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Customs Elevates 1,419 Officers

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Bashir Adewale Adeniyi - Customs CGC

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigeria Customs Service has approved the promotion of 1,419 junior officers across various ranks.

A statement issued on Wednesday December, 18, 2024 by the National spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwaida, noted that the promotion list for senior officers, is presently being processed, pending approval by the Nigeria Customs Service Board.

The promotional list for the junior officers, according to the statement, was endorsed at the 10th Management Meeting, presided over by the Comptroller General, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on November 29, 2024.

The Comprehensive promotion list encompasses both those in the General Duty and Support Staff of the Service who participated, and excelled in the 2024 promotion exercise.

According to Maiwada, 346 General Duty and 384 Support staff officers were elevated from Assistant Inspector  of Customs, AIC, to Inspector of Customs, IC.

Similarly, four General Duty and thirteen Support Staff Officers advanced from Customs Assistant I CAI to Assistant Inspectors of Customs, AIC.

“372 General Duty and 59 Support Staff officers moved up from Customs Assistant II CAII to Customs Assistant I CAI and 188 General and 54 Support Staff officers were promoted from Customs Assistant III CAIII to Customs Assistant II CAII” the NCS spokesman stated.

The advancement, he further noted, underscores the transformative leadership of the NCS Management team under the stewardship of CGC Adeniyi.

By prioritizing career growth as a cornerstone of workforce motivation, the present NCS management team, he emphasized, has succeeded in imbuing personnel with a culture of excellence.

According to Maiwada, the policy has, also, goaded officers into always striving to realize their full potentials, as well as drive the Service towards unparalleled efficiency.

The CGC, while congratulating the promoted officers enjoined them to redouble their efforts in actualizing the core mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling activities and trade facilitation.

Recertify Your Lands  Documents Before January 31, 2025 Or Lose Them, Kano Govt  Warns

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abba Yusuf - Governor of Kano State
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Landed property owners in kano have until January 31, 2025 to revalidate their title deeds or risk losing them, the state authorities have said.

The Source reports that the State Governor, Abba Yusuf had, on November 25 ,2024 ,while opening the reconstructed Kano state Geographic Information Building, asked land owners to take steps and renew their Certificates of Occupancy, or have their properties revoked.

At an interactive session with the media on Wednesday December, 18, in Kano ,the state Commissioner for Lands and physical planning, Abduljabar Umar, warned that there will be no going back on the resolve of the Government to revoke the documents of any land owners who fail to adhere to the revalidation dateline.

“The deadline for renewing or registering land titles is fast approaching.

“By the expiry of the deadline on January 31, 2025. all current Certificates of Occupancy will be rendered invalid”, the Commissioner noted.

According to Umar, the directive affects all land owners dating from the creation of Kano State in 1967 to date.

The Commissioner enjoined all those concerned to avail themselves the remaining period. and visit the Ministry for Land and Physical Planning to update their land documents.

He emphasized the imperativeness of the exercise in ensuring a proper documentation and capturing of all land titles in the Geographic Information System.

” It is an important step towards ensuring that land ownership across the state is secure and properly documented.

The Source further reports that Governor Yusuf during the Commissioning of the Geographic Information building harped on the need to align the issuance of land documents with the modernization techniques.

He had urged land owners to key into the advantages offered by the new System through recertifying existing titles and registering a fresh.

Lifestyle Initiatives To Feed 10,000 Vulnerable Nigerians

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Lifestyle Initiatives

By Akinwale Kasali

At a time the nation is experiencing economic misfortunes, with the masses lamenting the state of impoverishment in the country, a non-profit-based organisation, Lifestyle Initiatives, has announced its decision to give approximately 10,000 individuals across three States food and other materials this festive season.

This is in addition to over 20,000 indigents they fed this year in a campaign tagged ‘The Sharing Love Project’.

At a Press Briefing in Lagos, the Founder/CEO, Lifestyle Initiatives, Dr. Akinpelumi Precious Iluku, said that the plan is to give palliatives to research-identified persons across Lagos, Ibadan and Ado-Ekiti, totalling 10,000 this Christmas.

Iluku explained that, “As we mark the ninth anniversary of our God-inspired charitable works and engagement with the downtrodden, the helpless and the hopeless, we will be distributing one of our most cherished initiatives – our meal boxes – which we have proudly labelled ‘Faith, Hope and Love’. These boxes are more than just meals; they are a message of care and divine providence.

