House of Reps’ Speaker Calls for More Investments in Africa’s Digital Infrastructure

 

House of Reps’ Speaker Calls for More Investments in Africa’s Digital Infrastructure

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Abbas Tajudeen has called for more investments in Africa’s digital infrastructure noting that the continent is capturing only a fraction of its digital economic potential.

Hon Abbas made the call on Wednesday, at the 12th Africa Internet Governance Forum organized by the Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy.

The Speaker was represented at the event by the House Committee Chairman on ICT and Cyber Security, Hon Adedeji Olajide Stanley, a member representing Ibadan Northwest/ Southwest Federal Constituency.

Speaking at the event, the Speaker noted that the theme of this year’s forum is both timely and relevant in today’s interconnected world adding that digital technologies have become an integral part of our daily lives, transforming various sectors and industries.

Speaking further, Hon Abbas stated that the internet in particular has revolutionized communication, commerce, education, healthcare, and governance.

His words: “I’m delighted to be with you at this very important event of the 12th Africa Internet Governance Forum and to thank the Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy for this initiative.

“Africa has experienced significant growth in internet penetration over the past decades. With these opportunities, some challenges must be addressed to ensure a safe, secure, and inclusive digital environment for all Africans.

“While some regions have access to high-speed internet and advanced digital infrastructure, others still lack basic connectivity. This disparity hinders equal access to information, education, healthcare services, and economic opportunities.”

The speaker, however, said to bridge the gap, Africa must prioritize investment in digital infrastructure and connectivity across Africa. He urged governments to work hand in hand with private sector players to expand broadband coverage, improve network quality, and reduce costs.

He stressed that there should be a policy targeted at promoting digital literacy and skills development to empower individuals and communities to fully participate in the digital economy.

He added that Africa Must address the issue of cybersecurity saying cyberattacks can have devastating consequences for individuals businesses and even national security.

As Representatives of the people, the House of Representatives has enacted laws to address cyber-related crimes to ensure the protection of online privacy, data security, and digital rights.” Hon Tajudeen said.

A new modern amusement park will be constructed at the Ilutuntun Business District," H.E. Governor Seyi Makinde in last night's newsletter.

 

A new modern amusement park will be constructed at the Ilutuntun Business District," H.E. Governor Seyi Makinde in last night's newsletter.    THE BUSINESS of GOVERNANCE      Newsletter No 72 | September 2023 Hello Olusegun, How are you? Let me start by thanking you for the honest feedback you keep providing us. It definitely helps us to continue to tweak our strategies to provide better governance for you, the good people of Oyo State. At other times, your feedback is a signal to us that perhaps we have not clearly communicated some of the policies that we are adopting, and there is a need to clarify issues further. For example, in the last week, we have received feedback about the Trans-Amusement Park, Ibadan, that further reinforces our belief that tourism will be a major source of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for our dear State. And so, our resolve to seek more ways to promote tourism in Oyo State is strengthened. Since 2019, we put up the Trans-Amusement Park, for private sector investment in keeping with our mantra to ensure that the government gets value from every structure developed before now. The few people who showed interest backed out after they had an opportunity to visit the facility and do proper due diligence. The reason we have received a lack of interest is that the equipment is obsolete and cannot be repaired. It is also more expensive to scrap the equipment and construct a modern amusement park in the same location. We also considered the traffic bottlenecks that would arise if a new, far busier park remained at that location. We, therefore, decided it would be more prudent to utilise the land in this location for a housing project while we use the revenue from this to develop our dear State further. So, let me use this email to repeat that our plans for tourism under Omituntun 2.0 remain on course. It may not be carried out as some expect because several factors will impact delivery. Still, we will continue to sort out these issues to ensure that we achieve sustainable development through tourism. A new modern amusement park will be constructed at the Ilutuntun Business District through a PPP collaboration. Speaking of sustainable development, on our trip to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubus's entourage, we have been in bilateral meetings, luncheons and side events to discuss trade and investments, among other things. We were also at the NASDAQ Executive Business Roundtable organised by the US Chamber of Commerce/Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC)/Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). Of course, this also gave us an opportunity to attend the NASDAQ Closing Ceremony (Bell Ringing). And just before I go, a little update on our SAfER programme. We admit it is taking a little longer than we envisioned to actualise the SAfER packages that concern smallholder farmers, youth agropreneurs and small and micro businesses. This is because we are trying to ensure that we carry out the needed due diligence that will precede the disbursement of funds. As I already mentioned, we are looking to use the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State (ACCOS) and commercial or microfinance banks for this activity. Once our internal processes are completed, we will be asking eligible persons to register for the relevant SAfER package that they are interested in. Talk to you again soon.

