PRESS RELEASE.
For the past few days, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has been upbeat over the choice of Senator Kashim Shettima as the Vice Presidential candidate of the All Progressives’ Congress- APC-. Taking an interrogative assessment of their activities, one would think they are altruistic in their demand for the number 2 position, but latest findings by me, have revealed that CAN is actually being sponsored by the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party -PDP- to whip up undue sentiments against the candidature of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima and indeed, the APC. It started from former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, who has never won in his polling unit, Hong Local Government, Adamawa state, to other CAN leaders who have never deemed it fit to cede the presidency of the association to a core Northern Christian. In the over 46 years of CAN, the closest was Cardinal John Onaiyekan, from Kaba, in Kogi state as president of CAN. All other Presidents have been of Southern extraction; yet, they desire to have a weak candidate from the North to strengthen PDP in the election.
Let me state categorically and without any iota of doubt that CAN as a body is working for the Peoples’ Democratic Party. They are being sponsored to sustain a political awareness that cannot pass any true test of ecclesiastical emanation. The PDP had earlier set up a committee to sustain these sentiments in the realisation that it will weaken the APC and force it to rescind its well thought-out decision to choose a Northern Muslim as the Party’s Vice Presidential Candidate. They are being funded covertly by PDP elements and my very reliable source confirmed a meeting held in Asokoro at the home of a media mogul, few days ago, where a decision was taken to sustain the umbrage. I will mention names very soon if they refuse to desist from such satanic plots just to score cheap political point.
It is one thing to be a Christian, and another, to be a member of CAN. In 2015, the Catholic body had accused the CAN under Pastor Oritsejafor of politicising the body instead of concentrating on serious issues that could advance the collective aspirations of the people. The Catholic body had suspended its participation in CAN activities as a direct response to such politicisation. CAN has just entered another phase of such politicisation again by its standoffish posturing in the name of muslim-muslim ticket of the APC. Bishop Matthew Kukah has given very informed perspectives on the muslim-muslim ticket, saying it only presents the voters with options and choices. Those who are fanning the embers of disunity and religious intolerance are located within the vineyard of the PDP. Rather than face their campaign with a candidate that is contesting against the run of play, they are already asking the APC candidate to withdraw from the race.
The PDP chieftains were the ones who went to hire some persons, decorated them with robes to assume the role of Bishops and Reverend Fathers, just to embarrass the APC candidate; whom they dread so much. I have insiders in PDP who are giving me blow by blow accounts of what transpires. Please PDP, get serious and stop trivialising serious issues with mundane scripting of nebulous plots in the name of politics. PDP is very desperate to make inroads into political camps that would help it pursue its political aspirations. C.A.N is being sponsored by the PDP, and the PDP works for C.A.N. Rather than devote time, energy and attention to articulate solutions to our existential problems, CAN leaderships are busy raising dust where there is none. Our problem is not religion. Our emphasis should be how to find solutions to our problems and not dig into our religious differences.
PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA.
FORMER MEMBER, PDP.
FORMER COMMISSIONER OF INFORMATION, EDO STATE.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE 2022 INAUGURAL RETREAT OF THE FEDERAL MORTGAGE BANK OF NIGERIA HELD AT TRANSCORP HILTON HOTEL ON MONDAY 1ST AUGUST 2022
If there are any words which capture the necessity and the reality that beckons for the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, those words are best represented by Repositioningand Performance.
They underly the rationale for setting up the bank many years ago, which is to provide service to Nigerians.
Undeniably, the quantity and the need of those Nigerians has not remained the same since the creation of the bank, decades ago.
This is why I am enthused by the theme of the management retreat which is: “STRATEGY REPOSITIONING FOR OPTIMIZED PERFORMANCE,” with sub themes of culture change and informal sector integration; and delighted to be the Keynote speaker.
Since the inception of the Muhammadu Buhari administration in 2015, the bank has a positive story of service delivery to tell in the number of mortgages issued, housing schemes funded and completed; changes in eligibility conditions to improve access to funding to mention a few.
But this positive story is only a small part of what is possible if the bank imagines and reinvent itself.
As the promoter of the bank, the Federal Government has infused the board and management with a sense of how it should be repositioned by constituting a more representative board that is reflective of our national diversity of gender, religion, ethnicity, and this has been achieved whilst increasing the number of banking professionals in the management and board.
The intention is to ensure optimum service to the real owners of the bank – The Nigerian public and contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF).
This is a type of repositioning the government envisions and welcomes; one that emphasizes the banking identity of the institution.
