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Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief Of Army Staff, Dies, Tinubu Mourns

November 6, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Finally, President Bola Tinubu has put a stop to all the speculations by officially announcing the death of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

Speculations over Lagbaja’s status – dead or alive – had been on for about two weeks. The Army vehemently denied his death when it was first strongly rumoured and threatened those who said an acting Chief of Army Staff had been appointed with treasonable felony.

But on Wednesday, November 6, after he had appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Staff, and his subsequent promotion to the rank of a Lt. General on Monday, President Tinubu finally confirmed Lagbaja’s passing in an undisclosed hospital in Lagos.

Speculations are that he died of an undisclosed type of Cancer.

In a statement which announced Lagbaja’s death, main Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, heaped praises on the late General. He said Lagbaja died after a period of illness.

Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.

“He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

“Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.

“His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

“Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

“He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

“An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

“Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.

President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.”

He is the second Chief of Army Staff to die in office in recent years.

Anambra: Ogene Trains, Empowers 50 Constituents With Fishery Grants

Tosin Olatokunbo

November 6, 2024

In his commitment to human capital development aimed at engendering job and wealth creation amongst his constituents, Afam Victor Ogene, on Tuesday facilitated a training and empowerment programme for young men and women on entrepreneurship in fishery business in Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra state.

The programme, according to the office of the Rep member, was part of the first batch of line-up of empowerment programmes designed to boost multidimensional Agro businesses and other sectors in Ogbaru.

In September, Hon. Ogene had facilitated the training of 100 Ogbaru youths on solar energy technology and provided the trainees with starter packs and cash grants.

A total of 50 beneficiaries comprising of 40 women and 10 men participated in the Aqua Agro programme, which was hosted at the Ruchem Beach Hotels, Iyiowa-Odekpe.

The programme was executed by the Federal Co-operative College, Oji River, in conjunction with Z-Index Limited and the office of Ogene.

The beneficiaries received training on how to establish a fishery business – including how to handle fingerlings till maturity age. They were also taught in details about the types of feed to breed the fish with, how to feed them, the kind of supplement and hygiene required for optimal health and growth of the fish.

Apart from the theoretical session of the training, the trainers also engaged the beneficiaries in practical demonstrations of the procedure of fishery management. They were also given business tips in the field, after which they received startup packages which included fingerlings, plastic tanks, fish feed, fish antibiotics and cash grant.

Leader of the trainers, Arinze Nzeli, commended the empowerment gesture by the member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ogene, describing it as a potential game changer in the lives of the beneficiaries. According to him, farming of any kind is a great economic booster, both for the farmers and the society at large.

“Farming has evidently changed my life. I’m into fishery, poultry, and other forms of animal husbandry in this Ogbaru. And I can attest that if you are very dedicated, fishery can take one out of poverty. So, I encourage the beneficiaries of this training and empowerment programme to be very committed to this business and within a short period of time, they also will testify. It would offer them the needed opportunity for self employment and job creation too.

“I want to particularly thank our Honourable for setting up a committee to monitor the progress of the beneficiaries, especially as he has promised to further assist those who take the business seriously,” Nzeli said.

According to Ogene, the training and empowerment programme is part of his economic development strategy in Ogbaru Federal Constituency.

Speaking further in the essence of the programme, the Rep member, who is also the chairman, House of Representative Committee on Renewable Energy, said: “Our aim is not just to give our people fish, but to also teach them how to fish. We will continue to facilitate skills acquisition and entrepreneurship opportunities for our people that will help them thrive in life. Apart from university education, which we also support with access and opportunities for our people, we also thought it wise to incorporate some economic enhancing soft skills in addition to useful skills in evolving technologies which we started weeks ago with the training in solar energy for our youths.

“We will continue to do our best in this regard in addition to some physical projects – some of which are already ongoing – which we have facilitated for the good and development of our people,” Hon. Ogene disclosed.

One of the beneficiaries, Oluchi Acholonu from Atani in Ogbaru LGA, said, “I’m thanking God Almighty for the person of Hon. Afam Ogene, who is a God sent to the people of Ogbaru Federal Constituency to lead the people and assist them in ways that would alleviate poverty, with his wise empowerment initiatives.
At the end of the training we were empowered with 1 big fish tank, 100 pieces of fishes(juveniles), bags of fish feed and some cash to startup the business”

Another participant, Mrs. Nkechi Nsofor, said she couldn’t contain her joy regarding the wonderful event – first of its kind and ably sponsored by Hon. Afam Ogene.

She said the training, ”Aqua Agro empowerment programme’, provided indepth knowledge on fish farming which will empower the women to support their families financially especially in this harsh economy.

