Home Blog Page 1236

Zamfara Launches Community Protection Guard To Fight Terrorism, Banditry

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Zamfara State Community Protection Guard

By Akinwale Kasali

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has launched a security outfit, Community Protection Guards, CPG

The Security outfit is aimed at fighting and addressing the insecurity challenges in the State.

Governor Lawal said his administration embarked on the arduous task with a commitment to gradual reforms across all sectors of the state’s economy to instill sanity and accelerate development, by bringing an end to the activities of banditry and terrorism in the State.

Speaking at the launch of the security outfit, the Governor said, “while we make these efforts, the lofty goals we set out to achieve will remain a mirage as long as the formidable challenge of insecurity remains unaddressed. This informed our decision to, among other things, establish the Community Protection Guards known as Askarawa. The Steering Committee for establishing the Community Protection Guards traversed the 14 Local Government Areas and screened eligible volunteers for enrollment into the outfit.

“ We believe that the bulk of the challenges we face as a state and region are borne out of severe neglect in advancing public policy to serve the socioeconomic expectations of our people. We will never take for granted the message of the people of our state through their votes in March 2023.

“Today, therefore, the first batch of the Community Protection Guards, 2,645, are graduating. These young, energetic and vibrant personnel have undergone rigorous training, extensive drilling, and an understanding of the rules of engagement, amongst other skills, in the discharge of their responsibility of partnering, assisting and working with the security agencies to defend our communities”.

The event attracted the presence of many dignitaries within and outside the state.

The former National Security Adviser, General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau was Chairman of the occasion. Katsina state Governor Umar Dikko Radda, Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State, Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Abba Kabir of Kano State, Umar Namadi of Jigawa State and Kaduna State Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe who represented Governor Uba Sani were among dignitaries at the event.

Also present were the former governors of the state, Sen Ahmed Sani Yarima and Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi, as well as politicians, government officials, traditional and religious leaders and other prominent sons and daughters of the state.

Ekiti School Children Still Being Held, Not Released

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Abducted Ekiti School Pupils

By Ayodele Oni

It has been confirmed that the news Friday night of the release of the kidnapped Ekiti School Children is false.

The false news of the release of the abducted school children  was trigered by the massive deployment, on Friday, of security operatives to track down the abductors.

On seeing the massive deployment, the people mistook it for the release of the  pupils, kidnapped along with three of their teachers and their school bus driver, and began to jubilate.

However, the abductors have reportedly reduced their Ransome from N100 million to N15 million also on Friday. The Community has been able to gather only the sum of N450,000.

Mr Abutu Sunday, the PPRO, Ekiti State Police Command, said that he doesn’t have the information yet about the release, but that the police are working to ensure the freedom of the kidnapped pupils.

He revealed that the NPF AIRWING and IRT have arrived from Abuja to add to the operatives on ground and that operation to rescue the kidnapped school children has commenced.

Therefore, the earlier news that they have been released since Friday evening is not true, but the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji is leaving no stone unturned to ensure their release.

Mr. Yinka Oyebode, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Ekiti State Governor also said on Saturday that he is not yet aware of the release of the abducted pupils in Ekiti state.

Ondo Is 48 Years Old, Gov Aiyedatiwa Hails Founding Fathers

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the 12th governor of Ondo State has gone down memory lane and thumbed up for the founding fathers of the State on the 48 years of its creation.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the Governor, saluted the courage and sacrifices of the founding fathers.

In his message on the anniversary, Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the founding fathers of the State for their foresight and invaluable contributions towards making Ondo State what it is today in terms of sustainable development and inclusive growth.

At its creation, Ondo state encompassed the present Ekiti before bifurcation to a full fledged state in 1996 by late military riler, Sani Abacha.

Aiyedatiwa noted that without the sacrifices and selflessness of the founding fathers, Ondo State would not be where it is today even as the State has the potential to be greater.

Although the Governor noted that some of the founding fathers of the state have transitioned to the other side of the divide, he called on their surviving generations to continue to take pride in the illustrious contributions and also charged them to continue to contribute their quota to the overall development of the State.

While promising to continue to build on the worthy legacies of the founding fathers, Aiyedatiwa assured the citizens of the State of the commitment of his administration to maximizing the potentials of the State for the benefit of the generality of the people.

