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Senators commission Colonial Masters Secondary School reconstructed by Natasha in Okene after 97 years of neglect [Pictorials]
The Abdul Azeez Attah Memorial College, AAAMCO, a Secondary School that was established in 1927 in Okene in today’s Kogi Central Senatorial district by the former Colonial Masters has been reconstructed and given a facelift after 97 years of neglect.
The School’s 9 classrooms and 4 hostels were reconstructed by the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Udughan and was commissioned over the weekend by some Senators of the 10th National Assembly.
Speaking on Saturday on her commitment to education to mark her one year in office, Natasha said she has worked towards the goal of well-being of her constituents and to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, and have access to meaningful employment, and other basic amenities.
She said: “I am honoured by the trust you have placed in me, and I am here today to reaffirm my commitment to delivering a future that reflects our shared hopes and aspirations.
“A cornerstone of this vision has been the digitalisation of education. We have deployed 5,000 digital learning devices to public primary and secondary schools across Kogi Central.
“In the coming weeks, the Universal Basic Education Learning Resource Centre will train teachers and programme these devices with the Nigerian educational curriculum.
“Furthermore, we believe that education is the foundation of a prosperous society. We are beginning the total overhaul of selected existing schools, such as the Abdul Aziz Attah Memorial College (AAAMCO) in Okene. We will also construct a brand-new model primary and secondary school in Osara and facilitate a centre for artificial intelligence and robotics at the Federal College of Education in Okene, as well as an automotive mechatronics workshop and cottage automobile workshop at the Technical College in Oboroke. Both projects are currently undergoing the BPP contracting process, and construction is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2025,” she stated.
She continued, “Moreover, a scholarship scheme through the Natasha Foundation has supported the tuition of 353 vulnerable Indigenous students at tertiary institutions nationwide. Equally, we have worked tirelessly to attract employment opportunities for various graduates and facilitate capacity-building training and empowerment programs for thousands of beneficiaries from our senatorial district.
“Today, we are launching a massive empowerment initiative for over 1,300 artisans, focusing on our women and youth. They have been trained and will be empowered to earn a living in areas such as renewable energy installations, fashion and shoe making, block and tile making, fish farming, advanced welding and carpentry, hairdressing, and catering. You can see for yourself what we have accomplished. They have been supported with startup grants.
“These efforts will provide a solid foundation for families and, in turn, communities. I am also deeply committed to addressing essential needs, such as access to clean water. Through our numerous water projects, we have brought a reliable supply of potable water to many communities, transforming what was once a challenge into a sustainable reality. Out of the 12 water projects, we developed a massive 50,000-liter solar-powered motorised water system, which serves 300 locations and provides 1,800 fetching taps.
“The electricity projects that have been executed throughout our senatorial district, just within one year of my being in office, have illuminated homes and streets, making our communities safer and more supportive of local businesses. Proudly, 30 kilometres of road networks across Kogi Central are now lit, providing better visibility and enhanced safety for both residents and travelers, especially at night.”
She further added; “The Ihima community had been without a police station for seven years, and I am honored to have my office facilitate the reconstruction and expansion of our community police station, which we commissioned today. If health is wealth, communities should not be impoverished by the lack of effective and responsive Primary Health Care Centers. I am grateful that my office attracted the rehabilitation of two primary healthcare facilities—the Primary Health Care Center in Ohueta and the one in Osara. Construction is set to commence within two weeks.
“A series of medical outreach programmes have been scheduled for next week in Ajaokuta and Okehi local governments. Similarly, I have proposed and sponsored several bills and motions that are not only nationalistic but essential for repositioning Kogi Central and Kogi State as an industrial hub. This, in turn, will create jobs for our youth and generate revenue for our beloved country.
“The legislative assembly, under the guidance of the Senate President, His Excellency Godswill Akpabio, and the executive, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have formed a strong political alliance. We are ensuring that not only will the Ajaokuta Steel Company function, but that the National Iron Ore Mining Company’s mandate will be expanded to harness the abundant natural resources lying untapped in our region.
“To the leadership of the Senate and my colleagues present, the hills surrounding us are rich in natural minerals, from gold to amethyst and iron ore, among others. I hope that in the coming months, you will join forces with me to ensure these minerals are tapped for the benefit of our country. The Gold Reserve Bill and the establishment bill for the Federal Medical Center in Ihima are legislative efforts aimed at transforming the industrial landscape of our state to meet the welfare and health needs of our people and to widen employment opportunities”.
“I am grateful for the productive leadership I have developed with the President himself, His Excellency President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the First Lady, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Senate President, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio. I am immensely grateful to them all. This collaborative approach has helped us access new opportunities and resources, bringing about greater development and democratic dividends for our people.
“There is still much work to be done, and I am committed to continuously learning and striving for improvement. I will work for you with the same energy, passion, and dedication that you deserve. Thank you for your unwavering support,” she concluded.
The lawmaker stated that some schools were selected for reconstruction as part of encouraging the young ones to enroll, while some schools which were not part of the reconstruction will benefit at a later time with scholarship award to students through her foundation.
