage from neighbouring countries.

According to him, the present administration has created an attractive environment for international investors in Nigeria, especially in the aviation sector, with the ongoing implementation of the development roadmap which places emphasis on public private partnerships.

Family announces death of Mfon-Obong Ekpa

Death has been announced of Mr. Mfon-Obong Akpabio Ekpa, of Ema Itam village in Itu Local Government of Akwa Ibom State.

A statement by Ambassador Anthonia Ekpa, parent of the deceased said he passed on to glory on Monday, August 16th 2021.

Until his death, he was the lead innovator at Keap Technologies, and a strategy consultant with 2Toc Tech Solutions. Mfon, as he was fondly called, had a unique drive to create technological and security solutions for business in the Nigerian space.

He enjoyed gaming, writing poetry and watching movies, and will be remembered for his unique style of preaching the gospel in prose and spoken word artistry.

Late Ekpa was the first and only son of the family. Mfon will be greatly missed by his business associates, church friends, family, and all who had the privilege of meeting him.

Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.

Deep Blue Sea: Nigeria, Korea collaborates on maritime security

The Federal Government has on Thursday disclosed plans to partner the Republic of Korea on maritime security under the Deep Blue Sea Project.

Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi made this known when he received a delegation led by the Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea, Amb. Ali Magashi in Abuja.

Amaechi said that they discussed maritime relationship and the two countries have decided to work together.

Vice Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Choi Jong Kun, said that Korea is interested in the Deep Blue Project and its implementation.

Anambra 2021: APC inaugurates National Campaign Committee today

The National Secretary Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe, has announced that the inauguration of the National Campaign Committee of the party for the forthcoming Anambra state governorship election will hold today by 2:30 PM.

The governing party’s scribe said the clarification becomes necessary to ensure that all the party leaders expected at the inauguration ceremony get to the national secretariat, venue of the event at the right time.

In a brief statement released to the newsmen Tuesday morning in Abuja, Sen. Akpanudoedehe said all the Committee members are expected to be seated by 2pm.

The statement said: “We are using this medium to inform our great party leaders and all members, especially the announced Committee members to be inaugurated today to take note that the event will take place by 2pm and not 12noon as earlier announced.

“We regret any inconveniences this change in time might cause any of our great member.

“The National Chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of our great party, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, will want all the invited members of the Committee to be seated by 2pm prompt in readiness for the brief ceremony,” Akpanudoedehe stated.

APC appoints Uzodinma, Omo-Agege, 22 govs to lead Anambra campaign

Ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed the Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma as chairman, National Campaign Committee. He is to lead 22 other governors to campaign for the party and its candidates.

Other party leaders in the national campaign team include the Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy Speaker Idris Wase, Minister of State for Petroleum Chief Timipre Sylva, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator George Akume, some former governors, Ministers, among many other party chieftains.

In the national campaign committee, Ebonyi state governor Dave Umahi will deputie governor Hope Uzodinma as deputy chairman, governor Babajide Sawoolu will head finance sub-committee, governor Abubakar Badaru heads special intervention, governor Yahaya Bello heads security committee and Chief Timipre Sylva heads election sub-committee among others.

In a release personally signed by the chairman National Caretaker Committee of the party and governor of Yobe state, Mai Mala Buni, said the National Campaign Committee will be inaugurated today Tuesday August 17th 2021, by 12noon at the national secretariat of APC.

The campaign team is expected to deliver the party’s governorship candidate in the forthcoming election Senator Andy Uba.

BREAKING: PDP PLAINTIFF DENIES SUIT SEEKING TO UNSEAT BUNI

The Yobe State Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election, Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagum has denied knowledge of any court process allegedly instituted with the aim of sacking the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni from office.

Statement from Ambassador Damagum

In a statement today in Abuja, he alleged that some disgruntled members of both the PDP and APC may be behind the plot to unsettle Buni.

New-Doc-2021-08-13-16.28.32Download

He said “I am not aware of such suit, I did not brief any lawyer to institute any case on my behalf, I did not authorise anyone to approach the court on my behalf, my name was fraudulently used as a co-plaintiff without my consent and authority.

” I suspect some disgruntled All Progressive Congress (APC) members who are aggrieved with their Ward Congresses and some PDP elements may be behind the suit to unsettle Gov. Buni.

” I think some members of my party, the PDP who were not happy with the success of the PDP State Congress conducted in April 2021 to also be behind the suit for record purpose, there are pending suits before the High Court Damaturu filed by them and may also use this means to frustrate those cases. I have instructed the team of my lawyers to investigate the matter and take appropriate steps required by law. It is laughable that those who instituted that case are not aware that my running mate in the 2019 election has defected to the APC” .

