One of the Hajj pilgrims from Lagos State, Idris Oloshogbo, 68, is dead. He died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Oloshogbo was confirmed dead by medical experts in the country.
It was gathered that Oloshogbo died shortly after returning from Tawaf (circumambulation) of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah.

The Secretary, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Saheed Onipede, announced the sad loss in a statement through the agency spokesperson, Taofeek Lawal, Wednesday.

According to Onipede, the deceased, a 68-year-old pilgrim from Shomolu Local Government, died while eating his food in the evening (after Solat Maghrib).

He stressed that, while the cause of his death was yet to be medically ascertained as of press time, the death could not be unconnected with high blood pressure (BP) and the stress he passed through during the tawaf.


While extending the condolences of the state government to the immediate family and friends of the deceased, Onipede prayed that Allah would forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanat Fridauos as well as the reward of the Hajj, since he already had the intention.

Therefore, he appealed to other pilgrims to exercise caution and refrain from overstressing themselves before the commencement of the real Hajj rites that are yet to be fulfilled.

“The deceased has been buried in Makkah in line with the principles laid down by Saudi Arabian authorities,” Onipede stated.


A board member, Waheed Shonibare led other state government officials and some pilgrims to observe janaza prayer for the pilgrim in Kaabah.

Meanwhile, the last batch of pilgrims shall be proceeding to Makkah from Madinah on Thursday to continue other aspects of the spiritual exercise, after spending the mandatory four days allowed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, for pilgrims to stay in Madinah.

While in Madinah, the pilgrims embarked on various religious activities such as observing regular solat in Masjid Nabawih (Prophet Mosque), visitation to the Raodah (a special section) in the Mosque, which has spiritual implications for any pilgrim that endeavour to visit, as well as visitation to the tomb of the Prophet and his companions, to pray for them.


Other sites visited by pilgrims included: Masjid Quba (the first Mosque built by the Prophey in Madinah); Masjid Qiblatain (Mosque with two qiblas); Mountain Huud (where Hamzat and many other companions were killed and buried) during a war with the unbelievers, among others.

Speaking on the conduct of the pilgrims in Madinah, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic matters, Dr. Ahmad Jebe, said that the pilgrims conducted themselves very well and hope that such exemplary conducts and behaviours would be extended to Makkah where they are expected to stay much longer.


While corroborating the Special Adviser, the Board Chairman, Imam (Engr.) Shakiru Gafar, appreciated the pilgrims for their patience, endurance and perseverance.


He noted that the patience they have exhibited so far in Madinah which is in line with NAHCON was highly encouraging.

He assured them that the board would ensure they enjoy substantial comfort throughout their stay in Makkah for the Hajj rites.


© 2024 Vanguard Media Limited, Nigeria

helinues:
This one just dey lose everywhere.

Loosing no dey tired him?

he miscalculated his political moves from the onset,it would have flavoured him if he had moved to another party

ozowarac:


Re you ok?

Igbos are their own enemy

It is always said in Nigeria that tomorrow belongs to the children and youth of today. But the reality is that with yesterday completely plundered by the older generation, and today floundering, there is no guarantee of any tomorrow for the Nigerian child.

Major events that defined Tinubu's 100 days in office

The Nigerian child by many standards is endangered on all fronts. From the South to the North, East and West, the Nigerian child is faced with many challenges created by the older generations who have been entrusted with looking after the child.

The 2003 Child’s Right Act (CRA) guarantees the rights of every child in Nigeria. According to the CRA, any person under age 18 is considered a child. So far, 24 out of 36 states of the federation have adopted the CRA as a state law, while 12 states are yet to adopt the act in their various states.
Children's Day: With plundered yesterday, floundering today, future of Nigerian child uncertain

The National Human Rights Commission as part of its mandates to promote, protect and enforce the rights of all citizens as well as foreign nationals in Nigeria undertakes several procedures of promoting and protecting the rights of children under this age because of their vulnerability.

On the back of the vulnerability, the plight of the Nigerian child is being mirrored as the world celebrates this year’s Children’s Day. Children’s Day is a commemorative date celebrated annually in honour of children.

In 1925, International Children’s Day was first proclaimed in Geneva during the World Conference on Child Welfare. Since 1950, it has been celebrated on June 1 in many Second World countries, while others mark the day on May 25, 26 or 27 depending on the country. However, the day was first established and celebrated in Nigeria in 1964.

On May 27, Nigeria joins other countries to commemorate the annual Children’s Day. Students and pupils are in many cases given a day off school to celebrate Children’s Day with their families. While it is not a public holiday in Nigeria and businesses stay open, Children’s Day is observed and celebrated by people and organisations across Nigeria.

Tomorrow is another of such day, where schools, public and private organisations, even the government will organise parades and parties to celebrate the children.

However, beyond the parades, parties, and good wishes and speeches that will be rolled out from the various cadres of government; the question many Nigerians would want answered is: what practical plans does the government have for a guaranteed future for the Nigerian child?

With 34 out of 36 States signing the Child Rights Act 2003 as amended, and 24,673,485, or 39.2% of Nigeria children involved in child labour, current state of Nigeria’s economy no doubt has exacerbated poverty, economic inequalities, with an unintended upswing in child labour, according to reports by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS).


Children's day. Some children in public schools

Faced with depleted household income and extreme poverty conditions, many families, are now compelled to send their children to work, to supplement household family income, 14,390,353, or 22.9% are involved in hazardous work, painting a grim picture of the conditions under which nearly two out of every five Nigerian children live.

This is as only 23 states out of 36 plus the federal capital territory, are said to be currently working towards creating safe spaces for the Nigerian child, especially the female, who are considered to be more vulnerable

The NBS report also indicated that of the over 24 million Nigerian children involved in child labour, 14.3millions of them are engaged in hazardous work as of 2022.

The socioeconomic challenges in the northwest geopolitical zone, have created an unparalleled hardships in the region, with highest number of child labourers growing to 6,407,102) and children in hazardous work, growing to as much as 3,266,728 of the population

Traditionally, child labour, was more prevalent in the southeast region, with nearly 50% of the children involved in child labour.