Natasha was joined by her colleagues from the Senate to commemorate the historic event.
First was the commissioning of the 1km road network at the Abdul Azeez Memorial College Okene by the senate Minority Leader Distinguished Senator Abba Moro.
Senator Tahir Monguno followed by commissioning the reconstruction and remodeling of the Abdul Aziz Attah Memorial College in Okene. There 9 blocks of classrooms and 4 boarding houses; as well as unveiling the 5,000 digital learning devices marked the event.
The anniversary also included the inauguration of the reconstructed Ihima Police Station, which was officiated by the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Betrand Onuoha. Additionally, an empowerment programme was launched by Senator Abba Moro.
The Deputy Senate President, represented by Senator Ladan, spoke about Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s first year in office, describing her representation as effective, and praised her efforts to significantly impact her constituents.
“She invited us to see firsthand how she is improving the lives of her constituents in Kogi Central. What makes Senator Natasha unique is her passion for humanitarian service, which seems to be part of her genetic makeup, as her family has a history of giving,” he stated.
On his part, Senate Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno emphasised the importance of education in a country’s development, commending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s initiative to digitalise learning in Kogi Central.
Senator Abba Moro also praised the legacy projects and applauded his colleague for her exceptional performance.
“We have toured various projects aimed at improving the lives of the people, particularly concerning security. All of us here, the senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, are proud to support our colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Her achievements in just one year of service are remarkable.
“I am astonished by the amount of support gathered here for distribution. It’s evident that this is the kind of representation we need, and I am very pleased that she is delivering.”
Dignitaries at the event include representatives of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Musa Ladan, Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, Senate Minority leader, Senator Abba Moro, Senator Ede Dafinone, Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Tony Nwoye, Senator Ekong Sampson, Senator Anthony Yaro, as well as Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi.
Others are: Edo Deputy Governor, Omobayo Godwins, House of Representative Member representing Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdulraheem Abdulmaleem Danga, Kogi Commissioner of Police, CP Betrand Onuoha, Ohi of Okene, HRH Alhaji Isa Mamman Okatahi, Ohi of Ihima, HRH Abdulrahim Ogido, Ohiomata of Odumi, Chief James Omeiza amongst other eminent Nigerians.
By Sunday James
The gruesome killing of 16 innocent northern hunters in Uromi, Edo State, over false accusations of kidnapping is yet another damning indictment of the failure of law and order in Nigeria.
Time and again, innocent lives have been lost to the mindless brutality of mob justice, a savage and inexcusable act that has become far too common across the country.
This is not an isolated incident. Nigeria has witnessed several tragic cases of jungle justice where angry mobs, fueled by misinformation and misplaced aggression, have taken the law into their own hands.
The Aluu Four incident in 2012, where four young university students in Rivers State were falsely accused of robbery, beaten, and burned to death in a horrific public spectacle, remains one of the most chilling examples.
In 2022, Deborah Samuel, a young student in Sokoto State, was lynched by fellow students over alleged blasphemy, an incident that sparked outrage but yielded little justice. In Lagos, several suspected petty thieves were set ablaze by mobs in broad daylight without any fair trial.
Across the country, from Anambra to Kano, Port Harcourt to Abuja, numerous cases of public executions by mobs continue to surface, often with little to no legal consequences for perpetrators.
The rise of mob justice is fueled by a cocktail of systemic failures that have left Nigerians disillusioned with formal justice mechanisms.
The breakdown of law and order, where the Nigerian police fail to deliver swift and transparent justice, has led to public distrust, encouraging citizens to take matters into their own hands. Rising insecurity, including the surge in kidnappings, banditry, and violent crimes, has left many communities in perpetual fear, triggering knee-jerk reactions to perceived threats. Ethnic and religious tensions have also played a major role, with deep-seated biases making certain groups more vulnerable to targeted attacks.
The proliferation of unregulated local vigilante groups and security outfits has further emboldened extrajudicial actions against innocent civilians. Additionally, the slow pace of criminal trials and the failure to punish perpetrators of jungle justice have normalized impunity.The Edo killings, like many before them, must not be swept under the rug.
The government must ensure immediate arrest, prosecution, and conviction of all those involved in this heinous act. Strengthening law enforcement agencies to curb vigilante excesses and restore public trust is paramount.
There must be massive public enlightenment campaigns to educate citizens on legal redress rather than mob action. Strict penalties must be enforced against communities and groups involved in jungle justice to deter future occurrences.The Nigerian government must wake up to its responsibility of protecting lives and ensuring justice for all.
If mob justice continues unchecked, no one is truly safe. This latest atrocity in Edo should be the final warning: justice delayed is justice denied. The killers must be held accountable, and a nationwide crackdown on jungle justice must begin immediately. Enough is enough. The rule of law must prevail.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has congratulated the Muslim Ummah across the country on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
The celebration marks the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje rejoiced with Muslims for the spiritual renewal and discipline attained during the sacred month of fasting, prayer and devotion to Almighty Allah.
