Social Reporters News Service, published by IOE Publishers - CAC/BN/3400383

There are indications that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) might be settling for Africa’s most richest man Aliko Dangote for its 2019 presidential campaigns. Daily Times reports that the PDP is already making plans to woo the billionaire to contest for 2019 presidency under its platform. NAIJ.com gathered that the party having zoned the presidency to north also have its national chairmanship slot for the south. A PDP source said the party’s decision to reach out to Dangote comes with its focus to win the 2019 presidential election. The source said the party has already sent emissary to Dangote after members of the PDP’s think tank committee constituted by the former president Goodluck Jonathan made the recommendation. “I can confidently tell you that the PDP has made overtures to Alhaji Aliko Dangote to come and fly the presidential flag of our party for the 2019 presidential election.” “So many things were taken into consideration before the party arrived at this decision. Al

His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, on Wednesday commissioned the revamped Edo State Traffic Control and Management Agency (EDSTMA), with a charge to the officials to be committed to their jobs. According to Oba Ewuare II, Benin City has always had a well designed layout of roads; feeder roads, streets and lanes since pre-colonial times, and added that over the years, the increase in vehicular movement coupled with bad roads and poor traffic management, resulted in chaotic traffic situations, made worse by some motorists with a penchant for disregarding traffic rules. “The officials of EDSTMA must not see their appointments as an avenue for enriching themselves by accepting bribes from motorists who may want to undermine traffic rules. I am glad that the government deemed it appropriate to create a Public Complaints Department for the agency, where members of the public can lodge their complaints. It is hoped that such complaints will

Arising from its disciplinary committee hearing into the anti party activities allegations leveled against the National legal adviser of the APC, Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), the All Progressive Congress (APC) ward C, Ilasamaja Mushin LG today Wednesday 30th August, 2017 held a special meeting to deliberate on the committee report. The meeting which took place at the party’s Mushin LG Secretariat in Mushin, Lagos attracted the executives and members of the party in ward C, Ilasamaja Mushin, the media and security operatives who covered the proceedings. The meeting was declared open by the acting chairman of the party for ward C Ilasamaja Mushin LG, prince Omobolaji Amusan who welcomed members to the Special meeting and thereafter called on the members of the disciplinary committee who were present led by the Chairman, Mr.Bolaji Abass and secretary Mr. Badru Olaide to present their report to the ward C Ilasamaja Mushin LG of APC. After the presentation of the report, the acting chairman Pr

The Federal Government has appointed three executive directors for the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NICOMSAT), as part of a five-year strategic plan to re-position the company. The new executive directors are Barr.  Samson R. Osagie (Marketing and Business Development), Mr. Abubakar L. Muhammad (Finance and Administration) and Eng. Kazeem K. Raji (Engineering Services). The Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu said the appointees, as seasoned professionals with private sector background, will fill existing vacancies to support the substantive chief executive officer, Mrs. Abimbola Alale to strengthen corporate governance for appropriate positioning of the agency. The immediate re-positioning plan seeks to commercialize Nigeria’s satellite infrastructure to generate revenue with Direct to Home (DTH) and Broadband Connectivity across the country. The plan is estimated to cost N2 billion with the possibility of generating N5 billion in the first five

*Hails Obaseki’s effort at improving business environment The Vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has inaugurated the Edo Fertilizer Plant and Chemical Company Limited, a public, private venture which has the capacity to produce about 60,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer per annum. The Vice president who was accompanied by the ministers of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh; and Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, commended the foresight of the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, for creating the enabling business environment which saw to the revitalization of the fertilizer plant which had been non-functional for about 14 years. Osinbajo expressed delight at the 500 direct jobs that have been created by the investment, stressing that much more employment opportunities would result from the ancillary economic activities that would be generated by the fertilizer plant. Commending the governor for having the right attitude to development, he c

