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Again, Terrorists Abduct 87 Persons In Fresh Attack In Kaduna

March 18, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Kajuru Community in Kaduna State has been thrown into confusion, fear and panic as Terrorists have, again, abducted 87 Persons.

The Terrorists abducted mostly women and children at the Kajuru Station Community in Kajuru, Kaduna State late Sunday Night.

The abduction of these persons has resulted in the residents of the Community leaving in fear and relocating in droves over fear of further attack by the Terrorists.

It would be recalled that some residents of Kajuru Community are still in kidnappers den as the Community is not new to kidnapping and insecurity issues over the past years.

An Official of the Kaduna-Kajuru Station, Harisu Dari, disclosed that the terrorists attacked at about 10 p.m. on Sunday.

He said they broke into some shops to steal food and other provisions.

According to Dari, “Two days ago, 15 women and a man were abducted in the Dogon-Noma community of Kajuru.

“For now, there is no contact yet with the 87 persons abducted on Sunday night.

“As of the time I visited the community this morning, security operatives have not been drafted to help restore the confidence of the villagers.

“The villagers are traumatised by the sad development. The government needs to re-strategise in tackling these terrorists,” Dari said.

No doubt, Kaduna State has been a theatre of Unrest, as Kidnapping, Insecurity and Riots has been the order of the day over the past years, with no respite in sight.

Less than two weeks ago, over 250 Persons were abducted by terrorists, as bandits invaded LEA Primary School, Kuriga, in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Among the victims were some secondary school students, and staff members.

The abductors are yet to release their abductees as they are demanding a whopping N1 billion for the release of the students.

Hunger: Dangote Doles Out One Million Bags Of Rice In 36 States, Feeds 10 000 Daily For Ramadan In Kano

The Source

March 18, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

To assist in cushioning the effects of the prevailing hard economic situation in the country, multi-billionaire Industrialist and philanthropist, Aliko Dangote, has doled out N13 billion worth of one million bags of rice across the 36 States of the federation.

Similarly, to help make the ongoing Ramadan fast a seamless one ,for his fellow Kano compatriots, the richest man in Africa has launched a daily feeding programme that targets no fewer than 10 000 people in the Commercial nerve centre of the North.

This much was disclosed on Monday March, 18, 2024, by Samira Sanusi an Official of the Dangote Foundation ,in a press statement made available to newsmen

According to Sanusi, the gesture is to mitigate the economic hardship of millions Nigerians in the face of the prevailing economic challenges.

In addition, the Dangote Foundation is sustaining the distribution of about 20 000 thousand and 15,000 loaves of bread daily to Kano and Lagos residents respectively, a gesture which was kicked-started in 2020 at the thick of the outbreak of COVID- 19.

The statement noted that the free meals comprising jollof rice, white rice and stew ,jollof spaghetti ,yam, beans with chicken and beef packed with a bottle of water and drink for each person,will be distributed at Jummat Mosques ,Streets Prisons,Orphanages Remand Homes and other strategic locations in Kano City and its environs.

Some of the beneficiaries of the philanthropic act who volunteered comments to the press while immensely appreciating the gesture ,noted that it has ameliorated the hardship of a good number of people,who would have broken their fast with probably only water ,due to the prevailing economic challenges.

” I know many people who ordinarily would have proceeded to break their fast with water only.” a beneficiary stated

The Dangote Foundation gesture ,as well as those from other public spirited individuals ,are expected to compliment the Kano State Ramadan feeding programme,which has seen the state authorities earmark large sum of money and hundreds of Feeding Centres across the 44 local Councils of the State .

Tashe Celebration: “We Will Not Condone Any Acts Capable Of Breaching Peace And Security”, Kano Police Command Warn

The Source

March 18, 2024

Alhaji Mohammad Husseini Gumel - Kano CP

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

With the count down to the “Tashe” celebration, which comes up in the second 10 days of the commencement of the Ramadan fast, the Kano State Police authorities have cautioned against the use of the occasion as a launch pad to disrupt the fragile peace and security of the State.

Consequently, the Police Command has urged Imams, Traditional, Youth leaders and other relevant stakeholders to sensitize the youths and Amazons of the Tashe culture on the best peaceful ways to observe and promote the Ramadan associated tradition.

