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Youths Attack Yoruba Communities, Burn Houses In Kaduna

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Youths Attack Yoruba Communities and Burn Houses In Kaduna

By Akinwale Kasali

Irate Youths have caused tension in Kaduna State by attacking Yoruba Communities and burning down their houses.

The angry Youths  suspected to fundamentalists, stormed the Yoruba Communities destroying properties and burning down Houses.

Sources  said the attack led to the death of some Yoruba residents in the Community

According to an eyewitness, “Some people may have been killed. I do not have the exact number, the irate Youths just stormed the Community unaware,  unleashing attacks on innocent residents, mostly of the Yoruba tribe”.

But multiple sources said there were no reports of deaths as at press time though the risk of people losing their lives remain.

Local sources said several houses which belong to Yoruba communities were burnt in attacks staged by youths, mostly unemployed.

The source said trouble started when an Hausa boy was accosted by a youth leader in the Yoruba community. The Hausa boy had, allegedly, stolen money belonging to a Yoruba woman prompting his arrest.

The suspect was said to have been beaten by youths in the market after which he was taken to the Seriki in the area.

A source said the boy later died which prompted some suspected youths to mobilise and launch attacks on Yoruba property destroying and wounding many.

“I do not think anyone is dead but many were wounded” Akin Ajode who works in the market disclosed.

He said the situation is dangerous and could spread unless the brewing crisis is arrested.

He said the problem started on Sunday when the boy died.

“The youths launched the first attack on Monday evening. They organised again and attacked Yoruba Communities. Many have left their homes,” Ajose said.

The Kaduna State Police Command is yet to issue a statement or confirm this news as at the time of filing in this report.

Nigeria @64: Obi Seeks Independence From State Capture, End To Suffering

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Peter Obi

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 polls, Peter Obi has urged Nigerians to seek a true independent Nation free from state Capture and end the unprecedented hardship and suffering.

“On this day, we must make a sober commitment to build a nation truly independent from the present state capture that has held it down in failure and has kept the people suffering.

Writing his Independent Day message on his X handle on Tuesday, the former Anambra State Governor said, “Anniversary celebrations, whether of an individual or country, provide opportunities to Reflect on memories, celebrate accomplishments, look to the future, and offer gratitude.

“This is exactly what we are doing today as our dear nation marks its independence anniversary, 64 years since our country, Nigeria, took charge of its destiny and began its journey to development as an independent nation.

‘It’s a Day to appreciate God for lavishly endowing us with everything natural, human, and material to be a great nation.

“For me, however, this day should be a day of sober reflection for every Nigerian, especially for us, the leaders, whose actions and inactions have continued to contribute to the retrogression and very visible failure we are all witnessing.

“An unexamined life, they say, is not worth living. We must, therefore, examine our lives in the light of our journey as a nation within these last 6 decades.

“Have we pulled our people out of poverty or have we thrown more people into poverty? Have we made education accessible to every Nigerian child, or have we raised an army of over 18 million out-of-school children roaming the streets? Have we built a productive economy, or have we built a nation with now the worst debt profile in our nation’s history?

“On every measure of development, from the critical areas to every aspect, we are performing badly. From ranking poorly on safety and peacefulness to being one of the most terrorized countries in the world. From being ranked among the most highly corrupt countries in the world to being placed among the nations with gross disobedience to the rule of law. Our nation has continued its dangerous dance on the edge of a precipice.

“When compared with some countries who gained independence around the same time as ours, before and after us, Nigeria stands out as a failed nation that must be urgently rescued from further decadence.

“On this day, we must make a sober commitment to build a nation truly independent from the present state capture that has held it down in failure and has kept the people suffering. We must build a nation independent from tribal disunity and religious disharmony. We must build a New and Productive Nigeria that cares for the well-being of the people. That is the Independence we will celebrate as a nation, and it is POssible.”

Nationwide Protest: Ondo Residents Fume Over Hardship

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End Bad Governance Protest

By Ayodele Oni

Residents of Ondo State on Tuesday stormed the streets to express displeasure over the current economic hardship ravaging the country under President Bola Tinubu’s government.

The residents, who were joined by Human Rights Activists under the aegis of the #RevolutionNow, besieged the roads and demanded immediate action over the high cost of staple foods and inflation amid growing frustration on the price of petrol nationwide.

