Category: Nigerian

  • tension in Lagos as police shot three Okada riders during clash

    tension in Lagos as police shot three Okada riders during clash

    There’s tension in elements of Ogba in Lagos following the alleged firing of three Okada riders by security agencies.

    The incident happened around Mokuolu Street in Ogba at approximately 6 pm on Thursday.

    The conflict between the commercial motorcyclists along the Task Force started as security agents were trying to enforce the Okada ban in the region.

    This caused a clash, which reported from the shooting of three Okada riders, Daily Trust learnt.

    However, one of the Okada riders allegedly died this morning prompting other riders to embark on protest, but they were then dispatched by security agencies.

    As in the time of submitting this report, the state police command had deployed a detachment of mobile policemen and plain-clothed officers to maintain order and law.

    Our correspondent also observed two buses packed with security representatives in Mufti were also mobilised to restore calm to the area.

    All the stores in the major market were just closed when our correspondent visited.

    One of the store owners, who identified himself as Olamide, told our correspondent the battle happened when policemen tried to detain an Okada rider.

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    He said the arrest was being carried out at some time that the union leaders along with other Okada riders had abandoned the area.

    He explained in the ensuing confrontation, the policeman shot one Okada rider in the chest while the other one was hit by a stray bullet.

    The eyewitness said, “Seriously I was not there when it occurred. I just got here this cash and saw policemen everywhere.

    “I later got to know that the policemen wanted to detain the Okada riders, however, they contested them the time was not proper to seize their bicycle and that this is not a proper moment.

    “They then said the policemen fired a few shots.

    He added that the shooting continued this morning.

    “You may see the situation is very critical. They had been shooting seriously (sic) this afternoon,” he said.

    The state police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, is yet to comment on the situation.

     

  • Rice Farmers Oppose Yield of Impounded Commodity to Traders

    Rice Farmers Oppose Yield of Impounded Commodity to Traders

    Rice farmers under the umbrella of this Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN), yesterday kicked against the directive by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to reunite the smuggled goods it transports from rice traders’ shops in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The team stated that the settlement of the committee was in variance with the resolve of the federal government and Nigerians to grow local capacity in the rice industry to be able to achieve food safety.

    The Director-General of RIPAN, Mr. Andy Ekwelem, at a media briefing in Abuja, said, the senate directive was capable of sending shock waves that may collapse the rice industry, discourage further investments and place over 15 million jobs at risk in addition to eroding the gains thus far achieved in the nation’s rice revolution.

    The institution, therefore, argued that if smuggling wasn’t handled with proper dispatch, the magnitude of loss to Nigerian stakeholders particularly the national government, incorporated rice millers, funding banks, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and farmers, among others, could be catastrophic for the country’s fledgeling economy.

    Ekwelem pointed out there was the requirement for urgent action to avert a looming national food crisis, adding that all hands must be on deck to combat smuggling.

    “What we need is to increase our regional capacity rather than foreign rice,” he explained.

    The body further expressed support for the Nigeria Customs Service, adding the bomb on markets that were dealing on smuggled rice was valid and welcoming.

    RIPAN further guided the Senate Committee to”take a second look at the matter from a federal economics prism because from where we’re now with the Nigerian market, private biases have to be eschewed when we must make progress”.

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    They further argued that the growth had serious implications for developing the local industry partly because”when investors realise their investments are not protected by adequate legislation, they will have no choice but draw their funds from the market”.

    The farmers claimed that “Within the last five years the current administration has invested almost everything it could, to promote production and processing of rice in the bid to preserve foreign exchange, fortify our food safety, provide jobs for Nigerians and grow our economy generally.

    “Lots of people are encouraged by the forceful thrust of government. People are investing big-scale farming, rice processing, paddy aggregation and agro-input dealerships.”

    He explained: “Jobs are being made, private sector involvement is alive and busy and new entrepreneurs are emerging in the industry. The whole rice processing and grinding sub-sector employ between 13 million to 15 million Nigerians and if we promote smuggled rice to prosper within our marketplace, these occupations and all the noble efforts of authorities is going to be lost within the shortest possible time.”

    Ekwelem, especially, pointed out that Nigeria is currently a top rice producer in Africa and rated among the top 14 states on the planet.

    He attributed the effort to the doggedness of this present administration to be sure that we”produce what we consume and eat what we produce”.

    He stated, however, that it will be”foolhardy of us to fold our hands and watch economic saboteurs ruin our collective resolve to make sure that Nigeria migrated from some food importing country to a food-producing country”.

    “Today we are crying insecurity and the consensus is that the menace continues because most youths are not gainfully employed. Nigerians should imagine the scenarios when more than seven million more youths are left jobless by our tacit support to smuggling,”he added.

    The institution insisted that the prices of locally produced rice are”not out of reach for the Nigerian people”.

     

  • DSS detained Femi Gbajabiamila for allegedly impersonator

    DSS detained Femi Gbajabiamila for allegedly impersonator

    Officials from the Department of State Services (DSS) have detained one Olalekan Oladehinbo Adenuga for allegedly impersonating Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila.

    A suspected accomplice Aminat Jimoh was also arrested alongside others.

