NewStats: 3,264,222 , 8,183,016 topics. Date: Tuesday, 10 June 2025 at 08:34 AM 5w2171

BlackfireX:
11th assembly

Another bigger version of shege banza is in pipeline and about to be unveiled..

Brethren, don't let Tinubu catch you unaware.

Be prepared

The Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, says no law in Nigeria forbids the prosecution of minors.

Fagbemi made the assertion at the commissioning of the Law Corridor’s new office complex and the presentation of a book on the modern legal system.

He said the minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protest were rightly arraigned before the Abuja Federal High Court.

DAILY POST recalls that the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest lasted from August 1-10. Some protesters were arrested and arraigned in different parts of the country.

Scores of the suspects arraigned in Abuja were minors — eliciting outrage among Nigerians.

President Bola Tinubu on Monday directed the AGF to withdraw the charges against the minors, after which a Federal High Court in Abuja struck out the suit against 119 persons who allegedly participated in the protest.

The minors were released and hosted by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the State House.

The AGF, while addressing criticisms that trailed the arraignment, said, “No law in this country says a minor cannot be tried, and I have also heard suggestions that they should go to a family court.

“The study of the law and the Constitution leaves you no other conclusion than that the Federal High Court has jurisdiction in matters bordering on treason and related issues.

“So, whatever the situation, the President has closed the chapter by his decision to have these young men released.”

https://dailypost.ng/2024/11/08/endbadgovernance-no-law-prohibits-prosecution-of-minors-agf/

Mynd44 Nlfpmod

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode has directed officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to wear black bands for seven days to mourn the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

Egbetokun gave the directive through a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, A Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

He said the directive is to honour Lagbaja, who showed gallantry, dedication, and ion in the fight against insurgency in the country during his lifetime.

Adejobi said: “Following the demise of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has ordered officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to wear black band throughout the 7 day mourning period.

“This directive is to pay tribute and honour the late General who has shown gallantry, dedication, and ion for fighting violent crimes and insurgency in Nigeria. He was a great leader who deserves to be honoured by all means. May the soul of the late COAS rest in peace”.

Also, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, (PSC) DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd has expressed shock on the death of the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja who ed on in Lagos after a brief illness.

Argungu said the late Army Chief was a brave soldier who played a great role in the fight against insurgency and ed Mr. President’s efforts to free the nation from banditry and terrorism.

He condoled Mr. President and the Nigerian Army on the sad loss and prayed that God should receive his gentle and loving soul in paradise.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Head, Press and Public Relations Ikechukwu Ani, DIG Argungu said the late General Lagbaja left indelible foot marks on the sands of the nation’s security architecture.

He extended his condolence to the family of the deceased and also prayed that God should comfort them.

The PSC Chairman further prayed that God should give his Successor, General Olufemi Oluyede the wisdom and character to sustain and improve on the cherished legacies of his predecessor.

The late army chief, appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, died on Tuesday at the age of 56 after a prolonged illness.

Following his death, the president, on Wednesday, directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half-mast for seven days across the country to mourn the ing of the late army chief.

https://thenationonlineng.net/igp-orders-police-officers-to-wear-black-bands-over-lagbajas-death/

Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, has highlighted the unique difficulties facing the country as it grapples with inflation far more resistant to control than that of advanced economies, saying that the situation is compounded by structural factors including dependency on imports and a large informal economy.

Addressing the National Economic Council (NEC) on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, he said while developed nations have largely achieved stable inflation rates, Nigeria faces ongoing economic challenges linked to high inflation, subsidy removal, and foreign exchange reforms, which have placed significant strain on the populace.

Edun presented a range of government measures intended to mitigate the economic pressures on Nigeria’s citizens and spur sustainable growth.

He told correspondents that in his briefing to NEC, he emphasized the contrast between Nigeria’s inflationary pressures and the controlled inflation in advanced economies.

According to him, countries like the US and many in the Eurozone are seeing inflation levels close to their target of around 2% per annum, with countries such as Italy experiencing inflation rates even lower than 1%.

This stability is partly due to what Edun described as a “soft landing,” achieved by carefully balancing inflation control measures with continued economic growth and infrastructure spending.

“In our case,” he said, “inflation remains high, growth is relatively low, and debt levels continue to challenge economic stability.” Nigeria’s challenges are compounded by structural factors that affect inflation, including dependency on imports and a large informal economy.

He said the Tinubu istration has taken bold steps to address Nigeria’s economic woes by implementing long-overdue reforms, including the removal of subsidies on petroleum and foreign exchange.

According to the minister, previously, these subsidies cost the nation between $15 and $20 billion annually, a burden equivalent to around 5% of the country’s GDP.

While the subsidies’ removal was necessary, Edun acknowledged that it has led to a substantial increase in living costs, disproportionately affecting Nigeria’s poorer citizens.

However, he pointed out that the revenue freed up from these subsidies is now being redirected into critical social and infrastructure investments.

He noted that one of the istration’s notable initiatives is requiring local refineries to pay for crude oil in Naira, thereby stabilizing domestic petroleum pricing and reducing dependency on volatile international fuel markets.

According to Edun, this policy change alone has yielded an immediate fiscal boost of approximately N700 billion per month since October, with the funds funneled into the Federation to national priorities.

The minister outlined a series of welfare initiatives aimed at alleviating the cost of living for Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens.

These include a new minimum wage increase, direct financial assistance to households ed on the government’s social , and wage for low-income workers.

Edun reported that financial payments have been disbursed to five million households, benefiting an estimated 25 million Nigerians.

Additionally, these payments are processed biometrically to ensure accuracy and avoid fraud.

He said a robust consumer credit scheme was also introduced to provide workers with access to affordable loans for essential goods and services.

Edun noted that over N3.5 billion has been distributed to 11,000 beneficiaries, enabling them to purchase compressed natural gas (CNG) kits for a more affordable and eco-friendly alternative fuel source.

Meanwhile, he stated, the istration’s student loan program has reached over half a million students, disbursing N90 billion to help cover educational costs and living expenses.

According to the minister, with food inflation a critical issue, the government has taken steps to address both the affordability and availability of staple foods.

Edun outlined a program to allow millers to import brown rice duty-free, which will be processed and sold at lower prices to ease the burden of high food costs.

