News
CFAN Debunks Recent Claims Cast Upon Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire
In a triumphant stride towards progress, the Campaign For Advancement of Nigeria (CFAN) vehemently debunks and discredits the recent claims cast upon the remarkable accomplishments of Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire in her role as the Senior Special Assistant to the President overseeing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
CFAN swiftly brushes aside these assertions as a mere concoction of ignorance, animosity, and jealousy.
Responding with an assertive voice, Barth Osondu, the spokesperson for CFAN, delivers a resolute statement that sharply counters the unverified and unsupported proclamations propagated by an anonymous figure, Ogbeni William Odewale, allegedly affiliated with the enigmatic New Nigeria United Forum.
CFAN boldly states that these allegations are not only unfounded but also bear testimony to the group’s lack of understanding and their sense of desperation.
The disjointed nature of their claims accentuates their shallow grasp of SDG implementation.
Leaving no room for ambiguity, CFAN vehemently condemns the malicious intent behind the group’s attempt to undermine Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire’s outstanding achievements and contributions to driving the SDGs during her tenure as the Senior Special Assistant.
These accomplishments have garnered widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally, culminating in an SDGs Award bestowed upon her by none other than the United Nations.
The indomitable prowess of Princess Orelope-Adefulire is unequivocally displayed.
From the years 2016 to 2023, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs) adeptly ingrained the SDGs into Nigeria’s fabric through a series of strategic initiatives and meticulously crafted programs.
Under her visionary leadership, Nigeria spearheaded independent country-led evaluations of SDG-3 (promoting quality health and well-being for all) and SDG-4 (ensuring inclusive education and lifelong learning for all).
This pioneering endeavor positioned Nigeria as the flagship of the Global South, being the first nation to embark upon such an evaluation.
This momentous step underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to informed decision-making and sustainable development.
Moreover, Princess Orelope-Adefulire’s influence extended far beyond national borders.
She took the lead in securing Nigeria’s sponsorship of United Nations resolution A/77/L.64, which champions the enhancement of voluntary national reviews through country-led evaluations.
The resolution garnered backing from multiple countries, including global giants like Russia, China, Jamaica, Senegal, and South Africa, underscoring Nigeria’s international standing and dedication to robust mechanisms for monitoring global SDG progress.
CFAN further underscores that Princess Orelope-Adefulire’s strategic acumen, collaborative partnerships, and innovative initiatives have propelled Nigeria to the forefront of SDG implementation.
Her leadership is encapsulated in the delivery of two Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), the conceptualization of a comprehensive National Implementation Plan for SDGs, and the creation of the Integrated SDGs Simulation Model (iSDG Model), an analytical and strategic tool designed to guide SDG implementation at both national and sub-national levels.
Refuting the unfounded accusations of the anonymous group, CFAN prominently highlights the beneficiaries of the 300 housing units and associated infrastructure in Borno State, alongside the impactful creation of 120-bed Mother and Child Centres at various locations.
“In contrast to the vague assertions of the faceless group, Princess Orelope-Adefulire personally initiated and oversaw the construction of 43 Mother and Child Centres spanning the nation.
These centres, comprising 10 units of 120-bed facilities and 33 units of 100-bed facilities, stand as beacons of health and life preservation for mothers and children alike.
The unwavering commitment extends further with the introduction of 27 units of cutting-edge 80-bed hospitals and 195 units of Primary Healthcare Centres. Notably, under her guidance, OSSAP-SDGs facilitated the distribution of 7,464 specialized hospital beds across various healthcare establishments nationwide, among an array of other transformational projects.”
“Records firmly indicate that between 2017 and 2022, OSSAP-SDGs, under the visionary leadership of Princess Orelope-Adefulire, undertook the construction, refurbishment, and furnishing of over 9000 classrooms across Nigeria’s 360 Federal Constituencies.
This monumental effort was primarily orchestrated to support SDG-4 and its interconnected objectives.
Additionally, her fervent dedication to empowering the youth, fostering job creation, and alleviating poverty, as encapsulated in SDGs 1, 2, 8, and 10, translated into substantial investments in Vocational and Skills Acquisition Centres countrywide, with 66 such facilities being impeccably established.”