“We have been incredibly fortunate to partner with other like-minded organizations such as FoodClique Support Initiatives, ShaddaiVille Ministries International, ShaddaiVille Leadership Academy, and Pain is a Gift Initiatives.

Together, we have been able to extend our reach and increase the impact we have on communities”, Iluku said.

The Organization’s Co-Founder, Engr. Serah Ogundele, further explained: “Our collaboration with FoodClique has helped initiate and sustain our weekly Meals-2-Go, Zero Hunger Match, World Food Day Symposium, and World Food Day Food Distribution of palliatives. Together, we have worked tirelessly to tackle hunger, raise awareness and provide direct support to under-served communities.

“We are doing even more this festive season. On December 20, we will be visiting and giving love to the brethren (1,500 of them) at the Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan while on December 26, our ‘Sharing Love on Gifting Day’ event will happen in four locations across two states; at Sabo, Abule-Oja and Alagomeji in Lagos State, and in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

“Over the next few days, our incredible volunteers will come together to pack Faith, Hope and Love into every meal box. These volunteers are more than just helpers; they are givers who contribute their time, money and resources to make each project a reality” Ogundele said.

Since it birthed nine years ago, Lifestyle Initiatives has provided scholarships to individuals who, otherwise, would not have had access to education.

The Organization has also helped heads of families start, or grow small businesses, thus enabling them to provide better for their loved ones.

Responding to  questions, Dr. Iluku said: “This year alone with God’s help, we have fed over 20,000 indigents. These aren’t just numbers to us; they are families – adults as well as children who now have hope and believe in a better tomorrow because someone cared enough to act. We also focus on Church, prison, hospital and street evangelism.

“Children who faced an uncertain future are now thriving in schools, full of potential, because of the scholarships we’ve been able to provide. The challenges may be great, but our resolve is greater. We won’t give up for as long as there are people in need”, Iluku said.

PDP Continues Its Slow Death, Expels Odefa, National Vice Chairman SE

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Ali Odefa - PDP South East National Vice Chairman

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Ebonyi Chapter, has finally expelled, the South East National Vice Chairman of the party, Ali Odefa.

The Source reports that, the embattled PDP Odefa was, on September 11, 2024, first suspended by his Oguduokwor Ward  in Aniocha local Council of Ebonyi State.

The ward executives had cited gross anti-party activities as a major reason for the disciplinary action.

However, Odefa and his loyalists’ attempt at seeking a legal remedy worsened his plight when an Abakaliki Federal High Court endorsed his  suspension on November 29, 2024.

The Court’s affirmation of the decision of his ward executives, was to lead to his final expulsion  announced on Wednesday December, 2024.

According to the Acting Chairman of the Oguduokwor Ward PDP, Onyeka Herbert Ovuta,  Odefa’s expulsion was sequel to the recommendation of a Disciplinary Committee of the party

At a media briefing, Ovuta informed that the committee based on its findings, confirmed all the allegations against the erstwhile National Vice Chairman, including that bordering on anti-party activities.

The Ward Chairman noted that  going by the new development, Odefa, is no longer a member of the PDP.

“The Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP, Oguduokowor Ward, Onicha Local Government  Area of Ebonyi State,hereby announce the expulsion of Chief Ali Odefa, the suspended National Vice Chairman of the PDP, South East Zone from the Party with immediate effect.

“The expulsion of Chief Ali Odefa, followed  the findings and recommendations of the Ward Disciplinary Committee of the party which is in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution.

“Recall that Chief Odefa was suspended from the party by the Ward leadership on 11th September 2024.

“Consequent upon the Judgment of the Federal High Court, Abakaliki, in suit number FHC/AI/CS/182/2024 which affirmed the suspension of Chief Ali Odefa, the Disciplinary Committee of PDP, Oguduokwor Ward, after their sittings on the above subject matter, unanimously recommended. that Chief Ali Odefa, the suspended PDP National Vice Chairman South East Zone, be expelled from the party.

“The Executive Committee of PDP Oguduokwor, Ward on 11th December 2024 after receiving the report findings and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee, of PDP Oguduokwor Ward unanimously approved the expulsion of Chief Ali Odefa from the party which is in compliance with section 58,(1) and section 59(1) of the PDP constitution”, part of the PDP statement reads.

It is not known yet if the National body of the Party will endorse the expulsion or  not. But the PDP has been on a self-destruction journey for two years, almost. The party which prided itself as the largest political Party in Africa has been embroiled in one crisis or the order and has gradually embarked on burying itself.

