Tchad Tribune

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has described Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo as its 'pillar of support'. Its Executive Chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, stated this when he received Uzodinma on a courtesy visit to the Muslims pilgrimage office on Thursday in Abuja. Arabi, who expressed delight at hosting the governor, commended his interventions toward ensuring that intending pilgrims from Imo participated in this year's pilgrimage. 'You have been a pillar of support to us in the commission through your support that ensured the participation of Imo pilgrims in this year's exercise. 'You supported us in 2023 and did same this year in spite of the fact that you are a Christian and governor of a predominantly Christian State. 'For us, you're a symbol of peaceful religious co-existence and unity in the country,' he said. The NAHCON boss presented a letter of commendation to Uzodinma and an award of excellence for his support and promotion of peaceful religious co-existence and unity. Responding, U zodinma expressed sincere appreciation for the honour shown him. He restated his firm belief in peaceful inter-faith co-existence to promote development and prosperity in Imo and the country as a whole. Uzodinma was one of the governors that subsidised the 2024 Hajj fare which enabled intending pilgrims from his state to participate in this year's Muslim pilgrimage. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have tasked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on ensuring due process in its dealings with financial crime suspects. Mr Jesutega Onokpasa, a lawyer and Head of the Tinubu Media Support Group, made the call at a news conference on behalf of concerned APC chieftains on Friday, in Abuja. Onokpasa was reacting to the alleged financial misappropriation by former Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi According to him, EFCC should have formally invited him for questioning with documented evidence rather than inviting him through a telephone call. 'We concerned chieftains, stalwarts and stakeholders of the ruling APC find certain pertinent issues emanating from the matter between former governor Bello of Kogi and the EFCC. 'The development is quite unfortunate, most disturbing and totally unacceptable in a nation governed by laws. 'Indeed, an unbiased assessment of the goings-on in this matter profusely showcases grounds for strong suspicion,' he said. While admitting that the EFCC was an institution respected and looked up to in the country's fight against corruption, he said it should at all times ensure it followed due process. He stressed the need for all Nigerians, irrespective of positions, to follow the law to avoid anarchy and a lawless society. 'There is a procedure in law for inviting a person of interest, which is by a formal written letter to invite such persons, which could be followed by a telephone call. 'In this case, the former Kogi governor was not formally invited in writing, so he can also have a proper document to serve as his evidence. 'By the way, this highly irregular and unorthodox offer was made not via a proper invitation in the contemplation of law but through the most irregular route of a mere phone call, according to the EFCC chairman. 'The rule of law must always prevail because without the law, we would not have a society and without courts, we would not have a civilisation,' Onakpasa said. According to him, the EFCC boss only indicted himself, when he said at a recent news conference that Bello was invited through a telephone call for questioning. He also said the commission had no fact to substantiate its claims that the sitting Kogi Gov. Ahmed Usman assisted his predecessor from escaping from its custody. The APC chieftain said it was embarrassing to accuse a sitting governor of such, describing the claim as absurd. 'I can assure you that President Bola Tinubu is hell bent on fighting corruption, we must all respect him and key into the struggle. 'The president is a stickler, and a die-hard fanatic of the rule of law and government institutions should not be a willing tool to sabotage his efforts. 'We must protect our institutions from abuse and our government from ridicule. Also, corruption must not be condoned by anyone,'' he said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Xi Jinping of China, on Friday met with the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. In a statement by the China Africa Press Centre, President Xi said that this year marked the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the U.S. The statement quoted President Xi saying, ' over the past 45 years, the relationship has gone through winds and rains, and has a number of important inspirations to offer. 'China and the U.S., should be partners rather than rivals; help each other succeed rather than hurt each other; seek common ground and reserve differences, rather than engage in vicious competition. 'Both should honour words with actions, rather than say one thing but do the opposite. I proposed mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, to be the three overarching principles. 'They are both lessons learned from the past and a guide for the future. At present, transformation not seen in a century is unfolding in a profoun d way, and the international situation is fluid and turbulent. 'It is the shared desire of the two people and the international community to see China and the U.S. strengthen dialogue, manage differences and advance cooperation. 'I have said many times before that the planet is big enough to accommodate the common development and respective prosperity of China and the U.S. 'China is happy to see a confident, open, prosperous and thriving United States,' Xi stated. The Chinese president expressed hope that the U.S. could also look at China's development in a positive light. This, according to him, is fundamental issue that must be addressed, just like the first button of a shirt that must be put right, in order for the China-U.S. relationship to truly stabilise, improve and move forward. 'When President Biden and I met in San Francisco last year, we launched the San Francisco vision that is future-oriented. 'In the last couple of months, the two teams have followed upon our common understanding, maintai ned communication in various areas, and made some good progress. 'There are still issues to be addressed, which require further efforts. Your visit this time was agreed upon between President Biden and I in our phone call several weeks ago. I hope you will find it productive.' he added. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Advocacy for Positive Behavioral Patterns Initiative (APBPI) has launched a campaign to cultivate positive behaviors among secondary school students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Mr Bamidele Mann, the APBPI Campaign Team Director, announced this on Thursday during the campaign kick-off at Government Secondary School, Life Camp, Gwarinpa, Abuja. Mann stated that the campaign aims to promote character development to foster positive change among Nigerian students and society at large. