Sunday, November 24

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250 golfers for 2024 IBB Independence Golf and Tennis Tournament
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250 golfers for 2024 IBB Independence Golf and Tennis Tournament

By Victor Okoye No fewer than 250 golfers are set to participate at the IBB Independence Golf and Tennis Tournament 2024, organized by the IBB International Golf and Country Club, to commemorate Nigeria's 64th Independence Day. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event promises to be a vibrant celebration of sportsmanship, national unity, and camaraderie, attracting participants and spectators from across the country and beyond. During a press conference held on Tuesday in Abuja, the Club Captain, Ibrahim Babayo, shared the vision behind the Independence Day Cup. Babayo acknowledged that the country is currently facing economic challenges and a growing trend of emigration, often referred to as the “Japa syndrome.” Despite these hurdles, he emphasized that the...
NECA commends FG on effort to address regulatory bottleneck in businesses
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NECA commends FG on effort to address regulatory bottleneck in businesses

By Joan Nwagwu The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has commended the Federal Government for its ongoing efforts to address regulatory bottlenecks and create a more conducive environment for businesses in Nigeria. Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Vice-President Kashim Shettima had recently inaugurated the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Regulators’ Forum. The PEBEC was charged to compel regulatory agencies to eliminate overlaps and align their actions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for economic growth and improved ease of doing business. Oyerinde described the move as a significant step towards eliminating the ...
Tinubu Congratulates Okpebholo On Edo Governorship Election Victory
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Tinubu Congratulates Okpebholo On Edo Governorship Election Victory

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Sen. Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Saturday’s Edo governorship election, on his victory at the polls. Mr Okpebholo was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, having defeated other contenders for the position. Mr Tinubu commended APC national leaders, Edo leaders and party governors for working hard to achieve victory, Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser, information and strategy, said in a statement. The president said the victory testified the people’s support for the ruling party, progressive ideals, economic reengineering programme and commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians. He urged Mr Okpebholo not to gloat over his victory but to ...
Tinubu Directs EFCC, Customs, Police To Tackle Stolen Vehicle Trafficking
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Tinubu Directs EFCC, Customs, Police To Tackle Stolen Vehicle Trafficking

President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, ordered security and law enforcement agencies to take action against individuals involved in trafficking stolen vehicles.The agencies tasked with this responsibility include: the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Mr Tinubu said Nigeria would continue to work with its international partners to ensure that cyber criminals and organised crime groups involved in transnational car thefts were deprived of the benefits of their illegal activities. The president noted that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies was depriving criminals of the proceeds of their illicit activities, Bayo Onanuga, his special adv...
Edo: INEC Declares APC’s Monday Okpebholo Winner Of Governorship Election
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Edo: INEC Declares APC’s Monday Okpebholo Winner Of Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the Edo State governorship election held on Saturday, September 21, 2024. The electoral commission declared Okpebholo winner of the election on Sunday, saying that he polled a total of 291,667 votes to defeat his closest contender, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored a total 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata, of the Labour Party came a distant third with a total of 22,763 votes. Okpebholo won in 11 local government areas out of the 18 local government areas in the state, while Ighodalo won in the remaining ones. Akpata of the Labour Party lost in all the local government areas including his own local council area, O...
INEC To Probe Allegation Of Wrong Compilation Of Results In Edo
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INEC To Probe Allegation Of Wrong Compilation Of Results In Edo

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will investigate allegations of falsified polling unit results in the Edo governorship election. In a post on its official X page on Saturday, the commission said the complaint is the second received out of the 4,519 polling units in the state. “The Commission’s attention has been drawn to an allegation of wrong figures entered into polling unit result sheets in the ongoing Edo State Governorship election,” the post reads. “This is the second complaint we have received out of the 4,519 polling units used for the election. The Commission will immediately investigate the matter and deal with any proven infraction.” Earlier today, Obozuwa Josephine, a presiding officer of the commission, allegedly recorded more votes...
Edo Guber Poll: INEC Uploads Over 93% Of Polling Units’ Results On IReV
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Edo Guber Poll: INEC Uploads Over 93% Of Polling Units’ Results On IReV

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has uploaded 93.76 percent results of the Edo governorship election on the viewing portal (IReV). A total of 4,237 results out of 4,519 have been uploaded on the IReV. Speaking earlier in an interview with Arise Television, Anugbum Onuoha, the resident electoral commissioner (REC) in Edo, said the governorship election results will be transmitted electronically. Onuoha, however, warned that poor network could hinder the transmission of results to the viewing portal (IReV). You know that we have 4,519 pulling units across the 18 local governments, and so far we have deployed 4,622 BVAS to the various local governments. And we also have backup of 660 BVAS,” he said. “We have trained the operators for the BVAS. They are set....
FG spend $250mn to provide electricity in some universities and teaching hospitals.
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FG spend $250mn to provide electricity in some universities and teaching hospitals.

