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ITV/Radio Pre-independence Anniversary Lecture: Nigerians Must Take Control Of Electoral Process – Don

Published

3 years ago

September 3, 2022

As the 2023 elections draw nearer, the need for the Nigerian citizens to take control of the electoral process by fully participating in the forthcoming elections has been emphasised.

Professor Sonnie Adagbonyin, Acting Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, Edo State, expressed the need in Benin on Friday at the occasion of Independent Television/Radio (ITV/Radio) Pre-independence Anniversary Public Lecture with the theme: Engendering Good Governance, Transparency and Accountability Through Citizens Ownership of the Electoral Process.

The Prof. of English who was the Guest Lecturer of the anniversary, noted that it is when the Nigerian citizens get hold of the electoral processes that the need to have a good leadership can be discussed, adding that considering the myriads of problems besetting the nation today, a good leadership for the country is more than a desirable.

While noting that the Nigeria voter needs to use the ballot wisely, the Prof. of English said, Nigeria and Nigerians have no choice other than to get it right in 2023.

A cross section of participants at the anniversary lecture.

He said: “Nigeria has no choice other than to get it right in 2023. The people must take charge; their votes must count so that Nigeria will be great again.

“Active participation is required from the voter, as voting oils the machinery of the democratic process.

“There is apathy in our election because some voters believe their votes will not count, but I want to assure you that with the introduction of new technologies, our votes will count.

“Nigerians must come out in 2023 to ensure that the right people are voted into leadership positions; people that will make a difference to their lives and to their country. Wrong people must not and should never be given leadership position,” he added.

While blaming leadership of the country for the woes that have befallen on her, Prof. Adagbonyin lamented: “the failure of our leaders accounts much of the troubles we are facing today. No doubt Nigeria is a troubled country, a country with immense possibility yet nothing to show for it.”

He called on the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, to “rise to its responsibility as we approach 2023. They should be the true electoral umpire they are expected to be; they must shun partisanship, either before, during or after the elections. INEC must remain unbiased. It officials must shun corrupt practices.”

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Chairman of the anniversary lecture, Chief Matthew Emiohe, said the introduction of the electronic transmission of votes has made the process credible in recent times, just as he called on the Federal Government to make the process more simplified by allowing commercial activities rather than restricting vehicular movement and total shutdown of commercial activities.

He called on Nigerians to reposition the country by voting competent and those who have interest of the nation.

On his part, keynote speaker, Rev Benson Akhigbe, said there’s need for Nigerians to vote the right candidates, hence everyone must participate in the 2023 elections at all levels, adding that no election, regardless of its level, is less important.

Cutting of the anniversary cake.

In his remarks, the Managing Director, ITV/Radio, Engr. Elvis Obaseki, said the gathering was not to talk of who Nigerians should vote for, but to chart a course, adding that it was the best time to talk about Nigeria and the forthcoming elections.

Pannel of discussants at the event all agreed that, at 62, Nigeria is not where it ought to be in the committee of nations, hence Nigerians must come out to vote good leaders in the 2023 elections.

Highlights of the pre-independence anniversary was the cutting of cake and giving of awards to deserving individuals and corporate organisations.

News

86 Years Memorial Of Capt. Sir Walter Ededuna Obaseki

Published

11 minutes ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

In loving, ever green and very precious 86 years memorial of our grand patriarch,
His Excellency,
The right honourable,
the most distinguished ambassador
Capt. Sir Walter Ededuna Obaseki (A.K.A Okhien’Ewere)
GBE GCB GCMG KCB KBE CBE OM CH PC DSO
Head of Hovernment
British Administrator
and
Prime Minister in the British Nigerian Government.
Governor of the British Board of Trade.
Captain of the British Merchant navy.

World war II veteran
and a recipient of the world war II campaigns and gallantry medals of honour;

I. The 1939-1945 Star
II. Atlantic Medal
III. British War Medal
IV. Italy Star

Awarded to officers and seamen of the British merchant navy by HRM King George VI

Daddy, your good life is worthy of emulation

Your public works and legacy open great doors for us your descendants

You plotted the skies, mapped the land and chatted the oceans and high seas to threshold development in our great nation Nigeria. as a pioneer industrialist you successfully brought your people to understand and become part of the modern world governnent.

