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NigerianEye: “NCC boss, Danbatta elected into Council of Nigerian Academy of Engineering” plus 29 more

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NigerianEye: “NCC boss, Danbatta elected into Council of Nigerian Academy of Engineering” plus 29 more

NCC boss, Danbatta elected into Council of Nigerian Academy of Engineering

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 11:32 AM PDT


The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has been elected to the Governing Council of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE), a step which signposts his outstanding role in the development of engineering profession in the country.


The Council of NAE is the highest decision-making body of the academy. The Council oversees the country's highest professional bodies in science, technology and engineering.


Notice of the election, conveyed by Honorary Secretary of the academy, Engr. Christy Adelowo, indicated that Danbatta, and other council members will serve for two years.


Danbatta, a professor of telecommunications engineering with several decades of experience in academia and professional practice, was inducted a Fellow of NAE on June 21, 2018, during the Annual Lecture and Investiture of 10th President of the Academy.


Responding to the election, the nation's chief telecom regulator, expressed appreciation to the Council for considering him worthy to serve the profession in another capacity. "The Council can count on my intellectual and moral support towards the achievement of the overall objectives of the Academy", Danbatta said.


Danbatta's contributions to the engineering profession has been eloquently attested to, with a number of public lectures, including one at the Academy on November 9, 2016, titled "The National Broadband Plan as Catalyst for Social and Economic Transformation: The NCC Mandate".


On June 23, 2021, Danbatta received a special recognition from the NAE in appreciation of his contributions through remarkable implementation of various programmes of the Commission which has seen very purposeful collaborations with the academia and other professional institutions in science and technology towards the advancement of the socio-economic development of Nigeria.


Danbatta has severally played similar roles in the past, including his two terms as a Member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).


He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), Fellow of the Renewable and Alternative Energy Society (FRAES), and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NIEEE).

Nnamdi Kanu: No sit-at-home Friday, ignore Simon Ekpa – IPOB

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 11:30 AM PDT


The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has said no sit-at-home order tomorrow (Friday).


IPOB said the reported order issued by Nnamdi Kanu's alleged disciple, Simon Ekpa should be ignored.


Emma Powerful, the spokesman of the group, accused Ekpa of trying to destroy IPOB.


A statement by Powerful accused Ekpa of working for the Nigerian Government to destroy the IPOB.


Powerful maintained that Ekpa was not a member of IPOB, hence should be disregarded by those sympathetic to the Biafran cause.


He described Ekpa as a scam.


According to Powerful: "The attention of the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been drawn to the laughable, disgraceful and unguarded statements credited to certain "Refugees interpreter" based in Finland whose name is Simon Ekpa through whom Nigeria Government and enemies of Biafra had successfully launched so many tragedies and attacks against our land and people.


"We do, hereby, strongly reiterate once again that Simon Ekpa is not IPOB member, not IPOB or Biafra spokesman, not a family member of IPOB in any family unit in Finland and has never remitted a dime from his monthly fundraising to Eastern Security Network (ESN).


"Every activity of the Finland-based blogger and scammer, Simon Ekpa is to scam and deprive ignorant Biafrans who genuinely wanted to support the only genuine ESN under IPOB-DOS command of funds and logistics so that Igbo land would be invaded by Fulani invaders.


"We, therefore, advise Simon Ekpa and his miserable sponsors not to continue hiding under the name IPOB, ESN and commit all manner of crimes.


"IPOB did not order sit-at-home on Friday which is tomorrow 22nd July 2022, this would be reechoed tonight by IPOB leadership the Governing body. The Directorate Of State the DOS of The Indigenous People Of Biafra will speak to Night, please tune in to Radio Biafra tonight 21/07/2022 at 7:30 BT (Biafra Time)."

Tems credited on Beyonce’s forthcoming album ‘Renaissance’

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:56 AM PDT

 

Temilade Openiyi, the Nigerian singer better known as Tems, has been credited as a songwriter on Beyonce's forthcoming album "Renaissance."

 

On Wednesday, the Grammy-award winner shared the tracklist for her seventh studio album.

 

A picture displaying the comprehensive list of songwriters of the soon-to-be-released project started circulating on social media.

 

In the list, the 'Crazy Things' crooner was credited to have been part of the group of songwriters who wrote the tenth track titled 'Move'.


Other songwriters include Richard Isong, Ariowa Irosogie, Denisia 'Blu June' Andrews, Brittany '@Chi_Coney' Coney, Ronald Banful, and Beyonce.

 

'Renaissance' houses 16 tracks. The project is scheduled for release on July 29.

 

Tems has established herself as a prominent name in the Nigerian music industry, bagging numerous awards and nominations to her credit.

 

She gained international prominence for her role in 'Essence', her collaborative song with Wizkid. She thereafter enlisted on songs with Future and Drake, the international rappers.

 

In June, she won the 'Best International Act' category at the 2022 BET Awards.

 

The win made her the first Nigerian female artiste to clinch the prestigious category.