Congratulating the people of the State on the anniversary, the Governor also called on them to continue to provide support for his administration as he continues to navigate the ship of the State towards a safe harbour.

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Dedicate Victory Against Angola To Late Okwaraji

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Peter Obi Watching Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

  • Obi Cheers Them To Victory

The Super Eagles of Nigeria has dedicated its Quarter Final victory over the Palancras Negras of Angola at the ongoing African Cup of Nations championship in Côte d’ Ivoire to the memory of late International, Samuel Okwaraji.

Okwaraji was a former Super Eagles player who slumped and died on the pitch in a 1990 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match against Angola at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The late Okwaraji who was a Lawyer and plied his trade in Europe died before he got to the hospital on that Black Saturday in 1989.

In celebrating their victory against the Southern Africa country at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, the team wrote on its X handle that the triumph was in memory of the late legend.

“Today’s victory over Angola is a poignant reminder of the adamant spirit of Nigerian football.

“ As we celebrate this triumph, we also honor the memory of Late Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, who tragically left us while playing against Angola 35 years ago.

“His passion for the game and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Samuel Okwaraji, your legacy lives on,” it said.

The Super Eagles Team was cheered on by a number of Nigerians home and abroad, some of whom travelled to Abidjan to watch the match. Among them was Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25th Presidential Election. Obi shunned all overtures for a VIP treatment and conspicuously stood in the midst of the vociferous Super Eagles fans. He cheered, danced and gyrated with them.

Instructively, it is not the first time Obi would travel to cheer the team to victory. 11 years ago – 2013 – when the Super Eagles won the AFCON Cup, he was there to cheer them on.

The Super Eagles is gunning for its fourth AFCON title having won it in 1980, 1994 and in 2013.

The National side will lock horns in the semi-finals with the winner of the match between South Africa and Cape Verde.

CNPP Says Transfer of Crude Oil Proceeds To CBN Is the Way To Go

By
The Source
-
0
Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has described the speculated directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, transferring revenue from crude oil sales to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the way to go.

Since on Monday, there has been unconfirmed reports that the President has relieved the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of its monopoly control over the proceeds from crude oil sales.

The CNPP in a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, said that “if indeed the directive was issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is the way to go.

“We have always criticized the NNPC Limited for not meeting its OPEC quota as well as non-remittances or under-remittances of proceeds from crude oil sales due to corruption.

“Therefore, we welcome the speculated directive to the NNPC Limited to submit receipts for crude oil sales to the CBN for vetting and documentation.

“While we urge the Federal Government to confirm the directive without fear or favour, we call on President Bola Tinubu to make it a policy of government that all payments for oil sales and all other revenues accruable to the federation account be forwarded to the apex bank without any delay.

“This will reduce renenue losses as every kobo should be accounted for in the current revenue realities where the country’s debt servicing takes a large chunk of the country’s earnings.

“The NNPC’s monopoly over crude oil sales has been a ground for the unbridled corruption bedeviling the federal government owned oil company.

“The initiative should also be extended to all other revenue generating agencies of the federal government, including the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Ports Authority, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Immigration Service, among others”, the CNPP said.

Abducted Ekiti School Pupils Regain Freedom

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Abducted Ekiti School Pupils

By Ayodele Oni

Children of Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary School at Emure-Ekiti who were kidnapped  by suspected armed rogue herdsmen have been released.

The children, kidnapped along with their teachers on Monday, regained their freedom Friday evening after four days in captivity.

Sources at Emure, Ekiti, said  the children were taken to the Palace of Elemure of Emure Ekiti after their release by their abductors.

It could not be immediately ascertained whether any ransome was paid or not but as at Thursday, parents of the children cried out that they were unable to meet the N100 million being demanded, which was later reduced to N10 million.

The pupils of Apostolic school were kidnapped on Monday on their way home from school, same day two traditional rulers were shot dead by rogue herdsmen.

Two teachers and a lady assistant were also abducted by the armed men.

Ekiti State Police Command has announced the arrest of suspects in connection with the two incidents.

Update:

Ekiti School Children Still Being Held, Not Released

United States Holds Peace And Security Summit With Youth Focus

By
The Source
-
0
Charge D Affairs

The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), renewed its commitment to supporting peace and tolerance in Nigeria by holding a youth, peace and security summit, in Abuja.

