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FG Extends NIN-SIM Verification Exercise to June 30 as Enrollment Reaches 54 Million

The Federal Government has approved the extension of the deadline for National Identity Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data verification to the 30th of June, 2021.

The extension was as a result of the virtual meeting chaired by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, FNCS, FBCS, FIIM, and attended by following officials- Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Dambatta and the Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Azeez.

The postponement of the deadline was also based on the request by stakeholders for an extension till 30th of June, 2021 in order to make it easier for all citizens and legal residents to register.

Significant progress has been made in the NIN-SIM verification process. For example, almost 54 million people have obtained their NIN and this can translate to up to 190 million mobile numbers, since empirical evidence suggests that each unique NIN maps to three to four phone lines.

The much-awaited Android enrolment system is now ready for deployment and this has the potential to significantly accelerate the speed and ease of enrolments.

Furthermore, the telecom providers and other enrolment agents have also opened several centres across the country to make it easier for eligible citizens and residents to obtain and link their NINs.

It is noteworthy that Sections 27 and 29 of the National Identity Management Commission Act 2007 provides for the mandatory use of NIN for accessing several government services. This is similar to the use of Social Security Number and National Insurance Number for accessing services in the United States of America and the United Kingdom respectively.

The Federal Government has approved the extension as part of its effort to make it easier for its citizens and residents to obtain the NIN and it is important to take advantage of the extension.

Dr. Pantami wishes to thank Nigerians for their patience and compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on the NIN-SIM registration exercise.

He again reiterated government’s commitment to continually taking decisions aimed at easing the pains of the citizens with regard to issues related to NIN and SIM registration.

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Your Noise Will Not Distract Us – Makinde Tells Opposition

Engr. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has hinted that the distractions created by the opposition elements in the State would not stop his administration from delivering on good governance in Oyo State.

The governor, who stated this at a Ramadan lecture, organized by Hon. Abdullah AbdulRasaq Ademola (Omo Sheu), representing Ibadan South-East 1 State constituency at Elekuro Ibadan, added that his government would not deviate from its promise of promoting the tenets of democracy and actualization of people-centered programmes.

Makinde, who was represented by the Chairman, Pacesetter Transport Company, Prince Dare Adeleke, urged the people of Oyo State to use the month of Ramadan to pray for the success of his administration and an end to insecurity in the country.

“God has blessed us with the month of Ramadan to ask for those things that are crucial to our existence, the first should be the progress of our State, while we also pray for the country to overcome insecurity.

“It is my belief that God Almighty will not desert us and our prayers are heard, let us keep the tempo of our prayer up, it shall be well in Allah’s name.

“The ranting of the opposition elements in the State however should not be seen as anything serious that can distract us, we are resolute to deliver on our campaign promises and those are the major pacts we made with the people, we will not let them down, we will not allow the noise of distractors get to us.”

The lecture was attended by leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, political appointees , members of the State House of Assembly, party supporters and hundreds of Islamic faithful, who stormed the 4th Annual Ramadan Lecture.

The programme was organized under the Jamuhiyat Allahu Rasaq Islamic Society of Nigeria, JARIS was almost turned into a political rally of sort as political leaders took turns to eulogize the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde and his sterling achievements since taking over in 2019.

While addressing the gathering, the Oyo State Deputy Speaker, Hon Muhammad Fadeyi, assured that the 9th Oyo Assembly will continue to give necessary legislative support to all the programmes and policies of Governor Seyi Makinde, which he said are geared towards enhancing the living standard of the people of the State.

Fadeyi described Hon Abdullah AbdulRasaq as a great grassroot mobilizer, who has continued to keep in touch with the people of his Constituency.

While speaking at the Ramadan Lecture, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun condemned in strong terms, those politicizing the issue of security in Oyo State, adding that the Government at the center has failed in the area of protecting the lives and properties of the citizenry.

Other Guests including the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Tourism and Culture, Hon Ademola Ige charged the people of Ibadan South East to remain united in order to consolidate on the gains of the party in future election.

In his Lecture, Fadilat Sheikh Ishaq Olawoye Tihamiy, said Ramadan is a period for true Muslims to renew their faith in Allah.

The Guest Speaker said the encomiums showered on Governor Seyi Makinde and Hon Abdullah AbdulRasaq Ademola (Omo Sheu) were well deserved, noting that the State lawmaker took after his late Father, Sheikh AbdulRasaq whose life impacted thousands of people spiritually in Nigeria and abroad.

In his address, Hon Abdullah AbdulRasaq Ademola said the program was meant to identify with thousands of Islamic faithfuls in his constituency, as well as to promote and showcase the laudable achievements of the PDP in Oyo State under Governor Seyi Makinde.

He prayed to Allah to ease the task of governance for the Governor, who he said has become the beautiful bride in the South West.

Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly at the event include Hon. Saminu Gbadamosi, Hon. Ademola Popoola, Hon. Akeem Obadara, Hon. Sola Owolabi, Hon. Ayo Fatokun and Hon. Akeem Adedibu as well as the Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly Service Commission, Dr. Abdul Wasiu Musah.

The Ramadan lecture was also witnessed by the Oyo State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Prof. Daud Sangodoyin , the Executive Secretary, state primary care, Dr Muhideen Olatunji , vice chairman board of culture and tourism, Mogaji Abass Oloko and other political office holders.

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Ekiti NBA insists governors must implement autonomy for judiciary

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ado Ekiti branch has insisted that the 36 state governors must respect the provisions of the 1999 Constitution on the contending issue of full autonomy for the judiciary.

The legal body regretted that the closure of courts across the country had not only debased the country’s democracy, but adversely affected the fortunes of the legal practitioners, urging the governors to swiftly accede to the request of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to resolve the conundrum.

The NBA also urged the Federal Government to convene a roundtable discussion, where all stakeholders could meet, ruminate and proffer solutions to the senseless killings and kidnappings of innocent Nigerians.

Adeyemi Adewumi, chairman, NBA Ado Ekiti branch, at a news conference in Ado Ekiti to herald the 10th annual law week in honour of a legal icon, Afe Babalola (SAN) decried the shutting of courts and its effects on justice administration.

Adewumi, who gave the theme of this year’s law week as: “The 21st-century lawyer: integrating business skills with legal knowledge”, said the financial independence of the judiciary must be respected.

“To attain true separation of powers, the other arms of government; judiciary and legislature must be weaned from the breast of the executive, that is, become independent in all wise, particularly financially.

“This is the only way public perception can become re-engineered towards trust for the judiciary and the legislature.

“Section 81 (1) and 123 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended, guarantees financial autonomy to the judiciary.

“Meanwhile, following the refusal of the government to implement this autonomy, JUSUN and Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) had sued the government in two different cases at the Federal High Court, where both cases were won.

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Insecurity: Ekiti lawmaker, Adetunmbi urges politicians to fix country and forget 2023 elections

The Senator representing Ekiti North in the National Assembly, Olubunmi Adetunmbi speaks during an interview on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on May 3, 2021 mornitored by ODUDUWA NEWS.

The Senator representing Ekiti North in the National Assembly, Olubunmi Adetunmbi, has asked Nigerian politicians to forget political activities for the 2023 general elections and address the worsening security situation in the country.

Adetunmbi stated this on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, noting that without security, polls cannot hold.

“We should suspend this issue of focus on 2023 and focus on how to salvage this country so that people who have the capacity, knowledge, vision and the solution to solve this problem, that is what we should interrogate and not scoring points,” he said.

“The people who want to use security as a means electioneering and edging out those in power for them to come back there, what do they govern when there is no Nigeria?

“When there is war in Zamfara, there is a problem in Katsina. In Ogun State, there are displacements. In Oyo, Ekiti, there are killings going on. In the east, everything is happening. In that kind of context, how do you govern regardless of what party you belong to?”

Speaking further, the lawmaker called on all Nigerians to collaborate to overcome the security issues facing the country.

As measures to tackling the security issues, President Muhammadu Buhari earlier this year replaced his four top military commanders in a bid to better combat the insurgency that has also displaced more than two million people from their homes since 2009.

ISWAP split from mainstream Boko Haram in 2016 and became a dominant group, launching attacks on military bases and ambushing troops while abducting travellers at fake checkpoints.

Since 2019, the army has mostly withdrawn from villages and smaller bases into so-called “super camps”, fortified garrisons meant to give better protection against attacks.

But critics say the strategy has left jihadists with more freedom to roam untouched in rural areas and made highways vulnerable to kidnappings and assaults.

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Nigeria can’t afford another civil war, Tinubu warns secession agitators

The former Lagos State Governor, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the aggrieved persons and groups that are calling for the break-up of Nigeria to consider the result of war in countries like Sudan and Iraq.

Several groups from different regions in the country have heightened agitations for secession, with rallies being hosted lately for the freedom of Yoruba Nation in the South-West.

Tinubu, a former Governor of Lagos State and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), pointed out that Nigeria was yet to recover from the Civil War which happened between 1967 and 1970.

Tinubu sounded the warning during his message at the Special Ramadan Prayer, “Tafsir” Lecture, held at the Lagos House in Marina, which held on Sunday.

According to him, the calls for separation are just war drums being beaten by some, which, if allowed to happen, would result in the disintegration of Nigeria like in Sudan and Iraq.

“For clamouring for war, God will not allow Nigeria to experience war. If we say Nigeria should separate, people should remember what war caused in Sudan and Iraq. Such war does not end on time. We are yet to recover from the civil war.