The Channels Television had posted copies of some pages of the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/885/2021 on its website on Thursday.

The Court document shows that the PDP, along with Ambassador Damagum and his former running mate Baba Abba Aji, were listed as Plaintiffs who jointly instituted the suit to unseat Governor Buni for taking the position of the Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) while still occupying the seat of the Governor of Yobe State.

The suit asks the Court to sack Governor Buni and his deputy and swear in its own candidates in the last governorship election in the state as their replacements.

In the alleged suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, the Plaintiffs allegedly argues that combining the governor’s office with another executive position is a constitutional violation.

Dr Mustapha Yaro: Unmasking a Quintessential Medical Practitioner

By Solomon Semaka

Many Nigerians may not have heard or known that there is a National Ear Care Centre in Kaduna, Nigeria. The centre which was established in 1999 is the only specialist hospital in Nigeria for the diagnosis, treatment and research into the ear, nose and throat (ENT) speciality.

Its birth was in recognition by the World Health Organization (WHO) of the very high prevalence of hearing impairment in Africa, (Nigeria inclusive) and its subsequent encouragement of countries to set up institutions that would, among other things: “spearhead the fight against deafness and hearing impairment through diagnosis and treatment, and carry out as well as coordinate research into the Prevalence of deafness and other hearing impairments in the country.”

In living up to its mandate the centre offers specialised diagnosis and treatment of Ear, Nose and Throat diseases, Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeries, audiology; Audiometry, Sisi Bekesi, Bera tympanometry and Endoscopy. More so, it is also effective in the area of school hearing screening services, Speech Therapy, Video Nystagmography and Industrial hearing conversation services. Other services available include ear mould, visual reinforcement audiometric and otoacoustic emission test, etc.

Since the establishment of the Centre, it has achieved in all ramifications based on the tenets of its mandate. For instance, in the area of clinical services, patients come from all over the states of the federation on referral , including the Federal Capital Territory for its services as well as from foreign countries.

It is interesting to note from records available that , over 45,000 patients visited the center for consultation. This comprises 16,225 (52%) new cases and
15,187 (48%) follow-ups. Of this figures,17,293 (55%) patients were infants while 14,149 (45%) patients were adults.  On average, the centre has a monthly attendance of 500 patients and an average annual attendance of 5,160 patients.

According to a report, as of 2018, a total of 238 major surgeries were performed while 8,657 minor procedures/surgery were done.

The Centre which is steadily recording unprecedented giant strides since January 2019 is under the watchful eyes of a consultant ENT Surgeon, Dr Mustapha Abu Yaro.

Dr Yaro is one of the finest ENT surgeons we have in sub-Saharan Africa. Born March 13, 1969, he hails from Katsina State in North-East Nigeria. Dr Yaro was educated at L.G. E.A Primary School Unguwan Rimi Kaduna, 1975-1981 where he obtained his Primary Education. For his post primary education, the young Mustapha attended Government Secondary School Dutsinma from 1981-1983 and at
Rimi College Kaduna 1983-1986 where he obtained his General Certificate of Education. He is an alumnus of the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, where he studied Medicine from 1989 to 1998. As someone who is always craving for knowledge, he was also at the West African College of Surgeons from 2005-2011 and also qualified as a professional teacher at Federal College of Education Katsina from 2014-2015.

Dr Yaro, since taking his Hippocratic oath has been religiously practising his calling with dedication, passion and love. It must also be stressed that he is having a lucrative practice as a goldfish that has no hiding place. Over the years, he has been a Medical Officer In-charge Of the Nigerian Navy
Secondary School Clinic, Abekuta Ogun State 2000 to 2001, Medical officer In charge of General Hospital Ingawa 2001- 2005, Registrar Department of ENT Surgery, Senior Registrar Department Of ENT Surgery,
Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital 2008-2011, Chief, Department of ENT surgery AKTH 2011 and the Head Of Clinical Services, General Hospital Katsina 2011-2012 among so many other positions.

It should also not go unacknowledged that before he was appointed the Medical Director of the National Ear Care Centre Kaduna, he was the Medical Director/CEO, Hospital Services Management Board, Katsina, a position he assumed in 2018.

To deepen his knowledge on his bias of medical practice, Dr Yaro has attended many workshops and seminars both locally and Internationally. He was at the 59th Annual Scientific Conference of West African College of Surgeons held in Dakar Senegal from 18th January to 26th 2019, attended Leadership retreat for chief executives of Tertiary Health Institutions on 11/5/2017, he also participated at
Oto-rhino-laryngological society of Nigeria(OLSON) 24th annual General meeting and scientific conference 23rd -26th Nov 2016. Among a host of others.

