Group Blasts Kaduna PDP, Senator Lawal Adamu over Allegations of Sabotage 

.. Warns against dragging Gov. Uba Sani into Mr LA’s Failure

Kaduna Good Governance Monitoring Group again took a swipe at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Lawal Adamu after accusing Kaduna State Governor ,Mal Uba Sani of alleged sabotage.

According to the group,who is sabotaging who now,when records of performance over the past 18 months show that the party’s Senator has been unable to stand to speak on the floor of the Senate and sponsor bills that will help cushion effects of hardship in the State? 

Recalled that the Senior Special Assistant to the National Chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Media and Communication, Mr Yusuf Dingyadi in a Statement did claim the state government refused to distribute learning and teaching materials procured by Senator Adamu.

According to the PDP statement, the move is aimed at discrediting Senator Adamu, who has been working to improve education in the state.

But in a swift reaction to the statement by PDP , Kaduna Good Governance Monitoring Group queried the rational behind a statement from a party when its representative in the Senate has failed to deliver on campaign promises.

The group in the statement signed by the Secretary, Comrade Bello Bashir Mohammed, said it is unfortunate that a dead opposition party such as PDP could make such sweeping statement in defence of Mr LA ,who since he came on board ,he has no any serious projects to show. 

The statement reads : ” Mr LA as he is popularly called and his cohort cannot be hiding under his inability to perform and bring any tangible project to the table to stirr up sympathy from the public who already know he has failed and would be  summarily voted out come 2027 .

“How dare the PDP compare Governor Uba Sani’e days in the Senate with that of a lawmaker adjudge by his constituents as  complete failure.

“All other two Senators and members of House of Representatives are doing well to the extent that one of PDP senators was able to attract a University to Southern Kaduna with the backing of Governor Uba Sani and the President.

“We make bold to say if senator Lawal has done anything tangible,the Governor and President we know, will come out openly to support him and even go extra miles to ensure he succeeds .

“We have decided to speak out in defence of Governor Uba Sani to avoid misrepresentation of facts . PDP and her failed lawmaker cannot make baseless allegations without getting reaction from our group that has statistics of performance of all political office holders in the State.” 

The group however, warned PDP against dragging Governor Uba Sani into the weakness and failure of her lawmaker,Mr LA.

NRM Mourns Chief Edwin Clark, calls him a father figure and good example

National Rescue Movement (NRM) under the able leadership of Prince (Dr) Chinedu Obi (Ohamadike) joins other well-meaning Nigerians
to express heartfelt condolences to the family of Pa Edwin Clark, “the Ijaw nation, the good people of
the Niger Delta, the government of Delta State and the entire country”.

This was obtained in a statement titled: “NRM Mourns Chief Edwin Clark” signed by the Acting National Publicity Secretary, Peter Letsuwa, and made available to pressmen on Wednesday February 19, 2025; on behalf of the leadership and the entire members of National Rescue Movement (NRM).

The party further refers to him as an “elder statesman, a patriot, a towering figure in Nigeria political system, and the leader of Pan Niger-Delta Forum (PANDEF)”

Adding that, “though papa is gone, but his legacy lives on. He will be remembered by generations yet
unborn through history, as a defender of democracy as well as a consistent voice in the pursuit of social justice and resource control for the Niger Delta.

“We in NRM will always remember Pa Clark not only as a father figure, but as a good example to emulate when it comes to passionately standing for truth and selflessly defending the oppressed.

“May God forgive his shortcomings and grant his soul eternal rest. Amen!” he concludes

   …Hold Process Improvement Talks with Terminal Operators

DANTSOHO SPOT CHECKS PORT ACCESS ROADS

   …Hold Process Improvement Talks with Terminal Operators

With a resolve to promptly respond to stakeholders’ feedback on the truck traffic situation along Apapa and TinCan Island Port Complexes, Managing Director / CEO Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho paid an unscheduled visit to the Lagos Ports access road on Monday, 17th February, 2025. 

Speaking during the spot check of critical operational arteries, Dantsoho said, “such unscheduled visits, which will be frequent , are motivated by our continuous improvement paradigm.” 

