Nollywood Actor, Yusuf Olorungbebe Is Dead

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August 28, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Days after the death of Nollywood Actress, Sharon Okpamen, the Make-believe Industry has lost another Actor, Yusuf Olohungbebe.

Olorungbebe died after battling with a protracted ailment.

His death was announced Wednesday morning by popular actress Foluke Daramola on Instagram.

She wrote, “We lost YUSUF OLORUNGBEBE. Thank you everyone!”

Olorungbebe had been critically down with a chronic ailment for months. He begged Nigerians, the government and his colleagues to rescue him as he needed millions of Naira to recover.

Few days ago, Daramola had called on good Nigerians to rally round and financially support the late veteran due to his failing health.

”l’m here again to plead on behalf of my very esteemed colleague and production manager, Mr Yusuf Olorungbebe. This is his state as of today presently on life support. Please no amount is too small for him to live, your support will go a very long way in helping us thanks so much everyone,” she had written.

PSC, CLEEN Foundation To Convene BI-annual Police Executive Forum

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The Source

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August 28, 2024

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The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni, today, Tuesday, August 20th 2024, received in audience a delegation from the CLEEN Foundation, a Justice Sector Reform Non governmental Organisation led by its Executive Director, Gad Peters.

The Organization was in the Commission to pledge it’s readiness to continue to collaborate with the Commission’s new leadership in implementing already existing initiatives and to ensure that the rights and safety of all Nigerians are upheld.

The two parties agreed to work together to convene a Police- Executive Forum bi-Annually to review the challenges and strenghten coordination and collaboration.

They also agreed to sustain the security stakeholders’ coordination meeting as a measure to preserve human rights and dignity.

DIG Argungu while welcoming the visitors vowed to ensure the elimination of corruption in Police Recruitment, promotion and discipline.

He pledged that openness, transparency and integrity will remain the hallmark of his tenure in the Commission adding that corporate Good governance will be his watchword. “We will be as transparent as possible in anything we do here, be it Recruitment, Promotion or Discipline and very soon we will commence geo-political verification of all serving Police Officers to meticulously confirm those who are still in service”.

He said he will not tolerate corruption both in the Commission and the Police Force and will expose anyone caught corrupting himself or the system. “I am a whistle blower and stand ready to blow the whistle on any corruption or intention to corrupt, this will obviously serve as a deterent to those who are hell bent in corrupting the system”, he said.

DIG Argungu confirmed that the Commission will partner CLEEN Foundation to convene a bi-annual Police-Executive Forum to review the challenges and strenghten coordination and collaboration. He also promised that the PSC under his leadership will sustain the security stakeholders’ coordination meeting as a measure to preserve human Rights and dignity.

Gad Peters, the Executive Director of the Foundation had acknowledged the efforts of the Commission in promoting transparency, Discipline and fairness within the Nigeria Police Force.

He, however, said recent incidents have underscored the urgency for more proactive measures to ensure that Police Officers act within the confines of the law and respect the rights of all citizens. He told the new leadership of the Commission that CLEEN Foundation has maintained good relationship and has collaborated in the past to enhance the professionalism of the Commission staff and that of the Nigeria Police Force.

Mr. Gad Peters noted that in the light of recent developments and ongoing challenges, “we believe there is a critical need for enhanced accountability and strenghtened community engagement within the Policing framework.

He also advised that the PSC can integrate the Human Rights Information Management system that allows for reporting of violation in the field with the PSC’s Platform to measure concurrence.

The U.S. Government Donates Vaccines to Support Nigeria’s Efforts in the Mpox Outbreak Response

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The Source

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August 28, 2024

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Abuja – Nigeria: On August 27, the U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), donated 10,000 doses of the mpox (formerly referred to as “Monkeypox”) vaccine to the Government of Nigeria to support its efforts in responding to the current mpox outbreak.

Mpox is an infectious viral disease that occurs in humans and animals. It can be transmitted through close contact including sexual interactions. The prevention of mpox is through vaccination. Individuals of 18 years of age and older are determined to be at high risk for mpox infection and highly recommended to take the vaccine.

The vaccine is a two-dose primary series for use in persons who have never received smallpox vaccine and a single booster for individuals previously vaccinated with a smallpox vaccine

Ambassador Richard Mills, speaking at the event to hand over the vaccines to the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said “We are pleased to know that this is a timely donation that will reach the affected areas across the country and those who are most vulnerable to mpox infection.” He continued, “We encourage the Government of Nigeria to continue to mobilize domestic resources to secure more vaccines to combat mpox.”

