NewStats: 3,265,241 , 8,186,104 topics. Date: Saturday, 14 June 2025 at 03:03 AM 295z4d

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has asked the federal government to fulfil the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement or face a nationwide industrial action.

NAN reports that Chris Piwuna, ASUU president, spoke during a press conference in Abuja on Friday.

Piwuna said the union was frustrated by the government’s failure to resolve nine critical issues that have long plagued Nigeria’s public universities.

The ASUU president highlighted the stalled renegotiation of the agreement since 2017 as part of the unresolved issues.


He mentioned the withholding of salaries from the 2022 strike and unpaid entitlements linked to the controversial Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Piwuna also criticised the government’s delay in releasing revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances.

He said commitments remain unfulfilled despite pledges to inject N150 billion into the university system and adjust irregular allowances by 2026.

Piwuna alleged the marginalisation of ASUU at state-owned institutions like Kogi State University and Lagos State University.

He cited victimisation, job insecurity, and salary denials in those institutions, adding that these issues undermine staff morale.

He argued that universities are becoming “battlegrounds for political and economic interests”.

He said political interference has compromised the selection of leaders in institutions such as Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of Abuja.

The ASUU president called for a “national rebirth through education”. He proposed an education summit focused on funding, university autonomy and academic welfare.

“Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. Without it, development is impossible,” Piwuna said.

“Our universities should be centres for solutions to national challenges.

“We are open to dialogue but will not tolerate further erosion of our rights.”

The Lagos government has disowned a viral statement notifying residents of an amendment to the state’s tenancy law.

On Friday, reports alleging an update to the law began circulating on X.

The alleged amendment capped advance rent payments to three months for existing tenants and imposed stricter limits on how landlords can terminate tenancies and increase rents.

Fines of up to N100,000 or three months’ imprisonment were listed as penalties.

Barakat Bakare, special adviser to the Lagos governor on housing, on Saturday refuted the reports.

In a statement, Bakare said the publication did not emanate from the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA).

The government official affirmed that the 2015 tenancy law still subsists.

“However, the bill for a new Tenancy law is under due consideration at the Lagos State House of Assembly and yet to be ed into Law,” Bakare said.

She said the ministry of housing is currently engaging stakeholders in this regard.

“The culture of monthly payment and a clear understanding of the process of real estate transactions at all levels are being discussed at these engagements,” the statement added.

Bakare said the public would be notified when there is a new law.

The viral report comes as a housing crisis, characterised by soaring rents, exploitative landlord practices, forced evictions, and a massive housing deficit, deepens in the state.

The situation is compounded by rapid urbanisation and population growth.

The Lagos assembly had asked the state government to implement measures that would curb excessive rent increments.

Denials have trailed Paul Ibe’s allegation that Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), met with an incumbent governor and his predecessor 48 hours before they defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, Ibe, an aide of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, alleged that the meeting took place at a government lodge in a south-south state.

Ibe, however, did not mention the names of the former and incumbent governors, but he said they are from a south-south state.

He also alleged that the “solicitor-general” was present at the meeting.

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‘EFCC AGAINST PARTISAN TENDENCIES’

Reacting to the allegation, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, said Olukoyede is “apolitical” and that the allegation is based on conjectures.

Oyewale said the EFCC chairman had previously stressed the agency’s firm stance against political bias.

“However, his allegations of the Executive Chairman EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede and Solicitor General of the Federation’s alleged meeting with an unnamed governor forty-eight hours before his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, are patently fabricated and in bad taste,” the statement reads.

“Olukoyede has stressed it at several fora that he is apolitical and the EFCC totally wired against partisan tendencies.”

‘ALLEGATION FROM THE PIT OF HELL’

Kamarudeen Ogundele, media aide to Lateef Fagbemi, the attorney-general of the federation, said Ibe’s claims are based on his imagination.

“Although he (Ibe) failed to mention their names, the discerning of the public know those he could have been referring to,” the statement reads.

“However, we wish to state categorically that the allegation is from the pit of hell, and at best, a figment of the imagination of Mr Ibe.

“We know as a fact that the EFCC chairman and the Solicitor General of the Federation never met any serving or former governor as alleged by him.”

WAVE OF DEFECTIONS

In recent months, several opposition leaders have crossed over to the ruling APC, triggering concerns that the country may be devolving into a one-party state.

Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta state, and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in April.

Umo Eno, the governor of Akwa Ibom, has expressed his intention to the APC from the PDP.

Delta and Akwa Ibom states are in the south-south geopolitical zone.

The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) national central bureau in Abuja has extradited one Abubakar Aboki Muhammed from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the country over alleged multi-million dollar fraud.

Muhammed, a Nigerian, was arrested in Dubai, UAE, following an investigation over alleged fraud perpetrated against an Abuja-based businessman.

The case was reported to the police in July 2023.

A statement by Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said Muhammed allegedly defrauded the businessman after posing as a shipping agent.

Adejobi said the suspect allegedly secured a “contract to facilitate payments and freight of ten high-end vehicles, valued at $307,500.00, from the UAE to Nigeria via designated ed shipping companies”.

“After establishing trust, Muhammed fraudulently received the full payment through a third-party at FCMB belonging to Anas Usaini, a Kano resident, which was subsequently used for money laundering activities in Dubai,” the force spokesperson said.

“Upon receipt of the payment, Muhammed provided the complainant with a forged bill of lading for the vehicles and subsequently became unable.

“He was apprehended in Dubai on April 15, 2025, and has been extradited to Nigeria to face prosecution at the Federal High Court, marking a significant success in the ongoing fight against transnational financial crime.”

Adejobi said Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, commended the Dubai Police, INTERPOL NCB Abu Dhabi, and the Nigerian Consulate General in Dubai for facilitating the suspect’s extradition.

President William Ruto has been addressing crowds during a tour of the west of Kenya
The Kenyan government has described as "shameful" an incident in which a shoe was thrown at President William Ruto during a rally on Sunday.

Widely shared video clips show the footwear striking the president's left arm as he held it aloft while he was speaking.

Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura condemned what happened and called for those behind it to be "apprehended". "What would happen if we all decided to throw shoes at each other? What values are we teaching our children?" he asked in post on X calling for the institution of the presidency to be respected.

Kenyan media are reporting that three people have been arrested, but the police have not confirmed this.

Some MPs have also criticised the shoe-throwing, which has been described as a major security lapse.

Dennis Itumbi, a senior official in the president's office, has described the incident as a "moment that got out of hand" suggesting that it happened by accident.

On Facebook, he shared a video taken from a different angle, which he said showed a person lifting a shoe "in jest, pretending to be a camera" and another person slapping it away, "annoyed that the 'shoe-cam' blocked his view".

"Unfortunately, it flew forward… straight toward the president," he said.

The president was addressing a crowd at a public event in the western county of Migori as part of a three-day tour of the region where he has been launching and commissioning development projects.

While the views of some ordinary Kenyans chime with the feeling that the shoe-throwing was disrespectful, others have suggested that it reflected frustrations over the state of the economy.

An official video of the event shared by the president on X does not show the shoe incident, which appears to have happened off-camera.

However, commotion within the crowd is briefly seen. The president is heard asking his security officers, who may have been about to look for the culprit, to leave the people in the audience alone.

The screen then goes blank before and minutes later the video shows other people speaking at the rally.

The shoe-throwing comes amid growing concerns over the safety of public officials. Last week, an opposition MP was shot dead in the capital, Nairobi, by gunmen on a motorcycle in a suspected assassination.

Nelson Koech, an MP in the president's party, said Sunday's incident was an "affront to our democracy" adding that "we have taken a joke too far".

"You can imagine if that shoe was a bullet... people joke about the security of the president. It took a very bold step for someone to take their shoe and throw it at the president.

"We must secure the head of state," he told local station Citizen TV.

Migori is in a region considered to be a stronghold of veteran opposition politician Raila Odinga, who ran against Ruto in the 2022 presidential election, but who has since made a deal with the president.

The agreement signed in March between Odinga and Ruto was "to help ease the prevailing tension in the country", following deadly anti-tax demonstrations last year.

Since he became president in 2022, Ruto has faced protests from Kenyans frustrated with the cost of living and increased taxes.

A former Oyo State Governor, Victor Olunloyo, is dead.



He died at the age of 90.

The family announced the death in a statement on Sunday.

According to a message sent by his wife, Mrs Ronke Olunloyo, the former governor died at a private hospital in Ibadan after a brief illness.

Before his death, preparations were in top gear for his 90th birthday celebration coming up later in the month of April.

Her message reads, “With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the ing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday.

“The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was the first rector of Polytechnic and first rector Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments. His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event.

“The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the pòess and the public as we commence efforts to give him a befitting burial. Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God.”

The National Agency for Food and Drug istration and Control (NAFDAC) says its operatives have uncovered rifles, live cartridges, and other weapons hidden by unknown persons at the Ogbo Ogwu Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, Anambra.

While addressing journalists on Wednesday, Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s south-east zonal director, said NAFDAC has been carrying out a crackdown on the drug sections of the market since February 10 as part of an ongoing nationwide campaign to strengthen public health.

Iluyomade expressed surprise at the discovery, adding that fake drug dealers hid the rifles, intending to attack the agency’s enforcement team.

He said 50 trailer loads of counterfeit and substandard drugs were also discovered in the market and moved to the agency’s laboratories for further tests.

“With the prompt interventions of our security team, we saw and recovered a dagger, machetes, two guns, rifles, and live cartridges,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“Every night, we keep arresting people who attempt to forcefully break into the shops to move the fake drugs or do one thing or another in this market.

“They are in custody and volunteering useful information.”

Iluyomade commended leaders of the market for working with the team throughout the period of the operations.

He assured that some sections of the market would be reopened this week while they begin the next phase of the exercise.

