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Laolu Akande Advocates for Less Attractive Political Offices, Part-Time Engagement

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Laolu Akande, a former Senior Special Assistant to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has suggested that the government should make political offices less attractive and promote part-time engagement. Speaking on Channel Television’s Sunrise Daily, Akande proposed the possibility of having individuals in political offices serve on a part-time basis. He mentioned that a parliamentary system could enhance representation, reduce costs, and improve accountability.

Akande, in a separate statement, urged President Bola Tinubu to openly acknowledge the need for reforms in the country’s electoral process. He highlighted the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) promise to publish the results of the 2023 election on the IREV platform. However, he noted that INEC clarified to the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal that it was not legally obligated to transmit results, as it was a promise, not a law. Akande emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust in the electoral process and called on the president to condemn the shortcomings of the electoral umpire, supporting a comprehensive review of the electoral system.

Abuja Reports

FG to Unveil Comprehensive Blueprint for Digital Switch Over Rollout, Affirms Minister

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Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, has announced that the Ministry is developing a comprehensive blueprint for the nationwide rollout of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) project. The minister made this declaration during the opening of the Management Conference and Retreat of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Abuja.

The DSO project had faced challenges meeting previous rollout targets, prompting the government’s renewed commitment to its success. Minister Idris emphasized the importance of a foolproof blueprint that would cover both urban and rural areas across the country. He urged the NTA, a key stakeholder in the DSO project, to actively participate in its success.

In his address, Idris challenged the NTA to adapt to the evolving media landscape marked by new technologies and changing viewer preferences. He highlighted the necessity for the organization to embrace innovation while maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity.

The minister acknowledged the growing number of information sources available to the public, especially with the dominance of social media. He stressed the significance of events like the retreat to navigate challenges and harness opportunities in the media industry.

Idris commended the impact of upgrading NTA’s signal from standard definition to high definition, emphasizing the need for replication in all NTA stations to enhance the viewing experience. He urged the NTA to play a pivotal role in enlightening Nigerians about the achievements of the President Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The minister concluded by encouraging the NTA to rediscover its golden era, characterized by content that defined TV entertainment in the country. He emphasized the importance of captivating programming to engage viewers and contribute to the success of the media industry.

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Abuja Reports

NGO Urges Zamfara Governor to Clarify Name Discrepancies on Certificates for Transparency

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In a press briefing in Abuja, the Association of Civil Society and Public Interest Organisations in Nigeria (CCSPION) has called on Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, to address alleged name discrepancies found on his certificates. The organization stressed the significance of clarity for proper identification.

During the briefing, Abraham Ekokotu, the National Coordinator of CCSPION, expressed concerns about the governor’s documents bearing multiple names, causing confusion among the public.

Instances were highlighted where Governor Lawal claimed different birth years under distinct names, casting doubt on the authenticity of his records. Ekokotu noted, “Lawal’s documents present a puzzling situation, as he declared birth years of 1965 and 1969 under different names. Affidavits sworn to at the Supreme Court of Nigeria reveal conflicting identities – Dauda Muhammed Lawal and Dauda Ado Lawal.”

CCSPION underscored the need for transparency, asserting that both Nigerians and the citizens of Zamfara State deserve an explanation. Ekokotu emphasized that Governor Lawal, guided by his faith, oath of office, and moral rectitude, should clarify the discrepancies in his documents and address concerns about potential rule violations.

Simultaneously, Ekokotu urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expose and hold accountable those individuals who may have aided and abetted any alleged corrupt practices.

He stated, “We call on the EFCC to remain steadfast in its fight against corruption in Nigeria and proceed to deal with any person who loots or launders, aids or abets another person to launder or loot from the public treasury so as to recover the looted funds and make him face the music.

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Education

Nigerian Scholars Embark on Educational Journey to Morocco as Part of the Renewed Hope Agenda

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A group of eighty-three Nigerian scholars has embarked on a significant educational venture to Morocco under the Bilateral Education Agreement facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Education. This strategic departure aligns seamlessly with the overarching Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Tinubu, signifying a deliberate effort to deepen the impact of this transformative agenda.

In a pre-departure briefing held in Abuja, Minister of Education Tahir Mamman underscored the pivotal role of these scholars in effectively representing Nigeria. Minister Mamman emphasized, “Your selection as scholars is part of a broader plan of deepening the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which ensures that brilliant Nigerians, especially those unable to afford programs not readily available in Nigeria, receive the support needed to acquire essential knowledge, skills, and competencies vital for Nigeria’s development agenda.”

Minister Mamman informed the scholars about the growing number of development partners offering scholarships to Nigerians. Notable among these partners are countries such as Hungary, China, Russia, Algeria, Romania, Morocco, Serbia, Mexico, Egypt, and Venezuela.

Providing guidance to the scholars, Minister Mamman urged them not to perceive this opportunity as a license for activities that could tarnish their reputation, their parents, and the nation. He emphasized that Nigeria is making a significant investment in their education, with the expectation that they will return and actively contribute to the country’s development.

The scholars were cautioned about the challenges of residing in a foreign land, and they were encouraged to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of their host countries. Minister Mamman also advised them to establish their presence at the Nigerian Embassy in Rabat for necessary support and assistance.

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