In addition, he stated, the istration is encouraging increased domestic crop production, particularly in rice and wheat, with plans to 600,000 farmers in planting seasons through subsidies on fertilizers, herbicides, and improved seeds.

Edun argued that recognizing the vital role of small businesses in Nigeria’s economy, the government has allocated nearly N50 billion in grants to micro-enterprises, 90% of which has already been distributed.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large-scale industries are also receiving 9% interest loans to bolster growth and create jobs, with loan sizes capped at N1 billion to prevent excessive debt accumulation.

On foreign exchange and dollar repatriation programme, while acknowledging the impact of foreign exchange volatility on inflation, Edun announced a nine-month program encouraging Nigerians to deposit their offshore dollars into the local banking system.

The program, which begins October 31, aims to draw out dollars from informal holdings and integrate them into the formal economy.

The finance minister emphasized that no penalties or taxes would be imposed on deposits made through this program, as long as the funds comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

This initiative, Edun explained, seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign reserves and ease exchange rate pressures, ultimately aiming to improve currency stability. The program guidelines, developed by the Ministry of Finance in conjunction with the Central Bank, will be released in detail in the coming weeks.

He underscored the government’s commitment to navigating Nigeria through this challenging economic period.

“We are making strides in addressing the country’s long-standing economic vulnerabilities,” he said, noting that the istration’s policies are both immediate and forward-looking, focused on creating an economy capable of sustained growth and resilience.

As Nigeria continues to battle its inflation crisis, the Tinubu istration remains under pressure to deliver on its promises to stabilize the economy and alleviate the financial strain on its citizens.

Edun expressed optimism that Nigeria can overcome its inflationary challenges and chart a path toward economic stability through a mix of subsidy reforms, targeted social interventions, and innovative financial policies.

https://tribuneonlineng.com/nigerias-inflation-made-worse-by-import-dependency-large-informal-economy-edun/amp/

The house of representatives has asked Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, to revoke airstrip licences issued to individuals and organisations.

The lower legislative chamber ed the resolution during the plenary session on Wednesday after the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance.

Sulaiman Abubakar, a lawmaker representing the Gummi/Bukkuyum federal constituency of Zamfara state, sponsored the motion.

An airstrip is a runway or landing area for aircraft usually situated in rural or remote areas with limited facilities for private planes, emergency landings, or military operations.

Early this month, Keyamo reportedly confirmed the approval of an airstrip for Canaanland — where the Living Faith church, also known as Winners Chapel, is situated in Otta, Ogun state.

Moving the motion, the lawmaker cited a 2014 report of an aircraft that was arrested in South Africa from Nigeria.

Two Nigerians and an Israeli were said to have attempted to smuggle $9.3 million in the chartered aircraft into South Africa to purchase weapons.

Abubakar said Nigeria’s insecurity is worsened by the illegal importation and proliferation of firearms and ammunition and the importation of illicit or hard drugs.

“This is coupled with the inability of our security agencies to pinpoint the source of supply of weapons to insurgents, kidnappers, and separatists that have massacred thousands of Nigerians across the country,” the lawmaker said.

He said granting airstrips to private individuals and organisations “will aid illegal importation of firearms and hard drugs into the country, thus heightening insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, and other vices that are seriously affecting the socio-economic development of the country”.

The motion was adopted when it was put to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.

The house asked the aviation ministry to “stop issuance of airstrip license to private individuals and organisations” and should withdraw such approvals already granted to safeguard national security.

The house asked the committees on aviation and legislative compliance to ensure implementation.

https://www.thecable.ng/living-faith-risks-losing-airstrip-as-reps-seek-revocation-of-private-entities-licences/

…5 yrs Imprisonment for Defaulting Heads of Institutions

The House of Representatives on Wednesday ed through the third reading “A bill for an act to prevent, prohibit and redress sexual harassment of students in tertiary educational institutions and related matters connected therewith”.

The bill proposed 14 years imprisonment for those convicted of the offences and 5 years imprisonment or N5 million fine for heads of institutions that refused to act on complaints of sexual harassment by students.


Briefing the media on the intent of the bill, the sponsor and spokesperson for the House, Akin Rotimi said “It is enacted to promote and protect ethical standards in tertiary education, the sanctity of the student-educator fiduciary relationship of authority, dependency and trust and respect for human dignity in tertiary educational institutions”

He said the bill aims at “Provide for the protection of students against sexual harassment by educators in tertiary educational institutions;

“Prevention of sexual harassment of students by educators in tertiary educational institutions; and redressal of complaints of sexual harassment of students by educators in tertiary educational institutions”

On what constitutes a sexual offence, the bill provides that “An educator shall be guilty of committing an offence or a felony of sexual harassment if he/she –
Engages in any form of unwelcome physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature with a student or prospective student, or demands such conduct, regardless of consent; or

“Creates a hostile, offensive, or intimidating environment for a student by making unsolicited or inappropriate sexual advances, or by requesting sexual favours; or

“Directs, facilitates, assists, or encourages another person to engage in any act of sexual harassment as defined under this Bill; or

“Displays sends, or distributes any form of sexually explicit or suggestive material, including images, videos, or objects, to a student through any medium; or

“Makes verbal or non-verbal remarks, comments, or gestures of a sexual nature, or any remarks or conduct intended to degrade, humiliate, or body shame a student based on their physical appearance; or

“Engages in stalking, persistent following, or any form of unwanted attention directed at a student, which creates an atmosphere of fear or discomfort”.

According to the bill, “Any person who commits any of the offences or acts specified in Clause 4 (1), (2) and (3) of this Bill is guilty of an offence of felony and shall, on conviction, be sentenced to an imprisonment term of up to 14 years but not less than 5 years, without an option of a fine”.

The bill also provides that “An istrative head of an institution who fails to comply with the provisions of sub-clauses (1) and (2) of this Clause of this Bill is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a minimum fine of N5,000,000 or imprisonment for 5 years, or both”

Similarly, “Any person who commits any of the offences or acts specified in Clause 4 (4), (5) and (6) of this Bill is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to an imprisonment term of up to 5 years but not less than 2 years, without an option of a fine”

https://newtelegraphng.com/reps--tertiary-institutions-sexual-harassment-bill-propose-14yrs-for-offenders/#google_vignette

Nigeria, alongside other West African countries, is set to adopt a unified driver’s license and vehicle registration system as part of a regional effort to streamline transportation and enhance road safety.