She also won the 'Best Collaboration' category alongside Wizkid and Justin Bieber for their roles in the remix of the hit song 'Essence'.

Over N1m raised as fans donate for Eedris Abdulkareem’s kidney transplant

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:50 AM PDT

 


Eedris Abdulkareem, the Nigerian rapper, has confirmed a GoFundMe account created on his behalf by friends to facilitate his kidney transplant.

 

The 'Jaga Jaga' crooner was recently diagnosed with kidney failure and is currently undergoing dialysis.

 

Abdulkareem is expected to undergo a kidney transplant on July 27.

 

Reports have it that Yetunde, the wife of the rapper, will be his kidney donor.

 

In an Instagram post on Thursday, the music star said he authorised the creation of the GoFundMe after persuasion from his fans and friends.

 

Abdulkareem also said he feels "better, strong and agile in body and soul" ahead of the surgery.

 

The rapper appreciated his fans, friends and family members for their support.

 

 "Firstly, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to you all for the unalloyed love and care you have shown me since this sad news broke. I sincerely appreciate and love you all for this outpouring of genuine love and care," he wrote.

 

"However, based on the requests I have been receiving on the need for GoFundMe activities, I want to assure everyone that the activity is now on. Just click on my Instagram website for the gofundme link.

 

"I am feeling better, strong and agile in body and soul, while awaiting the doctors summons for the surgery procedures scheduled for anytime from now. Prayers, faith and staunch belief in God's awesome works drives me."


As of the time of this report, the fundraiser, which targets £48,000, has garnered £2,419 (N1,173,700) from 84 donors. 

Wike rewards Rivers United players with $20,000 each for NPFL triumph

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:45 AM PDT

 


Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers, has rewarded each member of the Rivers United FC with $20,000 for winning the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

 

The reward was announced in a post on the club's official Facebook page on Thursday.

 

This was after the team was hosted in a grand reception at the state government house in celebration of the league triumph.

 

Alongside the cash gift, the team was also promised a two-week pre-season training in Madrid, in preparation for next season's CAF Champions League campaign.

 

Wike also conferred the "governors merit service award (GMSA)" on every member of the squad.

 

"Rivers state governor Nyesom Wike rewards members of Rivers United FC with $20,000 each for winning the NPFL22 season," the post read.

 

"He says the team will stay two weeks in Madrid to prepare for next season's CAF Champions League

 

 "He also conferred on each member of the team the governors merit service award (GMSA)"

 

In June, Rivers United won their first-ever NPFL title with four games to spare.

 

The Stanley Eguma-led boys finished the season with 77 points — the highest ever accrued in the league's history.

 

The Port Harcourt-based team scored 58 goals and conceded 24 as they ran other contenders ragged en route to the title.

 

They also produced the league's golden boot winner in Chijoke Akuneto who scored 19 goals.

Debt servicing finally surpasses revenue as FG releases Q1 data

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:45 AM PDT

 


The cost of servicing debt surpassed the federal government's retained revenue by N310 billion in the first four months of 2022.

 

The federal government said this in its 2022 fiscal performance for the first quarter released on Thursday.

 

According to the document, the federal government's total revenue for the period was N1.63 trillion, while debt service gulped N1.94 trillion.

 

While giving updates on the budget performance in Abuja, Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance, budget and national planning, said urgent action is urgently required to address revenue underperformance and expenditure efficiency at national and sub-national levels.

 

 "The aggregate expenditure for 2022 is estimated at N17.32 trillion, with a prorata spending target of N5.77 at end of April," the document reads.

 

"The actual spending as of April 31st was N4.72 trillion. Of this amount, N1.94 trillion was for debt service, and N1.26 trillion was for personnel costs, including pensions.

 

"As at April, N773.63 billion has been spent on capital expenditure.

 

 "As of April 2022, FGN's retained revenue was only N1.63 trillion, 49 percent of the prorata target of N3.32 trillion."

 

The document added that the federal government's share of oil revenues was N285.38 billion (representing 39 percent performance), while non-oil tax revenues totalled N632.56 billion — a performance of 84 percent.

 

Based on the figures, the government generated N401.8 billion from company income tax (CIT) and value-added tax (VAT).

 

"CIT and VAT collections were N298.83 billion and N102.97 billion, representing 99 percent and 98 percent of their respective targets," the document added.

 

 "Customs collections (made up of import duties, excise and fees, as well as federation account special levies) trailed target by N76.77 billion (25.42 percent).

 

"Other revenues amounted to N664.64 billion, of which independent revenue was N394.09 billion."

Nigerians now shamefully pay dollars to study in West African varsities, says Emefiele

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:45 AM PDT

 


Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says Nigerians now "shamefully" pay dollars to study in universities in neighbouring West African countries.

 

Emefiele said this on Tuesday while responding to questions from journalists after the monetary policy committee (MPC) briefing in Abuja.

 

He condemned the pervasiveness of educational and medical tourism as he discussed the impact of CBN's interventions in both sectors.

