Saturday, January 11

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Over 22,500 Nigerians Parading Fake Certificates From Benin, Togo –FG
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Over 22,500 Nigerians Parading Fake Certificates From Benin, Togo –FG

No fewer than 22,500 Nigerians are parading fake certificates, the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, has disclosed. The certificates, Mamman said were obtained from universities in Benin Republic and Togo and . He said over 21,600 obtained the certificates from an unaccredited universities in Benin Republic within the timeframe, while about 1,105 obtained theirs from some unaccredited universities in Togo. The minister, who disclosed this at a press conference to mark his first year anniversary on Friday in Abuja, said some of the numbers were harvested from records from the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) and other sources. “From all indications, the figure is higher than what we have already. This is because some of the people choose not to participate in the mand...
ECOWAS festival will promote zero tolerance for hunger – D-G
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ECOWAS festival will promote zero tolerance for hunger – D-G

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Food and Cultural Festival says its upcoming festival holding in Nigeria is aimed at promoting food security, poverty alleviation and zero tolerance for hunger in 16 ECOWAS countries. Its Director-General, Amb. Felix Ihonre, said this at the Preparatory Inter-Ministerial/Stakeholders Meeting on ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival in Abuja. The ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival is scheduled to hold in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from Oct. 6 to 11. Ihonre said that the festival would bring together key players in the food security and security structure to proffer solutions to security challenges that hindered farming and agricultural production in Nigeria and other west African countries. " Nigeria, being the host alone, Nigerians w...
Youth urged to tap into govt. programmes,
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Youth urged to tap into govt. programmes,

Nigerian youth have been urged to take advantage of its various development programmes to showcase their skills and innovative ideas. Mr Peter Tokoni, Special Adviser to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation, gave the advice at a news conference in Abuja on the forthcoming Nigeria Youth Stakeholders Conversation 3.0 (NYSConversation ). Tokoni was represented by Amukoyo Onome, Special Adviser on Special Duties in his office. He said the government was investing in digital infrastructure to drive innovation in every sector and maximise youth potential for national development. “We are providing infrastructure, training, and other innovative ideas to ensure maximum productivity from the youth and the general public,” he said. Mr Blessing Oyefeso, Co-Convener ...
Lottery Trust fund implements 78 projects nationwide, says EX
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Lottery Trust fund implements 78 projects nationwide, says EX

The Executive Se regarding, National Lottery Trust Fund, Comrade, Tosin Adeyanju, said the fund has implemented no fewer than 78 projects nationwide. This is as Adeyanju also urged the government to utilise the fund in its intervention programmes. Adeyanju made the disclosure during an audience with the House Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs who were on an oversight visit. NLTF EX according to a statement by Arowolo Solomon Alaba, Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary (Media & Corporate Communications), praised President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in alleviating poverty in Nigeria urged the president to utilize NLTF to reach vulnerable Nigerians. " He highlighted NLTF's mandate to support GOOD CAUSES in health, education, environment, sport, water,disaster r...
Personal, Family reason behind my resignation, says NIA DG, Abubakar
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Personal, Family reason behind my resignation, says NIA DG, Abubakar

Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Ahmad Rufai Abubakar, Saturday explained he he resigned from his post. Abubakar had tendered his resignation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House on Saturday evening. He was first appointed in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who extended his stay in office in December 2021. Abubakar later told the media that his decision was due to personal and family issues, emphasising that nothing was seriously amiss. He expressed gratitude for the understanding shown by Tinubu and assured that his friendship with the President would endure. The outgoing DG pledged to remain vigilant and concerned about the nation’s security situation, indicating his continued commitment to Nigeria’s well-being despite his...
Shettima seeks strong family ties for national unity
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Shettima seeks strong family ties for national unity

The Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Saturday emphasised the significance of marital and family values in nation building. Shettima, who was a special guest spoke at the wedding ceremony of Mr Victor Egbetokun, son of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun in Lagos. He called on parents and couples to exercise patience and love in their families which would reflect on the larger Nigerian society. Shettima emphasised key elements for a successful union, stating that "some of the most essential qualities in marriage are communication, patience, tolerance, perseverance, and love." He noted, however, that when "our children come of age, it truly is a painful process letting them go." While underscoring the true essence of marital bliss, Shettima observed that "al...
NIA DG Abubakar resigns
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NIA DG Abubakar resigns

The Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, has tendered his resignation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Abubakar was first appointed in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. He tenure was later extended in December 2021. Circumstances surrounding the resignation was still hazy at the time of filing this report.
Miyetti Allah Condemns Killing Of Sokoto Traditional Ruler By Bandits
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Miyetti Allah Condemns Killing Of Sokoto Traditional Ruler By Bandits

Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the abduction, torture and brutal killing of Isa Bawa, the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa, Sabon Local Government, Sokoto state. The national secretary of MACBAN, Bello Aliyu-Gotomo, made the commendation in a statement on Saturday in Abuja. Mr Aliyu-Gotomo said the killing of the traditional ruler was not only traumatic but also symbolised the barbarity of the perpetrators. According to him, there is no justification for the activities of these murderous gangs. ”MACBAN condoles the government of Sokoto state, the Sultan of Sokoto, the family of the slain emir, as well as the entire people of the state. ”We strongly appeal to the federal government to ramp up the fight against banditry and kidnapping ravagi...
20 Medical Students Abducted In Benue Regain Freedom
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20 Medical Students Abducted In Benue Regain Freedom