The United Nations Children Emergency Fund UNESCO had in 2023, estimated the number of out of school children at 20 million, even as it is believed that the figure may have increased, on the backdrop of current realities.

Thus, with rising economic difficulties, the nation is now faced with more out of school children, whose future are being mortgaged by denying them access to quality education as well as creating a state of hopelessness.

The high cost of acquiring education sector, many households struggle to barely survive with their meager income.

Many families are sacrificing education, while deploying their children to do petty trading and menial jobs to survive.

Out-of-school children
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), one in three children in Nigeria is out of school. Also, it estimated that about 10.2 million at the primary level and 8.1 million at the junior secondary school (JSS) level.

Accordingly, 12.4 million Nigerian children never attended school and 5.9 million left school early. According to UNICEF, Nigeria’s out of school population accounts for 15 percent of the global total.

Similarly, the June 2022 UNICEF report indicated that violations of children’s right to education and increased risk of violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and recruitment to extremist groups. While poor retention in school is a major challenge, with 11 percent of learners dropping out of school at each grade level.

While the rest of the world celebrates 2024 Children’s Day, the Nigerian child is daily exposed to limited opportunities for learning and skills development on the back of his/her education exposure.

Also, the Nigerian child is faced with lack of access to meaningful employment, perpetuation of intergenerational poverty and inequality, which results in significant losses in lifetime earnings for out-of-school children and those affected by school closure.

According to UNICEF 2022 data, only one in three children aged 36-59 months has access to Early Child Care Development Education (ECCDE) programmes. ECCDE is the care, protection, stimulation and learning promoted in children from age 3-5 in a Crèche or Nursery. It is expected that all primary schools in the basic education sub-sector operate the ECCDE center as one of the standards required at that level.

Also, only one in three adolescents eligible for senior secondary school are attending school in Nigeria, with over 50 percent of girls not attending school at the basic education level. Same way 66 percent of all out-of-school children are in the Northeast and Northwest region of Nigeria, while 86 percent of them are from rural areas, and 65 percent are from the poorest quintile.

Poverty is currently the biggest barrier to school access for many of the out-of-school children in Nigeria, which is exacerbated by school fees and other costs of education. Other barriers and bottlenecks faced by the Nigerian child on his/her journey to a fulfilled life also involved the incessant attacks on schools and abduction of school children together with unsafe basic infrastructure and facilities like classrooms, furniture, fencing, WASH, among others keep children out of school.

At least, 43 percent of children are forced into child labour on the back of the poverty that many families have to contend with on a day-to-day basis resulting in a chronic underfunding of education and inefficient use of available resources perpetuates the out-of-school phenomenon.

Also, the Nigerian child is faced with social and gender norms that place a low value on education that contributes to girls, Almajiri children and others, not attending school or dropping out. Similarly, lack of comprehensive data on out-of-school children limits reach and impact of interventions.
Children's day. Out-of-school children hawking

Insufficient supply of trained teachers, inefficient teacher recruitment and deployment, and weak regulatory mechanisms lead to overcrowded classrooms on the back of poor quality teaching and learning outcomes that contribute to drop out from the education system.

In a recent encounter with a family in Abuja, BDsunday gathered from a 34-year-old, Rejoice Ahamefula, a petty trader, how current economic realities worsened by the death of her husband, ended the education of her six children.

John Ahamefula was a civil servant working with the FCT Water Board before he met his sudden demise, leaving behind his six children of four boys and two girls.

According to her, Aham Junior, their first son, was just 14 years old when their father died and had to drop out of school as she could not cope with the school fees at the private school where the father had enrolled him and his siblings,

After the death of her husband, she suffered diabetes that affected her foot, making it difficult for her to walk around, let alone engaging in her trading business.

She lamented that “all the six children are now ‘working’ to support her in her business.

While speaking on the challenges in the ramshackle make-shift house, Aham Junior narrated that “even public schools, we cannot attend now, maybe when our mother is well, but now, I and my siblings do different things to support the family.

“I follow people to work at some building sites; my brothers and sister hawk things like pure water, groundnuts, while others stay with my mother at home.”

With the current high cost of living pilling more pressures on parents, the education sector has not been spared as many parents are caving in under pressures to withdraw their children from schools

Aside from the current high cost of living, Hamid Boboyi, executive secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), recently berated State Governors for failing to provide education at the subnational level, by refusing to pay 50% counterpart funding to access the UBEC funds for education at the grassroots.

In his estimation, Nigeria requires 20,000 schools and about 907,769 classrooms to be able to absorb the growing number of out-of-school children.

Andrew Hussaini, a teacher in one of the schools in Abuja, while describing what the current economic realities has done to many parents, said: “Over this period, we have seen the resilience of some parents, but many who cannot afford to bear the burdens of sending their children to the good schools, end up pushing them to public schools, where facilities for learning do not exist.”

The situation is worst at the lower cadre of education, especially at the primary and secondary school levels.

Hussaini believes that government must invest more in education and skills training, “if the Nigeria of our dream will be realised”

“How do you unlock the potentials of such a huge number of children if they remain out of school.

“I teach in a private school, but when I have the need to visit my colleagues in public schools, I feel sorry for our state of education.

“You can imagine what happens to those who are daily being forced to stay out of school because their parents cannot afford to pay for their transportation to and from schools, or settle their school fees or purchase books for them,” he said.

In his bid to tackle these challenges, President Bola Tinubu recently, approved system-wide policies to comprehensively overhaul the education sector with the aim to improve learning and skill development, increase enrolment, and ensure the academic security of the nation’s children. This intervention is still in its infancy, tomorrow will determine its success.

Hunger remains potent threat
As the sun rises over the bustling streets of Lagos, Nigeria, a sense of excitement and anticipation fills the air. It’s another May 27, 2024, and Children’s Day is finally here again. However, for many Nigerian parents, this day is a special opportunity to shower their children with love, attention, and joy.
Street children. Children's day

But, with the current economic challenges facing the country, many parents are struggling to make ends meet, let alone provide a memorable celebration for their children.

The Archbishop, Catholic Archdiocese, Alfred Martins, has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the food sector to address deprivation and hunger in the country.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director, Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese, Anthony Godonu, recently.