“Although I have tasked the Port Managers to urgently resolve the areas of concerns raised by the trucking and freight forwarding community, I will continuously follow up directly to ensure compliance and measurable results.

“Traffic Management efficiency is a deliverable that we take very seriously, which is why beyond optimizing the electronic call-up (eto), we are working assiduously towards multimodal means of evacuation through barges and the rail lines. Specifically, we will work with Nigeria Customs to relocate the scanner sited on the rail line link in Apapa to facilitate seamless evacuation. “

“The Port access road is an international corridor, so we have  zero tolerance for traffic clogs that cause congestion. So we are poised to increasingly hold ourselves and everyone to account. First, the automated access gates must work, we must shorten the SOPs to align with the necessity for quick transaction turnaround to remain competitive first with our peers in the region and internationally. ” 

On the sidelines of the visit, the NPA Chief Executive was received by Chairman Flour Mills Group, Mr. John Coumantaros and discussions focused on process improvement, increased investment in infrastructure, and equipment necessary for Nigerian Ports to garner greater share of the market. 

Coumantaros commended the investor-friendliness of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

Responding, Dantsoho said “let me seize this opportunity to commend the Honourable Minister for Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola for securing FEC approval for the commencement of actual works for reconstruction of TinCan Island and rehabilitation of challenged aspects of Apapa Port Complexes”. 

Dantsoho further opined that “these positive developments coinciding with the Federal Government’s approval of the National Single Window (NSW) project signposts Nigeria’s readiness to berth large cargo carriers commensurate with the size of Nigeria’s population”.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KATSINA

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Radda Strengthens Commitment to Healthcare Service Delivery as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, leads a delegation from Gates Foundation and Dangote Foundation to Katsina State.

Minister Commends Katsina’s Progress on Healthcare Infrastructure, Service Delivery, and Immunization

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery, expanding infrastructure, and advancing routine immunization and polio eradication efforts across the state.

The Governor made these remarks during a courtesy visit by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who led a high-level delegation comprising representatives from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

Governor Radda highlighted the administration’s achievements in improving access to quality healthcare, stating:

“We have completed 158 primary healthcare facilities and recently awarded contracts for an additional 102, bringing the total to nearly 300. By the end of this administration, we aim to have 360 fully functional primary healthcare centers across the state, each equipped with off-grid staff quarters, ambulances, and essential medical equipment.”

He further emphasized improvements in service delivery:

“To ensure these facilities operate efficiently, we are deploying at least three community health workers per facility and implementing a three-shift system for 24-hour service delivery.”

The Governor also revealed plans for residency training programs and strategic partnerships to address healthcare worker shortages.

Prof. Pate called on the state government to intensify efforts in tracking immunization progress, ensuring full coverage of eligible children while identifying and addressing gaps.

“The recent local government elections provide an opportunity for chairmen to be actively involved in immunization campaigns and ensure accountability at the grassroots level,” the Minister noted.

He also raised concerns over high maternal mortality rates and emphasized the need for:
• Deployment of skilled birth attendants and community-based health workers
• Provision of essential maternal and reproductive health commodities
• Strengthened collaboration to ensure safe motherhood initiatives

Speaking on polio eradication, Mr. Chris Elias, Chairman of the Polio Oversight Board at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, commended Nigeria’s remarkable progress in eliminating wild poliovirus, stating:

“Since 2016, Nigeria has remained free of wild poliovirus. However, the fight is not over—we are now confronting variant vaccine-derived polioviruses, which require sustained commitment at all levels.”

He emphasized the role of strong political leadership in the final stretch of polio eradication and reaffirmed the Gates Foundation’s commitment to supporting Katsina in achieving this goal.

Governor Radda announced key investments in specialized healthcare services, stating:

“We are establishing a state-of-the-art dialysis center and an advanced imaging center to reduce the need for medical travel abroad and position Katsina as a hub for medical tourism.”

The Governor also highlighted the crucial role of partnerships in advancing healthcare, acknowledging the support of the Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, UNICEF, WHO and other development partners.

Prof. Pate, in his remarks, commended Katsina’s efforts in revitalizing healthcare facilities and encouraged the state to leverage federal initiatives such as Project Hope and federal budgetary allocations to strengthen the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina.