 

The apex bank's governor noted that a combination of medical and educational tourism costs the country a total of $10 billion, and asked all stakeholders to work together in bringing an end to it.

 

 "Our interest in this is that it reduces medical tourism. Medical tourism today, in Nigeria, consumed nothing less than $10 billion. At least $10 billion is what we spend in a combination of medical tourism and educational tourism," Emefiele said.

 

"Nigerians now go to school shamefully in some of our neighboring West African countries and they pay dollars. I do understand the feelings of ASUU, the feelings of our lecturers, but they need also to know that by keeping these children at home, their parents, looking at them, it is a dangerous trend that we all must place our hands on deck and see what can be done to stop what is happening in educational tourism in Nigeria.

 

"But again, I must say that I'm happy that there are very strong private universities that have sprung up in Nigeria. And we can only just continue to encourage them so as to continue to lift the standards of education in Nigeria. Let's not forget ladies and gentlemen, people see that health and education are the bedrock of development of any country.

 

"We cannot afford to relegate them to the background. So everything that needs to be done to improve the level of health care and education in Nigeria. We should all put our hands on deck to get this done. But I repeat your selfish interest of CBN here is that we need to stop medical and educational tourism in Nigeria."

 

Further speaking on medical tourism, Emefiele commended Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo for patronising a Nigerian hospital for his recent surgery.

 

He said Osinbajo's act was exemplary and proves that world-class hospitals exist in the country.

 

"First, let me seize this opportunity to wish His Excellency the Vice-President well, and quick recovery after his successful surgery at Dutchess International Hospital here in Lagos. I thank the Vice-President, because what he has done is to set an exemplary example to say that in Nigeria, you can go to a hospital and get treated no matter how highly placed that you are" he said.

2023 presidency: Atiku reached out to me to pacify Wike – Gov Ortom on PDP crisis

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:10 AM PDT

 


Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has said efforts are ongoing to resolve the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ahead of the 2023 elections.

 

Ortom said the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar reached out to him to pacify Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.

 

He expressed hope that Wike would be pacified and work with Atiku towards ensuring the party returns to power in 2023.

 

Speaking with Arise TV on Thursday, the governor explained his relationship with Wike.

 

Ortom recounted how Wike stood by him when Benue State was under siege by Fulani herders.

 

He said: "Efforts are on to resolve the crisis in the party. Our presidential candidate has reached out to me to pacify Wike. Wike stood with me at my worst time when my state was under siege.

 

"I believe working with Wike will help get a better result. Once Wike is pacified, I will also be pacified. The issue is not about our personal interests but about Nigeria.

 

"You will agree that Nigeria is under siege by a cabal that wants to enslave everybody.

 

"We have been brought from top to bottom; we need everybody to come together to see how we can rescue our country."

 

Wike is believed to be aggrieved with Atiku and PDP's leadership over the choice of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as the party's presidential running mate.

 

Atiku had ignored the recommendation of a committee he set up to pick his running mate.

 

The committee had picked the Rivers helmsman, who came second during the party's presidential primaries, but Atiku opted for Okowa.

DCP Kyari: Court admits $61,400 ‘bribe money’ in evidence

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:04 AM PDT

 


A federal high court in Abuja has admitted in evidence the sum of $61, 400 allegedly given as a bribe by Abba Kyari, suspended deputy commissioner of police (DCP).

 

Kyari was on March 7 arraigned alongside Sunday J Ubia, Bawa James, Simon Agirigba and John Nuhu who are members of the police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

 

Others are Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne — two alleged drug traffickers who were arrested at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

 

In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/57/2022, the NDLEA accused the defendants of conspiracy, obstruction and dealing in cocaine worth 17.55 kilograms.

 

The agency also alleged that the police officers unlawfully tampered with 21.25kilograms worth of cocaine that they seized from Umeibe and Ezenwane.

 

Umeibe and Ezenwanne, who pleaded guilty upon arraignment, entered a plea bargain with the NDLEA and have been sentenced to two years imprisonment.

 

According to the NDLEA, Kyari attempted to bribe its senior officer with $61, 400 at a restaurant in Abuja to prevent the testing of part of the cocaine that was seized from the two arrested drug dealers.

 

At the court session on Wednesday, the NDLEA through its third witness tendered the money and the illegal substance.

 

The witness, Peter Joshua, who is a chief superintendent of narcotics and an exhibit officer attached to the FCT command of the agency told the court that the foreign currency was handed to him on January 25.

 

"My lord, I took the serial numbers of the said amount after it was handed to me and I packed and sealed the money in a transparent evidence pouch," he said.

 

The money, which was in a nylon bag, was counted in public, after which the judge admitted it in evidence and marked it as Exhibit 11.

 

Joshua also tendered in evidence 24 packs of cocaine that were handed over to the NDLEA by Kyari's team. The cocaine was brought before the court in two travelling bags.

 

Since there was no objection, Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, also admitted them in evidence.

 

The court equally admitted three international passports that were seized from the convicted drug pushers, Umeibe and Ezenwanne.

