From Nicholas Dekera, Kaduna

Following protracted public outcry over New Nigeria Development Company’s slow and agonizing litany of bureaucracy in the payment of New Nigeria Newspaper (NNN) workers’ benefits as approved by Northern Governors, group under the auspices of Arewa Youths Movement for Good Governance (AYMGG) rising from its expanded regional executive meeting in Kaduna on Tuesday lambasted the NNDC for what it term “Institutional Wickedness” over failure of NNDC to comply with directives from Northern Governors Forum to pay New Nigerian Newspapers workers for over 100days after approval.

Speaking with newsmen on behalf of the group, the North West Coordinator, Comrade Ibrahim Ahmadu said ” if not wickedness, we are reliably aware that there was an official letter from the Chairman Northern Governors Forum who is the sitting Governor of Gombe State Dr. Inuwa Yahaya directing the transfer of the NNN beneficiary’s fund to the management of New Nigerian Newspaper for immediate payment.“We also know that NCPL that’s Northern Capital Properties limited a subsidiary of NNDC wrote a letter to New Nigerian Newspapers requesting for account details, remember NNN is of equal status with NNDC because NNN is not a subsidiary of NNDC but directly owned by the 19 Northern Governors as well, NNDC is only involved because their subsidiary NCPL was awarded the contract of selling New Nigerian Newspapers properties for payment.“Now, after that letter was sent to NNN in compliance with Northern Governors, NNDC went behind and wrote Northern Governors demanding to pay New Nigerian Newspapers workers’ directly instead of transferring the bulk money to New Nigerian Newspapers to pay her workers.“Again Northern Governors graciously granted that approval now instead of NNDC to comply, they started fresh screening of New Nigeria Newspaper workers an exercise that lasted for two months after which they paid only 177 workers and abandoned over 200, they also hijacked all statutory deductions like check off dues and many others so you see why NNDC is wickedly killing Northern Nigeria. This was the same thing they did to Hamadala Hotel workers.””The questions are, is NNDC bigger than Northern Governors? Or are New Nigerian Newspapers now under NNDC? NNDC is aware that 111 workers have already died waiting for this money, do NNDC want everybody in New Nigeria Newspapers to die before they will pay? If NNDC has no capacity, why did they demand to pay NNN workers directly?Does it mean NNDC expended that money in NCPL’s account on other things without Northern Governors approval? Ahmadu lamented.”We are calling on the Northern Governors Forum led by Gombe State Governor Dr. Inuwa Yahaya to direct NNDC to immediately release all New Nigerian Newspapers workers Benefits to the Company for immediate payment.Secondly, to immediately set up a probe panel on NNDC and immediately asked the entire management team and board to step aside. We are sure the Governors will discover cans of worms in the NNDC.We will be mobilizing all our youths in the North West and North East especially in Gombe to March to the Governors very soon.” He added. Recall that, the initial breakdown of NNN benefits before the payments to 177 workers were Outstanding Salaries of N1, 474, 143, 669.30, Gratuities of N661,050, 385.91, Contract allowances of N7,507, 959.53, 3 months in-lieu of notice amounting to N21,080,699.13, Existing Staff outstanding salaries of N87,491,724.09, statutory deductions of N81,872,906.99 which is now hijacked by NNDC, trade partners/suppliers bill of N 37,069,055.00 and tax liability of N134, 278, 880.44 totaling N2,504,495,2880.44Meanwhile, sources confirmed that over 7 Billion Naira had been raked in after NNDC through its subsidiary NCPL got the mandate to sell New Nigerian Newspapers properties for the sole aim of paying New Nigerian Newspaper beneficiaries.

From Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

The Edo State Sports Commission has applauded Bolade Bezi for her remarkable achievement in setting a new Guinness World Record (GWR) in E-Sports.Bezi completed an extraordinary marathon of 57 hours, 10 minutes, and 5 seconds playing the popular video game “God of War”.

The feat was officially recognized during a ceremony held at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, expressed admiration for Bezi’s resilience and groundbreaking accomplishment.In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele congratulated Bezi and praised her determination, focus and passion for E-Sports.“I must celebrate Bolade Bezi for her commitment and dedication to setting this new world record.”Since the event commenced on Friday, she has demonstrated unwavering resilience and passion for E-Sports,” Enabulele said.He noted that the officially recorded gameplay time was 49 hours, 0 minutes, and 14 seconds, surpassing the previous record set by Peer Bresser and Jimmie Smets in Cologne, Germany, on November 8–9, 2017, which stood at 24 hours, 15 minutes.“Bolade Bezi’s accomplishment in achieving the longest videogame marathon in the hack-and-slash genre is truly commendable. She has not only shattered the previous record but also placed Edo State on the global E-Sports map,” he added.Enabulele emphasized that the milestone is a source of immense pride for Edo State and Nigeria.He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting youth engagement in constructive ventures like E-Sports, which he described as powerful tools for personal growth and social development.”This achievement aligns perfectly with our vision to inspire and empower our youth, steering them away from social vices and toward meaningful pursuits. It reflects the aspirations of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for sports development in Edo State,” he stated.In her remarks, Bezi, a clinical physiologist, said her motivation for undertaking the intense marathon was to raise awareness about mental health, particularly depression and anxiety—two of the most widespread mental health issues today.“This challenge was physically and mentally demanding. Sleep deprivation was the biggest obstacle, but I am grateful to God for making it possible. We are also using this platform to show that E-Sports is a viable and growing sport in Edo State,” she said.Bezi expressed deep appreciation to Enabulele and the leadership of the Edo E-Sports Association, led by Ovebedaro Dean Bezi, for their unwavering support throughout her journey.

From Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has suspended his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere for alleged unauthorized fund raising.In a special announcement containing his suspension which was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, in the early hours of Tuesday, stated that the Special Adviser, without authorization, used the Edo State Government name to raise funds for a proposed Oil and Gas Summit scheduled to hold in Benin City on August 7.

”In view of the foregoing, the proposed Summit is hereby suspended and Felix Osemwengie Isere has been ordered to refund monies to the various donors.”Prospective donors, are by this announcement, advised to desist from dealing with the suspended appointee,” the statement read.In a related development, Okpebholo also approved the sack of Ahmed Musa Momoh, Executive Director/CEO of the Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (EDOFEWMA).Momoh has been consequently replaced by Fashanu Emmanuel as the Executive Director/CEO, of the EDOFEWMA.Umar Musa Ikhilor, Secretary to the State Government, in a statement described the newly appointed CEO as a seasoned Architect with experience spanning over two decades.