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Obasanjo urges Adeleke to keep dancing, deliver on infrastructure

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Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has urged Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to continue his dancing spirit while prioritising the delivery of crucial infrastructure projects in the state.

Obasanjo, who spoke at the inauguration of a VIP lodge, an edifice located within the premises of Osun State Government House in Osogbo, recalled a private conversation he had with Adeleke when he admonished him not to stop dancing, but to work very hard to improve the lives of the residents of the state.

The former president, who declared himself as Adeleke’s dancing partner, also challenged the governor to unite the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, implement good initiatives that would affect people positively and ensure proper documentation of all his achievements as governor.

Speaking in a mixture of Yoruba and English, Obasanjo said, “Some people once despise you, calling you a mere dancer. In reply, I told them that it is only happy people that used to dance. From now on, you are my dancing partner.

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“What I have heard and seen since three days that I have been here If anyone is doubting you, bring the person to your state to see for himself or herself. If you remember at one time, I called you on the phone and I said don’t stop dancing but I added that, as you are dancing, ensure you are working.

“If I tell you that I don’t know what happened before you get to the government, I will be telling a lie. But you did something last week Sunday that I appreciated. You called the leaders of your party together. I am happy that you called them and brought them together. Senator Olu Alabi is here, ex-governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola is here and Fatai Akinbade too.

“You should bring everyone on board. That is the best thing to do. I have talked to two out of three of them. It is a good move which is not only good for your party but for the state and the country. You said government is a continuum. You also said that you are working on all abandoned projects, may God crown your efforts.

He added that he is happy that Adeleke is taking project deliveries one after the other taking them.

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He urged the governor to be honest with his conscience, with the people and with God.

“You have to be a man of character,” Obasanjo said.

Speaking earlier, Adeleke said his administration has completed some major capital projects, while work was also progressing on many others captured under his infrastructure plan.

According to him, the VIP Lodge would enable his administration to minimise the cost of hosting important personalities visiting the state, adding that with the completion of the project, a major milestone in cost efficiency has been achieved.

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Adeleke, nicknamed the dancing governor, took the oath of office as the 6th elected governor of Osun State on Sunday, November 27, 2022, following in the political trajectory of his late elder brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who was the first elected governor of the state.

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VP Shettima departs Nigeria for Côte d’Ivoire

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Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, departed Abuja for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire to attend the opening of the International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources 2024 conference.

The event holds from November 27 to December 2, 2024, at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre.

Shettima’s visit is “At the invitation of Côte d’Ivoire’s Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné,” Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, said in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement is titled ‘VP Shettima Leaves For Abidjan, To Attend SIREXE 2024 Opening Ceremony.’

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SIREXE conference is an international event organised by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire that focuses on “Policies and Strategy for the Sustainable Development of the Extractive and Energy Industries”.

“The VP will utilise the event to share Nigeria’s experience in the hydrocarbon exploration and production sectors,” said Nkwocha.

The Vice President is expected to return to Abuja later today (Wednesday).

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BREAKING ! Supreme Court orders INEC to reinstate Ezeokemwa as APGA national chairman

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The Supreme Court of Nigeria has upheld an appeal by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), recognising Sly Ezeokenwa as its National Chairman.

This ends litany of cases on the leadership of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and further clears way for second term of Prof. Charles Chukuma Soludo in Anambra State.

Details shortly…

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Over 21 Vehicles stolen in Canada shipped to Nigeria recovered, returned to Canadian authorities

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The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has officially handed over 21 imported stolen vehicles to Canadian authorities in Lagos, as part of an ongoing crackdown on international vehicle trafficking syndicates.

In a separate operation, Adeniyi also showcased arms and ammunition intercepted from a luxurious bus traveling from Aba, Abia to Lagos.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Adeniyi highlighted the alarming rise of West Africa as a central hub for the global stolen vehicle trade. He explained that the illicit network spans from Europe and North America to regions as distant as South America and Australia. The Customs CG emphasized that recent efforts have significantly intensified to dismantle vehicle trafficking rings operating within Nigeria’s borders.

“The growing trend of stolen vehicles entering our region is a major concern,” Adeniyi said. “Not only does it harm the local automotive market, but it also puts immense pressure on our security infrastructure.”

