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Federal Government postpones census indefinitely

The 2023 national census scheduled for May 3-7 has been postponed indefinitely by the federal government. 

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the incoming administration will determine if the census will hold.

Mohammed further revealed that the postponement was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari after a meeting with some members of the Federal Executive Council and the Chairman of the National Population Commission.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the postponement of the 2023 Population and Housing Census, earlier scheduled for 3-7 May 2023, to a date to be determined by the incoming Administration.

“The President gave the approval after meeting with some members of the Federal Executive Council and the Chairman of the National Population Commission and his team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday (28 April 2023).

“In arriving at the decision to postpone the Census, the meeting reiterated the critical need for the conduct of a Population and Housing Census, 17 years after the last Census, to collect up-to-date data that will drive the developmental goals of the country and improve the living standard of the Nigerian people.

“The President noted that with the completion of the Enumeration Area Demarcation of the country, conduct of first and second pretests, the recruitment and training of adhoc workers, procurement of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and ICT infrastructures, appreciable progress has been made in the implementation of the 2023 Population and Housing Census.

“He also commended the methodology being put in place by the Commission to conduct accurate and reliable Census, especially the massive deployment of technology that is capable of delivering world class Census and laying a sustainable basis for future censuses

“The President further directed the Commission to continue with preparations for the conduct of the 2023 Population and Housing Census in order to sustain the gains already recorded and provide the basis for the incoming administration to consolidate these achievements.

“The meeting was attended by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami; the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Mr Clem Agba and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha.”

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Alaafin-elect Hasn’t Been Named – Oyo Govt

The government of Oyo state has dismissed reports that an Alaafin-elect had emerged one year after the demise of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

The state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun disclosed the information in an interview with Punch.

He dismissed the rumoured emergence of Lukman Gbadegesin as the Alaafin-elect, saying the state government is yet to approve any candidate.

The commissioner explained that the government was bent on ensuring that due process was followed in the race for a new Alaafin of Oyo, adding that the public would be notified once the right candidate emerges.

Olatunbosun said, “Due process must be followed; up until now, no name has been approved. The state governor, Seyi Makinde, has asked that they should go back and follow due process. Once that is done, the public will be briefed appropriately.”

The last Alaafin died on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83, after reigning for 52 years. One year after his death, the throne has remained vacant.

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JAMB Reschedules UTME For Candidates

The ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination has been rescheduled for candidates who could not sit for the exam on Tuesday, April 25, because of technical challenges.

This was confirmed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

JAMB’s Head of Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr Fabian Benjamin who made the announcement, noted that about 100 centres out of the 708 centres participating in the 2023 UTME exercise across the country, experienced technical challenges.

The exam body said the series of challenges encountered was on account of some novel features deployed by the Board to safeguard the sanctity of the examination by checkmating all incidences of examination misconduct being perpetrated and perpetuated by vested interests.

The Statement Read;

“Following the announcement, candidates, who for technical reasons could not take the examination, are to print a new examination notification early tomorrow morning, Wednesday, 26th April, 2023, to know their new scheduled sessions.

“It is to be noted that about 100 centres out of the 708 centres participating in the 2023 UTME exercise across the country, experienced technical challenges that prevented their allotted candidates from successfully taking their examination.”

JAMB also reiterated the commitment of its technical team working round the clock to ensure that tomorrow’s (Wednesday) exercise was devoid of any hitches.

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Governor Adeleke Visits Osun House In Lagos, Vows To Reclaim State Properties

Ademola Adeleke, the Osun State Governor, has made a new vow.

The governor vowed that his administration will reclaim the state property located in Ikoyi, Lagos State.

Governor Adeleke gave the assurance on Monday during an on-the-spot assessment of the Osun House located at No 18, Femi Okunnu Road, former Cooper Road, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

Adeleke who recalled that the gigantic 18 suit apartment was purchased by the first executive governor of the state, the late Isiaka Adeleke for the purpose of serving as a liaison office decried the lackadaisical attitude of the management towards the proper maintenance of the property.

While noting that the building has no functional generating set, running pipe born water and other utilities, he promised to set up a committee to look into it and carry out a proper investigation with a view to resuscitating the dilapidated property.

“This property was purchased by my late brother, the first Executive Governor of Osun State as a liaison office. When I became the Governor, I made it a point of duty to have an on-the-spot assessment of all the state property located in different places. I visited the one in Abuja and work is ongoing on it.