    It had been gathered on Thursday the Lagos office of the Service made the arrests while exploring the forging of letterhead and signature of the Speaker, also using same to defraud people and organisations in the nation.

    It was learnt that Adenuga introduced Jimoh to Caverton Helicopters in the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos with a forged letter.

    From the forged letter, Adenuga allegedly acting as Speaker of the House of Representatives, advocated Jimoh to Caverton for the job.

    The letter, which was obtained by Caverton Helicopters on April 20, 2021, was written on April 15 and addressed to the managing director of this airline.

    It carried the reference number Nass/ FAG/REC/001.

    The letter reads partially, “I write to introduce and urge Aminat Oluwabukola Jimoh who’s looking for employment into your organisation.

    “She is a self-motivated and creative person and I am sure she would be of fantastic advantage to your institution if given the opportunity.

    “Kindly give her program special consideration for employment.

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    “While I look forward to a favourable response from you, please take the assurances of my prestigious regards.”

    It was assembled that before fortune ran out on Jimoh and her accomplice Adenuga, the Speaker’s Office in the National Assembly had received several complaints regarding unknown persons, who composed organisations and agencies, claiming to be the Speaker or his aide, also making orders.

    Following the developments, the Speaker’s office, at an April 22, 2021 letter to the Department of State Security Services, had requested the secret police to investigate the complaints.

    Operatives of the control were believed to have acted on the petition, which resulted in Adenuga’s identification and arrest.

    The DSS was said to be on the trail of other suspects.

  • SWAN wants members in Lagos Sports Associations

    SWAN wants members in Lagos Sports Associations

    The Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, Debo Oshundun, has called on the leadership of the Lagos State Sports Commission to deliver onboard members of the association about the reconstituted sports association boards in the nation.

    “As one of the essential stakeholders in sports development in the state, I wish to call on the direction of the commission to deliver onboard our associates since media attaches to the various sports institutions in the nation.

    “This will assist in the area of information management and cordial relationship between the media and the commission.

    “The very last boards had SWAN members on board however, the arrangement wasn’t formal,” he explained.

    In his comments, the Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Oluwatoyin Gafar Bolowotan thanked the new Lagos SWAN executive associates for deeming it fit to pay the commission per visit after the institution’s election held in March.

    His words: “For us in the commission, sportswriters have an essential place within our hearts. Though we might disagree with each other in one area or another, we are partners in advance.

    “We welcome criticism by the media but our fascination is that such criticism should be objective.

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    “We don’t claim to understand all of it. Our doors are always open to the institution, so we hope for a better relationship in the coming years.”

    The Director-General said that the petition for appointing SWAN members since the media attaches to the newly reconstituted sports institution boards is a welcome proposal.

    “The request is a welcome idea, we’ll look into it and very soon the commission will get back to you on it.

    “Though we don’t have any record that SWAN members are part of the past sports association boards however we will consider your petition because it is in line with our brand new policy in sports development and guidelines for the sports institution,” he said.

  • NCC says 5G technology will Offer Great Potential for Nigeria’s digital economy Development

    NCC says 5G technology will Offer Great Potential for Nigeria’s digital economy Development

    The Chairman, Board of Commissioners of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, has said that the full deployment of 5G technology in the country would have a positive impact on Nigeria’s digital economy.

    He said: “Spectrum plays a crucial part in realising the complete extent of these new capabilities. Therefore, 5G’s complete socio-economic impact depends on access to a variety of spectrum sources.

    “This Spectrum will play an integral role in fulfilling the requirement for many enhanced mobile data services in addition to new wireless broadband cases like distant object manipulation, industrial automation, virtual and augmented reality and next-generation connectivity for the automobile.

    “The 5G will build on this momentum, bringing substantial network enhancements, such as high connection rates, mobility and capacity, in addition to low-latency capabilities. In doing this, it enables new cases and applications that will positively impact unique businesses and improve efforts towards achieving electronic economies.”

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    He praised the 2 agencies because of their foresight in the first installation of 5G from the country, including that the managements of NigComSat and NCC had taken a bold step in the right direction to release contagious quantum of Spectrum in the 3.5GHz band for the premature deployment of 5G.

    This type of collaboration, he observed, sought to guarantee synergy among bureaus under the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy.”

    According to him, the C-band is the most suitable and appropriate for immediate deployment of 5G solutions, taking into account availability of apparatus ecosystem with 60-70 per cent of global business 5G network setup currently in the band.

    He, therefore, mentioned that the importance of this spectrum for the early installation of 5G providers in Nigeria can’t be overemphasised.

    Danbatta stated that the two agencies have been in talks on how to relocate the operations of NG-1R to the standard C-band 300MHz (3.9GHz — 4.2GHz) potion of the group, which can be more appropriate in terms of satellite service offering since end-user terminals tend to be cheaper there while leaving the non-standard C-band 400MHz (3.5GHz — 3.9GHz) part of the group for 5G usage.

  • FG Approves N6.2bn for Six electricity prepaid meters Projects

    FG Approves N6.2bn for Six electricity prepaid meters Projects

    Additionally, it said it was prepared to commence the distribution of four million free electricity prepaid meters at the next phase of the free metre program.

    Minister of Power,” Mr. Mamman Saleh, told journalists at the end of the FEC meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja, the jobs were to the Acquisition of equipment as well as designs and manufactures.