The visit underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in achieving sustainable healthcare improvements in Katsina State.

Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State

18th February 2025

BBOG : Group Labels Aisha Yesufu “Foreign Funded Cashivist” 

Forum for Peace and Tranquility in Nigeria (FPTN) has the federal government to investigation Aisha Yesufu a prominent activist and convener of the Bring Back Our Girls movement for allegedly receiving funds from USAID under guise of Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) to sponsor Boko Haram insurgents.

Aisha Yesufu’s matter became a subject of discussion again on the internet after it emerged that the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, channelled about $697 million annually in funds to terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda, the Taliban and ISIS.

The Forum in a Statement signed by the Secretary, Mal Iliya Mohammed Suleiman Stated:  “She  is currently slugging it out with many critics on X over her role in the famous Bring Back Our Girls, BBOG, campaign.

“Following the revelation,Investigative journalist David Hundeyin  stirred a fresh controversy by alleging that Yesufu and her associates in the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) campaign were part of a broader USAID-backed project designed to unseat former President Goodluck Jonathan.”

However, the forum, which queried her source of funding demanded that she declared her revenue sources or face wrath of the law. 

While speaking on matters of financial integrity, the Forum recalled when the National Working Committee of the Labour Party, led by Julius Abure   called on the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate Aisha Yesufu  for alleged misappropriation of funds from the 2023 presidential campaign.

According to the statement,Labour party did allege that Yesufu, along with Pastor Ighodalo and other accomplices, mismanaged and diverted over N12bn and $15m in donations intended for the Labour Party’s campaign.

“Citing these examples creates an atmosphere of suspicion that gave birth to our reason for demanding for thorough investigation in her past activities and sources of funds .”it added .

Non-Perfomance : Irate Group Describes Senator LA as ,” Worst Senator Ever Elected in Kaduna History ” 

Angry at his non performance and mute mode in National Assembly, Kaduna Good Governance Monitoring Group (KGGMG) has described the Senator representing Kaduna Central , Senator Lawal Adamu as the “worst lawmaker ever elected in Kaduna History”. 

According to group, the anger was provoked by failure on side of the lawmaker to stand up on the floor of Senate to speak on plethora of issues,such as insecurity; economic hardship affecting progress and development of the state. 

“We are perturbed that for almost two years in the Senate, Senator Lawal Adamu fondly called ‘Mr LA’ has failed to adequately  represent the interests of his constituents, advocate for policies, and helping individuals navigate federal agencies and programs. “it stressed .

The group,which stated this in a Statement signed by the Coordinator,  Bagudu Ibn Mohammed,said it was surprise when several groups from the stated had expressed similar views in the past . 

The group recounted how sometimes in 2024, the Kaduna Elders Forum, expressed displeasure over his non performance demanded the recall of Senator Lawal Adamu Usman. It also made reference to the Elders Forum said  in the history of Senatorial representation in the state, no elected lawmaker has performed beyond expectation like the incumbent senator.

The statement  further reads : In similar manner, we remembered when the Kaduna Peace and Tranquility Forum (KPTF) threatened to mobilize for his recall from the National Assembly for alleged non-performance.

“Mr Lawal Adamu in our view is  the worst senator ever by the people since return to democracy in 1999.”It unfortunate that 28 months after he inaugurated as a lawmaker in the National Assembly, the promises he made are yet to fulfilled . 
” The big question is ,How do you expect the people to consider someone who  doesn’t stand up to speak; a lawmaker who does not frequently visit his seven local governments and  has not brought anything tangible to the State as a result of his legislation to voter in 2027?”

Liberal Progressive & Patriotic Members Congress mourns loss of a national hero, Late Pa Ayo Adebanjo

By Amos Tauna, Kaduna 

Dr. Kingsley Okundaye, the National Coordinator of the Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC), has described late Pa Ayo  Adebanjo as an honest, non tribalistic and unapologetically consistent with his views on the need for transparency in governance. 

 Okundaye, made the observation when he led a delegation of the organization’s national executive to pay condolences to the family of the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a revered elder statesman and champion of democracy. 

The visit, which took place on 17th February 2025, was a solemn tribute to the life and legacy of a man who dedicated his life to the struggle for a better Nigeria.