The Federal Road Safety Corps is also collaborating with the Economic Community of West African States through the West African Road Safety Organisation to develop a Regional Vehicle istration and Information System.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this at a workshop on inter-agency collaboration in Abuja on Tuesday.

Represented by Deputy Corps Marshal Clement Oladele, he stated that the initiatives aim to create a standardised system for driver’s licenses, vehicle number plates, and documentation across the region.

He added that it would also foster the free movement of vehicles, people, goods, and services in ECOWAS countries.

Mohammed said, “FRSC is partnering with ECOWAS through the West African Road Safety Organisation to work on the adoption of a uniform licensing scheme called the Regional Vehicle istration and Information System.

“The initiative is geared towards having a common driver’s license, vehicle number plates, and documentation, as well as the enforcement of traffic infractions and generation of critical data across West Africa.

The scheme, when fully implemented, will promote seamless vehicle registration in West Africa and enhance the free movement of vehicles, persons, goods, and services, as enshrined in the ECOWAS protocol on free movement.

“It will also prevent multiple registrations and assist in reducing vehicle theft within the ECOWAS subregion. FRSC, under the auspices of ECOWAS, is working towards partnering with of WASO to develop digital number plates and motor vehicle particulars with the installation of solid acrylic that is weather-resistant in vehicles.”

He also mentioned that the initiative proposes linking each driver’s license to the holder’s bank , making it compatible with digital payment systems.

Mohammed said, “These initiatives aim to link the national driver’s license to the owner’s bank , details which will not only serve as debit cards but are also in line with the FRSC’s grand strategy to partner with the banking sector in enhancing highway enforcement.”

https://punchng.com/nigeria-west-african-nations-to-adopt-unified-drivers-license-others/#google_vignette

The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje has said the party will win the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State devoid of manipulation.

Ganduje, who was in Akure, the state capital, for the inauguration of the National Campaign Council of the APC headed by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the performance of Lucky Aiyedatiwa since he emerged as governor of the state would guarantee him victory.

The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged the APC of a plan to manipulate the election. The opposition claimed the ruling APC cannot win in any free and fair contest.

However, Ganduje said the APC will win the governorship election in a free and fair contest because of the performance of Governor Aiyedatiwa and the fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is from the zone.

His words “For homogeneity, the people must unite for APC. The election will be free and fair, we will win through democratic means. We appreciate the reforms he has initiated since he took over; we want him to continue with the projects he is doing. We want him to continue with progressive ideology and infrastructural facilities he has embarked on.”

Similarly, Aiyedatiwa said if the government is about the people, and with the life-changing projects he has embarked on since he assumed office, the people of the state would vote for him.

His words “We have worked hard for the heart of the people. We are talking to them house to house, door to door, and mouth to ear. Above all, we are committed to a peaceful and credible election, where votes count. By the grace of God Almighty, come 16th November 2024, we shall win. And we shall gather here, once again, to celebrate our victory. It is the promise of God for His people.”

Aiyedatiwa said the interventions of his istration in the last 10 months justify the quest for election as he was in the best position to continue with the legacies of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

His words, “Within the last 10 months, we have deliberately focused on infrastructural development, public utility renewal, agricultural production increment, entrepreneurship and youth development, job creation, and security.

“We have focused on strengthening governance institutions through fiscal discipline, improved healthcare, access to quality education, and responsible citizenship.

“We have shown commitment to social welfare to alleviate the suffering of our people. We have deliberately created a stronger engagement with our women, too. We are concerned with leadership with integrity and character. We are not talking about our people; we are talking about them.

“Within our 10 months in the saddle, we have activated the construction of not less than 70km of rural roads to provide access to our farm settlements and villages. This is in addition to the new 60km city-based roads recently awarded alongside the ongoing roads, bridges, and public building projects initiated and awarded by our istration.

“It is significant that our workers are happy and well-motivated as we pay their salaries regularly and promptly. We owe no kobo to workers, even as they enjoy their regular promotions.

“We have employed workers in critical sectors of the public service, such as health and Internal Revenue Service, while processes at an advanced stage to recruit about 2,000 teachers for public primary and secondary schools.

“We have ed not less than 500 youths with hundreds of millions of naira in grants and loans as part of start-up kits for their entrepreneurial businesses.

“We are ing our farmers with access to quality funds and finance as well as technology and trade. We are also giving scholarships, bursaries, and financial assistance to students of Ondo State origin in higher institutions across Nigeria.”

Aside Sanwo-Olu, other of the campaign council included, former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, National secretary of APC, Sen. Ajibola Basiru.

https://newtelegraphng.com/ondo-2024-we-dont-need-to-rig-to-win-ganduje-aiyedatiwa/

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT on Monday, threw his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to actualise local government autonomy.

The minister disclosed this on Monday when he inaugurated the upgrading of War College/Army Checkpoint Road and other ancillary roads in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council, Abuja.

Wike, who said he had no apology backing the move for local government autonomy, urged residents of local government areas to hold their council leaders able.

He lauded the good working relationship himself and the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud have with the chairmen of the six area councils of the territory.

According to him, since they were appointed as ministers, “we have worked together, they have collaborated with us.

“I stand to challenge anybody, since we came as ministers, I don’t even know how much they get. I have never bothered to ask, and I am not interested to know.

“I have my own allocation; they have their own allocation and that is why I ed Mr. President, and I have no apology to anybody”, he said.

https://dailypost.ng/2024/10/28/i-dont-even-know-how-much-they-get-wike-backs-local-govt-autonomy/

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has slammed Remi Oseni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, for accusing him of mispriority.

DAILY POST recalls that Oseni had called out Umahi over the deteriorating road network in the country during a house hearing on Thursday.

Oseni had said Umahi’s focus is on funds, while neglecting what should be his priorities.

Reacting to Oseni’s statement, Umahi, while addressing reporters on Monday, said the lawmaker had not attained half of what he has achieved in life.

The former governor said he would not issues with the lawmaker out of the respect he has for the Speaker of House of Representatives and the National Assembly.

He said, “His (Oseni) time is very damaging to the wonderful institution of the National Assembly, especially the 10th national assembly. For the respect of the Speaker and, of course, the Senate President and the National Assembly institution that I belong to, I will refrain myself from ing issues with him.

“He said I have failed… No one in life ever said I have failed and I have never failed in anything I am involved in and if he likes, he should go and check my pedigree.