Femi Falana, the human rights lawyer, says he would be suing Ibrahim Babangida for his incarceration and prosecution in 1993.

Falana also reacted to Babangida’s ittance that MKO Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Babangida, Nigeria’s military president from 1985 to 1993, launched his autobiography titled ‘A Journey in Service’ on February 20.

During the event, the retired general said he regretted annulling Nigeria’s “freest and fairest election”.

He also blamed “forces led by Sani Abacha”, his defence chief, for the annulment.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday, Falana said the annulment was the “last stage of manipulation” by Babangida.

“IBB ordered the arrests of pro-democracy activists, including Fawehinmi, Ransome-Kuti, and me. We were paraded before a chief magistrate court in Wuse, Abuja, for sedition — simply because we had published the election results,” Falana said.

“During the popular IBB must go campaign, we were arrested in Lagos and brought to FCT and we were detained in Kuje prison. Chief Fawahemi went to court on our behalf.

“He too was arrested for going to court on our behalf and was brought to Kuje prison.

“The vehicle that was taking us to prison maneuvered and we found ourselves at the Gwagwalada chief magistrate court where we were charged with treasonable felony. Of course they brought the then NASS president to us.

“Since we had no access to our lawyer, the late Gani Fawehinmi and I decided to defend our colleagues.

“Even though we were asking for bail, we turned our arraignment to the trial of the junta. And I recalled on that occasion, chief Fawehinmi told the judge, chief magistrate Mallam Bulama, that those who should be standing trial for treason were in the villa, led by General Babangida.

“Because they had sacked, they had overthrown a democratically elected government in 1983.

“So, those are the people that should be standing trial. And of course, when it came to my turn, I made it clear to the judge, this section of the law, Section 41 of the Criminal Code Act, which provides anybody who forms an intention to remove the president of his country, during his term of office, otherwise than by constitutional means.

“I said, my lord? The man calling himself my president has no fixed term of office. So, I couldn’t have been brought here.

“Of course, the judge adjourned. Two weeks later, he granted us bail very liberally. N20,000 and one surety in like sum.”

‘NO BASIS FOR OUR PROSECUTION’

Falana said since IBB has now itted that Abiola won the election, there was no basis for their arrest and prosecution in 1993.

“So, I am going to challenge the malicious prosecution. My malicious prosecution and that of my colleagues,” he added.

“I have assembled a team of lawyers. They are looking into it. Because he has now brought it to life by now itting that there was no basis for my prosecution. Because he now says Abiola won the election, which was the basis of our protests.

“He is also saying, you know, he shouldn’t have postponed the terminal date of his transition programme.

“Which, again, we were fighting. So, which means there was no basis for our prosecution. It is malicious.

“Again, massive infringements of our rights, human rights. Because when you keep me in Kuje prison, you deny me my right to liberty, my freedom of movement. You also violate my right to choose the government of my country.

“Point to Article 13 of the African Charter on human rights. Because the man who did it has just come out to say, I did it wrongly.

“But later, you know, the improvement of the jurisprudence of the court has now come to the conclusion.

“I think that was in the case of federation of journalists, you know, Gambia and the government of that country that once you are talking of serious abuse of human rights, the statute of limitation does not apply.”

The senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said Babangida’s role in the 1993 annulment was undeniable — despite his claims to the contrary.

A heartwarming viral video captured the moment when students of Obafemi Awolowo University showered their lecturer, Dr. Olagunju, with gifts to show appreciation for his dedication and hard work.

The video, shared on TikTok by #doxaleey on Tuesday, shows students standing up one by one to present their gifts to Dr. Olagunju, who was visibly surprised and smiling throughout the gesture.

In the caption accompanying the video, #doxaleey wrote, “We wanted to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Olagunju for his exceptional dedication and hard work this semester, and we couldn’t come up with a better idea than this.

“Despite the challenges of teaching Parts 1-4 alone, Dr. Olagunju has consistently demonstrated his commitment to our education and well-being. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we’re deeply appreciative of the positive impact he’s had on our learning experience.

“We’re grateful to have had the opportunity to show our appreciation today and wish we could do more to express our thanks. Sir, we love you, Dr. Olagunju.”

The Zone-2 Police Command in Lagos has apprehended two suspected international fraudsters allegedly involved in forging foreign certificates in Lagos and Ghana.

In a bold move underscoring their integrity, the police operatives turned down a bribe offer of N66 million from the suspects.

AIG Adegoke Fayoade, who heads the Zone-2 Command, confirmed the arrest on Monday.

“These suspects, identified as Elvis, 23, and Kelly, 24, specialised in forging certificates from foreign institutions and African universities, deceiving unsuspecting victims online,” Fayoade disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria.

This commendable action by the Zone-2 Command is not an isolated incident.

Rejected N174 million in November
NAN recalls that the same command rejected a bribe of N174 million in November from another suspect attempting to evade justice.

The suspects reportedly amassed wealth from their illicit activities, acquiring luxury cars and properties across the country.

Their luck ran out when detectives from the Anti-Corruption Unit received credible intelligence from Nigerians in the diaspora, leading to their apprehension.

“The information revealed a group specialising in forging foreign certificates. Acting swiftly, we deployed detectives who tracked the suspects to a five-star hotel in Lekki, where they were apprehended while attempting to flee,” Fayoade narrated.

Evidence recovered
A search of the suspects’ belongings yielded: a certificate from Blue Crest College, Ghana, linked to Elvis; a student identity card from Academic City College, Ghana, belonging to Kelly; additional documents, including transcripts and letters of recommendation, all forged to secure Ghanaian resident permits under false pretenses.

The suspects confessed to paying 26,000 Ghana Cedis to a female Nigerian accomplice in Ghana to procure the fake documents.

“They itted the documents were solely for evading arrest in Ghana, where they had no legitimate means of livelihood,” Fayoade stated.

Online fraud, bribe rejected
Beyond certificate forgery, the suspects were allegedly involved in elaborate online fraud schemes, including romance scams and providing foreign bank s for fraudulent transactions through a method known as “Facebook bombing.”

“They impersonated a U.S. Army officer, Captain Donald Rowe, on Instagram, defrauding victims by claiming to be a soldier stationed in Syria,” Fayoade revealed.

When the police intensified their investigation, the suspects attempted to negotiate their freedom by offering a bribe of N66 million.

“I instructed my men to play along and secure the bribe money as evidence. The amount has been duly recorded as an exhibit,” Fayoade said.

Collaborations
The Zone-2 Command has reached out to the Ghanaian Embassy and Interpol to track down the suspects’ accomplices and confirm the authenticity of the recovered documents.

“This case highlights our commitment to integrity and justice. We are determined to dismantle the network of fraudsters operating across borders,” Fayoade concluded.

The Federal Government Wednesday, disclosed that about N8.8 billion has been spent to repair and put into functional use power transmission towers attacked by vandals and bandits across the country.

A statement by the Special Adviser to Minister of Power on Communications, Mr. Bolaji Tunji said this disclosure was made by the Managing Director of the Transition Company of Nigeria, Engr. Suleiman Ahmed Abdulaziz, at the Quarterly Power Sector Working Group meeting in Abuja.

Abdulaziz, who was represented by the Executive Director , Transmission Service Provider (TSO) of TCN, Engr. Olugbenga Emmanuel Ajiboye said that between January 13, 2024 and now, 128 transmission towers have been destroyed either by vandals or bandits, across the country.

He lamented that when the vandals were apprehended and handed over to police for prosecution, they were bailed and they would return and continue with the vandalism.

“As I talk to you today, 128 of our towers have been destroyed by either vandals or bandits. Till date, we have spent about N8.8 billion, by our estimation, to put them back to full and functional use. It is so sad that each time the vandals were caught and taken to police for prosecution, police would incident them for theft, instead of vandalism and they will be bailed. If they are charged for vandalism, they cannot be bailed, but this is where we are. So many of them have been arrested, but each time they will be bailed because police often incident their cases as that of theft.

“When the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna towers were destroyed, we had to get the full military escorts for our contractors to get the transmission lines and towers restored and in the some cases, they would tell us that we could only work for two hour in some days. In some instances, they would even tell us that it was not safe to move there. How do we get out of this? How can we deliver electricity to Nigerians under these terrible circumstances? These are part of the challenges we are facing in the power sector”, Abdulaziz lamented.

At the meeting, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu also disclosed that the Federal Government was working in collaboration with the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to make electricity available to 50 million Nigerians by the year 2030.

Adelabu, who was represented by his Chief Technical Adviser, Mr. Adedayo Olowoniyi, said the Nigerian government was working with the Word Bank and the African Development Bank to get 300 million Africans to have access to electricity by the year 2030.

He said the Power Ministry is collaborating with its Finance counterpart to get this process achieved.

“The mission 300 is been driven by the World Bank and the African Development Bank and it is a project that will provide electricity to 300 millions Africans and Nigeria will benefit 50 millions from this. Nigeria has a large population that is without electricity and this is a great opportunity for us to be part of this process.

“The Compact document will be signed by our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Tanzania in January, 2025. We worked extensively with World Bank, the AfDB and the Ministry of Finance to develop the document with all the countries that will be participating in it.

“The most important thing is that we have to drive the process by ourselves through the private and public sector participation. We will do it through the solar form system, mini and micro grid, grid extension and connection”, the Minister said.

There was a mild drama Wednesday at the National Assembly, Abuja, as the Senate attempted to allow of President Bola Tinubu’s economic team into the chamber.

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), had moved for suspension of Order 12 to allow for visitors into the chamber.

Bamidele said, “Tax experts and consultants as well as the Director-General of the Budget Office and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Tax, Zacchaeus Adedeji, were to attend the plenary to explain the Tax Reform Bills in detail to lawmakers.”