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Referring to recent reports from INTERPOL, Adeniyi underscored the gravity of the situation. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, between 2013 and 2015, only 54% of stolen vehicles were recovered, pointing to the sophistication and scale of these criminal enterprises.

“The continued influx of stolen vehicles into West Africa is a direct threat to our economy,” Adeniyi added. “It undermines our international reputation, causes significant revenue losses, and drives up security-related expenses.”

The Customs CG also praised international law enforcement for their collaborative efforts, revealing that intelligence sharing has been crucial in identifying stolen vehicles making their way into the region. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with global partners to combat this rising threat.

“The economic implications of this criminal enterprise are far-reaching and deeply concerning. Beyond damaging our legitimate automotive trade sector and international business relationships, it undermines President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda that aims to position Nigeria as a trusted hub for international commerce.

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“The Service is forced to divert substantial resources towards enhanced border management and rigorous verification processes – resources that should ideally be channelled towards trade facilitation initiatives and economic growth programmes. This criminal activity not only strains our operational capacity but also threatens the government’s efforts to attract foreign investment and establish Nigeria as a reliable partner in global trade.

“In response to these challenges, the Nigeria Customs Service initiated Operation Hot Wheels, a targeted enforcement initiative aimed at disrupting the flow of stolen vehicles into Nigeria through our ports and borders. Launched as a collaborative effort between the Nigeria Customs Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Canadian authorities, the operation focused on intelligence sharing, coordinated surveillance, and strategic interdiction.

“The operation’s primary objectives included identifying and intercepting stolen vehicles, dismantling trafficking networks, and strengthening international cooperation in combating transnational vehicle theft. This multi-agency approach was designed to leverage the unique capabilities and jurisdictional advantages of each participating organisation.

“Through enhanced intelligence gathering and strategic deployment of resources, our officers at various commands have successfully intensified surveillance operations while ensuring minimal disruption to legitimate trade flows.

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“Through collaboration with Operation Screen West Africa (OSWA) and Interpol, two of these vehicles were confirmed stolen from Canada.

“Simultaneously, the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ demonstrated exceptional vigilance with strategic interdictions at various locations in Lagos, including: One Mercedes-Benz G550 with Range Rover Sport, valued at N506.8 million, intercepted along Trinity Axis; One Mercedes-AMG GT with Lamborghini Huracan, valued at N630.8 million; One Rolls Royce intercepted at Victoria Island, valued at N231.8 million; One Lamborghini 2019 Model recovered at Victoria Island, valued at N239.1 million; Two Range Rovers (2023 & 2018 Models) intercepted along Lekki, valued at N267.1 million.

“At Tincan Island Command Operations Additional luxury vehicles were intercepted through intelligence-led operations including three (3) Toyota, Highlander 2021 Models.

“These recoveries highlight both the sophistication of transnational vehicle theft syndicates and their evolving concealment methods. The criminals now employ various tactics, including false declarations and use of containerised shipments, attempting to circumvent our detection systems. Notably, the operation exposed how stolen vehicles are being smuggled through our ports using legitimate cargo as cover.

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“The success of these operations stems from our enhanced risk management system and strengthened collaboration with international partners. Working closely with Operation Screen West Africa (OSWA), Interpol, and other international agencies, we have significantly improved our capacity to identify and intercept stolen vehicles. The interface between our systems and international databases has proven crucial in establishing the status of suspicious vehicles and enabling swift intervention.

“Operation Hot Wheels adds to our growing portfolio of collaborative successes in 2024, a year we have strategically dedicated to strengthening partnerships within the global Customs community. The operation’s success
stems from a seamless collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service, the EFCC, and Canadian authorities, is evident that international cooperation is crucial in dismantling sophisticated criminal networks.

“This approach aligns with our commitment to adopting international best practices and leveraging shared intelligence to enhance our operational capabilities, serving as a template for future collaborations and reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a committed partner in the global fight against transnational crime.”

House of Reps want local languages as medium of teaching in Primary, Secondary Schools
House of Reps want local languages as medium of teaching in Primary, Secondary Schools.

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