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The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has urged President Bola Tinubu and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) not to go to war with Niger Republic over the recent coup in the country. The national chairman of the party, Falalu Bello, made the party’s position known in a statement in Abuja. The statement said the party viewed war option as “not in the interests of Nigeria, Niger and ECOWAS,” “War would destabilise the entire Sahelian region and could lead to the spread of violence and instability to other countries in the West African subregion. “There exists an excellent neighbourliness and good relationship between the two countries that are closely linked economically, culturally and geographically. “It will be tragic if these relationships for centuries a...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it will venture into value addition by organising an operation tagged “show of readiness” to ensure all citizens are involved in saving lives. The Corps public education officer, (CPEO) assistant corps marshal (ACM), Bisi Kazeem, disclosed this on Sunday in Abuja. Mr Kazeem said that the decision was based on the review of the 2022 ember months performance and the need to break new grounds and upgrade the operating system. He said that the operation would be given adequate media coverage across the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He, however, said that the value addition would include organising simulation scenarios. This would be aimed at showcasing a new perspective to the corps operating system on rescue...

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has presented a N10 million relief package to soldiers wounded in the ongoing fight against insurgents in the state. The package was presented to general officer commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Maiduguri, Maj.-Gen. Peter Malla by the Borno commissioner of information and security, Usman Tar and the permanent secretary Government House, Mustapha Busuguma. During the presentation, Mr Tar said the package was a fulfillment of the pledge made by Mr Zulum during the Eid-el-Kabir lunch for troops in Eid-el-Kabirorganised by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. “We are here to fulfill the pledge made by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum. “You may recall that the governor was here on a Sallah da...

The Multinational Joint Tasks Force (MNJTF) combating insurgency in the Lake Chad region said it has continued to record mass surrender of insurgents. A statement on Saturday by the spokesman of the task force, Lt.-Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, said the development was due to the intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations adopted by the task force. In the wake of escalated kinetic and non-kinetic operations by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), coupled with a dwindling logistic supply in Boko Haram hideouts, mass surrenders rattle Boko Haram insurgents. “Over a span of two days, from 14 to 15 August 2023, four key Boko Haram commanders, 13 main fighters, and a total of 45 family members, laid down their arms and surrendered to troops of Sector 3 MNJTF in Cross Kauwa and B...

President Bola Tinubu has approved the redeployment of Engr. Abubakar Momoh from the Federal Ministry of Youth to the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Development. The Federal Ministry of Youth is to be re-assigned to a Minister-Designate soon. The Ministers-Designate allocated to the Federal Ministries of Transportation, Interior, and Marine & Blue Economy have been reshuffled as follows: (A) H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola is redeployed as the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy (B) Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo is redeployed as the Honourable Minister of Interior (C) Hon. Sa'idu Alkali is redeployed as the Honourable Minister of Transportation Furthermore, both Ministers of State in the Oil & Gas sector are now domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resourc...

President Bola Tinubu has announced the shake up of some ministers in the newly announced Ministerial Portfolios. The president redeployed Adegboyega Oyetola from the Ministry of Transportation to the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. Abubakar Momoh has also been moved from the Federal Ministry of Youth to the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Development. Additionally, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo has been redeployed to the Ministry of Interior and Sa'idu Alkali has been appointed as the new Minister of Transportation. Presidential Spokesman Ajuri Ngelale made these announcement in a statement on Sunday evening. Furthermore, Ngelale announced that a Minister-Designate will soon be assigned to the Federal Ministry of Youth. The statement added, “Furthermore, both Ministers of State ...

By Gami Tadanyigbe  The Kuje Area Council Lawyers Forum, in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, on Saturday held a fitness walk exercise to enable its members keep fit for healthy living and for public awareness/sensitisation of the Forum in the area.  The Chairman of Kuje Lawyers Forum, Barrister Clement Enema Ojotule Esq, who talked to newsmen during the fitness exercise said it is aimed at improving and maintaining the overall health conditions of the members.  Barrister Clement said the essence of the Forum which is still under Gwagwalada branch is to bring together Lawyers within the area to interact, meet, know themselves and make demands for their welfare.  According to him, the Forum has been working towards becoming a Branch, adding ...