    The fund also covers the updating of the country’s electricity facility and the advancement of electricity supply nationwide.

    According to him, the Ministry of Power introduced six memoranda into the council, all of which were accepted.

    The aggregate of all the figures, in both naira and dollar denominations, is a total of N6,156,168,822, once the dollar part is converted via the official exchange rate of N380 to $1.

    The first one is the award of a contract for design, production and distribution of critical spare parts for Crompton Greaves 330 kV, 132 kV and 33 kV circuit breakers to Messrs. Legen Engineering Nigeria Limited in the sum of N298,339,887.04.

    “The next one is that the award of the contract for the procurement of 50 sets of 400 AH battery banks, 30 to 50 volts and 30 variety of 110-volt battery prices for its substation utilized from the TCN in favour of Messrs. DTS Transformers Electric Industry Limited at the sum of N644,805,953.10.

    “The third award of this contract will be for the procurement of 50 cents and of 132 kV isolators for the TCN in favour of Messrs. Leading Diagonal Engineering Nigeria Limited in the sum of $840,650 plus N53,900,000 inside the shipping period of six weeks.

    “The fourth one is the award of the contract for the design, manufacturing and the distribution of three 60/66 MVA 132kV power transformers with attachments and 15 variety of 500 kV transformers, 33/0.415kV earthing transformers for your TCN in favour of Messrs. Zhenjiang Transformers Company Limited, in the amount of N1,296,953,044.55 with a delivery period of 12 months.

    “The fifth one is that the award of the contract for the design, installation and supply of Optical Wire (OPGW) and Universal Optical Transportation Network System (OTN) for a few critical transmission lines in favour of Messrs. Xinjiang Power and Transportation Company Limited in the amount of 6,800,743.51, also N668,843,634.74, using a delivery period of 12 months.

    “The last one is the upward review of the regeneration for its design, manufacture, distribution, installation and commissioning of 1X 100MVA, 132/33kV power transformers at Ogba Transmission Substation, Lagos, in favour of Messrs. Power Control and Appliances Limited, in the amount of $648,038.31, also N48,342,524.18, with the delivery interval of six months.

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    “All these procurements are geared towards updates of the transmission system, to the national grid, so we can have enough power supply to the country”.

    The Union added that the federal government will begin the next stage of the free supply of four million prepaid electricity meters into Nigerians.

    According to him, the federal government is nearly through with the distribution of one million complimentary pre-free paid meters to Nigerians.

    “We’ve almost completed with stage zero, we’re now going into phase one of the distribution of the yards, that is the remaining million that the central bank promised to augment with.

    “The initial set is just one thousand, we’re about to complete with that, but you know, it is not the goal, one thousand is quite negligible compared to the demand of Nigerians,” he said.

    Asked if there wasn’t any improvement in power generation, Saleh said:”We’re advancing, it (power generation) has enhanced, you can see, I don’t need to tell you.

    “We are moving from 3,000 megawatts, today we are generating up to 5,000 megawatts or over that, so it is an excellent improvement.”

    The minister said that the government was making sure the power supply was stable and also working towards updating the distribution”from say 4000 megawatts into 5,000 to 6,000 to 7,000 megawatts and so on.

    “So, the more people replace some obsolete and obsolete equipment, the more we improve the supply of electricity.”

    Asked if he agreed with the report that over 70 per cent of Nigerians who have electricity supply have less than 12 hours per day, he explained:”It all depends. You know we have graded the distribution dependent on the metering.

    “Unless the yards are sufficient, we will not know which and where to push 24 hours provides because there are some people who are ready for 24 hours and you will find those who aren’t prepared for 24 hours supply of light.”

     

  • BREAKING: We will soon set up 5G technology, says FG

    BREAKING: We will soon set up 5G technology, says FG

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared its intent to set up the Fifth Generation (5G) Tech in the telecommunications sector shortly.

    Even though allaying anxieties of any threat to security and health within the installation of 5G, the authorities said the assets and earnings to be gained from its installation are so enormous that they can’t be ignored.

    The MoU between the two bureaus will put the foundations for the purchase of Frequency Spectrum acceptable for the installation of the technology from the nation.

    Danbatta stated the NigComSat needed the proper technologies to ease the deployment.

    “The C-band is the most suitable and suitable for the prompt installation of 5G services taking into account availability of apparatus ecosystem with 60-70percent of international business 5G network set up now in the group, thus the significance of this Spectrum for premature installation of 5G providers in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.

    “For optimum 5G support functionality, a mean of neighbouring 100 MHz of spectrum at the C-band is necessary by an Operator.

    “The Commission initiated a discussion with NIGCOMSAT who at our quote could make some modification to its satellite performance and release component of its Spectrum holding at the group to ease the installation of 5G at Nigeria.

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    “The two agencies are in talks about the best way best to relocate the operations of NG-1R into the typical C-band 300MHz (3.9GHz — 4.2GHz) potion of this group, which can be more appropriate in relation to Satellite service offering since the end-user terminal is significantly cheaper there while departing the non-invasive C-band 400MHz (3.5GHz — 3.9GHz) part of this ring for 5G usage,” Danbatta explained.