“I must be sincere with you, I am not happy with the deplorable condition of this facility which has no functional generating set or running pipe-borne water and other necessary utilities, it is rather unfortunate that the management is still collecting service charges from the occupants.

“I am so passionate about this building, this is why I’m going to set up a committee to investigate everything about this place and after that, we are going to work out a modality to reclaim it for the benefit of the state.

“I learnt that the building has been leased out. We want to know where the proceeds are being remitted.

“I want to promise you that I’m going to visit other places where Osun State Government has assets and ensure those converted to personal gains by some people are reclaimed,” the Governor concluded.

DAILY POST recalled that in 2022, the governor also paid an unscheduled visit to the Osun House in Abuja where he complained in the same manner.

The Osun State House in Abuja had been left dilapidated and the Governor Adeleke had blamed previous administrations for their attitude towards the state property.

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Aliko Dangote set to acquire French football club

 

Nigerian business mogul and richest man in Africa, Aliko Dangote is reportedly close to buying Valenciennes, a team in the French Ligue 2.

According to French media reports, the CEO of the Dangote Group is about to buy a 60 percent stake in the team.

The Dangote Group which is the largest industrial conglomerate in Africa, had previously expressed interest in buying Premier League team Arsenal, but the deal was unsuccessful.

Valenciennes was founded in 1913, and it currently holds its home games at the Stade du Hainaut.

The team has competed in Ligue 1 for 40 seasons and Ligue 2 for 36 and have won the Ligue 2 championship twice but have never won the Ligue 1 championship.

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Read What Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Said To Nigerians

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has debunked rumors that his health was failing and confirms to Nigerians that he is “very strong”.

After Tinubu jetted out of the country to France at night, there were rumors that he was rushed abroad for medical attention.

Although his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, insisted that the president-elect only traveled to have some rest and recuperate from the election stress, some stakeholders have questioned his state of health and whereabouts.

Speaking with some party supporters shortly after arriving in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu said that he has rested well and refreshed, stressing that he was prepared for the task ahead.

Speaking to the crowd who followed him home, the President-elect said:

“I’m happy to be back. I have rested, I’m refreshed, and healthy and I’m ready for the task ahead. Forget about what the rumor mill may have told you. I’m strong, very strong.”

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2023 UTME: JAMB Urges Candidates To Print Examination Notification Slips Before Monday

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has asked candidates sitting for the 2023 UTME to print their examination notification slips from 20th April 2023.

The notification slip would contain the candidate’s examination centre, date and time of examination as well as other details necessary for taking the 2023 UTME, which commences on Tuesday, 25th April 2023.

Announcing the commencement of the 2023 UTME,  the board Head of Public Affairs and Protocol, Fabian Benjamin, said all candidates sitting for the exam are expected to print their examination notification slips before or on 24th April 2023, by visiting https://www.jamb.gov.ng, and click on “2023 UTME SLIP PRINTING” on the menu bar to know the venue and time of their examination.

Benjamin noted that the information on the slip would enable candidate easily locate their centres before the examination.

Also, the candidates are advised to locate their centres before the day of their examination so as not to arrive late at the examination centre, as the commencement time for the examination contained in the notification slips is sacrosanct.

The board, however, warned candidates against going into the examination halls with prohibited items like wristwatches, calculators, flash drives, and phones, among others.

The examination board also restated its zero tolerance for examination malpractice.

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FG Declares Friday And Monday Public Holiday For Eid-ul-Fitr Celebration

To mark this year’s EIdil-Fitr, the Federal government has declared Friday, April 21, and Monday, April 24, 2023, as public holidays.

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore.

He congratulated all Muslims for the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

Aregbesola also called on all Muslims to imbibe and practice the virtues of kindness, love, tolerance, peace, self-denial, sacrifice and good neighbourliness, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

“The self-restrain, self-denial, sacrifice and deep spiritual consciousness that accompanied the fasting period should not end but be maintained and improved upon, in order to be a better person and true worshipper”, the minister advises all Muslims.

Aregbesola assured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari is fully committed to peaceful transition of government following  successful elections.

He expressed the government’s commitment to the provision of security for the life and property of every citizen and foreigners in the country.