The Kano State Commissioner of Police Muhammad Husseini Gumel, who issued the warning on Monday, March 18, at a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Bompai kano, said much as the Police and Kano State Government are not harbouring any plans of banning the age long cultural festival, it will not, also, tolerate the use of same to destabilize, and/or compromise peace and security of lives and property of innocent residents.

The Kano Police CP noted that after carefully studying the crime patterns in the state for some time, it has been incontrovertibly established that the celebration of the Ramadan linked cultural fiesta is usually exploited by some criminal elements to perpetrate acts that are inimical to the maintenance of peace and security.

Gumel who gave assurances that adequate security measures have been put in place to checkmate would be trouble makers, regretted that the Tashe tradition which was conceived to drive home certain past traditions to the present youths ,appears to have been hijacked by Yan Dabas(thugs) to foster insecurity .

“We will not allow this to happen this time. We don’t want bad boys to use the Tashe tradition to promote evil We are having this meeting today to ensure that we celebrate Ramadan without breach of the peace

“I am pleased to deliver this address today from which I am highlighting to you the security arrangements being put in place by the Kano State Police Command during this sacred month of Ramadan.

“It is meant to show our determination towards ensuring that the safety and security of all kano residents during this period of high religious observance remains our priority.

“Having carefully reviewed the crime pattern in the state ,we came out with a particular discovery of emerging crime that in the past ,some youths exploit the Traditional Tashe culture to perpetuate insecurity.” the CP stated

According to CP Gumel, to checkmate this ugly development, the state police authorities have adopted robust security strategies,adding that Area Commanders, Divisional heads, and the Tactical and Operational Commanders have been directed to ring close security surveillance on all prominent persons and Youth leaders that are responsible for organizing the Tashe cultural fiesta.

The Area Commanders and other heads of police formations in the state have been mandated to deal with any and group of persons that may be planning to take undue advantage of the Traditional Tashe during the ongoing Ramadan Fasting.

The State CP, also, stated that adequate measures have been put in place to increase Police presence at some identified flash points and other areas where youths may want to exploit Tashe to perpetrate criminal acts.

2024 Budget: Obi Calls For Total Review, Wants Resources In Critical Areas

The Source

March 18, 2024

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has admonished the Executive and Legislative arms of government to immensely commence the review of the 2024 budget and deploy funds to critical areas.

Obi’s view which is in reaction to the controversies trailing the budget said, it’s still very early in the day for the appropriations to be revisited and ensure that the public resources go to critical areas like security, and fighting poverty among others.

Writing in his X handle on Monday, the former Anambra State Governor said: “Having followed the controversies trailing the 2024 budget, and having read some of the budgetary provisions and allocations of resources, “I wish to respectfully appeal for a total review of the entire budget.

“The Executive and Legislative arms should initiate an immediate review of the budget as it is still in the early days of implementation to enable them do urgent virement of resources to critical areas.

“The nation’s resources should adequately be appropriated to critical areas like security, fighting poverty and solving the challenges of hunger and food insecurity, and power supply, especially considering the difficult times that we are in.

“In the past 1 year, about 7000 Nigerians have been kidnapped, with about 700 kidnapped in the last 3 weeks, notwithstanding the violent crimes and killings that occur in every part of the nation, which must have included us in one of the world’s riskiest countries to live in.

“A report by the globally respected publication, Financial Times, on March 12, 2024, described Nigeria’s kidnapping racket as a sign of a failed state. With all of these happening in our nation, how then can we attract foreign investors, and retain the confidence of local investors?

“We have become one of the hungriest nations in the world and one of the most difficult nations in the world to live in, with food prices constantly going out of the reach of most Nigerians.

“Power supply is abysmally poor and Nigerians are now mostly in total darkness, as over 60% are without power supply.

“Even those in perceived privileged areas now go for days without power supply.

“A 2022 Energy Progress Report designated Nigeria as the country with the largest number of people lacking access to electricity with 92 million of its over 200 million population living without electricity.

“About 80 per cent of our primary healthcare centres are not functional. The cost of medical treatments and medicines has gone beyond the reach of most Nigerians.

“We now hold the enviable position of having the highest number of out-of-school children, with about 20 million out-of-school children.

“We need to take our children off the streets and give them access to basic education.