    The Managing Director of NigComSat, Dr Abimbola Alale, lauded the committees set up by both agencies for performing a comprehensive job, including that the MoU will alter the narratives of their electronic and telecommunications sector in the nation.

    Chairman of the NCC board,” Prof Adeolu Akande, stated recently, many administrations had started to permit Spectrum for industrial deployment of 5G.

    Prof Akande, who stated 5G services had been set up in the United States of America, South Korea and a lot more nations, stated telecommunication evolution from beginning to date had contributed to progress in user experience observed from 2G, 3G and afterwards 4G.

    “The worldwide effect of 4G caused increases in cellular usage and network functionality.

    “5G will build on this momentum, attracting significant network enhancements, such as high connection rates, freedom and capability, in addition to low-latency capabilities.

    “5G doesn’t just offer improved broadband and ultra-reliable latency communications but also provides enormous machine-type communications, where a great deal of apparatus will seamlessly join and independently interact with the net without human intervention,” he added.

  • El-Rufai Disobeyed Court Order from demolishing Durbar Hotel

    El-Rufai Disobeyed Court Order from demolishing Durbar Hotel

    The household of late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, has cried out over the actions of Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai from mobilising gear to clean the site of the demolished Durbar Hotel despite a court order restraining him and government agencies from doing so.
    A High Court in Kaduna presided over by Justice Hannatu Balogun on January 21 restrained Governor Nasir El-Rufai and bureaus of the Kaduna State Government from demolishing and carrying over of Durbar hotel Plc.
    The governor had in a letter dated December 31, 2019, also addressed Alhaji Mohamed Abacha revoked the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) belonging to the disputed Durbar Hotel, situated along the Gen. Muhammadu Buhari/Independence Way, Kaduna.
    The attorney to the Abacha’s family, Dr Reuben Atabo, told journalists Wednesday in Kaduna the governor is alleged to have reasoned plans to flip the hotel land into a public garden and relaxation spot.
    He noticed that governor El-Rufai had moved equipment to the property and clearing of the site had begun in earnest in the last one week.
    “We’re amazed to see a Caterpillar clearing the site in the very first week of May till date when Kaduna High Court has fixed May 30, 2021, to rule on the injunction restraining the defendants from interfering with the land,” the family lawyer said.
    Dr Atabo, that had been represented by Mr Joshua Rimven at a press briefing in Kaduna, stated, “We are imagining the authorities of Kaduna State to have taken Caterpillar into the site to clean the place because we have a case between the demolished Durbar hotel and also the Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai since the first defendant.
    “Additional defendants would be the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner of Justice, Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Agency (KASUPDA) and the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS).
    “There’s already an injunction restraining them from interfering or coming into this property or perform anything on the land after demolishing the place last time.

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    “There are two matters from the case; there is one at the Supreme court and also at the High court before Justice Hannatu Balogun which is around the demolition of this hotel.
    “The situation at the Supreme court is about the Durbar resort itself before it was demolished; that possesses it between the national authorities and the Abacha family that we won at the Appeal court.
    “There is a court order in the High court which none of the parties must interfere with the property. But we’re surprised that we saw people on the floor taking measurements and clearing the land.
    “When we asked them they said it was the Kaduna State Commissioner for Works that delivered them to do so.
    “To us, this is contrary to the Court Order that not one of the parties should interfere with the land nor do anything on the property.
    “But they decided to take the law into their hands. This is very unfortunate. It’s the Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai which should be held responsible for this breach of law.

    “They removed all the Caveat Emptor notice placed on the land without the consent of the legal procedure.
    “They’ve disobeyed Court Order, it’s contempt of court. The authorities are there to enforce law and order. We will petition the Commissioner of police to enforce court order”.
    When contacted on the telephone to react to this allegation of contempt, the State Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP), Mr Bayero Dari. Said he was not in a position to respond to this allegation.

    But, Mr Adekeye didn’t respond to calls put across to him for his answer about the allegation of contempt.

  • Nobody can annex Rivers to get secessionist schedule, Wike insists

    Nobody can annex Rivers to get secessionist schedule, Wike insists

    Governor Nyesom Wike, meanwhile, declared that nobody can annex Rivers State to market their secessionist agenda, since it remains a sovereign condition, however hard they try, hinting that Rivers people are behind the state authorities.
    Wike stated this when conventional rulers, political and opinion leaders of Ekpeye nationality visited him at Government House, Port Harcourt, stressing that those driving the hospitality of their state to conceal their secessionist agenda should take their actions elsewhere.

    He said his administration would leave no stone unturned to safeguard the nation and its people against those who think they could annex the state by incorporating it into their separatist agenda.

    “Rivers State doesn’t belong to some other location. It is a sovereign state and therefore, nobody can convince us that we are with them. I will not permit anybody to visit Rivers State and tell us that we are part of these, and we’ll do everything possible to protect our interest.

    “We really are a friendly people. We will allow anybody to conduct business, but nobody ought to go beyond performing business to hoist unnecessary flags here. We won’t take that.”

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    The governor advised Ekpeye individuals to not leave anything to chance anymore, yet to remain vigilant and to understand what happens around and inside their communities.