He urged the faithful to uphold the virtues of piety, selflessness, and compassion that Ramadan represents while also extending love and kindness to one another, especially to the less privileged in society.
The APC National Chairman further called on Muslims and all citizens to remain steadfast in promoting unity, peace, and national progress in the country.
He emphasized that the lessons of Ramadan—patience, sacrifice, and perseverance—are essential in fostering harmony and strengthening the nation’s democratic institutions.
The two-term Kano State Governor also urged the Muslim Ummah and Nigerians to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed in his efforts to lift the country from economic doldrums and resolve lingering security challenges.
He assured Nigerians of the APC-led government’s commitment to improving the welfare and well-being of all citizens, noting that Nigerians will not regret voting for President Tinubu after his first tenure.
News
Abia: LG Chairman, Iheke accused of using soldiers to detain IRS agent, claims Governor Otti’s support
The Chairman of Aba North Local Government Council, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke has been accused of excesses and high-handedness in revenue collection at the popular Ariaria International Market.
In a statement issued on Monday by Ariaria Stakeholders Forum and signed by its Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Chukwudi and Secretary, Chief Boniface Kalu on Sunday, the Forum lamented the excesses of the Local Government where he used the soldiers to detain the Managing Director of Star Nkey Ventures, Mr Benedict Elias who is a law abiding citizen.
The statement made available to CAPITAL POST pointed out that Mr Elias was duely appointed as agent to Abia Stat3 Board of Internal Revenue Service (ABIRS), hence, he wasn’t carrying out illegality.
The LG however claimed to have the backing of Governor Alex Otti, but further findings revealed that the Governor would never support illegality to the extent that a law abiding citizen was arrested and detained.
A source told CAPITAL POST in Umuahia that Governor Otti believes in the rule of law and will not support any intimidation whatsoever.
Partof the statement read: “The attention of Ariaria Stakeholders Forum (ASF) have been formally drawn to the unlawful and improper action taken by the Local Government Chairman of Aba North Local Government, Mr Timothy Kalu Iheke who used soldiers to illegally arrest and detain the Managing Director of Star Nkey Ventures Nig, Mr Benedict Elias, a duely appointed Revenue Agent of Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), regarding the revenue collection at Ariaria International Market, Aba, Abia State.
“The Local Government Chairman of Aba North, Mr Timothy Iheke had attempted to unlawfully assume control over the revenue collection operations at the Ariaria Market, which is under the jurisdiction and authority of the Abia State Government wherein the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) is saddled with the responsibility of revenue collection in the said market.
“The Local Government Chairman has no legal authority to interfere with or take control of the revenue collection process that falls under the remit of the State Government market.
“However, despite this, the LG Chairman Mr Iheke had unlawfully and wrongfully used soldiers who before now have been banned by the appreciate authorities from engaging in such illicit activities to unlawfully arrest without any warrant of arrest and illegally detain Mr. Benedict Elias without any detention order at Central Police Station (CPS) Umuahia for two days over false and baseless allegations.
“Mr Benedict Elias the Managing Director of Star Nkey Ventures Nig. a duly appointed and authorized Revenue Agent of the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service was falsely accused of impersonation and of being a fake revenue agent, charges that are entirely unfounded and baseless.
“We would like to emphasize that Mr. Benedict Elias was legally and duely appointed on 13 September 2024 to 31 January 2025 by the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service, BIRS, and was fully authorized to carry out revenue collection and enforcement duties at the Ariaria market which he stopped collection of any revenue at the expiration of the said contract with the state government.
“His appointment letter and identification as a state revenue agent, were in full compliance with the law and can be verified by the relevant authorities.
“The actions taken by the Local Government Chairman Mr Iheke and his unauthorized use of soldiers to arrest a legitimate state revenue agent are highly concerning and represent an overstep of authority.
“This interference not only disrupts the lawful revenue collection process but also undermines the authority of the State Executive Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti on which Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service is working for.
“The Board Chairman of BIRS had on many occasions warned Mr Timothy iheke to desist from harassing a Mr Benedict Elias and his team who are bonafide Abia State revenue agent in Ariaria market which is state owned but Iheke blatantly refused but rather threatened to deal with the Board Chairman for telling him to desist from working against the interest of the state government.
“As Stakeholders of Ariaria International Market which most of our members have been doing business in the market for over 40 years, we know Mr. Benedict Elias and he has never been involved in any form of illegality or any questionable acts. He is a man of integrity and uprightness.
“We respectfully request that an immediate investigation be initiated into the actions of the Local Government Chairman, Mr Timothy Iheke, and the use of soldiers in this unlawful arrest. Additionally, we ask that Mr. Benedict’s name be cleared and any wrongful actions against him be rectified.
“The relevant authorities at the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Service should be consulted to verify Mr. Benedict’s legitimate position and the legal framework governing revenue collection at the Ariaria market.
“We trust that a thorough investigation will be conducted and appropriate action taken to ensure that the Aba North Chairman, Mr Timothy Iheke is brought to book to account for the use of soldiers on an unarmed and law-abiding civilian Mr Benedict Elias.”
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