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Race To Presidency Of AfDB Hots Up As Amadou Hott’s Candidacy Is Officially Announced

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The race to the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has began in earnest as the Government of Senegal, through the Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, on Thursday, announced the official launch of the candidacy of Mr. Amadou Hott for the presidency of the bank.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that this official launch ceremony, which marks a major milestone for Senegal’s commitment to pan-African development, was held on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at 4 p.m., at the Terrou-Bi Hotel, under the effective leadership of Her Excellency Mrs. Yassine Fall, Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs.

After 60 years of remarkable progress, the African Development Bank has established itself as Africa’s leading development finance institution, thanks to the visionary leadership of its successive presidents.

The current presidency, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has also achieved unprecedented results in development impact and capital growth.

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Mr. Amadou Hott strongly contributed to this success under the guidance of Dr. Adesina, first as inaugural vice president of the Power, Energy, Climate Change and Green Growth Complex (2016-2019), and then as Special Presidential Envoy for the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (2022-2024).

With over 25 years of strong and diverse experience, combining investment banking, development banking, sovereign wealth fund management and public policy, Mr. Hott embodies a bold and inclusive vision to address the current and future challenges of the African continent. Former Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation of Senegal (2019-2022), he is a well renowned economist and financial expert with a deep understanding of the issues facing stakeholders, including governments and the private sector.

Through this nomination, Senegal seeks to contribute to the institution’s mission by proposing a competent, visionary and pragmatic leader who can help accelerate the implementation of Africa’s transformative projects and programs. This initiative further aims to enhance African integration, fostering sustainable and inclusive growth that generates employment while creating broader economic opportunities, with a particular focus on youth and women.

According to the statement, the official launch is tailored to inform the public about the candidacy of Mr. Amadou Hott and the support of the Government of Senegal, enhance the candidate’s assets and vision for the Bank as well as mobilize national and international support for this major bid’

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The statement said that “with this candidacy, Senegal expresses its commitment to actively contribute to Africa’s economic and social transformation while enhancing the African Development Bank’s capacity for driving sustainable prosperity for Africa. The government therefore invites all African and international partners to join in this shared vision of building a strong, united and prosperous continent for current and future generations”.

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JAMB uncovers 142 Kano varsity applicants with fake results

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has uncovered that out of 148 A-level results presented to Bayero University Kano for Direct Entry admission, only six were valid, leaving 142 results deemed fraudulent.

In a recent weekly bulletin, JAMB revealed that one of the primary objectives of its screening process is to ensure that only legitimate documents are used for admission.

The board further emphasised the responsibility of educational institutions to verify these documents thoroughly.

To combat this issue, JAMB established the Nigeria Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System two years ago, following concerns raised by Bayero University, Kano.

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The university had reported that only six of the 148 results it verified were legitimate, with the remainder being forged.

Through NIPEDS, JAMB was able to detect fraudulent certificates, including those from foreign institutions, used in Direct Entry applications.

Recently, 13 additional fake A-level certificates were uncovered, which had been submitted for consideration by certain institutions.

Some of these institutions had already proposed admission for the candidates based on these fraudulent documents.

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The individuals involved have been handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution, and JAMB has warned that institutions that accept candidates with fake certificates will be considered accomplices in the fraud.

While NIPEDS plays a crucial role, JAMB stressed that institutions must also carry out their own verification processes to prevent further incidents.

One particularly egregious case involved candidates submitting forged IJMBE results from ABU Zaria in an attempt to gain admission to ABU itself.

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Oyo tightens security in preparation for Alaafin’s Saturday coronation

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As the coronation of the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, takes place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, the Oyo State government has put in place heightened security measures, including the deployment of security operatives at strategic locations within the ancient city and surrounding communities.

Oba Owoade, who was presented with the staff of office and instrument of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, ascends the throne after the late Oba Adeyemi passed away.

The new monarch completed the compulsory 21-day traditional rites known as Oro Ipebi last Saturday, March 29.

The coronation event will take place at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, where Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to lead a host of dignitaries, including notable Nigerians.

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Other venues for the event include Ladigbolu Grammar School, Durbar Stadium, the Oba Lamidi Adeyemi Mini Stadium, and the Palace of the Alaafin of Oyo.

Among the dignitaries expected are the former Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudea, ambassadors from four different countries, over 200 Oyo indigenes based in Canada, traditional rulers, diplomats, and various government officials.

Security arrangements have been significantly enhanced ahead of the ceremony.

Police vans and other security agency vehicles have been stationed at strategic points across the town, including Owoade, Jabata, Akesan, Isale Oyo, Eleekara, and the School of Survey, among other key areas.

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A senior police source confirmed to our correspondent on Thursday that additional personnel have been deployed to the town to prevent any breakdown of law and order during the event.

“The police, in conjunction with other security agencies, are fully prepared to ensure a smooth and trouble-free event,” the source assured.

Meanwhile, local hotels have reported full bookings, with accommodations made for the influx of visitors expected for the coronation.

A hotel manager, who requested to remain anonymous, mentioned, “We have upgraded our facilities to ensure that our guests have a memorable stay. The security agencies have also assured us of adequate protection for our facilities.”

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Additionally, reports indicate that the popular Akesan market, along with other nearby markets, will be temporarily closed during the coronation to allow the active participation of local market men and women in the event.

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Court dismisses suit against coastal road project

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The Federal High Court in Lagos has struck out a suit by the Okun-Ajah community and other property owners in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area challenging the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project.

Justice Akintayo Aluko ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate on the suit marked FHC/L/CS/1488/2024.

The judge transferred it to the Lagos State High Court as the appropriate court to hear the case.

The plaintiffs are Chief Saheed Olukosi (Akogun of Okun-Ajah Community), Noibi Issa Afolayan, Yussuf Odunuga Sulaiman, Olufemi Fasehun and Adeola Tokunbo, all representing Okun-Ajah Community and other Concerned Property Owners at Okun-Ajah Community.

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The defendants/objectors are Minister of Works Dave Umahi, Attorney-General of Lagos, Hitech Construction Limited and other agencies.

The plaintiffs’ through their lawyers, A.O. Ajiboye, Esq, and E. C. Okorie had asked the court to stop the project on several grounds.

But the defendants/objectors prayed the court to strike out the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

Justice Aluko held: “Counsel to the plaintiffs made an alternative submission in his written address urging the court not to strike out this suit if the court finds that it lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate over the case.

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“Counsel urged the court to transfer this suit to the State High Court instead of striking out same.

“I agree with counsel on this request as this court possesses the needed power and jurisdiction to accede to such prayer.

“This court is fortified under Section 22(2) of the Federal High Court Act which provides thus: ‘No cause or matter shall be struck out by the court merely on the ground that such cause or matter was taken in the court instead of the High Court of a State or of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in which it ought to have been brought, and the Judge of the court before whom such cause or matter is brought may cause such use or matter to be transferred to the appropriate High Court of a State or at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in accordance with Rules of Court to be made under section 44 of this Act.”

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