Dr Yaro is also a quintessential medical scholar. To prove his worth in this regard, he has authored and co-authored many articles that are published in local and International peer-reviewed journals. Some of his publications include “Sensorial hearing loss in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media by:
E.S Kolo, A.D Salisu, A.M Yaro, O.Nworgu.In Indian Journal of ORL Head and
Neck Surgery 64(1):59-62 march 2012″ and
“Hypopharyngeal Schwannoma: A rare case presentation and review of literature by: Abdulaziz O. Ahmed, Ali B. Umar, Abdulhakeem.A Aluko, Mustapha A.Yaro” to mention but a few.

Because of his dexterity and expertise, Dr Yaro has been awarded and honoured by several reputable organisations. He is a recipient of a Merit Award for excellence in “effective health care delivery to humanity” by the fellow of the Institute of industrialist and corporate administration in 2016,
State Nominee for National productivity merit Award 2016 and was the winner of Olu Ibekwe Prize In Otorhinolaryngology By the West African College Of Surgeon in March 2012 among many other profesional laurels.

It is important to buttress that the appointment of Dr Mustapha Yaro as the Medical Director of the National Ear Care Centre Kaduna, by President Muhammadu Buhari is a perfect description of “fixing a square peg in a square hole”. It is also a clear demonstration that the president places merit above any other consideration in the making of critical appointments that will benefit the generality of the masses.

Little wonder, the Center, under Yaro, has commenced cochlear implant. For the avoidance of doubt, cochlear implant surgery is a surgical procedure where one who has difficulty in hearing has his hearing restored. This has been made possible by the proactive leadership qualities of Dr Yaro at the centre.

As a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Health, the support of the minister of health must be commended in providing the needed leadership to move the centre forward.

To achieve more results at the centre, the federal government should increase budgetary provisions for the centre to enhance clinical, research and infrastructural development at the centre. Corporate organisations should also consider interventions to support the center consolidate her reforms

Finally, Nigerians should take advantage of the presence of the specialised hospital to have their Ear, Nose and Throat related challenges treated at the centre.

Solomon Semaka is the convener of Save Nigeria Movement

Airports: Sirika harps on concession, assures job protection in FAAN

Minister of Aviation, Hadi  Sirika, has made a case for Public- Private Partnership (PPP) in managing Nigerian international airports.

This strategy the Minister said is in order to modernise and standardise the operation and management of the airports.

Sirika made this plea during his presentation in a zoom meeting on the theme “Nigerian Airport Concession Strategy.

He said the Federal Government had earlier proposed a 20 to 30-year concession tenure for four major airports billed for private ownership.

The plan, he said  would enable private investors to own, operate and recoup investments made on Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano airports.

According to him, the airports in Nigeria are currently operating in a suboptimal environment.All airports require investments in runway maintenance, navigation aids as well as terminal facilities; relatively low asset utilisation due to the limited opening hours of other smaller Nigerian airports.

Lack of terminal capacity as the Airports fall short of gates, stands and check-in desks; the airports have not been designed as international hubs but operate separate international and domestic terminals, “ he said.

Sirika maintained that a private operator of the four main airports in the country would be able to operate the airports with an international standard and expand the facilities in accordance with traffic demand at each airport.

The minister said the authority had set minimum service levels for the concessionaire to comply with on the airport PPP Projects.He further said that the move would provide the authority with a tool to set service standards for the operation of the terminals and secure a reliable high-level product.

A strong aviation industry provides the country with a high connectivity, both on a domestic and international scale. This has several economic and social benefits for the country as identified in this OBC.

These include time and cost savings for companies, efficiency gains for the economy, increased connectivity for remote regions, and improved access to health care, “he said.

He said the airport concession strategy supported the Nigerian Airport Concessions to be a Terminal Concession, adding that the majority of the revenue would be derived from Non Aeronautical sources.

According to him, all other facilities at the airports and existing concessions outside the Airport Terminals will still be managed by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Srika said that the concessionaire would provide the investment required to upgrade the existing terminals, take over the new terminals and maintain them over a period of time to be determined based on financial assessment of each transaction.

“Passenger Service Charge and Security Charge will be shared by FAAN and the Concessionaire and FAAN’s share of the charges shall be paid directly to FAAN by International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The concessionaire will sign service level agreements with FAAN and NAMA to ensure that airport operates efficiently, the service level agreement will cover the Runway, Taxiway, Security and Air Traffic Management.

FAAN will be required to provide manpower through AVSEC for security of both  Airside and Landside, however concessionaire will provide and maintain landside equipment but FAAN will continue to provide maintain Airside security equipment, “ he said.


The minister stated that all existing concessions within the terminal concession would be inherited by the concessionaire and would be allowed to run its course before any review.

According to Sirika, tariffs will be regulated in accordance with the procedures set in the concession agreement