As traditionalists in Oyo state gather to celebrate this year's Isese Day, the Araba of Ibadanland and Olu Isese of Ibadanland, Chief Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola II has called for religious tolerance among the worshippers of the three religions in the country. Odegbola while speaking to journalists at the Mapo Hall venue of the celebration, called for understanding and tolerance among the three religions in the country. "Isese Day celebration is about celebrating our roots as human beings. It is about offering prayers for peace and development of our dear state and the country at large. We are also using the day to offer prayers for all traditionalists and also to preach for religious tolerance among the three major religions in the country." While reacting to Governor Seyi Makinde...

England were beaten at the last hurdle as Olga Carmona's superb strike was enough for Spain to win 1-0 and lift the Women's World Cup trophy for the first time. The 2023 FIFA women's world cup came to a close on Sunday as the spanish team defeated the lioness of England. The Lionesses were unable to replicate their Euros success from last summer as they were masters of their own downfall after a tepid first half. Spain dominated not only the possession, but the overall play as England were guilty of making poor errors and it was a Lucy Bronze giveaway in midfield that eventually allowed Carmona to rifle home a superb effort in the 29th minute. Both teams pressed for another goal but, ultimately, Spain took advantage of their big moment while for England it was a step too far. ...

The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) has expressed their contemptentment in the appointment of former governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike as the FCT minister. The group commended President Bola Tinubu for the choice by ensuring that round pegs are placed in round holes. The group also charged Nyesom Wike to quickly address the persistent traffic gridlock along the Nyanya-Mararaba route. AYA, while acknowledging the remarkable achievements of Mr. Wike during his tenure as governor, noted his dedication to public service, development initiatives and commitment to the welfare of his constituents. AYA in a statement issued by Mohammed Salihu Danlami pledged support to the new minister and urged all residents of the FCT to support him, stressing that Wike had demonstrated exceptional l...

The Fellowship of Gospel Music Ministers of Nigeria (FOGMMON) Abuja Chapter, has donated food and non-food items to orphans at the Abuja Children's home, as part of activities to celebrate its eight year anniversary. Mr Emmanuel Nsubong, Coordinator, FOGMMON FCT Assembly, said the aim of the donation was to celebrate with the children and to make them feel special and loved, despite the economic situation in the country. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items donated include; rice, bottled water, indomie noodles, spaghetti, detergents, beverages, vegetable oil, clothes, shoes, bags, among others. He said the group which came into existence on the Aug. 18, 2014 was out to give back to the less privileged and vulnerable groups in the country. "Today, we are cele...

The Ibadan Zonal Command of EFCC and the Oyo/Osun Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) are joining forces to tackle illegal mining activities in the two states. EFCC’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed in a statement on Friday that agencies made the commitment when the commission’s acting zonal commander, Halima Rufa’u, visited NCS’s Oyo/Osun area controller, Babajide Jaiyeoba. He said Ms Rufa’u, who expressed her delight at the warm reception accorded her, decried the threats posed by activities of illegal solid mineral operators in the zone to national economic growth. “It saddens me to see that our natural resources that should have been used to develop our country, build good health facilities, alleviate poverty, and improve our education system are being mism...

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has declared Monday as a work-free day for the state’s public servants to commemorate the 2023 Isese Day. The Isese Day in Lagos is to celebrate the indigenous Yoruba culture and traditions and preserve the Yoruba heritage. In a circular issued by the Lagos state head of service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, this year’s Isese Day celebration would hold on Sunday. Mr Muri-Okunola said that the declaration of a work-free day by Mr Sanwo-Olu was a reaffirmation of his commitment to continue to provide necessary support to traditional institutions in the state. ”This is with a view to promoting our indigenous culture and tradition while preserving our heritage,” he said. According to him, the state workers are to resume work on Tuesday.