“I believe that God has to be with him to attain half of what I have attained in life. So, I will not issues with him because I have tremendous respect for Mr Speaker and the National Assembly.

“But I will try to clarify some things. He said I was involved in some issues… Yes, he is right because he sounded as if he was representing the contractors and what were the issues? The issue of Variation of Price and that was a very terrible programme that was eroding the little resources we put in the budget.”

https://dailypost.ng/2024/10/28/i-am-not-on-your-level-umahi-claps-back-at-reps-committee-chair/

The Presidency has explained the reason why a new presidential jet was procured for President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the current jet was procured to avoid the president getting involved in a plane crash due to malfunctions.

Onanuga recalled speaking with National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, about the faulty plane and he decried the high rate of maintenance.

Featuring on Inside Sources, a programme on Channels Television, Onanuga said: “People should try to prioritise the safety of the president. I’m not sure anybody wishes for our president to go and crash in the air. We want his safety so that he can hand over to whoever wants to take over from him.”

The health state of the Presidential Air Fleet has been a source of concern of late.

In May, a faulty presidential jet stopped Vice President Kashim Shettima from attending the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa.

Last December, a Falcon 900B presidential aircraft was put up for sale, with the Nigerian Air Force asking interested persons to submit their bids for the purchase of the aircraft.

https://dailypost.ng/2024/10/27/tinubus-safety-reason-for-buying-new-presidential-jet-onanuga/

A Niger Delta militia group, the Niger Delta Development Force, has threatened to shut down oil installations in the Niger Delta region.

The group stated it would destroy the facilities if President Bola Tinubu fails to caution the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over alleged attempts to undermine the istration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

In a statement signed on Sunday by its spokesman, Justin Alabraba, the group expressed particular anger over an alleged plan by Wike to use a friendly judge to secure a ruling in his favour, which would stop local government allocations to the state on Monday.

The statement added, “Our will not hesitate to shut down oil installations if any judge in Abuja issues a pronouncement that financially incapacitates local governments in Rivers State, preventing them from fulfilling their duty to the people.

“We will act immediately. It will be a swift response, and we will shut down major oil installations in the Niger Delta. If President Bola Tinubu allows Wike to disrupt governance in the local governments of Rivers State, we will also disrupt governance at all levels. We cannot continue to suffer while other parts of Nigeria prosper. Wike must leave Fubara alone.

“For months now, Wike has continued to insult and intimidate Governor Fubara, wielding his federal influence. We won’t tolerate that anymore.

Any further move against Fubara by Wike will be met with the destruction of oil installations. Since Tinubu seems intent on turning a blind eye, let us all face the consequences together. Rivers State does not belong to Wike, and he cannot conclude his eight-year term without harassing those who helped him get there while now seeking to disturb his successor.”

The group warned that there would be no turning back if a judgement is issued against Rivers State, insisting, “We will bomb and continue to destroy oil installations. This is not a threat; it is a promise. Enough is enough. Wike and Tinubu cannot take us for granted any longer.”

https://punchng.com/wike-niger-delta-militant-group-threatens-to-bomb-oil-installations/

Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, has departed Nigeria after eight months of detention.

The world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange made this disclosure in a statement shared with The PUNCH on Thursday.

“Today, American citizen Tigran Gambaryan left Nigeria to return home to his family after eight months of unlawful detention. Gambaryan was allowed to leave Kuje prison last night. His health has suffered significantly while in prison. He will now be able to finally receive the medical attention he desperately requires,” the exchange said.

This development follows a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, which dismissed the money laundering charges brought against Gambaryan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

During the court session, the EFCC explained that the case could not proceed at the last adjourned date due to Gambaryan’s declining health.

A review by the Nigerian Correctional Service, ed by the Office of the National Security Adviser, indicated that Gambaryan’s condition had worsened to the extent that he could hardly walk without the aid of a wheelchair.

Reacting to this development, Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, expressed her relief at his release, stating, “It is a huge relief that this day has finally come. The past eight months have been a living nightmare. I wish it hadn’t taken this long for his release or that his health had not declined so much, but we can now focus on healing as a family.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the U.S. government for their efforts in securing his release. I also want to thank everyone who helped us throughout this ordeal. There were moments I feared this day would never come, but Tigran’s ers gave me hope and strength.

“The road ahead for Tigran’s recovery is going to be difficult, and I appreciate being given the time and space to focus on that. Our children cannot wait to see their dad again,” she stated.

In February, Nigerian authorities detained Gambaryan and his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla, a 37-year-old British-Kenyan who serves as the regional manager for Africa at Binance.

Both were charged with money laundering involving $35 million, as initiated by the anti-graft agency. While Anjarwalla managed to escape custody on March 22, 2024, Gambaryan was arraigned in court on April 8.

https://punchng.com/binance-executive-gambaryan-departs-nigeria-after-eight-months-in-detention/

GOFRONT:
Is TPAIN himself driving on a CNG powered vehicle??

Sofri-sofri abeg, plenty people dey on top the table wey u dey shake like this o

Ekperipke Ekpo, minister of state for petroleum resources (gas), says President Bola Tinubu wants filling stations converted to compressed natural gas (CNG) outlets.

Ekpo spoke at the State House after the federal executive council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, presided over by the president.

The minister said Tinubu “gave a charge” regarding CNG, through the minister of information, during the FEC meeting.

“We are well aware that the president set up a presidential committee on the CNG to drive the CNG project,” Ekpo said.

“As a minister who has been supervising what has been going on there, it is left for us to inform the general public that CNG has come to stay, and we have to follow that route because CNG is safe, cheaper, and protects the environment.”

He said the president spoke about ensuring that “most of the filling stations across the country are converted into CNG stations, where you have the conversion kits so that people can convert their vehicle to CNG”.

“It is important to note that when you are using CNG, you save a lot of money. A litre of fuel that can go for N1000, with CNG, you get it at N200, which saves you N800,” Ekpo said.

“I believe, with the ion of Mr. President, the push that he has given to us, we’ll try as much as possible to drive the CNG programme to reach all the nooks and crannies of this country, so that we will take advantage of the natural resources (gas) that God has endowed us with.”

On October 22, Tinubu said Nigerians can choose between buying motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, at N1,000 per litre or CNG at N200 per standard cubic meter.