The Minister commended all security agencies for the successes recorded in the fight against criminals across the country.

He urges Nigerians to be part of the nation’s security architecture by being vigilant and report suspicious individuals and activities to law enforcement agencies nearest to them, noting that security is everybody’s responsibility. He admonishes Nigerians also to report suspicious activities and persons to the N-Alert application.

“Aregbesola wishes all Muslims a happy Eidil-Fitr celebration and prays that the peace, blessings and favour of Allah be with you all,” the statement said.

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JAMB Releases Results Of Rescheduled Mock-UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has released the results of over 84,000 candidates who sat for the rescheduled Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME mock examination yesterday.

The candidates wrote the rescheduled examination in 387 centres across the country.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, which announced this on Wednesday morning in a statement by its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, said the exercise was successful.

The announcement came as JAMB vowed that the results of the main UTME would not be released piecemeal but holistically “as the entire results of the entire eight-day exercise would be collated before they would be released to candidates.”

Recall that JAMB had earlier conducted the mock examination on Thursday, March 30,2023. However, some candidates could not sit for the mock examination on account of some technical challenges.

Recall also that the mock examination was introduced by JAMB to test the preparedness of its facilities as well as give candidates the opportunity to have hands-on experience of the Computer-Based Test,CBT environment.

The statement said,”From the foregoing, it is clear that the Board would not shy away from taking much-needed steps aimed at transforming the conduct of public examinations in Nigeria. “

It further read:”With the successful conduct of the mock examination, it became crystal clear that all the  challenges encountered which had led to the rescheduled mock examination were necessary experiences that would serve to make the system even better as the Board has now consolidated the software and is ready to give Nigerians the best.

“Consequently, the results of the examination has since been released by the Board.

“However, the Board would like to stress that the prompt release of results for the mock examination would not be replicated during the upcoming Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination(UTME) scheduled to commence from  25th April, 2023.

“As such, the Board stated that for the main UTME, the results would not be released piecemeal but holistically as the entire results of the entire eight-day exercise would be collated before they would be released to candidates.

“It is to be noted that the Board embarked on the screening of results to ensure that any UTME results obtained by any candidate is not a product of infractions and other unwholesome practices. This measure ensures that the Board would not have to release any particular result and then recall same on account of established case of malpractice.

” In the same vein, assessing the entire results enables the Board to obtain the overall standard deviation and the mean of the performance of all the candidates who sat the examination.

“By doing this, the Board is able to aggregate the general performance of all candidates who sat the examination and factor same into the national education planning template.”

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Hushpuppi’s Associate, Woodberry, Pleads Guilty, Forfeits $8m, Assets

Olalekan Jacob Ponle, the NIgerian man who is more populalry known as Mr Woodberry, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud, The PUNCH reports.

He also agreed to forfeit $8 million in proceeds of wire fraud as well as luxury cars and watches to the foreign government.

Mr Woodberry, a known associate of the now-imprisoned internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas, better known as Hushpuppi, recently in a plea declaration submitted at the United States District Court of the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division on April 6, pleaded guilty to count one of the indictments, the Peoples Gazette reports.

According to his plea agreement, he is required to pay back the sum of $8 million he fraudulently received from the seven companies that fell for his scam.

“Defendant understands that by pleading guilty, he will subject to forfeiture to the United States all right, title, and interest that he has in any property constituting or derived from proceeds obtained, directly or indirectly, as a result of the offence,” stated the document containing Mr Ponle’s signed plea declaration.

Mr Ponle was also asked to waive his rights to the luxury cars, and designer watches he had stashed in Dubai.

The high-end automobiles include Rolls Royce Cullinan with vehicle no J9153, Lamborghini Urus (N4973) and Mercedes-Benz G-class (G68816).

Other items seized are four Rolex watches, one Patek Philippe watch, three Audemars Piguet watches, three gold and diamond-studded earrings, and six gold neck chains.

Last year, he forfeited 151.8 Bitcoin to the American government.

Mr Ponle was arrested in Dubai on June 10, 2020, alongside Ramon Hushpuppi Abbas, currently serving an 11-year sentence for a similar fraud charge.

Before his arrest in 2020, Mr Woodberry was known for rocking expensive designer wear and showing off his ill-gotten wealth to his massive Instagram followers, the majority of whom had no inkling his luxury lifestyle was funded by cybercrime.

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