“Crucially, it is imperative to acknowledge that these monumental investments and strategic projects were meticulously designed to expedite Nigeria’s journey towards SDG achievement.
The resounding success of Princess Orelope-Adefulire and her proficient team resonates not only within national discourse but reverberates honorably across international platforms as well.”
In light of these unequivocal achievements, CFAN emphatically dismisses the futile endeavors of the unidentified group to cast a shadow on Princess Orelope-Adefulire’s monumental triumphs.
The Nigerian electricity sector slowed in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with the electricity production index declining by 1.64% year-on-year (y-o-y).
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says this marks a reversal from the 5.55% growth recorded in the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024).
Average estimated electricity generation rose by 2.34% to 4,206.50 megawatts per hour (MW/h) from 4,110.47 MW/h in Q3 2024.
Similarly, electricity consumption saw a modest increase of 2.63%, reaching 4,105.66 MW/h from 4,000.24 MW/h in the preceding quarter.
This is as the Nigerian economy witnessed widespread expansion in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with 21 out of 22 subsectors recording positive growth.
On a quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) basis, however, the subsector showed signs of recovery, as the index rose by 22.50% compared to a significant decline of 49.46% in the previous quarter.
The broad-based economic expansion in Q4 2024 can be attributed to several factors, including improved business confidence, increased consumer spending, and enhanced performance in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and telecommunications.
The government’s fiscal and monetary policies, aimed at stabilising inflation and boosting investment, also contributed to the positive momentum.
According to the CBN, the improvement was largely attributed to enhanced gas supply to thermal power stations and the continued implementation of the Siemens Power Project, which has positively impacted power generation, transmission, and distribution networks.
Notably, the oil and gas sector benefited from relatively stable crude oil prices and improved domestic production, which provided a boost to overall economic output.
The data also stated that the non-oil sector, particularly fintech and digital services, also played a significant role in driving economic activities.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara speaking when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups in Port Harcourt.
Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.
Fubara made this statement when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt during an Eid-El-Fitr Sallah visit.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process, saying: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”
He acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed but emphasised that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.
“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that in the end, we will emerge stronger,” he added.
He reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisions a society where no one is oppressed.
“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he stated.
He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim community during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties are resolved.
He also assured the leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis subsides.
Urging patience and perseverance, Governor Fubara drew an analogy from religious history, saying, “If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”
He also cautioned against falling prey to those who want engineer violence by fanning provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements who sought to destabilize the state.
“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constitutional authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,” he concluded.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the Muslim community, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, declared their solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigates the state’s current political challenges.
Alhaji Uhor stated that the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stand with Governor Fubara due to his inclusive approach to governance and his recognition of the Islamic faith.
He noted that unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100% Christian state, Governor Fubara, upon assuming office, acknowledged the state as Christian majority while allowing room for inclusiveness.
Encouraging the governor to remain steadfast, Uhor reminded him of the Islamic belief that Allah rewards patience.
He said the present challenges align with the teachings of Islam, where the Creator tests His people through wealth, power, and authority.
He further called on President Bola Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore Governor Fubara’s full authority, emphasizing that the governor has been performing effectively despite the crisis.
During the visit, prayers were offered for suspended Governor Fubara, his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) comprising junta-led Mali, Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso have imposed a 0.5 percent import duty on goods from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member nations.
The move further strains relations between the three junta-led nations and the ECOWAS, which they withdrew from earlier this year following a series of military coups and economic sanctions.
The AES, which began as a security pact between the military rulers of the three countries in 2023, has now metamorphosed into an aspiring economic union with plans for biometric passports and closer economic and military ties.
In a joint statement last week, the AES said the levy aims to generate revenue to fund the alliance’s activities.
The tax, which came into effect on Friday, applies to all imports from ECOWAS countries, except humanitarian aid.
The taxes also disrupt the free trade once enjoyed by all countries in the West African region.
The economic implications could be severe, leading to higher consumer prices, supply chain disruptions, and strained regional economic stability.
While it may provide short-term revenue for the junta-led governments, it risks other long-term consequences, including weakened regional integration.
ECOWAS has maintained that it will keep diplomatic channels open with the junta-led states until July, despite announcing their permanent expulsion from the bloc earlier this year.