FEC APPROVES PTDF INITIATIVE FOR PRINTING OF 1 MILLION SCIENCE TEXTBOOKS

Also speaking to journalists, Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources (oil), said FEC approved an initiative by the petroleum technology development fund (PTDF) for the printing of one million science textbooks for secondary schools.

Lokpobiri said the memo was presented on behalf of the PTDF, which had initiated a programme called the “PTDF Stem Fund”.

“STEM is science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Sometime ago, the PTDF, which is the creation of law, with the mandate to build the capacity of Nigerians in oil and gas industry, came up with a program called PTDF Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Programme,” he said.

“They sought to obtain presidential approval and today, we brought a memo to council to be able to print 1 million science textbooks.”

He added that the science courses that were identified as problem areas for Nigerians are physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and computer science.

“It is believed that for us to match up with the rest of the world, we needed to build capacity at the secondary school level,” the minister said.

Lokpobiri said the programme is meant “to print one million science textbooks that will be distributed to all the 74 local government areas in the country, and also to the 104 unity schools that we have in the country, and then 122 special schools that we have in the country”.

“This memo was brought before Council. It was approved by council. Essentially, what is important is that this is a and dual capacity at the secondary school level to match up with the rest of the world in of technological and engineering development. We need to lay a very solid foundation,” he said.

“Sometime ago, we found that we are lagging behind, and so we decided that, look, we are going to build both physical and digital libraries.”

The minister said a memo for PTDF to build digital and physical libraries in about 1,000 secondary schools in the country, was brought before FEC weeks ago and it was approved by the council.

Lokpobiri added that the new approval is to compliment “that effort of the PTDF that has a mandate that will boost capacity in Nigeria”.

https://www.thecable.ng/tinubu-wants-filling-stations-converted-to-cng-outlets-says-minister/

Mr. Bayo is trying to confuse our confusion

The Presidency has made some clarification regarding President Bola Tinubu’s reshuffling of his cabinet.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said ministers were not sacked but discharged.

Speaking with TVC, Onanuga said the term “sacked” does not accurately describe their departure.

“Ministers were not sacked; they were discharged,” he said.

Seven ministers were shown the way out while seven were appointed as Tinubu reshuffled his cabinet.

The cabinet reshuffle, announced on Wednesday, affected Uju-Ken Ohanenye (Women Affairs), Lola Ade-John (Tourism), Tahir Mamman (Education), Abdullahi Gwarzo (Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development), and Jamila Ibrahim (Youth Development).

https://dailypost.ng/2024/10/23/cabinet-reshuffle-ministers-discharged-not-sacked-presidency/

Amid the hike in the price of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, also known as cooking gas, the Federal Government has banned the export of the commodity produced in Nigeria.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said this in a statement, expressing worry over the rising cost of the commodity.

The prices of the commodity have increased from an average of N1,100-N1,250 per kg to N1,525 per kg.

According to the statement, Ekpo convened a meeting with key stakeholders in the LPG value chain to address the escalating prices and the hardship they impose on Nigerians.

The minister announced the following directives:

Short-Term Solution: Effective from November 1, 2024, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and LPG producers are to halt the export of LPG produced in the country. If they continue exporting, they must import an equivalent volume at cost-reflective prices.

Pricing Framework: The NMDPRA will engage stakeholders within 90 days to create a domestic LPG pricing framework. The new framework will be indexed to the cost of in-country production, replacing the current system of using external market prices from regions like the Americas and Far East Asia.

Long-Term Solution: Over the next 12 months, the government plans to develop infrastructure for blending, storing, and distributing LPG, with the aim of halting exports until domestic supply is sufficient and prices stabilize.

The minister stressed that the measures were aimed at boosting availability, ensuring affordability, and protecting Nigerians from the economic strain caused by hiking the commodity prices.

https://dailypost.ng/2024/10/22/price-surge-nigerian-govt-bans-export-of-cooking-gas/

The Federal Government investigative , on Monday, revealed that cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, enjoyed some special privileges in prison, including furnished single cells, a designated inmate to run errands for him, access to a fridge and television, among others.

The , constituted by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, about three weeks ago, probed allegations that the crossdresser spent his six-month jail term outside the prison facility.

Recall that Bobrisky, who was jailed for six months over Naira abuse, made headlines after controversial social critic Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, shared a voice note in which Bobrisky purportedly claimed that he bribed some Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials with fifteen million naira to drop the money laundering charges against him, among others.

But, in its report submitted to the minister, the headed by the Interior Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, cleared Bobrisky of the allegation that he spent his jail term outside the prison, saying there was no evidence to the claim.

The interim report also revealed that proper documentation of Okuneye Idris was not made prior, or as he was being transferred from Ikoyi Custodial Centre to Medium Custodial Centre, and from Medium Custodial Centre Kirikiri Apapa Lagos to the Maximum Custodial Centre Kirikiri Apapa, Lagos.

It noted that the documents were later provided on September 28th, 2024, and backdated to April 12th and 22nd, 2024, respectively.

“These are in violation of sections 168 and 169 of the Nigerian Correctional Service Standing Order Custodial.

“The transfer of Mr Okuneye Idris from the Medium Security Kirikiri, Lagos, to the Maximum Security Kirikiri, Lagos, being a first offender, violated sections 16(4)(a) and (b) of the Nigerian Correctional Service 2019.

“The also found that Mr Okuneye Idris enjoyed several privileges while in custody both at the Medium-Security and the Maximum-Security Custodial Centres, which include specially furnished single cells, a humidifier, lots of visitation by his family and friends as he desired, visits by his family and friends held inside the office of the in-charge of the custodial centre, a floor rug, self-feeding, a designated inmate to run errands for him, access to a fridge and television, and possibly access to his phone.

“It is necessary to further investigate if the above privileges provided for Okuneye Idris were financially motivated and based on corrupt practices by correctional officers.

“The believes that the peculiar case of the inmate and the inmate’s physical look and behaviour pose a threat, and the lack of laid-down rule for the treatment of such a case may have necessitated such privileges to be granted to Okuneye Idris.

“The recommends that clear guidelines need to be set up to guide operations regarding such incidents in the future. Steps should be taken to avoid the obvious discriminatory practices in relation to the socio-economic levels and other status of inmates,” it stated.

https://tribuneonlineng.com/bobrisky-enjoyed-furnished-single-cells-designated-inmate-to-run-errands-others-in-prison-fg/

• ‘Living together an obligation, not optional’

• Minister: we will end herder-farmer clashes

The Federal Government at the weekend said it would not entertain the balkanisation of any part of the country.

