INFOPACKED

Benue Killings: A Nation in Mourning and a State Under Siege

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 04:42:00 +0000

🔥 The Yelewata Massacre:

A Grim Night to Remember In one of the deadliest attacks this year, armed assailants stormed Yelewata in Benue State between June 13th and 14th, leaving behind a trail of destruction, death, and despair.

Survivors recall the horror of waking up to flames and gunshots as the attackers set homes ablaze and slaughtered families in their sleep.

Death Toll: Estimates range from 100 to 150 people killed, with many bodies burnt beyond recognition.

Casualties: Many of the victims were displaced persons sheltering in a local marketplace.

Method of Attack: Coordinated night raids, arson, and close-range killings. This tragedy is not isolated. It adds to the long list of coordinated assaults that have turned Benue State into a perpetual mourning ground. ---

💣 A Pattern of Bloodshed: Earlier Attacks in 2025 Benue has witnessed a series of coordinated attacks throughout the year: April–May 2025: Over 40 people killed across Tyolaha, Aondona, and Ahume. February 2025: Dozens murdered in Gwer West and Otukpo. 2023–2025 Total: Amnesty International estimates over 6,800 people killed in Benue alone. These are not random incidents. They reflect a systemic problem—one rooted in land conflict, politics, religion, and a failing security structure. --- ⚖️ Root Causes of the Benue Conflict The violence in Benue is complex and deeply rooted in:

1. Farmer-Herder Clashes: Struggles over land, water, and grazing rights between mostly Christian farmers and Fulani herders.

2. Religious/Ethnic Tension: The divide between Christian Tiv communities and predominantly Muslim Fulani groups.

3. Climate Change: Desertification in the north is pushing herders south into farming regions.

4. Weak Security: Inconsistent enforcement of the Anti-Grazing Law and lack of proactive policing.

5. Political Allegations: Governor Alia has hinted at political elements fueling the violence for ulterior motives. --- 🚨 Government and Public Response President Bola Tinubu has publicly condemned the killings and is expected to visit Benue for the first time since assuming office. Governor Hyacinth Alia has described the violence as "coordinated" and "terrorist-like." Civil Society & Religious Bodies—including the Catholic Church, CAN, and NBA—are calling for immediate state police and federal action. Yet, locals say they feel abandoned. ---

The Human Cost Displacement: Over 3,000 people were displaced in just the Yelewata attack. Livelihoods Lost: Farms, food stores, and markets destroyed—crippling the economy of Nigeria’s “Food Basket.” Psycho-social Trauma: Women, children, and elderly persons are the worst hit—living in camps with no hope in sight. The humanitarian needs are urgent, and so is the need for justice. --- 🛠️ What Needs to Be Done Here are practical solutions that the government and stakeholders must consider:

1. Establish State Police: Community-based security systems are urgently needed.

2. Strengthen Anti-Grazing Enforcement: Laws must be respected and ranching must be encouraged.

3. Investigate & Prosecute: There must be a full probe into the attacks, especially alleged political sponsors.

4. Promote Dialogue: Use traditional and religious leaders to mediate and restore trust between farmers and herders.

5. Humanitarian Relief: Support displaced persons with shelter, food, and trauma care. --- ✊ Final Thoughts Benue’s story is Nigeria’s story—one of promise darkened by persistent bloodshed. The Yelewata massacre is not just another news headline; it is a cry for help. Every life lost is a national tragedy, and every day of silence is complicity. If Nigeria must truly be a place of peace and prosperity, then Benue must be protected. The time to act is now. --- 📢 What Can You Do? Share this post to raise awareness. Tag your lawmakers and demand action. Support NGOs working with internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue. Pray for peace, but also speak for justice.

Capital One Bank Review: A Comprehensive Overview

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Isibor) — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 08:10:00 +0000

Introduction:

Capital One is one of the largest and most well-known banks in the United States, with a history dating back to the mid-1990s. In this review, we will take a closer look at Capital One's services, fees, technology, customer service, security, and privacy, providing a comprehensive overview of what the bank has to offer.

Services and Products:

Capital One offers a variety of banking products, including checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit (CDs). Their checking accounts include the 360 Checking account, which offers no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements and includes free overdraft protection. Savings accounts include the 360 Savings account, which offers competitive interest rates and no monthly fees. Money market accounts and CDs also offer competitive interest rates and terms.

Fees and Rates:

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a bank is the fees and rates associated with their accounts. Capital One has some of the most competitive rates in the industry, especially for their savings accounts and CDs. Additionally, the 360 Checking account offers no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements, making it an affordable option for those who may not have a lot of money to deposit. However, like most banks, Capital One does charge fees for certain services, such as wire transfers and non-Capital One ATM usage.

Technology and Digital Banking:

One area where Capital One really shines is in their technology and digital banking capabilities. Their online and mobile banking platforms are user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it simple to access account information, transfer funds, and make payments. Additionally, their mobile app offers features like mobile check deposit and card lock to help prevent fraud.

Customer Service and Support:

Capital One has a reputation for providing excellent customer service, with multiple options for getting in touch with a representative, including phone, email, and live chat. They also have an extensive FAQ section on their website that covers many common questions and issues. Additionally, customer reviews and satisfaction ratings are generally positive.

Security and Privacy:

Capital One takes the security and privacy of their customers seriously, with measures like multi-factor authentication and fraud alerts in place to help prevent unauthorized access. While there have been a few security incidents in the past, such as the 2019 data breach that affected around 100 million customers, Capital One has taken steps to address these issues and improve their security measures.

Pros and Cons:

Overall, Capital One is a strong contender for those in search of a reliable and user-friendly bank. Some of the key advantages of banking with Capital One include their competitive interest rates, affordable checking account options, and excellent technology and customer service. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider as well, such as the fees associated with certain services and the occasional security incident.

Conclusion:

In summary, Capital One is a great choice for anyone looking for a bank with competitive rates, excellent technology, and top-notch customer service. While there are some potential downsides to consider, overall, Capital One is a strong contender in the banking industry and worth considering for your financial needs.

Different Types of Life Insurance and How to Choose a Life Insurance Policy

noreply@blogger.com (Simon Isibor) — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 10:59:00 +0000

Introduction

Life insurance is an essential part of financial planning. It provides a way to protect your loved ones in the event of your unexpected death. However, with so many different types of life insurance policies available, it can be difficult to know which one is the right fit for your needs. In this article, we will discuss the different types of life insurance policies available and provide tips on how to choose the right one.

Types of Life Insurance

Term Life Insurance:

Term life insurance is a type of life insurance that provides coverage for a specific period of time, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. This type of policy is typically the most affordable option and provides a straightforward way to protect your loved ones for a specific period. It's best suited for people who want coverage for a specific financial goal, such as paying off a mortgage or sending children to college.

Permanent Life Insurance:

Permanent life insurance is a type of policy that provides coverage for the entire lifetime of the policyholder. This type of policy is typically more expensive than term life insurance, but it provides a range of benefits, including lifelong coverage and the potential to accumulate cash value over time. There are several subtypes of permanent life insurance, including:

Whole Life Insurance: This type of policy provides a fixed premium and a guaranteed death benefit. It also includes a savings component that allows you to accumulate cash value over time.

