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Ibadan Explosion: Government Says No Cause For Alarm, Assures Situation Under Control

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Oyo state government has assured residents in the state that government is in total control of a reported explosion in some parts of the state capital.

The explosion, which reportedly happened at a gas station in Ibadan late Tuesday, has not recorded any casualty but some houses were affected.

Report said most affected areas are Bodija and environs, but there was reported panic by people from all parts of the city.

Government statement, signed by the commissioner for information, Dotun Oyelade stated that “Residents of Ibadan and immediate environ experienced an uncommon explosion about 8pm this evening.

“There are various  interpretations of the incident but it is important for us to state categorically that the state government has taken over and in the full control of the unfortunate occurrence in in order to mitigate the incident.

“All security service chiefs including para military chiefs and Fire Operatives have been deployed by the governor to Reign in the spillover from the explosion.

“His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde therefore implores citizens to calm down and be rest assured that their interests are being looked after.”

How Abuja-Based Female Broadcast Journalist Died in Fatal Car Crash, Left Three Little Kids Behind

By
The Source
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How Abuja-Based Female Broadcast Journalist Died

By Akinjide Aina,  Abuja

When a female broadcast journalist with Abuja-based Naija Info FM, Deborah Ohamara, popular as Debs, drove off to work early Monday morning, 15th January 2024, her greatest desire was probably to return home after her morning shift to the warm embrace of her three little beautiful daughters. But that was never to be.

Rather than return to the comfort of her home, the cold eerie silence of the morgue became her abode for Ohamara lost her life around 3 pm on her way back home following a fatal accident on Airport Road in Lugbe, Abuja involving her vehicle and two more others.

According to a Facebook user, Nten Ekpang, “A car hit Deborah Ohamara from behind while she was driving and she rammed into a moving trailer. She died from injuries sustained from the crash.”

Ohamara, 39, was of mixed parentage. While her late mother hailed from Yala local government area of Cross River State, her father is an indigene of Anambra state.

She joined Nigeria Info in 2018 after a stint with some broadcast outfits in Calabar,  the Cross River state capital.

Announcing her death, Nigeria Info 95.1 FM wrote on Instagram on Monday, “With a heavy heart, but with total submission to the will of God, we announce the passing of our dear colleague, sister and friend, Deborah Ohamara (Debbie), a brilliant and loved broadcaster with Nigeria Info Abuja.”

Ohamara, popularly described as the golden voice of Nigeria Info, started her career as a newscaster with the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC TV). She was also a presenter on 105.5 Paradise FM Calabar.

Ohamara’s last Instagram post was on her birthday on May 14, 2023, where she said she was “grateful for life”

Uzodimma Removes SOLADS, Set For Local Government Council Election

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma - Imo Civil Servant Promotion

In addition to dissolving the Imo State expanded Executive Council members on Tuesday, Governor Hope Uzodimma has, also removed the Sole Administrators of Imo’s 27 Local Government Areas from office.

Uzodimma, who dissolved his cabinet 24 hours after he was sworn-in for a second term in office, promised that the soon-to-be reconstituted EXCO will still accommodate those of them who distinguished themselves in their service during his first term of four years. The dissolution took effect January 16,

The dissolution of the Sole Administrators of the 27 Local Government Areas in the State was with immediate effect.

Affected in the dissolution of the expanded EXCO are all members, including Commissioners, Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.

Addressing a gathering of all his political appointees on Tuesday, Governor Uzodimma thanked members of the expanded executive council and other political office holders for their support throughout the first four years of his government, even in the face of challenges, but more importantly for working hard to ensure that his Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), overwhelmingly won the governorship election in Imo State on November 11, 2023.

The Governor recalled that it was their support, loyalty and spirit of family that made it possible for him to win in all the 27 local government areas of Imo State.

He noted that collectively and individually, they made invaluable contributions to the stability and efficiency of his administration despite the challenges posed by Covid- 19 and the politically motivated insecurity.

Governor Uzodimma however reminded them that though a new term has dawned and demands that fresh persons, ideas and enthusiasm be taken into consideration, he will ensure that both those who will be directly involved in the new administration or tangentially involved, will have cause to be proud of being part of his government.