As a result of hunger, many children of school-going age have since left the classroom to the streets to hawk wares to augment their parents’ earnings, for survival.

© 2023 - Businessday NG. All Rights Reserved.

ironheart:
if it makes them happy, go ahead

they can't use their happiness to disrupt valuable economic activities

ironheart:
They should allow them celebrate there heroes day in peace, no one has to die for any reason

must they declare sit at home

Fear and confusion have enveloped the South-East of Nigeria as two separatist groups, the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, headed by detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and Simon Ekpa’s Biafra Republic In Exile, BRGIE, issued conflicting directives on the sit-at-home to celebrate this year’s ‘Biafra Heroes Day’, plunging the region into a state of uncertainty.

This happened as the military and police authorities have issued stern warnings to the secessionists, daring them to carry out their threats.

IPOB has been celebrating ‘Biafra Heroes Day’ on May 30 since 2017 to honor those who died during the Civil War.


The day is usually marked by a stay-at-home order across the South-East.

This year is no exception as IPOB has asked everyone in Igboland to observe the day by staying at home and celebrating the men and women who died for them in the Civil War which started in 1967 and ended 1970.

Announcing the one day stay-at-home order, IPOB, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said: “Annually, we celebrate 30th of May as our heroes and heroines’ day when we remember the men and women who died that we may live, before, during, and after the Nigeria genocidal war against Biafrans between 1967 and 1970 and beyond and even until now.

“Biafrans are asked to observe this one (1) day sit-at-home in reverence to the spirits of our departed heroes who fought for us to be alive today…To that effect, IPOB directs all schools, government offices, private offices, banks, transport unions, market unions and private individuals to shut down all operations in honor of our heroes and heroines on Thursday, May 30, 2024.”


In a statement, the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of BRGIE, Simon Ekpa, stated that sit-at-home in the region would commence from May 29 to 31, 2024.

He said, “There will be sit-at-home in Biafraland on the following dates to enable Biafrans vote in the last phase of stage one self-referendum voting.

“29th May, 2024, sit at home and vote; 30th May, 2024 Biafra Day, sit at home and vote; 31st May, 2024, sit at home and vote.”

As the two groups give confliction orders, citizens are left bewildered, unsure of who to obey, and fearful of the repercussions of making the wrong choice, setting the stage for a potentially explosive showdown.

Not even the assurances by the military and police that they are on top of the situation and that people should go about their lawful businesses could allay the fears of the masses.

Rather, warnings by the security authorities to the Biafran groups are putting the already frightened people on the edge.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had warned IPOB elements threatening to make May 30 another sit-at-home day not to dare the Armed Forces of Nigeria as it would decisively deal with any individual or group found to be enforcing sit-at-home order.

Director of Defence Media Operations, who said this in response to the threat by IPOB, stressed, “The days of IPOB sit-at-home are over. That statement is mere propaganda. We have decimated that group. Several of their senior commanders have been taken out. I assure you that people of the South-East have nothing to worry about”.

Recall that IPOB had warned the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK, Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Charles Esimone, and the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, to postpone the convocation ceremony of the university and WAEC’s Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) scheduled for May 30.


“If anything happens to those children they want to bring out that day they will regret doing so. By this open letter, to you IPoB is calling on the Vice Chancellor and the Management of UNIZIK, Awka, WAEC and any other person or group that scheduled any program for 30th May, 2024, to postpone such program”, the group said in a statement.

“Biafra Heroes Day takes precedence over any program in Biafra land on that day. We do not take it kindly with people desecrating the memory of our heroes and heroines”.

Meanwhile, the management of the university has readjusted the date for her convocation ceremony.

Though it is believed that the rescheduling was as a result of IPOB warning, the institution, in a statement by Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, said: ”The reason for the rescheduling is because of the Federal Government’s appointment of new Governing Council members who will be inaugurated in Abuja on May 30, 2024.

“As the university management is expected to be present in the inauguration in Abuja, it was considered necessary and inevitable to adjust the convocation ceremony date to only May 31, 2024 for all activities of the 2024 18th convocation ceremony.”


The police, on the other hand, also warned that they would not hesitate to use force to maintain law and order in the region.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, DSP Joshua Ukandu, said all the divisions that make up the Command have been alerted to provide adequate security for the citizens of the state.

“Already, the Command is on top of it. The Police will not relent in providing security for the citizens even on that day. We are going to massively deploy officers and men to make sure that people go about their normal and lawful businesses without any fear of any sort of harassment”, Ukandu said.

Similarly, the police in Imo State said they were ready to protect lives and properties against any group attempting to force residents to sit at home on May 30.

The state’s PPRO, Henry Okoye, stated: ”Our men are on ground. We have deployed adequate security measures so people should go about their lawful duties and disregard whatever comment by any group.”

The police in Anambra State, through their spokesman, Ikenga Tochukwu, similarly assured the people of adequate protection of lives and property, urging them to be law abiding and go about their businesses without fear of molestation.

However, Sunday Vanguard gathered that the police and other security agencies in Anambra have never obstructed or given any counter order concerning sit-at-home in the state.

Findings further showed that police actions during such exercise have always been a joint patrol tagged, ‘Operation Show Your Force’.

Security agencies’ tough stance has raised the stakes, and many fear that any confrontation between the military and the separatist groups could lead to bloodshed and further destabilize the already tense region.

The separatist groups, however, remain undeterred, with IPOB and BRGIE insisting that their orders must be obeyed.

Ekpa, the leader of BRGIE, has vowed to resist any attempt by the military to enforce their authority, while IPOB has accused government of trying to intimidate and silence them.


As the standoff continues, many residents in the South-East are bracing themselves for the worst, fearing that the situation could escalate into full-blown violence.

Reacting, Chief Ruben Emenike, a community leader in Ebonyi, kicked against any form of violence on that day.

“That day is sacrosanct. If you were there during the Nigeria-Biafra War, you will understand that a day like this is important”, he told Sunday Vanguard at the weekend.

“We have to come together and reflect about the past. What I do not support is the use of that May 30 to cause violence. You have to count me out of it. We have had enough of this ugly scenario and it should be stopped.”