The Silver Cross Hospital, Abuja and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kubwa 1st Ward, have taken up the repair of a dilapidated road in Guidna community in the FCT. Guidna Community, under the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) sits along the Kubwa-Kagini express way, in the nation's capital. Dr Patrick Ezie, Chief Medical Director, Silver Cross Hospital, Abuja, said the access road leading to the community has been in a bad state, causing vehicle and motorcycle accidents for a long time. He said that the roads had continued to affect pedestrian and vehicular movement, especially during rainy season. "I know a lot of people that have come to our hospital with fractured or dislocated legs because they tripped over on this road. "Infact the road is usually wo...

Nigerian music superstars David Adeleke, also known as Davido, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema and ace comedian AY Makun have been listed among the ‘100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa’. The stars were named in the ‘Peace building row call’ at unveiling news conference by the organisers on Friday in Abuja. Other Nigerians who made the list include former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo; Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammadu Sa’ad Abubakar and President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adeshina. The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, Cardinal John Oniyekan, Bishop Matthew Hassan-Kukah and renowned tele-evangelist Pastor Chris Oyakhilome also made the list among others. Amb. Kinsley Amafibe, Project Director Africa for the 100 Most...

The current economic hardship took a further toll on an Abuja-based middle-aged woman on Friday as she wept uncontrollably after a wheelbarrow pusher vanished with her food items at Kwaita village market in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to an eyewitness account, the woman, simply identified as Mrs Rebecca Gbaje, broke down in tears when she discovered that the commercial barrow pusher had made away with the foodstuff she bought and loaded in his barrow as is the popular practice by visitors to the market. With her screams and wailings attracting other buyers and even traders to the scene, some of those who gathered could be heard sympathizing with the woman, while others quickly formed volunteer groups and went around the market searching for t...

The Police in Jigawa have arrested a 50-year-old man for alleged murder of his four-year-old stepson in Roni Local Government Area of the state. Police spokesman in the state, DSP Lawan Shiisu, said in Dutse on Friday that the suspect was arrested on August 8. Mr Shiisu said the suspect was arrested at Unguwar Dinya village after the police received a report about the incident on the same date at about 9:00 p.m. He explained that upon receipt of the report, the police rushed to the scene and took the victim to General Hospital Kazaure for medical attention, where he later died while receiving treatment. “On Aug. 8, at about 9 p.m, an ugly information was received from Unguwar Dinya area of Roni LGA of Jigawa that on the same date at about 7:42 p.m., one Salmanu Umar aged 4 of ...

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer Abuja, Aug. 18, 2023 (NAN) The Hotel Owners Forum Abuja (HOFA) has called on the Federal Government to harmonise taxes in the hospitality industry, in line with the global trend. Mrs Oluwafunmilayo Kazeem, President, HOFA said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday adding that such harmonisation would boost revenue generation for hotels and government. She also appealed to the Abuja Metropolitan Area Council (AMAC) to ensure hotel taxes were harmonised in the territory, saying that hotels were paying about 29 different taxes but with the Memorandum of Understanding signed with AMAC, the taxes were reduced to 9. She said that the taxes included Radio and TV License, Sign Post, Liquor License, Mobile Advert, Environ...

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Hotel Owners Forum Abuja (HOFA) has congratulated Mr Nyesom Wike over his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.This is contained in a statement signed by the HOFA President, Mrs Funmi Kazeem on Friday in Abuja.“it is with great joy and enthusiasm that I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Wike, for his recent appointment as the minister of FCT, Abuja.“This remarkable achievement is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service, his exceptional leadership qualities, and dedication to the betterment of our capital city.“HOFA represents a community that greatly appreciates the efforts of individuals who contribute to the growth and development of hospitality and tourism industry.“We rec...