NEWS
Ododo, Aliyu-Sokoto, Akume, Gusau to Headline Olusunle’s Book Launch
By David Torough, Abuja
Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo will join elder statesmen and leaders to headline the launch of two new books written by his constituent, renowned poet, journalist and scholar, Tunde Olusunle. Emeritus National Security Adviser (NSA), General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume and the governors of Sokoto and Zamfara states, Ahmad Aliyu-Sokoto and Dauda Lawal, will equally headline the event.
A statement by the Book Launch Planning Committee also said Taraba State governor, Kefas Agbu is equally expected at the event as with the ranking Senator and former Minority
Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe and the pre-eminent economist and journalist and pioneer Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) Chief Onyema Ugochukwu.
The books on the bill are: Orisirisi: Vistas on Contemporary Politics in Nigeria, a 470-page anthology of 60 essays, while the second, Toasts, Tributes and Wreaths is a 308-page volume of 46 essays. Respected newspaper columnist and former Media Adviser to President Bola Tinubu during his years as governor, Segun Ayobolu who wrote the Foreword to Orisirisi notes that it is a kaleidoscope “of the many ills that incapacitate our country today.” According to him, Olusunle opens up on “leadership ineptness, monsters corruption, pervasive poverty, galloping inflation and escalating indebtedness.”
In her appraisal of Toasts, Tributes and Wreaths, Professor Omotayo Oloruntoba-Oju notes that the volume “masterfully weaves together an embroidery of stories, each thread representing a unique lifetime, a significant milestone and a profound moment in the existence of the narrative personae.” Oloruntoba-Oju who is an expert on African, Caribbean and African-American literatures enjoins readers and literary aficionados to “be prepared to be captivated by the eloquence of Olusunle’s narrations.” This, according to her, is achieved through a painstaking blend of “research, journalism and prosaic skills.” The collection she avers ‘is a testament to versatility and depth.”
The event is scheduled for Wednesday October 9, 2024, by 2pm at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Central Area, Abuja. Other dignitaries expected include former governors of Benue and Kogi states, Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam, PhD, CON, and Captain Idris Ichalla Wada. Senator Ben Obi, CON, Ojeligbo, former Political Adviser to the President, and parliamentarians from Olusunle’s home in Kogi State, Senators Sunday Karimi, Chairman, Senate Committee on Services; Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Jibrin Isah will be at the function. Also expected are Senators Osita Izunaso, (Imo); Okechukwu Ezea, (Enugu); Austin Akobundu, (Abia); Smart Adeyemi, CON and Dino Melaye.
Leke Joseph Abejide, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Customs, (representing Yagba federal constituency, will lead his colleagues, notably Dickson Tarkighir, (representing Makurdi/Guma federal constituency in Benue State) and Idris Salman representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency, also in Kogi State. Orisirisi: Vistas on Contemporary Politics in Nigeria and Toasts, Tributes and Wreaths will be reviewed at the event by Gbenga Ibileye, Professor of English, Member of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, (MNAL) and orator of the Federal University Lokoja, (FUL).
Olusunle, an established and widely studied poet has three published volumes of poetry to his name. He also published two volumes of essays, before the pair scheduled for launch. He served on the Editorial Board of the Daily Times and worked with three Kogi State Governors, civilian and military as Director of Information and Chief Press Secretary. He was a close aide of former President Obasanjo, holds a doctorate in Media Arts and is a Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja. Dr Olusunle has published dozens of profoundly researched academic papers in peer-reviewed Nigerian and foreign journals, books and festschrifts, to his name.
NEWS
NYSC Members Lack Nothing in Daura – Emir
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar- Faruk, says National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members do not suffer anything in his domain, as they lack nothing.
The emir made the statement when he received the NYSC Coordinator in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Sa’idu, on a courtesy visit on Thursday in Daura.
According to the emir, NYSC is the only programme left for all Nigerians that ensure unity, from government to communities and individuals.
Umar-Faruk called on all Nigerians to see the NYSC members as, ”Children of necessity, orphans who has no family, Children that also need assistance, protection, guidance and comfort.