“I, therefore, urge our executive and legislative arms to consider the many challenges facing our nation and re-allocate resources to these very critical areas.

“This is the time for complete sacrifice. A New Nigeria is still very POssible.”

Nasarawa Promises Free Food For Students In Tertiary Institutions, Free NECO For Secondary Pupils

Ayodele Oni

March 18, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Reprieve has come for students of secondary and tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State as government said it will pay registration fees for the 2024 National Examinations Council (NECO) for all final year students in public schools.

Governor Abdullahi Sule disclosed this while inaugurating four newly appointed permanent secretaries, as well as the executive chairman and members of the Nasarawa State Disabilities Rights Commission, on Monday.

This is just as Governor Sule said his administration will embark on the distribution of food items as palliative to all the indigenous students of tertiary institutions.

The Governor emphasized that his administration decided to offset the registration fees for final year students writing NECO, as well as distribute items as relief to students of tertiary institutions, as parts of efforts to cushion the hardships being experienced across the country.

He reiterated that President Bola Tinubu is fully aware of the hardships being experienced by Nigerians and that the president is working hard through the governors and other agencies, to cushion the effects of the hardships.

“Nasarawa State has just concluded the distribution of food items throughout the state in order to bring relief to the people.

“This week, we are going to all our tertiary institutions in order to distribute items to the students. Government has also taken a decision that all our secondary school students we are going to pay their NECO this year. There are some who have already paid.”

Governor Sule explained that all the final year secondary students who have already paid their NECO registration fees would be refunded their money.

He added that his administration is working hard to bring industrialization to the state, as well as agricultural activities, in order to engage the people in meaningful ventures.

The Governor pointed out that his administration is on the verge of acquiring 10, 000 hectares of land for the production of rice and maize.

“Nasarawa State is currently working on the acquisition of 10, 000 hectares of land in order for us to be able to produce some crops such as rice or maize, but more importantly to engage our people so that we can provide for the people and cushion the effects of the hardships.

“Palliative is what we need now. But what we need permanently is something to do.”

Governor Sule charged the new appointees, especially the new permanent secretaries, to shun corruption by imbibing the culture and principles of transparency, accountability, and probity, in line with the posture of his administration.

“At this moment, let me specifically show great appreciation to my mentor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura, for initiating this and for the good work that he did in order to ensure that today becomes a reality.”

He further urged them to endeavor to ensure budgetary discipline and prudence in the management of public resources.

Governor Sule pointed out that the inauguration of the executive chairman and members of the state’s disabilities rights commission, was in line with the resolve of his administration to give every citizen of the state a sense of belonging.

He said the coming onboard of the Nasarawa State Disabilities Rights Commission was also in line with the National Disabilities Act 2018, which encourages the promotion, protection, and priotization of the rights of the people with disability, as well as enhance their productivity through education, health, and other socio-economic activities.

CBN: Mass Sack of Directors Triggers Anger In Apex Bank

James Orji

March 18, 2024

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has terminated the appointment of more directors of the government owned bank.

Last week, the Yemi Cardoso-led apex was said to have served some directors with letters of termination of appointment.

Those affected were believed to have worked in the bank for more than 20 years or more, but now asked to go home.

They are now angry that in spite of putting in those years, the new management has decided to relieve them of their appointment, with or without severance benefit.

According to sources privy to the issue, some of the directors have been asked to go without pay because they were allegedly indicted by Jim Obaze, the Special Investigator appointed last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to probe Godwin Emefiele, a former CBN governor.

Obaze submitted a damning report last December to the president which indicted some top officials of the bank, including former Deputy Governors and some departmental directors.

While the deputy governors have since been sacked from their positions, some directors who were indicted in the report are still holding on to their positions, according to sources in the bank.

The sacked directors are now refusing to go without putting up a fight. They are trying to contest their sack in the court, because they believed that they have not committed any offence to warrant their exit from the bank.

The affected directors, according to the sources, have the sympathy of their colleagues who consider the termination of their appointment to be unfair, particularly on the basis that some of them have not been indicted by the presidential investigator.

“Their grouse is that no cogent reason was stated in the letter for the termination of their appointment. These are high profile officials who have served the bank for many years, and are now asked to go because a new CBN governor is in office,’ a source told the magazine on Monday.