Universal Life Insurance: This type of policy provides more flexibility than whole life insurance, allowing you to adjust your premium payments and death benefit as your needs change. It also includes a savings component that earns interest over time.

Variable Universal Life Insurance: This type of policy combines the flexibility of universal life insurance with the potential for investment gains through a variety of investment options. However, it also comes with more risk and volatility than other types of life insurance.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Life Insurance Policy

When choosing a life insurance policy, there are several factors to consider. These include:

Age: Younger people generally have lower insurance premiums, while older people may have more health issues that can impact the cost of insurance.
Health: Your health can also impact the cost of insurance. People with pre-existing conditions or a history of health issues may pay more for coverage.
Financial Goals: Your financial goals will also impact the type and amount of life insurance you need. For example, if you have dependents, you may need more coverage to provide for their needs in the event of your death.
Dependents: The number and age of your dependents will also impact the type and amount of life insurance you need. If you have young children, you may need more coverage to provide for their needs until they reach adulthood.

How to Choose the Right Life Insurance Policy

To choose the right life insurance policy, follow these steps:

Determine how much coverage you need based on your financial goals and dependents.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best price and coverage.
Look for a policy that offers the right balance of affordability, coverage, and flexibility for your needs.
Consider working with a financial advisor or insurance agent to help you navigate the process and find the best policy for your needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right life insurance policy can be a daunting task, but it's an essential part of protecting your loved ones and ensuring your financial future. By understanding the different types of life insurance policies available and considering the factors that impact your needs, you can find the right policy for your needs and budget. Remember to compare quotes from multiple insurers, and consider working with a professional to help you navigate the process and find the best policy for your unique situation.

FG: We Pay You N500m You Also Have To Pay us N500m For Eating Govt. Food While in DSS custody.

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 09:20:00 +0000

Some traces of Waco has been expressed by FG. As they ask Nnamdi Kanu to get ready to also pay them N500m for eating their food while in DSS Custody.

Nnamdi Kanu who has been in DSS Custody for months, after being unlawfully abducted by Nigerian Govt. From Kenya, emarged victorious against Nigerian Govt few weeks ago and since then, he has unlawfully been kept in the Custody without freedom.

Nnamdi Kanu filed for damages and the court has asked federal government of Nigeria to pay him N500m for the damages. Govt. On the own side are hilariously requesting that Nnamdi Kanu pay them N500m also for eating their food while in DSS Custody.

This is so funny and disgraceful coming for a government of a country like Nigeria.

Breaking News: Living Faith Church pastor collapses, dies in Church

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 23:40:00 +0000

Pastor Fred Attabo, Resident Pastor of Living Faith Church, Lokongoma, Lokoja, and the pastor in charge of Kogi have died.

Attabo recently coordinated the distribution of relief materials sent to Kogi state flood victims by the founding father of the church, Bishop David Oyedepo.

According to a source, the pastor was found dead on a chair in his workplace after the morning sports in the church.

The clergyman was reportedly said to be active earlier in the day.

Tinubu Taunt Atiku: I won’t be a part-time president shuttling Dubai, Nigeria

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 22:54:00 +0000

Tinubu and Atiku

Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, took an indirect swipe at his counterpart in the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar while wooing the electorate in Kano State.

The former Lagos governor who vowed to devote 100 per cent of his time and energy to serving Nigerians if elected, however, stated that he would not be a part-time president that would spend 50 per cent of his time ruling the country from Dubai.

Recall Atiku is infamous for spending most of his time in Dubai.

The aforesaid remark was obtained in a statement released in Abuja by Tinubu’s Media Officer, Tunde Rahman, shortly after his (Tinubu) interactive session with members of the popular Tijjaniyyah sect in Kano.

The statement reads, “I won’t be a part-time President who will share time between living in Dubai and Nigeria. I would concentrate attention and energy on confronting and surmounting Nigeria’s pressing challenges.”

In attendance at the session held inside Kano Government House were his running mate, Kashim Shettima, and at least six Progressive Governors like Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Bello Matawalle (Zamfara), Babajide Sanwo-olu (Lagos), former APC Interim Chairman, Bisi Akande and some of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) members.

Members of the Tijjaniyyah sect led by leader, Sheikh Bashir Tijjani Usman Zangon Bareebah, presented a long list of issues, during the meeting, the sect wants the APC presidential candidate to address when he gets to office.

Top on the list includes improved electricity, full security, giving agriculture full attention including provision and completion of dams and improved quality education for Nigerians.

Responding, Tinubu argued that the answers to some of the demands were contained in his manifesto that has been unfolded to the whole world last week by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He stressed that he is running to be president because of his commitment to better the lives of all Nigerians.

While assuring the northern business leaders of better business environment with well-thought-out policies that will revitalise industries and open up new opportunities, Tinubu identified the link between Kano as a centre of commerce and his economic plan for Nigeria.

He said: “I promise to devote 100 per cent of my time and energy to serving Nigeria. You will have it better with me, not 50 per cent in Dubai in the United Arab Emirate, 50 per cent in Nigeria.”

“There is a strong nexus between the place of Kano as a centre of prosperity and my plan for Nigeria. What I pledge is a revamped economy which will renew the hope of our people. Our country needs multiple centres of prosperity, and we intend to achieve that by adding value across all sectors of our economy.

“As I said during my speech at the Arewa House, Nigeria is sitting on a goldmine. There is no state in Nigeria that is lacking in one resources or the other. We are determined to explore and exploit these resources to the maximum benefits of our people.

“Kano, for example, has huge agricultural potentials and important mineral resources underneath its ground like gold, silver, nickel, tin ore and columbite. Each of these, if properly harnessed, can add significantly to our economy as a country.

The APC flagbearer added that Kano’s arable land and its comparative advantage in agriculture will be further expanded to make the state and northern region industrial hubs in sub-Saharan Africa.

“The state’s vast arable land and other agricultural potentials, if added to its population will make Kano a force to reckon with in sub-saharan African agro-market. Those who listen to my speech in Kaduna would have heard about my plan for agriculture.

“Aside working with the private sector to make input available that would guarantee greater yield, among other incentives, we will ensure all categories of farmers have easy access to finance through appropriate government and private sector initiatives.

“We have seen the wonders from the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers Programme, and the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative. We will consolidate on those gains. Kano’s famous dams such Tiga, Chalawa Gorge, Thomas, Kusalla, etc that are not being maximally tapped will get special attention from my government.

“We will invest in the expansion of irrigation land, channelization of the water, among other initiatives that will ensure we cultivate these lands all year round.

“We will not stop in investing and boosting our agricultural potentials, we will add value throughout the value chain.

Through Commodity Exchange markets, we will link markets like Dawanau in Kano and Gujungu in Jigawa with international markets and boost return on investment for our farmers.

“The overall aim is to move the nation from import oriented to export-oriented economy where grains from Kano will be exported to the world market rather than us buying from other countries.

“I know of the commercial exploits of some of you, traders and businessmen in Kwari Textile Market, Sabongari Market, Singer Market and the famous grain market in Dawanau which transacts with the rest of West Africa. These commercial activities alone can provide the state with enough IGR to maintain itself with the right support and policies.