MALAYSIA 2023: 18 DEAF EAGLES, COACHES LEAVE NIGERIA TODAY, SEE FINAL LIST

 MALAYSIA 2023: 18 DEAF EAGLES, COACHES LEAVE NIGERIA TODAY, SEE FINAL LIST

The Final list of 18 Deaf Eagles have been selected to represent Nigeria at the 4th World Deaf Football Championship in Malaysia.

Nigeria will for the first time participate in a world championship being hold in Malaysia.

In a statement signed by Nehemiah Daret,
Secretary General, Nigeria Deaf Football Association, NDFA, said the association is quite optimistic that given the quality of players selected though not as expected, due to paucity of funds, they will perform their very best out there.

He called for collective support and prayers for a good outing.

At the time of writing, team Nigeria boarded a flight via Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.

Nigeria will play their first game against Gabon on Saturday, 23 September by 4pm (MYT) at Sepang mini stadium, Malaysia.

Below are the final selected team and coaches.

1.Olatunji Samson
2.Zubairu Isah
3.Yau El-saleh
4.Sodiq Amusa
5.Nelson Ishode
6.Felix ojima damian
7.Sulaiman Adamu
8.Korede Salami Olurinde
9.Salaudeen Saleh
10.Adeola Adegoke
11.Jonah Charles junior
12.Ismaila Badmus
13.Oluwafemi Solomon
14.Abubakar Mohammed
15.John Agbaji
16.Chinonye Uchechukwu
17.Ike Chukwuemeka Benjamin
18.Mohammed Dahiru Adi
19. Coach Kamaludeen Banjoh
20. Coach Emmanuel Audu.

© NDSF board 

 

 Dr. Sarah Jibril, as soon as she became aware of this fraud, turned Iliasu to the IGP Office of the Fraud taskforce, who arrested and charged him.

 Iliasu was convicted and sent to Prison. He was thereafter bailed out of Prison by Justice Begore. This case is still pending at Abuja Court and Alhaji Iliasu refused to appear before the Judge, when ORDERED several times to Appear before the Judge.


``The EFCC Boss, in dealing with these serious issues of constitutional concerns, for Nigerians with Disabilities, he knowingly and deliberately, engaged, himself into discrimination against people with disabilities, disparate treatments, stonewalling of true investigations, obstruction of justice, concealing and covering up facts, and selective enforcements of the EFCC rules and regulations; and the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crime Law,’’ they said

Breaking: Agidigbo, Splash FM Ban All Marlians Song [See Reasons]

 

Breaking: Agidigbo, Splash FM Ban All Marlians Song [See Reasons]

Following the commencement of the Nigerian Police Force investigation into the mysterious death of the former record label signee of Marlians, Late Mohbad, the management of Agidigbo 88.7 FM and Splash 105.5 FM, Ibadan has ordered a ban on airing of songs by Azeez Fashola, popularly called Naira Marley on their duo stations.

This was disclosed in a post shared on Facebook by the CEO of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat.

Equally, one of the presenters at Splash FM 105.5, Aderonke Adesola tweeted the placement of the ban on Marlian record on their station with immediate effect.

Both Radio stations cited the ongoing police inquiry into Mohbad’s death as the reason behind the ban.

