The Kwara State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has allocated N32.6 million to support Kwara State indigenes affected by the recent fire at Dosumu market in Lagos State. The cheque, amounting to N32.6 million, was presented at the office of the General Manager of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP), Dr. Tejidini Abdulwasiu Olayinka, over the weekend. The Chairman of the Committee designated to receive the fund, Mallam Abdulganiyu Sebutu, expressed his profound gratitude for the financial assistance. Mallam Sebutu, speaking on behalf of the affected traders, described the governor’s action as “unprecedented magnanimity.” He emphasized that the governor’s support…
Author: Hassan Haruna
In Nigeria, the poor masses are preparing for massive protests across the country, especially in the northern region, due to the severe hardships and insecurity they face. Nigerians are grappling with serious issues like hunger, insecurity, lack of electricity, poor leadership, and rampant corruption. In response, they are planning protests in both the southern and northern regions, hoping to bring about positive change. The question arises: Can these protests yield the desired outcomes from the government? And if so, how? Nigeria has witnessed various protests in the past, both in the north and the south. For example, in 2011, following…
In a recent statement issued by Yusuf Idris, the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara state, strong condemnation was expressed towards what was described as an attempt to disrupt the party’s cohesion and integrity. The statement, released on Saturday in Gusau, highlighted concerns over actions by a group purportedly seeking to undermine the party’s unity. Idris emphasized that despite efforts to maintain peace and solidarity within the Zamfara APC, certain individuals, led by figures including the Zonal Vice Chairman of Zamfara West, Hon. Isiyaka Ajiya Anka, allegedly attempted an unauthorized takeover. This move, according to the…
In a bid to reduce the prevalence of malaria among boarding school students in Jigawa State, the insecticide-treated net (ITNs) manufacturing company, BASF generously donated mosquito nets to the students of Science and Technical College, Hadejia on Saturday. During the presentation of the nets, Dr. Jean-Marc Ricca, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Country Cluster, West Africa, expressed the company’s commitment to protecting students from malaria while they are in school. Dr. Ricca highlighted that this initiative is also meant to support the state government and other partners in their efforts to decrease the incidence of malaria within the state…
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State cast his vote in the ongoing Local Government Council elections across the state. He voted at Unit 001 in Kirchinga Ward, located in the Madagali Local Government Area, at 12 pm on Saturday, 13 July, 2024. This election follows a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which granted financial autonomy to the 774 Local Government Areas in the country. The judgment, passed two days prior to the elections, prohibits the 36 state governors and the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from removing elected chairmen from office. The Adamawa State…
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Chika Michelle, with the state code BN/23B/1713, serving in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, has completed a significant personal community development project. Chika, who is attached to the Ministry of Works, Housing, and Urban Development in Makurdi, has donated eco-friendly waste disposal units worth N2.5 million to various markets in the town. The project saw the donation of four aluminum galvanized waste dump containers to four major markets across Makurdi, namely High-level, Railway, Wadata, and North Bank markets. These containers are designed to be eco-friendly and are expected to greatly improve waste management…
The Adamawa State government has announced its readiness to collaborate with the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) to commence the rehabilitation of the Waga Bridge. This crucial border bridge, linking Adamawa and Borno states, has been severely affected by erosion. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri disclosed this development while addressing journalists shortly after inspecting the Waga Bridge in the Madagali Local Government Area, on Friday. He emphasized the bridge’s critical importance, noting that it is situated on a federal road that serves as a major route leading to the Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Mountains. These areas are significant because they are…
The Presidency has urged the Kaduna State government to provide robust moral support to the school feeding program to ensure its success in the North West state. This call was made during a meeting between the Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding, Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, and Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, along with other top state officials in Kaduna, on Friday. During the meeting, Dr. Adeniji emphasized the importance of state-level support for the school feeding program. She noted that such support is crucial for the program’s sustainability and effectiveness in improving the educational outcomes…
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, has expressed approval of the recent Supreme Court decision that grants financial autonomy to local governments and reduces the powers of state governors. Speaking to newsmen on Friday after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, Governor AbdulRahman emphasized that the state governors are comfortable with the ruling. He highlighted that this decision has relieved the governors of a significant burden and marked a positive step in the devolution of power to the third tier of government. “We welcome the ruling…
A generous family from the United Kingdom, known as Dr. Benjamin and Family, has made a cash donation to winners of the Spelling Bee competition in Yobe State. They contributed a total of N45,000 to the prize pool. According to Dr. Mohammed Goje, the executive secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) and the host of the event, the donations will be distributed among the top three contestants. The winner of the competition will receive N20,000, the runner-up will get N15,000, and the third-place finisher will receive N10,000. In addition to the contribution from Dr. Benjamin and Family,…
The Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, has issued a strong critique of the Nigerian government, labeling it a “kakistocracy,” where the most incompetent, corrupt, and unscrupulous individuals hold power. During an interview with Arise TV on Friday, Ndume expressed his dismay at the ineptitude and corruption in the country’s leadership. Ndume stated that the government is being led by those unfit to govern, prioritizing personal interests over the well-being of the nation and its citizens. He warned that the government is deteriorating, being run by kakistocrats and kleptocrats. While acknowledging that President Tinubu genuinely seeks to…
Hundreds of terrorists, criminals, and drug traffickers have escaped from the Koutoukalé prison in the Niger Republic. This high-security facility, situated near the capital city of Niamey, became the scene of a violent mutiny on Thursday, which quickly overwhelmed the prison guards and led to a mass breakout. Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots and explosions from within the prison around midday, which prompted an immediate response from security forces. However, by the time the authorities arrived, the inmates had already taken control of the prison. They managed to break through armored gates, barbed wire, and trenches, using weapons and vehicles they…
Following the 2024 flood prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which identified five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Gombe State as being highly susceptible to flood disasters, officials from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have initiated a comprehensive sensitization campaign aimed at these vulnerable areas. The LGAs identified by NiMet include Kwami, Dukku, Yalmatu-Deba, Gombe, and Funakaye. In response to this warning, SEMA officials have embarked on a mission to educate and prepare residents in these regions for potential flooding. This campaign follows an earlier training session organized by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with…
Nigeria is set to host its first International Conference on Biotechnology, an event organized by the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA). This landmark conference will see the participation of President Bola Tinubu and former President Goodluck Jonathan, alongside leading scientists, researchers, policymakers, industry experts, and entrepreneurs from around the globe. The aim is to delve into the transformative potential of biotechnology in driving Nigeria’s economic growth. Addressing journalists ahead of the conference on Thursday, NBRDA’s Director General, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, emphasized the conference’s goal of revolutionizing Nigeria’s economic sector and the broader African continent. With the theme “Biotechnology…
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to immediately account for and return the local government funds they have collected over the years. In a statement released on Thursday and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization praised the Supreme Court’s ruling as a significant step towards addressing the mismanagement of trillions of naira in Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations meant for local governments. “We applaud the Supreme Court for this groundbreaking decision which will end the persistent alleged…
The Nigerian Senate on Thursday unanimously rejected the Foreign Exchange (Control And Monitoring) Bill, 2024 (SB. 353), which sought to control and monitor the foreign exchange market in the country. The bill, sponsored by Senator Sani Musa representing Niger East, was first read in the Senate last February. It aimed to control, monitor, and supervise transactions in the foreign exchange market. Senator Musa, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, argued that the bill would streamline foreign transactions and help maintain an equilibrium in the balance of international payments. He stated, “The bill seeks to stabilize…
The Yobe State Spelling Bee competition has reached its third day, having commenced on Wednesday, 10 July, 2024. The event was officially inaugurated in Damaturu by the State governor, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni. In his absence, the governor was represented by his deputy, Idi Barde Gubana, who delivered a speech on his behalf. During the opening ceremony, the governor’s representative conveyed deep appreciation for the organizers’ efforts in putting together the competition. He assured them of the government’s full support throughout the duration of the event. The governor also reiterated the administration’s strong commitment to investing in education and supporting…
Senior immigration officer serving as the Administration Officer of Sector 4 of Operation Safe Haven in Barikin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State was killed in the Fan community, Fan District. The officer, identified as Christopher Luka, a two-star immigration officer, played a crucial role as the assistant sector commander of Sector 4. Operation Safe Haven is a multi-security taskforce designed to maintain peace in Plateau State. This taskforce comprises soldiers, immigration officers, police, the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, and customs officials, all working collaboratively to ensure the security and safety of the region. According to reliable sources in…
The Nigerian Customs Service, Sokoto/Zamfara command, has auctioned 56,164 liters of Petroleum Motor Spirits (PMS) that were seized from smugglers in Sokoto. The auction took place on Wednesday. Kamal Muhammed, the Controller of the command, inaugurated the auction. He noted that the exercise aligns with the directives of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale, aimed at curbing smuggling activities in Nigeria. Muhammed recalled a previous auction, conducted under the same directives, where 11,270 liters of PMS were auctioned after being intercepted by operatives of Operation Whirlwind in the Sokoto/Zamfara axis. “Due to intensified efforts against smugglers, the service recently…
The husband of the recently kidnapped Kaduna State female judge, Dr. Musa Gimba, has expressed deep gratitude to the security agencies for the safe rescue of three of their children. In a heartfelt statement personally signed by Dr. Gimba on Wednesday in Abuja, he announced that the rescued children had been reunited with him and his wife by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Tuesday. “On behalf of my family, I wish to issue this statement to inform the public that yesterday, July 9, my wife and I were reunited with our three surviving boys,” Dr. Gimba stated. “As…