“Beyond trading and commerce, I have a special interest in addressing the problem of the dead or comatose Kano industrial estates in Sharada, Bompai, Panshekara, Jogana, etc, which were vibrant in 70s and 80s. We understand the reason why those companies collapsed and we have a plan to revive them and make them competitive.

“We will provide incentives for industrial development nationwide through institutions like the Bank of Industry. There will be a deliberate policy to create industrial hubs and free zones specific to every region. For Kano, we will give attention to agro-allied industries such as textiles, tomato paste, rice processing, animal feeds, etc, in line with the state’s competitive advantages,” he promised.

The flamingos of Nigeria Beat USA Teens 4-3 On penalties to Book a place in Semi Final

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 15:22:00 +0000

The Flamingos of Nigeria move on in the ongoing un

der 17 world cup in India after beating the United States of America 4-3 on penalties. nigerian flamingos start on a positive note in the first half with a well taken penalty by Edafe, At the 40min. Mark, the united state teens replied back well and were on levels terms with the flamingos of Nigeria.

The match ended 1 all which resulted in a penalty shoot out.

BREAKING: Obi Is The Right Man To Fix Nigeria

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 02:44:00 +0000

Governor Ortom.

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, has emphasized deeply his call for the presidential candidates of the major political parties, to rally behind the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, who he described as a noble man in all ramifications of life, tested and trusted, and has the needed integrity, character and capacity to fix the nation.

Ortom made the call when Obi visited him to commiserate with him over the destruction of lives and means of livelihood, by the recent floods which swept through Benue and some other states in Nigeria. He lamented that Nigeria was surviving on life support and needs a true leader who can turn things around for the nation. He said that if the people did not live above ethnic, tribal and partisan sentiments, they would not be able to vote in the true leader who is most qualified to lead the nation.

“Nigeria is sick and surviving on oxygen. The country is on life support and everything is in disarray. Let us therefore put aside partisanship and join hands to salvage the country. I have said before and I am repeating this again, we must look at the 3 major candidates and see who has the capacity to deliver this country and make things work. Let us be frank with ourselves because we are toying with the future of 200 million people.Nigeria deserves a better leadership that is proactive, foresighted and visionary and Obi is that man.”

What is your thought?

Peter Obi Outlines His Plan For The North

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 23:25:00 +0000

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Monday outlined some of his plans for the Northern region if elected next year.

Mr Obi made the revelations during his talk at the Arewa Joint Committee Interactive Session in Kaduna.

He noted that improving security, agriculture and education will be some of his top targets for the region.

“We will offer immediate and decisive long-lasting and permanent-effect resolution of all security challenges in the North,” he said

“Ensure that farmers return to all farmlands for the 2023 farming Season. We will make Nigeria’s arable land in the North her new oil and gold;

“As part of our Marshall Plan for Education, we will foster Federal intervention in education at all levels in the North and partnership with State Governments and international organizations in order to improve access to affordable and quality education at all levels.”

He added that his administration will “ensure very adequate representation in government, equitable appointments especially in the Security and Economic Sectors.”

Mr Obi noted that he will also work on reviving the “moribund cotton and textile industries” and “ensure very generous deployment and allocation of economic and social projects and infrastructure in the North.”

Read Mr Obi’s full speech below:

It is an honour to return to the City of Kaduna and to participate in the Arewa Joint Committee Interactive Session, and rub minds on some fundamental issues germane to the future of Nigeria.

I thank the leadership and stakeholders of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation for their gracious invitation.

I wish to preface my remarks by setting out our mission and vision. We are all Nigerians. I am a Nigerian running for the Nigerian Presidency to serve every Nigerian. I continue to insist on a show of respect for every candidate, ethnicity, religion and person.

The mission and vision of the incoming Obi-Datti Administration is to give full expression to our democracy by moving our country from consumption to production; we shall achieve this by giving primacy to implementing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Our dear country today has become a shadow of itself. Indeed, there is evidence that Nigeria exhibits two known indices of a failed state; parlous economy and loss of territory and emergence of ungoverned spaces.

The purpose of politics and governance is to generate economic and social progress for the citizens in larger freedom. But the status quo is the reverse. This is more so here in the North, where poverty, unemployment and insecurity are the new normal.

The North has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world. It has highest number of school kidnappings in the world. The North also has the highest number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.

The vast agricultural lands of the north -the so-called food basket of the nation stand desolate and abandoned. This situation is painful and needs to be fixed. Great nations are built through visionary policies, programmes and projects, anchored on the people.

This was always the hope and wishes for Nigeria by our founding fathers. Sadly, things changed. Our leaders became selfish, myopic and stopped listening and caring for the common man. Bad leadership, divisive rhetoric, and impunity became the norm.

Nigerians have suffered; they have lost jobs, and lost their farms and herds and their trust in our leaders. That narrative must change.

The Nigerian people want solutions to the many problems confronting them. After all economic prosperity for all is an all important aspect of a successful leadership, there is hope. We know this for sure. A new Nigeria is Possible.

But we must return to dreams of our founding fathers to create an egalitarian society. The Nigeria we seek will be a United and Secure Nigeria that symbolizes the spirit, letters, and exhorting ethos of our national anthem – “one nation bound in freedom,

peace and unity” where “peace and justice shall reign.” As we seek to come to power in May 2023, we are aware of the daunting array of domestic and external challenges confronting our dear nation, and we are fully prepared to lead from the front.

We are cognizant of the domestic policy challenges that have accumulated over time; and that the lack of adequate public policy responses has made them worse, with a devastating impact on national unity, social cohesion, public trust in government, and economic performance. We have a grasp of prevailing challenges.

Nigeria’s needs and unmet needs are very huge. Yet hunger, insecurity, poverty and deprivation know no tribe, religion or gender.

With all sense of urgency, we will, pursue aggressively policies programmes and projects to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of all the sectors of the Nigerian economy.

For the North we will do the following:

a, We will offer immediate and decisive long-lasting and permanent-effect resolution of all security challenges in the North;

b, Ensure that farmers return to all farmlands for the 2023 farming Season. We will make Nigeria’s arable land in the North her new oil and gold;

c, As part of our Marshall Plan for Education, we will foster Federal intervention in education at all levels in the North and partnership with State Governments and international organizations in order to improve access to affordable and quality education at all levels;

d, Ensure very adequate representation in government, equitable appointments especially in the Security and Economic Sectors;

e, Incentivize the resuscitation of the moribund cotton and textile industries; and full exploration of the cattle economy value chain, notably the $75b global hide and skin economy. Nigeria’s share of the global industry is envisaged to generate over $1bn by 2025; and finally,

f, We will ensure very generous deployment and allocation of economic and social projects and infrastructure in the North – with keen attention to Roads, Energy, Power, and Dams- and Solar energy from Sunlight.

In closing, let me say this on record. I have come in peace to develop, to secure, and to unite, and I will do so with every commitment to the growth of Nigeria, as one great and united country.

We shall pay as much attention to the development of the North as to the development of all other parts of the country; but with much greater emphasis on the development of the Agricultural resources.

The North remains where the biggest ad sustainable wealth of this great Nation lies.