The Governor of Edo State Mr. Godwin Obaseki on Monday commended the team that coordinated the distribution of insecticidal nets across the state with a first time record of 88 percent distribution rate. According to Obaseki: “The exercise and the distribution figures are significant as we were able to reach over two million people. I am excited that the program was a huge success despite the short time that was given to the team to reach every nook and cranny of the state.” Chairman of the distribution team and Deputy Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu expressed the team’s appreciation for the opportunity given to them by the governor to serve. He said the team set out to achieve the 100 percent distribution target given to them by the governor and commended international bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) that assisted with statistical data of international standard. A representative of the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), a major partner in the Lon

By Arowona Abdulazeez Current research has shown that over 10 million school-age Nigerian kids do not have access to functional early childhood care and education in Nigeria. A Professor of Science Education at the University of Ilorin, Adekunle Solomon Olorundare, stated this in his Keynote Address at the Annual Conference of the Early Childhood Association of Nigeria, ECAN, held at the University Auditorium. He appealed to the Federal Government to urgently check the growing number of out-of-school children in the country ROYAL NEWS reports. Prof. Olorundare In the address, entitled “Repositioning Early Childhood Education in Nigeria for Global Competitiveness: A Peek into Global Best Practice”, Prof. Olorundare said, “While enrolment at primary school has increased in the recent years, with a net attendance placed at 70 per cent, Nigeria is reported to have the world’s highest number of out-of-school children, conservatively put at 10.5 million.” Noting that even though the gov

By OUR REPORTER - Nollywood film industry has lost another actor, Obi Madubogwo - The veteran nollywood actor's death follows that of Chief Adebayo Faleti - Madubogwu is popular for his role in the blockbuster ‘Battle of Musanga’ Veteran Nollywood actor, Obi Madubogwo who has been battling with acute diabetics foot ulcers for some time now has finally passed away. SOCIAL REPORTERS gathered that Madubogwu popular for his role in the blockbuster ‘Battle of Musanga’ died on Monday evening, August 28, after he developed fever and was rushed to the hospital where had complications and later gave up the ghost. Enoh Ogbevire an OAP at Nigeria Info Port Harcourt confirmed Madubogwo’s demise in a tweet. He died at the age of 86 years old. According to Daily Post, late Faleti died around 6am on Sunday, July 23, at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. He was an alumni of the Ibadan Boys High school. However, immediate family members have confirmed his death as well as his bo

28/8/2017 Sequel to the technocrat Governor Godwin Obaseki's alacrity and commitment to reposition the traffic management system in Edo State, the well-trained staffs of the state rebranded traffic management agency were deployed on the streets of benin to check accidents and unprofessional conducts by drivers on the road as well as eliminate the number of man-hours lost by workers and business people to traffic congestion and the resulting chaos in part of the state. Also, to bring an end to traffic menace in the state. It will be recalled that the state Government has expressed worry over the malaise of street hawking and the "self induced chaotic traffic situation" in the state's metropolis, warning that it would deal ruthlessly with those responsible for the lawlessness. Besides, the government said it was dealing with the issue in a sustainable manner, with strategies that could provide a lasting solution to the challenges facing traffic management and street

Top Nollywood actress, Angela Okorie who turned a year older few days ago has narrated   how she escaped death on her birthday The actress who spent her day with the less privileged took out time to share beautiful photos on her social media page in the wee hours of her day. In a chat with Saturday beats, the actress narrated how she became a testimony due to God's intervention on the faithful day. According to her, the photos she shared could have been her last words to her loved ones and fans instead of the birthday wishes she got. She said,  “I am grateful to God for life. I am a humanitarian and I am always happy whenever I give back to the society. That was why I celebrated my birthday with the underprivileged.” However, tragedy would have struck the actress when she was returning from a motherless babies’ home. “My brother was driving and since the road was rough, he had to slow down because of a pothole. All of a sudden, he just told me to bend my head in the car becau

By Ehis Argugu #ProjectEdo  The Edo State Government and WACOT Limited will receive the Vice President of Nigeria - Professor Yemi Osibanjo, on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, to commission the Edo State Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited (ESFCCL) located in Auchi, Edo State. The Edo Fertilizer plant was rehabilitated by WACOT Limited in collaboration with Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki. The Vice President will be commissioning the NPK fertilizer plant to reiterate the Federal Government’s actualization of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI). Launched by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016, the initiative is part of the administration’s drive towards achieving food self-sufficiency and economic diversification through agriculture, to which WACOT Limited has been contributing continuously. It would be recalled that the Vice President recently commissioned the multi-billion naira WACOT Rice Mill in Argungu, Kebbi state. The objective of