It also explained that there will be no room for secession, saying Nigerians living together is an obligation and not optional.

Certain groups have been campaigning to be allowed to exit the Nigerian union brought together under the separate Southern and Northern protectorates by Lord Lugard in 1914.

Nigeria gained independence from British colonialists in 1960.

The country fought a civil war for almost three years between 1967 and January 1970.

Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar reaffirmed the indivisibility of the country at the weekend during a peace meeting in Plateau State.

Badaru said: “The Federal Government will not entertain such demand capable of causing division and disaffection among Nigerians.

“Therefore, living together is not an option but an obligation.

“This is evident in Mr President’s firm resolve to fight any secessionist agenda in any part of the country.

“My presence here is to fulfil my mandate as the Minister of Defence charged with the responsibility for the protection of our national territory both from external and internal aggression.

“Therefore, I will not relent until the Federal Government and the Ministry of Defence deploy all assets to ensure our people sleep with their eyes closed.

“I must first express my displeasure over the recurring attacks and reprisals that resulted in the loss of lives and property especially in Jol and Sho in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs in recent times.

“These killings kept recurring despite the best efforts of our security agencies on the Plateau; especially 3 Division (Nigerian Army)/Operation Safe Heaven (OPSH) to ensure amicable settlements during any incidents involving attacks on cattle or farm as well as cattle rustling.’’

Badaru, a former governor of Jigawa State, also said the government was highly disturbed that some people would want to disrupt the current farming season.

He added: “I am particularly saddened by the stance of some unscrupulous elements in some communities who vowed to disrupt farming activities during the ongoing rainy season despite all efforts to resolve the security issues in your localities through diverse means.

“The continuous recurrence of farmers/herders clashes not just on the Plateau but across other states of the federation is quite worrisome.

“As nature has it, both farmers and cattle breeders need each other to survive.”

Obasanjo Backs Community Policing

Also yesterday, former President Olusegun Obasanjo backed the use of community policing to curb insecurity in the country.

“The best form of security is community policing because everyone knows his/her neighbours within the community.

“With that, it is very easy to identify the bad eggs,’’ Obasanjo said.

He challenged all levels of government, traditional rulers, and the people to team up to defeat non-state actors who have for long held the country by the jugular.

The former President spoke yesterday in Bauchi, Bauchi State where he inaugurated projects executed by Governor Bala Mohammed.

He also met with the Emir of Bauchi Rilwanu Adamu.

Obasanjo, who revealed he almost lost his hearing ability, said many people are deaf without knowing it until they go for medical checks.

He recounted that he was abroad and could not hear clearly when someone spoke to him.

Obasanjo said he insisted that nothing was wrong with his ears until the man who was talking to him asked for his permission to check his ears.

“After my result came out, I had to ask the man to also check on my Chief Security Officer. Shockingly enough, he was more deaf than I was, My hearing loss then was 25 per cent,” he said.

The experience, he said, spurred the creation of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation which has provided thousands of Nigerians the opportunities to undergo ear treatment and receive hearing aids.

The former president said he would inaugurate the distribution of hearing aids targeting about 10,000 indigent people in the Northeast, starting from Bauchi where 2,000 people would benefit.

https://thenationonlineng.net/federal-govt-no-room-for-secession-by-any-ethnic-group/

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio at the weekend again acknowledged the current challenges in the country but assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s government would leave behind a lasting legacy that will guarantee a better future.

Speaking at the University of Calabar, UNICAL ’87 Law Class Re-Union 2024 in Calabar, Akpabio said the current difficulties that Nigerians are going through were the results of past malistration in the country.

The Senate President, a law graduate of the University of Calabar, said: “The difficulties we are witnessing in our nation today were not caused by the present istration. These are as a result of years of malistration.

“Any country that does not have backbone infrastructure, you don’t have something to develop, you don’t save for the rainy day, when there is economic malaise such as we are witnessing in the world today, such country is bound to be affected.

“The good news is that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have hope today, that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The things that we are trying to do now, we are doing it for posterity. Not for ourselves. Be assured that this istration will leave behind lasting legacies that will guarantee a better future.”

Earlier, Akpabio led his old classmates to pay separate courtesy visits to the Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu and the Vice Chancellor of UNICAL, Professor Florence Obi, who later narrated legion of challenges currently facing the institution, particularly in the area of infrastructure.

He told the university management that the ’87 Law Class decided to congregate at the institution primarily to do an evaluation on the state of affairs of their alma mater and to see how best they could be of assistance to the institution that nurtured them.

Akpabio announced, on behalf of the ’87 Law Class, donation of two Coaster buses for the Faculty of Law and UNICAL Student Union Government (SUG).

Otu, also a UNICAL graduate, assured the ’87 Law Class that visited him that the government of Cross River State would partner with them on whatever they planned to do for the institution.

“We want to look at what you will do and Cross River State will also partner with you and add to whatever you are going to do,” Governor Otu said.

Also speaking at the re-union, the Patron of the ’87 Law Class, Justice Okon Abang of the Court of Appeal, observed that the journey of his former classmates to the level they are now had not been without challenges.

“As I reflect on the accomplishment of this class, I am overwhelmed by how much we have collectively contributed to the legal profession and to the progress of our great nation and the entire commonwealth of nations,” Justice Abang said.

https://dailypost.ng/2024/10/20/tinubu-will-guarantee-better-future-akpabio-assures-nigerians/

The federal government has said it is working towards making solar energy accessible and affordable to all Nigerians by next year.

Director-General/CEO of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, stated this in an interview with BBC Hausa service.

He noted that for Nigeria to enjoy stable power supply as obtained in other developed nations, the country needs to generate 40,000 megawatts.

“As you know, with the installed capacity of 12,000 megawatts in Nigeria, only 5,000 megawatts get to the people. We need 40,000 megawatts to be able to meet the country’s energy needs and enjoy stable power as obtained in other developed nations.

“We have already unveiled a national energy master plan to address the country’s energy challenges and ensure that all Nigerians have access to power supply.

“We will establish a plant that produces solar s and batteries for Nigerians to have access to affordable solar power. I am assuring Nigerians that we will achieve this by next year.”