If elected President, I shall govern with the fear of God and with all good conscience and intent. The Constitution and the rule of law will always prevail. I thank you for your kind attention. May Almighty God bless you all and bless Nigeria. – PO

Breaking: APC Government To Leave N 39.12 Trillion For Successor

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 23:21:00 +0000

Buhari to leave N39.12trillion naira For his successor. The PUNCH newspaper has it on front page that the current president of Nigeria is to vacate officer after his tenure with a whooping debt for his successor.

This is the greatest leadership failure of all time. Are you kidding me?.

How on Earth did Nigeria get to this level of electing gradeA incompetence for a president

How to Make Money with Google Adsense

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 22:14:00 +0000

Google Adsense is an advertising service that allows publishers to earn revenue from their online content. It’s an easy way to make money and is perfect for bloggers who are looking to monetize their content. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make money with Google Adsense. We will go over the basics of the program, how to set up your account, and how to monetize your content. At the end, I recommend some of the best places to start monetizing your content, as well as some of the best blogs to follow for inspiration.

1. What is Google Adsense?

Google Adsense is a free service that allows website owners to earn money from advertising their website. To make money with Google Adsense, you will need to create a few pages on your website and fill them with ads. You will then need to place the ads on your website and earn money on each click. To sign up for Google Adsense, you will need to create an account on the Google Adsense website. You can also sign up for other ad networks, like Chitika, and earn money from those websites.

2. How to set up your account

Google Adsense is a popular advertising service that enables publishers to display ads on their websites. It is free to sign up for the service and it is easy to set up. Google Adsense is one of the most popular ways to make money through the internet. It is a great way to monetize your website and earn income. If you are new to the advertising world, Google Adsense is a great place to start. Google Adsense offers a wide variety of advertising options, including text ads, display ads, and mobile ads. With Google Adsense, you can choose to display ads on your website, blog, or mobile app.

3. How to monetize your content

Google Adsense is a great way to generate income from your website. It's easy to set up and is a great way to monetize your website. You can also try using Google Adwords to help optimize your website. Google Adsense is a great way to make money, it's free to sign up, and it's easy to set up.

4. Conclusion.

In this guide, we've discussed how to make money with Google Adsense. We've covered the basics of how to sign up for Google Adsense, how to make money with it, and how to market your website. We've also discussed how to optimize your website for SEO, how to create pages for every important keyword you want to rank for, and how to link your content pages to your best content pages. Remember that the more pages you have, the more likely your website ranks. Finally, we've talked about how to create new furniture out of old furniture and how to use Google Adsense to make money.

Flamingos hand new NFF Board first World Cup victory

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 06:23:00 +0000

The Flamingos celebrate after their victory against New Zealand… yesterday

•Thrash New Zealand 4-0

•Germany Overrun Chile 6-0

After failing to beat Germany in their first group match at the ongoing FIFA U-17 women’s World Cup in India, Nigeria’s Flamingos got their campaign back on track yesterday with a comfortable 4-0 victory against New Zealand in their second Group B game.

On Tuesday, the Flamingos went down 1-2 to Germany in their group opener, but the girls vented their anger on Chile yesterday and secured victory through the efforts of Amina Bello, Miracle Usani in the first half, while Taiwo Afolabi and Etim Edidiong added two goals in the second half.

The Flamingos, cheered by the new NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, took the lead in the 16 minutes through Bello, who headed in a cross from Tumininu Adeshina.

And in the 34th minute, Usani made it 2-0 before Afolabi added the third goal with 15 minutes left. In the 90th minute, Edidiong registered the fourth goal to give the Gusau-led NFF board its first international victory since the September elective congress in Benin City, Edo State.

Gusau and undisclosed number of NFF officials were said to have left for India to cheer the girls after their inaugural board meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

Gusau had charged the players on Thursday to do everything possible to beat New Zealand. The victory yesterday restored Nigeria’s hope of making it to the next round of the World Cup.

The Flamingos will face Chile on Monday in their final group game.

Germany thrashed Chile 6-0 in the second match yesterday to remain top of the group.

Obasanjo gives up seat for Peter Obi at event

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 18:39:00 +0000

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was the centre of attraction at an event after he offered his seat to Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The dramatic incident took place at an event organised to celebrate the national award given to the President of the African Export-Import Bank, Prof. Benedict Oramah.

In a viral video, the former president was seen calling up Obi who was sitting at table nine, and then leading him to table one.

The switch was greeted with applause by the audience in attendance.

As he went forward to pick the former Anambra State governor from his former seat, Obasanjo said, “In the presence of Nigerians”.

After leading Obi to table one, he declared, “My job is done”.

It will be recalled that Obasanjo is yet to endorse a presidential candidate for the forthcoming poll with speculations wide that Obi might be his preferred candidate.

Prior to the event, the Labour Party flagbearer has been involved in a series of closed-door meetings with the former president.

Obasanjo also took part in Obi’s meeting with Governor Nyesom Wike and his group in London recently.

BREAKING: ASUU suspends strike after eight months.

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 05:11:00 +0000

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has suspended its eight month old strike, INFOPACKED can authoritatively confirm.

Though the union is yet to make an official pronouncement, our correspondent gathered that the decision was taken at the end of the National Executive Council meeting which was held at the ASUU secretariat in Abuja.

Speaking with our correspondent, a highly informed source within the NEC said, “Yes, it has been called off”.

When asked for more details, the source said, “the president will release an official circular in the morning”.

Detail Soon....

Breaking: Appeal Court acquits Nnamdi Kanu, Renders FG’s charges null and void

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 18:01:00 +0000

The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Thursday, quashed the terrorism charge the Federal Government preferred against the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

It discharged and acquitted him of the seven-count charge pending against him before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The appellate court, in a decision by a three-man panel led by Justice Jummai Hanatu, said it was satisfied that FG flagrantly violated the law, when it forcefully rendered Kanu from Kenya to the country for the continuation of his trial.

It held that such extra-ordinary rendition, without adherence to due process of the law, was a gross violation of all international conventions, protocols and guidelines that Nigeria is signatory to, as well as a breach of the Appellant’s fundamental human rights.

The appellate court noted that FG failed to refute the allegation that the IPOB leader was in Kenya and that he was abducted and brought back to the country without any extradition proceeding.

It held that FG was “ominously silent on the issue” which it described as very pivotal in determining whether the trial court would still have the jurisdiction to continue with the criminal proceeding before it.

“In law, that is a costly failure and such failure is an admittance by the Respondent.

“Where a party fails to controvert a deposition by an opponent, the issue not contested is deemed conceded”, the court held, adding that the onus was on FG to prove the legality of the Appellant’s arrest and return from Kenya.

More so, the court noted that Nigeria is a signatory to OAU Convention which it ratified on April 28, 2022, as well as the Charter of Human and Peoples Rights, which it said prescribed how a wanted person could be transferred from one country to the other.

It held that any extradition request must be in writing, with a statement indicating offences for which a person is wanted.

The appellate court held that FG’s action tainted the entire proceeding it initiated against Kanu and amounted to “an abuse of criminal prosecution in general”.

“The court will never shy away from calling the Executive to order when it tilts towards Executive recklessness”, the Appellate court held, even as it accused FG of engaging in “serious abuse of power”.

Nevertheless, the appellate court said it would be pre-judicial for it to make an order on the proscription of IPOB since the issue is still on appeal.