“Why Governor Adeleke Decided To Renovate Osun State House” – PDP, Accuses APC Of Massive Looting

Ayodele Oni

March 18, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has said Governor Ademola Adeleke has done what All Progressives Congress (APC) government under former Governor Gboyega Oyetola could not do in four years on the sorry situation of the Government House before PDP took over.

The PDP asked opposition group to either apologize for its wicked looting of the state’s common patrimony or stop polluting the airwaves with unguarded noise.

This was contained in a statement on Monday by the media office of the ruling party and signed by the State Chairman, Sunday Bisi.

It described the statement credited to Lawal led APC faction as unbridled affront on the collective intelligence of the well enlightened people of Osun State, who are still spoiling for further punishments against the inglorious pilfering of public asset by stalwarts of the APC.

“Granted that Lawal and his conquered hirelings in the APC are in shock over the level of upgrade and innovations in the State Government House.

“We expected that it would have served the looters better if they had opted for the silence button, instead of classless grumblings over the patriotic efforts of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke in bringing the state assets up to speed of modernity and dignity befitting of cradle of Yoruba race.

“APC as a party populated by known thieves in the context of the renovated government asset was just bringing its shamelessness again to the fore by having the guts of any finger of objection to bringing the State House back to life.

“This is after the edifice was set for desolate with reckless looting of almost all the interior fittings by APC officials without any iota of consideration of the cost implications on the already mismanaged economy by the prodigal son in chief, Gboyega Oyetola.

“APC statement about the Government House renovation has shown that Lawal and his faction of mourners are still grieving about the rejection of their discredited party by the Osun people.

“They have since their woeful loss resort to wailing and craving for attention and public sympathy they’ve lost long ago with no remedy in sight.

“Lawal and his factional members should be grateful for the maturity and exposure of the good people of Osun State by allowing the APC elements to still walk the streets without some pebbles on their heads considering the ungodly level of atrocities committed against humanity in Osun State.

””While you await your days with relevant security operatives for your sins, you should keep shut and lay low at least.

“As a good manager of resources, Governor Adeleke, unlike Oyetola, will continue to inject life into all abandoned assets of the state left to rot away by the immediate past APC administration and this the governor has pursued without compromise

“Lawal has not only shown unseriousness and confusion about governance but he has also reduced his group to ‘Paperweight, Jesting Desperados,’ merely hallucinating about the steadfast running of the state by the Governor Adeleke led administration.

“Lawal should tell Osun people how he came about the N1b cost of renovation he quoted. He should be tapped out from his fallacious claim that there is nothing to show in the state in terms of physical infrastructure.

“Lawal should be reminded that the last time Osun State had a befitting infrastructural investment, like what is ongoing in the state, was under PDP administration, followed by Ogbeni Aregbesola, only for the opportunistic Oyetola to bring the expected progress to a criminal halt after he was spoonfed into office by his predecessor.

“The only thing Oyetola did in his 4 years in terms of infrastructure was to give Osogbo a substandard, Mungo Park era bridge, which aggravated public anger against him and his acrimonious lieutenants.

“For Governor Ademola Adeleke, he is making good his promise to give the state a global standard facelift and we are glad the great of the state are right behind him to succeed.

“While the PDP government is open to constructive criticism as enshrined in a democratic society, the APC factional group is however expected to do better by engaging their thinking cap, away from frivolous ranting and wailing without borders.”

Delta Killing Of Soldiers: Defence Ministers Assure Nigerian Military’s Commitment To Secure Nigeria

Ayodele Oni

March 18, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle have assured that the killing of soldiers on peace mission in Delta state will not deter the military from the task of securing the nation and guarantee its peace.

They condemned the killing of the military personnel during a rescue mission in Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, South-South Nigeria on Saturday.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Director, Information, Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Henshaw Ogubike in Abuja.

According to the statement, the Ministers said the ambush at Okuama community resulting in the tragic loss of the Commanding Officer 181 Amphibious Battalion Lieutenant-Colonel A.H Ali, two Majors, a Captain, and 12 soldiers, along with the unfortunate death of a civilian, was a matter of grave concern, noting that the perpetrators must be brought to book.

“This tragic incident underscores the immense sacrifices made by our servicemen and women in the defence of our nation.

