Obi Never Commented On The National Anthem – POMR

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June 23, 2024

The Peter Obi Media Reach, POMR has said that its attention has been drawn to a news story circulating in social media that the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has been among “the detractors” who have been vocal against the expenditure on the new National Anthem.

The news story, POMR said, claimed that the sum of N814b was spent on the National Anthem by the Federal Government and that it has attracted criticism from Nigerians including Peter Obi.

But POMR says nothing could be further from the threat as its Principal never made such a comment.

In a statement issued Sunday by its Spokesperson, Yunusa Tanko, POMR said:

“POMR wishes to state clearly that while Peter Obi has been a critic of wasteful spending of public funds, he has not said a word directly or indirectly on the new national anthem.

“Most of OBI’s statements are based on verifiable facts and he never embarked on frivolous remarks.

POMR has been made aware of some hirelings whose assignment is to push out funny statements and attribute them to Obi to finally discredit his laudable opinions on national issues.

“We, therefore, wish to alert the general public especially media houses to be wary and watch out for such induced materials. Peter OBI’s media office can always be reached for any clarifications.”

Nigeria Moves To Boost Value Of Naira, Launches Gold Purchase Programme

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Ayodele Oni

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June 23, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

In a bid to shore up Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and boost value of the Naira, the minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, has announced a National Gold Purchase programme.

The Minister, while presenting the new Gold initiative to President Bola Tinubu, stated that it has met the London Bullion Market Association Good Delivery Standard and will soon be sold to the Central Bank of Nigeria to strengthen our foreign reserves.

“Recently, I had the honor of presenting the latest gold bars to HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The bars were sourced from artisanal and small gold miners and refined by an agency of our Ministry, the Solid Minerals Development Fund.

“They have met the London Bullion Market Association Good Delivery Standard and will soon be sold to the Central Bank of Nigeria to strengthen our foreign reserves.

“This marks the first commercial transaction under the National Gold Purchase Programme (NGPP), which is a centralized offtake scheme supported by a decentralized aggregation and production network of artisanal and small-scale miners and cooperatives.

“Furthermore, I am proud to announce that this first commercial transaction has resulted in a substantial increase of over US$5 million in Nigeria’s foreign reserves assets, the refinement of over 70 kilograms of gold to the London Bullion Market Good Delivery Standard, and the successful aggregation of locally mined gold, injecting around NGN6 billion into the rural economy.”

Ekiti Announces Free Surgery For Residents

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Ayodele Oni

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June 23, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Government has announced free surgery for residents.

The State’s Health Commissioner, Dr Oyebanji Filani, in a statement on Sunday, explained that the comprehensive free surgical mission is aimed at providing essential surgical care to residents of the State.

“This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to improve healthcare accessibility and outcomes for the people of Ekiti State.

“The Free Surgical Mission, which will be conducted across various healthcare facilities in the State, will cater to a wide range of surgical needs, including but not limited to:

“Caesarian Section, Hernia repairs, Appendectomies, Cataract surgeries, Lump and Fibroid Removal, Hydrocele (IPA) as well

other minor and major surgical procedures.”

He added that “The initiative is designed to ensure that all residents, particularly those who are underserved and financially disadvantaged, have access to necessary surgical interventions without the burden of cost.”

According to the Commissioner, “Key Objectives of the Free Surgical Mission include: enhance Healthcare Access; Providing free surgical services to residents who might otherwise be unable to afford such care and improved Health Outcomes:

Others are “Addressing surgical conditions that can significantly impact quality of life and overall health; Reduce healthcare Disparities; Ensuring equitable healthcare delivery across all socioeconomic groups within Ekiti State.”

Giving further details, Dr Filani added that enrollment is currently ongoing at primary health care facilities in all wards across the state.

“To enroll, you will need to provide your NIN and a passport photograph, while the surgeries will be performed at selected hospitals equipped with the necessary facilities and personnel to ensure safe and effective outcomes.”

Bayero vs Sanusi: Group Slams Gov Yusuf For Earmarking N100 Million For Palace Demolition, Renovation

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 23, 2024

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Abba Kabir Yusuf and Aminu Bayero and Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

An Advocacy Group, War Against Injustice, WAI, has described as unacceptable and a misappropriation of funds, Kano State Government’s allocation of about N100 million for the purported renovation of the Nasarawa Mini-Palace.