However, immediately after the submission, the lawmaker representing Bauchi Central, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP), stood up and read from the Order listing the titles of those who were allowed into the Senate plenary according to the Senate’s rules.

Ningi said such a conversation was more appropriate at the committee level and should be handed over to the finance committee and, maybe appropriations, to interface with the team.

In response, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North) explained that the Senate suspended its rule to allow for openness and let Nigerians watch the live proceedings and listen to the debate on the Tax Reform Bills.

He, thereafter, asked the Senate leader to address the order he came under.

Bamidele, in response, said, “Mr President, I listened to the Point of Order raised by the most distinguished, highly respected, well-revered former leader of the House and of the Senate, distinguished Senator Abdul Ningi.

“Mr. President, let me clarify. My motion was for suspension, not invocation of Order 12. Order 12 talks about those who are privileged to speak in this hallowed chamber, as well as the exceptions that can be granted.

“But when a motion is moved for suspension, it means that the rule does not apply again. In addition, sir, for our working relationship, let me also amend my motion by saying that in addition to my motion for the suspension of Order 12 on floor privileges, I’m also coming under Order 1B, which says in all cases where there’s no specific provision or rule, the Senate shall regulate its procedure.

“So, Mr President, let it be said that my motion is based on both the invocation of Order 1B of our rules, as well as the suspension of Order 12 of our rules. Nigerians need to know, and we also want to know. Let’s hear these people.”

Upon his explanation, the deputy president then put the question to a voice vote, after which he hit the gavel in favour of the ayes.

Shortly after, Ndume stood up and said such an important matter should have been highlighted on the Order Paper and since it wasn’t a Supplementary Order Paper, it should be printed or stepped down for another legislative day.

Barau, after explaining, said they should avoid rhetoric and face facts, after which he ruled Ndume out of order.

A moment after of the economic team were allowed into the plenary, Ndume stood up and raised another Point of Order stating that the Deputy Senate President describing his comment as “rhetoric” was an insult.

He said, “I, therefore, demand an apology from you.”

In response, Barau laughed and said rhetoric wasn’t an insult, and it wasn’t directly in response to his comment but a general statement.

Once again, Barau ruled Ndume out of order.

The Senate has advanced moves to mandate the inclusion of 20% high-quality cassava flour in wheat used by all producers of edible flour in Nigeria or imported into the country, as a bill to this effect scaled second reading yesterday.

According to the Senate, the use of cassava in wheat can significantly reduce the cost of importation of wheat, which presently stands at over $38 (three billion United States dollars) per annum.

The Upper Chamber said that when the Bill on Cassava Four (Mandatory Inclusion in Four Production) 2023 (58 254) is read the third time, it would encourage cassava farming and create a sustainable market for cassava flour, just as it will also mandate the publication of regulations for the proportion of cassava flours about wheat to be applied in the process of making edible flour.

In his lead debate on the general principles of the bill, the sponsor, Senator Saliu Mustapha, APC, Kwara Central, said, “The Bill on Cassava 4 (Mandatory Inclusion in Four Production) 2023 (58 254) was read for the first time in this hallowed chamber on Wednesday, 9th November 2023. The Bil seeks to provide a legal and regulatory framework for the mandatory introduction of high-quality cassava for inedible wheat flour production and its derivatives.”

Justifying the need for the bill, Senator Mustapha said, “Nigeria, being the world’s largest producer of cassava, has an annual output of over 63 million metric tonnes as of 2021, which represents one-third of the total output for Africa. Nigeria can take advantage of this high demand for cassava in both domestic and industrial use locally and in the industrial market, which is now used for new energy.

“Over the past years, successive governments since the return to democratic rule have attempted to put in place policy and legislation to encourage the inclusion of cassava in edible flour, realising its immense benefit and cost savings to the nation. The use of cassava in wheat can significantly reduce the cost of importation of wheat, which presently stands at over $38 (three billion United States dollars) per annum.

“The prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine had further increased the cost of wheat globally, thereby necessitating the need to seek alternative ways to reduce the cost of wheat and all its derivatives, especially bread, which is a major staple food for the masses in Nigeria.

“The continued importation of wheat has negative impacts on the Nigerian economy, causing trade imbalances, loss of foreign exchange, and fuelling food dependency.

Refineries: Nigerians deserve transparency in management of our national assets - LP
“This bill, when ed into law, will stimulate job creation in the agriculture sector and increase our market share of cassava earnings in foreign exchange.

“Some of the objectives of the bill include the mandatory inclusion of 20% high-quality cassava flour in wheat by all producers of edible flour in Nigeria or imported into the country.

“Encourage cassava farming and create a sustainable market for cassava flour.

“Mandates the publication of regulations for the proportion of cassava flours in relation to wheat to be applied in the process of making edible flour.

“Provide a tax regime and incentives for producers of mixed wheat and cassava flours and wheat importers who include cassava flour in imported wheat.

“The increasing demand for cassava-based products, both in domestic and international markets, creates prospects for market expansion and value addition. The age of this bill will enhance the efficiency of cassava production and processing operations, as cassava is a choice crop for rural development, poverty alleviation, economic growth, and ultimately food security. It will further promote technological innovations and improve access to finance and market linkages that can stimulate the growth of the cassava processing industry and create avenues for entrepreneurship and employment of women and youths.

“It will also reduce the country’s food import bill. Enhance the utilisation of local crops, create opportunities for businesses and employment, and genuinely boost rural development. The age of this bill is also in alignment with the 20% cassava flour inclusion policy initiated in June 2021 by the then Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, now renamed Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.”

The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) has expressed confidence that Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will emerge as a unifying candidate for Lagos State in the 2027 governorship election.

Speaking at a press conference in Owerri, CONYL President General Goodluck Ibem asserted that Seyi Tinubu possesses the leadership qualities needed to gain across political parties, including the Lagos State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Ibem emphasized Lagosians’ historical for President Tinubu and his legacy, dismissing criticisms of Seyi Tinubu’s alleged governorship bid as unwarranted.

He cited President Tinubu’s track record of transformational governance and democratic principles, which he believes have shaped Seyi Tinubu’s readiness for leadership.

Reacting to the comments of the Lagos State PDP chapter rubbishing the alleged governorship bid of Seyi Tinubu as ” a family affair”.

Ibem expressed confidence that PDP and other parties will vote for Seyi Tinubu if he declares.

“We want to remind the PDP that the people of Lagos State love and appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which informs why they voted for him and his party the Alliance For Democracy, AD, in 1999 in Lagos State.

“The people of Lagos State rejected the PDP and embraced President Bola Tinubu and what he stands for.

“The PDP have never won the governorship election of Lagos State even when the party was in control of the federal government which confirms that Lagos people don’t accept or tolerate any form of imposition from any quarters but rather believe in true democracy.

“True leadership are sustained via transformational performance and Tinubu has proved to Lagosians that he came into governance to serve the people and not to be served by Lagos State as claimed by the PDP Lagos State Chapter,” Ibem said.

THE leadership of the National Assembly in compliance with section 2(1) of the Public Complaints Commission ( PCC) Establishment Act, has announced the appointments of Chief Commissioner and Commissioners for the Commission.

In a statement signed on Saturday by the Secretary, Research and Information , Dr Barde Umoru on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly , Alhaji Sani Magaji Tambawal , the new Chief Commissioner for the Commission is Alhaji Bashir Abubakar from Kaduna State .

According to the statement, Commissioners across the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory are: Mr Ubong Uwah ( Akwa – Ibom), Hon Yusuf Abdullahi Ata ( Kano State ), Prince Olayisade Akintade Charles ( Ekiti), Abatcha Maaji ( Borno ), Falola Olanrewaju Jimoh (Kwara ), Dr Achi Ezeora Christian ( Ebonyi ) and James Ogaba Oche ( Benue State )

Others are ÷ Barr Edith Okoli ( Enugu ) , Adekunle Alao ( Osun) , Barde Usman Shehu ( Jigawa ) , Maryam Dalhatu Abdulmalik ( Adamawa) , Barr Ronke Binawari ( Bayelsa), Dr Owa . E . Owa ( Cross River ) , Mathew Uduaghan ( Delta ) , Bashir .M. Isah ( Katsina ) , Sama’il Salihu Bui ( Kebbi), Mirakinyo Akinuye ( Ogun ), Hon Nuhu Sabo ( Taraba ) , Hassan Garba Katuzu ( Yobe) , Sani Akilu Idris ( Kaduna ) , Madukwe E . E. ( Abia ) and Austin Aigbavboa ( Edo State )

Also appointed as Commissioners for the commission are: Bose Mohammed Bashir ( Gombe ), Oladeinde Abolarin ( Kogi), Olataun Rashidat Yusuf ( Oyo ) , Ernest Chima ( Rivers ) , Baba Ibrahim Mohammed ( Bauchi) , Mallam Mohammed Galandanci ( Sokoto) , Muoka Emmanuel Okechukwu ( Anambra ) Musa Dikko ( FCT), Mike Uzodimma ( Imo), Odunewu Hafeez Adekunle ( Lagos ) , Hon Kehinde Adeyemi Oni ( Ondo ) , Abbas Garba ( Plateau) , Amb Hamidu Ibrahim ( Zamfara ) , Mustapha Saidu Mahmud ( Nasarawa) and Abdulrahman Mohammed ( Niger State ) .

The statement added that inauguration date for the PCC Chief Commissioner and Commissioners designate , would be announced very soon.

Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies collectively raked in about N3.95tn revenue between 2019 and the first quarter of 2024, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed.

NBS data revealed an upward trajectory in revenue generation over the past five years, as the power distributors made N482.6bn in 2019, N526.8bn in 2020, N761.2bn in 2021, N828.1bn in 2022, N1.07bn in 2023, and N291.6bn in the first quarter of 2024.