It held that the proscription order by the lower court would subsist until it is set-aside.

Nollywood Superstar Appointed As The Spokesman Of Peter Obi Campaign Council

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 11:45:00 +0000

“Thanks to God,” Kenneth Okonkwo Says on His Appointment As the Spokesman of Peter Obi’s Campaign Council.

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Popular Nollywood actor Kenneth Okonkwo who recently decamped from the ruling APC to join the Labour Party, has been given a juicy appointment on the campaign council of Peter Obi The veteran, in a message shared on his social media handle, gave thanks to the almighty God for being appointed as the spokesperson of the Peter Obi Presidential campaign council He also begged and prayed for the continued support shown so far to the Obidient movement not to dwindle but rather grow more.

The Nollywood actor Kenneth Okonkwo seems to be the man of the moment as he takes to his social media pages to give thanks to the almighty after he was appointed as the spokesperson of the Peter Obi Presidential campaign council. An official list of names was released on Wednesday, October 13, 2022, and some notable celebrity names were seen on the Labour Party Presidential campaign council.

Mo Salah Give Harvey Elliott A Heartwarming Hug as the young star Nervously wait for VAR to confirm first champions League goal.

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 23:06:00 +0000

Harvey Elliott had a goal initially chalked off for offside against Rangers

It was a tight call, and VAR intervened to look at whether the goal should stand

Elliott received a hug from Mohamed Salah as he waited for the VAR decision

The original decision was overturned, giving Elliott his first European goal

Harvey Elliott had a nervous wait to find out if he'd scored his first Champions League goal against Rangers on Wednesday, but he had his Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah on hand to comfort him.

After a closely-fought first half which saw Roberto Firmino cancel out Scott Arfield's opener, Jurgen Klopp's side ran riot in the second half with Firmino adding his second before Darwin Nunez found the net and Mohamed Salah scored a hat-trick in less than six minutes.

With the clock ticking down, Elliott put the ball in the net, but his strike was initially ruled out for offside.

Harvey Elliott scored late on, but had his strike originally disallowed for offside

While he waited for VAR to check the goal, he received a hug from Mohamed Salah

It immediately looked like a tight call, and VAR started to check whether the goal should stand or not.

Despite the result being beyond doubt, Elliott was clearly eager to get off the mark in Europe's biggest club competition, and he looked up anxiously at the big screen for the best part of a minute as he waited for the final verdict from VAR.

Salah was equally keen for the teenager to get on the scoresheet and gave him a big hug as the pair shared a heartwarming moment.

They both had smiles on their faces, seemingly optimistic that the goal would eventually be given, and it was finally awarded to cap off a dominant 7-1 win for the Reds.

Henderson

Elliott's goal was finally given, and the teenager wheeled away to celebrate with the away fans

As the decision was confirmed, Salah jumped on Elliott's back, while the youngster ran over to celebrate in front of the away fans.

Elliott scored his first Premier League goal earlier this season in Liverpool's 9-0 rout of Bournemouth, and he has now registered his first strike in Europe.

The creative midfielder has been one of Liverpool's bright sparks in an otherwise disappointing start to the campaign for the team, and he impressed again at Ibrox.

He could now be pushing for a starting berth when Liverpool return to league action against defending champions Manchester City on Sunday.

EXCLUSIVE: Camilla may not be able to wear the Queen Mother's Crown at the coronation to avoid upsetting India and other nations because it contains the controversial 105-carat Koh-i-Noor diamond

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 22:34:00 +0000

yesterday that further details about the coronation – which will incorporate a mix of the traditional and the modern – would be announced in due course.

But the issue of regalia – particularly the Queen Consort's crown – is likely to prove a sticking point.

Queen Elizabeth (pictured here with the late Queen, her sister Margaret and King George VI) wore the crown without its arches at the State Openings of Parliament during the reign of King George VI, and again at the coronation of her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953

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The Koh-i-Noor diamond: A priceless gifted gem at the center of one of the world's most famous crowns - and an international row

The Koh-i-Noor, translated from Persian to English as the 'Mountain of Light, is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world.

It weighs an astonishing 21g (105carats). However it is significantly smaller than the world's largest cut diamond, the Cullinan I, also one of the famed Crown Jewels, which is mounted on the Sovereign's Scepter, which weighs 530.4 carats (106.08 g).

Though there is no official record of its original weight, the Koh-i-Noor may have weighed as much as 38.2g (186 carats), before it was cut, according to well-attested reports.

It is impossible to know exactly where the diamond came from, although there is no doubt that it was panned in India. The earliest reference appears to relate to a powerful Mughal ruler in 1628.

The first verifiable report of the diamond, however, comes from the 1740s when it was noted as being one of many stones on the Mughal Peacock Throne, which was looted by the Iranian Afsharid leader Nader Shah from Delhi.

It returned to India in 1813 and become a potent symbol of power until it was acquired by Britain in 1849.

The diamond was given to Queen Victoria in 1855 by 10 year-old Duleep Singh, the last emperor of the Sikhs.

Although much has been made of the fact that it was 'given' to this country, critics point out that this was only after the mother of the ten-year old heir to the Punjabi throne was held prisoner and he was forced to sign it away.

It then became a special possession of Queen Victoria and displayed at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London.

However, British people were reportedly unimpressed by the gem. 'Many people find a difficulty in bringing themselves to believe, from its external appearance, that it is anything but a piece of common glass,' wrote the Times in 1851.

Since then it has become part of the Crown Jewels, and a point of dispute between the UK, India – as well as several other nations – ever since.

William Dalrymple, who co-wrote Koh-i-Noor: The History of the World's Most Infamous Diamond with colleague Anita Anand said: 'It is not a small sensitive issue in the eyes of India. It is a massive diplomatic grenade.'

'One of the reasons we wrote our book was that we don't believe anyone in this country has the slightest conception of how much it matters in India. For people here it is the name of an Indian restaurant or a brand of pencils or maybe something they have seen on a school trip to the Tower of London.'

holiday one week later to Monday May 8.

Some have even called for an extra bank holiday on top of the eight that are already scheduled for next year – those being January 2, April 7, April 10, May 1, May 29, August 28, December 25 and December 28.

Labour today said moving the early May day off would be a 'good idea', while Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg said a bank holiday would be 'appropriate' to mark the 'splendid historic' event.

No10 said the Government was 'carefully considering' the issue amid the clamour for a three-day weekend to celebrate the Coronation.

INTERVIEW: Obi Nailed APC and PDP Disclose How To Tackle Nigerian Numerous Issues If Given The Mandate

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 11:08:00 +0000

Presidency: APC, PDP Nailed as BBC Interviews Peter Obi

Peter Obi has pointed out that one of the biggest problems Nigeria is currently facing is insecurity The Labour Party's presidential candidate made this disclosure on Tuesday, October 11, during a BBC interview *Obi* stated that if given the mandate in 2023, he will establish a responsible and responsive security architecture. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), in a BBC interview on Tuesday, October 11, spoke on the number one priority of Nigeria amid preparations for the 2023 general elections. Insecurity.