“I want to remind you that whether you will be directly involved in the new dispensation or tangentially involved, wherever you are, you will be proud to have been part of his government,” he said.

He appealed to them to appreciate his limitations as human by not being able to meet up to their expectations, and promised that he will strive harder in the new dispensation to do better.

Regardless, he pleaded with all the members of the dissolved executive council to bear in mind that their services will continue to be required, having been part of the APC family and government of the day.

Governor Uzodimma however seized the opportunity of the valedictory session to lament the activities of some political appointees that dent the image of the government and the person who offered them the opportunity to serve the public. He reminded them that political appointees are expected to live above board as regards corrupt practices, looting of public assets/funds, and other sharp practices.

He cautioned that the new dispensation will not tolerate members whose thought line will not be in sync with his vision for a better Imo State for all.

Sequel to the dissolution, all former Commissioners are to hand over the affairs of the Ministries, including vehicles and government property in their care, to the various Permanent Secretaries in the Ministries.

In the same vein, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and other strategic appointees are to hand over government property in their possession to the Office of The Chief of Staff to the Governor.

On the SOLADS, Governor Uzodimma has also approved their immediate removal from office with effect from January 16, 2024.

The dissolution of the SOLADS, the Governor said, is to pave way for the immediate conduct of Local Government elections by the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) to usher in elected Chairmen and Councillors into the 27 LGAs of the State.

Consequently, the former SOLADS have been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of the Councils to the various Directors of Administration and General Services (DAGS) in their areas.

Governor Uzodimma also expressed his gratitude to the former Sole Administrators for their services to Imo State and wished them well in their future endeavours.

Uzodimma Dissolves Cabinet

By
The Source
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0
Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma has dissolved the Imo State expanded Executive Council Members, with a promise that the soon-to-be reconstituted EXCO will still accommodate those of them who distinguished themselves in their service during his first term of four years in office.

Those affected in the dissolution include all members of the expanded EXCO, including Commissioners, Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.

Addressing a gathering of all his political appointees on Tuesday, Governor Uzodimma thanked members of the expanded executive council and other political office holders for their support throughout the first four years of his Government, even in the face of challenges, but more importantly, for working hard to ensure that his Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), overwhelmingly won the Governorship election in Imo State on November 11, 2023.

The Governor recalled that it was their support and spirit of family that made it possible for him to win in all the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State.

Governor Uzodimma, however, reminded them that though a new term has dawned and demands that fresh persons, ideas and enthusiasm be taken into consideration, he will ensure that both those who will be directly involved in the new administration or tangentially involved, will have cause to be proud of being part of his Government.

“I want to remind you that whether you will be directly involved in the new dispensation, or tangentially involved, wherever you are, you will be proud to have been part of his Government,” he said.

He appealed to them to appreciate his limitations as human by not being able to meet up to their expectations, and promised that he will strive harder in the new dispensation to do better.

Regardless, he pleaded with all the members of the dissolved Executive Council to bear in mind that their services will continue to be required, having been part of the APC family and government of the day.

Governor Uzodimma, however, seized the opportunity to lament the activities of some political appointees that dent the image of the Government and the person who offered them the opportunity to serve the public. He reminded them that political appointees are expected to live above board as regards corrupt practices, looting of public assets/funds, and other sharp practices.

He cautioned that the new dispensation will not tolerate members whose thought line will not be in sync with his vision for a better Imo State for all.

“Nigeria Lacks Basic Medical Care Workers, Especially,  Nurses” – Peter Obi

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Peter Obi

By Akinwale Kasali

Peter Obi, Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Presidential Election has stated the reason behind his decision to donate N75 Million to the Annunciation Specialist Hospital in Enugu State.

The former Anambra State Governor in a statement on his X handle (formerly Twitter) said that he contributed the funds to support the hospital’s noble project of setting up a College of Nursing Sciences to boost the number of healthcare professionals in Nigeria.

“The Annunciation Hospital is setting up a College of Nursing Sciences to boost the number of healthcare professionals in the country, as Nigeria, lacks basic medical care workers, especially nurses,” Obi noted.

Out of the N75 million, Obi donated N15 million from his personal funds, while his friend, Philip Ozuah, a Professor, contributed $50,000.

Obi presented the cheques to the hospital on Sunday.