Passengers allegedly abducted from 18-seater bus on Kogi-Abuja highway

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:00 AM PDT

 

Passengers were on Wednesday evening abducted from an 18-seater bus at Ochonyi-Omoko village along the Abuja-Lokoja highway in Kogi State.

 

The incident happened around 8pm, according to a passenger, Benjamin Isaac, who escaped from being abducted by the bandits.

 

He alleged that the attackers hid in a bush and opened fire on the moving vehicle, deflating the back tyres and forcing the car to a stop.

 

He explained, "They opened fire on back tyres which forced the driver to lose control. When the driver veered off the road, the gunmen came out of hiding and ordered all the passengers to come out. They led us into the bush at gunpoint."

 

Isaac said he miraculously managed to escape from the scene with other passengers and ran into the bus to avoid being abducted by the bandits.

 

A vigilante, who sought anonymity confirmed the abduction, saying he was performing ablution nearby when he was startled by the gunshots.

 

He added that immediately after his prayers, he reached out to his colleagues and mobilised to the scene, stressing that they discovered a bus abandoned by the roadside without passengers inside.

 

He explained that was when they discovered that some passengers from the bus were abducted, saying that he and his colleagues were still combing the forest to trace the gunmen and rescue the victims.

 

DSP Williams Ovye Ayah, the spokesman of the Kogi State Police Command, did not respond to calls put across to him to confirm the incident as of the time of filing this report.

EFCC arrests 18 suspected ‘Yahoo boys’ in Abuja

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 09:35 AM PDT


Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 18 suspected internet fraudsters in Abuja.


The suspects were identified as Innocent Samson, Obiora Eze, Ifeanyi Joseph, Isidore Chinedu, Badaki Linus, Ameh Nick, Kelvin Chima, Akwa Iwu Promise Ifeanyi, Adekunle Samuel.


Others are Abutu John, Testimony Mathiew, Omale Mary Ochanya (female), Afam Darlington Edwin, Henry John, Urochukwu Abel, Ogieto Gift, Innocent Gideon, Ojimini Maduemyi Raymond, Mathiew Timothy, and Kingsley Chukwuemeka.


A statement issued on the Commission's Twitter page said the suspects were arrested on July 19, 2022, at Army Estate Phase Five, Kurudu, Abuja, following intelligence reports received by the Commission about their alleged involvement in internet-related fraud.


Items recovered from the suspects include three cars: a Lexus RX 350, Lexus ES 350, and Peugeot 306, a motorbike, six laptop computers, and mobile phones.


The anti-graft agency added that the suspects will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.

Real reason Benue, 20 others struggling to pay salaries – Gov Ortom

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 09:31 AM PDT


Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has revealed that his state and some other states are currently struggling to pay salaries due to poor allocations from the federal account.


The governor, who spoke on Thursday when he was featured on Arise TV programme, Morning Show, said more than 20 states in the country are currently having difficulties in paying salaries.


Ortom attributed the poor allocation to nonremittance from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC.


Similarly, following accusations from Benue pensioners and civil servants, the governor explained that he inherited N70 billion arrears from previous governments.


According to him, his administration has been able to deplete the N70 billion to N30 billion since he assumed office in 2015.


He said, "When I came in, I inherited arrears of pensions and salaries of over N70 billion, I have depleted that to N30 billion now from 2015 to date.


"On salaries, the challenge is not only with my state, more than 20 states are finding it difficult to pay salaries as it stands now and this is as a result of poor allocation from the federation account due to non remittance from the NNPC".

BREAKING: Biden tests positive for COVID-19

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:05 AM PDT

 


Joe Biden, president of the United States of America, has tested positive for COVID.

 

According to a statement by Karine Jean-Pierre, white house press secretary, Biden is experiencing "mild symptoms" and has begun taking Paxlovid, an anti-viral treatment.

 

The US president is also expected to isolate at the white house, while continuing to carry out his duties.

 

"This morning, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19. He is fully vaccinated and twice boosted and experiencing very mild symptoms," the statement reads.

 

 "He has begun taking Paxlovid. Consistent with CDC guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time.

 

"He has been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone this morning, and will participate in his planned meetings at the White House this morning via phone and Zoom from the residence.

 

"Consistent with White House protocol for positive COVID cases, which goes above and beyond CDC guidance, he will continue to work in isolation until he tests negative. Once he tests negative, he will return to in-person work."

 

Jean-Pierre also said daily updates on Biden would be provided, adding that the prior to the Thursday result, the US president had tested negative on Tuesday.

 

"Out of an abundance of transparency, the White House will provide a daily update on the President's status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation," the statement reads.

 

"Per standard protocol for any positive case at the White House, the White House Medical Unit will inform all close contacts of the President during the day today, including any Members of Congress and any members of the press who interacted with the President during yesterday's travel.

 

"The President's last previous test for COVID was Tuesday, when he had a negative test result."

 

Meanwhile, the development comes 12 weeks after US Vice-President Kamala Harris tested positive for the virus.