Ondo: Amotekun Returns House To Landlady Ejected For Six Months By Suspected Herders

By
Ayodele Oni
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Amotekun Corps

By Ayodele Oni

Amotekun security corps in Ondo state has arrested some herders that forcefully ejected a landlady from her house and occupied the property.

State commandant of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye disclosed in Akure on Wednesday that the herders occupied the building for six months, using it as a grazing and resting ground for over a thousand cows.

Briefing newsmen on recent activities, the commandant explained that “In a particularly distressing case in the Central Senatorial District, herders allegedly drove a homeowner out of her property, warning her not to return under threat of death.

“Despite multiple appeals to vacate the premises, the herders refused to leave, forcing the homeowner to abandon her property.

“Acting on credible intelligence, Amotekun operatives conducted a dawn raid, finding cows grazing and resting in the woman’s sitting room and bedroom. One herder, identified as Umoru, was arrested, and several cows were confiscated.

“We have ensured that the house is now free from illegal occupation, and the rightful owner can return to live peacefully without fear,” the Commander assured.

The corps, in a bid to enforce the anti-open grazing law and address rising crime in Ondo State, also apprehended seven suspects linked to various offences, including farmers-herders clashes, burglary, car theft, and motorcycle dismantling.

He also urged residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies, particularly as the festive season approaches, to prevent lawlessness and ensure public safety.

The Commander disclosed that two individuals were apprehended for infringing on the anti-open grazing law, with one incident in the Northern Senatorial District and another in the Central District.

“We want to place it on record that in recent times, there has been an increase in the destruction of farms by herders, which has led to tension between farmers and herders.

“On a broader note, the Amotekun Corps has been engaging the Miyetti Allah leadership to educate herders on peaceful grazing practices to prevent further clashes with farmers.

“However, enforcement of the anti-open grazing law remains a priority as the Corps intensify efforts to protect farmers’ livelihoods.”

On cases of theft, the Commander detailed the activities of a car theft syndicate dismantled by the Corps.

“The group, led by a kingpin named Hassan, used locally fabricated master keys to steal vehicles. Their modus operandi involved parking stolen cars at clubs or recreational centres to avoid detection by law enforcement. Hassan was arrested after attempting to steal a Toyota Hilux in Ore.

“Security guards raised the alarm, leading to a coordinated operation by Amotekun operatives. Though Hassan initially escaped, he was eventually captured after the area was cordoned off.”

The Corps also arrested a suspect, Rabi Waliu, who specialises in dismantling stolen motorcycles.

“Waliu’s gang reportedly attacks motorcycle riders with heavy objects, dispossessing them of their bikes before dismantling them overnight.

“Two other suspects were apprehended for stealing vehicle batteries, tyres, and brain boxes from parked cars, particularly at mechanical workshops. Another suspect, Samuel, was arrested for stealing two air conditioners from a residential property.

The Commander praised the role of actionable intelligence in the success of these operations. “We were able to apprehend these criminals because of timely information from the public.”

Among those paraded were Ibrahim, 25, arrested in Isua Akoko for violating the anti-open grazing law; Bulude, apprehended in Ijigba, Akure, for burglary; and Hassan, the notorious car theft kingpin.

Others were Waliu, the motorcycle thief; two suspects involved in stealing vehicle parts; and Samuel, who stole air conditioners.

Stampede At Ibadan Fun Spot: Unspecified Number Of Children Feared Dead

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ibadan Children party stampede

By Ayodele Oni

Unspecified number of persons, mainly children have been confirmed dead as a result of an early morning  tragedy at a fun spot in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday.

The tragedy occurred at a fun spot organized by a local radio station at Islamic High School Bashorun, Ibadan.

Report claimed that a large number of children had gathered at the spot for the annual Yuletide rendevoux held by most radio stations before there was a stampede.

A quick response by the state government has reduced the number of casualties.

The government said it mourned “the tragic loss of lives at a children’s carnival in Ibadan.”

According to a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade,  “a stampede occurred at the private children’s fun fair held at Basorun Islamic High School, leading to loss of lives, mostly children, with some others injured in the early hours of today.”

Oyelade added that the state government swiftly mobilized a rapid response team immediately it heard about the incident.

The commissioner noted that victims had been swiftly transported to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.

While appreciating the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for immediately activating all available response teams to assist at the scene of the incident, Oyelade, said government would do “all in its power to stand by victims of the fateful incident through this trying period.

“The state government was not involved in any of the planning; neither was the Ministry of Health requested to provide any logistics to support the private children’s end-of-the-year funfair.”