The Federal Government saysit has spent about 250 million dollars to provide electricity supply to some Federal Universities and teaching hospitals. This initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda to expanding alternative energy access to underserved and unserved rural communities. According to Rural Electrification Agency (REA) the projects were executed under the Energising Education Programme of the Nigeria Electrification Project. The Managing Director of REA, Mr Abba Aliyu said this at a two-day stakeholders engagement forum on the Energizing Education Programme in Abuja on Friday, Aliyu said ''over 250 million dollars has been spent on both phase 11 and 111 of these projects to deploy infrastructure, build distribution network, upgrade sub-stations...
Olugbesan Family Stakeholders To Gbolarunmi: Stay Off Our Family’s Properties
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Olugbesan Family Stakeholders To Gbolarunmi: Stay Off Our Family’s Properties

Stakeholders in the Olugbesan Family of Oke-Agbeni, Ibadan, have urged former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Hazeem Gbolarunmi, to refrain from selling or having anything to do with their properties. In a communiqué released after their monthly meeting on Sunday at the Olugbesan family compound, the stakeholders expressed concern over reports that Mr. Gbolarunmi continues to sell their family land and is attempting to seize additional properties belonging to the Olugbesan family. "Despite our public outcry regarding the illegal sale of our family's land at Olugbesan's village, Mr. Hazeem Gbolarunmi has not ceased this activity. The latest incident involves the unlawful sale of our family's land through one Adeoye Femi (a.k.a Femi Baale and Alfa Leke. We want to state here cate...
Former Vice President of African Women in Leadership Organization, Ulunma inaugurated as 4th President of Rotary Club of Abuja-Aso Golf
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Former Vice President of African Women in Leadership Organization, Ulunma inaugurated as 4th President of Rotary Club of Abuja-Aso Golf

By Victor Okoye Lizzy-Ulunma Asomugha has been installed as the 4th President of the Rotary Club of Abuja -Aso Golf. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presedential ceremony formally installing her in office was held on Thursday at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja The club welcomed some high-profile dignitaries as well as special guests and members to the event, including Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, His excellency (Barr.) Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation, High Chief Sen. Ben Ndi Obi, Sen. Zam , Amb. Biddy Egbo, Amb. Joe Keshi, Amb. Humphrey Orjiako,amongst others. The ceremony signified the beginning of a new chapter of leadership for the club, and provided guests and members to witness the formal installation of a new lea...
Prominent Osiele Family Disowns Member Over Alleged Bisexual Activities
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Prominent Osiele Family Disowns Member Over Alleged Bisexual Activities

…cites shame, disgrace By Samuel Alonge A well-known family in Osiele, Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State, has publicly disowned one of its members, Mr. David Abiodun Popoola, citing embarrassment and disgrace caused by his alleged involvement in serial bisexual practices. The decision was announced over the weekend during a press briefing held by David's paternal aunt, Madam Felicia Popoola, and his maternal uncle, Pastor Tunde Akinwande. In her statement, Madam Popoola expressed deep disappointment, stating, "In all sincerity, we all love David as he is an enterprising member of the family who is married and well-to-do. However, we can no longer stand the shame and disgrace brought upon the family by his involvement in bisexual practice." The family’s decision to ...
FG plans to curtail japa syndrome, irregular migration -Bagudu
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FG plans to curtail japa syndrome, irregular migration -Bagudu

By Joan Nwagwu The Federal Government said it was making strident efforts to curtail irregular migration by Nigerians through policies and programmes that would boost the economy and create employment of the country. Sen.Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning said this at an Anti-Migration Summit organised by a non governmental organisation, the Blacks Ancestral Native Communities (BANC) on Thursday in Abuja. Bagudu said that irregular migration had a lot of unintended negative outcomes such as human trafficking and drug peddling were some of the ills that irregular migration had put the youths into. According to Bagudu, the federal government realises the urgent need to advance Nigerian economy to an enviable level where it can support her leadership status...
NSITF calls for Employees Compensation Scheme coverage for casual workers
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NSITF calls for Employees Compensation Scheme coverage for casual workers

By Joan Nwagwu The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund(NSITF) has called for the Employees Compensation Scheme(ECS) for all casual workers in the country. Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, the Managing Director of the NSITF made the call while delivering a keynote address the 68 Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) on Thursday in Abuja. Faleye said that the ECS coverage was imperative as thousands of casual workers in the construction industry were left outside the coverage with the attendant consequence of abandonment in the event of workplace accidents or death. According to him, I want to bring your attention to an issue that requires our immediate and collective action, and that is the coverage of casual workers under the ECS. “Currently, our prac...
Tinubu Directs VP Shettima To Lead Nigeria’s Delegation To 79th UN General Assembly
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Tinubu Directs VP Shettima To Lead Nigeria’s Delegation To 79th UN General Assembly