Shettima: APC desperate, hired fake Christian bishops, Nigeria will burn under Tinubu – Omokri

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 08:44 AM PDT

 


A socio-political activist, Reno Omokri has knocked the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, for allegedly hiring fake Catholic bishops for the unveiling of its vice presidential candidate, Kashim Shettima.

 

Recall that Shettima, a Northern Muslim was unveiled on Wednesday by the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu as his running mate.

 

The event had the presence of some persons who dressed as bishops.

 

Footages of the alleged fake bishops are currently trending on all social media apps.

 

Reacting, Omokri who also asserted that the clergymen were hired to calm controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the ruling party, said that the APC was full of deception.

 

He stressed that Nigeria would burn under the ruling party if its candidate, Asiwaju emerged winner of the 2023 presidential election.

 

A post on his Facebook page reads, "If Tinubu could not organise a successful unveiling of his running mate, and had to hire fake Christian 'Bishops', then how can he successfully govern Nigeria?

 

"Can Nigeria be safe at the hand of a man who can desecrate Christianity so wantonly? Nigeria will burn under Tinubu, because he obviously can't manage our diversity. The only thing fuelling his ambition is desperation.

 

"His desperation will lead to our separation! We have not found a way to end the menace of unknown gunmen, we do not need unknown bishops too!"

PSG put 15 players up for sale (Full list)

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 08:17 AM PDT


Paris Saint-Germain are ready to sell at least 15 players this summer transfer window as they look to oversee a huge squad overhaul ahead of next season.


PSG are looking to thin out their squad and shift some of the deadwood ahead of new manager Christophe Galtier's debut season.


According to Corriere dello Sport, Neymar has been put up for sale and has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks.


The likes of Mauro Icardi, Presnel Kimpembe and Gini Wijnaldum are also free to leave the French Ligue 1 champions this summer.


Other big names up for sale include Leandro Parades, Layvin Kurzawa, Julian Draxler, Ander Herrera, Abdou Lahkat Diallo, and Thilo Kehrer.


The remaining players on the list are Sergio Rico Gonzalez, Pablo Sarabia, Idrissa Gueye, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Eric Junior Dina-Ebimbe.


PSG won the Ligue 1 title last season, but the Parisians are eager to win the UEFA Champions League in the upcoming new 2022/23 campaign.

Kuje Prison: Reps move to investigate attack

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 08:13 AM PDT


The House of Representatives has mandated some committees to investigate the attack on Kuje Prison.


The lawmakers on Thursday, following a motion by Sha'ban Sharada, mandated its committees on National Security and Intelligence, Interior, Police, Army, and others to investigate the attack.


It would be recalled that armed terrorists stormed the correctional facility, breached the walls, and freed several inmates including terrorists.


The medium security facility is home to several VIPs, terrorists, and other inmates. The government had claimed that over 900 inmates were released with less than half recaptured.


Leading the motion, Sharada said the attack happened despite the huge resources expended on security by the government.


He noted that people in Abuja are living in fear of the development.


"Kuje custodial centre attack and its terrible outcome along with several related crimes against national security are on the increase despite stakeholders commitment towards equipping the national security enforcement and intelligence community with significant Appropriation of funds," Mr Sharada said.


The House, therefore, resolved that the committees should present a report in four weeks.

Kuje attack: FG to ban motorcycles, mining activities

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 07:47 AM PDT


 

Following the terrorist attacks on the Kuje Correctional facility on July 5 as well as others recorded nationwide, the Federal Government is considering a ban on the use of motorcycles and mining activities.

 

The Ministers of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, Justice, Abubakar Malami and Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi, disclosed this to State House Correspondents shortly after Thursday's Security Council meeting chaired by the President, Muhammadu Buhari.

 

The cabinet members were, however, silent on whether the ban would be nationwide or restricted to the affected regions of the country.

 

According to them, the Council is considering both measures to cut off funding and logistics which the terrorists have leveraged to execute their nefarious activities.

 

Malami revealed that the use of motorcycles allowed the terrorists to move around funds sourced from mining and channeled to purchase arms.

 

The federal government, he said, ws now considering ways to block the sources already identified.

 

The Minister of Justice also noted that the terrorists have since evolved their financing techniques to mining and ransom-taking, necessitating the government's intervention.

 

On his part, the Minister of Interior, Aregbesola, said despite the extensive intelligence gathered before the attack on the Kuje Correctional Center, the terrorists succeeded because "there was no will to act."

 

He revealed that President Buhari has received a report on the preliminary investigation on the Kuje attack and officers who have been found to renege on their responsibilities would be punished.

 

Details later…

‘We’ll come out stronger’ — Dana Air speaks on suspension of flight operations

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 07:46 AM PDT


 

Dana Airlines says it will come out stronger from the suspension of its operations by the aviation regulator.

 

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suspended Dana's air transport licence (ATL) and air operator certificate (AOC) indefinitely on Wednesday.

