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Bago: Unveiling A Rare Phenomenon In The Niger

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Bago: Unveiling A Rare Phenomenon In The Niger*

*Bago: Unveiling A Rare Phenomenon In The Niger*

By Okino Jeremiah

 

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Umar Bago has an energetic personality. Though a politician, he is not your everyday breed. He is a departure from the norm and is unafraid to be heard when it matters most. As Governor of Niger State, he has done what others could not do in years. He has changed the face of development in the state. But it came with a price.

 

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Bago: Unveiling A Rare Phenomenon In The Niger*

Governor Umar Bago represents a dawn in leadership with the manner he had carried on in Niger State. His is a mix of passion, dedication and commitment. He has stayed faithful to his campaign promises of prioritising youth empowerment, quality education, and provision of basic infrastructure that would make life meaningful for the people.

We must agree that it is one thing for politicians to make promises and another for them to be fulfilled. It is an undeniable norm in Nigeria, and why hope seems lost for the ordinary citizens who have taken their destinies into their own hands.

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In Nigeria, campaign promises are empty. It is a bane that refuses to go away. But the Governor of Niger State is attempting to change this narrative with his leadership style in the state. His energy has enveloped the entire state. There is only one language that must be learned. The language of work and more work for the benefit of the state.

“For kick-starting the process of transforming his state into what is now termed the “New Niger” through urban renewal, rural transformation, and huge infrastructural investments; for blocking leakages that have saved N10 billion for the state within four months in office, and adopting fiscal responsibility measures to set the state on the path of progress, Mohammed Umaru Bago is Governor of the Year 2023.”

This was how Leadership Newspaper described the Governor of Niger State in recognition as the Governor of the Year at its annual leadership awards in 2023. Were you surprised? A visit to Niger State would kill your curiosity. It is not the state that you used to know. It is now a “New Niger.”

The “New Niger” with a Farmer Governor at the helm of affairs. A first in the annals of the country. The ongoing agricultural revolution in Niger State is phenomenal. The recent partnership between Niger and Lagos States on food security is a worthy example.

The “Produce of Lagos” Initiative is a long-term strategic partnership between Niger and Lagos, where Niger State will produce food items (Paddy, Tubers, Legumes, Grains etc.) and Lagos State will position itself to be a major organised market (off-takers). I am struggling with the correct expression for this partnership. But a few facts will be good enough.

Lagos State is the biggest consumer of agricultural produce in Nigeria with its population, and Niger State has the most extensive arable land in the country. The phenomenon called Umar Bago is getting clearer. If this is not strategic, I don’t know what else to call it.

By location, climate and soil, Niger State is one of the most extensive and fertile agricultural lands in the country, with about 80% of the 74,244 sq. km total land area of the state, and can produce most of Nigeria’s stable crops. Niger has an estimated Fadama area of about 682,331 hectares suitable for lowland rice production, of which only 25% of it has been put to use. Governor Umar Bago understood this when partnering with the Lagos State Government under the “Produce for Lagos” initiative.

The implication on the economy of Niger is left to be imagined. This is what purposeful leadership brings about. Governor Umar Bogo has defied the era of business as usual, in which states depend on monthly allocations from the Federal Government.
To boost the drive for food production in the state, the state government has set in motion the plan to cultivate 250,000 hectares of land, with the long-term goal of cultivating one million hectares in four years. Ask me about innovative leadership, and I will tell you about Governor Umar Bago.

Recently, the Niger State Government, in partnership with a diversified agriculture value chain group, Origin Group, has taken delivery of agricultural equipment to scale up agricultural production and promote national policy on food security. This is another brilliant one indicating that Governor Umar Bago means business.

Other sectors in the state have received equal attention. For example, the Niger State Contributory Health Scheme (NGSCHS) is a health-care financing reform Social Health Insurance Scheme for the provision of affordable, accessible and qualitative health care to Niger State workforce and residents alike on a sustainable basis.

The state also plans to invest a whopping one trillion in infrastructural development. In a bid to transform infrastructure and improve connectivity, the government of Niger State is undertaking a massive urban renewal project, focusing on reconstructing 1,000 kilometres and 400 kilometres of federal roads.

The list is indeed endless. Governor Umar Bago is silently making waves in governance. He has revolutionised critical sectors of the economy of Niger State. And it doesn’t seem he is planning to slow down. This is what leadership entails.

The case of Niger state serves as a worthy example. It is a case where passion meets purpose; the magic happens, goals are achieved, and the impossible becomes possible. What more can I say? Congratulations to Nigerlites.

Okino wrote this piece from FUT Minna.

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REWARD FOR EXCELLENCE: BURATAI AS SHINING LIGHT OF NORTHEAST

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REWARD FOR EXCELLENCE: BURATAI AS SHINING LIGHT OF NORTHEAST

 

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Sahara Weekly Reports That The Concerned Citizens of Northeast hosted their Awards and Dinner event, where distinguished individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the region. Among the awardees were notable figures such as Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, Sheikh Goni Umar Goni Usman, and Ummu Kalthum Muhammad. However, it was Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR who stole the spotlight as the shining light of the Northeast.