President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year. The President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Thursday. “President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the UK, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding. At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings,” the statement indicated. The high-level general debate, with the theme, “Leaving no one behind: Acting...
Court Remands Dad Over Alleged Defilement Of Seven-Year-Old Daughter
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Court Remands Dad Over Alleged Defilement Of Seven-Year-Old Daughter

An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court on Thursday remanded a 53-year-old man, Bitrus Daniyan, in a correctional centre for alleged indecent sexual assault of his seven-year-old daughter. The Magistrate, E. Kubeinje, who did not take the plea of Mr Daniyan ordered that the case file be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice. Mrs Kubeinje adjourned the case until October 15 for the DPP’s advice. The defendant was facing a charge of indecent sexual assault. Earlier, the Prosecutor, Inspector John Iberedem, told the court that the defendant committed the offence in June at Military Zone C, Nominee Estate, Ajah, Lagos. Mr Iberedem, who said that the defendant sexually assaulted his daughter by inserting his finger into her private parts, explained that Mr Daniy...
Borno Flood: Maiduguri Residents Use Mosquito Nets To Fish
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Borno Flood: Maiduguri Residents Use Mosquito Nets To Fish

Some fishermen and children are recording good fish harvests in the flood-ridden Maiduguri areas in Borno as desperate residents use mosquito nets for fishing in the floodwaters. While fishermen used proper fishing nets, the children used mosquito nets and bare hands to fish in the receding waters and artificial ponds created by the floods. One of the children, Danladi, said the experience was worth it, as they were making a good catch. “Sometimes what we catch is enough for soup when we mobilise in groups,” stated the youngster. “Most of the fish are tiny. We fry or roast them to eat. Meanwhile, other residents are doing brisk business with canoe transport in the flood-ravaged Maiduguri. The flood submerged Maiduguri in the past 10 days following the breakdown of spillways...
U.S., Nigeria Declare Commitment To Press Freedom
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U.S., Nigeria Declare Commitment To Press Freedom

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris and the U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, have declared their commitment to press freedom in Nigeria and Africa. They said this when Mr Mills and his team visited Idris on Wednesday in Abuja. “I am here today to have a very good conversation about many things we are doing together. We have trade relations, and our cooperation is very strong. We want to make sure we fulfill them. “We also know that the minister is doing a good job to ensure press freedom in this country. It’s about journalists’ rights. We talked about how we can work together and strengthen freedom of the press in Nigeria, Africa and the world,” Mr Mills said. According to him, many democratic countries face disinformation, misinforma...
Edo: INEC Deploys 5,000 BVAS, 18,000 Ad hoc Workers
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Edo: INEC Deploys 5,000 BVAS, 18,000 Ad hoc Workers

The Independent National Electoral Commission is expected to commence the deployment of sensitive materials today ahead of this weekend governorship election in Edo state. NewsSpecng gathered that no fewer than 5,000 Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems would be deployed for the poll. Other Sensitive materials, including ballot papers and result sheets, arrived in Edo State on Wednesday via Benin Airport and were transported to secure storage facilities under tight security, NewsSpecng also gathered. No fewer than 2.2million residents of the state are expected to troop out to vote in a new governor as the tenure of Godwin Obaseki comes to an end. The campiagn trainof all the 17 contenders for the gover or's seat is expected to come to.a halt today, 24 hours before the election....
UN General Assembly demands Israel ends occupation of Palestinian territories
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UN General Assembly demands Israel ends occupation of Palestinian territories

The UN General Assembly has adopted a Palestinian-drafted, non-binding resolution demanding Israel end "its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" within 12 months. There were 124 votes in favour and 14 against, including Israel, along with 43 abstentions. As a non-member observer state, Palestine could not vote. The resolution is based on a July advisory opinion from the UN's highest court that said Israel was occupying the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip against international law. The Palestinian ambassador called the vote a turning point “in our struggle for freedom and justice”. But his Israeli counterpart denounced it as “diplomatic terrorism”. Although the General Assembly’s resolutions are not binding, they carry symbolic and political wei...
Minor shakeup as IGP orders redeployment of CPs Rivers, Delta, FCT
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Minor shakeup as IGP orders redeployment of CPs Rivers, Delta, FCT

There was a minor shakeup in the police on Thursday, NewsSpecng learnt. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun in what was described as strategically emplace a Police Force well efficient for effective policing ordered the immediate redeployment of the Commissioners of Police in Rivers, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Egbetokun order covers the redeployment of the CP Rivers Command, CP Olatunji Disu as the new CP FCT; CP Delta Command, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi as the new CP Rivers Command and CP FCT, CP Peter Opara as the new CP Delta State. A statement on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi explained: “Following the approval of the Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police has also deployed four (4) C...