After all, it is called a bank, it collects people’s money and gives out loans therefore it must be a bank and is expected to act like one.
Government has therefore supported the acquisition by the bank of core banking applications and software that reflects the reality of its environment today as distinct from many decades ago.
In addition, and consistent with our current thinking, the National Council on Housing and Lands has adopted the recommendation for the bank to seek NDIC’s insurance of its contributors’ funds just as is done for depositors in other banks.
These are some of the actions and events of strategy repositioning, intended to deliver optimized performance.
It is not my intention to steal the thunder of the board and the management as they will reveal to you the granular details of steps and processes being undertaken at various stages to invigorate the bank; including the sustenance of the initiative by previous board and management to embrace the informal sector.
Ladies and gentlemen, one of the obstacles to access to housing that we must remove is the one that impedes access to finance.
There are various factors that constitute this impediment but it is clear to us that the FMBN must not be one of those factors or the causative agent of those factors.
That would defeat the essence of the vision of the founders of the bank.
I know that the Bank is issuing mortgages, Home Refurbishment Loans and has started a Rent-to-Own initiative.
But is that all that the bank can do?
What can the bank do for contributors who need to pay 2 to 3 years rent in advance for monthly salary received in Arrears?
I must therefore commend board and management for the vision and the action behind the conception and the undertaking of this retreat.
It offers an opportunity for honest self-review and introspection, as it does for teambuilding and strategy planning.
My Keynote message as you deliberate on all options is to ask yourselves these questions: –
Have we fulfilled the vision of the founders?
How can we serve the owners better?
I urge all present to optimize the opportunities the retreat offers by participating maximally.
I wish you very fruitful and successful deliberations.
Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Honourable Minister for Works and Housing
Monday 1st August 2022
Press Statement
CDWR CONDEMNS ONDO GOVERNMENT’S PLANNED EVICTION OF 10,000 IDANRE FARMERS
THE PLANNED HANDOVER OF 50,000 HECTARES OF FARMLAND TO 3 PRIVATE PROFITEERS IS STEALING
AFFECTED FARMERS SHOULD ORGANIZE MASS RESISTANCE
It is shocking to know that the Ondo State Government led by Rotimi Akeredolu is hell-bent on forcefully evicting over 10,000 Idanre forest reserve farmers in Ondo State and handing over of the 50,000 hectares of land to 3 private profiteer companies who are linked to top members of the state government. These farmers have been cultivating cocoa and other crops on the land for more than 2 decades.
Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) condemns this planned eviction. It is a clear case of stealing farmland from the farmers to satisfy the profit needs of a tiny few. This action of the government will create more socio-economic problems and hundreds of thousands of people will be adversely affected. We call on the government to end this land-grabbing activity
The Akeredolu-led government has concluded plans to displace over 10,000 farmers and give 37,226 hectares of farmland to REX Forest Ltd, 10,000 hectares to SAO Agro Allied Services Ltd and 2,236 hectares to BLUE SKY Agro-Allied. This is a clear case of robbery. For instance, REX Forest Ltd was incorporated just 13 months ago (June 23, 2021) and with a share capital of about 12 million Naira. It is obvious that these companies were merely set up as vehicles to steal farmlands from the farmers with the backing of the government and therefore have no verifiable history, expertise experience and capacity for largescale farming. There are private agricultural companies that get support from the federal government and state governments only for most of food crops to be exported abroad for the purpose of earning more profit while the Nigerian populace cannot afford the price.
We would have expected the government (Ondo State and the federal government) to address the rising cost of food and agricultural produce by supporting farming communities through the provision of basic amenities (roads, schools, hospitals etc), training of farmers through better-equipped research institutes, provision of largescale farming equipment and machinery (tractors, plough, fertilizer spreaders, seeders, cultivators, harrows, storage facilities etc) for hire at cheaper rates, organizing the farmers into cooperatives and giving out cheap loans to farmers. These measures will go a long way to help improve farming, increase food production and ultimately bring down the cost of food.
The only acquisition of land that is sensible is such that take over uncultivated forest and unutilized farmlands. Such farmlands taken over by the government will form part of the state-owned farm estate and plantations under democratic control and management of farm workers.
We also condemn the use of excessive force to intimidate the farmers and the people of Idanre. On Sunday, July 17, 2022, the Ondo State Government moved in bulldozers, backed by armed Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) and Police, into the farmlands in readiness to destroy crops and take over. The government also invaded the Ofosu as a means to intimidate the people.