The statement read in parts;

” It stated that Naira Marley’s songs are now classified as “Not to be Broadcast” on our stations until further notice, effective immediately”.

Given the sensitive nature around the death of Mohbad and the criminal procedure, the police have commenced, pending the end of a thorough investigation to bring out the circumstances surrounding the death of the late popular rapper named Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (Mohbad)”.

“To this effect, Naira Marley’s songs have become NTBB ( not to be broadcast) on our stations till further notice. This is with immediate effect. Thank you.”

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023: PRESS STATEMENT: The Impact of Delayed & Denied Equal Rights to Justice for Crimes Against Humanity Related to Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria By The Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) Board of Trustee (BOT) Chairlady, Miss Omotunde Ellen Thompson.

 SEPTEMBER 19, 2023: PRESS STATEMENT: The Impact of Delayed & Denied Equal Rights to Justice for Crimes Against Humanity Related to Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria

By The Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) Board of Trustee (BOT) Chairlady, Miss Omotunde Ellen Thompson. 

The Impact of Delayed & Denied Equal Rights to Justice for Crimes Against Humanity Related to Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria

In Nigeria, it is saddening to observe that cases that are related to Persons With Disabilities, and justice have been unduly delayed and in the worst scenario, denied due process, fair procedure, and equal protections of constitutional and customary rights.

 Nationwide, Persons With disabilities were regularly subjected to traumatic, cruel and unusual punishments because of delay and denial of justice. The resultant Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) effect is better imagined than experiences, as it affects both Persons With Disabilities psychic and society’s image.

Delayed equal rights to justice can exacerbate the already existing challenges and vulnerabilities faced by persons with disabilities, and it hinders the country's or Society’s progress toward achieving social inclusion, equality, and justice for all.

Any nation or society that delays equal rights to justice, especially for social, civil, human, disability, cultural and criminal cases that affect persons with disabilities is not only insensitive but setting a stage for a time boom, that if exploded has deleterious and damaging constitutional, religious and customary effects not only to the vulnerable but on the entire systems.

Many societal vices like insecurity, terrorism, kidnapping, youth restiveness, cultism, money rituals, 419, Yahoo! Yahoo!, drug and alcohol abuse, and militancy characterize our nation’s landscape, majorly because of delayed and denied equal rights to justice.

In Nigeria, national laws are enacted by the legislative branch of government which comprises the House of Representatives and the Senate while the executive arms of government assent's bills into law, they also create guidelines, rules and regulations while the judiciary interprets and applies the law for the betterment of society. These arms of government in Nigeria ensure checks and balances and all work in unison to maintain a healthy and free society that protects human dignity and ensures the safety of properties.

When one arm of government is not performing its functions effectively, it can lead to various consequences and challenges within the system of checks and balances. In a democratic system of government like in our country, legislatures have the responsibility to oversee and hold the other branches of government accountable for their actions or inactions.

This oversight can include conducting hearings, investigations, and audits to assess the performance of the executive or judiciary, including the independent Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). There is, therefore, a wake-up call to the 10th National Assembly, to effectively exercise their oversight functions, by revisiting all pending cases that have been denied equal rights to justice or unnecessarily prolonged, especially as they concern persons with disabilities in Nigeria to instill Social justice.

As beautiful as laws are established, they are of no effect if they are not properly implemented, the onus falls back on the judiciary to interpret, and enforce such laws. It becomes aberration if people whose actions go contrary to the law are not held to account for their actions according to the law.

This is an unfortunate situation that characterized the discharge of justice on criminals that deceived persons with disabilities or in the worst scenario, front their needs to defraud the public and government.

A case in point is the case that was instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices & other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) against Alhaji Olarewaju Abdulrauf Iliasu, who in conspiracy with others for over one decade has been misusing the Federal Civil Service Staff with Disabilities Multiple Purpose Cooperative Society and our poor 31 million Nigerians With Disabilities to defraud innocent Nigerian businessmen and women.

