Monday, November 25

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Summit organisers vow to contribute to Africa’s economic growth
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Summit organisers vow to contribute to Africa’s economic growth

Amb. Shirley Hills, President/Chairperson of ABLIS By Aderogba George The Organisers of Africa Business Leadership and Investment Summit (ABLIS) 2024 scheduled for Kigali, Rwanda, says the summit will contribute immensely in transforming Africa into a global business hub. President/Chairperson, ABLIS, Shirley Hills, said this at the Strategic Partner’s Conclave Meeting in Abuja on Thursday that the summit would hold between Oct. 7 and Oct. 12. Hills said that the six-day programme would focus on promoting competition among businesses in Africa. According to her, the summit will set the stage for improved Africa business climate and unprecedented economic collaboration within Africa, as well as how to grow the continent economy. She said the summit would pave the way for ...
SICKLE CELL GROUP AMONG BENEFICIARIES OF THE RENEWED HOPE INITIATIVE RECAPITALIZATION GRANTS FOR PETTY TRADERS IN ANAMBRA STATE
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SICKLE CELL GROUP AMONG BENEFICIARIES OF THE RENEWED HOPE INITIATIVE RECAPITALIZATION GRANTS FOR PETTY TRADERS IN ANAMBRA STATE

Wife of the president and first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had launched an empowerment programme targeting 1000 women across each 36 states and the FCT, for grants totalling N1,850,0000,000.0 ( One Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty Million Naira. The economic empowerment programme through the Renewed Hope Initiative(RHI) was for pre-selected women petty traders to strengthen their businesses, as each beneficiary went home with the sum N50,000. The venue of the Anambra State chapter of the empowerment programme witnessed a large turnout of women in SMEs, showing courage and resilience in their determination to overcome some of their business challenges. Presenting the keynote address on behalf of the first lady of Nigeria, wife of the state governor and Anambra first lady, Dr Mr...
NSCDC to Abuja private gaurds: Renew licenses or get sealed up
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NSCDC to Abuja private gaurds: Renew licenses or get sealed up

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Thursday issued a renew licenses or get sealed directives to all Private Guard Companies (PGCs) operating in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. The warning however only applied to security companies with expired licenses. The Commandant of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the NSCDC, Dr. Olusola Odumosu who issued the order, said currently only 460 PGCs has operational licenses since August 2023 till date. He also revealed that three companies were sealed for operating illegally. He called on PGCs to ensure their operatives desist from using uniforms or acourtrement belonging to other military or paramilitary agencies. He said “those due for license renewal should go and renew their licenses, those using u...
FG: Youth to get 30 percent Inclusion in Government
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FG: Youth to get 30 percent Inclusion in Government

The Federal Government plans increase to 30 percent youth inclusion in government, NewsSpecng learnt. Minister for Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio disclosed this on Thursday at the commemoration of the International Youth Day in Abuja. Bio also said government is also considering enacting a law that will guarantee a 30 per cent inclusion of youth in government in Nigeria. At the event rganised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, with the theme "Forging the Future: Youth-Led MSMEs Innovating with Digital Solutions to Secure Sustainable Growth, Global Trade, and Resilient Food and Energy Systems", the Minister said the current government was doing a lot for the youth, adding that the Federal...
Kamala Harris pledges ‘new way forward’ in historic convention speech
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Kamala Harris pledges ‘new way forward’ in historic convention speech

Vice-President Kamala Harris pledged a "new way forward" for all Americans as she formally accepted the Democratic nomination for president on Thursday night, delivering a message of unity and urging voters to reject Donald Trump.November's election is a chance to "move past the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past", she said, bringing her party's convention in Chicago to a close as balloons rained down and supporters cheered.Ms Harris's speech capped off a four-day spectacle designed to highlight her backstory and shape the contours of what remains a vague policy agenda.She made history as the first black and Asian-American woman to lead a major party's presidential ticket. The 59-year-old officially became the Democratic nominee after a fast-moving few weeks that beg...
BADARU CONDEMNS KILLING OF DISTRICT HEAD OF GATAWA, CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ARREST OF PERPETRATORS
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BADARU CONDEMNS KILLING OF DISTRICT HEAD OF GATAWA, CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ARREST OF PERPETRATORS

The Honourable Minister of Defence H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni , has strongly condemned in totality the gruesome killing of the Head of Gatawa District in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Bawa describing it as wicked and unimaginable. In the light of this, the Minister has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators, assuring that the Nigerian military will leave no stone unturned in bringing them to justice. "The killing of the District Head of Gatawa is a callous and cruel act that will not be tolerated," the Minister said. "We will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and brought to book." He reiterated the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to f...
Kekere-Ekun sworn-in as CJN
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Kekere-Ekun sworn-in as CJN