 

NCAA said it suspended the airline because of "its inability to meet its financial obligations and to conduct safe flights".

 

In a statement on Thursday, Dana Air said it "understands the impact this suspension will have on our partners, staff, passengers and the general public, but we are very confident that we would come out stronger as we have done in the past".

 

The airline said it would cooperate with the aviation authority in the course of the audit.

 

"The recent skyrocketing cost of Jet A1 at 830/litre, unavailability of forex, and inflation are also contributory factors to this decision regrettably," the statement reads.

 

"We crave the understanding and patience of our customers, travel and business partners and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience our short absence from the market might cause.

 

"Our customer service team will continue to operate 24/7 to assist affected customers with necessary information on refunds, adding that its offices will be open to all existing partners."

ASUU strike: Why lecturers must call off strike – Buhari govt

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 06:30 AM PDT


The Federal Government has urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to call off its six-month-old strike.


Adamu Adamu, the Minister of Education, urged ASUU to call off the strike and embrace dialogue.


Speaking at the 2022 police meeting on admissions to tertiary institutions in Nigeria held in Abuja, the minister said the strike should be called off in the interest of students.


According to Adamu, embracing dialogue is the only solution to the impasse.


He said: "I urge the leadership of tertiary institutions to partner with the Federal Government in its frantic efforts at restoring industrial harmony in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It is clear that a stable academic calendar is required for quality education and development in Nigeria.


"I also seize this opportunity to appeal to the trade unions in the tertiary education sub-sector to, in the interest of the future of Nigeria, call off the perennial strike and embrace genuine dialogue as a solution to our problems."


This is coming at a time President Muhammadu Buhari urged the union to consider the future of students and call off the ongoing industrial action.

Actress Ruth Kadiri welcomes second child

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 06:24 AM PDT



Nollywood actress and producer, Ruth Kadiri-Ezerika, has announced the birth of her second child.

 

In a Thursday Instagram post, Kadiri shared pictures of herself while she was pregnant, and that of the baby after delivery.

 

The actress also revealed the name of the new born, Emerald-Chizaram-Ezerika, whom she disclosed was born on Wednesday.

 

"Dear Emerald-Chizaram-Ezerika, born July 20, 2022, I want you to know that I prayed for you, waited for you, loved you before I met you.

 

 "And you have made our lives a complete reminder that God answers prayers," she wrote in the caption.

 

Kadiri, who mostly keeps her private life out of the public eye, got married in a private ceremony in 2018.

 

She welcomed her first daughter, Reign Ezerika, in August 2019.

NABTEB no longer accepted for direct entry into university – JAMB

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 06:21 AM PDT

 


The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Examinations (JAMB) has said it will no longer consider the A'level results by the National Business and Technical Education Board (NABTEB) for candidates seeking to gain direct entry admissions to tertiary institutions.

 

Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the registrar of JAMB, disclosed this during the 2022 policy meeting.

 

He said, "The Honorable Minister of education has approved that the NABTEB A'level GCE will no longer be recognized as a qualification for DE from 2022.

 

"However, all those who have already obtained it prior to this date will be able to use it."

 

Meanwhile, JAMB had earlier approved 140 and above as the national minimum cut-off mark for admission into public universities in 2022.

 

It also approved 120 cut-off marks for polytechnics in Nigeria.

Insecurity: Kaduna under siege of bandits, terrorists – Senator Sani raises alarm

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 06:19 AM PDT

 


Former Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Shehu Sani, on Thursday, raised an alarm over the insecurity in Kaduna State.

 

Senator Sani who wrote on his verified Facebook page warned that Kaduna is under siege of bandits and terrorists.

 

He said no one is safe or secured in the state.

 

He wrote; "The terrorists kidnap and kill at the time and place of their choice. They have razed down villages and impoverished families through ransom payments. Terrorists have become a shadow Government.

 

"I spoke as a lone Ranger and have been insulted and defamed for telling the truth about our state and now we are living the reality that was ignored.

 

"Those who blindly supported and defended the failure of the Government also have some stain of blood on their hands." He said

 

"However, it's instructive to note that recently, the kidnapping and killings of Catholic priests in the state by terrorists has become systemic.

 

"I have lost hope that this Government, the only thing to expect from them is to go. We look ahead to the next Government to save our country and protect our people." He wrote

UTME: How JAMB used NIN to tackle exam malpractice – FG

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 06:17 AM PDT


 

The Federal Government on Thursday said the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, used the National Identification Number, NIN, to tackle examination malpractice.

 

Malam Adamu Adamu, the Minister of Education, said JAMB succeeded in using NIN to reduce examination malpractice during the 2022 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.

 

Adamu disclosed this during the 2022 policy meeting on admissions to tertiary institutions in Nigeria, held in Abuja.

 

According to Adamu, "The introduction of the mandatory National Identification Number (NIN) for JAMB registration has yielded humongous positive impact as a potent instrument in the fight against examination malpractices.