To a trader at Relief Market, Egbu Road, Owerri, Mrs Evelyn Okwu, “Biafra or no Biafra, what I want is to come to market and sell. I want to feed my children. We are hungry. They should give us food. Even in my shop, I remember Biafra but you cannot force me to stay at home.”

But a road side vulcaniser along Owerri-Aba Road, who gave his name as Cashman, insisted that he would obey the IPOB’s directive. ”I will be at home. I do not want these boys to come and shoot me. I want the security agencies to assure us that they will protect us. However, to remain safe, I will sit at home and watch”, he said.

Expectedly, residents across the geo- political zone are preparing and making arrangements for their families’ welfare ahead of the Biafra remembrance day.

For example, traders in Onitsha markets, especially those dealing in consumables, are making huge sales even with the biting economic situation. The people are gathering all they need to ensure that they do not lack anything during the looming stay-at-home period.

Some of the residents, who spoke to our correspondent in Onitsha and Nnewi, said they usually spend the sit-at-home day in their villages and that informed the large quantity of food items they were buying in the markets.

© 2024 Vanguard Media Limited, Nigeria

Renowned economist and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Financial Derivatives Company Limited (FDC), Mr. Bismarck Rewane, has disclosed that Nigeria spent a whopping $25 billion on Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) of the country’s refineries in the last 10 years (2013-2023). Rewane disclosed this at the Lagos Business School (LBS) breakfast session for May.

He spoke on a paper titled: ‘12 Months After Reforms: Breaking Out or Breaking Down,’ where he lamented that fuel scarcity and queues had become a recurring issue in the country due to non-functional refineries. He explained that fuel issues in Nigeria had been a recurring challenge since 1970s and that frequent fuel scarcity and supply disruptions continued to plague the country. According to him, the $25 billion spending on TAM for the country’s key refineries would have gone a long way if channeled into other key sectors of the economy.

Rewane pointed out that the $25 billion could have built 25 universities, 2,000 kilometers of roads, 250 healthcare centres, invested in sovereign wealth fund, and that a 10 per cent return would equal $2.5 billion. Speaking further, the renowned economist admitted that fuel prices increased 124 per cent in subsequent years and this caused transportation disruptions, increased production costs, transportation costs, increase, thereby affecting supply chains and productivity.

Similarly, Rewane stated that fuel scarcity imposed opportunity costs on individuals, businesses and governments. In addition, this also causes slower economic growth, decreased business investment, reduced consumer spending, higher prices for goods and services in the country. He said: “Fuel scarcity rearing its ugly again. Fuel scarcity and queues have been a recurring challenge since the 1970s where frequent fuel shortage and supply disruptions continued to plaque the country.”

While assessing scarcity as real or contrived, Rewane stressed that removing subsidy allowed for more efficient resource allocation, hence, there should be an efficient flow of PMS in the country. In addition, the renowned economist noted that scarcity shouldn’t have happened in the first place, adding that if there are distortions, it implies there are policy issues, structural problems that are not resolved.

However, if at all happens, it shouldn’t be for a longer period. Speaking on the future even with the presence of Dangote Refinery, Rewane said, may be, noting that PMS scarcity was a recurring problem in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“The country has a history of fuel shortages and supply disruptions. Petrol scarcity may likely happen again in Nigeria in the future given the structural challenges in the country’s oil and gas industry, including inadequate refineries capacity, continuous pipeline vandalism, corruption and mismanagement,” he said.

He said a combination of factors had contributed to the prolonged scarcity problem of PMS. He also emphasised that oil and gas played a significant role in Nigeria’s economy.

“It’s a crucial sector for the country’s economic growth and stability, contribute nine per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, 90 per cent of Nigeria’s export value comes from oil and gas, the oil and gas industry is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and has a dominant influence across all sectors. “However, the country has struggled to translate this resource wealth into broad-based economic development and prosperity for its citizens

© 2023 All right reserved. New Telegraph, Nigeria

MASTAkiLLAh:
useless animals like you dont know what a constructive criticism looks like walahi

You are embroiled and blinded in ethnic bias and synicism.lean to balance your views devoid of ethnic colouration

A helicopter carrying Iran President, Ebrahim Raisi has reportedly crashed after it developed a hard landing on Sunday, May 19.

Sunday Telegraph gathered that the tragic incident occurred near Jolfa, a city located on the border with Azerbaijan, in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province.

The site of the incident is approximately 600 kilometres (375 miles) northwest of Tehran, the capital of Iran. Despite poor weather conditions, rescuers are making efforts to reach the location.

As of the time of filing this report, no further details have been provided by Iranian state television.

However, emerging reports revealed that it remains unclear whether the President was actually on board when the tragic incident happened.


On Sunday, Raisi reportedly visited Azerbaijan to participate in the inauguration of a dam alongside President Ilham Aliyev.

This dam marks the third joint project between the two nations on the Aras River.

Iran operates a diverse range of helicopters within its borders, but international sanctions hinder the acquisition of spare parts. The majority of its military air fleet predates the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Raisi, aged 63, is known for his hard-line stance and previously served as the head of Iran’s judiciary.

He is considered a protege of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, leading some analysts to speculate that he may succeed the 85-year-old leader upon his retirement or demise.


© 2023 All right reserved. New Telegraph, Nigeria

DAILY POST reported earlier that a helicopter carrying Raisi was involved in a hard landing while visiting a northern region and his condition is currently unknown.

His death comes on the heels of a fraught moment in the Middle East, with war raging in Gaza.


Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd

The intractable feud between Governor Simiminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is one that has both political and legal dimensions. In this analysis, EMMANUEL MASHA writes that the judiciary might just be the only arbiter to resolve the dispute

The recent exchange of tantrums by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and Governor Simiminelayi Fubara of Rivers State points to one thing – the festering battle for the soul of Rivers State is one whose end is far from sight. Wike’s disclosure that his choice of Fubara as his successor was a mistake he is ready to correct sparked an equally vociferous retort from the governor who said, “if I am a mistake, may they continue to make mistakes…Jungle don mature.” Not done, he picked on his former Boss, disclosing for the first time his government’s readiness to probe Wike, whom he said left a debt burden, especially on various contracts to the tune of billions of Naira. Fillers from the state however, show that the current political crisis is completely outside the expectations of Rivers people. Many are unhappy that rather than an inviting environment for businesses to thrive, there is tension, panic and an atmosphere of turmoil due to political disagreement. Some Rivers people complain bitterly that they voted in the last election hoping that there would be a radical shift from the political bickering which trailed the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike. Recall that while Wike governed the state, he consistently feuded with Rt..Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who was Minister of Transportation who blamed former President Goodluck Jonathan for preventing him from installing Dr. Dakuku Peterside as successor. It was Amaechi’s attempt to reclaim the state’s political leadership that fueled the bitter feud with Wike for eight years. What is understandable is that Amaechi was already a prominent member of the APC, while Wike remained in the PDP. That is why the eight years (2015 to 2023) of Wike, were the toughest that the state has witnessed in terms of opposition politics. But within Chose eight years, the State Assembly complex was peaceful and lawmaking was carried out under speakers who showed utmost loyalty to Wike. Fubara has not been that lucky. Politicians loyal to Wike, who were mostly picked by the FCT Minister to offer their wealth of experience in the running of the state openly worked against Fubara while proclaiming their loyalty to Wike.

Why the feud?

The questions that observers have asked are: Why should there even be issues between Wike and Fubara? What flaws did Wike not notice about Fubara throughout his eight years in office that he suddenly noticed less than six months after he left office? What is the bone of contention? In all of this bickering, is the interest of the state on the agenda of the feuding parties? How come it didn’t last up to a whole year before trouble started? In digesting these questions, there is a need to revisit the run up to the 2023 election. For eight years, after Wike had succeeded in fending off the attacks and plots of the APC and the other opposition parties to take over power, the 2023 election was conducted with less violence compared to what happened in 2019. Wike’s choice of Fubara as his successor among 15 other top contenders within the PDP must count for something. There must be some unique qualities of Fubara that must have endeared him to Wike. And other contenders recognized this fact and threw in the towel very early even before Wike had officially announced Fubara as his choice. That was why the majority of the contenders quickly settled for other positions. Some of the contenders were in the trenches with Wike in the build-up of the 2015 general elections. He knew their worth and the sacrifices they made to his political rise, yet none of them was as high as Fubara in his rating. For this reason, some observers have accused Wike of mistaking Fubara for a weakling who would do his biddings without scrutinizing them. Those who disagreed with Wike on Fubara, were the party leaders who are also kingmakers in their own right. They were the party chiefs who also opposed Wike’s presidential ambition, and teamed up with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who they felt was much more qualified for the job than Wike. Also, in a state where the political elites, chiefs and elders give strong meaning to the riverine and upland dichotomy, the fact that power was moving from Ikwerre after 16 years had already assured Fubara’s victory at the polls. Many voters, including some APC leaders felt comfortable with Fubara, hence voted for him. Fubara, an Ijaw from Opobo was up against Tonye Cole, another Ijaw from Kalabari contesting under the platform of the APC. Who would have told Wike that a man he initially saw as an accountant without any political history or background withstand the pressure mounted against him from different angles and ultimately save himself from impeachment. The truth remains that had Martins Amaewhule and others succeeded in their impeachment bid against Fubara, it would have dealt a huge blow to Fubara’s political career. It would have also left a huge leadership void whose impact would have simply taken the state years to recover from.

Godfather factor

But there are also some Rivers people who hold the view that any politician who is gifted a political structure or elevated politically by a godfather should always be loyal to the benefactor. Wike, they argued, must have seen some good in Fubara, and made him governor with the hope of maintaining a cordial relationship with him. It is, therefore, a sign of disloyalty, they argue, for Fubara to act against the internet of his godfather. Wike buttressed this point a few days ago at a function in Ogu Bolo Local Government Area, where he said he does not expect Fubara to worship him because he is not God. He also apologised to the people of the state for the “mistake” he made supporting Fubara. He vowed to correct the mistake at the appropriate time. Wike said: “God uses people to help others. So, when you have been helped, you appreciate them. God will know you have appreciated him. Nobody can worship man. All of us believe that it is only God we will worship. “I want to say this clearly: in life, we make mistakes. I have made a mistake. I own it up and I say God forgive me. I have said all of you forgive me. But we will correct it at the appropriate time. I am human. I am bound to make mistakes. So, forgive me for making a wrong judgment. So, nobody should kill.” Wike also called the court order stopping lawmakers that are loyal to him as an “odd hour injunction.” He said that: “If they like, they can go to anybody by 2am or 4am to get an injunction. The law will take its course. We must follow due process. “Don’t be afraid. Nobody will remove you as lawmakers. Most of you don’t understand. This is our work. Our business is to make them to fear. That is what I am doing. We will make them angry every day and they will continue to make mistakes. So don’t worry yourselves. We won’t give money to anybody to go and buy arms to kill anybody. I have maintained peace and I want to beg all of you to continue to maintain peace. “Nobody will tell me that I can’t live in my house or not go to my house. But all of you should maintain the peace. Follow law and due process. We will get to the end “In politics, when people with brains agree they disagree. Those who didn’t know what to do said they would bring me down. Who gave birth to them? They are nowhere. When you are in charge, you are in charge. “Everything will calm down. All these people running around, they would come down. Boma worked for his appointment, he showed loyalty and commitment, and that is why God placed him there. Don’t the other party; you won’t blame them and you must forgive them.

What plans do you have to protect the party from money bags hijacking it again?

The PDP was formed by people, who were independent (minded) and who were free from any particular encumbrances. So, it means our problems were self inflicted. So, these are the things we have to look at when we meet. By the time we come together, we will reconcile. You know money is very important but it is not all about money because others made sacrifices in forming the party. Why should supporting your party be a problem?

What are your impressions of the APC and its impacts on the political landscape?

The All Progressives Congress ( APC) is a formation of hate; a formation of evil; a formation of malice and envy. The amalgamation is a combination of all these things put together. There was nothing like a Nigerian vision or ideology behind it and they knew that no matter what, they can’t defeat the PDP in a fair contest. The party had no philosophy beyond just grabbing power, and that is why in 2015, the nucleus of the Buhari’s government was PDP; all the big shots were products of PDP. I said that APC is the paralysed part of PDP because up till today, most of the key elements in government are from the PDP. Even the current National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who is he? He was discovered by the PDP and made the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. So, you can see that with the exception of people like Bola Tinubu and Adams Oshiomhole, who came from ACN, the bulk of the other key actors since 2015 are from the PDP.