The protest came despite warnings by the state police command against any demonstration on the streets during the celebration of October 1 Independence Day.

The state commissioner of police, Abayomi Oladipo, had earlier on Monday in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the command, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, asked residents not to join any protest in the state.

Oladipo said the command had deployed its men to the town to ensure no protest is used in truncating the celebration of the independence day.

But kicking off at the popular Cathedral church junction in Akure, the peaceful protesters chanted anti-government songs, while demanding that President Tinubu should address the issue of hunger, cut in pump price and electricity prices in the country.

The protest, which was closely monitored by the combined team of armed police officers and men of the State Security Services, (SSS) also drew the attention of commercial vehicle drivers and motorcyclists, who lamented over the disparity in the prices of fuel at filling stations in the state.

Addressing journalists, one of the leaders, Kunle Wiseman Ajayi, accused the government of not being sensitive to the needs of Nigerians in the face of the economic challenges in the country.

Mr Ajayi explained that the various “anti-government policies” of the current administration have further plunged the country into economic crisis, noting that Nigerians can no longer bear the hardship.

“As you can see, Nigerians are angry and at the same time hungry because of the poor economic policies of Tinubu’s government.

“Imagine the price of fuel. The high price of food, the common man, can no longer feed well. Do they want to kill us? Why is this government not listening to the people?

“There is hunger in the land. Inflation in the country because of poor and unfavourable economic policies. We are demanding an end to this suffering.

“They should immediately reverse both fuel subsidy and electricity. This government continues to waste our resources and enrich  own pockets. We want to say Enough is Enough. They should allow the common man to breathe.”

While listing some of the demands of the protesters to include an end to hunger and high cost of food, creation of jobs for the youths, reduction in the price of fuel and electricity, introduction of free education, Mr Ajayi vowed that the people would continued with their action by demonstrating on the street until the Government addresses their grievances.

Also speaking, Seyi Ogundipe, an Activist, said the economic hardship in the country has worsened the plans of many Nigerian youths who are self-reliant and entrepreneurs.

He noted that if the situation persists without being addressed, the country may record continuing  high rate of unemployment with the youths resulting in crime.

However, despite the protest, business activities were booming with traders and shop owners opening for sales as other residents moved about with their daily routines in the state.

In his nationwide broadcast earlier on Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu had appealed to Nigerians to be patience as the administration is doing everything possible to cushion effects of the harsh policies.

“PDP, Dead, APC Out Of Touch With Current Realities” – Rabiu Kwankwaso

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Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

By Ayodele Oni

The National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said the party remains the only viable and fastest growing political party in Nigeria.

He described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a “dead party” while also criticizing the All Progressives Congress (APC) for being out of touch with the realities facing Nigerians, such as rising insecurity, poverty, and hunger.

Speaking in Abuja during the NNPP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Kwankwaso emphasized that despite the many challenges facing the party, the NNPP is the fastest-growing political movement in Nigeria.

He thanked supporters for their commitment and expressed confidence in the party’s future as a strong alternative in the country’s political landscape.

“I’m pleased to say that, despite all the challenges, today our party is the fastest-growing party in this country.

“I remember when I visited Katsina State to open our state office; there I mentioned that the two parties, especially the PDP, were dead, and there are so many concerns within the fold of the PDP.

“I’m sure when I was making that statement, many of them did not see what was happening today, that the party was being made into pieces.

“The party is imploding, and therefore if they didn’t understand at that time, now I believe they will agree with all of us that the party is dead.”

On the state of the APC, Kwankwaso remarked, “The APC, as it stands today, you can see that the leadership is just up there in the air, and the entire nation, the people of this country, are on the ground.

“At that level, whether they believe they are doing well, all of us, especially the voters in this country, believe that they are performing very, very badly, especially if you look at the issue of security, the level of poverty in this country, and of course the issue of hunger that we are witnessing in this country.”

In his remarks, NNPP National Chairman, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, called on Nigerians to prioritize doing what is right and unite to build a better future.

Also addressing the gathering, National Secretary Dipo Olayoku encouraged party members to actively participate in local government elections to boost visibility and strengthen democracy.

He recalled that the last NEC meeting on April 5th, 2024, ratified the party’s new Constitution, logo, slogan, and flag in accordance with the NNPP’s internal regulations, the Electoral Act, and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, along with other legal statutes and guidelines from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Olayoku further emphasized the NNPP’s commitment to supporting its leaders and upholding the electorate’s will amid the country’s ongoing political challenges.