Tinubu Promotes Acting COAS Oluyede To Lt. General As Lagbaja’s Health Status Remains Uncertain

Akinwale Kasali

November 5, 2024

Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Acting COAS

By Akinwale Kasali

The health status of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja Chief of Army Staff, COAS, remains uncertain and there are reasons now to worry.

After an initial denial by the Army that Lagbaja’s health was in a critical state, and even threatened to hang a treason charge on the neck of those who said an acting COAS has been appointed, President Tinubu put a lie to the Army’s story of Lagbaja coming back “from vacation very soon”, by officially appointing Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Acting COAS.

On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, while the seeming fluid situation was yet to sink, President Tinubu promoted Oluyede to Lt General, same rank as Lagbaja.

While on the surface this promotion could be seen as stamping Oluyede as the most senior in the Army, it creates a worrying feeling about the health situation of Lagbaja.

Naturally, this development has raised series of questions about the whereabouts of Lagbaja and his current state of health.

Speculations has it that Lagbaja may not be able to return to his position as COAS due to health challenges, which prompted him to travel out of the country to have a qualititative healthcare. Meaning that he may consider a retirement on health grounds.

It would be recalled that the rumoured death of Lagbaja spread like wildfire a couple of weeks ago before the appointment of Oluyede to be in Acting Capacity and COAS.

“Mr President, Do Something, Hunger Is Wiping US Out” – Bishop Okorafor To Tinubu

The Source

November 5, 2024

By Charles Igbo

The Bishop of Egbu Diocese, (Anglican Communion), His Lordship, The Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Enyinnaya Okorafor, has lamented the unprecedented poverty in the land which has led to excruciating hunger and suffering.

Exasperated that at 64 years, Nigeria still “wears pampers”, the Bishop called on President Bola Tinubu to identify with patriots to fix Nigeria. “There are still patriotic Nigerians. It is no longer about slogans on radios, televisions, or newspapers which fizzle out as soon as they are jingled”, the Bishop advised President Tinubu.

Bishop Okorafor noted these in his Presidential Address/Charge at the Second Session of the 10th Synod of Egbu Diocese which held at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Umuokoro Eziama, North Okpala Local Government Area, Imo State.

The Synod, with the very apt theme, Can these bones live? (Ezekiel 37:31), God of impossiibilities in our hopelessness, attracted hundreds of the faithful, politicians, Government officials, scores of members of the Clergy (retired and serving), as well as members of the public, especially those seeking solace in the words of the Lord during these very difficult times.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu - Nigeria President — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Bishop noted how difficult it is for anybody to explain the terrible hunger in the land.

His words: “How can one explain a situation where families can no longer feed even on a meal daily. It cuts across the entire nation.” His advice to President Bola Tinubu: Do something. Don’t wait until hunger wipes people out.

Bishop Okorafor:

“Mr President, under your watch, Nigeria is in a state of unprecedented suffering, never ever witnessed even during the civil war. Would you wait until hunger kills your subjects whom you are expected to protect?”

The Bishop also saw no impact from the removal of fuel subsidy since May. He insisted that it has done more harm than good.

And looking at, almost, all aspects of Nigeria, he gave a damning verdict: Nothing is working.

The Bishop: “Elections are marred with all manner of fraud and irregularities. It has become part of our system. Infrastructural decay, fallen standard of education, continued strike which linger from one department to another. The list is endless.”

Even then, Bishop Okorafor was not done yet. He continued: “Tribal and ethnic wars. Peace has eluded Nigeria. Killing as a result of insecurity, banditry, kidnapping. Unfortunately, the slogan to every evil that is supposed to be condemned and corrected is referred to as the Nigerian factor.

“Shall we continue to reel out the catalogue of losses of lives in our hospitals which should have been saved if little carefulness were applied?

“Patients are only alive by divine grace. Medical personnel at all levels now watch their patients die in their numbers in their hospitals either because of non availability of the supposed drugs, or the failure of the patients family to meet with the financial involvements as demanded by the hospital’s management.”

On the sad petrol tanker explosion that claimed hundreds of lives recently, Bishop Okorafor blamed it on the Government and hunger in the land.

The Bishop: “One of the reasons why people take unwholesome risks is frustration. How can one explain why innocent lives would be lost untimely through petrol tanker explosion? Are they not conscious of the danger inherent in it in the event of an ensuing outbreak? They engage in scooping the petrol so as to make money out of it because of frustration due to poverty. The end result turns into an unimaginable death toll in most cases. Those lives would not have been lost if things were in a proper perspective.”

He, then, zeroed in on the death and exit of companies from Nigeria: Said he: “May we ask what has become of the following? Nigeria Airways, Peugeot Assembly Nigeria (PAN), BATA Nigeria Limited, J. Allens, Manilla Company, R.T. Briscoe etc, British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) gave way for Nigeria Airways after independence. Most of the agencies and corporations Nigeria had in the seventies and eighties have all been lost.