Experts attribute this consistent growth in revenue to several factors, including ongoing tariff adjustments moving towards cost-reflective pricing, which has allowed the Discos to align revenue with the cost of providing electricity.

Additionally, the National Mass Metering Programme has increased the number of metered customers, reducing estimated billing and improving the accuracy of revenue collection.

The programme has also contributed to reducing Aggregate Technical, Commercial, and Collection losses that have previously plagued the sector.

Also, the enhanced regulatory oversight and the adoption of modern technology in billing and collection have streamlined processes, minimised revenue leakages, and improved collection efficiency.

However, despite this revenue growth, the Discos face significant challenges, including high unpaid bills, electricity theft, infrastructure deficits, and energy losses.

These issues have hindered the Discos’ ability to fully capitalise on the potential of Nigeria’s electricity market.

Reacting to this, the President of the Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, Kunle Olubiyo, questioned the efficiency of the Discos and called for urgent reforms.

He told our correspondent on Friday that despite the pre-privatisation commitments of the Discos to meter customers and the improved collection and billing efficiency, the power distributors had largely failed to meet their obligations.

“We cannot score the Discos more than five per cent. In of complaints resolution, they lack the software to track issues and have failed woefully in conflict resolution,” he said.

Olubiyo further highlighted the inadequacies of the Discos despite significant investments in the firms by the government and the Central Bank of Nigeria aimed at network improvements.

He raised concerns about the implementation of the Federal Government’s National Mass Metering Programme, accusing some meter vendors and Discos of conspiracy.

“Many of the customers listed as metered were not metered. The idea was to attach GPS coordinates to every metered point as a precondition for metering, but this was not done,” the NN president stated.

According to Olubiyo, the government’s ongoing intervention, which includes funding the importation and installation of two million meters annually using public funds, raises questions about the essence of privatisation.

He highlighted instances where governance or liquidity issues led to Discos being placed under receivership, with interim management teams appointed by the Bureau of Public Enterprises.

However, he noted that the effectiveness of these interventions was often undermined by internal politics and job insecurity among Disco management.

“We’ve seen board chairmen abruptly remove MDs in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and several other Discos,” Olubiyo added, emphasising the precariousness of the situation.

Olubiyo welcomed the recent empowerment of states to regulate electricity within their jurisdictions under the Electricity Act, describing it as a positive development.

“The migration of electricity from the exclusive to the concurrent list is a good omen,” he said. He urged the Federal Government to invest its 40 per cent equity in Discos and shift towards resource-driven energy solutions.

Reflecting on the power sector’s performance since privatisation, Olubiyo lamented the stagnation in electricity generation.

“In 2013, the peak generation on the grid was 5,800 megawatts. As we speak, from 2013 to now, we haven’t even been able to hit 6,000 megawatts of electricity evacuation on the grid,” he pointed out.

He described the situation as “a decline or backward growth, progressing in error.”

On a more positive note, Olubiyo praised the recent licensing of companies like MTN and Honeywell to engage in Nigeria’s bulk electricity trading or captive generation.

He argued that off-grid generation and independent power plants, etc, were steps in the right direction to stabilise power supply, particularly for industrial areas.

This came as the Transmission Company of Nigeria, a Federal Government-owned firm that transmits electricity from power generation companies to distribution firms, announced that it had been grappling with funding shortfalls.

It said this has stalled the completion of 129 critical projects. TCN’s Managing Director, Abdulaziz Sule, who revealed this recently in Abuja, said the company was facing a funding gap of N637.37bn, out of a total required amount of N1.79tn.

Sule appealed to the National Assembly for intervention to address these challenges and ensure the timely completion of the critical projects. The funding gap, he noted, is delaying project completion and hindering efficient service delivery.

He said the company is dealing with other challenges including inadequate modern tools, port clearance issues, lengthy procurement processes, lack of spinning reserve, delayed donor-funded projects due to unpaid counterpart funding, and recent VAT and levy charges on offshore equipment.

In related power sector developments, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu announced recently that the cost of generating one kilowatt-hour of electricity was N120.

During an oversight visit by of the House of Representatives, Adelabu explained that this cost was a key factor in the Federal Government’s high expenditure on electricity subsidies.

He emphasised that this figure does not include additional charges borne by power utilities within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

“Those in Band A are paying N209 while Band B is paying N65. The average cost of producing one kilowatt per hour of electricity was not less than N120 before we had the evacuation, wheeling, and distribution charges.

“So anybody paying N65 or N58 is paying way below the cost, and that is what the Federal Government is still subsidising,” Adelabu stated.

The minister also noted that varied energy consumption, especially during off-peak hours, affects the efficiency of electricity production.

To address this, he said the Federal Government is considering the introduction of a differential tariff system during off-peak periods to stimulate electricity demand and enhance energy access across Nigeria.

This differential tariff system, as explained by Adelabu, involves applying different rates based on usage patterns, demand levels, or other criteria.

In the context of electricity, it means charging different rates for consumption during different times of the day or based on the level of consumption.

Adelabu emphasised the need for greater trust and confidence in the national grid as a reliable power source, highlighting that many bulk electricity consumers, particularly industries, have shifted to using their captive power plants due to past trust issues.

“The majority of bulk electricity s, such as industries, are off the grid due to a lack of trust and confidence in the past. They now have their captive power plants in their industries, which is more expensive,” Adelabu stated.

He pointed out that the costs associated with captive power generation are significantly higher compared to grid electricity.

“The average cost of producing captive power is about N350 to N400 for those connected to gas lines. For diesel, it’s about N950, while petrol is about N550,” he explained.

To address this, Adelabu revealed the government’s strategy to encourage these bulk s to return to the grid by restoring trust and improving grid stability.

“Once consumers and industries see the trust, the confidence, and the stability we are giving, they would be encouraged and reconnect to the grid for a cheaper source of power,” he stated.

More details emerged on Saturday about how security agents rescued the 20 abducted medical students and seven others in Benue State.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that one of the suspected kidnappers was shot dead by the combined operatives, consisting of the military, men of the Department of State Services, and the police. Two suspects were arrested.

The 20 students, who are from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were travelling to Enugu for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students’ annual convention when they were kidnapped by bandits.

Their abduction generated an outcry, which made the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, order the deployment of tactical operatives and assets, including helicopters, drones, and tactical vehicles, to ensure the swift rescue of the victims.

One of the officers involved in the rescue operation said the team deployed both land and air assets to track the area where the students were found.

The source said, “The operation was coordinated by the National Security Adviser in Abuja. The kidnapped medical students were tracked down around Ajide forest in Ukwonyo council ward, Ado LGA of Benue State.

“You will observe that some helicopters had been hovering around in the past few days while officers, comprising the military, DSS, and the police were deployed.

”Luckily, we were able to get the spot on Friday while they (kidnappers) tried to shield themselves with the victims. But with massive pressure, they tried to escape and in the process, one of them was neutralised and two apprehended.”

Another source, who corroborated the , told Sunday PUNCH that the students were immediately taken to Abuja.

“They should be reunited with their loved ones by Monday or Tuesday,” he added.

Sunday PUNCH learnt that the 20 medical students were taken to the National Intelligence Agency clinic for treatment.

A source said the students were undergoing medical checks alongside some youth corps who were recently rescued from their abductors.

“The rescued students were taken to the NIA complex where they are undergoing medical screening following their traumatic experience in the hands of their kidnappers,” the source said.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the rescue on Friday night, stated that no ransom was paid. He noted that they were “tactically and professionally” rescued.

He said, “We confirm the release of our brothers and sisters and some other Nigerians, who had been in captivity since Friday, 23 August, 2024, in Ntunkon forest, Benue State, without any ransom paid. Contrary to some tweets and unconfirmed stories that some money was paid, no kobo was paid to release them. We commend the security agencies, locals, and ONSA for their commitment and resilience.”

We had lost hope – Parents

Reacting to the rescue, the parents of one of the students, Mr Donald Fagar, and his wife, Cecilia, said they thought all hope was lost.

Fagar said it was the second time their son, Kingsley, would be walking through the shadow of death, adding that each time, he escaped by a whisker.

According to the parents, the 500-level medical student of the University of Jos was attacked and injured on August 15, 2022, by hoodlums during a religious crisis.

Cecilia said, “I give God all the glory today because this is the second time my son will be ing through this same trauma.

“Kingsley almost lost his life two years ago on August 15. Again, this one also happened on August 15, so it’s by the grace of God that he is coming out.

“Since the news of the release, I have been receiving phone calls; friends, family , and neighbours congratulating us as we look forward to welcoming our son home anytime soon.”

She added, “My son called me that they were being taken to Abuja and complained that his two legs were swollen from trekking from one location to another with the kidnappers all through the bush with nowhere to sleep as they were drenched anytime it rained.”

Sympathisers visit student’s home

Scores of sympathisers and well-wishers on Saturday thronged the Kukumu home of Paul Shantong, one of the 20 abducted university students who regained their freedom on Friday night.

One of the well-wishers, Hanatu Gyang, who said she and her family had been traumatised by the news of the sudden disappearance of Paul, described his release as a great relief.

Gyang said, “I’m a neighbour to Paul Shantong. Paul has a twin sibling and they are just two that his parents gave birth to. Since the news of his abduction filtered into this community, it was as if somebody died. It’s really a big relief to some of us because the thought of losing him, a medical student, to kidnappers, was unbearable.”

Another well-wisher, John Philip, said he and his two brothers visited Paul’s family to celebrate with them.

Paul’s mother, who spoke with our correspondent, expressed joy over her son’s release while thanking God for answered prayers.