“Their dedication and courage in the face of danger exemplify the highest ideals of patriotism and duty.”

The Ministers added that they are committed to safeguarding the security and well-being of Nigerians and will not tolerate any threat to the nation’s sovereignty and stability.

Furthermore, they assured Nigerians that every effort would be made to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Edo APC Governorship Primary: Oshiomole Finally Accepts Outcome, Congratulates Okpebholo

Ayodele Oni

March 18, 2024

Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Monday Okpebholo

By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Leader in Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole and the party’s standard bearer in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, Senator Monday Okpebholo have embraced peace, ahead of the election.

Oshiomole has written a letter to congratulate Okpebholo on his emergence as the candidate of the party.

The former governor’s annoited candidate for the position, Dennis Idahosa was first declared winner of the governorship primary but the result was annulled by the national leadership of APC, which faulted the process of his emergence and ordered fresh one.

Idahosa has however been picked as the running mate of Okpebholo, in a unanimous decision by the leadership.

Oshiomhole, in a congratulatory message personally signed by him and made available to the press by his senior aide, Victor Oshioke, on Monday, in Abuja, said that Okpebholo’s victory in the primary election was a reflection of the belief of the party members in his unwavering dedication and commitment to the party.

He however urged the APC candidate to put aside the intrigues of the primary poll and extend a hand of fellowship to his co-contestants and all the stakeholders of the party in the state.

The former governor pointed out that together the party must forge a strong, united front that resonated with the electorate and secured victory in the Edo governorship election.

He commended Okpebholo for choosing his closest rival in the primary election, Idahosa, as his running mate, saying his decision demonstrated great wisdom and foresight.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your well-deserved emergence as the flag bearer of our esteemed party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), for the forthcoming Edo State governorship election.

“Your victory in the closely contested primaries reflects the belief of our party members in your unwavering dedication and commitment to our party’s core values.

“As we embark on this crucial journey, I urge you to leave behind the intrigues of the primaries and extend a hand of fellowship to all those who contested with you for the ticket, as well as to all stakeholders of our party in the state.

“Together, we must forge a strong, united front that resonates with the electorate and secures victory in the governorship election on September 21, 2024.

“Your decision to choose Hon. Dennis Idahosa as your running mate, demonstrates great wisdom and foresight. Your joint ticket presents the people of Edo State with the best option to usher in a dynamic, progressive, and responsive government that aligns with the aspirations of our vibrant youth population.

“I am confident in your leadership abilities and believe that, with the support of all APC members across the state, we can restore Edo State to the path of progressive governance, sustainable socio economic growth and political inclusion in all its ramifications.

“Congratulations once again, as I eagerly anticipate our collective efforts towards achieving victory in the upcoming election.”

Aviation Reality TV Show Endorsed By Keyamo

Akinwale Kasali

March 18, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Festus Keyamo, Minister Of Aviation has endorsed the the launch of the country’s first-ever aviation Reality TV show, aimed at promoting talent development within the aviation sector.

Leader of Airborne Entertainment team, Toni Ukachukwu, met with the Aviation Minister to unveil Flight 100, a reality TV show that would transform the Aviation Industry in Nigeria.

Ukachukwu, during the meeting, said Flight 100 is more than just a television show, it’s an endeavour dedicated to fostering talent, empowering youths and bridging the skills gap within the aviation sector.

Ukachukwu stressed the show’s commitment to providing aspiring aviation enthusiasts with opportunities for growth and advancement through a combination of tech challenges, mentorship programmes and real-world experiences.

The Airborne Entertainment leader team presented the team’s vision for nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals, emphasising the significance of capacity building and career development in Nigeria’s aviation landscape.

Reacting, Keyamo commended the Airborne Entertainment team for their innovative approach and unwavering dedication to promoting talent development within the aviation sector.

Lauding the initiative, Keyamo reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives like Flight 100, emphasising the critical role of investing in training and education to meet the evolving demands of Nigeria’s burgeoning aviation industry.

Flight 100 reality TV show is poised to become a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring aviation professionals across Nigeria and Africa.

The show according to initiators, will through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts with industry stakeholders, the show aims to not only showcase the exceptional talent of young Nigerians but also to catalyze the growth and advancement of the aviation and aerospace sector.”

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