 

"The 2022 UTME was the best, so far, as there were minimal cases of examination malpractices owing to the collaboration and other technological interventions deployed by JAMB.

 

"The Ministry would continue to provide leadership support and encouragement to JAMB pursuant to its official mandates. I hereby urge other examination bodies to emulate JAMB in all these positive directions."

Buhari presides over security meeting

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 05:27 AM PDT



President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, presided over the National Security Council meeting.


The meeting was held at the Council Chambers, State House, Abuja.


Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to Buhari, disclosed this in a tweet via his Twitter handle.


He tweeted: "Security briefing currently holding at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja."


In attendance are Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Irabor; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao.


Others include the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Usman; the Director-General of the Department of State Service, Yusuf Bichi; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar.

Shettima, Tinubu tried to divert attention from Muslim-Muslim discuss with clerics – Aisha Yesufu

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 05:24 AM PDT


Aisha Yesufu, a rights activist, has reacted to the alleged fake Bishops present at the unveiling of Kashim Shettima as the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu's running mate.


Yesufu alleged that Tinubu's campaign team used the fake Bishops to divert discussions from the Muslim-Muslim ticket.


In a tweet, Yesufu wrote: "Dear Nigerians on social media So Tinubu campaign team gave you all an assignment yesterday by bringing "fake" bishops and directing your conversation away from the religious exclusion the Muslim-Muslim ticket is. What are you going to give them to talk about today?"


Recall that during the ceremony at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja on Wednesday, some persons robed in apparel peculiar to that of Christian clerics attended the event to show support for the APC vice-presidential candidate.


The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, accused the APC of hiring "artisans" to act like clerics.


Conversion on Tinubu's decision to settle for a Muslim-Muslim ticket has continued to heat Nigeria's political atmosphere.


Nigerians had wanted Tinubu to pick a Christian as his running mate but he opted for Shettima, who is a Northern Muslim as his running mate.

JAMB announces cut-off mark for 2022 admission

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 05:19 AM PDT


The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Thursday approved 140 and above as the national minimum cut-off mark for admission into public universities in 2022


JAMB reached the decision at the ongoing Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria.


The board also approved 100 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into polytechnics and Colleges of Education.


Professor Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB's Registrar, who announced the cut-off said every institution has the right to fix its cut-off mark even up to 220 but no one would be allowed to go less than the agreed minimum marks of 100 for Colleges of Education, 100 for Polytechnics and 140 for Universities.


He further revealed that a total of 378,639 of the 1,761,338 who wrote the 2022 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) scored 200 and above.

NCAA suspends Dana Air over ‘inability to conduct safe flight operations’

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 04:48 AM PDT



The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it has suspended Dana Airlines' air transport licence (ATL) and air operator certificate (AOC) indefinitely.

 

NCAA announced the suspension on Wednesday in a statement signed by Musa Nuhu, its director-general.

 

The authority said it suspended the operating licences after "discovering that the airline is no longer in a position to meet its financial obligations and to conduct safe flight operations".

 

According to NCAA, the suspension takes effect from midnight on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. 


"The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended Dana Airlines'Air Transport Licence (ATL) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) indefinitely, with effect from midnight of Wednesday,20th July 2022," NCAA said.

 

"The suspension was made pursuant to Section 35(2), 3(b), and (4) of the Civil Aviation Act, 2006 and Part 1.3.3.3(a)(1) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (http://Nig.CARs), 2015.

 

"The decision is the outcome of a financial and economic health audit carried out on the airline by the authority, and the findings of an investigation conducted on the airline's flight operations recently, which revealed that Dana Airlines is no longer in a position to meet its financial obligations and to conduct safe flight operations.

 

"The NCAA acknowledges the negative effect this preemptive decision will have on the Airline's passengers and the travelling public and seeks their understanding, as the safety of flight operations takes priority over all other considerations."

 

This year, the airline has reported two incidents with its aircraft.

 

On Tuesday, the airline made an emergency landing at the Nnamdi Azikwe international airport in Abuja.

 

The management said 100 passengers on the Abuja-bound aircraft were "disembarked safely".

 

"Our Abuja-bound Boeing 737 aircraft with the registration number (5N DNA) embarked on an emergency landing today 19th July 2022, due to an indication on one of its engines," the statement had read.

 

In May, over 50 passengers were rescued when fire gutted the tyres of an aircraft operated by Dana Air in Port Harcourt.

 

In 2012, the federal government also grounded Dana Air after its passenger plane carrying 153 people crashed in Lagos. 

I hid like a rat during Kuje prison attack, DCP Kyari tells court

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 04:46 AM PDT

 


Abba Kyari, suspended deputy commissioner of police (DCP), says he hid like a rat during the recent attack on the correctional facility in Kuje, federal capital territory (FCT).

 

On July 5, 2022, gunmen attacked the Kuje correctional facility and freed over 500 inmates, including suspected members of Boko Haram.

 

Although there were rumours that Kyari and other "high profile" inmates escaped, Abubakar Umar, spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), denied the claim.