We salute the resistance of the farmers and Idanre community people. We call on the people to sustain the legal and political battle. We call on NLC, TUC, NBA, pro-labour groups etc to actively solidarise with the beleaguered farmers and communities. The farmers and community people should organize mass protests and sensitization rallies as part of the resistance activities.
SIGNED
Comrade Rufus Olusesan Comrade Chinedu Bosah
National Chairperson National Publicity Secretary
Okowa congratulates Diete-Spiff at 80
Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, on his 80th birth anniversary.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, Okowa stated that the monarch, a distinguished soldier and administrator, had since ascending the throne, 44 years ago, provided purposeful leadership for his people and the Niger Delta.
He remarked that King Diete-Spiff had continued to use his good office as Chairman, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, to support the growth and development of the state through peaceful and meaningful engagements with government and other stakeholders.
According to the governor, King Diete-Spiff contributed immensely to the development of Rivers and Bayelsa states when he was military governor of the old Rivers State.
He said that the Twon-Brass monarch truly deserved to be celebrated for attaining 80 years, and in good health, noting that he would continue to be remembered for the landmark projects he executed as military governor.
He joined the royal family and entire people of Twon-Brass at home and in the diaspora in celebrating the octogenarian monarch on the landmark in his journey of life, and affirmed that the Amanyanabo was a soldier and gentleman, elder statesman and bridge-builder.
Okowa prayed that God would continue to bless the renowned traditional ruler with great wisdom, good health and strength to continue to lead the people of his kingdom.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I warmly celebrate with His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, on the occasion of his 80th birth anniversary.
“We pray that the Almighty God will continue to grant you more wisdom and divine health to continue serving mankind,” he stated.
GOV AKEREDOLU, OTHER OLD STUDENTS OF 68/72 SET DONATE BUILDING TO LOYOLA COLLEGE
- Name Hall After Gov Akeredolu
Old students of Loyola College, Ibadan, 1968/1972 set, on Saturday handed over an expansive and magnificent hall to the school management for the use of the college and the Old Boys Association.
Loyola College, Ibadan, is Governor Akeredolu alma-mater.
The Governor and his former School mates of 1968/1972 set donated the hall to the college to mark their 50 years of leaving the school and as part of their resolve to give back to their alma mater.
The magnificent Hall, named after Governor Akeredolu, was commissioned by the Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi.
The Set, known as VERITA “6872”, also remodeled the frontal school fence which was commissioned by the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
Wife of the Governor, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, graced the event as well as family and friends of the Governor.
The edifice was blessed and unveiled by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Abegunrin, the Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Diocese.
Speaking at the event, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who appreciated his school mates for the honour done him, equally called on the association to sustain the good work and fellowship.
“This is my alma-mater, the school that moulded me, the school that I have all the pride in. Loyola College is everything to me. My mates and all of us sat together and decided to build this hall. And in their own wisdom, they chose to name it after me. I felt honoured. They have done so well for me and I thank them. So, today is my happiest day and I’m so happy about it,” Governor Akeredolu said.
He said without the college he would not have been something in life, describing Loyola as the best in nurturing future leaders.
The Governor also challenged students of the college to be ready to do better than the Old students.
In his welcome address, the President, Loyola College Old Boys Association (LOCOBA) 68/72 Set, Dr. Segun Oshin, said the school has produced accomplished and successful individuals across professions.
He added that the project was part of their contributions to their Alma mater and the development of education in the state.
He advised the school authority to put the edifice to good use to serve its purpose.
The President also called on the Oyo State Government to return the College to the original owners.
He added that management committee will be put in place for effective and sustainable management of the new facility.
In their separate goodwill messages, Dr Fayemi and Engr. Makinde expressed delight over the kind gesture of the Old Boys, adding that they have helped the school, the Catholic Church and the people of Oyo State at large.
Governor Fayemi appreciated the Old Boys, particularly Governor Akeredolu, for giving back to their Alma mater, urging others to emulate the gesture and play critical role in the development of education in the country.
On his part, Governor Makinde, who noted that Loyola College has always been there for him, appreciated the 68/72 Set for donating the edifice, even as he called for more assistance from old students, philanthropists and other organizations or associations to develop education.
On the return of the College to the original owners, Governor Makinde encouraged LOCOBA and the state Commissioner for Education to start the process, promising his government would do the needful.
He equally promised to fix the entrance road to the college to improve the infrastructure in the school.
The Nation President, Loyola College Old Boys’ Association, Prof Femi Ogunbiyi; the Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Diocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Abegunrin, and other speakers lauded the school for its giant strides.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 30, 2022.