“I am glad to contribute to this noble project,” he said.

“While I appreciate kind-hearted Nigerians who have continued to advance growth in critical sectors, I encourage us all to do more for the nation, despite the difficulties,” he added.

The former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Vice Presidential Candidate at the 2019 Presidential Election said that with the nation ranking so low in the Human Development Index, HDI, due to the neglect of  critical sectors of our development, the Country must not leave the full weight of nation-building for the Government but contribute our quota to the nation.

He appreciated the hospital’s proprietors, management and staff for continuously improving healthcare delivery to citizens over the years.

“With our collective efforts as a people, we will build the New Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.

Kebbi Gov Idiris Constitutes Committee To Regularize Appointments Of Casual Health Workers

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir idiris has put smiles in faces of health workers in the state as he ordered  regularization of appointments of those of them still on casual.

He asserted that the era of casual staff in the state is over and directed regularisation of casual workers in the State Medical Centre Kalgo.

A statement on Tuesday by Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the governor stated that Idiris gave the order while inspecting the centre at Kalgo, a suburb of Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

Gov. idiris was conducted round the hospital by the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr Nura Kangiwa, where the governor expressed dismay over the number of casual staff in the hospital.

He, therefore, directed the setting up of a committee to look into the possibility of absorbing the casual staff to a full fleged staff of the state government.

The governor assured the management of the hospital that all their requests would be looked into with a view to proffering lasting solution.

Earlier, the CMD, Dr Nura kangiwa enumerated some challenges of the hospital which according to him, required urgent intervention of the state government.

The governor had earlier inspected Abdullahi Fodio College where one students’ hostel of the college was razed down following a fire incident.

While sympathizing with the students and management of the school, Gov. Idris assured them that the state government would rehabilitate the affected structure.

Ekiti Hosts South West Basic Education Schools’ Sports

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Ekiti Basic Education Schools Sports

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti state is hosting this year’s Basic Education Schools Sports, (BESS), Competition amongst the public primary schools pupils in the South West geo – political zone.

The competition, which kick started on Tuesday, in Ado Ekiti, attracted participants from states which form the south west.

Statistics on Medals Table in the games so far determined, shows that Ondo State is currently leading the pack with medals, a Gold in Girls 200 metres  and a Bronze in Girls 100 metres, while in the football match, Ondo lost to its neighbour Ekiti State 0- 1.

The final results of the following track and field events are being awaited. These are 200m Girls, 100m Boys, 400m Girls, 400m Boys, 4 by 100m Girls and 400m Boys.

According to the Ondo State Team Leader and Desk Officer Sports, Mrs Folake Olagundoye, high jump is also one of the events to be competed at the regional tournament.

Speaking on the essence of the event, Olagundoye observed that The Basic Education Schools Sports, (BESS), competition is an annual event sponsored by the Universal Basic Education Commission, (UBEC), Abuja in partnership with Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB) and designed to exposed the pupils to sporting activities early in life.

According to her, all works without play is not good for the pupils cognitive development without the correspondingly developing their psychomotor.

She said that formal education in the four corners of a classroom is not enough to prepare  youths for the future challenge, hence there is need to develop their brains and body system through an effective  psychomotor mechanism.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji and top officials from the participating states are expected to grace the grand finale of the competition which comes on Thursday.

The National Grand Finale of BESS Competition is expected to come in the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja, later in the year.

PSC Set To Release Names Of Newly Recruited Police Constables, Screens 136,177

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Nigeria Police

By Ayodele Oni

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has announced the screening of  136,177 candidates within six days in the ongoing police recruitment exercise.

The exercise began on Monday, throughout the country is being handled by the Police Recruitment Board the for PSC.

Ikechukwu Ani, PSC’s Head, Press and Public Relations, in a statement on Tuesday, explained that 416,270 Nigerian youths have so far applied for a career in the Nigeria Police Force.

According to the statement, the screening involves physical and checking of their credentials, a prelude to an aptitude test and other processes including medical examination.

“The Commission has automated the screening processes to ensure its credibility and create a measurable standard for final selection of successful candidates.

“We are uploading results of the screening exercise realtime to the Commission’s portal and the Commission’s chairman, Dr Solomon Arase is monitoring the exercise in a Situation Room.