The Liberal Progressive & Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC) is a leading socio-political organization committed to promoting good governance, transparency, and socio-economic development in Nigeria. 

Under the leadership of Dr. Kingsley Okundaye, the LPPMC has championed initiatives aimed at empowering marginalized groups, fostering inclusivity, and advocating for ethical leadership.

Dr. Kingsley Okundaye, a native of Edo State, has been at the forefront of LPPMC’s efforts to mobilize Nigerians for progressive change. His leadership has been marked by a commitment to unity, collaboration, and grassroots engagement. 

During the visit to the Adebanjo family, Dr. Okundaye described the deceased as an honest, non tribalistic and unapologetically consistent with his views on the need for transparency in governance. 

He noted  that the deceased would  be remembered as one of the very few heroes of our democracy and emphasized the importance of honoring the legacy of leaders like Pa Adebanjo, whose contributions to Nigeria’s democracy remain unparalleled.

“Pa Ayo Adebanjo was a beacon of hope and a symbol of resilience in our nation’s struggle for justice and equity,” Dr. Okundaye stated. 

“His life reminds us of the sacrifices made by those who came before us, and it is our duty to carry forward their vision for a better Nigeria.”

Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who passed away at the age of 96, was a towering figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, as a leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, and a key member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Adebanjo played a pivotal role in the fight against military rule and the restoration of democracy in Nigeria. 

He said the deceased was a staunch advocate for restructuring and true federalism, believing that these were essential for Nigeria’s unity and progress.

He stated that late Adebanjo’s unwavering commitment to justice and equity earned him the respect of Nigerians across all regions and ethnicities, saying  that his passing has been described as a monumental loss to the nation, but his legacy continues to inspire movements like the LPPMC and leaders like Dr. Kingsley Okundaye.

During the visit, Dr. Okundaye was accompanied by members of the LPPMC delegation who joined other notable Nigerians who shared Pa Adebanjo’s vision for a better Nigeria. Among them were Mr. Peter Obi, Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 elections, Dr. Tanko Yunusa,

Former Spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council and current Obedient Movement international Coordinator, and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Former Vice President of Nigeria (2015–2023).

Others are Sen. Gbenga Daniel, Former Governor of Ogun State and current Senator representing Ogun East, Dele Farotimi,  Human rights lawyer and political activist and Comrade Omoyele Sowore, Founder of Sahara Reporters and Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2019 and 2023 elections.

In his remarks, Dr. Okundaye called on Nigerians to honor Pa Adebanjo’s memory by continuing the struggle for a just and equitable society. “Pa Adebanjo’s life was a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of justice. As we mourn his passing, let us also recommit ourselves to the ideals he fought for,” he said.

The LPPMC delegation signed a condolence register and presented a condolence letter to the Adebanjo family and pledged to support initiatives that align with the late statesman’s vision for Nigeria.

The visit by Dr. Kingsley Okundaye and the LPPMC delegation underscores the organization’s commitment to honoring Nigeria’s heroes and advancing the cause of good governance. As the nation mourns the loss of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, his legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring power of courage, integrity, and selfless service. The LPPMC, under Dr. Okundaye’s leadership, remains dedicated to building a Nigeria that reflects the dreams of its founding fathers and heroes like Pa Adebanjo.

END 

Farotimi Named Authentic Man Of Year 2024

…Committee announces winners of 10th Edition, Prestigious Annual Awards

…Kwankwaso, Remi Tinubu, Inuwa Yahaya, Asake, others win

In a notable tradition, the renowned multiple award winning  news publication outfit, Authentic News Daily, has made public the winners of its highly anticipated annual awards for the year 2024, which is its 10th edition.

This was made known in  a statement jointly signed  by the chairman and secretary of the  planning committee of the awards, Amos Ebute Mathew and Lola Seriki-Idahosa respectively,  on  Tuesday, February 17, 2025.

The distinguished title of Man of the Year for 2024 was bestowed upon Dele Farotimi, a human rights activist and social crusader.

 The 56 years old  Nigerian lawyer, author, and political activist known for his outspoken advocacy for justice, good governance, and systemic reforms in Nigeria, was selected by the media outfit for his desire to see a better Nigeria.