The Tinubu administration will soon be celebrating its one year anniversary; do you think it has done well?

I am in opposition and for fairness and justice, you don’t go to an opponent and ask ‘how is your opponent doing?’ You don’t do that because whatever I tell you could be taken as the opinion of a man, who is not happy because he is out of power. They will say I’m talking because my party failed and was voted out. I think it is better you go out on the streets and ask the Nigerian people, whether they are better and happier under the APC, than they were when PDP was in power. So, it’s not me that should rate their performance. Let Nigerians do it. Don’t ask me whether they are doing well because I was in government and they accused us of failing. Now, Tinubu is there. So, go and ask Nigerians if their lives are better now than when they were under the PDP.

What is the performance of the legislature under the Tinubu administration?

Is the National Assembly doing well in the task of checkmating the executive? You see, the word is not checkmating. You don’t checkmate. It is the same Nigerian government. The President is like the Chief Executive of Nigeria and therefore, our sovereign symbol. So, you don’t checkmate him. The principle of checks and balances is what is enshrined in the constitution and every arm of government has a role to play in maintaining the balance of power. There are clearly defined roles for the executive, legislature and judiciary under our Constitution. Now, if one arm of the government allows the other to oppress or suppress it, what can I say? If the executive has a lot of appetite for power, it is going to consume the judiciary and the legislature. It is not for me to say don’t do it. No. It’s for them to assert themselves as separate arms of government with distinct constitutional roles.

How would you rate Tinubu’s economic policies in the last one year?

Again, I’m in opposition and would rather leave that too to the Nigerian people. However, all I can say is that before a policy is pronounced, government must have clear purpose for it and should be able to anticipate the likely impact of that policy on the people. Now, in the event of some repercussions following the announcement or implementation, what is the arrangement put in place to be able to contain it? So, as a government, you should plan with foresight and ensure that you also plan on how to address the likely consequences of your policies. The is because anything you do, should be in the interest of the people. So, in the event of that policy hurting Nigerians, whom you’re trying to lead and better their lives, you must put measures in place to mitigate the pains of that policy before it matures. I feel that whatever the government is doing today is simply ad hoc. There is nothing like deep thinking behind it to be able to plan and mitigate the impact of the policies on the people and the future.

Nigeria will be celebrating 25 years of uninterrupted democracy by the end of this month. Don’t you think Nigeria should do away with zoning of offices and adhere to merit in the choice of leaders?

I beg of you, don’t be detached from Nigeria because you’re part of Nigeria. The way you’re talking, it is as if you’re outside talking about Nigeria. Your generation appears impatient and thinks that everything should have been achieved between 1999 and now. Democracy needs time to mature, from generation to generation. This is why when people say Constitution, Constitution, I say give it some time because if we have the right leadership with commitment, sacrifice and capacity to be able to meander through these difficulties, we will make progress. Instead of changing Constitution, changing the processes of government because you encountered a small challenge, why don’t you try to change your attitude first? Let us be united, do the right thing and may be, in the next 50 years, the next generation would build on what we have done. But, if you are too impatient, you’re not law abiding, you can’t make sacrifice and you’re not disciplined, how do you build a nation? You don’t believe in your own laws or you’re obeying it in the breach. You’re impatient, you’re intolerant, you’re not disciplined, how do you hope to achieve your goals as a people? Let’s learn to be patient.

Rela
© 2023 All right reserved. New Telegraph, Nigeria

Delta State government has flagged off the establishment of College of Health Technology in Ovrode, Isoko North local government area of the state.

This brings to two the number of such institution in the state, the first one being located in Ufuoma, Ughelli north council area.

While performing the groundbreaking ceremony of the administrative building of the new College on Friday, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said the health institution would take-off in earnest from the existing structures in Ovrode grammar school.


The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu said his administration was investing in education and healthcare infrastructure for the sustainable prosperity and longevity of citizens of the state.


He said, “Today, the flag off of the School of Health Technology here at Ovrode, marks a major step in the march towards strengthening our health care sector through the M.O.R.E Agenda. With this state-of-the-art facility, this institution will provide quality education and requisite practical know-how for healthcare professionals who are currently in short supply in the state.

“Today, we have less than a thousand servicing our health sector, whereas we need about seven thousand technical personnel to sustain it. It is to bridge this yawning gap that has informed the establishment of this college.

“I urge the management and staff of the college to be dedicated and committed to producing high quality health care professionals capable of serving our people, with transparent diligence, love and empathy.

“Healthcare is not just about diagnosis and treatment of illnesses; it is also about promoting wellness and preventing diseases through effective advocacy to ensure the well-being of every citizen.

“Through investment in education and healthcare infrastructure, we are investing in the sustainable prosperity and longevity of our dear citizens. I sincerely appreciate the World Bank for its timely supportive partnership with the Delta State Government in the improvement of our health indices.

“I commend the Delta State Ministry of Health, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Delta IMPACT Team for making this vision, a reality. For the Ministry of Education, I recognize your support by willingly providing Ovrode Grammar School for the take-off of this institution.

“I also thank other stakeholders who have demonstrated unflinching support for this project. Let us, together, build a healthier Delta State, both for the present and future generations.”

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme had earlier said the project signified the State Government’s commitment to enhancing health care education and infrastructure across the state in line with Governor Oborevwori’s campaign promises.

He said College of Health Technology would play a crucial role in shaping the future of health care delivery in the state, adding that Delta keyed into the Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress By Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services Project (IMPACT) in response to the Nigerian Government’s commitment to improve its human capital with the goal of reducing under-five mortality rate by half by year 2030.

On his part, the President- General of Ovrode Community, Comrade Simon Okata, thanked the Governor for appointing an illustrious son of the community as Commissioner for Health and for approving the siting of the College of Health Technology in Ovrode.