 

 

 

 

REWARD FOR EXCELLENCE: BURATAI AS SHINING LIGHT OF NORTHEAST

 

 

 

During the event, Maj Gen ID Penap praised Buratai, stating that he deserves every blessing that comes his way. He commended Buratai for his visionary leadership and described him as a proud son of the Northeast. Guest speaker Dr Hassan Zanna Boguma also lauded Buratai for his transformative military leadership, which led to the defeat of Boko Haram in the region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In his acceptance speech, Gen Buratai expressed his gratitude for the award. He emphasized the importance of supporting and empowering the youth, noting that they are often left behind in terms of employment and opportunities. Buratai called for innovative programs from both the government and private sectors to unlock the potential of the younger generation.

 

 

 

 

REWARD FOR EXCELLENCE: BURATAI AS SHINING LIGHT OF NORTHEAST

 

 

 

 

 

 

The former Chief of Army Staff highlighted the need for unity and development in the Northeast, with a focus on combating issues of ethnicity, religion, and sectionalism. The formation of the Concerned Citizens of the Northeast organization aims to provide a platform for North Easterners to come together and build a better future for the region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall, Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai’s recognition as the shining light of the Northeast serves as a reminder of the importance of strong leadership and dedication to the development of the region. His commitment to empowering the youth and driving positive change sets a powerful example for others to follow.

 

 

 

REWARD FOR EXCELLENCE: BURATAI AS SHINING LIGHT OF NORTHEAST

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Ruling house alleges self-acclaimed traditional ruler, Yisa Olaniyan of flagrant disobedience to court order

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Ruling house alleges self-acclaimed traditional ruler, Yisa Olaniyan of flagrant disobedience to court order

Ruling house alleges self-acclaimed traditional ruler, Yisa Olaniyan of flagrant disobedience to court order

 

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Sahara Weekly Reports That The Iwaye Adodo ruling house comprising the entire members of Asade, Adekanbi, Oteni and Okeleye royal families in Ipokia of Ogun State have frowned at the alleged flagrance disobedience to the order of court by Yisa Olaniyan, who still go about on self-acclaimed as Onipokia of Ipokia town.

 

 

 

 

Ruling house alleges self-acclaimed traditional ruler, Yisa Olaniyan of flagrant disobedience to court order

 

 

 

 

Amebo news reports that the royal families in a press statement recalled that the court in the ruling in suit number Ab/ 253/2019 between Prince Adesola Asade and 2 others vs. Governor of Ogun State and others on March 3, 2022 set aside the approval and appointment of Yisa Olaniyan as the Onipokia of Ipokia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The families added that Justice Ogunfowora had set aside the approval and appointment of Yisa Olaniyan as the Onipokia of Ipokia pending the hearing and determination of the motion of notice for injunction earlier filed by Asade/Adekanbi royal Family on behalf of Iwaye Adodo Rulling House, Ipokia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amebo news further reports that the families, however, expressed shock that despite the above order Olaniyan has continued unabated to parade himself as the Onipokia of Ipokia and gallivanting all over the place to illegally carry out the functions and duties as Onipokia of Ipokia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘It is pertinent to state unequivocally here that in his ruling on the subject matter at the State High Court, sitting in Abeokuta, on 3rd March, 2022, his Lordship, Honourable Justice Ogunfowora had set aside the approval and appointment of Yisa Olaniyan as the Onipokia of Ipokia pending the hearing and determination of the motion of notice for injuction earlier filed by Asade/Adekanbi royal family on behalf of Iwaye Adodo ruling house Ipokia’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Despite the above order Yisa Olaniyan has continued unabated to parade himself as the Onipokia of Ipokia and gallivanting all over the place to illegally carry out the functions and duties as Onipokia of Ipokia’, the families noted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The families pointed out that in its ruling, the judge specifically stated at page 6 ,that he must state with all sense of responsibility that a government that requests, nay, demands obedience and respect of its citizenry to eschew self-help must not itself disrespect the court and its processes, particularly when it is aware that a matter is in court