The commissioner emphasized the importance of proper coordination when organizing events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and elders.

He indicated that government is currently awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to clarify “the total number of victims involved in this unfortunate incident.”

The commissioner announced that parents who were concerned about the whereabouts of their children are urged to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where children affected were taken for proper medical attention with valid means of identification: Patnas Hospital, Basorun; Western Hospital, Basorun; Ringroad State Hospital; Molly Specialist Hospital; and University College Hospital (UCH).

Security, Infrastructure, Health, Education Get Higher Allocations In 2025 FG Budget Proposal

By
Ayodele Oni
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Tinubu Presenst Budget To NASS

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu highlighted significant allocations for key sectors, including security and defence, infrastructure, health, and education in his budget presentation to amount session of the national assembly on Wednesday.

In the N47.9 trillion, budget proposal, President Tinubu  named security and defence, infrastructure, health, and education among the key sectors.

The allocations include N4.91 trillion for defence and security, N4.06 trillion for infrastructure, N2.4 trillion for health, and N3.52 trillion for education, among others.

The President emphasized that food security is a top priority, assuring that the government is committed to ensuring that Nigerians have access to food and do not go to bed hungry.

“Our budgetary allocations underscore this administration’s strategic priorities, particularly in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda and achieving its developmental objectives.

“As we embark on implementing the 2025 Budget, our steps are deliberate, our decisions resolute, and our priorities are clear. This budget reflects a renewed commitment to strengthening the foundation of a robust economy, while addressing critical sectors essential for the growth and development we envision.

“Security is the foundation of all progress. We have significantly increased funding for the military, paramilitary, and police forces to secure the nation, protect our borders, and consolidate government control over every inch of our national territory.

“The government will continue to provide our security forces with the modern tools and technology they need to keep us safe. Boosting the morale of our men and women in the armed forces will remain our government’s top priority.”

Tinubu was joined at the presentation by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials.

The budget presentation, originally scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed to Wednesday following a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the Presidential Villa.

2025 Budget Can’t Be Passed By End Of The Year- Sen Izunaso

By
James Orji
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National Assembly Complex - NASS

Senator Osita Izunaso representing Imo state in the National Assembly has hinted that the 2025 Budget may not be passed by the end of the year.

The senator, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Markets and Institutions made this revelations today in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently at the NASS to present the 2025 Financial estimates before the joint session of the Assembly.

The magazine had earlier reported that the presidency shifted the presentation to Wednesday, December 18 from December 17. 2024 citing the need to make necessary adjustments.

Speaking today, Izunaso said the budget came late to the NASS which makes it impossible for it to be passed before the end of the year.

The Source magazine reports that the president is presenting a budget of N48 trillion before the NASS.

The senator said, “The budget is coming late. Today is December 18, so we will lose that culture of beginning a new year with a new budget. Nevertheless, the budget has a lifespan of 12 months.

“So whenever we pass it, it will have a lifespan of 12 months. Even after 12 months, we still have the liberty to extend it. In fact, we are extending the 2024 budget today.

“But that culture of starting on the 1st of January, we have lost it. The executive ought to have brought this budget way before now. But I believe that maybe they are putting things together.

“They wouldn’t want to delay deliberately bringing the budget to the National Assembly. So I’m saying that that is not a problem, but we have lost that culture.”

Critics of the administration however insist that the development is a clear departure from the NASS tradition to pass the budget before the end of the year.

NASS had in 2020 passed a resolution mandating the Executive to comply with the January to December budget cycle.

Biafra Agitators Are ‘Organised Criminals’- Soludo

By
James Orji
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Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state have accused secessionists groups in the south east of criminality, saying those agitating for a separate country from Nigerians are now doing so for pecuniary gains.

Prof. Soludo made the remark on Tuesday while speaking to journalists at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia.

According to the state’s helmsman, these criminals have become turn-coats from genuine agitators like Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB because they are now driven by financial greed, which they do by kidnapping people for ransom, and other criminal acts.

He warned that the release of Kanu will not solve the problem of insecurity in the region because the secessionist struggle have been hijacked by these elements who activities have continued to fuel organised crime in the region.

The governor described the agitators as opportunists who hide under IPOB by engaging in crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and idolatry, amongst others. Soludo lashed out at them saying they are engaged in ‘lucrative criminality”.

“The so-called agitators have transformed into organised criminal gangs,” Soludo said. “They hide in forests, kidnapping innocent citizens for ransom, and they justify their atrocities under the pretext of Biafra. Let us be clear—this has nothing to do with any liberation movement. Criminality has taken on a life of its own. These people have tasted blood, and now, money is their motivation.

