Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Former President of the African Development Bank Group, ADB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has dedicated his African Lifetime Achievement Award to Nigeria and the African continent.

Adesina was presented with the award at the African Heritage Awards in Accra, Ghana, during the weekend.

Speaking at the event, which was attended by the President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama, and other dignitaries, Adesina described his service to Africa as a “a lifetime calling” and reaffirmed his commitment to the development of the continent.

He described Africa as “a continent in motion,” stressing that its future is underpinned not just by optimism but by measurable economic progress.

The ex-ADB President, who was also a former Nigerian minister of agriculture, cited projections by the International Monetary Fund, IMF, indicating that Africa’s economy is expected to grow by about 4.2 percent in 2026, positioning it among the fastest-growing regions globally.

Highlighting the continent’s economic transformation, Adesina pointed to leading African enterprises such as the Dangote Group, MTN Group, Safaricom, and Jumia as clear indicators that Africa has evolved into an “investable reality”.

He also underscored Africa’s strategic importance in the global energy transition, noting that the continent holds approximately 30 percent of the world’s critical mineral reserves but attracts less than five percent of global investment in the sector. He noted that the gap presents a significant opportunity for investors.

Adesina further highlighted the launch of the Global Africa Investment Summit, a platform he co-founded to connect African assets with global institutional investors.

He emphasized that the continent’s development must be driven by structured, long-term investment rather than dependence on aid.

Dedicating the award to Nigeria and the African continent, Adesina acknowledged the support of former Nigerian leaders, including Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, in his career.

He also paid tribute to former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, whom he described as a key mentor.

Ex-ADB boss Adesina dedicates award to Nigeria, Africa, thanks Obasanjo, Jonathan

Teachers and local government workers in Edo State who retired in 2012 on Monday began receiving their long-awaited gratuities, following the disbursement….

The Cross River State chapter of the Assembly for Moral Discipline, Justice, and Restoration of Public Confidence has condemned the reinstatement of Mr. Ovat Agbor, lawmaker representing Obubra I State Constituency, by the leadership of the Cross River State House of Assembly.

The group faulted the decision of Speaker Elvert Ayambem, describing the move as a breach of ethical standards and a contradiction of the moral expectations placed on public office holders.

A month ago, there were media reports about how the lawmaker physically assaulted the wife, and had to apologise for his erratic behavior when the assembly passed a motion, and suspended him.

Speaking at a media briefing in Calabar on Monday, the group’s State Publicity Secretary, Dr. John Egon, expressed concern that the lawmaker, earlier suspended over alleged domestic violence against his spouse, was recalled without clear evidence of accountability.

He warned that the development could erode public trust in governance and weaken the ethical foundation of leadership in the state.

Egon described the alleged conduct as a grave abuse of office and a betrayal of public trust, insisting that leadership must be anchored on respect for human dignity and the protection of citizens.

He added that individuals who show disregard for such values should not be entrusted with the responsibility of representing the people.

In a statement, the group also criticised Speaker Ayambem for presiding over the reinstatement, noting that the action sends a dangerous signal that misconduct can be overlooked within the legislature.

According to the group, public office demands integrity, discipline and a strong moral compass, warning that failure to uphold these values could erode the dignity of the state and its moral fabric.

It further noted that the administration of Governor Bassey Otu is widely seen as one driven by discipline, accountability and ethical governance, stressing that actions perceived to contradict these ideals risk undermining the government’s moral direction.

The group urged civil society and women’s rights organisations to review the circumstances surrounding Agbor’s recall to ensure justice is served.

However, reacting to the criticism, the Speaker’s spokesman, Mr. Matthew Okache, dismissed the concerns, maintaining that due process was followed in lifting the suspension.

He stated that the decision was based on the recommendation of a committee set up by the House, after the lawmaker had served his suspension.

Group kicks as Cross River Assembly recalls lawmaker accused of assaulting wife

The United States has commended the Nigerian government for securing the convictions of 386 Islamist militants, describing the development as a significant milestone in the country’s fight against terrorism….

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria, SCSN, has debunked reports that it asked Muslims to pray for the removal of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, describing the claims as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna, the Council’s Secretary-General, Nafi’u Baba Ahmad, said the reports were based on anonymous and unofficial sources aimed at stirring tension and politicizing the organization.

“The Council categorically dissociates itself from these claims in their entirety. At no time did the Council issue any directive, statement, or call of such nature,” the statement said.