He said the establishment of the College was a divine fulfillment of Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda and appealed to the Governor to construct the 3 km Ovrode – Aradhe Road to link the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway.

The President- General of Isoko Development Union, IDU, Prof. Chris Akpotu, lauded Governor Oborevwori for choosing Isoko and Ovrode for the establishment of the College of Health Technology.

Akpotu said: “Isoko people are happy and overwhelmed and we appreciate our dear Governor on this massive project. We also thank Governor Oborevwori for the ongoing works on the College of Medicine at the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, as well as the massive transformation on the Isoko section of the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway.”


© 2023 Tribune Online - an online publication of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc. All rights reserved

Medical activities have been paralysed across all government and private hospitals in Akwa Ibom State at the instance of aggrieved doctors under the aegis of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), in protest against the continued incarceration of their member who has been in kidnappers’ custody for over two weeks.


Gunmen had on April 30, 2024 abducted a senior member of the doctors’ association, Dr. John Esu at Oron local government area and he has not been freed till date.

The development forced the angry medics to down tools in what they described as the insensitivity of government and security agencies towards the safety of lives and properties of the people, including medical workers.

Expressing their anger over the continued captivity of the doctor in the hands of the criminals for over two weeks, the NMA State Chairman, Prof. Emem Abraham said it have become necessary to enforce the industrial action to draw the attention of the government and security agencies to the plights of medical workers who have become endangered species in the state.


Consequently, the NMA chief ordered all members including consultants to the state government and privately – owned hospitals to withdraw their services saying the action would be reviewed after 72 hours.

“Arising from emergency general meeting of NMA, Akwa Ibom State branch on May 15, 2024 at Doctors’ Mess, Uyo, over the kidnap of our member, Dr. John Esu, at Oron LGA, on April 30, 2024.


“The NMA, Akwa Ibom State has resolved to withdraw services from all government and private hospitals in sympathy with our member who had been in captivity for over 15 days. The withdrawal of services takes immediate effect, and shall be reviewed after 72 – hours.


“The entire members of our association have been psychologically traumatised by this unfortunate situation, and are not in any good frame of mind to continue serving the public, while Dr. John Esu, remains in kidnappers’ den,” the resolution read.

The Akwa Ibom NMA branch appealed to the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno “to help enforce safe release of our member unhurt within a short period of time, and to improve security of lives and properties in the State.”


© 2024 Leadership Media Group - All Rights Reserved.

MASTAkiLLAh:
useless animals like you dont know what a constructive criticism looks like walahi

don't vent your frustrations on people

No fewer than 24 persons were critically injured on Wednesday following an early morning mosque explosion at Gadan Village, Gezawa local government area of Kano State

The Public Relations Officer of the Kano Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday.

“Today, 15/05/2024 at about 0520hrs, reports were received that, there was an explosion at a Mosque in Gadan Village, Gezawa LGA, Kano State during “Subhi Prayer” and that some people got injured.

“On receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, immediately deployed the command’s combined teams consisting of experts in Explosive Ordnance Disposal Chemical Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) led by CSP Haruna Isma’il and other Crime-Scene Policemen led by Divisional Police Officer, Gezawa Division, CSP Haruna Iliya.

“The scene was cordoned-off and twenty-four victims including 20 male adults and 4 male children were removed and rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano where they are currently receiving treatment,” he said.


Kano explosion painful, Buhari says at meeting with victims' families
Pictorial: Buhari visits Kano, condoles with Emir over explosion
According to him, forensic analysis at the preliminary stage revealed a suspected petrol explosion, of which a full investigation is ongoing.

He said that the principal suspect had been identified and arrested adding that the suspect is now with the Police.

“The suspect is Shafi’u Abubakar aged 38 years who said his action was purely in hostility following prolonged family disagreement over sharing of inheritance of which those that he alleged to have cheated on him were in the mosque at that moment and he did that for his voice to be heard,” Haruna said.

While the suspect is currently in police custody, he noted that a detailed investigation is ongoing and will be made public in due course.

Wigwe University is set to open its doors to the first set of students soon.

The university, founded by the late former Access Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, is keen on providing a world-class education that equips students with the knowledge and skills to be future-ready.

Wigwe died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife Chizoba, and son Chizzy in California on February 9, 2024.

Located in Isiokpo, Rivers State, the university will offer a diverse range of programmes across four major colleges, including the College of Management and Social Sciences, the College of Art, the College of Science and Computing, and the College of Engineering.


Now, fees to study in any of these colleges do not come cheap.

It is said that the school when it opens officially, will be the most expensive university in the country.

A check on the school’s website shows that the cheapest college is Arts with a total fee of N9.6m.


The fees cover tuition, books, laboratory supplies and consumables, personal protective equipment, project lab resources, e-learning resources, health insurance, student membership in professional associations, student activities, and facilities maintenance.

There are also additional charges covering accommodation fees which include the luxury single bedroom apartment plan- ₦1,000,000 / per month; premium one en-suite bedroom plan – ₦3,845,000 per session; classic one plan – ₦3,707,000 / per session and classic two plan – ₦3,500,000 / per session.

The fees can be paid in two installments per session.

The management of the university, while defending its decision to charge in dollars, recently stated that home students would pay their fees in naira, while international students could select the dollar payment option

It said the decision was a strategic one that aligns with its vision to attract a diverse and international student body.



punchng.com © 1971- 2024 Punch Nigeria Limited

MASTAkiLLAh:
you're a bloody liar obviously suffering from acute short term memory loss or a severe lack of comprehension abilities. Point out one place in my post where I forced people to be sad in my post when I only focused on my region and it's political elite ? If your area got something, of course be happy but leave me alone to focus on my region. HELINUES PLEASE AVOID ME PLEASE

Your criticisms are not constructive

A presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday, shared a summary of 20 key projects and policies approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its two-day meeting which ended on Tuesday.

The projects include road construction and purchase of buses while the policies were in different areas including housing, visa and digital infrastructure.

Mr Onanuga shared the information on his X handle.



HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD ON 13TH AND 14TH MAY, 2024

Yahaya Bello vs EFCC

The Federal Executive Council concluded its meeting that started yesterday today, Tuesday May 14, 2024.