“Kanu and IPOB have repeatedly dissociated themselves from these criminals,” Soludo explained. “Even if Nnamdi Kanu is released today, I’m not sure they would listen to him because what they now pursue is wealth, not liberation. They have become enemies of the people they claim to protect. Who are they fighting for when they kidnap and kill their own people?”

The governor accused some people of aiding the criminals saying “They are our brothers, cousins, and neighbors,” noting that it will be impossible for the government to fight the criminals while they are being aided by some unscrupulous individuals in the region.

He said, “It’s unfortunate that in some communities, people contribute food to sustain these criminals hiding in the forests. How do you fight insecurity when people see criminals as heroes and the police as the enemy?”

He also called for a concerted efforts among residents and government to combat the menace of insecurity in the region, calling on the agitators to surrender, adding that the government is adopting  both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to stamp out the criminals from the state.

Soludo said, “We are intensifying our security measures with both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. We have trained forest guards to work with vigilantes and LG authorities to reclaim our forests. I call on these criminals to embrace our amnesty window, which remains open until the end of February.

Calling for collective action, Soludo urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, and

“Insecurity is a monster that must be confronted collectively. If you see something, say something. Anambra will no longer be a haven for criminals masquerading as freedom fighters.”

Security experts insist that the problem of insecurity in the region has seriously nosedived following the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the Finland-based leader of the militant faction of IPOB by the Finnish authority last month.

Ekpa’s trial , according to the country’s authority which accused him and other accomplices of International terrorism and  terrorism financing, will begin in June next year.

Nigeria’s Kidnappers N2trn Richer, As Victims Count Loses

By
James Orji
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Gunmen - Kidnappers

Kidnappers in the country have raked in a whopping N2. 2 trillion from their victims within one year, raising concerns among Nigerians, of the thriving evil business of abducting people for money.

According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, kidnappers received the sum form their victims between May 2023 and April 2024. The agency however disclosed that most of the abductions were carried out in the nation’s rural areas.

The NBS report, released on Tuesday, also listed, region by region basis the  level of exposure to kidnapping within the period.

The agency revealed that more than half of the households that experienced kidnapping paid ransoms to secure the release of their loved ones. The report noted that the average amount paid as ransom was ₦2.7 million per incident. The Northwest reported the highest ransom paid, totalling ₦1.2 trillion, while the Southeast recorded the least with ₦85.4 billion.

The NBS report said: “65.0 per cent of households that experienced kidnapping paid ransom. Overall, the estimated amount paid as ransom for kidnapping during the reference period was ₦2.2 trillion, with an average amount of ₦2.7 million per incident. The Northwest reported the highest ransom paid with ₦1.2 trillion, while the Southeast recorded the least with ₦85.4 billion.”

According to the survey, Nigeria recorded 2,235,954 incidents of kidnapping. Rural areas accounted for more than half of the total incidents, with 1,668,104 cases, while urban areas recorded 567,850 cases.

States in the Northwestern part of the country recorded the highest number of kidnapping incidents, while the Southeast reported the least.

“Kidnapping incidence was estimated at 2,235,954 nationally. The results show that rural areas (1,668,104) recorded more kidnappings than urban areas (567,850). Further analysis by zones revealed that the Northwest had the highest cases (1,420,307), followed by the North-Central (317,837), while the least was recorded in the Southeast (110,432),” it added.

Interestingly, households in urban areas that experienced kidnappings paid higher ransoms than those in rural areas.

“Households in urban areas paid an average of ₦3.7 million compared to ₦2.3 million in rural areas,” the NBS noted in the report.

A total of 1,416,856 households experienced kidnapping in Nigeria, and only 80.5 per cent of this population reported the incidents to the police.

Almost all the victims of abductions were kidnapped for ransom.

“About 91 per cent of kidnapping incidents were carried out for ransom in the form of money, goods, or other benefits. Also, 2.4 per cent of cases were attributed to political, criminal, or terrorist objectives, while 2.1 per cent were linked to personal or family disputes. Custody disputes accounted for 0.5 per cent of cases.

Meanwhile, security experts who spoke with the magazine on the issue said the figure released by the agency is very conservative, considering that many cases of kidnappings are not reported by the victims or their families, in other not to jeopardize the safety of their loved ones.

The experts added that the cases of abductions have reduced tremendously as the nation’s security agencies stepped up their onslaught against the criminals.

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