Minister of Youth Development Jamila Bio Ibrahim attended as the keynote speaker. Participants at the summit represented youth groups and networks that received support the USAID Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP) activity. USAID CIPP is a five-year $15 million activity that promotes peaceful coexistence and collaboration in Nigeria by mitigating violent conflict in at-risk communities.

The United States is committed to working with Nigeria in addressing security challenges. Our partnership harnesses the diverse strengths of its religious and traditional leaders, women, youth groups, government officials, and civil society. Through initiatives like USAID CIPP, the U.S. government is jointly identifying and promoting community-based solutions, empowering these groups to enhance community responses to challenges and build a resilient and peaceful future together. This summit showcases learnings and best practices from USAID’s investment and achievements towards youth participation and leadership in peace processes across six northern states: Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Benue, Kogi, and Plateau.

Key highlights from the summit include panel discussions and presentations on strengthening peacebuilding efforts, and building sustainable partnerships between youth-led organizations, government agencies, and civil society groups. Additionally, the summit is amplifying youth voices through the sharing of experiences, successes, and innovative approaches for addressing challenges to insecurity.

Speaking at the summit, United States Chargé d’affaires David Greene remarked, “By attending today’s conference, you’ve each signaled how important the cause of peace is for Nigeria…Youth are the bedrock of society’s social and economic development. The future of Nigeria depends on youth charting a path of peace, as you are the future leaders of this great nation.”

Agbakoba Faults President Tinubu’s Economy Strategy

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0

By Akinwale Kasali

As Nigeria’s economy struggles to survive and citizens grapple with economic hardship, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olisa Agbakoba, has said the failure of Nigeria to become a producing State has plunged it into a deplorable state.

Agbakoba faulted the economic strategy of President Bola Tinubu, and  said it has further plunged the economy into comatose.

He added that the country is not a lazy economy where people do not work hard to make money, and this adversely affects the cost of living.

Agbakoba said this in an interview with Control TV and insisted that the country places the wrong emphasis on the numeric value of the Naira to the Dollar, whereas it should concentrate on the productive value of the Naira to the Dollar.

“The problem is that we are not producing. If you don’t produce, there is nothing to sell. And if you don’t have anything to sell, you are broke. You then depend on the oil which is so small. So we need to produce.

“What are we producing? We are not selling! We don’t sell, we get nothing. So, that’s the problem to say the economic strategy is wrong. You need to expand the economy.

He added that the Federal Government should look at all the sectors of the economy including the creative industry and the legal sector to increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Agbakoba said, “Look at all the sectors, just look at what the creative sector is talking about, but they are ignored. In the United Kingdom, legal services contribute 3 per cent to its entire GDP. Here, nobody even counts us (legal services).

“So, that’s the problem. We must find a strategy to correct this. It must be such that we can produce. And we won’t produce in the context of insecurity. These are the questions.

“In the North, agriculture is supposed to be the mainstay but nobody can do mechanised agriculture in the context of insecurity. So the challenges are multi-faceted.

“ So, if we want to grow our economy, we must be looking at how do we become productive. We are a very lazy economy. It doesn’t make sense. It’s just like stealing. Imagine the lady in Humanitarian Affairs, it was alleged that she has stolen half a bil

lion and all we heard is that she has been suspended. If you can get money easily, why will I have to work hard? It’s not reasonable.”

Uzodimma Congratulates Super Eagles  On Angola Win

By
The Source
-
0
Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has congratulated Nigeria’s Super Eagles players for living up to the expectations of crushing the Palancas Negras of Angola during the Quarter final encounter in the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Friday.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated  their Angolan opponents 1-0 to qualify for the semi finals.

Ahead of yesterday’s match, Governor Uzodimma had predicted that the Super Eagles will win Angola convincingly, urging the players to remain focused.

A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Imo State Governor said sports loving Sen Uzodimma was excited over the Angola win and expressed optimism that the Super Eagles players will sustain the winning tempo until they bring home the coveted trophy during the finals.

Governor Uzodimma, again, lauded the dexterity which the Super Eagles players displayed in their encounter with Angola, noting that the commitment and hard work of both the players and their handlers were obvious.

Nigeria took on Angola at the famous Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Cote D’ Ivoire at 6pm local time on Friday.

1...1,2351,2361,237...2,904Page 1,236 of 2,904