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Plateau, Ekiti, Edo Ready For Procurement Reform, Anti-graft War– UNDP

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United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has said Ekiti, Edo, and Plateau states Bureau of Public Procurement have demonstrated the willingness to reform public procurement and champion anti-corruption initiatives.

The UN body noted that through a tailored consortium between UNDP, Accountability Lab, and Open Contracting Partnership the states Anti-Corruption Project is ensuring improved government procurement data, including public access by promoting efficiency.

The social innovator SDG-16, Governance, Peace & Security (GPS) UNDP, Mr Adewole Oke, disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the UNDP Nigeria Anti-Corruption Innovation Project Community of Practice Engagement, organised by UNDP, Accountability Lab Nigeria, and Open Contracting Partnership.

Oke said noted that the states have also shown transparent and inclusive delivery of better value for money in public service via improved monitoring and oversight of anti-corruption agencies.

“The community of practice will also help to identify key achievements, obstacles, and forge ahead in positive and strategic ways for the growth of the project in the states and indeed, other states willing to embrace the accomplishments made in the pilot locations.

“In this respect, UNDP is optimistic that this engagement will promote prolific interactions among the participants for an enhanced and credible outcome. We equally hope that the knowledge gained in this session will contribute to increased efficiency in the organization and conduct of the procurement agency in ways that key stakeholders, CSOs, Innovation Hubs, Start-ups, and the general population will have full confidence in the state governments procurement agencies,” he added.

On her part, the programmes manager, Africa Open Contracting Partnership, Andidiong Okon, stressed the need to train and retrain procurement officers.

Okon also noted that procurement department serves as regulatory body for the contracting process.

“So, capacity tends to be one of the biggest challenges across all of the three states,” she added.

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EuroMatch NPFL: “Your Support Means Everything” — Qamar Adegoke Thanks Shooting Stars Fans After Kano Pillars Draw

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Shooting Stars midfielder Qamar Adegoke has expressed his appreciation to the club’s supporters following the Oluyole Warriors’ goalless draw against Kano Pillars in the rescheduled Matchday 3 fixture of the EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League.

Sports247 reports that the encounter, played at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, ended 0–0 as Shooting Stars were unable to convert their home advantage into maximum points.

Despite the frustrating result, Adegoke acknowledged the unwavering support of the club’s fans, praising them for standing by the team through every moment of the campaign.

“To our fans who continue to stand with us, your support means everything.”

The midfielder further stressed the importance of the supporters to the team, appreciating their continued presence and encouragement regardless of the outcome on the pitch.

“Through every moment, you’ve been there, and we truly appreciate you.”

Shooting Stars came into the fixture looking to return to winning ways after being held to another goalless draw by Nasarawa United in their previous home league outing.

However, Kano Pillars proved difficult to break down as both sides battled for supremacy without finding the decisive goal.

For Adegoke, the result will undoubtedly leave the team wanting more, but his message to the supporters underlined the importance of maintaining unity as the season progresses.

The midfielder concluded his message with a rallying call for the team and its supporters to remain together and continue working towards their objectives.

“Together, we keep pushing.”

The Oluyole Warriors will now turn their attention to their next assignment, with the team hoping to build on the positives from the fixture and end their run of home draws.

For Adegoke and his teammates, the backing of the Shooting Stars faithful remains a crucial source of motivation as they continue their EuroMatch NPFL campaign.

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Orbih rejected inducements to abandon my 2015 governorship ambition – Wike 

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the late National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, South South, Chief Daniel Orbih, rejected several inducements and pressure to abandon his support for his 2015 governorship ambition in Rivers State.

Wike disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a night of tributes held in honour of Orbih, who died on August 31 at the age of 64.

The former Rivers State governor said Orbih remained loyal to him during a difficult political period between 2013 and 2014, despite attempts by his political opponents to frustrate his ambition.

Wike recalled that the then Rivers State governor sent people to Orbih with offers aimed at persuading him to withdraw his support.

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“There was nothing in this world that was not done to induce him. My governor then sent people to Dan, offered him everything in this world, but Dan stood firm and said, ‘No, I will not accept, I will not agree,’” Wike said.

He described Orbih as the person God used to pave the way for his emergence as governor of Rivers State in 2015.

“Today I am a Minister of the FCT; yesterday I was a governor. Who did God use for me to become governor? It was Dan,” he said.

According to Wike, Orbih went beyond political support by helping to strengthen his campaign and security arrangements, including donating two bulletproof Mercedes-Benz buses.

He said the late politician also mobilised political structures across the South South in support of his ambition.

Wike described Orbih as a politician more interested in loyalty and service than personal benefits, saying he never approached him for contracts or favours during his eight years as governor.

“Dan is not a typical Nigerian politician. Throughout my eight years as governor, he never came for one day, either by phone or coming to my house to say, ‘I need this contract.’ Never,” he said.

The FCT minister said Orbih’s loyalty and commitment were qualities that had also been demonstrated by his family over the years.

He credited the late politician with helping to protect the political interests of the South South, saying many politicians who currently occupy elective offices benefited from his efforts.

Wike said Orbih’s contributions to politics and the development of Edo State deserved greater recognition, urging stakeholders in the state to consider giving him a state burial.

He also promised to maintain his relationship with Orbih’s family and support efforts to preserve his political legacy.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Senator Magnus Abe, said Orbih played a major role in introducing him to politics.

Abe described the deceased as a bridge builder whose political influence extended beyond party lines.

Similarly, former Edo State governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, said Orbih contributed to making him a better governor despite their political differences.

Oshiomhole said he often considered how Orbih and the opposition would interpret his decisions before taking major actions while he was governor.

He thanked Wike for helping to reconcile him with Orbih after years of political disagreement, recalling that their reconciliation began at Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt.

In his tribute, former PDP presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, described Orbih as a public intellectual, patriot, family man and defender of Edo heritage.

He said the late politician left a lasting impact on the people around him through his public service and commitment to his community.

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