FRSC Recovers N8.6 Million At Accident Scene In Kaduna

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Besides rescuing three persons involved in a road accident, the Kaduna Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, announced the recovery of N8.6 million from the accident scene according to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

Sector Commander, Kabir Nadabo, who revealed this in Kaduna, said the accident which occurred in Area G, Samaru, along Zaria  Futua road, involved a Nigerian Army vehicle and a Toyota Corolla vehicle belonging to a private person.

The accident which occurred at about 1900hrs left two of the three persons involved with varying degrees of injuries. The third person was, however, unhurt.

Preliminary investigation, the FRSC Sector Commander said, is attributable to  speed, resulting in the loss of control by the Toyota driver.

The two vehicles were said to be traveling in opposite direction before crashing into each other.

While the Army Ford vehicle was moving towards Futua ,the private Toyota was heading for Zaria.

“The injured were conveyed to the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Shika for further treatment.

“In addition, to the rescue conducted, a sum of N8.6 million was recovered at the scene.

“The entire amount belongs to the owner of the red Toyota Corolla, while arrangements are being made for him to fully recover before handing over the money to him” Nadabo stated .

The rescue efforts were conducted by operatives from Zebra 55 Shika ,who were led by their head .

The Commander appealed, to motorists and other road users to cultivate the culture of safety as a veritable way towards minimizing road accidents.

He, however, expressed  gratitude to the Kaduna State authorities for their unrelenting support to the Service in its quest to keep the roads safe.

Council Of Legal Education Sanctions Nine Universities Over Admission Racketeering

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Council of Legal Education

By Ayodele Oni

Nine universities in the country have been sanctioned by the Council of Legal Education (CLE), for non compliance with laid down regulations.

The universities, out of which six are privately owned, were suspended for admission of students into their faculties of law without approval of the council.

This is one of the decisions of CLE during its second quarterly meeting of 2024, chaired by Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN.

The Universities in question were found to have admitted and graduated law students without obtaining the necessary accreditation from the CLE.

In addition to the suspension of admissions, Lead City University in Ibadan, Oyo State, has been placed under a five-year moratorium.

The CLE cited inadequate infrastructure and repeated violations of the University’s admission quota as the reasons for this decision.

The Council has pledged to accommodate the over 1,000 students unlawfully admitted by Lead City University within the available space.

The CLE also addressed a recent judgment against it regarding a property in Lagos that once housed the first Nigerian Law School students. An ad-hoc committee has been set up to ensure compliance with the judgment and explore options for securing the historic building.

Furthermore, the council granted provisional accreditation status to two private universities: El-Amin University and Newgate University, both located in Minna, Niger State. These institutions have been given an admission quota of 50 students each.

The CLE promised to revisit the Faculty of Law at Veritas University in Abuja and Kola Daisi University in Ibadan at a later date to assess their compliance with the accreditation team’s findings.

The University of Abuja, however, has  its admission quota increased from 100 to 160 students due to improvements in infrastructure and the recruitment of additional academic staff.

Lastly, the Council approved the establishment of a legal unit within the office of the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School to monitor court cases involving the CLE and keep the council informed of any developments.

GTCO Launches “Fund 724” To Create Wealth

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Nigeria’s leading financial institution, Guaranty Trust Holding Company PLC, GTCO, has launched of the Guaranty Trust Fund Managers Limited (“GTFML” or the “Fund Manager”), which is one of its asset management subsidiary.

 The Guaranty Trust Investment Fund 724 (“Fund 724”), an open-ended, naira-denominated Unit Trust Scheme is duly authorised and registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC.

The Scheme lists 10,000,000 Units of ₦100.00 each in the Fund, by way of Offer for Subscription and aims to distribute the capital growth it generates from a diversified portfolio of money market instruments, including fixed deposits, commercial papers, Nigerian Treasury Bills, and other short-term instruments to subscribers of the scheme. With a minimum subscription of ₦1,000.00 (one thousand naira only), Fund 724 offers every Nigerian an opportunity to earn more on their savings along with the flexibility of easy access and withdrawals. The scheme will track 91-day average Nigerian Treasury Bills’ yield of the preceding month.