    He encouraged them to report suspicious people and motion so that appropriate actions could be taken to avoid any potential assault. Nigeria and its own security have collapsed. There is no day you won’t hear that 10 or more people have been murdered or kidnapped.”

    And as part of steps to curb criminality from Ahoada West and Ahoada East councils, Wike revealed that he had placed a bounty on two infamous gang leaders specifically: VIP and Comasi working in that axis of the nation.

    Leader of the delegation, Prof. Dulu Appah said Ekpeye individuals were thankful to Wike for its development projects sited in their area, including:”For the Ekpeye cultural heritage, we make bold to say that the democratic dividend we have enjoyed under the Wike administration has made us the envy of other cultural groups in the nation.”

  • kidnapping, banditry are not Federal offences, FG Replies PDP

    kidnapping, banditry are not Federal offences, FG Replies PDP

    The Minister of Information and Culture,” Lai Mohammed, says it’s shocking that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that ruled Nigeria for 16 years does not know that kidnapping and banditry are not national offences.

    The minister stated this at a media conference in Abuja yesterday when debunking the allegation by the PDP that kidnappers and bandits weren’t being brought to justice.

    The PDP had, at a media conference in Abuja on Sunday, provided suggestions to the Federal Government on some topical issues, especially national security.

    The minister requested the PDP to call out the states, including those being commanded by it, to ensure a rigorous prosecution of arrested kidnappers and bandits.

    He explained the PDP conveniently forgot that as far as terrorism, a national offence, is concerned, the Federal Government had successfully prosecuted thousands of Boko Haram members at Kainji within a continuing exercise.

    “We are now looking for the cooperation of the judiciary to continue with the trial of arrested terrorists,” he added.

    The minister said although the opposition party said that it was falling the toga of politics in the national interest, it didn’t respect its own words as it performed cheap politics while enjoying the ostrich.

    He said the recommendations from the PDP had subjected the party’s gimmickry and the fact that it was merely playing politics with severe national issues, especially safety.

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    “Had it been, and had it completed its homework properly, the PDP would have understood that most of the same recommendations were contained in the results of this Federal Government’s Town Hall Meeting on National Security that has been held in Kaduna on April 8, 2021,” he explained.

    The minister flayed that the PDP for accusing the Federal Government of running a government of exclusion, stating the party was interested”in playing politics with national challenges than simply helping find solutions to them. They presented as original thinking some of the very same resolutions that we are already working to execute, with no single reference to those very same recommendations that emanate from our Town Hall Meeting of April 8th 2021.

    “They disparaged Mr. President and the Federal Government, engaged in name-calling and finger-pointing, gloated about the security challenges facing the country, whined about how they resolved security challenges under their watch and then went forward to say, at their hysterical press conference, they’ve not come to play politics. Who’s fooling who?

    “We acknowledge the challenges we face as a country and we are doing everything possible to handle them. We call on all Nigerians to encourage the efforts of the Federal Government to tackle the challenges. We advise individuals bent on playing politics with the challenges to have a rethink. This is no time for politics”

  • Nigeria army dismisses suggestions of takeover from Buhari

    Nigeria army dismisses suggestions of takeover from Buhari

    Nigeria’s armed forces have ignored suggestions that they need to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari, who is facing mounting pressure over the country’s worsening insecurity.

    It wasn’t initially Nigeria’s armed forces have issued a statement financing Buhari, however, the newest has come after weeks of criticism of their 78-year-old former general’s failures to stem the extended safety catastrophe.

    From a jihadist insurgency in the northeast to herder-farmer clashes at the center, banditry from the shore and separatist tensions in the southeast, Buhari’s armed forces appear to be fighting to suppress unhappiness.

    In a statement late Monday, the armed forces said they’d continue to”completely” support the government, remain politically neutral and safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.

    “Let it be stated categorically that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain completely committed to the current administration and all related democratic institutions,” army spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu said in a statement.

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    “We shall continue to remain apolitical, subordinate to the civil jurisdiction, firmly loyal to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari and the 1999 Constitution as amended,” it stated.

    Last week, lawmakers had advocated Buhari to declare a nationwide state of emergency after a month of almost daily attacks, kidnappings and killings across Africa’s most populous country.

    The military statement referred especially to comments made by Robert Clarke, a prominent lawyer and social commentator.

    He’d said the country was on the edge of collapse and implied that the governmental leadership hand power to the military so that the security forces could be restructured.

    Opposition figures such as Bukola Saraki and Nobel winner and playwright Wole Soyinka also have urged Buhari to seek outside assistance or resign.

    Buhari meets safety chiefs

    Buhari satisfied with his top security chiefs last week and on Tuesday to discuss the country’s violence.

    “We will continue to discharge our constitutional responsibilities professionally, particularly in protecting the country’s democracy, defence of the territorial integrity of the country as well as security of properties and lives of citizens,” the military statement said.

    The army expressed the expectation that the country’s”current security challenges aren’t insurmountable.”

    Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999 after almost 16 decades of military rule.

    Buhari, a former military commander and military ruler in the 1980s, was first elected in 2015 and re-elected four decades later on a pledge to end the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast.

    Instead of abate, the Islamist rebellion has persisted using a Boko Haram splinter faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), becoming the dominant jihadist force.