He further added that the government had established a Renewable Energy College to bridge the gap in the power sector.

“We have commenced the construction of Renewable Energy College where we will offer free education on energy so that we can bridge the gap in the power sector and augment government’s efforts.”

Nigeria is currently facing energy crisis, with the national grid recording incessant collapse.

Daily Trust had reported how the national grid collapsed three times in a week.

https://dailytrust.com/well-make-solar-energy-accessible-affordable-to-nigerians-next-year-fg/

The crisis between the governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, has taken a worse turn.

The governor, who has been a regular guest at the annual Onitsha Ofala Festival, shunned the 2024 edition on Friday.

While as a guest last year, Soludo had promised to partner with the monarch to boost the festival but things fell apart after Soludo suspended Igwe Ezeani of Neni who conferred title on the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who was planning to challenge Soludo’s reelection before he died in September.

The Anambra government suspended him alongside two, drawing the ire of Obi of Onitsha, Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council in Anambra.

In an open letter to the state government, Achebe accused Soludo of not respecting traditional institutions in the state.

Soludo later conveyed a meeting at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area of the state, where he waved olive branch.

Speaking at the lates edition of Ofala festival, Achebe accused Soludo of undermining the traditional institution in the state.

He said while other states in Nigeria were working towards enhancing the relevance of traditional institutions, Anambra’s is being diminished.

Achebe said he was surprised to discover that the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC), which he headed, had been dissolved and labeled an illegal group.

He stated, “This is most unfortunate at a time when other states, as well as the Federal Government and the National Assembly, are seriously seeking ways to enhance the relevance of the traditional institution in the country.”

He further lamented the ASTRC’s inability to convene to discuss matters of interest to the state, resulting in the traditional institution’s lack of mandate to engage in national or sub-national affairs.

Providing background, Achebe stated, “On January 12, 2024, I was compelled to address a public letter to the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs of Anambra State in my capacity as Chairman of the ASTRC. My letter was in response to the suspension of the traditional ruler of Neni and the demand for apologies from two other traditional rulers, communicated via social media by the Ministry.

“Both correspondences generated considerable attention on social media, leading to the discontinuation of the ASTRC’s monthly meetings by the government since March 2024, under the pretext that the ASTRC, previously supervised by the State Government, had suddenly become illegal.”

The governor is yet to react to the the latest issue.

https://dailytrust.com/soludo-shuns-ofala-festival-as-rift-with-obi-of-onitsha-deepens/

Imagine! Thinking about 2027 gubernatorial election in 2024

I swear, Nigeria's politicians are the most very wicked set of people to ever grace this earth.

How their brain works, win rig election, stay in office doing absolutely nothing, embezzle public funds and think about next election dazzol.

As the 2027 general elections approach, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to those opposing him in Rivers State.

Wike warned that those against him won’t be allowed to carry out electoral malpractice from the Rivers State House of Assembly during the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Wike warned against making such a mistake in the next general election.

According to Wike: “You shift blame to other people and that is not acceptable. You have seen APC and PDP, which is a rainbow coalition of what will happen in 2027.

“I don’t know what will happen in 2027, what will happen in this state in 2027. The LG election is not a general election.

“Do you think we will allow you to carry the results sheet to the government house and then announce it without scores?

“[Who] would allow you in general elections? It is not going to be possible. So don’t make that kind of mistake. We never contested the local government election.”

The political landscape in Rivers State is divided between Wike and Governor Sim Fubara. They have been at each other’s neck over the political control of the state, despite President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.

https://dailypost.ng/2024/10/19/we-wont-allow-results-from-govt-house-wike-issues-2027-election-warning/

Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi, says the federal government’s reforms are not working.

Mohammed spoke at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update report by the World Bank in Abuja on Thursday.

He said the revenues available to state governments are insufficient to address the challenges, adding that Nigerians are far from enjoying the Tinubu-led istration.

“There is a lot of pain and a lot of hardship that is beyond the subnationals. We didn’t bring these policies. The revenues that are coming are not enough to address the cost of infrastructure, to develop or improve livelihoods,” Mohammed said.

“There is hunger. The policies on agriculture, on manufacturing, and so on, are not yielding the requirements.

“We should not be dogmatic and hang on the path of policy and academics.

“We should go back to the basics. Nigerians are not enjoying the regime at the time across board, not only the federal government, including the states and local governments.

“Therefore, the onus rests on you, the finance and the managers of the economy.

“We need to come up with a budget programme, with economic policies that will reduce hardship. The money that we are sharing is not enough.

“The report spoke about employment, wages. How many percent of Nigerians are even employed? Most of our people live in the informal sector, we should look at how we can make them self-employed.

“The purchasing power has dwindled. These policies are not working and you know that.

“We are at the risk of being lynched. They just stay in Abuja and be talking like the reforms are working. This is part of something else.”

Mohammed also said the N70,000 minimum wage will be implemented soon in Bauchi.

“I have been paying minimum wage even when it was done before. Now we are looking at our revenue. Everything should be done separately,” he added.

“Yes, we will implement the minimum wage, which you agreed to. But what is the volume of revenue we are getting? Can we do it? And if we do it, do we have anything left for infrastructure? What about power?

“The tariff is beyond the reach of the common man. We are living with these people.”

https://www.thecable.ng/bala-mohammed-theres-hunger-fgs-policies-are-not-working/

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has said that for land to be allocated to any agency or institution, there must be an agreement with the Federal Capital Territory istration, FCTA, through the Land Department, that the institution is ready to build within a specific time.

Wike stated this when he received a delegation from the University Basic Education Commission, UBEC, led by the Executive Secretary, Hamid Bobboyi, on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja on Thursday.

He was responding to a request for land allocation by the Executive Secretary of UBEC to enable the commission to construct staff quarters in the FCT.

He frowned at a situation where institutions are allocated land without developing them, which he said was attracting shanties and criminals to the FCT.

He said institutions seeking land allocation in the FCT must agree to develop the land within a given timeframe and also demonstrate their financial capacity to carry out such developmental activities before allocations are made.

“What we have found out is that most institutions apply for land, you give them land, 20 years, 15 years, no development and then people go and build shanties, which of course attracts criminals to stay and then it becomes a problem to us,” Wike said.

“When you begin to go there and say they should move, then people will come to say ‘oh, people are suffering, the economy is very hard, it’s where they are trying to find what to eat.’ It becomes another problem for us.