Speaking during the launching, Josephine Essien, Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer of GTFM Limited, said: “We are very excited to bring a retail product that empowers the every day Nigerian to compound the growth of their savings, whilst retaining the flexibility of withdrawals to meet their everyday needs. When most people think about asset management, they think of it as something that is reserved for a privileged few who already have significant financial resources.

Guaranty Trust Fund Managers hopes to change this narrative with the launch of the retail product, Fund 724, designed to provide access to long term capital growth for the everyday Nigerian, who has as little as ₦1,000 to save.”

She added, “We understand that financial independence is built over time, and our goal is to provide a flexible and transparent platform for wealth creation.

Fund 724 offers retail customers competitive returns and combines ease of subscription with the flexibility of withdrawals, making it a practical solution for individuals at every stage of their financial journey.”

Applications for the Guaranty Trust Investment Fund 724 has opened on September 30, 2024. Minimum subscription amount is ₦1,000.00, with additional units available in multiples of 10 lots.

Nigeria’s leading financial institution, Guaranty Trust Holding Company PLC, GTCO, has launched of the Guaranty Trust Fund Managers Limited (“GTFML” or the “Fund Manager”), which is one of its asset management subsidiary.

 The Guaranty Trust Investment Fund 724 (“Fund 724”), an open-ended, naira-denominated Unit Trust Scheme is duly authorised and registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC.

The Scheme lists 10,000,000 Units of ₦100.00 each in the Fund, by way of Offer for Subscription and aims to distribute the capital growth it generates from a diversified portfolio of money market instruments, including fixed deposits, commercial papers, Nigerian Treasury Bills, and other short-term instruments to subscribers of the scheme. With a minimum subscription of ₦1,000.00 (one thousand naira only), Fund 724 offers every Nigerian an opportunity to earn more on their savings along with the flexibility of easy access and withdrawals.

The scheme will track 91-day average Nigerian Treasury Bills’ yield of the preceding month.

Speaking during the launching, Josephine Essien, Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer of GTFM Limited, said: “We are very excited to bring a retail product that empowers the every day Nigerian to compound the growth of their savings, whilst retaining the flexibility of withdrawals to meet their everyday needs. When most people think about asset management, they think of it as something that is reserved for a privileged few who already have significant financial resources.

 Guaranty Trust Fund Managers hopes to change this narrative with the launch of the retail product, Fund 724, designed to provide access to long term capital growth for the everyday Nigerian, who has as little as ₦1,000 to save.”

She added, “We understand that financial independence is built over time, and our goal is to provide a flexible and transparent platform for wealth creation.

 Fund 724 offers retail customers competitive returns and combines ease of subscription with the flexibility of withdrawals, making it a practical solution for individuals at every stage of their financial journey.”

Applications for the Guaranty Trust Investment Fund 724 has opened on September 30, 2024. Minimum subscription amount is ₦1,000.00, with additional units available in multiples of 10 lots.

Nigeria’s Security@64: “We Eliminated Boko Haram, Bandits Commanders” – Tinubu Boasts

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Bandit Leaders

The drastic security measures being taken by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is paying off, it has led to the elimination of Boko Haram and bandits leaders in the northern part of the country.

Security forces have also reduced the existential threats posed by other non state actors to the country stability, according to President Tinubu in his nationwide broadcast to mark the nation’s 64th independence.

Dozens of terrorists and bandits commanders and foot soldiers have been neutralised in the last few days by the combined efforts of  security forces, who have vowed not to relent until criminals that pose security threats to the country are totally vanquished.

President Tinubu said this is an indication that “the administration is wining the war on terror and banditry” adding that peace is being restored to many communities in the north hitherto under the control of Boko Haram and bandits.

His administration will not relent until total peace is restored, assuring farmers that efforts are underway to return them to their farms so that food security can be assured for the country.

According to the president, “I am happy to announce to you, my compatriots, that our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry. Our target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism. Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever. As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest, and some other parts of the country.

“We have restored peace to hundreds of communities in the North, and thousands of our people have been able to return home. It is an unfinished business, which our security agencies are committed to ending as quickly as possible. As soon as we can restore peace to many communities in the troubled parts of the North, our farmers can return to their farms. We expect to see a leap in food production and a downward spiral in food costs. I promise you, we shall not falter on this.”