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was on Friday sworn-in as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). Kekere-Ekun was sworn-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja around 11.38 am. She will operate in acting capacity until conformation by the Senate. Justice Kekere-Ekun after taking the Oaths of office joined the council meeting sitting at the left hand of President Bola Tinubu Justice Kekere-Ekun is assuming her new role as CJN following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola and her nomination and presentation to President Tinubu by the National Judicial Council (NJC) on August 15. Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, is the second Nigerian female jurist to serve as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, after Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who was the Chief Justice of Nigeria b...
NGO pushes for quality water access
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NGO pushes for quality water access

Members of the NGO and other stakeholders in the water space posed for photograph during the conference By Aderogba George Rite Place Health Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has appealed for access to quality water for Nigerians to eliminate waterborne diseases. The NGO made the call on Thursday in Abuja at its 2024 International Conference, themed “Beyond Access – Quality Matters”. The NGO pledged to push the campaign to the grassroots across Nigeria. The conference, attended by stakeholders in the water quality space, aimed to highlight the importance of quality water in preventing waterborne diseases Dr Chukwumezie Okolo, President/Executive Director of Rite Place Health Initiative, emphasised the need for collective action to address waterborne dise...
Gunmen Kidnap 10, Demand N50m Ransom In Zamfara
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Gunmen Kidnap 10, Demand N50m Ransom In Zamfara

Bandits have raided Moriki community in Zamfara State on Wednesday night, kidnapped over 10 locals and demanded N50 million ransom. A resident of Moriki community told the BBC Hausa Service on Thursday, that the bandits were disturbing the community and had earlier kidnapped other locals in the community. ”The bandits claimed that their cows were killed by the Commander in the community. They attacked the community and went from house to house picking our people, and gave today as the deadline for us to pay the N50 million,” he said. He said any time they needed money, the bandits had often attacked the community to kidnap people and kept them in captivity until ransom was paid. Not long ago, they collected N20 million from community members to allow the locals access their...
Tinubu Congratulates Outgoing CJN, Justice Ariwoola, On Successful Civil Service Career
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Tinubu Congratulates Outgoing CJN, Justice Ariwoola, On Successful Civil Service Career

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as he retires as Chief Justice of Nigeria after a successful public service career. In a statement on Thursday, the president spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, the President commended the eminent jurist for his services to the nation, noting his impactful leadership of the judiciary and his efforts in enriching Nigerian jurisprudence, as well as in strengthening the fibre of the law. Justice Ariwoola had served as Justice of the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos divisions before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011. He was sworn in as Chief Justice of Nigeria in 2022 and had also served the nation in diverse capacities as a judicial officer. The President thanks Justice Ariwoola and wishes him the ve...
Tinubu Extols Justice Ayoola’s Ideals As Former ICPC Boss Dies
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Tinubu Extols Justice Ayoola’s Ideals As Former ICPC Boss Dies

President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the Ayoola family of Ilesa, Osun State over the passing of Justice Emmanuel Ayoola. In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President extolled Ayoola’s dedication, integrity and courage to act in the interest of justice. The President also commiserated with the associates of the deceased and members of the Nigerian judicial society over the loss. “President Tinubu states that Justice Ayoola will always be remembered for his rare principles, discipline, brilliance, and impeccable jurisprudential knowledge. The President prays for the repose of the soul of the elder statesman and solace to his family,” said Mr Ngelale. The late Ayoola was a retired justice of the Supreme Court of Nig...
World Oldest Person Dies At 117
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World Oldest Person Dies At 117

The world’s oldest person, Maria Branyas Morera, from Spain, has died at the age of 117. Her family disclosed it on her X account on Tuesday August 20, 2024 The World Guinness Record also confirmed Branyas’ passing on Tuesday in a post, stating “Guinness World Records is saddened to learn that the world’s oldest person, Maria Branyas Morera (USA/Spain), passed away yesterday, 19 August. Her death was confirmed by the Gerontology Research Group. Aged 117 years 168 days, she was the eighth-oldest person (with a verifiable age) in history. Maria passed away peacefully at the nursing home in Catalonia, Spain, where she resided for the past two decades.” Branyas was born in San Francisco on March 4, 1907 in San Francisco, after her family moved to the United States from Mexico. ...
FG Increases Nigerian Passport Fees
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FG Increases Nigerian Passport Fees

The Federal Government has approved an upward review of the fees for the Nigerian passport effective from September 1, 2024. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the spokesman for the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kenneth Udo, on the X handle of the NIS. The increment, according to the statement, aims to ensure the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport. The statement read, “As part of its efforts to maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport, the Federal Government has approved an upward review of the fees for the passport, effective from September 1, 2024. Based on the review, a 32-page passport booklet with five-year validity previously charged at N35,000 will now be N50,000 only; while a 64-page passport booklet...
Isese Day: Heads Of Traditional Religion Worshippers Clarify Invitation To Sarata Konibaje
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Isese Day: Heads Of Traditional Religion Worshippers Clarify Invitation To Sarata Konibaje