 

Moving another bail application at the court session on Wednesday, Kyari, through his lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, told the court that he had the opportunity to escape but declined to do so.

 

He said the invasion of the correctional facility has established "a special and exceptional circumstance" that should warrant the court to release him and his co-defendant on bail, pending the determination of the drug trafficking charge.

 

"My lord, every living soul in this country will agree that there was not just a breach, but that there was a grand terrorist attack by an organisation that not only successfully invaded the Kuje prison, but took control of it for over three hours," Ikpeazu said.

 

"However, the applicant, being a law-abiding citizen, refused to take off.

 

 "If there is anything to establish that the defendants will not jump bail, it was that circumstance. The gates of the prison were left open for over three hours.

 

"In fact, the defendant hid like a rat, because the organisation that conducted the attack went from cell to cell, saying they want to take him and the others to the desert.

 

"I don't know where else in the world, where certified crime fighters that have endangered their lives and abandoned their families to serve the country, are kept in the same cubicle with same criminals they made their arrest possible, with some of them facing death penalty.

 

"These people have suffered. They are traumatised by the events of that night. You can imagine what it felt like, witnessing the attackers planting explosives everywhere in the prison."

 

The lawyer also said the defendants anticipated that the prison facility could be attacked, which was why they applied for bail previously but were denied.

 

He submitted that the defendants cannot interfere with the witnesses the prosecution intends to call.

 

"They cannot even have access to the two convicts that are presently under the protection of the powerful prison service," he said

 

"Moreover, there is a constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the defendants."

 

Making his submission, Gboyega Oyewole, counsel to the second defendant, accused the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of lying in their affidavit that no death was recorded, adding that a security operative was killed during the attack.

 

But Sunday Joseph, counsel to the NDLEA, opposed the bail application.

 

He said there is no proof that Kyari is being held with criminals, adding that no prisoner should receive special treatment in accordance with the law.

 

He also said there was nothing shown to the court that would cause it to alter its prior decision to deny the defendants bail.

 

 "We, therefore, urge your lordship to refuse the application," he said.

 

Meanwhile, Emeka Nwite, the trial judge, adjourned ruling on the defendants' fresh applications for bail till August 30.

 

Kyari was, on March 7, arraigned alongside Sunday Ubia, Bawa James, Simon Agirigba and John Nuhu, who are members of the police intelligence response team (IRT), over allegations of drug trafficking.

 

Others are Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne, who were arrested at the Akanu Ibiam international airport, Enugu.

 

Umeibe and Ezenwanne, who pleaded guilty upon arraignment, entered a plea bargain with the NDLEA and have been sentenced to two years imprisonment.

 

I’ll be surprised if NLC goes ahead with protest, it’s against labour practice— Ngige

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 04:42 AM PDT

 


Chris Ngige, minister of labour and employment, says he will be surprised if the National Labour Congress (NLC) goes ahead with the planned protest.

 

The NLC had threatened to go on a two-day protest on July 26 and 27 in solidarity with the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

 

ASUU had been on strike since February 14, with parties involved running into gridlock over issues bordering on funding universities, as well as on salaries and allowances of lecturers.

 

But speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Ngige said it is against international labour practice for the congress to embark on such a protest.

 

The minister said the NLC has representatives on the negotiation with ASUU, adding that the congress is privy to all discussions with the university lecturers' union.

 

"It is a very incongruous situation I must tell you. Why? NLC is on the table of the discussion. They are there. I invited them as the head of the federation to which ASUU belongs, to which SSANU belongs, to which NAAT belongs," he said.

 

"I invited them. And so, they are on the table as their senior partner. That's one. Two, we have a National Labour Advisory Council inaugurated in January 2021. It is an ILO instrument, an ILO architecture for labour unions, governments, and the private sector to come together at any given time.

 

 "So, we've just finished our meeting in March, and this issue was tabled before them. And the NLC is in NLAC, the National Labour Advisory Council, and much more importantly, the head of NLC, Nigeria, has an affiliate of workers federation, worldover called International Trade Union Congress.

 

"So, I will be surprised if he's going ahead with his NEC to do a demonstration, knowing fully well that that is not permissible in international labour parlance."

Desperation raised to power 1000 – Dino Melaye mocks APC over alleged fake Bishops

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 04:41 AM PDT

 

Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye has reacted to the attendance of some bishops at the unveiling of Kashim Shettima, the presidential running mate of Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC,

 

Melaye said the presence of the alleged bishops at Shettima's unveiling had exposed APC's desperation.

 

Recall that during the ceremony at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja on Wednesday, some persons robed in apparel peculiar to that of Christian clerics, attended the event to show support for the APC vice-presidential candidate.

 

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), had criticised the APC, saying "artisans" were hired to act like clerics.

 

Reacting to the development, Melaye said Reverend Fathers don't wear cassocks outside mass service.

 

In a tweet, Melaye wrote: "Reverend fathers do not wear cassocks outside mass service. Desperation raised to power 1000."

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