After exhaustive deliberations, the council approved a number of policies and projects that will further boost the economy, facilitate investments and promote the ease of doing business in the country. The under-listed are the major highlights:

1. Council supported a series of initiatives set to be launched that will revolutionize Nigeria’s Infrastructure and Housing sector through Public-Private Partnerships

The initiatives which can unlock about N2 trillion are aimed at transforming the nation’s infrastructure and housing mortgage sector, meet the urgent demand for critical infrastructure and affordable homeownership, fostering job creation, inclusive growth, and long-term productivity enhancement.

Inspired by the 1970s era, the government envisions a future where ordinary Nigerians can access 25-year mortgages at low-interest rates to realise their dream of owning a home. By collaborating with private institutional investors, the government seeks to replicate past successes and address current challenges effectively.

This strategic partnership aims to leverage the expertise and capital of private investors to accelerate the delivery of vital projects, driving sustainable development and economic progress for all Nigerians.

2. FEC approved that all users of Federal airports all over the country must now pay tolls at the gates. No one is excluded. The President and Vice President of Nigeria will also pay the toll.

3. The council announced a ban on sand dredging 10 kms from all Federal bridges throughout the country.

4. Council annouced a 4-week deadline for review of visa policy to enable tourists, business people, and creative professionals visit Nigeria. The ease of doing business, the council agreed cannot materialise if prospective visitors face a herculean problem getting our country’s visa. Part of the review envisaged is that visa applicants can apply for the visa online and get one within 48 hours. Also visas may be waived for holders of visas of some countries.

5. The council granted approval for the supply, installation and training of operators of disabled aircraft recovery system at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. The contract will cost N4.2 billion. Similar contract was awarded in 2021 for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in 2021.

6. Council approved Special Purpose Vehicle to be created on a PPP basis to develop 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable to increase Nigeria’s internet connectivity by 60-70 percent. The SPV intends to copy the NLNG model.

7. Council approved a consultancy service for the reconciliation and expansion of the remittances to NITDA.


8. Council approved the request of the Ministry of Communications to convert the property at 324 Jackson Street, San Francisco, USA into a Nigerian Digital Technology Exchange Programme Hub. Property owned by the Nigerian government is valued at close to $7million.

9. The Federal Executive Council also approved the award of contract for the building of bus terminals and other transport facilities in the Federal Capital, Abuja. Terminals will be built within 15 months at Kugbo, Abuja Central Business District and Mabushi. The whole project will cost N51 billion and will be executed by Planet Projects Nigeria Limited, which did similar contracts in Lagos and Oyo states.

10. Council approved the award of contract to Messrs El & Matt Nigeria Limited to upgrade Kwaita-Yebu Road in Kuala Area Council of Abuja at a cost of N7.6 billion. Completion time is 18 months.

11. Council approved contract for the building of the Court of Appeal Abuja Division at a cost of N37.2 billion. Project will be executed by Messrs Visible Construction Limited.

12. The Council awarded contract at a cost of N412million for street lights on Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Expressway. The job includes the procurement of 8 back-up generators, which will be powered by Compressed Natural Gas( CNG) or Solar, in line with government’s decision about migrating from fossil fuel to renewable energy. The council discussed extensively the need for this energy transition, as it is climate friendly, because of low emissions and also because it will reduce cost of transportation and inflation.

13. Council approved the request by Nigeria Customs Service to buy 200 Toyota Land Cruiser Buffalo V6 at a cost of N12.5 billion. All the vehicles will be CNG powered. Government also approved insurance cover for the vehicles at a cost of N522 million. The cover will be provided by NEM.

14. Messrs Yuan Resources Limited was awarded the concession to deploy a revenue assurance platform under PPP arrangement in the lottery and gaming sector. The concession which will be for 15 years, will be done via DFBOT option, which means Design, Finance, Build, Operate and Transfer.

15. Before the Monday meeting was adjourned till Tuesday, council approved several road projects. Among them was the reconstruction of Iseyin-Okeho-Iganna Road in Oyo State.

16. Council approved Section 2 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway for construction, at a cost of N1.6 trillion.

17. Approval was granted for the award of contract for reconstruction of Koton-Karfe -Abaji Road (Abuja bound), along Abuja-Lokoja Route in Kogi state at a cost of N89 billion.

18. On Day 2 of the FEC meeting, approval was given for the award of contract for the equalisation of Lokoja-Benin Road, Okpela Section, Lokoja-Benin, Dualised Auchi Section -Uromi Link Road and Lokoja-Benin Road, Ekpoma Section. It was on this road that a fuel tanker fell into high water recently, with villagers having to swim to rescue the occupants of the tanker. The reconstruction will be financed by BUA Cement at a cost of N120 Billion under the tax credit scheme.

19. Council approved contracts to various contractors to build roads and bridges in Kaima-Tesse, Kwara State, Benin-Agbor, BeninByepass and Ngaski-Wara in Kebbi State. All the four contracts will cost N546 billion.

20. Messrs CCECC was awarded contract at N230 billion to build Kano Bypass. The road which is 37kms long will include bridges and several flyovers. The company has 36 months to complete the work.

21. The Council approved for procurement the Sokoto-Illela-Badagry superhighway, which is meant to join the Lagos-Calabar Coastal superhighway. The road was first awarded in 1976 and then abandoned.


All content is Copyrighted © 2024 The Premium Times, Nigeria

A man has reportedly stormed a Nigerian bank in Dadin Kowa town, Jos South, Plateau State with belts packed with what appeared to be a Person Borne Improvised Explosive Device(SPBIED).

It was gathered that he was apprehended on May 13, 2024, when the suspect was found with an apparent bomb strapped to his body to detonate at the bank.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region that the vigilante Security at the bank prevented the attack after they spotted the suspects.

They immediately apprehended him before he could achieve his aim. The suspect was later surrounded by an angry mob who demanded that he should be killed immediately.

It is, however, not clear if the suspect is linked with the Islamic State of the West African Province or Boko Haram. He was taken to the Police station where he was undergoing investigation.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/pmnewsnigeria.com/2024/05/14/man-invades-nigerian-bank-with-bomb/%3famp=1

Cmanforall:


Some top military men will kick against it

because it benefits them mostly