While rejecting the social media claims, the Council reiterated its earlier position that the INEC chairman should step down or be removed from office, citing what it described as concerns over perceived bias against Islam and Muslims.

It stressed that its position is grounded in documented actions and legal submissions, rather than political or sectarian motives.

The Council also urged Muslims and the media to rely only on its official communications and cautioned against spreading unverified information

SCSN reaffirmed its commitment to justice, moral integrity, and peaceful coexistence, stating that it would not be drawn into partisan political disputes.

NAN

Shariah Council debunks claims of calling for prayers against INEC chairman

A total of 186 vehicles have been distributed to the newly appointed emirs, chiefs and district heads in Bauchi State by the government in order to…

Mr. John Ikechukwu Ozegbe, a frontline APC House of Assembly contender for Ndokwa West Constituency seat in the Delta House of Assembly come 2027, has hailed former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for accepting the clarion call of Delta North leaders to run for Senate in 2027.

Mr. Ozegbe gave his endorsement of the decision, in the wake of the visit by Delta North leaders to Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa with the singular objective of appealing to the former Governor, to throw his hat into the ring and contest for the Delta North Senatorial Seat in the forthcoming 2027 elections, which he accepted with great humility and solid assurance to deliver on the mandate.

Ozegbe said: “I want to wholeheartedly express my joy and happiness over the decision of His Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (Ekwueme), to accept the call by our leaders from the zone, to contest for the Delta North Senatorial Seat in the 2027 elections.

“This is one decision that most of us have been clamoring for, because Dr. Okowa is a tried, tested and proven leader, who has already distinguished himself as a Senator. He is without doubt, the best man for the job and his acceptance to contest will provide the platform for him to consolidate on his previous sterling performance and even achieve more for Delta North come 2027 and beyond, with progressive, articulate, coordinated and experienced representation in the Senate.

“I hereby pledge my unalloyed support to Ekwueme in the conviction that his powerful presence in the red chamber will attract the bountiful dividends of democracy which the Renewed Hope programme of President Bola Tinubu has to offer, especially for the MORE Agenda of our able and dynamic governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oboreveori as he continues to deliver good governance to Deltans and Delta State.

“Let me also express my profound gratitude to our dear distinguished Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, as well as the Delta North leaders who took this bold step of choosing Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the Delta North Senatorial Seat. Their action has cleared all doubts and uncertainties over our Senatorial representation in the Senate, with this unambiguous and decisive endorsement”, Mr. Ozegbe concluded.

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A prominent governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State, Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani, has condemned the state, local government and ward congresses conducted in the state in defiance of a court order.

Binani addressed supporters drawn from the 21 local government areas at a gathering in Yola on Monday, where she questioned the legitimacy of the congresses after a High Court sitting in Yola directed that the exercise be suspended.

An ADC committee proceeded with the congresses over the weekend despite the suspension order issued by the court, following a suit filed by the state chairman of the party, Yohanna Shehu. Shehu had approached the court to halt the exercise, alleging that he and his executive committee were completely sidelined in the planning of the congresses.

After several of her supporters spoke at the rally held at Lamido Cinema in Yola on Monday afternoon, Binani reiterated their concerns while urging restraint and patience pending the court’s decision on the matter.

The High Court in Yola, while issuing its suspension order, directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit and adjourned further proceedings to Wednesday, April 15.

Binani advised her supporters to remain calm, noting that any further action would depend on the court’s ruling, particularly if the congresses are annulled but the ADC Congress Committee insists on recognising those elected during the disputed exercise.

“If the court eventually decides that the conduct of the congresses is okay despite the order suspending them, we should accept it,” she said.

Binani faults Adamawa ADC congresses conducted against court order

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has described the rainstorm that destroyed parts of the yet-to-be-functioning Kugbo Bus Terminal in the nation’s capital, Abuja, as a natural disaster….

Former Arsenal star, Paul Merson, has given his verdict on Manchester United’s Premier League title hopes for next season.

Since Michael Carrick stepped in as interim manager in January, taking over from Reuben Amorim, United have been climbing up the table.

They currently sit third in the table, behind only Arsenal and Manchester City this term.

Still, Merson remains unconvinced they’re ready to go all the way to win the Premier League next season.

He believes United’s immediate priority should be securing a top-four finish rather than dreaming of the title.

“I don’t think Manchester United are ready to fight for the title next season,” Merson told Sportskeeda.

“Their sole focus should be on getting back into the Champions League.”

EPL: Paul Merson rates Man Utd’s chances of winning title next season