The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki on Sunday pledged to transform the fortunes of the many ordinary people in the state as the state attained 26 years. In a speech to commemorate the anniversary of the state's creation, Obaseki saluted the unalloyed support of Edo people to his administration in the collective match towards the lofty and attainable heights as envisioned by the founding fathers. "On this day, 26 years ago, our dear state was created with its people beaming with pride, high hopes and lofty dreams, excited about what had become a unique opportunity to take their collective destiny in their own hands. "From 1991 when this landmark event occurred till now, one leader after the other has taken the mantle, promising to deliver an egalitarian society where the interplay between state and its constituents produces a symphony of faith, trust and zeal to build," Obaseki said. He, however, noted that "although the state and indeed the nation h

- According to MASSOB, the fight for Biafra does not give room for restructuring - The pro-Biafra group released a statement accusing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu of betraying the struggle - The group also claims that their struggle is non-violent, therefore President Buhari had no grouse with them It appears that the crisis within the pro-Biafra groups Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has deepened. On Saturday, August 26, MASSOB said that Nnamdi Kanu has shaken hands with the federal government and therefore compromised the struggle to achieve an independent state of Biafra after he met with some politicians. Accoridng to Punch, Mr Sunday Okereafor, the MASSOB National Director of Information, said in an interview that they would continue the struggle through non-violent means and they would not be deterred by IPOB. Okereafor said:  “IPOB has compromised the struggle; the IPOB leader (Nnamdi Kanu) has had

Young Democratic Party ( YDP ) agrees with Mr. President’s statement during his broadcast on Monday, August 21st,  that “the Unity of Nigeria is not negotiable”; a constitutional provision embedded in our coat of arms and a matter of governmental responsibility to uphold its sanctity; hence YDP appeal to all Nigerians to support the continuous unity of Nigeria given that our positives far outweigh our negatives as a united country.  We, however, believe that the Federal government, under President Buhari, should work towards ensuring that this unity is sustainable . YDP understands that it is imperative to listen to genuine responsible voices across the nation who can chart a revised structure that will ensure balanced resource control and equal sense of belonging among others within the unity. YDP understands the multi-faceted nature of our collective heritage as a nation hence the appreciation of the different solutions posited by well intentioned Nigerians. YDP appreciates the div

From the table of Katja Iversen, President / CEO Women Deliver My interest is not data, it's the world… and part of world Women Deliver’s late friend, the brilliant data wiz and edutainer, Hans Rosling of Gapminder, was right that data is vital to understanding . But unfortunately the information we have today doesn’t paint the full picture of girls and women’s lives, and it certainly isn’t enough to move the hearts and minds of influencers and decision-makers. The latest figures show that 38.6% of female homicides are perpetrated by an intimate partner, yet only 41% of countries regularly produce violence against women data, 15% of countries have legislation that mandates specialized gender-based surveys, and just 13% dedicate a budget to gender statistics. How are we expected to tackle a problem if we don’t know the extent of that problem? To improve policies and programs, we urgently need more data disaggregated by gender and by age and better management of that data. Just

In the midst of a series of laws regulating the treatment of others, we find “Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:14). Obviously, putting a rock or brick in front of a blind person is cruel, but the New Testament takes the practical adage and turns it into a spiritual metaphor. After Peter rebuked Jesus, denying the crucifixion would take place, Jesus said, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's” (Matthew 16:23). Peter, under the influence of Satan, tried to distract Jesus from what He had come to do. He tried to make Jesus “stumble” in His path to the crucifixion. Paul reiterates the idea: “…but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness” (1 Corinthians 1:23). The idea that the Messiah would be crucified was a stumbling block to the Jews—something that tripped up their beliefs