We are aware that it is commonly said time and justice are parallel, but we are using this medium to call for the judiciary and legislative arms of government to expedite judgment against crimes committed against persons with disabilities and were denied due process, fair procedure, and equal protections of constitutional and customary rights. Given the backdrop that the majority among them are poor and not informed of their constitutional and customary rights; I think that is one of the reasons that many criminals find it a haven to abuse and defraud Persons With Disabilities recklessly in Nigeria with impunity and nobody cares to ask questions.

Given the nationwide pile-up of cases and criminal offenses minted against the disabled in Nigeria in past democratic administrations,  we are using this medium to plead to the current 10th National Assembly’s legislators to keep with what they are statutory established by raising to their oversight functions and protect the rights of Nigerians With Disabilities. 

The judiciary should properly interpret laws and quickly bring culprits to book so that we the Nigerians With Disabilities can feel a sense of protection of our fundamental constitutional, civil, customary, religious, disability and human rights. It will also deter others who are specialists in deceiving the public in the pretense of caring for or supporting the needs of Nigerians with Disabilities.

We are hereby calling for a more efficient and responsive legal system in Nigeria, particularly concerning cases involving persons with disabilities. There should be a stronger commitment to upholding the rights and well-being of Nigerians with Disabilities within the ambit of extant laws.

Finally, we are also calling on both the 10th National Assembly and Executive Branch of Government, led by HE President Bola Tinubu to without further delays, put in place machinery to commence intense creating of awareness and implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 and its Independent National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), including the UN CRPD and Disability-Inclusive Sustainable Development goals (SDGs), 2030 Agenda.THANK YOU.                                                

Miss Omotunde Ellen Thompson (FRMI),                                                                                         

Chairperson BOT & Pioneer Co-Founder of the JONAPWD-National

The Forum of Honourables Supervisory Councilors Ibadan South West Local Government area Congratulates Honourable Adedeji Stanley Olajide aka ODIDI OMO on victory at the Tribunal

 The Forum of Honourables Supervisory Councilors Ibadan South West Local Government area Congratulates Honourable Adedeji Stanley Olajide aka ODIDI OMO on victory at the Tribunal

The Forum of Honourables Supervisory Councilors Ibadan South West LG has congratulated Honourable Adedeji Stanley Olajide aka ODIDI OMO for the victory at the Oyo state Election Petition Court, and described it as “another well-deserved victory.”

⭐ Star Rep Federal Constituency Honourable Adedeji Stanley Olajide aka ODIDI OMO worked very hard for the victory enjoyed at the Nigeria Election Tribunal noting that “today’s Nigeria Election Tribunal Petition Court’s decision, which was in favour of the Star ⭐ Star Rep Federal Constituency Ibadan South West & North West Honourable ODIDI OMO is comforting and also an affirmation of the will of over million Ibadan South West and North West LG area community  who filed out to cast their ballots for the PDP and Star Rep Federal Constituency Honourable Adedeji Stanley Olajide aka ODIDI OMO as their choice yesterday. 

The Honourable Supervisory Councilors Ibadan South West LG  said Our Ibadan South West LG area community have spoken through the ballots and the Court has also validated the citizens’ decision by yesterday’s Tribunal Affirms Honourable Adedeji Stanley Olajide aka ODIDI OMO , which upheld the victory of Federal Constituency during the 2023 Federal Constituency poll and dismisses APC , Fijabi's Petition. 

The Honourables Supervisory Councilors Ibadan South West LG said millions of Ibadan South West LG community were not in doubt as regards the mandate freely given to Star Rep Federal Constituency Ibadan South West LG to steer the ship of Ibadan South West LG area for four years based on his track records and laudable achievements as two-term Federal Constituency Ibadan South West and North West LG Areas Ibadan, Oyo State. 

According to Honourables Supervisory Councilors Ibadan South West LG said  “What we are witnessing yesterday is the beauty of democracy and the rule of law. 

We had an election that day this year where over  million Ibadan South West LG and North West LG voted to elect Honourable Adedeji Stanley Olajide aka ODIDI OMO as the Star Rep Member Federal Constituency first term and second term in office.