The Government of Nigeria has prioritized five states (Bayelsa, Edo, Cross-River, Lagos, and Rivers) with the highest burden of mpox cases. The vaccines will be given to those most at risk of mpox including close contacts of mpox cases and frontline healthcare workers with a provision for reactive vaccination in other states as the need arises.

When questioned on the safety of the vaccine, Ambassador Mills remarked, “Yes, the vaccine is safe. Safety tests have been conducted during clinical trials, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control reviewed the results of these trials before granting approval for the use of the vaccines in Nigeria.”

USAID will continue to provide technical support and collaborate with the Government of Nigeria to improve prevention, preparedness, detection, response, and resilience to infectious disease outbreaks. USAID is also supporting the Government of Nigeria with strengthening primary health care and routine immunization systems as well as supporting overall systems strengthening including health, education, nutrition, governance systems, and the rule of law.

NAFDAC Distances Self From Misleading Claims On Bread Safety, Debunks It

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 28, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Following widespread criticism that greeted the statement attributed to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, on the safety of Bread consumption in the country, the agency has debunked any such statement.

The Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye- led NAFDAC has issued a statement clarifying a misleading social media video circulating about bread safety in Nigeria.

The viral video claimed that bread produced in Nigeria contains harmful substances, sparking widespread concern among consumers.

An online reporter had said “Bread sold in markets failing laboratory tests, NAFDAC raises fresh alarm.”

In a statement signed by Prof Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, debunk such claim.

She said: “NAFDAC wishes to provide clarification that the content of the video on avoiding bread in Nigeria does not reflect the observation of the agency made during a stakeholders engagement held on Aug.16 in Ibadan.

“NAFDAC is a responsible regulator and does not make general statements capable of causing panic and fear in the population.

“Any baker found to be using unapproved food additives, in this case, saccharine, is appropriately sanctioned in line with the extant regulatory provisions.

“NAFDAC dissociates herself from the comment of the reporter in the circulating video about avoiding bread in Nigeria.

“This is the personal statement of the reporter who does not speak for NAFDAC and we wishe to reassure the public that the agency remains fully alive to her responsibilities of safeguarding the health of the public,” she said.

In addition, the agency promises continued vigilance in ensuring food safety in Nigeria.

2025 AFCON Qualifiers: NFF Names Osimhen, Ekong, Simon, Ndidi, 19 Others For Benin Republic, Rwanda Cracker; Fans Queries Osimhen’s Inclusion

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 28, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Less than 24 hours after the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, announced the acquisition of the services of Bruno Labbadia as the new gaffer for the Super Eagles, the football body has named a strong 23-man squad for the 2025 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers against familiar foes, Squirrels of Benin Republic and the Amavubis of Rwanda.

Surprisingly, Victor Osimhen invitation by the NFF, has raised questions from fans and analysts. They are asking the rationale behind his invitation, despite his abysmal attitude against former Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George.

Osimhen had openly insulted, disgraced and humiliated the ex-international on Social Media. He alleged that the former Coach had spoken ill of him following the poor performance of the Super Eagles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers loss to Benin Republic and draw with Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

The Striker had missed both matches due to injury. Exonerating himself, he lambasted George, leading to the call for his suspension and disciplinary actions against him by the Ibrahim Gusau led NFF.

Months after the outburst, the NFF is yet to sanction him, rather, it extended another another Call-up to him.

This has led to public outcry against the NFF.

Captain William Ekong, wing-back Olaoluwa Aina and forwards Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi are back in the Super Eagles’ nest, for next month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

This year’s AFCON’s Man-of-the-competition, Ekong, was discountenanced for the Matchdays 3 and 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying race in June as he was recovering from injury, while Aina, Awoniyi and reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen were out injured altogether.

There are three goalkeepers, including AFCON 2023 star, Stanley Nwabali, seven defenders, six midfielders and seven forwards.

Bendel Insurance safe hands Amas Obasogie also returns, just as South Africa-based defender Olisa Ndah, and Taiwo Awoniyi, who has not been called since the 1-1 draw with Lesotho in Uyo on Matchday 1 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in November last year.

The Super Eagles go up against the Squirrels of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September, before flying to Kigali to take on the Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, 10th September.

All the players are expected to report in Uyo on Monday, 2nd September.

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC).