After undergoing trainings that have been described as best-in-class, officials of the Edo State Traffic Control and Management Agency (EDSTMA) will in a matter of days take over the control of vehicular traffic on major roads across the state. Already, expectations are high amongst motorists that the agency will restore order and sanity on the roads through the strict enforcement of traffic laws that will check unprofessional conducts of drivers which make commuting especially within Benin City a terrifying experience, despite the network of wide and motorable roads. According to Governor Godwin Obaseki, the traffic agency will also eliminate the number of man-hours lost by workers and businesspeople to traffic congestion and the resulting chaos in parts of the state. He said the traffic control initiative was part of a bigger plan by his administration to remove any snag that impedes on the ease of doing business in the state. Obaseki explained that the agency was the product of

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, has suspended the October 1 ultimatum it gave South East people to leave the north. The youths had issued the order after a meeting where they issued the Kaduna declaration. The decision to rescind the quit notice was announced at a press briefing held at Transcorp Hilton hotel, Abuja on Thursday. The press conference was attended by many Northern Youth Groups, including the Arewa Youths Council (AYC) that initially issued the quit notice on lgbo resident in tne 19 Northern states. It was also attended by the Governor of Borno state and Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Kashim Shetima, ex- Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Kabiru Gaya, ex-Minister, Alhaji Sani Daura and Alhaji Shetima Yerima of Arewa Youths Council. The coalition of Arewa youths claimed their demand was in response to secessionist stance of some pro-Biafran groups as well as the insults spewed on the north by the pro-secession groups. The spokesman of the group, Mr.

By Adeniran Emmanuel The Head of Voters Education Department for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra State, Mr. Leo Nkedife in few minutes ago gave an update on the preparation of the Commission towards the November 18th Governorship Election in the State.  Rising from a brief meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji, the HOD VEP said INEC is ready for the election coming up on November 18th, 2017. It was gathered that the REC just returned from Abuja where he went to attend the meeting of RECs conveyed by the Commission's Leadership.  In an interview with Falcon Times, the HOD VEP said he has just heard from the REC himself few minutes ago and that he gave every assurance that every arrangement to hold a successful election is in top gear. That is the current stand of INEC, he declared. And that the elections are going to be very free, fair and credible.  When his reaction was sought on the threats to ensure the el

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has proffered transnational partnerships between state and non-state actors as the only way to end slavery in all its forms. Obaseki made the proposition on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day for the Remembrance of Slave Trade and its Abolition on August 23, 2017, a day set aside by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, to memorialize the Transatlantic slave trade. Obaseki said that while “the transatlantic trade in human beings ended over 200 years ago, slavery has refused to go away as it still thrives in several other forms, with millions of children, teenagers and even adults, sold daily across the world by human traffickers to greedy masters and mistresses who use them for cheap labour and illicit sex trade.” He decried the negative backlash of human trafficking on the society which includes the erosion of age-old progressive values such as hard work, integrity, and self-worth

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has inaugurated an 11-man committee to assist with the modalities for setting up a sports commission that will help the state reclaim her top position in sports in the country. Inaugurating the committee, Obaseki said the idea of a commission of experts was the product of a workshop organised by the state government earlier in the year as part of his administration’s resolve to reposition sports in the state. “As a government, our desire is to establish a sports commission that will help us meet our aspirations in the sector. We believe that those chosen for this task have the experience, skills, and knowledge in the world of sports, and will provide the framework for a premier sports commission in Nigeria,” he said. The terms of reference for the committee include: to design a holistic sports policy for Edo State to help reclaim its pride of place in the nation; help produce a legal framework to help establish a sports commission; prio

23rd August, 2017. BTC.A66/VOL.VI/T1/127 The attention of the Benin Traditional Council has been drawn to The Nation newspaper publication of Tuesday, August 22, 2017, page 7 with the caption “Monarch flees as villagers set ablaze palace – over ‘killing’ of ex-youth leader”. The Benin Traditional Council has observed over a period of time that there seems to be penchant for newspapers to refer to Enogie as a Monarch or a Traditional Ruler.  It has become imperative for Benin Traditional Council to correct this anomaly once more. His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin is the Prescribed Authority and the only Monarch and Traditional Ruler in Benin Kingdom.  The village where the incident occurred is headed by a village head known as Enogie (Duke, for want of a better expression).  An Enogie is not a Monarch or a Traditional Ruler but a Traditional Head of a village or group of (or multiple) villages. The general public should please