“Now, for us to give land to any agency, you have to have an agreement with the FCTA through the Land Department that you are going to build within a specific time,” he said.

Wike added that the agreement would state clearly the commitment of the agency, and where the agency fails, FCTA would take back the land.

https://dailypost.ng/2024/10/17/fcta-will-retrieve-land-from-those-who-dont-develop-it-on-time-wike/

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Communications Satellite Ltd (NigComSat), Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, has said Nigeria is now deploying all its satellite assets against terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers.

Egerton-Idehen said this at a media parley in Abuja ahead of Satellite Week, saying the agency’s mission for the event is to unpack and showcase the transformative potential of satellite technology for Nigeria, setting the stage for tangible progress in the nation’s economy, security, healthcare, education, and more, while forging connections and partnerships.

This means that the security challenges confronting the country might end soon, she added.

Mrs Egerton-Idehen who did not give details of the scope of the deployment because of its security implications, however, said there are collaborations with the nation’s security architecture managers to find lasting solutions to the security challenges facing the country.

She said part of the collaborations involved providing connectivity to remote areas, while lots of technology platforms have been deployed for various assignments.

“We are collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Defence Intelligence, and Space istration, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other stakeholders on the utilisation of Communications Satellite and Assets to ensure peace throughout the country.

“I cannot provide details of our collaborations, but it’s all-encoming and the goal is to secure Nigeria. Very few countries have the kind of assets that we have, especially in the West African sub-region. We have started a journey to provide leadership in the region and we will surely get there,” she said.

She commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the of the president and the Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has changed the narratives of the Satellite Communications industry.

She said Nigeria has not abandoned the move to procure Satellite 2 in Space, stating that the process is already gaining traction and would be concluded as soon as possible.

She also said the Nigerian Satellite Week is being organised to bring stakeholders together to harness the huge potential in the satellite industry.

She said within the period she assumed office, NigComSat TV Channels have moved from about 45 to 105, while viewers have peaked at 7 million from two million viewers.

Speaking on Satellite Week, Mrs Egerton-Idehen said, “This event marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s satellite and space industry as we gather here to explore how communication satellites can be the driving force behind our nation’s sustainable development via diverse industries and initiatives.”

https://dailytrust.com/nigeria-now-deploying-satellites-to-monitor-terrorists-bandits-nigcomsat/

This is sycophancy in its finesse

The Presidency on Wednesday assured that despite President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima being out of the country simultaneously, there is no vacuum in the istration of the country.

The president is on a two-week leave which has seen him in the United Kingdom and, now , while the vice president departed Abuja on Wednesday for a two-day official engagement in Sweden.

The absence of both leaders from the country at the same time has sparked concerns from certain quarters, forcing the presidency to act to reassure that there is no cause for alarm as the istration of the country is proceeding smoothly.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), the presidency affirmed that queries were being raised by the media about the absence of both the president and the vice president and stressed the need to clarify the situation.

The presidency pointed out that it is not the first time both leaders would be out of the country.

The statement noted: “It is important to note that the president and vice president are fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while they are away. There is no leadership vacuum in the country.

“President Tinubu left the country on 3 October and is on a two-week working vacation. During this time, he has been busy answering phones and issuing directives on matters of state. He will soon return to the country before the vacation officially expires.

“The vice president departed the country Wednesday for Sweden on an official visit, working for Nigeria.

“All state organs are functioning as usual. The Senate President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs are all in their respective positions, ensuring the smooth operation of the government.

“We had a similar situation in 2022 when former President Buhari and former Vice President Osinbajo were found to be simultaneously out of the country. President Buhari attended UNGA 77, while Osinbajo participated in the burial of Queen Elizabeth ll.

“We have also experienced it during this istration. Between late April and early May this year, while President Tinubu was in London, after visiting the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, where he attended the World Economic Forum, Vice President Shettima left Nigeria, first of all for Nairobi to attend the International Development Association (IDA21) Heads of State Summit.

“After returning, he left for Dallas, Texas, to attend the US-Africa Business Summit organized by the Corporate Council on Africa. President Tinubu returned home on 8 May. During this time, the government’s machinery did not halt.

https://tribuneonlineng.com/no-vacuum-in-governance-with-tinubu-shettima-outside-nigeria-presidency/

Mynd44 Nlfpmod

Following the loss of over 90 lives to a tanker explosion on Tuesday night in Jigawa State, the Senate has asked the National Orientation Agency, NOA, and other relevant authorities to carry out adequate sensitisation of Nigerians on the dangers involved in oil scooping during tanker accidents.

The onition followed a motion moved by Senator Babangida Hussaini (APC, Jigawa North West) on the incident of a petrol tanker explosion in Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area of the state, where no fewer than 90 people were confirmed dead, with 50 other persons hospitalised for varying degrees of injury.

In his presentation, Senator Hussaini noted: “In the night of October 15, 2024, a tanker fully loaded with Motor Spirit PMS, popularly called petrol, exploded along Hadejia Expressway in Majia town located in Taura Local Government of Jigawa State, which is about 117 km north-east of Dutse.”

“This catastrophic inferno occurred around 10 pm when the residents of the area trooped out en masse to the accident scene to scoop fuel from the ill-fated taker, and while this was on, the tanker exploded, resulting in a massive fire, difficult to control.

“The explosion resulted in the deaths of about 100 people whose bodies were burnt beyond recognition, leaving about 300 people with varying degrees of burns, and are currently receiving treatments in Birnin Kudu Federal Medical Centre, Rigim, Hadejia and Jahun General Hospital.”

According to him, this is one incident too many, and it is often accompanied by unprecedented casualties, often difficult for medical facilities within the precinct of the disaster.

“This development is rather unfortunate as it keeps happening over and over again in spite of fatalities that are often associated with the inferno,” he added.

After debate on the motion, the Senate accordingly called on the National Orientation Agency, NOA, to step up public enlightenment and sensitisation on the dangers of indulging in the dangerous act of scooping fuel from tankers whenever there is an accident.

It also urged all security agencies to be proactive in their actions whenever there is such an occurrence across the country, just as it observed a minute silence in honour of the dead.

The Red Chamber also called on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to provide relief materials to the victims of the inferno.

https://dailypost.ng/2024/10/16/enlighten-nigerians-against-oil-scooping-from-tanker-explosion-senate-tasks-noa/