During the interview anchored by BBC's Peter Okwoche, Obi stated that Nigeria's first major issue which is crying for practical address is security. Obi Nigeria's biggest problem is insecurity Source: Original For the former Anambra governor, security affects so much of the country's national life, which is why he said he will put in place a responsible and responsible architecture if Nigerians give him the mandate in 2023.

He noted that if the country is secured, farmers will return to their farmlands and this will solve two problems: overcome food inflation and increase Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Obi said: "If you deal with it [security] today, you deal with inflation because farmers would go back to farms and that would reduce food inflation." Political structure Asked how he plans to win the coming presidential election without a 'structure', considering that no one from his party has any elective positive anywhere in Nigeria, Obi said citizens should pay attention to what brought the country to where it is now. In Obi's view, Nigeria's current condition is the cumulative effect of bad leadership over the years by the same people who are in office today.

campaign chairman says Obi disclosed that he plans to remove the structure that has plunged Nigeria into poverty, insecurity, doom, and international disgrace. His words: "The structure that has kept us where we are, the structure that has produced the highest number of people in poverty in any country, the structure that has produced the highest number of out-of-school children, that is the structure we want to remove."

Peter Obi speaks to CNN, reveals his plans for Nigerians Meanwhile, Obi explained what he plans to do to take Nigeria out of its current economic state. The presidential candidate of the Labour Party made the explanation while speaking in an interview with Zain Asher on CNN. The former Anambra state governor said the first thing he plans to do is to put security in place.

The Pride Of London Cruise past AC Milan With A 2-0 Win

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 22:49:00 +0000

Chelsea FC made it two wins over AC Milan in less than a week after defeating the Rossoneri 2-0 at the San Siro on Tuesday.

Chelsea were dominant from start to finish as AC Milan had to play majority of the game one man down as former Chelsea man Fikayo Tomori got sent off in the 18th minute.

Italy midfielder Jorginho made no mistake to convert the resultant penalty, and Chelsea pressed home their advantage with a second goal not long after: Aubameyang scoring for the third game running after a sweet move orchestrated by Kovacic and Mount.

Chelsea maintained the pressure up in the second half, and created multiple chances but could not convert any to add to the lead.

The match at the other side between Salsburg and Dynamo Zagreb ended 1 all. Meaning that Chelsea are now at the top of the table with 7 points while Salsburg are in the second position with 7 points.

The win sees Chelsea climb to the top of the table with a point ahead of Salzburg.

Milan are placed third after suffering two consecutive defeats to the Blues, but have a fighting chance to making it to the next round for the first time since 2013-14 season.

Tompolo Intercepts Massive Vessel Loaded With Illegal Crude Oil in Delta State

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 02:24:00 +0000

The pipeline surveillance contract recently awarded to Tantita Security Services Limited by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to assist curb oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the country, appears to be yielding targeted results.

Tantita Security Personnel on Thursday, October 7, 2022 successfully arrested a crude oil tanker, MT Deinmo, with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) number 7210526, loaded with an unspecified quantity of crude oil at the Escravos River in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta state.

In addition to the ship, eight (8) crew members were also apprehended by the Tantita Security personnel.

Tantita Security Services Limited is an organization owned by High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation and leader of the defunct Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND).

One of the security personnel who was part of the operation told GbaramatuVoice that, they got a tip off that a ship was loading at the Escravos axis. The security personnel went to the place and got the ship arrested. The Tantita security expert further added that he was offered a bribe of N25m to let the ship go but he turned down the offer.

On the capacity of the ship, he explained that the ship is 1,500 metric tons and had on board eight all Nigerian crew members.

While noting that the captain confessed that they came in from Lagos and that if they were not arrested, the ship would have sailed back to Lagos.

Meanwhile, we understand that the intercepted ship has been handed over to the Nigerian Navy on Saturday.

It would be recalled that team of Tantita Security Services led by its Managing Director, Engr. Kestin Pondi, on Friday, took security operatives and oil industry leaders, including Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Mallam Mele Kyari, among others to site of the discovered illegal oil pipeline deftly plugged into the Trans-Escravos pipeline.

Cristiano Ronaldo Become The First Player to Score 700 Club Goals.

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:47:00 +0000

Cristiano Ronaldo has reached another historic landmark in his career by scoring his 700th club goal to seal Manchester United’s comeback win over Everton.

The 37-year-old Portuguese forward becomes the first and only player to score seven times a hundred goals in football history.

Having started his career in 2002, 700 goals means Ronaldo has averaged 35 goals a season.

He scored his 144th goal for Manchester United in his two spells at the club, He scored a record 450 goals for Real Madrid, 101 for Juventus, and five(5) for Sporting Lisbon.

Ronaldo is also the highest goalscorer in International competitions as his record 117 goals for the Portuguese national team added to 700 club goals make him the official top goalscorer in football history with a record tally of 817 career goals.

Ronaldo started the match against Everton from the bench but came on for injured Anthony Martial in the 29th minute.

And 15 minutes later, Ronaldo scored Manchester United 2nd goal to complete a comeback win for the team.

Meet The Woman Who Has Not Cut Her Nail For 25 years.

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 13:53:00 +0000

A woman whose name is Diana has revealed that she has not cut her nails for the past 25 years.

Classy wears

Diana claims she has to quit her job to focus on growing her nails, which now measure a whopping 42ft and ten inches collectively. That’s the length of a school bus.

The Minnesota woman has now broken the world record for the longest nails.

According to Metro UK, she says she struggles to zip up her jeans or open cans.

Diana Armstrong, 64, also can’t use public bathrooms because her long talons don’t fit in the stalls.

The record breaker hasn’t cut her nails for a quarter of a century, last trimming them in 1997.

When her daughter tragically died from an asthma attack at age 16, she vowed to never cut her claws again.

The teen would manicure Diana’s nails every weekend, so after her sudden loss, the grieving mother couldn’t bring herself to let anyone else take care of them.

Diana claims she even quit her job to focus on growing her nails, which now measure a whopping 42ft and ten inches collectively. That’s the length of a school bus.

Her longest nail is her right thumbnail, which reaches a lengthy four foot and six inches.

Taking care of her nails is no small task and if Diana feels like even adding a coat of polish can get pretty time consuming.

She told Guinness that it takes between four to five hours to paint her talons using 15-20 bottles of nail polish, not to mention the woodwork tool she needs to file them.

‘I haven’t been to a nail salon in about 22 years. When they see me coming, they’d be like, “Oh no”,’ Diana joked.

While Diana loves her long nails, they come with their downsides, including struggling to open the fridge door and no longer being able to drive because her nails don’t fit in the car.

The record-breaker also struggles to pick things up off the floor.

‘If I have to pick up money off the floor, I can pick up bills, but if I drop change on the floor, that will just stay down there,’ she told Guinness, adding that she often uses her feet to grab things.

‘I can pop open a can of soda but I need a knife. I drove a car but had to stick my hand out the window, so I don’t drive anymore,’ she said in an interview with Daily Star.

‘And in public restrooms, I need to use the biggest stall – my nails are usually longer than the regular-sized stalls.’

While her children didn’t understand her decision to grow them out at first, they soon became accepting of her long nails.

‘When she told us the back story, it kind of changed my feelings towards it,’ Diana’s daughter, Rania, explained.

‘Because just as much as she missed my sister, I missed her too. So, if that’s her way of holding on to her, then I accept.’