“Agriculture was the main stay of the Nigerian economy. We have lost the main stay of our economy which made us a toast of the outside world. Malaysia came to the Eastern Region of Nigeria to pick palm fruits and developed their palm produce. Today, Malaysia is the largest producer of that product. Our cocoa in the West and groundnut in the North are now history.

“Our fathers have eaten unripe fruits and their teeth are set on edge. This is unfortunate.”

The Synod which was a combination of spiritual and intellectual harvest, began on Thursday, October 31, and ended on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

FG Reverses Entry Age Limit For Tertiary Education, Makes Exception For the Gifted

Akinwale Kasali

November 5, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The President Federal Government has, with immediate effect, reversed the 18-year entry age limit for Tertiary Education earlier announced by the recently dropped Minister for Education, Prof. Mamman Tahir.

The reversal of the controversial 18-year entry age for university education was announced by the new Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Alausa.

He made the announcement while briefing journalists upon assuming office on Tuesday in Abuja.

It would be recalled that the policy approved by Tahir sparked debates and anger regarding its impact on candidates. Some even saw it as a Northern Agenda against the South.

Alausa stated that the policy was detrimental to the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country and was not sustainable for the education sector.

He confirmed that the 16-year age limit would be maintained, with exceptions made for gifted children who could be admitted earlier than age 16.

Not a few people think the policy and its controversy were responsible for the removal of Tahir from office.

Tinubu Released Minor Protesters On ‘Humanitarian Grounds’, Not Because Of Pressure- Shettima

James Orji

November 5, 2024

President Bola Ahmed decided to release over 100 #Endbadgovernance strictly on humanitarian grounds, according to Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The vice president made this known on Tuesday contrary to suggestions that the backlash from local and international critics of the administration forced it to released the detainees from detention.

The magazine reported that the trial, in court, of the protesters who are predominantly minors last week, sparked global condemnations against the Tinubu’s administration even as rights groups such as the Amnesty International demanded their immediate release.

A total of 144 protesters who took part in the August #endbadgovernance were arraigned in the federal high court, Abuja after spending close to 100 days in police cells.

Their trial immediately received global attention after some of them collapsed in the court room, sparkling the demand for them to be set free through government amnesty.

Speaking after their release today, Shetima said the president ordered their release purely on ‘humanitarian grounds” contrary to suggestions that he was forced to do so.

The Source reports that the vice president had after receiving the protesters on Tuesday said they will be handed over to state governors, from where they hailed from for rehabilitation.

Late Ekiti CJ, Advocate Of Better Welfare – Gov Oyebanji Mourns

Ayodele Oni

November 5, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed condolences on the death of the Chief Judge of the State, Justice John Oyewole Adeyeye.

Justice Adeyeye, who was inaugurated as Ekiti State Chief Judge on October 11, 2021, passed on Tuesday. He was aged 64 years old.

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described the late Justice Adeyeye’s demise as heartrending and a colossal loss for the State.

The Governor said with the death of the Justice Adeyeye, the Judiciary in Ekiti State in particular and Nigeria in general, have lost a great pillar and an asset whose worth is invaluable.

He described the deceased as a firm and forthright jurist who demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the principles of equity and justice.

Governor Oyebanji noted that the deceased worked hard for a vibrant and independent Judiciary in his lifetime which made that arm of government to contribute to good governance and the defence of the rights of citizens.

He added that the late Justice Adeyeye did his best in advocating better welfare for judicial officers and staff members of the Ekiti State Judiciary to ensure effective service delivery and smooth running of the justice sector.

The Governor prayed God to grant the immediate and extended family of the deceased and the people of Araromi Ugbesi in Ekiti East Local Government area, members of the Bar and the Bench, the fortitude to bear the loss.

He urged the family to be consoled by the great impact and the sterling contributions of the deceased to the justice sector and overall development of the state.

“This is indeed a great loss to our dear state. On behalf of the Government and people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the family of the late Hon Justice Adeyeye and pray that the good Lord will console and comfort them, and grant the dear departed eternal rest.”

Ondo 2024: TUC Dumps LP, Endorses Aiyedatiwa For Second Term

Ayodele Oni

November 5, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria, Ondo State Council, one of the affiliate Unions with the Labour Party, (LP), has thrown its weight behind Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, endorsing him for continuity in office beyond 2025.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor Ebenezer Adeniyan stated that the endorsement was announced on Tuesday during the Congress’ special rally in support of the Governor in Akure.

Addressing the labour leaders, the State Chairman of TUC, Clement Fatuase, stressed the unanimous decision reached by both past and present leaders of the Congress’ 23 active affiliate unions.