The First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, on Wednesday, said the state government in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BOI), would soon commence the disbursement of interest-free loans to two thousand women to grow their businesses in the state. Mrs. Obaseki who said this while speaking on the activities of her pet project, Edo Women for Agriculture and Enterprise (EWAE), assured women leaders from the eighteen local government councils of the state, that the scope of the project has been expanded. "The Edo Women for Agriculture and Enterprise initiative has been successful. We have recorded over 85 per cent success rate, and most of our women have done well. Due to this success, I have decided to expand the scope of the programme to include general enterprise that can grow the state's economy and empower our people,” Mrs. Obaseki said. She explained that there were several programmes in the bouquet of the Bank of Industry, designed to support the initiative,

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday visited the scene of the fatal accident that claimed the lives of nine persons, on Upper Sokponba Road in Benin City, as well as the family of one of the victims. He visited the family of the late Mrs. Osemwonyenmwen Moses, at number 20 Osemwingie street, off Upper Sokponba Road, Benin City, who died in the crash. Obaseki condoled with them and said members of his government shared in their grief and prayed for the soul of Mrs. Osemwonyenmwen to rest in peace. The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, with some members of the Edo State Executive Council (EXCO), shortly after the weekly EXCO meeting, told the crowd at the accident scene that the visit was undertaken in light of the fact that the Obaseki-led administration considers the life of every Edo person very important. "We are here to see for ourselves what transpired and interact with eye witnesses of the accident to establish th

·Set to unveil new traffic wardens, policy The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has expressed his sympathy for the victims and families of those who were involved in the auto crash that claimed nine lives on Tuesday, along Upper Sokponba Road in Benin City, Edo State. Obaseki, who received the news with sadness and great distress, said: “particularly painful is the fact that the people were only just setting out early in the morning in search of their daily bread when the unfortunate incident occurred.” He added that the state would soon unveil the new traffic wardens who have been undergoing training to take over traffic management on the state’s roads to check accidents and unprofessional conducts by drivers on the roads. “The sad event brings the need to enhance the regulation of road traffic in the state into sharp focus. Which is why apart from our commitment to fixing our road infrastructure, we have recruited and trained a group of young men and women in the state t

THE Federal Government on Monday stated that electricity distribution companies do not have the monopoly of metering. It said although the DisCos have the obligation to meter all its consumers, the law does not vest a monopoly of meter supply on them. Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, stated this at the 18th monthly power sector operators meeting in Kano State. According to him, meter supply is an open but regulated business adding that intending meter service providers are to apply for licence from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to undertake it. He further disclosed that the government will optimize the Electricity Power Sector Reforms Act EPSRA developing power sector regulation to democratise access to meters. He said this will be kick-started with N39 billion loan to meter providers. On situations where consumers on their free will offer to pay for meters, he stated that this does not contravene the electricity power reforms Act.

The People of Esan in Edo Central Senatorial District, under the aegis of Concerned Esan Sons and Daughters have decried the marginalization of the district in the politics of the state. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the group which rose from a meeting on Tuesday in Benin, in a communique, noted with concern the open marginalization of the people and the discrimination. While urging the government to urgently intervene in the crisis rocking the state House Assembly, the group called for the immediate reversal of the speakership position to the zone. In the communique signed by Mr Roy Oribhabor, the convener of the meeting, said since the South had the Governor and the North, the Deputy Governor, it was only fair for Central to have the speaker's position. He however said that it was the position until it was truncated by the ouster of Dr Justine Okonobor as the speaker of the assembly on Monday. The group called for the urgent and immediate reversal to this po