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amebo news online also reports that the Iwaye Dodo ruling house stated in the statement that the court posited that the defendants have no right to take matters into their hands once the court was seized of it, in the final analysis and in view of the above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Defendants have no right to take matters into their hands once the Court was seized of it. In the final analysis and in view of the above, this application is granted in the following terms: The approval of the appointment of Yisa Olusola Olaniyan as the ONIPOKIA OF IPOKIA by the government of Ogun State is hereby set aside pending the hearing and determination of the Claimants’ application for Interlocutory Injunction which has been filed since on the 1st of June, 2020’, the families recalled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘However, despite the above order of the court, Yisa Olusola Olaniyan has continued to recklessly, lawlessly and most irresponsibly carry-out the functions and duties as Onipokia of Ipokia in flagrant disobedience of the valid and subsisting order of the High court of Ogun State’, the families noted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘On April 11, 2022 the Asade/Adekanbi who are the Claimants in the suit on behalf of the entire Asade, Adekanbi, Oteni and Okeleye families of Iwaye Adodo Ruling house in Ipokia further approached the High Court by filing the necessary/appropriate processes for committal proceedings against the Yisa Olusola Olaniyan and other traditional ruler(s), official(s), person(s) or group(s) for aiding and/or condoning reckless and lawless disobedience of Court Order. The committal processes still in court’, the families wrote.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Since March 3, 2022 Yisa Olusola Olaniyan has continued to illegally perform official functions as Onipokia of Ipokia at several occasions and proves and evidences has been filled before the court. It’s on record that Yisa Olusola has installed over Fifteen (15) head of villages (Baales) in the last two (2,) years of the ruling against the order of the court of competent jurisdiction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘On Thursday, 16th day of May, 2024, Yisa Olusola Olaniyan, in his full regalia and paraphernalia of office as Onipokia and in company of other designated Traditional Rulers of Ipokia Local Government hosted the new Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service’, the families alleged.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘This action of Yisa Olaniyan is contemptuous, abuse of court order and an affront to constituted authority (Court) and total disrespect to Hon Justice Ogunfowora ruling of the court of competent jurisdiction’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘We wish to warn (with courteous regards) Yewa Land Traditional Count, Chiefs including persons, groups, bodies or associations that it is contemptuous, and a criminal offence to accord respect to, or recognize or address Yisa Olusola Olaniyan as Onipokia of Ipokia, or address him as such in any way or manner either directly or by implications. We are law abiding and we believe in the rule of law.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amebo news online reports that signatories of the statement on behalf of the Iwaye Adodo ruling house include Prince Kayode Okeleye (Okeleye Royal Family), Prince Alhaji Ganiu Rafiu Oteni (Oteni Royal Family), Prince Iris Adekanb (Adekanbi royal family) and Prince Dauda Adetunji Fatola Asade (Asade Royal Family)

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KCCN festival 2024 completition XMOP 5-man won with seven hundred thousand cash prize in Lagos By Ifeoma Ikem

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KCCN festival 2024 completition XMOP 5-man won with seven hundred thousand cash prize in Lagos By Ifeoma Ikem

KCCN festival 2024 completition XMOP 5-man won with seven hundred thousand cash prize in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

In a bid to accelerate their talents in dancing, the XMOP 5-man won the 2024 K-Pop Dance Competition in Lagos with the grand prize of N700, 000.

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The group team leader,Chinamere Rapheal,first God will,at a point, we would have given up, but we keep faith because it’s the first time different persons unite to dance in a dancing completion .

Rapheal said, while preparing for K-pop completition coming from Port Harcourt we had many challenges,but we work hard nothing come easy in life that is the result of working before success.

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“We feel deeply honoured by K-Pop community it was extremely great,we extend our gratitude to the panel of judges,our voters that found it worthy of this great privilege,he said

KCCN festival featured it’s annual dance and singing competition which began with a preliminary round in 30th April 2024,10 dance teams and 10 singing contestants were selected across the competitive pool that participated in the finale.

The K-Pop/K-Culture community since it’s inception thrilled the amazing performances from both categories, until the winners were announced.

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Mr Lee Sangho,Consul general Lagos office of the embassy of the republic of Korea expressed satisfaction on this 2024 K-Pop performance of Nigerian telanted youths that performed so excellent despite the economy situation.

Sangho said in his speech, that the K-Pop world festival is the world largest Korea wave festival in which global fans from all over the world participate in, since it’s inception in 2011, the event which is being hosted jointly by the ministry of foreign affairs, ministry of culture,sport and tourism of the republic and Korea Broadcasting System (KBS),is held through preliminary rounds in many countries around the world.

According to him, culture, sport and tourism enhance the relationship between Korea and Nigerian,my people like the K-pop festival actually it shown love that exists in both counties.

“Among the Korean waves, cultures the K-pop is trending, becoming more popular these days among many people, especially Nigerian youths.

“K-Pop beats and dance steps are tunes that Nigerian youths can easily dance, sign,relate and vibe with as it keeps their hopes aspirations and dreams alive making it more enshrined among teenagers,he added.

Victory Mbagwu placed first in the Singing category of the competition with a N400, 000 cash prize said I have passion for songs especially the Korean songs.

I am happy for coming out first position in singing completition,it is God who made it possible,last two years I was at Abuja for Ambassador’s Singing category which I never come close to any position. Infact 2 days to this finale completition I notice my voice has track I have to work it.

Second position dancing goes to FEMME FORCE and Mayowa Miller,3rd position in singing Macwhitney Myles and dancing B-star
while the most popurity are FEMME FORCE group

 

KCCN festival 2024 completition XMOP 5-man won with seven hundred thousand cash prize in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

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