The Benue State Police Command has apprehended a permanent secretary and two directors (names withheld) for allegedly stealing a transformer belonging to the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC). Dr. Adakole Elijah, JEDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, spoke to newsmen on the phone on Wednesday, revealing that the arrests occurred on Tuesday afternoon. He explained that the company discovered the transformer was missing from an industrial area in Makurdi on July 6, 2024. The company promptly launched an investigation into the matter and discovered that the transformer had been removed in broad daylight by individuals who brought equipment and sand-filling materials…
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), FCT Command, recently arrested a woman named Precious Yusuf for attempting to smuggle drugs into the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja. This incident was detailed in a statement released by the Command Public Relations Officer, Samson Duza, on Wednesday in Abuja. According to Mr. Duza, Precious Yusuf visited the Kuje custodial center on Tuesday, July 9, pretending to be a visitor to one of the inmates. During the routine search conducted by the officers at the center, items suspected to be Indian hemp and other dangerous drugs were found concealed in food packs…
The Taraba State Government has suspended seven public secondary school principals for allegedly undermining the state’s free education policy. Governor Agbu Kefas, who assumed office in May 2023, declared free education in all public schools in the state. The state government also committed to paying the WAEC and NECO examination fees for students. The suspension of the principals was announced by the Commissioner for Education, Augustina Yahaya, through an official statement, on Tuesday. The affected schools include Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Jauro Yino, GDSS Kakulu in Zing, Government Day Secondary Schools Kofai and Salihu Dogo in Jalingo, GDSS Kununi…
The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe emphasized the need for increased female participation in healthcare to enhance delivery systems in Nigeria. Speaking at the 2024 Extraordinary Women Advancing Healthcare Awards (EWAH 2024) held at Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, Dr. Balarabe noted that women often have to exert twice as much effort as men to gain recognition. At the event, which celebrated 10 Nigerian women for their substantial contributions to the healthcare sector, Dr. Balarabe, with 30 years of public health experience, highlighted the importance of striving for excellence. She stated that the recognition would…
The Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Bola Tinubu, Lt. Col. Nurudeen Yusuf, has been appointed as the new King of Ilemona Town in Kwara State. This new role is expected to benefit the local community, as Yusuf brings his extensive leadership experience to foster development and unity in Ilemona Town. As the new monarch, Lt. Col. Yusuf will oversee both traditional and administrative affairs, continuing the legacy of his predecessors while working towards the prosperity and growth of the town. Yusuf is the son of the late monarch, Oba Yusuf Omokanye Oyekanmi, the former Elemona of Ilemona in the Oyun Local…
The House of Representatives has announced decision to withhold local government allocations for councils across the country that are not governed by democratically elected officials. This resolution came in response to a motion presented by Hon. Ademorin Kuye, highlighting the urgent need to address the refusal of state governments to uphold democratic principles in local government and the financial mismanagement by unelected local government officials. The House has mandated the Joint Committees on Finance, Revenue Mobilization, and Allocation (RMAFC) to withhold allocations for any local government council run by officials who were not democratically elected. In addition to this measure,…
The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested four officers who were captured in a viral video attempting to strangle a suspect. The video, which was posted on X, shows the officers trying to force the suspect into a Toyota Camry car. In the footage, the officers can be seen holding the suspect by the neck as they attempt to push him into the vehicle. The scene took place amid the shouts of concerned residents, who were urging the police officers to leave the suspect alone. The confrontation between the police and the residents eventually led the officers to abandon the…
The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has rescued several women and children and facilitated the surrender of Boko Haram terrorists and their families during the first week of July. This was revealed by Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, the spokesman for the MNJTF, in a press release issued on Tuesday in Maiduguri. According to the press release, a total of 56 Boko Haram terrorists, including women and children, surrendered to Cameroonian and Nigerian forces operating in Sector 1, Cameroon, on July 6. Among those who surrendered was Tijjani Muhammad, a 24-year-old terrorist who turned himself in to the troops in Sector…
A narcotics warehouse supplying Boko Haram terrorists was raided, leading to the confiscation of 2.5 tonnes of illicit drugs in Borno State. The joint operation involved military personnel and operatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The warehouse located in the Konduga Local Government Area was discovered on Monday. Acting on actionable intelligence, troops swiftly moved in and seized the substantial cache of drugs known locally as “goom” or “akuskura.” These drugs were intended to be shipped to Boko Haram militants in the Sambisa forest. Zagazola Makama, a security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad basin,…
The Plateau State Police Command on Monday announced the arrest of 178 individuals suspected of being involved in a range of criminal activities, including cultism, kidnapping, human trafficking, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and armed robbery. Among those arrested, 118 suspects were apprehended on July 7, a date associated with cult celebrations and initiations, the remaining 60 individuals were arrested for other crimes. Most of these arrests were related to cultism. During a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Jos, the state capital, Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Adesina provided these details. He emphasized the effectiveness of the Command’s…