“We have worked so hard by campaign and mobilizes that have displayed good spirit of sportsmanship by congratulating the winner (Star Rep Member Federal Constituency Ibadan South West LG and North West Hon ODIDI OMO) but they chose to contest the election results, which is within their rights.

 Now that election and the results have been upheld by the Court. We hope they would do the needful and done ✅

The Honourables Supervisory Councilors Ibadan South West LG congratulate the Star Rep Member Federal Constituency Honourable Adedeji Stanley Olajide aka ODIDI OMO on his well deserved victory at the Tribunal Court yesterday. 

We also congratulate the leadership and members of our great party, the PDP, PDP POWER TO THE PEOPLE include PDP Special People with Disability Leaders and all Elders at home and in the Diaspora on this victory 🙌

Victory is ours and it's a victory for Democracy. 

Published by Honourable Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi CEO RBFD blogger and Team Friends of ODIDI OMO in Nigeria

Ibadan SW/NW Election: Oyo Tribunal affirms PDP, Adedeji’s Victory, Dismisses APC, Fijabi’s Petition

 

Ibadan SW/NW Election: Oyo Tribunal affirms PDP, Adedeji’s Victory, Dismisses APC, Fijabi’s Petition

The National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting at Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Wednesday affirmed the victory and re-election of Hon. Olajide Adedeji Stanley of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Ibadan South West/North West federal constituency of Oyo State, while dismissing the petition filed by Akinade Saheed Fijabi of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the 1 hour, 10 minutes judgment read by the Chairman of the panel, Justice Sobere Biambo, which was unanimously adopted by the two other Justices: Z.A. Zadat and Shaffau Lada Yusuff, the tribunal dismissed the petition with N1m cost to each of the respondents. Justice Zadat in her adoption of the judgment, however, refused to make an order for cost, saying,” all parties should bear their costs”.

Fijabi, a former House of Representatives member for the constituency, had filed the petition through Kazeem Gbadanosi (SAN) claiming against the INEC that election did not hold in three of the 713 polling units in the constituency and that BVAS machines did not work there: as well as, that “the election was vitiated by mandatory non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022; there was allegation of over-voting, and that conduct of the election was unlawful, undue, null and void”.

The party called five witnesses including the candidate, Fijabi, and prayed the tribunal to deduct the results recorded for the three units from the totality of the ones declared, or rather nullify and cancel the entire election.

The INEC, Adedeji and the PDP had contended that the petition be struck out or dismissed in its entirety with substantial cost as: “it is incompetent, gold-digging and frivolous. They claimed that there were no irregularities as alleged, and that Adedeji won the election back to the House of Representatives.

Yusuff O. Ogunrinde, Joseph Adeoye and R.O. Solahudeen had represented Adedeji (a.k.a. Odidiomo) and the PDP at the tribunal.

The tribunal in the judgment found that Fijabi in his testimony said that all the information he heard concerning the election results were supplied to him by his party agents after he had voted in his Unit 58 of Ward 2, and left. He said he was not there when the result was declared. 

The tribunal said it discovered that there were mutilations on some electoral materials tendered and there were no explanations; that there were irregular and suspicious alterations, illegible records in some documents tendered, that did not tally with the pleadings. They were accordingly discountenanced and rejected for not having probative value.

“None of the five witnesses frankly proved the allegations contained in their reliefs, and evidence given amounted to hearsay. PW5 did not know if the election was credible but that he left after voting. Those present or on the field are the ones who can talk or testify on the documents.

On the allegation of over-voting, Voters Register, BVAS report must be presented, but the petitioners failed to prove this. The allegations made by the petitioners are imaginative which are not admissible in law. The tribunal holds that the election was conducted in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The tribunal therefore holds that the petitioners did not substantially prove their case on merit. It is hereby dismissed with a cost of N1m to each of the respondents”, it so ordered.

Twitter

FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube

•