Diana added: ‘I think she [Latisha] would be proud of me because she’s the last one who did my nails.

‘That’s who I think of when I grow my nails, is my daughter.’

Diana is used to getting stares when out in public, and said people often ask her if they can take pictures of her impressive nails.

She used to be self-conscious about the attention she received but is now comfortable with her nails.

‘The story behind her record is as fascinating as it is heartbreaking, and Diana’s determination to honor her daughter’s legacy in her unique way is inspiring,’ Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday said.

‘Family means everything for Diana, and she’s lucky to have gathered around her a wonderful support network… which is what you need when each of your fingernails is longer than a ski pole.’

Texas woman Ayanna Williams used to hold the world record, but decided to cut her nails off last year after growing them out for three decades.

But Diana insisted she’s never getting rid of hers. She added: ‘My nails are a part of me. I can’t ever imagine cutting them off.

Labour Party One Million March In Ika Land

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 01:17:00 +0000

There was a huge turn out today 9/10/2022 as the Obidient faithfuls took to the major streets In Ika Land, Delta State. To mark the Labour Party 1m March rally.

Over %75 youths of the area joined in the hugely successful rally in support of the Labour Party Presidential candidate; Mr. Peter Obi

He is hugely respected among Nigerian youths who are tired of the state of the nation. Majority of them have been beating, broken and battered by the repulsive leadership of the country for over 16 years.

The country has seen nothing short of chaos, anarchy, Insecurity, hunger and untold hardship. Many Nigerians are no longer having trust over the two major political parties; APC and PDP. Hence they are seriously in need of a Messiah. Who has a proven track record of equity and fairness in Leadership, one who can take Nigeria to the promised Land.

They have found such leader in Mr. Peter Obi. 2023 Election would definitely be a very interesting one with the wave of the Obi-dati movement. Who are seriously covering a huge space in the political strata of Nigeria.

INTERVIEW: What I Will Do If Elected President

noreply@blogger.com (Infopacked) — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 08:46:00 +0000

INTERVIEW

What I will do if elected President—Peter Obi

October 8, 2022

Unveils plans on insecurity, oil theft, economy, corruption

Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi has unveiled his policy thrust if elected President of Nigeria in 2023.

Obi, who is in United States of America in continuation of his international consultations with the Diasporas, gave a vivid picture of what his government would do in all critical areas, including his top three priorities, if elected to office.

Below are details of the Questions and Answers that gave copious insight into what governance will look like in Nigeria if Obi is elected Nigeria President in 2023.

How do you see yourself making a difference in Nigeria?

We will offer a new brand of transformative and purposeful leadership. Nigeria is not bereft of good governance ideas and plans. However, a combination of institutional weaknesses and lack of political will, meant that various policies and strategies are poorly implemented leading to poor outcomes for the people. Hence, the overall goal of my administration shall be to streamline governance, make it more responsive, transformative, effective, less transactional, and therefore efficient and cost-effective.

What kind of leadership do you hope to provide Nigerians?

Thinking through 2023 and beyond, we must think seriously about a leadership that is imbued with competence, capacity, credibility and commitment. Accordingly, we will pursue intangible assets of good governance, rule of law, security of lives and properties; we will ensure that we have these assets in place and stress asset optimization.

Africa has looked to Nigeria for leadership but has found it absent and wanting. What would you do to restore leadership?

Our foreign policy has always been Afrocentric. So, Africa will remain the centre-piece of our foreign policy. We will strike a strategic balance that allows us to promote and protect national interest, while meeting our ECOWAS obligations. We will rebuild Nigeria’s military power, promote economic growth, and enhance its technological prowess with a view to improving Nigeria’s diplomatic influence in sub-regional, regional and global affairs.

Restoring leadership will require that we reassert proactively, Nigeria’s leadership role in African affairs through constructive engagement, peacekeeping duties, and using existing sub-regional and regional forums as well as bilateral platforms for dialogue on current and emerging challenges. We will continue to enhance our sphere of influence via peacekeeping, and trade and investment initiatives.

The sense of being part of a united country has been eroded. How do you see yourself reuniting Nigerians?

Securing, uniting and making Nigeria productive require steady and trusted hands. We shall ensure that in moving Nigeria forward, no state or community will be left behind. Pursuant to its statutory responsibility to protect, our government will promote equity in power and resource sharing. There must be a renewed sense of patriotism; that will come through leadership by example.

Do you think that states and regions need more autonomy?

You are indirectly asking about restructuring. I consider restructuring a process, not a one-off event. Yes, if we have a real federation, the federating units will enjoy discernible autonomy. Resources will also be shared equitably. A higher derivation paid to oil or solid minerals producing states will not be tantamount to other states not receiving federal allocations that should keep them viable. We must transcend the rhetoric that bedevils a robust debate on some of these national questions.

In the past, the ethnic identity of the President has resulted in a preponderance of unqualified people being appointed to key position. How will you address this problem?

We will respect the principles of federal character, affirmative action and gender balance; but no longer at the expense of merit.

How do you propose to address the security challenges in the north and those of oil theft?

The relevant security institutions and agencies exist. The supporting national security enabling documents and strategies also exist. We will tweak the security architecture, which will entail reform of the security sector and governance. We will restructure, reequip and reorient the Nigerian Police: This will include three-level policing- Federal, state and community. We will build a compact, robust and ready Mobile Police Force with rapid response deployment capabilities; and legislate the establishment of state police based on community policing. We will raise the population to police officer ratio to a higher level.

There would be a properly manned, equipped and technologically driven security system with particular emphasis on re-focusing the military on external threats and border protection and police on internal security threats and law enforcement; swift prosecution of criminals, bandits and terrorists; enhanced coordination among security agencies; and upholding the rule of law.

Operational Coordination

We would integrate the activities of the National Intelligence and Security Agencies by establishing a central reporting intelligence loop under the authority the Minister of National & Homeland Security; Establish a National Command and Control Coordination Center for the efficient management of actionable intelligence, resource allocation and force deployment. Membership should consist of representatives of all security agencies on a need-to-know basis.

Oil Theft

I believe in continuity in governance. But each extant policy must be considered and if need be, reviewed on its merit. The oil theft is not petty pilfering. It is organized crime by a syndicate that involves a certain degree of sophisticated intelligence and logistical arrangement. We must admit that oil theft is happening because there is domestic and external collusion. The government and the people have the collective responsibility to protect national assets. On my watch those responsibilities will be accorded high priority.

Regional Security

Foreign and National Security policy initiatives, might in the long term entail rebuilding, repositioning and sustaining ECOMOG, as the arrowhead of a West African Security partnership. This is to counter terrorist threats and international subversion of the sovereignty of the West African region of which Nigeria must reestablish her place as a regional power.

Will you be maintaining the policy of fixed exchange rates coupled with heavy government borrowing? Will you be adhering to the fiscal responsibility laws?

We will abide by the fiscal responsibility laws. Despite the exigency and convenience which the two-tier foreign exchange regime offers, it has become an albatross. Hence that arrangement will be critically reviewed, adjusted or even eliminated. We will explore ways of cushioning the forex demands by mainstreaming those components of Diaspora remittances that remain opaque and informal. With proper policy and planning, we can expect to boost and leapfrog the current $20 billion in remittances to $40b to $60b annually. That will translate to about 14% of our total GDP.