    Since 2009 when it started, the jihadist uprising has killed 36,000 people and compelled more than two million other people to flee their homes in Nigeria’s northeast alone. (AFP)

  • Microsoft Partners Fed Govt unveils new initiative to provide digital skills to five thousand Nigerians

    Microsoft Partners Fed Govt unveils new initiative to provide digital skills to five thousand Nigerians

    Not fewer than five thousand Nigerians would gain from a digital upskilling programme being made possible by a partnership between the Federal Government and the Microsoft Corporation.

    Additionally, locations in each of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria would like lively internet connection and cloud services courtesy of this electronic transformation plan.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Mr Laolu Akande, the Buhari administration is partnering with the technology giant to accelerate Nigeria’s certain advance towards a more digital market in line with the Economic Sustainability Plan.

    For instance, last January, the Vice President had a virtual meeting using Smith, where discussions covered areas of intersection between technology and governance to improve Nigeria’s digital transformation.

    Talking in a movie statement of the partnership with the technology giant, Prof. Osinbajo stated”our government is committed to leveraging technology and innovation to bring improved outcomes across a wide area of governance issues. Really, it is with this in mind that we have hunted constructive partnerships that bridge the understanding, skills and technology gap that exist in the majority of our communities”

    According to the VP, “this launching is indicative of our commitment to this and will involve cooperation with various government agencies as implementing partners, such as the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Nigerian Institute of Cultural Orientation, along with various other local partners. We intend that these initiatives become institutions in their own rights and make a true impact in the lives of our citizens going forward.”

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    On the centre regions of the venture, Prof. Osinbajo stated”this partnership will focus on two pillars: Connectivity & Skilling, and Digital Transformation.”

    He said”we plan to connect under-served communities at each of the six geo-political zones with access to cloud and internet services. This job is a critical part of our goal of expanding broadband connectivity, which is by itself, a major pillar of our Economic Sustainability Plan in response to this Covid-19 pandemic.

    “Working with Microsoft, we mean to upskill 5 thousand Nigerians via this increased internet access during the next three years in numerous electronic skills that can improve both employability and entrepreneurship.

    “The multiplier effect will bring opportunities in rural and urban areas to a lot of young people and will help us deal with unemployment problems made worse with the pandemic”, he explained.

    Using digital tools beneath the undertaking, the Vice President said”we will pioneer innovative approaches in the struggle against corruption, a significant priority of this administration.”

    Continuing, the Vice President said, “leveraging Microsoft’s Technology tools that can be deployed to minimise governance dangers and block loopholes, working together with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), we’ll seek to utilize cutting edge analytical and case management tools to plug holes within our public sector system as well as confront white-collar criminality effectively.

    “This column will also function as a vital social function. Using Microsoft’s Artificial Intelligence technology and tools to preserve and promote our important languages so we can revitalize these important areas of our civilization.

    “Our attention is obviously the Nigerian men and women. With over 80 million regular internet users, there is no question which Nigerians have fully embraced technology, the internet and their various uses,” that the Vice President added.

    On his part, the President of Microsoft Corporation, Mr Brad Smith said the”we believe in the future of Nigeria and we are enthusiastic as a company to add to our investments. It’s a country we’ve had the chance to get to know better over the past couple of years.”

    According to Smith” in 2018 we partnered with Tek specialists to make a Client Support Centre, a centre in Lagos that employs over 1,600 people. And we had another opportunity to broaden our investment much more by creating our African Development Centre.

    “A centre that, by the end of this year, will use over 200 applications engineers and developers, individuals who are creating engineering and Microsoft products to serve not only the people of Nigeria but the people of the world.

    “Each of them is providing us with the kind of confidence to want to spend even more. And one of the things that we have recognized as a company is that they need to develop with communities and countries rather than just buying for ourselves”, he said.

    On the brand new partnership with the Federal Government, Mr Smith said: “We are embarking on a series of broad-based, very multifaceted investments to better serve Nigeria in three regions of online connectivity, digital skilling and electronic transformation. We’ll be supplying digital abilities to 5 million Nigerians over the next 3 years, and across the way, creating 27,000 new jobs during precisely the same period.”

  • Nigeria is currently preparing a new Petroleum Industry Bill

    Nigeria is currently preparing a new Petroleum Industry Bill

    Nigeria and other African nations are becoming a significant investment magnet as fresh discoveries position the continent as a guarantor of energy security to emerging Asian countries, a report from the Journal of Petroleum Technology (JPT) has indicated.

    Quoting secondary resources, it stated that Africa accounted for 8.8 per cent of the world’s oil production in 2019, whereas Nigeria had been Africa’s top oil producer at 2.2 per cent; Algeria was next at 1.6 per cent; then Angola, 1.5 per cent while Libya’s production was 1.3 per cent.

    The report released recently indicated that Africa contributed 6 per cent to the world’s natural gas generation in 2019, together with Algeria standing as the continent’s top gas producer at a worldwide share of 2.2 per cent followed by Egypt, 1.6 per cent, and Nigeria, 1.2 per cent.

    “Keen to add to its reserve base, Nigeria is currently preparing a new Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), and the government has provisionally granted tenders to create 57 marginal oil fields, with $500 million in signature bonuses at stake.