She said, “I don’t know how to thank God for ensuring the freedom of my son and his colleagues. It was really a very bad experience for us during the period of his captivity; but we thank God for everything.

“I have not seen him because they were taken to Abuja before they will be released to re their parents, but I spoke with him this morning, and he confirmed to me that indeed, he is no more with the kidnappers. I give God the glory for what he has done.”

UNIMAID students celebrate

Also, students of the University of Maiduguri expressed joy over the release of their eight colleagues, who were abducted alongside 12 students from the University of Jos.

The President of the Student Union Government of the institution, Muhammad Bello, said the rescue was a relief to the student community.

“We feel the essence of hope and renewed faith in the power of collaborative action,” he added.

On his part, the President of the University of Maiduguri Medical and Dental Students Association, Yakubu Abdul, said the student community was overjoyed upon the receipt of the news on Friday night.

He said, “Our students have been celebrating on social media and even physically. We are hopeful and can’t wait for them to be returned to us as soon as possible to continue with their academic programmes. We remain grateful to the security agencies and the Nigerian government for attending to our pleas and our cries.”

Similarly, a 400-level student from the Department of Petrochemical Engineering of the institution, Qanisat Musa, commended the security agencies and the government for exhibiting proactiveness and professionalism towards the safe return of their colleagues.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have countered attempts by drug cartels to capitalise on recent protests to expand their activities.

The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in videos shared on X.com on Sunday.

According to Babafemi, the cartels had planned to take advantage of the protests to move their “markets” across land, sea, and air.

However, NDLEA operatives, armed with personnel, intelligence, cutting-edge technology, and sniffer dogs, were hot on their heels.

Sharing videos, he wrote, “The drug cartels thought they could take advantage of the protests to quickly move their ‘markets’ from all fronts: land, sea and air but #ndlea_nigeria confronted them in equal measure with personnel, intelligence, technology and sniffer dogs. Here are some of the results.”

Click the link below to watch the video:

https://x.com/MobilePunch/status/1822560459595063782?t=reKWwiTnvcg7Y8ERjuoZdA&s=19

Poland has denied that its nationals who were arrested by security operatives in Kano, Nigeria, waved the Russian flag.

The detained Poles were arrested on August 6 in Kano for allegedly displaying Russian flags during the #EndBadGovernance protest held by some Nigerians against economic hardship in the country. Also arrested were six Spanish nationals.

The spokesperson for the Department of State Services, Peter Afunanya, at a meeting of diplomats in Abuja, said the Poles were arrested “because of where they were found during the protests and for displaying foreign flags.”

However, the Polish foreign ministry denied the allegation.

The ministry, according to a Polish international news network, TVP World, said the six students and their lecturer did not participate in the protest but “merely took photos.”

Sunday PUNCH gathered that the students and their lecturer were on an exchange programme at the Bayero University, Kano.

The Poles were said to be students of African Studies at the Oriental Studies Faculty, University of Warsaw.

They left Poland for Nigeria on August 1 and were scheduled to return to their country early September.

The University of Warsaw Press Officer, Anna Modzelewska, said getting the students released was the top priority of the institution.

Modzelewska was quoted by TVP World as saying, “Freeing the UW [University of Warsaw] students is our priority. “We must do everything in our power for that to happen as quickly as possible.”

She added that information was being gathered on the charges against the Poles, disclosing that the University’s Rector, Alojzy Nowak, was in with the detainees.

The Polish government, through its Deputy Foreign Minister, Jakub Wisniewski, had on Friday pleaded with Nigeria to release the detainees.

On if they waved the Russian flag, he said, “I personally find this claim hard to believe. We are urging for their safe return home, where their loved ones are anxiously waiting for them.”

Efforts by our correspondents to speak with the Student Affairs and Quality of Teaching of the university, Professor Sławomir Żółtek, proved abortive. Calls put across to his phone number were not answered.

A former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Professor Bola Akinterinwa, asked the Polish authorities to be patient.

He said, “The Polish government has to be patient and allow the investigation to be completed. The fact is that the security forces did not go to the school to arrest the students; they were picked up along the street during the protest and it is in the right place for the Nigerian government to investigate. It is only after investigation and they (Polish government) feel that the students didn’t get justice that they can intervene. Will they release the foreign students and not release Nigerians arrested?”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Poland, Omooba Ayoola, has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to release the six students and their lecturer.

Ayoola, who is based in Warsaw, begged Tinubu to use his good offices to facilitate the release of the students and their lecturer in the spirit of deepening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

In a statement on Saturday, Ayoola said, ‘’It is regretted that the Polish nationals were found at the wrong place and at the wrong time.

“However, these students are said to be in the country for academic exchange programmes and we should guide against what can hinder deeper academic cooperation in between the two countries.

“I, therefore, plead that in the spirit of deeper bilateral cooperation, President Tinubu should please ionately look into this disturbing issue and help these students to regain their freedom so that they can focus on their primary purpose of coming to Nigeria”.

The Department of State Services is investigating the alleged involvement of seven Polish nationals in the nationwide protests against hunger and hardship in Kano State.

The detainees, who were arrested on Tuesday in Kano, are being investigated.

The nationwide protest, which commenced on Thursday, August 1, was in response to the hardship being experienced by citizens in the country.

The spokesperson for the DSS, Peter Afunanya, confirmed the arrests on Wednesday while explaining that the action was part of routine security enforcement rather than a targeted effort against Polish citizens.

Afunanya stated this while responding to questions during a briefing with the Diplomatic Corps on Wednesday in Abuja, affirming that the DSS actions were conducted in line with democratic principles and respect for human rights.

“Seven persons were picked up from Kano because of where they were found during the protest and display of foreign flag in Kano two days ago.

“As a responsible security organisation, we owe it an obligation to do some verification and ascertain basic reasons and circumstances for some cases.

“They were picked by security enforcement because of where they were when the incident happened. It is not a targeted operation on behalf of the Director-General of DSS and Nigeria,” the spokesperson explained.

He also pleaded for cooperation in maintaining global stability, urging other nations not to allow their citizens to be used as instruments for undermining domestic peace in any country.

Afunanya added, “As the foremost domestic security organisation, we believe we have to work in sync with all of you who are men of goodwill.

“Our operations must be governed by democratic principles and protocol that emphasise freedom and human rights, and of course intelligence and security governance. We obey all of these whether we are dealing with Nigerians or foreigners.

“But we have a plea. In the course of the discharging of our duty, we also see that some Nigerians definitely would want to use foreign lands as lunch pads to attack domestic peace and stability. We plead that you do not offer your country to some person who may be deviant or have a terrorist inclination in today’s global pursuit. If anything happens in a country, it affects the others.”

He also noted that “Nigeria is a country with a large population and I believe that the other countries will give will help us.”

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor John Obafunwa as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, with effect from July 24, 2024.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, stated this in a statement titled “President Tinubu Appoints New Director-General of The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research” on Monday in Abuja.

According to the statement, Professor Obafunwa succeeds Professor Babatunde Salako, whose tenure expires on July 23, 2024.

The President also extended his appreciation to the outgoing DG for his service to the nation and wished him well in his future endeavours.

The statement added, “The President expects the new Director-General to bring his immense wealth of experience and qualifications to bear in this role to further drive the NIMR’s objective of leading research into diseases of public health importance in Nigeria.

“The President expects him to develop structures for the dissemination of research findings while providing the enabling environment and facilities for health research and training in cooperation with the federal and state ministries of health.”

Obafunwa qualified in medicine from the University of Lagos in 1980, following which he specialized in Anatomic Pathology (morphological study of diseases), graduating in May 1987.

He later sub-specialized in Forensic Pathology in Scotland in 1991 and obtained a law degree from England in 2004. He has a number of other academic qualifications and holds hip in various professional bodies in the UK, USA, and Nigeria.

Obafunwa had worked in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and the UK before returning to Nigeria in November 2004 to take up an appointment as a Professor of Forensic Pathology at the Lagos State University College of Medicine.

He is a former provost of LASUCOM, Chief Medical Examiner for Lagos State, and former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University. Before his appointment, he was the International Regional Advisor of the Royal College of Pathologists (UK) for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Obafunwa has authored several scientific publications and contributed chapters to textbooks. His research spans anatomic and forensic pathology, and he is currently involved in research in forensic entomology and taphonomy at the University of Nebraska, USA.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered illicit substances in Lagos.

The items – consignments of Cocaine and Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis – were concealed in incense candles, game packs, dry hibiscus leaves and ladies’, NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi said.

According to a Sunday statement, the hard drugs were meant to be smuggled in and out of Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).

Babafemi said some suspects were apprehended


“A businessman, Abdulwahab Owolabi Alebiosu was on Thursday 18th July 2024 arrested at his Horizon Court, Lekki, Lagos residence after a consignment of 40 parcels of Loud weighing 20.30 kilograms hidden in packs of chessboards, scrabbles, checkers, and poker set, brought in from Canada on a British Airways flight was intercepted at the SAHCO import shed of the Lagos airport during a t examination of the cargo with men of Customs Service,” the statement read.

“A search of his home also led to the recovery of more exhibits including some drug paraphernalia, such as a weighing scale, and cannabis potency test kit, while four vaping machines were recovered from his business premises on iralty Way, Lekki. A Mikano black truck with registration number FST 657 HP was also recovered from his house.

“In the same vein, NDLEA operatives at the NAHCO export shed of the MMIA on Friday 19th July intercepted two jumbo bags going to Pakistan. The bags contained dried hibiscus leaves, dried bitter leaves and other food items, which were used to conceal four parcels of cocaine and 14 parcels of Loud, both weighing 1.360kg. Further investigations led to the arrest of a businesswoman, Eze Queen Ogechi who claimed she was sending the illicit consignment to Pakistan on the instruction of her brother, Eze Nnamdi Promise based in the South Asia country.