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign was organized by APBPI in collaboration with the FCT Secondary Education Board. The theme of the campaign is titled, 'Dialogue on Violence and Conflict Resolution for FCT Secondary School Students.' In his remarks, Mr Sani Ladan, the Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, mentioned that part of the board's mandate is to nurture good students. Ladan, represented by Dr Ajayi Olatunde, emphasised that the board has counselors tasked with helping s tudents shape their behavior positively. He highlighted the challenge of students coming from diverse homes with different backgrounds. The board's secretary recalled that in 2023, the board developed, published, and distributed an anti-bullying manual to schools to tackle the issue of violence in the FCT education system. He commended APBPI for partnering with the board to make a difference in FCT schools. Mrs. Akerele Irene, the Principal of Government Secondary School, Life Camp, Gwarinpa, Abuja, stressed the importance of fostering positive behavior patterns to protect children and ensure a conducive environment. Irene, represented by the Vice Principal Academy, Hajia Bilkisu Ibrahim, lauded the NGO for its initiative. Ms. Rinsola Abiola, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, encouraged students to embrace education as it adds value to their lives. She described education as the cornerstone of social development that students must prioritise. Abiola also disc ussed the transition from childhood to adulthood, noting the various changes that impact behavior during this period. She advised students to prioritise conflict resolution skills in whatever situations they encounter. 'The tendency to escalate conflicts during adolescence can be attributed to several factors, including behavioral changes as teens transition into adulthood,' she said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mohammed Ndarani, says Mr Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)'s dedication to the welfare of Nigerians remains integral to achieving sustainable progress. Ndarani disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja. He said that Wike's exemplary leadership and vision would ensure the progress and prosperity of all as the nation continues to navigate its development trajectory. The senior lawyer noted that the residents of Abuja were seeing the firsthand results of his endeavours every day, with new projects constantly being launched. He underscored the significance of Wike's contributions to the enhancement of infrastructure and quality of life in the FCT. 'His proactive approach and unwavering commitment to progress has earned him widespread acclamation and admiration. 'He has been connecting the FCT with bridges and solar panel lighting, and has rehabilitated roads and bridges in the FCT totaling 135 roads mainly in the Garki, Wuse, Gwarimpa, and Maitama districts. ' He is also in the process of renovating the Vice President's home, building the outer southern motorway from the Villa roundabout to Ring Road I, putting other road and rail infrastructure projects in progress, and seeing to the formation of the FCT Civil Service Commission, which included the appointment of nine permanent secretaries''. Ndarani said that Wike was a valuable asset at President Ahmed Tinubu's disposal because of his extraordinary skill and commitment as the minister of the FCT. 'Remember that in February, Wike topped the list of President Tinubu administration's 12 performing ministers in the list of identified ministers in the Economic Confidential report released. 'The publication, after reviewing the actions of the current Federal Executive Council (FEC) members, highlighted their efforts and achievements since assumption of office. 'Wike was in the list for establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission to guarantee ca reer progression, ordering contractors to complete ongoing road, rail and township projects, and for prioritising security measures, revenue generation, as well as restoring the original Abuja master plan'. NAN recalls that after the swearing-in, Tinubu announced that Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) would be deployed to assess the impact of ministers and their ministries. Following the review of the current Federal Executive Council (FEC) members, the publication in February, highlighted the achievements and efforts of the ministers since their resumption of office. The report said that some ministers have shown competence in their respective duties. The report stated that beyond pragmatic initiatives and impactful programmes, the performing ministers also deployed effective media relations and strategic stakeholder engagements. (NAN) Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) with support of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, renovated and donated learning materials to China-Assisted Model Primary School Nyanya, Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the distribution of the learning materials was done at the inauguration of the upgraded primary school in Abuja. Mr Zhou Hao, Managing Director, CRBC Nigeria, whole handing over the materials to the school, said that the items would promote and strengthen education in Nigeria. Hao emphasised the need for a better learning environment for teachers and students as education was important. He added that among peoples of different continents, there was a common ground that transcends ethnicity and nationality which is children, who fill the world with hope and brightness. ' Children represent the future's expectations and aspirations, and they rightfully deserve a better life. ' We believe that improving children's educational conditions and environments is a shared goal among people from all sectors both China and Nigeria. ' Thus, as a Chinese company operating in Nigeria, we are very eager and honored to contribute our part to the educational efforts in Nigeria,' he said. He noted that looking at the developmental needs of the Nigerian government and people; CRBC was committed to serving the socio-economic development and improved the livelihood of Nigerians. ' With nearly 10 projects being implemented in Nigeria, covering areas such as roads, railways, flood control, terminals, and chemical industries, ' We will fully utilise our own resources to continuously promote the development of infrastructure and boost economic in Nigeria through our actions,' he said. Earlier, Mr Zhang Yi, Chargé d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria said that CRBC among others are actively fulfilling their social responsibilities by giving back to the local people. Zhang said the company does this while carrying out production and operation activities in Nigeria. 'After learning about the aging of some of the school's office desks and chairs, classroom, blackboards and bathroom facilities, CRBC took the initiative to ask the Chinese Embassy for instructions. ' They expressed their willingness to undertake the repairs of the school and provide learning materials for students so as to provide a better learning environment for all,'' he said. Also, Dr Alhassan Sule, Executive Chairman, Education Bureau of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) commended Chinese Government for their continuous support towards improving the quality of education in the country. He reiterated Nigeria's commitment towards strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. On his part, Mrs Dada Galadima, the acting Headmistress of the school expressed gratitude to CRBC and the embassy for their unrelenting efforts to contribute to the growth and development of students. NAN reports that the learning materials includes notebooks, pencils, erasers, rulers, sports equipment, desks, chairs among others. Sourc e: News Agency of Nigeria