“Of the 136,177 candidates so far screened, we have uploaded results for 108,768 candidates.”

The statement added that Arase has expressed his satisfaction with the commitment of all personnel involved in the recruitment exercise.

“There has been a commendable improvement in both screening and uploading rates and a complimentary daily reportage of figures.

The Chairman urged candidates not to panic, assuring that the board would screen all those who applied.

“PSC will give the nation a new and credible platform for recruitment into the public Service.

“The ongoing Police recruitment will surely meet all known international standards devoid of any manipulation”.

24 US Groups Petition Blinken Over Mass Killings Of Christians In Nigeria

By
James Orji
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0
Antony Blinken

Some civil society groups in the United States have petitioned US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken to designate Nigeria as Country Particular Concern, CPC, due to the killings of Christians in the country.

A catholic advocacy group, Intersociety, recently claimed that Islamic militants have brutally murdered at least 52,250 Christians in the last 14 years.

The petition also came two weeks after the US government removed Nigeria and India from the list against advise from various human rights bodies within and outside the country.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, USCIRF, described the action as “extreme disappointment.”

The 24 US organisations accused President Joe Biden-led government of failing to act over the mass killing of Christians in Nigeria.

The human rights bodies include, Advancing American Freedom, Alliance Defending Freedom, the Hudson Institute, former Ambassador Sam Brownback and former defence and national security officials.

The organizations which said the US must uphold the freedom of worship across the world, said over 52,000 Christians have been murdered in the country in the last 14 years.

According to them, “Less than two weeks ago, almost 200 Nigerian Christians became martyrs while celebrating Christmas. According to one account, these Christians were ‘killed for sport.’ Just weeks earlier, the Christian Association of Nigeria received a letter threatening them against celebrating Christmas.

“The international religious freedom community stands outraged at your refusal to hold these acts of evil to account.

“The eyes of the world look to the United States as a beacon of hope and freedom. Religious freedom is grounded in the American founding, enshrined in the Bill of Rights, and quintessential to what it means to be an American. When the United States stands silent as evil runs amok, the world takes notice.”

Meanwhile, analyst have opined that the terrorists who are on the rampage in the country kill religious adherents from both Christianity and Islam, the two dominant religions in the country.

Abuja: IGP Meets Police Top Brass, As Kidnappers Takeover Nation’s Capital

By
James Orji
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0
Kayode Egbetokun - IGP

The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun has met with the Force Management Team and Tactical Squads in his quest to address the security situation in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

The meeting comes following the rise of kidnapping and other criminalities in the city in the last few days.

A family of seven, including six sisters and their father was recently kidnapped by some bandits who are now demanding N60 million as a ransom.

The abductors later released the father asking him to go raise the ransom for the release of her daughters before Friday, January 12.

By Sunday this week, the kidnapper had killed one of the girls named Najeebah because the family could not raise the money.

The magazine learned that other persons have been abducted since them, as the FCT authority struggles to contain the menace.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Egbetokun has ordered his men to provide tactical strategies to protect residents and property in the FCT.

The IGP, the statement further said, is deeply concerned by the rising insecurity in the nation’s capital, and has directed the squads to take decisive action to address the problem.

He urged the FCT communities to collaborate with the police by providing necessary information that can help to rein in criminals elements.

Adejobi said: “During the meeting which centred on a comprehensive review of current security challenges, strategic planning, and the deployment of tactical resources to tackle emerging threats, the IGP emphasized the need for a coordinated and intelligence-driven approach to address the evolving security landscape.

“Tactical squads were briefed and directed to intensify efforts on the deployment of proactive measures to prevent criminal activities and protect citizens.

“While reassuring Nigerians, especially residents of the Federal Capital Territory, of improved security, the IGP ordered the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Department of Operations, to personally coordinate the upscaled security strategies emplaced to decimate kidnappers and other criminally minded individuals in the FCT, and immediately restore normalcy.

“In addition to operational strategies, the IGP underscored the significance of community engagement and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to gather information, enhance trust, and foster a collective effort in combating criminal elements.”

Meanwhile, Nigerians have been urged to donate whatever they have into a bank account for the release of the abducted girls.

Enough money has yet to be raised.

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