    “Nigeria is targeting marginal fields for the first time in 20 years as the country appears not just to boost its revenues but also to increase local involvement in the petroleum sector from indigenous businesses, which typically work these marginal fields.

    “Involving more local involvement to produce Nigeria’s oil riches may also help tamp down the sabotage, theft, and security problems that Shell blames to the drop in its Nigerian production from 266,000 BOED from 2019 to 223,000 in 2020, based on its annual report,” the report emphasized.

    Read Also:  Federal Government plans to crash the price of petroleum products – Enang

    It said that although Shell is climbing down its petroleum resources, it still continues to focus on gas and deep water, including that in May 2020, Shell Gas announced it had attained a last investment decision to add a seventh train to Nigeria’s Bonny Island centre, adding 8 mtpa of future liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity.

    In Angola, it said that Last month, Angola’s National Oil, Gas, and Biofuel’s Agency kicked off a series of electronic and in-person roadshows and specialized demonstrations to market blocks offered in the country’s 2020 ongoing bidding around.

    To attract investors, the report said that Nigeria and Angola are having to navigate not just the pandemic’s impact on financial markets, but also stiff competition from frontier areas such as Guyana and Suriname which share West Africa’s fertile geology and therefore are catching current headlines.

    Besides upping its investment in Nigeria LNG, it noticed that Shell can also be playing a role in the re-emergence of Egypt as a regional LNG supplier in the southern Mediterranean.

    “BP’s statistical review ranks Nigeria as Africa’s top LNG manufacturer at 28.8 Bcm in 2019; Algeria follows 16.6 Bcm; Angola, 5.8 Bcm; and Egypt at 4.5 Bcm.

  • FG frowns on citizens travelling to India, Brazil, Turkey, South Africa

    FG frowns on citizens travelling to India, Brazil, Turkey, South Africa

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has warned citizens against travelling to countries that are documenting a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The countries that are presently documenting the third wave of this pandemic are India, Brazil, South Africa and Turkey.

    The National Incident Manager (NIM) of this Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad, revealed this at the press briefing by the committee on Monday.

    Muhammad also cautioned Nigerians against shunning safety protocols against COVID-19, insisting that the virus was not over.

    Read Also:

    He said, “While we continue to reopen the market, we have to also be aware of the happenings around the globe. Mr Chairman (Boss Mustapha) along with the Honourable Minister of Health (Osagie Ehanire) have made reference to specific incidents in India, Turkey, Brazil and South Africa.

    “We sympathise with those of these states [India, Brazil, South Africa and Turkey] because it’s actually a very stressful time, particularly for India that is recording over 300,000 cases a day and documenting within 2,000 deaths.

    “India is a prime destination for medical tourism for Nigeria. We know that many Nigerians prefer to travel — to visit India but now… we recommend Nigerians to limit all journeys to just essential travels, particularly to those affected countries.”

     

  • How  policeman threatened to kill me at Adeniji police station  – Mr Macaroni

    How policeman threatened to kill me at Adeniji police station – Mr Macaroni

    Popular Nigerian Comedian, Mr Macaroni has alleged that a policeman threatened to kill him while he was in their custody.

    Mr Macaroni stated this on Sunday while recounting his experience at the police station.

    According to him, one of the police officers said he would have killed him if not that he was popular and people would have asked about him.

    He added that other policemen took turns to beat him at Adeniji police station.

    Read Also:  Mr. Macaroni orders youths get PVCs take voting seriously in 2023

    On his Twitter page, he wrote: “When I was at Adeniji police station, the police officers took turns to beat me up. They were even calling themselves to come and beat ‘Mr Macaroni’

    “They stated in my life when subsequent I hear police, I’ll run! One stated if not that people would ask about me, he would have killed me.”

    It was recalled that Macaroni alongside 39 others was arrested sometime in February at the Lekki toll gate.

    They were arrested by policemen deployed to the Lekki tollgate, forward of the #OccupyLekkiTollGate and #DefendLagos protests scheduled for February 13, 2021.

  • Governor Sanwo-Olu explains why Amotekun is not in Lagos state

    Governor Sanwo-Olu explains why Amotekun is not in Lagos state

    The Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said operatives of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps, are doing Amotekun’s work in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu stated this while speaking on Tv’s Sunday Politics at the Lagos House.

    According to him, apart from community policing, LNSC operatives additionally interact in border patrol.

    “It’s just a name change. I appreciate what my colleague governors are doing. They also recognize the peculiar nature of Lagos.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu confirms Abisola Olusanya as substantive commissioner

    “I’ve over 7,000 neighbourhood watch personnel in Lagos, who’re doing precisely the same thing Amotekun are doing.

    “They’re there at the border posts giving us everyday monitoring of their localities and feeding it back to the central. They are the ones feeding us with information. However, they can not carry arms and prosecute individuals.

    “The borders that I’ve in Lagos are outside of the Atlantic Ocean is Ogun state,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

  • Lawmaker accuses Governors of frustrating financial independence of legislature, judiciary

    Lawmaker accuses Governors of frustrating financial independence of legislature, judiciary

    The member representing Bosso constituency, Hon. Malik Madaki Bosso has accused the State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello of frustrating the financial autonomy for the legislative and judicial arms of the state government.