“Also at the Lagos airport, NDLEA operatives attached to Terminal II, Departure Gate of the MMIA, on Thursday 18th July intercepted a male Beninese enger, Orobi Adoubi Amen, travelling with a bag containing some female native dresses. The suspect was going to Dubai via Accra, Ghana on an Air Peace Airline flight and a connecting flight to Dubai, UAE on Emirates Airline. A thorough search of the bag revealed eight parcels of Loud weighing 2.10kg were concealed in the ladies’ native wears. The suspect claimed he was given the consignment for a fee of N600,000 on successful delivery in Dubai.”

On his part, the NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) commended anti-narcotics officers for the seizures.

He said that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country are well appreciated, urging them not to rest on their oars but continue to intensify ongoing drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts

A photo combination of Simon Ekpa and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.


Enugu State Governor, Governor Peter Mbah, has accused a Finland-based Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, of murdering and terrorising residents of Nigeria’s South-East.


Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the IPOB, has been allegedly linked to some deadly attacks and enforcement of illegal sit-at-home orders in the region.

The governor who received of the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence in Enugu, accused the Biafra agitator of being a “scammer” who has been “feeding fat” on the suffering of Igbos.

“It is surprising that the Finnish government allows this man to reside peacefully in their country and then perpetrate terrorism in Nigeria,” Mbah said.

“And I think this is something your committee may have to wade into and see how this guy can be repatriated and then be brought to justice.

“Through his (Ekpa) statements and his actions, a lot of people have died and he continues in that trajectory. So, this is a tragedy that we must all work as a country to end. He doesn’t represent the Igbo interest.”

According to the governor, his istration has ended the illegal sit-at-home situation in the state and will remain determined to ensure the safety of all residents.

He also called on young people in the South-east not to yield to Mr Ekpa’s antics and vowed that the state government would not be intimidated by the agitators’ threats.

“As you may also have noticed recently, they have continued to make attempts, particularly, that megalomaniac (Ekpa), who ironically resides with his family peacefully in Finland, a country where the rule of law reigns, but he encourages anarchy here and goad some of our youths to their self-destruction.

“This is also a business for him (Ekpa), pretending to be fighting for Igbo’s interest, but does not know anything about the Igbo or have their interest at heart,” he stated.

Deputy National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress Nze Chidi Duru, shares his thoughts with ADEBAYO FOLORUNSHO-FRANCIS, about the economic hardship in the country, President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, and the political crisis rocking Kano and Rivers states, among other issues

What’s your assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s government after one year considering the legal fireworks he faced after his election victory and the current hardship?

Well, challenging times, one will say. I also recognise that there was a legal challenge after the presidential election. That is to be expected in the history of elections in Nigeria, whether at the local government, state, or federal level. It is always anticipated that the opposition party will seek recourse in the law court. So, that was factored in. It is a very strong possibility that the party that lost the election may seek justice in court.

Having said that, our party has always recognised the fact that the current challenging economic environment has not in any way got better. But we do recognise when Mr President took over, he asked Nigerians not to pity him. It is an office that he craved, worked hard for it, and offered himself to provide leadership to Nigeria.

It is that leadership Nigerians are looking forward to. So, the past year has been a learning curve and helping the government to come to a determination on what needs to be done to steer the ship of the state in the direction that will address the immediate needs of the Nigerian people, put food on the table, shelter over their head, and of course, provide security and protection for life and property in Nigeria.

I think that it’s been tough times. But we hope that as we get into the second year, the building blocks that have been put in place will begin to show traction in the directions that Nigerians will see.

Many are of the view that Nigerians are running out of patience. How much longer do they have to wait for the promised dividend of democracy?

I believe we’re saying the same thing, whether as a Nigerian citizen or as a member of a political party. We recognise the (economic) difficulty in the land and hope it won’t last. If anything, it would help to spur our leaders and the government in office, which incidentally is a party, to begin to work harder to ensure that they address the concerns of Nigerians. There is hunger in the land. That is not in dispute. There are difficulties and those difficulties are noticeable.

What Nigerians will like to see is that the government represents the interests in helping in a very holistic manner to address all of these challenges. Yes, the comfort zone that every government will always have within a few months or a maximum of one year in office, I think, has lapsed on May 29. After that, the citizens will start holding the government to task. We should be able to look at those issues and see how they can be addressed.

The party and people in government are not different from Nigerians. We shop in the same market and stay in the same places as Nigerians who are not of our party. In the end, what will give the party and Nigerians comfort to consider re-electing government into office will be if we meet the yearnings and aspirations of the average person on the street. It is a task that is before us and it is one that I’m confident that we should be able to discharge.

In the end, the people who will judge will be the Nigerian electorate. They will speak on how far we’ve performed based on the mandate given to us. What gives confidence is that Mr President is very much aware of the expectations of the person on the street. The minimum expectation will be that they need to be comfortable. They want a level playing field, food on the table and their issues to be addressed. Then, of course, more importantly, they need also to be proud of their country, Nigeria.

While the hardship continues, the opposition appears to be watching and taking notes. Are you not worried that the ongoing reforms of Mr President may be counter-productive?

If the opposition is playing their game, and I believe they are, they may spotlight where our government is not doing well. It will not be unexpected that they would like to exploit areas of weakness and may not want to address the areas of strength. Of course, that is the role of opposition and we welcome that. If anything else, it will help to put us more on our toes and show us where we need to do better and areas that we can continue to do well and improve on.

That, in my view, is why I always canvass that in any democracy, you need a very effective and efficient opposition in that environment to flourish because, at the end of the day, it is only the opposition that guarantees that governments in power are held able. Any government in power will only do those things that are pleasing to the general electorate because they are conscious of the fact that if you go for election and do not carry the masses along and do not do things that are in or meet the expectations of the average person, you will lose the election.

So, that puts you on your toes to be aware, alert, and vigilant to do those things that meet the minimum requirements of citizens. That is very helpful. I do not see it as negative. I see it from an ethical perspective as a searchlight on our party and government to go back and take stock.

We need to listen to the opposition and see where they are headed. It helps us to improve our engagement with Nigeria. So, we are not in any way living in the cloud. We understand what is available. We understand what is at play and will do what is right to address those concerns.

What’s your position on the rumoured merger or alliance between the mega opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party which seems to be gathering momentum?

On a very personal level, I am an advocate of the two-party system in Nigeria. The multiplicity of political parties is not helpful. If anything else, it makes it impossible for citizens and the electorate to hold political platforms able to their manifestoes and ideologies. But with the two political parties throwing different alternative views, it is easier for citizens to first understand the difference between Party A and Party B. More importantly, it is also easier for the two political parties to send their messages across and be able to educate the electorate on what they represent and what they intend to do if and when elected into office.

It is then also possible for the opposing party or the party in government to immediately own its ideology and manifesto and be able to quickly implement them. If they are not doing that, the other political party can spotlight that to the people. So, on a personal level, I welcome that engagement. My only hope will be that they come to a completion of that undertaking, in the sense that the major parties can fuse into an alternative platform to our party.

Having said that, we are very confident that as the APC, we will continue to be aware of the likelihood of the coming together of those two political parties and, of course, be in a position to address the issues that are on the table before us in a way that does not allow them to even have a stake in winning the presidency. Failure to do that will mean a certain death, in of losing the election, as it happened in 2015.

It will always be a warning to any party in government in Nigeria that it has happened before and may happen again. So, we are very conscious of that, and we are confident that given the time and place that we live in, we still have enough time to address the issues confronting the average Nigerian.

The last three months have been a turbulent one for APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, following a series of legal fireworks and aborted moves to remove him from office. What are you doing to address North Central stakeholders’ agitation?

I don’t speak for the North-Central and will not seek to speak for them. I know that a decision was reached at the last NEC meeting, where a re-basketing of office was done and the national chairman was moved from the North-Central to the North-West while the national legal adviser moved from the North-West to the North-Central. It was based on such arrangement that His Excellency, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, was then elected as the national chairman of the APC.

Having said this, it is not impossible, and it should be expected that in the context of political power, parties, personalities, and institutions may not necessarily see things from one way. That’s what it is with human endeavour because it is from a different perspective. So, if there is a growing contestation on the part of the stakeholders from the North-Central, it should be expected in party politics that it could happen so long as they confine themselves within the ambit of the law.

It is more than welcome. What will not be welcome is if they resort to self-help in the activation of their expectations. As far as I can see within the rank and file of the APC, the position of the national chairman has been zoned to the North-West. It was on that basis that Ganduje emerged as the national chairman of the party.

If there will be changes to that, there is always a normal way within our party constitution that it can be done. Unless that is triggered and accepted by the party leadership at the highest level, the so-called agitation remains what it is, an agitation within the framework of democracy. We must allow democracy to flourish. The minority will have their say and the majority will have their way.

Many fear that the APC may lose Kano State again in 2027 over Rabiu Kwankwaso, Ganduje feud. Why is it difficult for the President to bring these former allies together?

We are aware that the APC is not in control of Kano State. If anything, else, the New Nigeria Peoples Party is the ruling party in the state and the APC is not contesting it. We are law-abiding citizens by the institution. The moment the matter was foreclosed and concluded at the Supreme Court, for the APC, it represents the finality of the decision. The APC had done everything that could be done to show that it respects the law and s government across the country, whether it is an APC state or any other party that is in opposition.

There had not been any issue of the party at the centre, which is the APC, using its privileged position to undermine democratic institutions in states that are not an APC system. It is on that score that we also expect that in the interests of the overriding position that our party has expressed at the centre, the state should be seen to also act in a manner that seems to suggest accommodation of diverse views.