Ex-Vice president, Atiku Abubakar has began secret talks with some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to This Day, he is exploring a possible return to the party and to contest on its platform in the 2019 presidential election. The discussions are coming on the heels of the pressure from the Adamawa chapter of the PDP asking Atiku, who is currently a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to return to the party now that its leadership crisis has been resolved. In the past, Atiku contested for the presidency, once as a candidate of the defunct Action Congress (AC). He also made two unsuccessful attempts to secure the presidential tickets of the PDP and APC. It is understood that his ambition to rule Nigeria has not diminished and he is willing to stand again for the fourth time. A PDP source said some of the past and current Governors of the party are open to his return and his presidential aspiration. “The secret discussions are ongoing wit

Hauwa was 13 when she was abducted by Boko Haram and became a so-called “wife.” Six months later, she was pregnant. Raneem was 16 when she and her family fled Syria. Once in Lebanon, Raneem started receiving marriage proposals, despite her young age, as often occurs in situations of instability and insecurity. Hauwa’s and Raneem’s stories are unfortunately all too common among millions of young people caught up in disaster and crisis today. Conflict and natural disasters disrupt lives, break down the social fabric, separate families, perpetuate insecurity, and decimate fragile health and education systems. And because of entrenched gender inequalities, disasters and conflict can make a bad situation even worse for girls.  Adolescent girls and their families, struggling to survive, are left with few choices, making girls even more vulnerable to child marriage, sexual- and gender-based violence, and worse. They are faced with the cruel reality of heightened risks to their sexual and re

Warri - Bendel Insurance football club of Benin players have been commended for their gallantry despite their 3 -2 loss to Warry Wolves in their Nigerian National League match played at the Warri City Stadium yesterday. Edo state Deputy Governor Rt Hon Philip Shaibu who made the commendation shortly after the tension soaked encounter blamed the away loss on poor officiating,insisting that the central referee Isaac Ogaba caused the unnecessary tension that rocked the game. According to the deputy Governor, Bendel Insurance Fc played better and deserved to get away with away victory but for the central referee Isaac's alleged inconsistency and bias. He called on the league management and all concerned football  regulatory and disciplinary bodies to investigate the referee. "From what I saw, Insurance won the match. If this is the way we want to continue to run football in the country, then we are not ready to grow through the leagues to the national teams. Football is suppo

Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Special Duties, Hon .Mika Amanokha says the State Government is poised to reposition the State Fire Service for a better service delivery. He made this statement when he paid a familiarization visit to the state fire service office yesterday to get acquainted with their activities and services. He added that the Ministry of youth and Special Duties oversees the activities of the state fire service and is saddled with the responsibility of mitigating and sensitizing the public on the ways to cub fire outbreaks and to ensure safety of lives and properties through the department of the state fire service. The Commissioner stressed that Edo State Governor; Mr. Godwin Obaseki is interested in revamping the State Fire Service so as to make the fire service more responsive to emergency services of prevention, evacuation, and management. He assured that state fire service that measures will be put in place to ensure that vehicles and equipments needed fo

…Says we want to be part of the draws Some state Football Association and club managers that qualified for this year's Aiteo Cup has questioned the draws currently going in Lagos without the presence of State FAs and club managers. They however view it as a design by NFF to favour some clubs in the system. Some of them who spoke, called on the committee in charge of the Aiteo cup to put the draws on hold pending when the State FAs and club managers are invited to be part of the draws.

Akin Osuntokun, by Dialogue with Nigeria akin.osuntokun@thisdaylive.com “Initiate action to amend our Constitution with a view to devolving powers, duties and responsibilities to states and local governments in order to entrench true Federalism and the Federal spirit”-APC MANIFESTO As indicated, the quote above originated from the APC manifesto. I extracted it for a number of reasons. First is the specificity, clarity and equivocal statement of its commitment to the restructuring of Nigeria agenda. Second is to highlight the centrality of the party to any political agenda in contemporary Nigeria; and that its support or lack of it is consequential to the realization of the agenda. The predominance of the party is indicated in the fact that it is the platform from which the incumbent President, majority of state governors; and majority of the National Assembly and state legislative arms members were elected. Still there are categories of Nigerians who express confusion at what the r