Kano state Government- dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero is presently holding forte at the mini-Palace. His fellow contender to the Kano Emirate Royal Stool, Emir Muhammad Sanusi, is holding forte at the City Palace.

But on Thursday, June 20, the Kano State Government in the wake of the verdict by a Federal High Court Kano nullifying the processes that led to the reinstallation of Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano, announced its plans to demolish and renovate some sections of the mini-Palace .

It also directed the State Police Command to evict Emir Bayero from the Palace to free it for the renovation efforts.

The Police has since ignored the directives, citing a subsisting court process over the issue as reason.

But rising from an Executive Council Meeting on Saturday June 22, the State Commissioner for Information, Halilu Dantiye, informed that the Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf led administration has approved N99.9 million for the renovation exercise.

He said that the amount is what will be needed to put in to shape defective parts of the palace wall ,other dilapidated sections and surroundings.

However, in a statement on Sunday, the WAI knocked the Kano State Government for embarking on such an elephant project at a time the people are reeling under heavy economic difficulties.

Comrade Umar Ibrahim, Executive Director, WAI emphasized that rather than waste scarce resources on unviable projects, Governor Yusuf should prioritize the wellbeing of the suffering citizens and residents of the State.

He urged the Kano State Government to, as a matter of urgency, re-route the amount to the provision of basic amenities for the common people.

The Source reports that following the eviction order, the second in the series, and the expression of intent to demolish and renovate by the Kano State authorities, Security Agencies have enhanced security arrangements at the mini-palace in an obvious readiness to thwart the efforts.

Muhammad Hussaini Gumel, the Kano State Commissioner of Police had on Friday June 21 insisted that the Kano State Government eviction order, if implemented, will be prejudicial to an ongoing litigation in that regard.

It will be recalled that following the return to Kano on May 25, after his purported deposition and subsequent 48-hour dateline to vacate the Palace, on May 23, Governor Yusuf had ordered the arrest and detention of Emir Bayero.

Although security agencies shunned the order, Emir Bayero, however, instituted a legal challenge at a Federal High Court .

Only last Friday, June 14, Justice Simon Amobeda, while ruling on the application, slammed a-N10 million damages against the State Government for infringing on Emir Bayero’s fundamental rights.

The State Government has since appealed against the ruling.

Cholera Outbreak: FG Urged To Deploy Vaccines To Schools As Death Toll Rises

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Akinwale Kasali

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June 23, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

A call has gone to the Federal Government to make Vaccines available in Schools around the country to curtail the spread of Cholera.

The outbreak is having a heavy toll on Lagos State as 24 deaths has been recorded, with 35 confirmed cases and 417 suspected cases across the State as of Friday, July 21, 2024.

Experts are of the opinion that the outbreak is not just a national concern but a local fight for survival, particularly in areas where access to clean water and proper sanitation remains a luxury.

A situation report issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, last Friday (EPI Week 25), as of 19th of June, 2024, revealed that the outbreak has swept across the 20 LGAs.

While the highest outbreak occurred in Ajeromi, Kosofe, Epe, Ikorodu, Alimosho and Eti-Osa LGAs, as of 10th of June, 2024, the Commissioner said there is the need to adhere strictly to personal and environmental hygiene to stay safe from infection risk.

However, in what seems like an attack on cholera in countries, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced a resurgence of cholera worldwide.

The FG is being urged to provide a vaccine that would be used in Schools for children to curb the situation.

Aside Lagos State, other States in the country that has high casualties include: Oyo, Kano, Ondo and Ekiti States.

Ekiti: Governor Oyebanji Charges Writers To Promote Social Justice

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Ayodele Oni

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June 23, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has called on members of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) to use their platforms to promote social justice, truth and unity through constructive dialogue that can positively change the nation’s social and political narratives.

Governor Oyebanji made the call in Abuja on Saturday at the June edition of Abuja ANA’s Reading and Writers’ Dialogue which featured former Ekiti State First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi as Guest Writer.