The police command in Benue State has announced the release of 20 students of the University of Maiduguri and University of Jos kidnapped by gunmen on August 15. The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Sewuese Anene, confirmed the development at 11.15 p.m. on Friday in Makurdi. Recall that the students, who were travelling to Enugu for their annual Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students Convention, were abducted in Otukpo. Also kidnapped was a house officer who accompanied them on the journey. Mr Anene, however, declined further details on the rescue efforts. “The victims have been released. Details will be released tomorrow (Saturday) please,” he stated. The students’ came five days after the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, deployed a ...
Ododo Commends Judiciary For ‘Ignoring Emotion’ In Verdict On Kogi Guber Poll
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Ododo Commends Judiciary For ‘Ignoring Emotion’ In Verdict On Kogi Guber Poll

Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi applauded the Supreme Court verdict that upheld his victory in the November 11 governorship poll on Saturday. Mr Ododo also pledged to deliver good governance to the North-Central state, promising transparency and accountability. In a statement by his media aide, Ismaila Isah, the governor praised the judiciary for rising to the occasion and asserting its position as the last hope of the common man. He decried the several threats and blackmails by people he claimed were “bent on upturning the course of justice and the will of the majority of the people of Kogi.” The governor called on opposition parties to join hands with his administration to bring development to Kogi. The statement further quoted Mr Ododo as praising the judiciary for “holding...
Isese Religion Practitioners Caution Against Labeling Ritualists As Babalawos, Urge All Religious Leaders To Unite Against Ritual Killings
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Isese Religion Practitioners Caution Against Labeling Ritualists As Babalawos, Urge All Religious Leaders To Unite Against Ritual Killings

Miffed by the increasing number of ritual killings in the South-West, heads of traditional religion in Oyo State have cautioned against labeling ritualists as Babalawos (Ifa priests). Speaking on behalf of the body, the Araba of Ibadanland and Olu Isese of Oyo State, Chief Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola II, condemned the practice, stating that most individuals apprehended for ritual killings are not true adherents of Ifa and often belong to other faiths. "I want to use this medium once again to condemn ritual killings that are now rampant in our society. I equally want to caution people of other faiths whose adherents were mostly the ones involved in the act to desist from calling them Babalawos (Ifa priests)." Araba of Ibadanland, while reacting to the recent arrest of one Alfa Muham...
Tinubu Swears In Kekere-Ekun As Acting CJN
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Tinubu Swears In Kekere-Ekun As Acting CJN

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the acting chief justice of Nigeria (CJN). The swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday at the State House in Abuja. Kekere-Ekun’s inauguration makes her the second female CJN in the country’s history, after Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who was CJN from July 2012 to November 2014. The acting CJN took her oath of office at about 11:38am and took her allotted seat in the council chambers — on the left of the president — at exactly 11:45am. Among those who witnessed the event were other justices of the supreme court; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; the leadership of the house of representatives led by Julius Ihonbvere; Babajide Sanwoolu, governor of Lagos; and Olukayode Ariwoola, immediate past CJN. Also present were Georg...
Kogi: Supreme Court dismisses SDP’s Ajaka’s case against Ododo’s election
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Kogi: Supreme Court dismisses SDP’s Ajaka’s case against Ododo’s election

The Supreme Court on Friday 23 August 2024 affirmed the victory of Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last governorship election. Kogi State governorship election was held on November 11, 2023. In a judgment, the apex court five-member panel held that the appeal by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and candidate Yakubu Muritala Ajaka, marked: SC/CV/654/2024 was without merit and proceeded to dismiss it Justice Sadiq Umar, who authored and read the lead judgment resolved all the three issues identified for determination in the appeal against the appellants.
Supreme Court affirms Uzodinma’s reelection
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Supreme Court affirms Uzodinma’s reelection

The Supreme Court on Friday 23 August 2024 l affirmed the re-election of Governor Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as governor of Imo State. In a judgment, a five-member panel of the court dismissed the appeal by the Labour Party (LP) and its candidate, Athan Achonu for being unmeritorious. Justice Mohammed Baba Idris, who authored and read the lead judgment, resolved the three issues identified for determination against the appellants. Justice Idris found that the appellants as petitioners at the election tribunal, failed to prove their case as required. He proceeded to affirm the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which upheld the decision of the election tribunal, dismissing the appellants’ petition.
NGO urges parents to prioritise vocational skills training for children
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NGO urges parents to prioritise vocational skills training for children

By Aderogba George Advocacy for Positive Behavioural Patterns Initiative (APBPI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO),has urged parents to prioritise vocational skills training for their children to reduce the rate of unemployment in the society. The APBPI Communications Director, Mrs Lilian Mann, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday. She said parents must begin to shift focus to vocational skills by equipping their children with practical skills and hands-on experience. Mann said parents must also begin to prepare the children for in-demand careers and emerging industries, foster strong work ethic,creativity and problem-solving skills. She added that “we must unlock the full potential of the young people, if parents fail...
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...