These diverse views speak to the issues around providing dividends of democracy for the citizens, guaranteeing security, and the provision of necessities of life as it should be. About the question of Kano State, we know there is a lot the government of that state can do for the citizens than to continue to engage in acts that will exacerbate the already tense situation, not only in Kano State but also in the larger Nigerian society.

We hope and pray that the (NNPP) government will recognise the hand of fellowship extended to the state by the government of the APC at the centre and realign itself to working for the benefit of its people and guaranteeing peace and security in Nigeria and not continue to instigate moves that will appear to be an interference in the other political party.

The President of Nigeria, specifically, is not the president of one political party. The moment His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was elected, he became the President of the Republic of Nigeria, and it will not be expected that he will begin to involve himself in inter-party issues so as not to be accused of promoting the interests of the APC against the larger interests of Nigerian citizens.

One way to go is when he is seen ing APC engagements; he will be accused of being partisan. If he goes against the APC and s another party, he will be seen to be doing anti-party activity. So, he is in a no-win position and that is why we call on the stakeholders to rise to the occasion and become statesmen in their areas of activity and only do such things that will be seen to promote good governance.

Again, is there an outside chance that both Kwankwaso and Ganduje can be appeased to reconcile?

I will not know. But being human and an optimist, one will believe that as statesmen, these are respected citizens not only in Kano State but also in Nigeria. The time is now for the government of Kano State to rise to the occasion and provide leadership in the state. It must ensure that whatever undertaking it takes will lead to providing governance for the people.

That is the minimum that the people of Kano State will expect and guarantee not to engage in activities that may harden the opposition and may trigger issues of unrest in the state, which will resonate beyond the frontiers of Kano State to nearby states, if not across Nigeria. Kano State is that important in the affairs of not only governance but more importantly, the economy to be allowed to degenerate to a level where we cannot guarantee the safety of property and life within Kano State.

I think that will always be a guiding principle, and I also believe that it will not go beyond what we are currently seeing. I think there will be some attempts by stakeholders and the two personalities involved to come to some measure of understanding that they need to work together for the interests of the people.

What are your fears concerning the fate of the 25 lawmakers in the ongoing crisis rocking Rivers State?

I believe in integrity and the political process. There is a plethora of cases that the law court has pronounced on people moving from one party to another when they hold the ticket of another political party. If there are doubts as to the fate of those who have moved from one party to another, we need to call up the decisions of the court both at the trial court and at the highest level, which is the Supreme Court.

The laws of our land are no respecter of persons, whether you are in the APC, PDP, Labour Party, or any other political party. Once you make a decision, you are then bound by the laws of the state. So, we are not in any doubt about what the position of the law is, and we think that the players have conducted themselves in a very irable manner, in not taking to self-help in pursuing their grievances and expectations within the four walls of the law court. Whatever the pronouncement of the court, we will be bound by it.

So, you are not entertaining any fear or losing sleep over their issue.

I do not think that I am on a personal level, and I don’t think as a political party, we are losing any sleep in respect to that. If anything, else, the APC has continued to project itself as an institution that is bound by the law and respects the law. If there are decisions of the law court on any particular decision, the party has always obeyed those decisions. I don’t think Rivers State, or any other one will be different in this consideration.

With the biting economic hardship in the country, are you still optimistic that Nigerians will accept another Tinubu presidency in 2027?

In the life of a country, four years is like yesterday. It is from that point of view every political office holder or politician always knows that from the first date in office, the electorate and the citizens who elected you to office and those who did not elect you will begin to track your performance as a result of that. They can then take a decision one way or the other, whether or not to re-elect you. That is my opinion on the first part of the question.

Concerning whether we will be re-elected, as a democrat and in my personal view, we have always canvassed that unless His Excellency President Bola Tinubu will not contest, the APC government is bound to be represented by our candidate in 2027 to fly the flag for the simple reason that I want to bring up. Of course, there is the incumbency factor.

An elected person will always have the first right of refusal and there will be no need for anybody within the party to contest against an incumbent, whether it is at the local government, state or federal level if that person has an unexpired term. Therefore, he is bound to become our candidate in 2027. It is on that that it is important for us as a party to be sure that the direction of the government and its policies will be such that will meet the expectations of Nigerians.

If it is not, as a party, we will be challenged at the next election and may likely witness a repeat of what happened in 2015, which no party member will like. Therefore, our party will need to rise and begin to ensure these policies address the existential needs of Nigerians and them as well as to create employment and put food on the table. More importantly, they must allow Nigerians to flourish in their chosen fields. If these are done, the guarantee of re-election is there.

The Debt Management Office is offering three Federal Government of Nigeria bonds valued at N300 billion for subscription at N1,000 per unit.

According to the DMO in a statement on Friday, the first offer is an April 2029 FGN bond valued at N100 billion, at interest an rate of 19.30 per cent per annum (five-year re-opening).

The second offer is a February 2031 FGN valued at N100 billion, at an interest rate of 18.50 per cent per annum (seven-year re-opening).

There is also the May 2033 FGN bond, valued at N100 billion, at 19.88 per cent interest rate per annum (nine-year re-opening).

They are offered at N1,000 per unit subject to a minimum subscription of N50 million and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter.

“Interest is payable semi-annually, while bullet repayment (principal sum) is on the maturity date,” the DMO said.

It said that for the re-opening of previously issued bonds, successful bidders would pay a price corresponding to the yield-to-maturity bid that clears the volume being auctioned, plus any accrued interest on the instrument.

According to the DMO, FGN bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government of Nigeria and are charged upon the general assets of Nigeria.

“They qualify as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustee Investment Act.

“They qualify as government securities within the meaning of Company Income Tax Act, and Personal Income Tax Act for tax exemption for pension funds amongst other investors.

“They are listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited and FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange,” it said.

It said that all FGN bonds qualify as liquid assets for liquidity ratio calculation for banks.

The Lagos State Government has announced a 90-day traffic diversion for motorists on the Odo Iya Alaro Bridge, which will commence on Monday, July 22, 2024.

According to a statement issued on Thursday, July 18, 2024, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi stated that the diversion is due to the deplorable state of the asphalt pavement and expansion ts on the Odo Iya Alaro Bridge.

Osiyemi noted that the diversion would be done in two phases — the Ojota bound lane and the Yaba/Ojuelegba/Maryland bound lane, respectively. At the same time, alternative routes had been mapped out for each phase of the repairs.

The statement read, “For the first phase of the repairs, motorists heading to Ojota from Maryland/Yaba will be diverted into a counter flow on the lane inbound Maryland while motorists heading to Yaba from Ojota will continue their journeys on the same lane.

“Alternately, motorists from Berger, Magodo and Tollgate along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are advised to go through the Alapere/Ogudu axis inward Gbagada/Anthony Oke Bridge to descend the ramp and access Ikorodu Road to continue their journeys.

“Motorists coming from Ikeja, Oregun and Kudirat Abiola Way are advised to use the Opebi Link Bridge to connect Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way inwards Sheraton through Maryland to access Ikorodu Road and navigate their ways.”

The statement also added that “motorists from Jibowu are advised to use the Ikorodu Road Service lane by Mobil Fuel Station/Bertola Engineering Equipment Company to access the Gbagada/Ogudu axis to continue their journeys.”

However, if the motorists “miss the turning by the Mobil Fuel Station and Bertola Engineering Equipment Company, they can also use Theodolite to link Anthony Oke Ramp and Ikorodu Road again to access the Town Planning Way inward Gbagada/Ogudu/Alapere axis to proceed with their journeys.”

“Motorists from Jibowu heading to Ikeja, Magodo, Berger and Lagos Ibadan Expressway can use Maryland inwards Mobolaji Bank Anthony to link Sheraton/Opebi to Allen Avenue/Obafemi Awolowo Way and access Nurudeen Olowopopo Road to continue their journeys.

Alternatively, after going through the Opebi Link Bridge, they can also make use of Kudirat Abiola Way to access Ikosi Road inwards Mobolaji Johnson Avenue/7up to connect Nurudeen Olowopopo Road and access their desired destinations,” the statement read.

While explaining the second phase of the repair works, the commissioner noted that “motorists inward Maryland/Yaba from Ojota will be diverted into a counter flow on the lane inbound Ojota while motorists from Maryland will continue their journey on the same lane.”

For the alternative routes, motorists “from Berger, Magodo and Toll Gate can use Alapere inwards Gbagada to link the Anthony Oke Ramp to connect Ikorodu Road and access their desired destinations. Similarly, motorists coming from Ikorodu/ Ketu can utilise the Ojota Ramp Bridge to link Alapere and continue their journeys as explained above.

“Motorists from Ikeja, Oregun and Kudirat Abiola Way are advised to use the Opebi Link Bridge inwards Mobolaji Bank Anthony/Sheraton and come out at Maryland to enter Ikorodu Road and continue their journeys.”

“The aforementioned alternative routes for motorists heading to Ikeja, Magodo, Berger and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway from Jibowu during the first phase are also available during the second phase of the repairs,” the statement explained.

The Commissioner appealed to the public ” to cooperate with the interventions put in place during the repairs” as he assured that traffic management personnel would be on the ground to ensure a steady traffic flow.

Igbo elders have asked Igbo living in other parts of Nigeria to shun the planned nationwide protest against hardship from August.

A statement by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro on Tuesday said the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, the Ohaneze Ndigbo, has cautioned against the protests due to historical antecedents where Igbo people have suffered disproportionately in the aftermath of major protests and riots.

Isiguzoro said the Igbo usually bear the brunt of any major protests nationwide where their lives and properties are destroyed across Nigeria.

The elder highlighted several past events, including the 1978 “Ali Must Go” protests, the 1989 anti-SAP riots, the 1993 June 12 protests, the 2012 Occupy Nigeria protests, and the 2020 EndSARS protests, where the Igbo reportedly faced significant losses of lives and property.