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC. Italy); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)

Sixteen Burnt To Death In Ondo Accident

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Ayodele Oni

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August 28, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

It was a gory sight as 16 burnt bodies of travelers were removed from a Toyota Hiace bus which got burnt completely.

The incident was at an accident scene along Ondo/Ore highway during which the bus colluded with a truck.

Three persons sustained various degrees of injuries with two persons miraculously survived in the accident.

Account by the Ondo State sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission, (FRSC) stated that the accident occurred along Ore, Ondo highway, specifically at Ajue community around 6.00pm Monday.

It was a head-on collision that caused the accident. Over speeding and wrongful overtaking cannot be ruled out according to the Sector Commander, Ibitoye Samuel.

He said that rescue operation by his men lasted hours but eventually ended at about 11pm.

Ibitoye added that investigations on what led to the accident has not been however concluded.

He explained that preliminary investigation has indicated over speeding and wrongful overtaking.

The Ondo Sector Commander urged motorists to drive while noting defensive technics and not to claim right saying over speeding has been major cause of accidents on Nigeria roads.

Abia Resources Will Be Channeled To Meet The Needs Of The Majority – Gov Otti

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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August 28, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has called for the rekindling ,and sustenance of the ideals and principles of the founding fathers of the State.

In an address to mark the 33 years of the creation of the State, the Governor emphasized the need for the citizens and residents alike to join hands in harnessing the foundational advantages that have been bestowed on the State, including large expanse of fertile land, vast supply of mineral resources, well known and developed markets and rich cultural heritage for the fulfilment of the destinies of the State.

According to him, the occasion of the celebration of the 33 years of the creation of the State provide yet another golden opportunity to reflect and interrogate the journey so far, with a view to envisioning the level the State will be in the next few decades.

Governor Otti noted that the celebration of the 33 years of the existence of the State has presented a new opportunity to dream bigger, start better and advance farther on the strength of knowledge gained from the past experiences as a people.

He noted that it is incumbent on the present generation of Abians to actualize the dreams and vision that inspired the founding fathers to fight for the creation of the State.

According to him, the task of the present generation is to take up the challenge and contribute more than ever before to not only sustain the dreams, but to build a new and just society.

” As a Government, we are continuing to expand the frontiers of opportunities for ordinary men and women in pursuit of the vision of the founding fathers our great State.

“Through our infrastructure restoration and expansion projects in rural and urban communities ,new corridors of opportunities are being created in agriculture and allied industries ,retail trade ,transportation, petroleum and solid mineral exploration .Our economic development agenda is firmed on the creation of jobs and alleviation of poverty.

“A new Abia is being built and you ,the people are the architects, providing very critical support and direction, ensure that what we are committed to are being done, that the resources of the State are rightly channeled to meet the needs of the majority” he stated.

Governor Otti promised not to renege on the terms of the administration social contract with the people which he noted was entered into during the 2023 election.

“We shall continue to work very hard to fulfill the promises that won your trust. We acknowledge that things have not gone according to plans following unanticipated economic headwinds which have made planning very difficult for families ,businesses and also for the Government .

“Even at that, we must refuse to give in to despair because this present storm shall definitely pass” Gov Otti noted.

He urged the people to emulate the uncanny bravery, resilience and dogged fighting spirits of the founding fathers of the State who lived through wars and even famine yet did not stop dreaming.

“They were set apart by the power of optimism. As a people, this is the best time to look beyond the present circumstances and count our blessings”, the Governor stated.

There Is Deliberate, Well-Orchestrated Effort To Blackmail Me

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The Source

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August 28, 2024

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By Peter Obi

I have noticed some deliberate and well-orchestrated efforts by some persons to blackmail me into conforming to some of their nefarious agendas. Their dubious moves have led to the false circulation of a video from my recent keynote speech at the installation of Rotarian Professor A. U. Nnonyelu in Anambra State. They have twisted the video to suit their motive to suggest that I declared war on Northerners when, in fact, I spoke about declaring war on economic stagnation, insecurity, and corruption.

Another video circulating online, supposedly showing me leading a protest in Abuja, is also false. The video was actually taken during my visit to the Labour Party HQ, where I mediated a clash between the Labour Party and the NLC.

The video was conveniently edited to create a false narrative, and those responsible have been paid to spread this misinformation. This kind of misinformation has no place in our democracy, where truth and honesty should prevail.