He has gained prominence for his writings, public speeches, and media appearances, critiquing Nigeria’s political structure and societal challenges. 

The statement highlighted the Best Journalist category, which was given to Tom Garba, a Yola based journalist with several years of experience.

Among the new entrants recognized were First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, both acknowledged for their outstanding contributions in their respective categories.

1. Authentic Man of the Year

Dele Farotimi

2. Authentic Politician of the Year

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

3. Authentic Woman of the Year

Senator Oluremi Tinubu

4. Authentic Governor of the Year

Governor Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe)/Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers)/Caleb Muftgang (Plateau)

5. Authentic Legislator of the Year

Bello  el-Rufai

6. Authentic Businessperson of the Year Abdul Samad Rabiu

7. Authentic MDA of the Year

NIMASA

8. Authentic Brand of the Year

Amstel Malt

9. Authentic Corporate Organisation of the Year

Dangote Group

10. Authentic NGO of the Year

Enmamu Foundation/Dr. Matt Foundation 

11. Authentic Military or Paramilitary Outfit of the Year

Nigerian Army

12. Authentic Primary School of the Year: Girau International School, Millennium City Kaduna

13. Authentic Secondary School of the Year KADWEL International School

14. Authentic Higher Institution of the Year 

Greenfield University Kaduna 

15. Authentic Journalist of the Year

Tom Garba (TG News)

16. Authentic Sports Personality of the Year Barrister Paul Edeh

17. Authentic Opposition Figure of the Year Governor Kabir Abba of Kano State

18. Authentic Entertainment Personality of the Year

Asak

19. Authentic Youth of the Year

Danjuma Bello Sarki 

 20. Authentic Great Achiever of the Year 

Senator Uba Sani

 21.  Authentic Life Time Achiever              Award

Senator Abdulazeez Yari

SPECIAL AWARDS OF RECOGNITION

1. Former Chief of Army Staff General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd)

2. Alhaji Yerima Shettima

3.  ⁠Alh Muazu Abubakar Ruma Tafidan Afaka, Chairman/CEO Ruma Marketers Ltd

While congratulating all winners, Authentic News Daily informed that a date for the awards ceremony and lecture billed for March this year, will be communicated to the winners.

Authentic News Daily continues its legacy of recognizing and honoring individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to various fields, cementing its position as a premier news publication in Nigeria.

Breaking: NPA Boss, Dantsoho Named Man of the Year

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has been named Man of the Year by The Reporters Nigeria Magazine, in recognition of his transformative leadership in the maritime sector.

Dr. Dantsoho, according to the management of the magazine, was honored for his outstanding contributions to port efficiency, trade facilitation, and Nigeria’s global maritime standing. “Under his leadership, the NPA sustained port efficiencies that helped drive Nigeria’s international trade volume to 5.81 trillion naira ($3.7 billion) in the third quarter of 2024,” the magazine’s management explained.

A key highlight of his tenure has been the successful implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategy for reducing petroleum imports in naira, which significantly cut foreign exchange demand. He also spearheaded Nigeria’s full membership in the International Port Community System Association (IPCSA), enhancing trade transparency through the National Single Window (NSW) project.

“Dantsoho’s leadership was instrumental in increasing transshipment cargo processed from Lekki Deep Seaport, catering to landlocked areas in Nigeria,” they added.

The magazine’s management further noted that his diplomatic efforts secured Nigeria’s re-admission into the prestigious Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Recognized as the first Nigerian to be elected President of the Port Management Association of West & Central Africa (PMAWCA), Dr. Dantsoho’s influence extends beyond Nigeria, positioning the country as a key player in regional maritime affairs.

“In awarding him Man of the Year, The Reporters Nigeria Magazine commended his role in transforming the NPA into a strategic hub for sustainable maritime logistics, fostering economic growth, and creating employment opportunities,” they explained.

In his response to the award, Dr. Dantsoho acknowledged the continuous support and guidance of the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, in achieving the successes the NPA has attained so far.

He assured all stakeholders of NPA’s dedication to continue deploying the efficiencies necessary to grow the national economy, emphasizing that the award would only spur the organization to do more in advancing the frontiers of trade facilitation to support the national economy.