On Sunday, the Nigerian Armed Forces announced the elimination of a notorious bandit leader, Gajere, also known as Mai’Yar Gitta.  Gitta, is the latest in the prominent bandit leaders to be eliminated as Nigerian troops continue their clearance operations in the northern parts of the country

According to checks, other notable bandit leaders neutralised in the last few weeks include Haliru Kachalla Sububu or Buzu; Kachalla Tukur Sharme (killed by a rival gang); Sani Black, another prominent bandit leader, killed along with his brother and two children; Kachalla Makore; Kachalla Mai Shayi; Kachalla Tsoho Lulu; and Mai’Yar Gitta.

Nigeria Is Work In Progress, Tinubu Says 64yrs After Independence

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Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu says he’s working to ensure that the dreams of the nation’s founding fathers are achieved.

According to him, his administration has put its hand on the ‘plough’ to ensure that the lofty ideas of the nation’s founding leaders come to reality.

The president spoke on Tuesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital, in his nationwide broadcast to mark the country’s independence from The Great Britain.

On October 1, 1960 Nigeria gained independence from the British government, joining other countries in Africa which had earlier obtained freedom from the colonial administration.

At independence over 64 years ago, many Nigerians had lofty hopes that their lives will be transformed by their own leaders who had taken over the reign of government.

In fact, subsequent leaders and administrations in the country had promised good government and a better life for Nigerians, only to fail later while the masses continue to wallow in anguish.

Similar to its predecessors, President Tinubu, after ascension to power on May 29, 2023, promised that things will get better in the country, more than a year after Nigerians are still waiting to experience transformation.

But speaking in the televised nationwide broadcast today, President Tinubu said works are in progress to make the country great, stressing that the journey to transform the country has already started. Greatness, the president said, cannot be achieved in one day, adding that his government is already building on the foundations set by the nation’s past leaders.

According to the president, the current crisis will be overcome the same way Nigeria survived the Civil War, adding that despite the past challenges the country has remained “strong, united and viable sovereign” country.

Tinubu said, “The dreams that our founding fathers envisaged are still a work in progress. Every day, we put our hands on the plough, determined to do a better job of it.

“While it is tempting to focus on what has been left undone and where we have stumbled as a nation, we must never lose sight of how far we have come in forging and holding our country together.

“Since independence, our nation has survived many crises and upheavals that led to the dissolution and disintegration of many other nations worldwide. Six years after independence, our country descended into a political crisis that led to a bitter and avoidable civil war. Since returning from the brink of that darkest moment, we have learned to embrace our diversity and manage our differences better as we continue to work towards engendering a more perfect union.

“Despite the many challenges that buffeted our country, we remain a strong, united, and viable sovereign nation.”

Hardship: Tinubu Begs Nigerians To Be Patient, Says I’ve Heard Your Voices

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Bola Ahmed Tinubu - President
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to be more patient with his administration.

The president made the compassionate call, on Tuesday, in commemoration of the nation’s 64th Independence anniversary.

According to him, the administration understands what many Nigerians are going through at the moment, and is taking  deliberate steps to ameliorate the situation.

Across the country, there is low key celebrations in line with President Tinubu’s directive, due to the current economic situation in the country.

The magazine also reported that some Nigerians under the aegis of #Takeitback have set aside Tuesday to protest across the country, to draw government’s attention to the sufferings being experienced by many Nigerians.

Tinubu’s critics have blamed his government for making life more difficult for Nigerians due to its unfriendly policies.

For instance, the hike in the cost of petrol after the administration removed subsidy has pushed the cost of food and other household items to an unprecedented high level.

The government had also stopped paying subsidy on naira, a situation that has led to serious devaluation of the national currency.

These policies, critics of the administration say, were hastily implemented without due consultations with relevant stakeholders, and have led to frustrations across the country, while many have been further pushed into poverty.

In spite of the growing anger against his government, President Tinubu said deIlberate efforts are being made to   turn the situation around for the better.

Tinubu said, “I am deeply aware of the struggles many of you face in these challenging times. Our administration knows that many of you struggle with rising living costs and the search for meaningful employment. I want to assure you that your voices are heard.

As your President, I assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens. Once again, I plead for your patience as the reforms we are implementing show positive signs, and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.”

Meanwhile, not a few Nigerians who listened to the president speak said he should go beyond mere rhetoric by taking decisive steps to improve the economic conditions of the masses.