    Bosso who made the allegations in Minna mentioned Nigerian governors had been persistently showing citizens that they’re the modern-day emperors and not democrats.

    The lawmaker stated if governors are allowed to get away with the constitutional breaches, then the future of democracy was not sure.

    “It is a constitutional challenge. It’s in section 121 of the constitution. If that they had anything against the availability, they should have opposed it through the constitutional amendment as a substitute for placing us in this quagmire. If they are going to chose which section of the constitution they’ll respect or not, then we’re heading into anarchy”.

    Malik stated if ordinary citizens can be jailed for breaking local government bye-laws, he doesn’t see why governors should be allowed to stroll free for breaking the supreme laws of the land, which was contained in the constitution.

    Read Also:  Executive, legislative, party consultative forum kicks off meeting

    He mentioned the following amendment that needs to be achieved within the Constitution was to remove immunity for governors.

    “if immunity clause is removed from the Constitution and the judiciary and legislature had been fully granted autonomy and Independence, then the kind of democracy all of us desired will likely be entrenched and the impunity of governors shall be curtailed.”

    He, however, called on the judiciary to get up from slumber to defend and shield the laws of the land, adding that he was totally in help of the industrial actions embarked upon by both the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) and the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

  • Cameroonian US-based actress, I’m moving to Nigerian movie industry  – Olive Eko

    Cameroonian US-based actress, I’m moving to Nigerian movie industry – Olive Eko

    Olive Eko, a Cameroonian US-based actress, has declared her interest to join the Nigerian movie industry, Nollywood.

    The actress, who became popular together with her lead role within the film ‘Humanity,’ spoke about her new interest in an interview on Saturday.

    Discussing her interest to discover Nollywood, Miss Eko, who has a degree in Cybersecurity, stated, “The Nigerian film industry is arguably the perfect in Africa.

    “There have been a number of efforts through the years which have helped the industry keep on the prime.
    “Obviously, this would not have been possible without all the particular talents therein.

    “I am looking forward to meeting and working with the likes of Rita Dominic, Genevieve, Omotola, Ramsey Noah and a whole lot of them”.

    Read Also:  Nigerian entertainers should participate more in politics to design the industry

    On her favourite position and the way she intends to combine with the Nigerian tradition, she added: “I’ve deep roots in Africa, precisely Cameroon, Ghana and Nigeria. I’m prepared for the challenge.

    “Studying has always been a particular factor for me so I would like to play as many roles as possible, I don’t have any desire!”.

    Signed and managed by Aflik Tv, Olive, who starred in the award-winning American comedy series, “The Big Bang Theory” in 2019, stated she has the talent to hit the ground running in the ever-competitive Nigerian film industry.

  • Pay N100 for gallon before I can sell fuel to you: fuel station attendant

    Pay N100 for gallon before I can sell fuel to you: fuel station attendant

    By Udume Chibueze
    The rate of fuel scarcity in some parts of the country is alarming. Most filling station predicts of fuel scarcity and as such refused to sell fuel. They bloodily fail to sell in other to make a double profit.

    Some filling station like Silveray Resources LTD located at old Karu road, Abacha road, Mararabar that decided to sell has taken the advantage to be collecting #100 from the individual that is buying fuel with gallons as an extra charge for gallons.

    The customers are angry for paying #100 before they can buy fuel.

    The customers have blamed the act on the power and electricity supplier who has refused to supply electricity at when due.
    70% of the population blamed Buhari as the original of the problem in the country.

    What can Nigerian citizens do? They have to subject themselves to wait patiently and pay the #100 to buy the fuel. Going to buy fuel in the filling station these few days is like going to work in the morning and come back home in the evening.

    There is a heavy queue and most people have been beside the filling station for more than four to five hours waiting for their turn.
    Most people waited for about 3hours and could not wait longer as such go home without the fuel ” what a waste of time – time is money” economy of the country is dwindling because the Nigerian federal government has made the citizens live in a bandage on their father’s land.

    Apart from the killing by bandits, hunger is killing more people in Nigeria. The citizens are dying. There is excess hunger in the country.

    The citizens are calling out the federal government for help.
    The lowest money in the county is N5 but could not buy anything in the market, even the smallest children sweet.

    The Nigerian currency has been devalued and things in the market are extremely high. Most companies that can provide a job for the citizens have been folder and the standing companies find it difficult to pay their staff.
    What a bad Government?.

  • President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after a profitable medical examination in the UK.

    President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after a profitable medical examination in the UK.

    President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after a profitable medical examination in the UK.

    The story has it that the presidential aircraft that conveying the president and a few presidential aides landed on the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja at about 4.45 p.m.
    Read also: Buhari Absent As Wife Launches Book At Aso Rock

    These on the airport to welcome the president included the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammed Bello, and the National Security Adviser to the President, retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno

    Others have been the service chiefs, acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufa’i, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi and other presidential aides.

    It is reviewed that the president, after a quick welcoming ceremony at the airport, boarded a presidential helicopter that conveyed him to the Presidential Villa.

    President Buhari had on March 30 departed Abuja for London, United Kingdom, for routine medical verify-up.