The governor acknowledged the pivotal role of the association in driving social and political change for a better society.

Highlighting the importance of literature and the Arts in shaping public opinion and fostering societal progress, Governor Oyebanji commended the association for its contribution to the country’s intellectual and cultural development.

Governor Oyebanji expressed optimism that with continued efforts from the association and support from various stakeholders, Nigeria literature would continue to thrive and contribute significantly to the nation’s development.

The Governor assured the Association that his administration would continue to collaborate, support and provide a conducive environment for literary activities in Ekiti State as well as promoting reading culture among the youth.

“I thank ANA for the honour done to us in Ekiti State, because what you have done to Erelu Fayemi is an honour done to Ekiti people and as I sat down there, I just engaged in a conversation with myself that this is a conference of established writers.

“If people spend so much resources and effort to write, we must ensure that those works don’t go unnoticed but supported to lead to a better society in a country where people’s reading culture is going into extinction.

“I can imagine Dr Kayode Fayemi sitting down here, reading from most of those books he wrote as Governor of Ekiti State with respect to policy and advocacy.

“I am sure that if he is seated here, most former Governors, many Governors, Ministers will be here.

“We have ANA members in the National Assembly, bring them here let them invite their members because people are so busy but once one of them is involved they will be here, so collectively we can navigate towards a better society that we all dream of.”

Earlier in her keynote address, the former First Lady of Ekiti State and Guest Writer, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, who shared some insights into her motivations for writing and the impact of writing on her life, said her identity as a writer brings her immense peace and satisfaction.

Erelu Fayemi said she writes to change the narrative, challenge preconceived notions and stereotypes, to get justice against discrimination, amplifying the voice of the unheard and advocating for systemic change, and a better society.

House Of Representatives Advises Nigerians On Illegal Websites

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Ayodele Oni

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June 23, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The House of Representatives has observed that activities of some unauthorized websites which are harvesting personal data of Nigerians are meant to undermine ongoing reforms at the National Identity Management Commission, (NIMC).

Reacting to the recent statement by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) regarding unauthorized websites harvesting the personal data of Nigerians, the House advised Nigerians to exercise caution in dealing with them.

A statement on Sunday by its spokesman Akin Rotimi Jnr., advised the piblic to avoid providing personal information to phishing and fraudulent websites.

“These websites, described by NIMC as data harvesters, have no authorisation to access or manage sensitive data.

“Licensed partners or vendors are only authorized to verify NINs through approved channels and are not permitted to scan or store NIN slips.

“NIMC has further assured that robust measures are in place to safeguard the country’s database from cyber threats, including a secure and world-class database.

“The Commission is also working closely with security operatives to apprehend those masquerading as online vendors, and they will face the full wrath of the law.

“The House is deeply concerned and views this disturbing pattern of scam messages and phishing activities as the handiwork of individuals with agenda that seek to cause distractions and undermine ongoing reforms within NIMC.”

According to the statement, the Chairman of the House Committee on Population, Jimi Odimayo expressed the House’s full support for NIMC’s efforts to protect the integrity of the National Identification Number (NIN) system and other sensitive data.

“We recognize the importance of robust data security measures as a cornerstone of our national security,” stated Rep Odimayo.

“The House of Representatives stands firmly with NIMC in addressing these pressing issues and ensuring that our citizens’ data is protected from malicious actors.

“The House urges the Office of the National Security Adviser and other relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate these incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“In line with our Legislative Agenda (Agenda 2), the Green Chamber reaffirms its commitment to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to improve national security.

“We will continue to support NIMC in its mission to uphold the highest standards of data security and privacy for our dear constituents and all Nigerians.”

Presidential Jets: FG Spends N15bn On Repairs; To Buy New Ones With N1trn

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James Orji

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June 23, 2024

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A whopping N15 billion has been spent for the repair and maintenance of aircrafts in the Presidential Fleet, within 11 months, Punch has reported.

The newspaper’s report comes on the heels of controversies trailing the plan by the federal government to acquire new aircrafts for the president and his vice.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his vice, Kassim Shetima has recently complained of the hitches they experienced while trying to travel out of the country due to faulty presidential jets.