This misrepresentation is part of a larger narrative of blackmail, aimed at fitting me into their malicious agenda. I remain committed to a new Nigeria where justice, equity, and caring for the citizens will prevail over the greed of a few.

Similarly, and deeply disturbing, I have read genocidal threats on X against the Igbo tribe, calling for their relocation. Let me pointedly warn that such rhetoric threatens our unity and is fundamentally opposed to our Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country. Those in authority must show leadership and urgently speak out against such divisive rhetoric.

Immediate action should be taken to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those behind this heinous agenda, serving as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security and unity.

I urge all Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance, and understanding. Our future depends on our ability to live and work together harmoniously.

The government and security agencies must act swiftly to protect this fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution. We must not allow our present challenges to drive wedges among us.

We can only overcome our national challenges if we act together as one people United under God.

Obi, former Governor of Anambra State, was the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in 2023

Ibadan Disco, IBDC Up For Sale- AMCON

By

James Orji

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August 28, 2024

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The Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, says it has decided to put up for sale, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBDC.

The chief executive of AMCON, Gbenga Alade made this known recently to journalists in Lagos.

According to him, the decision to sell the power distribution firm to investors arose more than two years after the company was taken over by AMCON due to insolvency problems.

Recall that IBDC is one of the power distribution companies taken over by the Corporation over failure to resolve its debt issues with lending banks.

Others are the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC which is currently under the management of the United Bank of Africa, UBA and Benin, Kaduna, and Kano DisCos under the management of Fidelity Bank Plc.

Speaking Alade said the corporation is prepared to sell the IBDC to investors with enough financial capacity to manage the company and make it profitable.

He explained that investors have a lot to gain by buying IBDC which he said its area of coverage includes the Ogun state industrial hub. 374

He said, ”I believe that Ibadan Disco is the largest disco that we have because it goes across so many states like Ogun, including all the industrial areas of Ogun State. We believe that it can be made more efficient if sold to people with deep pockets who can invest, not people who just buy and not invest; they don’t have money to invest.

“With people who have deep pockets to invest in making that company more efficient and more effective, it will go a long way to helping the power sector.”

Power supply: Imo State, Orashi Electricity Company Ltd Sign Pact

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The Source

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August 28, 2024

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Imo and Orashi Electricity Company Ltd Sign Pact

Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration on Tuesday came close to generating, transmitting and distributing power in all the 27 local government areas of Imo State, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Orashi Electricity Company Limited to achieve the purpose.

The pact was signed for the government in the Governor’s office by the Imo State Commissioner for Power, Engr Nwabueze Oguchienti and the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Basil Okolie, while the General Manager, Orashi Electricity Company Limited, Mr Valentine Obunmeyan and Mr. Mohammed Sahid signed for their company.

The Imo State Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Rubby Emele and her colleague for the Rural Development and Empowerment, Chief Ifeanyi Oruh, signed as witnesses.

The pact was tagged: ”Memorandum of Agreement for The Light up Imo Project for the Rehabilitation, Expansion, Operation and Maintenance of Electricity Generation, Transmission and Distribution Assets of Imo State Government between the Imo State Government and the 27 Local Governments Areas of Imo State and Orashi Electricity Company Limited.’

Addressing both parties at the brief but very important ceremony, Governor Uzodimma said it, “marks the commencement of all the plans put in place to light up Imo State and ensure electricity gets to the 27 LGAs of the State on a permanent and steady basis.”

He said with the signing, Orashi Electricity Company Limited had been charged and mandated to embark on generation, transmission and distribution of power in Imo State.

The Governor noted: “Government sees the project as a critical priority project that must be accomplished within record time.”

He urged the State’s Ministry of Power to put all necessary arrangements in place to ensure that “by the end of the year, at least there is steady power in the urban areas.”

Governor Uzodimma promised that government will do her best to live up to

the responsibilities expected of her in the agreement, both at the State and Local governments levels, noting that “in return, we will expect the partners to do their part.”

“Government is not unmindful of the fact that it is going to be a heavy expenditure, but with God on our side I am sure government will be able to accomplish it,” he said to assuage the perceived concerns of both parties.

He reiterated that Imo State needs power to revitalise ailing industries, bring in new industries, create jobs, and improve on ease of doing business and more importantly, to return the State back to what it used to be known, “the tourism headquarters of the zone.”

He said “by so doing the people will be empowered, life made more meaningful and our people will live longer.”

Present at the ceremony were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Secretary to State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr COC Akolisa and some members of the expanded Executive Council.