The statement said, “First and foremost, the prevailing security challenges in the Southeast region pose insurmountable obstacles to the safe conduct of protests and riots.

“In recognition of this reality, any nationwide protest scheduled within the Southeast is hereby revoked, with a clear directive that the Igbo will not partake.”

Isiguzoro added that forcing such protests risks exacerbating the existing security dilemmas in the Southeast, creating opportunities for criminal elements and external Igbo detractors to exploit the situation and instigate further chaos.

“Secondly, the fear of Igbo once again being perceived as sacrificial lambs in the forthcoming nationwide protests is a legitimate concern.

“In this regard, Ohaneze Ndigbo calls upon Igbo residents in the 19 northern states and southwestern regions to boycott the looming protests for their safety and security.”

The Zone A Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, announced that it intercepted 150 cartons of bulletproof jackets worth N1.687bn.

Addressing journalists in Ikeja, the Customs Area Controller in charge of the unit, Kola Oladeji, said the contrabands were intercepted along the Ijebuode-Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State.

Oladeji explained that each carton contains 10 packs of the jacket, adding that these contrabands were seized in June.

He explained that under Schedule 4 of the Customs Common External Tariff, the importation of all kinds of military wares by individuals was under absolute prohibition.

“An end- certificate is required for the importation of controlled items and products into Nigeria and it comes from the Office of the National Security Adviser,” Oladeji said.

Oladeji vowed that the unit was working on credible intelligence to get the importers of these contrabands.

“These seizures were unique because it was a breach of security, no end--certificate.

“Because you get the certificate before you can bring your cargo and if you bring it after importation we will arrest you,” he said.

Oladeji said the unit also intercepted kilograms of cannabis sativa and expired drugs within the period under review.

“Our dedicated officers also intercepted 989kg of cannabis sativa and 5,229 cartons of expired drugs,”

According to him, some of the interceptions took place at various times and locations within states in the South-West.

“Other items seized include, 343,750 litres of Motor Spirit, 7,150 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 32 units of used vehicles, 120 bags of sugar, 3,560 cartons of poultry products,” the Oladeji said.

He stated that four suspects were arrested in connection with the various offenses, “including violating import/export guidelines, concealment, wrong classification, smuggling, and contravening policy directives,”

He disclosed that the cumulative duty paid value of the various intercepted goods amounts to N3.6bn.

Oladeji said the unit also recovered the sum of N62m as revenue for June 2024 through documentary checks and the issuance of demand notices on consignments that were found to have paid lesser amounts than the appropriate duties.

He urged Nigerians to provide the service with useful and timely information that would lead to the arrest of illegal importation of military wares, illicit drugs, and counterfeit goods.

“Importers and licensed agents are also urged to make sincere declarations, adhere to existing import and export guidelines, and avoid the risk of losing their goods,” he said.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, said on Thursday a new curriculum would be introduced for secondary schools nationwide by September 2024.

Tahir made this known at the ongoing 2024 t issions and Matriculation Board policy meeting in Abuja.

“We are working hard to ensure that a new curriculum is introduced for secondary schools by September,” Mamman said.

Mamman noted that the exercise has been on for the past year and a stakeholders meeting will be held on August 6, 2024.

“It is our plan that by September, this programme will be implemented in all schools, public and private,” the minister said.

Recently, the National Senior Secondary School Education Commission decried the deplorable state of senior secondary schools in the country and called for collaboration to overcome some of the challenges bedevilling the secondary level of education in the country.

The commission listed some of the challenges confronting the sector, including infrastructural deficit, unqualified teachers, obsolete curriculum, and deplorable libraries and laboratories.

It was also noted that plans were ongoing to introduce a new curriculum.

Cryptocurrency exchange, OKX, has announced plans to discontinue its services in Nigeria, citing recent changes in local laws and regulations.

The exchange, in a statement sent directly to its s on Wednesday, said this decision was based on its ongoing assessment of policies in the markets it serves.

“We are discontinuing OKX services in Nigeria after recent changes in local laws and regulations.

“From August 16, 2024, our customers will no longer be able to open any new positions or access any services on the platform, with the exception of withdrawals and closing/redemption of open positions,” the statement read.

The company said from August 16, s “will only be able to withdraw your assets; you will not be able to deposit or transact otherwise.”

“While your funds remain secure and accessible in your , we highly encourage you to withdraw them to your private wallet or your s on other third-party platforms by 12:00 am (PST) on August 30, 2024.

“After August 30, 2024, you will have to reach out to our customer service teams for any related actions. We strongly encourage you to withdraw or transfer funds prior to this date, as remaining balances may be subject to further restrictions in accordance with our of Service along with local laws,” the statement concluded.

The Federal Government has repatriated a total of 190 Nigerians from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

According to a statement by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), signed by its Director General, Director, North Central Zone, Bashir Garga, on Tuesday, the returnees were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 5:57 am, by a combined team of government officials led by NEMA.

NEMA said the returnees have been profiled and documented by the relevant agencies, and sensitized to “behave with decorum and responsibility” on their return to Nigeria.

“The federal government urges all Nigerians, wherever they may be, to act as exemplary ambassadors of their country, upholding the fundamental values of patriotism, rule of law, decency and integrity.”

It would be recalled that in October 2022, FG repatriated a total of 542 from UAE.

Nigerians Can Obtain UAE Visas
Meanwhile, the Federal Government said it has reached an agreement with the UAE to allow Nigerian port holders to obtain visas for travel to that Arab nation starting July 15, 2024.

The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday when he briefed State House correspondents following the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

“Following successful talks and extensive, mutually beneficial negotiations between the Government of the United Arab Emirates and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, an agreement was reached allowing for the resumption of travel to the UAE for Nigerian port holders,” he said.

“This agreement includes updated controls and conditions to facilitate obtaining a UAE visa.

“The resumption of visas will be effective from July 15, 2024.”

The minister added that Nigerians wishing to learn more about the updated visa conditions from the UAE can visit the country’s website.

The announcement comes more than two years after the UAE suspended visa issuance to Nigerians following a period of protracted diplomatic row with Africa’s most populous nation.

It also comes about two months after UAE national carrier Emirates Airlines announced the resumption of flights to Nigeria. The airline said in May that its daily Lagos-Dubai flights would resume from October 1, 2024.

Donald Trump received a hero’s welcome Monday as he entered the Republican National Convention arena with a bandaged right ear in his first public appearance since being wounded in a weekend assassination attempt.

Hours after winning the formal nomination to be the Republican presidential candidate and announcing right-wing Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate, Trump marched into Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum flanked by aides and waved at ers on the opening day of what is expected to be a triumphalist gathering.

Trump, who is due to give a formal acceptance speech on Thursday, took his seat to the sound of country singer Lee Greenwood’s patriotic hit “God Bless the USA” without delivering any remarks but appeared markedly moved by the rapt ovation he received from a packed venue.

“It was absolutely amazing. I mean, just thinking what he’s been through, and to come here today because he really cares,” Illinois delegate Susan Sweeney told AFP on the convention floor.

It was the second huge moment of the day for the Republican crowd, which erupted into cheers earlier as Trump announced Vance, just 39, as his vice presidential pick, rewarding a one-time harsh critic who has become one of his most uncompromising ers.

While Trump, 78, is increasingly confident of a shock return to the White House — despite multiple legal problems and two impeachments clouding his first term — President Joe Biden is reeling from weak polls and Democratic concerns over his health.

The standard-bearer for a new kind of populism that has come to the fore under Trump, Vance is also one of the least experienced VP picks in modern history.

But he embraces the ex-president’s isolationist, anti-immigration America First movement and is even further to the right than his new boss on some issues — including abortion, where he embraces calls for federal legislation.

– Strong polling –

He initially made his name with the 2016 memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” a best-selling of his Appalachian family and modest Rust Belt upbringing that gave a voice to rural, working-class resentment in left-behind America.

Turning his back on previous Republican opposition to Trump, whom he once said might be “America’s Hitler,” Vance reinvented himself and ultimately won the ex-president’s endorsement in the 2022 Ohio Senate race, launching his meteoric rise.

Some 50,000 Republicans descended on the shores of Lake Michigan for the four-day convention, four months before election day.

The gathering comes with the country reeling from a botched attempt by a gunman to kill Trump at a rally in Butler, western Pennsylvania on Saturday.

The attack — which killed one bystander and left Trump with a bloodied ear that required a bandage — was expected to dominate proceedings.

Leading in multiple polls, despite being convicted in his hush-money criminal case in New York, Trump is exuding confidence.

At 81, Biden meanwhile is facing calls from his own side to quit the race over concerns around his age.

His campaign released a statement saying the Trump-Vance agenda would “take away Americans’ rights, hurt the middle class, and make life more expensive — all while benefiting the ultra-rich and greedy corporations.”

– Message of unity –

Trump told the New York Post he had “prepared an extremely tough speech” about Biden’s “horrible istration” to deliver at the convention.

As some Republicans — including Vance — sought to blame Democrats’ anti-Trump rhetoric for the attack, Trump said he had torn up that version in favor of one he hopes will “unite our country.”

Still, that means him having to rein in the instinct to settle scores — demonstrated by his cry for ers to “fight” in the seconds after Saturday’s attack.

A diminished figure after his 2020 election loss and a subsequent riot at the Capitol by his ers, Trump has spent much of the last four years reshaping Republican politics.

Installing loyalists including his daughter-in-law Lara Trump atop the Republican National Committee, the billionaire has effectively crushed dissent within the party.

He scored another victory Monday as a judge dismissed one of the criminal cases against him, concerning accusations he endangered national security by holding on to top secret documents after leaving the White House.