“NYSC members should not be seen as vulnerable for exploitation and molestation, they should be provided with shelter, food and everything that will make them comfortable in any place they found themselves
“Corps members don’t suffer anything in my domain, they lack nothing, because I always do my best to ensure they are well accommodated.
”He advised other communities in the country to do the same for the development and sustenance of the scheme, stressing that NYSC has done so much for the unity and integration of Nigeria after the civil war.
Earlier, Sa’idu told the emir that he was in his palace being one of the critical stakeholders to report that he has resumed office as the new NYSC coordinator in the state, and also to request for his blessings.
The coordinator assured the emir that the scheme would continue to collaborate with the Emirate Council towards the development of the country and the nation’s unity.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the NYSC Katsina State End of Service Year Publication to the Emir. (NAN)
NEWS
Host Communities, Litigations Delay Trust Fund Implementation – HOSTCOM
The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) says some delays in Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) Fund creation and implementation are caused by community members and litigations.
The HOSTCOM said pending issues by host communities in choosing members and chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) delayed the implementation of the HCDT funds.
Dr Benjamin Tamaranebi, National President, HOSTCOM, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja while making clarifications on recent claims on the Host Community Project Funding in Akwa Ibom.
Report says that HCDTs are responsible for managing and distributing oil company funds to the host communities, ensuring that resources are used effectively for community development projects.
Host communities in Akwa Ibom had expressed frustration over the delayed release of funds by oil companies to HCDT which it said hindered the implementation of projects outlined in their respective development plans.
Community representatives from HCDTs in Ibeno, Eket, Mbo, Esit Eket, Uruan and Ikot Abasi LGAs claimed that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) failed to enforce statutory sanctions on oil companies that delay funds.
Tamaranebi, who condemned the recent publication regarding alleged delays in funding development projects in host communities in the state, urged the public to disregard it as it was unfounded.
“We must state clearly that some of the delays of HCDTs creation are caused by community members and litigations over who wants to be a member and chairman of the Board of Trustees which has nothing to do with NUPRC.
“So, we advise communities to conduct themselves properly for the benefit of the HCDT funds,” he said.
He recalled that the NUPRC initiated the HCDTs Forum to meet with community representatives through its HCDT trustees to address broader issues and grievances ensuring continuous dialogue between host communities and the operators.
The national president said the forum had promoted transparency and accountability ensuring that community voices were heard at a higher level.
Tamaranebi said there was registration of reputable 34 asset/fund manager to invest 20 per cent of the three per cent Operating Expenses or Expenditure (OPEX) on behalf of the trusts.
“Some of the trusts are already benefiting from the dividend of this investments.
“These achievements underscore the commitment of the NUPRC and Settlors to the sustainable development of host communities.
“We encourage all stakeholders, including community members and operators, to maintain open lines of communication with the HOSTCOM or NUPRC,” he said.
On concerns regarding funding or implementation of projects, he urged parties to engage with HOSTCOM directly for resolution rather than resorting to public statements that may misinform or escalate tensions.
He added that HOSTCOM was actively monitoring the situation in Akwa Ibom and other states to continue to advocate for the rights and developmental needs of local communities.(NAN)
NEWS
Nigerian Army Emphasises Responsible Social Media use for National Security
The Nigerian Army has stressed the importance of responsible social media usage in contributing to national security and development.
Maj. Gen. Sanusi Dahiru, Deputy Director-General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, made this remark at the 37th Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar in Calabar on Thursday.
Dahiru, who was the Special Guest of Honour said the seminar, noted that social media could shape the security environment but could also be misused to spread harmful content.
He encouraged Nigerians to support the army and promote community engagement.
On his part, Maj. Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, Chief of Civil Military Affairs, emphasised responsible online behaviour to enhance national security.
He warned against spreading unverified information and urged Nigerians to be mindful of those sowing discord.
Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Cross River’s Commissioner for Information, acknowledged social media’s impact on society but also highlighted its negative tendencies, such as cyberbullying and depression.
He advocated for the military’s involvement in social media to address security challenges.
(NAN)