“We are better together. I have nowhere I am going. Whoever has experienced war in the past will not pray for such. Nigeria will not separate, it’s not acceptable to us. Our prayer is for prosperity and more wealth for the country,” he said.

Recall ODUDUWA NEWS had earlier reported that Lagos state had concluded plans to install no fewer than 2,000 cameras across the state to tackle insecurity.

The Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the revelation at this same event on Sunday, adding that the country would soon overcome its security challenges and the people would enjoy the dividends of democracy.

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Insecurity: Muslim scholars advocate change of attitude, sincere actions for Nigeria to survive

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hosted Muslim clerics across Lagos and beyond, on Sunday, in a special Ramadan programme, but the event turned to a forum to dissect the nation’s contemporary challenges and a ground to supplicate for peace.

The event was attended by the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC leader, Chief Bisi Akande, members of Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), State cabinet members, Oba of Lagos, Alayeluwa Rilwan Akiolu, and members of the business community, led by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, among others.

Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, led the clerics to the event held at the State House, Marina.

Chief Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdul-Rahman Ahmad, in his lecture, said the nation was in a trying period, stressing that the magnitude of the challenges required sincere actions by leaders and citizens to salvage the country from crisis.

The cleric said the citizens were always quick to heap the blame on leadership, but said the fault was on all citizens.

To redeem the country from its tribulations, Ahmad said all Nigerians must embrace change of bad attitudes and thought process.

He said: “This is a time that we require nothing else other than divine intervention. But, Allah will not intervene unless we carry out a few action. We must must change our thought process, the way we act, they we interact and the way we do do things.

“This is a time that not only talk is required, but sincere actions that are back by deep thought about what we are experiencing today and the peace we crave. We often blame the leaders, but we get the kind of leaders we deserve. Our leaders are who we are. To save the country, it is a joint task.”

The cleric acknowledged efforts by Lagos State Government to strengthen security and consolidate infrastructure. This, he said, must be supported by residents of the State. He urged residents to obey laws of the State and cautioned commercial motorcycles against continuous breach of the State’s traffic laws.

Ahmad admonished those clamouring for secession to have a rethink, noting that the consequences violent change were greater than what may be envisaged. Young people, he said, must desist from their escapist tactics.

In his own lecture, popular Islamic preacher, Sheikh Muyideen Bello, who took part of his admonition from a biblical verse, called on all Nigerians to interact with one another with back love and respect.

He said the nation would only survive its current tribulations if political leaders and citizens collectively seek repentance for their misdeeds, injustice and failed promises.

Bello said Nigerians must take the opportunity of the holy month to wean themselves off bad attitudes that led the country into the mess.

After the lectures, the Muslims clerics prayed for the return of peace to Lagos and other parts of Nigeria experiencing insecurity.

Tinubu expressed optimism that the nation would survive its problems. He flayed the spate of kidnapping, saying the criminals were using the crime to embarrass Islam, a religion, he said, abhours killing and abduction of people against their will.

The APC National Leader praised Sanwo-Olu and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, for their leadership capacity to stabilise Lagos.

Tinubu said the feedback he got from Lagosians about the State Government under Sanwo-Olu was encouraging, saying: “It is Allah who chose both the Governor and his deputy for the people; God only used me to help them into the office.”

Sanwo-Olu thanked the clerics for their message of unity and for preaching peace. The Governor, who described leaders of faith organisations as the conscience of the society, urged them to continue to restrain members of their congregation from acts that may breach the peace in the State.

The Governor used the opportunity to explain some of the far-reaching actions to be taken by the State Government in the coming days to strengthen security and bring succour to commuters.

He said his Government, in the coming days, would be rolling out mini buses as alternative means of transportation to confront the nuisance of Okada riders in the State. He also intimate the Muslim leaders of the Government’s plan to procure and supply security equipment to the police and other paramilitary bodies to strengthen security in the State.

He urged the Muslim clerics to populate the message among their followers.

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Sexual Assault: Baba Ijesha must not go down alone, those that used minor as a bait must face laws – Actor Fabiyi

A Nollywood actor, Yomi Fabiyi has expressed his dissatisfaction on the recently released CCTV footage showing Baba Ijesha molesting a minor. He also condemned those who conspired to use minor as a bait to trap Baba Ijesha in a statement released today via his Twitter handle which reads in part:

“It is disturbing and unfortunate viewing the images of the released CCTV footage of a minor been sexually abused by a senior colleague, Mr Lanre Omiyinka a.k.a
Baba ljesha. There is no excuse for this act. I condemn this act, it is embarrassing and dissapointing.

“I have carefully wait for reliable options before jumping into conclusion as done in a civilised society, a stance a handful misconstrued as supporting the suspect, it is a shame a handful in Nigeria still engage in social media
recklessness in the name of social media age. NO WHERE HAVE I SUPPORTED OR CONDONE SUCH, someone just place the idea and many without caution jumped on it. If you are not enlightened, SEEK KNOWLEDGE.