Ededuna Walter Obaseki together with the British established government agencies, built public facilities, institutions and parastatals of government and also brought law and order to the way things are done according to the standards of international best practice as we have it even in The international community.

Those who tried to steal your glory and change the true position of things failed woefully, their evil craftsmanship have since been exposed to everyone because the truth cannot be hidden completely forever.

May your memory never ever go to oblivion!

Just as it is written in The Holy Book

Proverbs 10: 7.
The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

Psalm 112: 6.
The Righteous Shall be remembered forever!

Signed:

The Scion of Sir Walter Ededuna Obaseki;
Mercy Ededuna Obaseki
for
The entire direct descendants of Capt. Sir Walter Ededuna Obaseki GCMG CBE DSO OM CH PC

News

UBTH CMD Marks 120 Days In Office, Expresses Commitment To Providing Conducive Working Environment

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. (Mrs) Idia Ize-Iyamu on Tuesday reiterated her commitment to providing a conducive working environment for all staff members.

She spoke at a management and staff assembly, which marked her first 120 days in office.

Speaking during the assembly, Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed her commitment to providing exceptional leadership and called on all UBTH employees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their duties.

The CMD highlighted key achievements and milestones attained since assuming office on August 18th.

She thanked the staff for their dedication and commitment to caring for and serving humanity, emphasizing that UBTH’s functionality relies on their continued efforts.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu also outlined significant interventions made within the hospital under her leadership, including the installation of a state-of-the-art 160-Slice CT Scan Machine, among other advancements aimed at enhancing the hospital’s capabilities and service delivery.

She noted that her administration has prioritized inclusion, accountability, and a renewed sense of direction.

“As we move into 2026, every HOD, unit, and department must develop their own actionable plans and timelines for achieving objectives in tandem with the UBTH-CARES agenda.

“These plans should be practical, measurable, and aligned with the broader hospital vision, ensuring consistent progress across all units.

“We seek the full support, commitment, and collaboration of all staff to sustain and build upon the achievements already recorded.

“My dear colleagues, UBTH stands at a defining moment. The vision is clear, and the challenges are real, but the possibilities are greater.

“Let us move forward together with unity, professionalism, and renewed trust – to build an institution worthy of its history and prepared for its future.” Ize-Iyamu said.

The CMD’s address underscored her vision of UBTH as a citadel of excellence, impelled by a workforce characterized by both professional competence and resolute application.

This continuing commitment to service improvement showcases her deep resolve towards the refinement of healthcare delivery mechanisms, thereby securing the hospital’s ongoing prosperity as captured in her Strategic Agenda ‘UBTH-CARES’

News

FIRS Confirms NIN As Tax ID

Published

6 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has clarified that the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) now automatically serves as the Tax Identification Number (TIN) for individual Nigerians.

The announcement was made on Monday as part of a public awareness campaign on the new tax laws, shared by the FIRS on X.

The Service further stated that registered businesses will no longer need a separate Tax ID. Instead, their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number will function as their official tax identifier under the revised system.

The clarification comes amid public concerns over provisions in the new tax laws requiring a Tax ID for certain transactions, including bank account ownership.

According to the FIRS, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), set to take effect in January 2026, mandates the use of a Tax ID for specific transactions.

The Service emphasized that this requirement is not new, noting that it has existed since the Finance Act of 2019 and has now been reinforced under the NTAA.

“The Tax ID unifies all Tax Identification Numbers previously issued by the FIRS and State Internal Revenue Services into a single identifier,” the Service said.

“For individuals, your NIN automatically serves as your Tax ID, while for registered companies, your CAC RC number is used. You do not need a physical card, as the Tax ID is a unique number linked directly to your identity.”

The FIRS explained that the new system aims to simplify taxpayer identification, eliminate duplication, prevent tax evasion, and ensure fairness by making sure all individuals with taxable income contribute their share.

The Service also urged the public to ignore any misinformation about the reform, assuring Nigerians that the updated tax framework is intended to enhance efficiency and transparency in tax administration.