The Heads of Traditional Religion Worshippers, Ibadan chapter, have stated that they invited Alhaja Sarata Konibaje to the Isese Day Festival celebration and not the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun. Speaking on behalf of the Heads of Traditional Religion Worshippers in Oyo State, the Araba of Ibadanland and Olu Isese of Ibadanland, Chief Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola II, clarified that it was the association that invited Alhaja Sarata Konibaje to the event and not Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, as alleged by some groups. "We use this medium to take responsibility for our error and tender our unreserved apology to Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun and all those who were offended by such unintentional mistake."We were not aware of such an order before." The Heads of Tradi...
Wike cancels FCT’s ‘Park-and-Pay’ scheme, says its illegal
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Wike cancels FCT’s ‘Park-and-Pay’ scheme, says its illegal

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Wednesday abolished the ‘Park-and-Pay’ scheme, declaring it illegal. The Minister in during a media briefing to mark his first year in office as the FCT Minister, said the street parking scheme arrangment said was fraudulent. The scheme was initially introduced in 2014 and later was reintroduced in 2023 after the FCT administration signed a whopping N908.3 billion agreement with concessionaires NAJEC Limited and Messrs Automaten Technik Bauman Nigeria Limited, with an estimated N26.93 billion revenue for a 10-year term each. Wike however faulted the arrangement, saying he was not aware of the reintroduced scheme. He said the agreement had stipulated an 80 per cent payback to the contractors, with only 20 per cent of t...
FG Inaugurates 10-Man Inter-Ministerial Committee To Enforce Supreme Court Judgement On Local Governments Autonomy
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FG Inaugurates 10-Man Inter-Ministerial Committee To Enforce Supreme Court Judgement On Local Governments Autonomy

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to enforce the Supreme Court judgement delivered on 11th July, 2024 granting financial autonomy to Local Governments in Nigeria. The members of the committee are as follows: Secretary to the Government of the Federation - Chairman Hon. Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy -Member Attorney General of the Federation & Minister of Justice - Member Hon. Minister of Budget & Economic Planning Accountant General of the Federation Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria Permanent Secretary (Federal Ministry of Finance) Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation & Fiscal Commission Representative of State G...
UK Donates Counter Insurgency Training Facility to Army
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UK Donates Counter Insurgency Training Facility to Army

The United Kingdom has donated a Counter Insurgency (COIN) training facility to the Nigerian Armed Forces, to help enhance the reality of their training and better prepare the force for its future operations. According to a statement on Tuesday by the Senior Press & Public Affairs Officer | Comms Lead, Prosperity and Economic Development, Ndidiamaka Eze, the training facility was funded by the UK through its Ministry of Defence and built by a team of Royal Engineers from the British Army working alongside Nigerian Army Engineers. The facility will make training more realistic for the soldiers and help prepare trainees to operate effectively during deployments. Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, represented by Major General SG Mohammed, officially opened the...
FG moves to establish national housing data centre, inaugurates committee
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FG moves to establish national housing data centre, inaugurates committee

The Federal Government has inaugurated a Joint Steering Committee on the National Housing Data Centre to develop and implement a blueprint to ensure transparency and ease of access to housing data in Nigeria. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, at the inauguration on Tuesday in Abuja, said the centre would be essential for policy and decision-making towards affordable housing and the well-being of Nigerians. ``This is because, without data, we cannot know the magnitude of the problem we are facing, how many resources we need to allocate, for how long, which areas to focus on, which markets to prioritise and other considerations. ``In fact, we would be flying blind. This is not sustainable. For instance, we know we have a housing deficit and that we face ...
Only The Legitimate Members Of Olugbesan Family Apologised To Me Not Strangers They Accomodated, Prince Adeyemi Replies Gbolarunmi
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Only The Legitimate Members Of Olugbesan Family Apologised To Me Not Strangers They Accomodated, Prince Adeyemi Replies Gbolarunmi

The Chief Executive Officer of Mich Royal Company Nigeria Limited, Prince Gbolagade Adeyemi has replied the ex-deputy governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarunmi that only the legimate members of Olugbesan family represented by three individuals apologized to him and that those who rejected the letter of apology were strangers who the family accommodated in their compound. Prince Adeyemi while reacting to a media report credited to Mr Hazeem Gbolarunmi said that he would not have reacted to such cheap blackmail but was forced to react for the purpose of revealing the truth concerning the letter of apology to him by the family. "Ordinarily, I would not have reacted to such cheap blackmail by Mr Gbolarunmi but for the purpose of revealing the truth, I have to come out to defend my...
Troops Kill Boko Haram Commander, Others In Borno
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Troops Kill Boko Haram Commander, Others In Borno

The Nigerian Army announced on Sunday that its troops had neutralised a notorious Boko Haram commander, Abu Rijab, and other terrorist fighters in an offensive operation on Saturday. This was made known in a post on the Nigerian Army’s official X Handle, saying the operation took place in Bula Daloye, Bama Local Government Area of Borno. It said the successful operation was in addition to the surrender of numerous terrorists and their families to the troops as a result of sustained pressure against their enclaves. Army said the troops also apprehended several criminal suspects and recovered arms and ammunition. “Following an intense firefight, the troops overpowered the terrorists, neutralising three, including a wanted Boko Haram commander Abu Rijab. The operation led to t...