“The only person free from arrest and prosecution is the young lady. Several red lines were crossed, IGNORANCE
is never an excuse. The key question every honest person should be asking is, “if the girl was your child, can you make her go through such truama again in the name of gathering evidence’2 Where are the social services and domestic violence unit in Lagos State?
Shelve press release and sentiments, swing into action.

“The law is sacrosanct and we all can agree a lot more needs to be done TO PROTECT CHILDREN IN NIGERIA. I am sad, we have failed many innocent children and it is
time we rise to this challenge, THE WORLD IS
WATCHING. Every Nigerian who honestly feel for the poor girl should take to the street in a peaceful protest, demand arrest of all connected to this ugly images, it is a cause worth risking everything for, do it for humanity
and every innocent child.

“However, sentiment should never be an excuse to abuse the rights of every suspect or persons connected, that is the only way to achieve peace, fairness, justice and
development. Thanks to the Lagos Police Commissioner and officers for their meticulous investigation and efforts so far. A society patient to balance a story seldom get misled or stand with lies. The media are
doing good job too . We want a safer Nigeria for every child”.

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Again, Customs storm another market, cart away 8 trucks of rice in Ibadan

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), yesterday, carted away eight truckloads of rice after invading Oja Oba Market, Ibadan.

This is coming about a month after the NCS raided Bodija International Market, where it carted away numerous bags of rice. It was gathered that the Customs officers went to the market and carted away eight truckloads of rice in the early hours of yesterday.

The Public Relations Officer of Oyo/Osun Customs Command, Kayode Wey, confirmed the invasion, stating that the operation was carried out by Federal Operation Unit (FOU) Zone A.

“It is the FOU. They are not our people. It was the FOU that went to Bodija Market the last time. It is the same FOU, we do not know anything about it. We do not have any information on it. I am hearing it the same way you are hearing it,” he said.

Also, the Public Relations Officer of NCS, FOU Zone A, Mr. Theophilus Duniya confirmed the development, stating that the Customs is empowered to carry out such operation.

“Yes, until we examine them. You are aware that the Federal Government imposed a ban on importation of foreign rice to encourage local production in the country.

“As it stands, foreign rice is a contraband and the law empowers us, the Act that established the service empowers officers to carry out such operations; to break into any shop or warehouse upon reasonable suspicion that prohibited goods are stored, and evacuate them. That is what happened.”

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Nigerian ‘Dancing Senator’ Adeleke Bags Degree Certificate in US

Could it be true that Senator Ademola Adeleke just got a university education? That would be the first question on the lip of anyone who got wind of the dancing senator’s latest achievement.

Recall that since Adeleke lost his bid to govern Osun State in 2018, he has been silent – whether on the political scene or social scene. In the days leading to the election, he was everywhere, dishing out premium entertainment content. When he was not dancing at campaign grounds or events, he was maintaining a presence on the pages of newspapers.

For those who thought he went on self-exile because of his failure in that election, they may well be wide off the mark. Recent development that surfaced during the week suggests that the quest for a degree is what has been taking the Senator’s time and attention.

A good friend of his and publisher of Ovation International Magazine, Chief Dele Momodu, broke the news that the dancing senator had just graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at the Atlanta Metropolitan State College, America.

He wrote: “Special congratulations to my main man, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke on this great determination and achievement. There is always a way where there is a will to succeed.”

The graduation ceremony invite read: “You are cordially invited to the graduation ceremony of Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke at the Atlanta Metropolitan State College. Award: Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Strictly by invitation to be zoomed live 17 May, 2012.”

While it is still unclear if this is Adeleke’s first degree, information gathered online stated that after finishing secondary school, he left Nigeria to continue his higher studies at Jacksonville State University, Alabama, America. There, it was gathered that he majored in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Political Science.

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Eight dead, several injured as truck loses control in Osogbo

ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that no fewer than eight passengers, yesterday, were feared dead, while scores sustained varying degrees of injuries in a truck accident that occurred in Osogbo, Osun State.

The Volvo FL7 truck with registration number KMC 35 ZJ, was said to have lost control while plying the November 27 Crossover Bridge, Osogbo, around 1.20 a.m.

ODUDUWA NEWS learnt the driver lost control, probably due to overloading, as the truck carried palm oil and kola nuts.

The vehicle was transporting the goods to the North with 61 passengers, including the driver.

The Osun State Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kudirat Ibrahim, who was at the scene, said injured passengers were taken to Osun State University Teaching Hospital and Asubiaro General Hospital in Osogbo.

Ibrahim said the truck lost control while trying to ascend the ramp. He advised road-users to be conscious always and obey traffic regulations to avoid crashes that could lead to loss of lives and property.

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