He said: “In a meeting held on Thursday, 31st October 2024, the activities of the present administration were critically analysed.

“Mr Governor was rated excellent, compelling the Congress to reciprocate the gesture for his dedication to workers’ welfare.”

Enumerating Governor Aiyedatiwa’s achievements, he noted the regular and prompt payment of salaries, the disbursement of the 2024 leave bonus, and the payment of ₦35,000 wage award, an initiative that places Ondo State among the leading states in the Southwest, alongside Lagos.

Additionally, he highlighted the near-completion recruitment drive for teachers in primary and secondary schools across the state’s 18 local government areas, the appointment of permanent secretaries and Tutors-General and the recruitment of about 1000 health workers.

Fatuase also praised the governor’s approval of a new minimum wage of ₦73,000 and the sponsorship of over 100 workers to the Southwest Labour Summit in Ibadan.

While commending Governor Aiyedatiwa’s achievements, the TUC chairman, urged the full implementation of the housing scheme with affordable land allocations for civil servants and the need for dedicated land to support civil servants interested in agriculture.

Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his gratitude to the Congress for maintaining harmonious relationship with his administration and commended the union for recognizing the strides his government has made in the few months since assuming office, emphasizing that these achievements were driven by a commitment to the welfare of the people of the State.

Addressing the issue of salary payments, Aiyedatiwa stated that the regular and timely disbursement of workers’ wages is not a favour but a fundamental right of the workers.

The Governor pledged his administration’s continued support for training and capacity building to ensure that public servants deliver efficient and effective services.

He expressed appreciation for the union’s unified call for continuity, assuring them of his unwavering commitment to prioritizing workers’ welfare and addressing their needs comprehensively.

TCN Embarks On Frantic Effort To Restore Power, As Electricity Consumers Lament Another Grid Collapse

James Orji

November 5, 2024

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, says its engineers are working tirelessly to ensure that electricity is restored back to the country following the collapse of the National Grid on Tuesday.

The Grid collapsed around 2pm this afternoon, according to the TCN thus leaving the entire country without power.

According to checks by the magazine from the transmission firm, power generation was 2,711 megawatts, having previously peaked at 3,631 MW , before the grid collapsed around 1.40 pm.

Speaking, TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah said the company’s engineers have gone to work immediately following the collapse, stressing that electricity are gradually being restored to the country.

According to her, power has already being restored to Abuja, the nation’s capital barely two hours after the collapse, adding that other parts of the country will soon be supplied electricity.

Mbah blamed many factors for the collapse including “a series of line and generator trippings that caused instability in the grid and, consequently, the partial disturbance of the system.”

“TCN engineers are already working to quickly restore bulk power supply to the states affected by the partial disturbance. Presently, bulk power supply has been restored to Abuja at 2:49 pm, and we are gradually restoring it to other parts of the country.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause our electricity customers,” she stated.

The magazine reports that the grid has collapsed at least four times in the last two months, sparking criticisms from electricity consumers in the country who are wondering whether the National Grid collapse has become a new normal that power consumers must now live with.

Countdown To Guber Poll: Gov Adeleke Rallies Osun Indigenes Resident In Ondo To Vote For PDP

Ayodele Oni

November 5, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke stormed Akure, Ondo state capital on Tuesday, to sensitize indigenes of Osun resident in Ondo on who to vote for during next week governorship election.

Adeleke urged the Osun indigenes, residents in Ondo State to cast their votes for the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Agboola Ajayi during the election.

Addressing them in Akure, the Governor urged them to come out in their large number to vote for Agboola Ajayi and stayed put with their votes at the polling units.

He counseled them not to be lazy, but go out and vote during the election for their candidate.

The governor told his people to vote for the PDP candidate because of his experience and exposure and that he knew the problems facing the people of the state more than his political opponent.

According to him, Ajayi would replicate the good works his administration has been doing in Osun in Ondo State and that he would also surpassed it.

He asked them to go from house to house to campaign for the party and vote on the election day.

The governor said that light has come to the Ondo State and that it’s important for the darkness to vanished, adding that he was happy to see his people in Ondo State and also give his support to their candidate.

Similarly, the Governor said all the good work he had been doing in Osun, particularly in the health, agricultural and education sectors for his people, the same good work would be replicated by their candidate here in Ondo State.

Adeleke talked about how he had been paying the pensioners their salaries in his state as at when due.

He stated that PDP is a progressive party that ensures the progress and improvement of the welfare of the people and the development of the community in all aspects of the economic sectors.

The governor pointed out that he believed that Agboola has what it takes to turn the fortune of Ondo State for good.

The indigenes of Osun in ondo state under the leadership of Azeez Salami, adopted Agboola Ajayi, the People’s Democratic Party Candidate, and promised their loyalty during the forthcoming governorship election.

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