The youth have often felt left out in the country especially in the light of central Bank policies on tech companies. Will you reconsider these policies? How do you propose to address the brain drain?

We are challenged by high youth unemployment, which stands at 33.3%; 54% for the youth; and 20 million out-of-school-children. We must give this country back to the Nigerian youths. Half of our 200 million people are below the age of 30.

Harnessing our national youth strength and demographic dividends intelligently, must start with curbing the high youth unemployment and creating funding access to enable our youths become entrepreneurs and drivers of our Small and Medium Scale enterprises (SMEs).

We will work to bring down the unemployment rate to fewer than 20 percent over the next four years, if elected. Part of our objectives on the economy will be focused on supporting job creation given its impact on the economy as well as poverty alleviation.

We will review the legislation guiding the fund access modalities to Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), to redress prevailing bottlenecks, create greater transparency, and ensure increased flexibility, and optimum availability of funds required to meet the educational need of the Nigerian students they are meant to serve.

We will explore ways and means of tapping in on technology transfer from the Diaspora; we will also explore ways of reversing the enormous brain drain that has been debilitating for our country. We will trigger every known technological and knowledge transfer initiators. Nigeria’s brain drain will be turned into brain gain.

Will the corrupt be allowed to keep their loot? How much focus will be given to probes?

We will have zero-tolerance for corruption; block leakages and cut the cost of governance. Our total commitment to transparency and accountability in government business is the only credible way to achieve limited to zero corruption.

The policies required to fight corruption already exist; it is the political will to implement them that has been lacking. My governance modalities have always been forward looking and will remain so. We will negotiate the return of our stolen national wealth from the custodial countries.

Will you be maintaining the subsidies on electricity and petroleum?

There are two elements of subsidy- the corruption component and the real subsidy component. The oil subsidy arrangement as it stands is fraught with criminality. It is unacceptable.

For the corruption, we will deal with decisively which will reduce the subsidy cost by over 50%. There will be weighted measures and counter-balance policies and programmes to cushion the impact of the removal of oil subsidy, if and when it is removed. The difference is that now, only some sacred and self-entitled few benefit from the oil subsidy. That narrative will change.

We will support local refining for domestic use and priced strictly in Naira. Starting with all government vehicles, we will transition to gas powered cars.

While we support private enterprises will you take measures to ensure that Nigeria does not get dominated by a small group of oligopolists and monopolists?

Free enterprise is about market forces and keen competition. These will occur at different levels. If we liberalize access to funding, SMEs will flourish; they have a role to play the giant companies no longer play.

We will enforce the legal framework protecting foreign investors and their indigenous partners. This is the only way to tamper monopoly and capital flight.

In respect of gender equality in business and politics, Nigeria is behind many African countries. Will you be taking this as a priority?

As governor of Anambra State, my administration achieved close to a 60-40 gender balance in appointive and elective positions. The national target has hovered around 30-35%. We intend to progressively aim for between 35-40%, with aggressive gender mainstreaming action plan and rigid benchmarks.

The Central Bank has lost the confidence of many inside and outside of Nigeria. What do you propose to do about this?

As part of our monetary policy, we will seek to reestablish the independence of the CBN; and commit to a credible and transparent plan to normalize the exchange rate and bring inflation to single digits.

We will remove import and forex restrictions and insist on a single forex market. The current system penalizes exporters who bring in forex by forcing them to sell at a rate that they are unable to source for forex when they need to purchase forex. This multiple exchange rate regime encourages capital flight and deters investment, which has further worsened Nigeria’s forex situation.

Do you see yourself deepening or reducing ties with China?

Our trade policies will always be predicated on what is in our best national interest. Trade partners who offer us comparative advantage will be considered. However, we will give primacy to our Africa Trade Treaty obligations.

Beneficiaries of China’s goodwill and investments in Africa are many. So too are the countries defaulting on their Chinese loans. The trend is deeply alarming. Salutary, as it may seem, we must approach such engagement with our national interest uppermost in our minds.

What policy will your administration have towards Russia and Ukraine?

We maintain very cordial relations with Russia and Ukraine. Evidently, this war, in conventional terms, will need to be resolved at the negotiations table. We support the cessation of hostilities agreement under the auspices of the United Nations.

As young people we are concerned with university education. What will you do about the ongoing strike by university teachers?

We will pursue the global best practices and standards within available resource. Certainly, in the medium and long term, 14% budgetary funding for education is within the realm of possibility. We will strive to be globally competitive by increasing funding ad ensuring that the (TETFund) resources are re-directed to funding of the Universities and other higher institutions robustly with a view to ending the perennial strikes by University Staff and workers.

What would be your top priorities on getting into office?

• Production-centered growth for food security and export;

• Securing and Uniting Nigeria;

• Effective legal and institutional reforms (rule of law, corruption and government effectiveness);

• Leapfrogging Nigeria from oil to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR);

• Expanding physical infrastructure through market-driven reforms (unleashing growth-enabling entrepreneurship and market-creating innovations);

• Human capital development that empowers competitiveness; and

• Robust foreign policy that restores Nigeria’s strategic relevance.

How did Nigeria address the COVID challenge and what will you need to do to address future epidemics and pandemics?

Nigeria’s initial response to the COVID crisis was lackluster and uninspiring; but her efforts when compared to those of bigger and better developed Western countries were not that poor.

What was lacking was experts who were proactive and could prioritize; people who understood how to manage complex emergencies. There were evident critical gaps in response capacity. We will address such gaps by putting in place a national resilience strategy.

Do you think that government needs to be slimmed down?

Certainly. We have a bloated federal bureaucracy; hence we are spending more on recurrent expenses. And we are borrowing frivolously. I am not against loans per se; but we must stop borrowing for consumption. All loans must be invested in regenerative projects. We must operate within available resources and strive for a balanced national budget as cost saving measures. Ending the leakages including the subsidy regime and improving our tax regime should do the magic.

In a Presidential system Presidents often find that they are hamstrung by the legislature especially when that body is dominated by members of opposition parties. How will you handle the National Assembly in this regard?

Presidential power as we know is the power of persuasion. Members of the National Assembly have vested interest in making their constituencies work. Their respective constituencies invariably form the presidential or national constituency. Policies that present win-win scenarios for national and federal constituencies will definitely attract bi-partisan support.

Do you have any plans to address the issue of the humongous salaries and allowances earned by National Assembly?

Simply, we have to cut costs. There are no two ways about it.

The structure and size of the civil service remains a major constraint for development in the country how do you plan to deal with the issue?

Lack of political will and lack of synergy between the Executive and Legislative arms has resulted in a costly inertia in tackling our oversized government. The result is persisting turf fights and competition among several overlapping agencies, and the resultant wastages. Cost-cutting measures must start with rationalization and harmonization. Pruning the size of government will be imperative.

The Oronsaye committee report of April 2012, recommended the abolition and merger of 102 government agencies and parastatals, while some were listed to be self-funding. What was called for was extreme but practical rationalization measures.

Will you be implementing the Oronsaye report?

That is an affirmative. That is the only way to make governance efficient, cost-effective and productive.