The magazine reports that Tinubu had to fly a chartered flight from Netherlands to Riyaldh, Saudi Arabia to attend the World Economic Summit, WES, after the aircraft he traveled with developed mechanical fault.

Similarly in April Shetima was forced to abandon his travel to the United State of America, USA, where he was supposed to represent Tinubu at a global event.

Recall also, that last week President Tinubu was reported to have traveled to South Africa, to attend the inauguration of President Cyril Ramophosa, in his private jet.

Amidst the controversy, the National Assembly has since made a recommendation for new aircrafts to be purchased for the Presidency.

Already, the federal government said on Saturday that the three aircrafts in the Fleet would be sold.

It was revealed that acquiring two new state-of-the-art aircrafts for the president and his vice would cost the country close to N1 trillion or over close to $630 million.

The report read in part, “The committee is of the strong and informed opinion that considering the fragile structure of the Nigerian federation and recognising the dire consequences of any foreseen or unforeseen mishap that may arise as a result of technical/operational inadequacy of the Presidential Air Fleet, it is in the best interest of the country to procure two additional aircraft as recommended.

“This will also prove to be most cost-efficient in the long run, aside from the added advantage of providing a suitable, comfortable and safe carrier befitting of the status and responsibilities of the offices of the President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Recall that Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, has slammed the plan to acquire new aircrafts for the Presidential Fleet, describing it as insensitive to the plight of Nigerians due to the current economic crisis in the country.

“Nothing Happens Without God,” Oyakhilome Says Of Fire Incident That Gutted His Church

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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June 23, 2024

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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, President and Founder of LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy, has promised that the Church will build a better edifice to replace the one gutted by fire on Sunday.

The popular Pentecostal Church was razed by fire in the early hours of today, and prominent Nigerians have expressed their shock over the incident.

“Noting happens” without God, the popular Pastor said.

It is too early to know the cause of the incident, but

the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, obviously shocked at the incident, has called on Security Agencies to investigate what led to the fire outbreak in the Church.

In his first reaction, Pastor Oyakhilome said the fire was a divine occurrence, because it’s a sign of a bigger thing to come for the Church.

Oyakhilome, who spoke at the Church’s Headquarters in Lagos stated that the accident could not have happened without God knowing about it.

According to him, the Church was already planning to build a befitting edifice in case of any collapse.

The popular Man of God, MOsaid, “Nothing happens in the life of a child of God by accident. During the 2001 Ikeja Cantonment bombing incident, the building vibrated so much and we thought it was going to collapse.

“I thought to myself that if it collapsed, I was going to build a bigger, better one. At the end of the day, it didn’t collapse and we called the engineers to see if there was any need to bring it down and rebuild but it was still okay.

“Now that this has happened, we will build a bigger, better, and more glorious one and the devil will lick his wound.”

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LSFRS, has announced that the fire has since been extinguished.

Christ Embassy Fire: Obi Calls For Investigation

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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June 23, 2024

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The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, has expressed his sadness over the fire incident that gutted the headquarters of the Chris Embassy Church, Lagos in the early hours of Sunday.

The popular Pentecostal Church pastored by Chris Oyakhilome was, in the early hour of Sunday, razed by fire.

The incident has attracted comments from not a few Nigerians who expressed sadness over the fire devastation.

Reacting in a series of messages he posted on his X handle, Obi said he felt deeply sorry over the incident, calling on Security Agencies to investigate what led to the fire incident.

The LP presidential candidate also used the opportunity to call on all Nigerians to be united for the progress of the country in the face of the current situation “knowing that God is always with us even in our storms.”

Obi said, “I feel deeply distressed by the fire incident that gutted the Headquarters of Christ Embassy Church earlier today. Reports indicate that the devastating fire ravaged the headquarters of the Church in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos State.

“My thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with the founder of the Church, Revered Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the entire Church membership, and the community affected by this tragic incident.

“I urge the authorities to investigate the cause of the fire immediately and take the necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future. As a nation, we must come together to support those affected and rebuild what has been lost.

We must all stand united in the face of adversity and work towards a safer and more compassionate society for all knowing that God is always with us even in our storms,” the former LP flagbearer said.