The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has welcomed the release of two Kaduna-based journalists who were abducted from their homes on the outskirts of Kaduna last weekend.
Speaking when he received the two journalists, AbdulGafar Alabelewe of The Nation newspapers and AbdulRaheem Aodu of Blueprint newspapers, from the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the minister commended security agencies for the speedy recovery of the victims.
The two journalists were released along with Alabelewe’s wife and two children.
Mohammed, who sympathised with the two families, said: “We are most grateful for what you have done. We are aware that this is part of your ongoing effort to ensure that all kidnapped victims are rescued alive and reunited with their families.
“I want to urge Nigerians to keep faith with the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our security agencies. The security agencies under the coordination of the NSA are working tirelessly to ensure that all those who have been taken into unlawful custody are freed without paying any ransom.”
Speaking earlier, the NSA said the five victims were rescued following a combined effort of security agencies, which led to a swift search-and-rescue operation.
Responding, one of the rescued victims, Alabelewe, said: “The rescue mission which brought us out of the bush yesterday gave us hope in our country and gave us confidence to believe that the government is serious about tackling this problem of kidnapping. I never thought that within a week of our kidnap, we could get out.
“We are grateful that the government swung into action and ensured that we were released.”
Kidnapped journalists: Information minister receives freed victims
Kidnapped journalists: Information minister receives freed victims
Ebonyi varsity set to build advanced research lab
Ebonyi State University, EBSU, Abakaliki, is set to build an advanced research laboratory for the conduct of biological analysis and other research works.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Chigozie Ogbu, disclosed this when the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, paid him a working visit in his office at Ezzangbo, the permanent site of the institution.
Ogbu, who is the former deputy governor of Ebonyi State, said the research laboratory, when completed, would be the only such lab in the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria.
He added that the lab would also serve researchers from other parts of the country, especially parts of the North Central Zone, such as Benue State, and would also serve as a source of revenue for the university.
He disclosed that TETFund was facilitating the building of the lab.
Prof. Ogbu disclosed that one of his major focuses, when he came on board, was to improve the research activities of EBSU, which, he said, made him establish a research club at the university to boost research activities.
“We have a committee that considers research proposals. Three weeks ago, about 42 lecturers submitted their research proposals. The committee screened it and I think over 20 were approved, and they have been sent to TETFund for funding,” he added.
He also disclosed: “Academic staff promoted to associate professor and professor in EBSU are almost over 100 since this administration came on board.
“We were promoting staff nominally without financial benefits due to paucity of funds, but because of the recent intervention of the visitor to the university, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who is also an alumnus of the university, we started all the promotions with the financial benefits.
“We have paid our June salary and we are preparing to pay July salary as well. Our staff are very happy this time. Promotion of staff is ongoing with the financial benefits and it’s been encouraging.”
Continuing, he said: “TETfund has been so helpful. We feel fulfilled with our new visitor (referring to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru), one of our own, who saw to the successful dualization of the university road, increased the salary of staff by 10 per cent, reduced the school fees by 10 per cent and increased subvention from N180 million to N280 million.”
Ebonyi varsity set to build advanced research lab
Man Utd sign Dutch striker Zirkzee from Bologna for £36.5m
Manchester United signed Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna in a deal worth a reported £36.5 million ($46.3 million) on Sunday.
Zirkzee agreed a five-year contract with the Premier League club that includes the option of a further 12 months.
United reportedly opted to pay slightly more than Zirkzee’s £33.6 million release clause in order to spread the fee over a three-year period to help with Profit and Sustainability Rules.
The 23-year-old rose to prominence in Serie A last season as he helped Bologna unexpectedly qualify for the Champions League.
He scored 12 goals in 37 appearances for Bologna last term and was also part of the Netherlands squad that reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals before losing to England.
United’s Dutch boss Erik ten Hag spoke to Zirkzee to convince his compatriot to make the move to Old Trafford.
“I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I’m ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies,” said Zirkzee, who started his senior career with Bayern Munich and had loan spells with Parma and Anderlecht prior to joining Bologna.
“Having had discussions with the manager and the leaders of the club I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part in achieving success for Manchester United.
“It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away.”
Zirkzee will compete with Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony for a place in United’s attack in the coming season.
AFP
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Chima wins Nigerian Idol season 9
A contestant, Chima, has won the ninth season of the popular music reality show, Nigerian Idol.
Chima emerged as the show’s season 9 winner after several weeks of rigorous training and intense performances.
The According reports that three finalists— Chima, Lammy, and Chioma— had fought many ‘battles’ to get to the final; and their respective fans are wracked with nervousness as they hope and pray for their ‘faves’ to win this night.
During their last performance, each contestant performed to their heart’s content as they strove to convince the judges and viewers that they deserved to win the coveted prize.
At their last outing, Chioma excited viewers with her rendition of Jodie’s Kuchi Kuchi, and Jennifer Hudson’s One Night Only; while Chima’s soulful delivery of Not the Girl by Dare Art Alade, and As by Stevie Wonder left the judges in awe. Lammy’s heartfelt performance of African Queen by 2baba (formerly 2face), and Alexander Burke’s Hallelujah was applauded by guests as well.
Details later…
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Contact: [email protected]
Kalu urges South-East support for Tinubu’s administration at APC stakeholders’ meeting
Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, rallied support for the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, calling on the South East region to align with efforts aimed at delivering development across Nigeria.
Speaking at the APC South-East Stakeholders’ meeting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State on Sunday, Kalu emphasized the need for collective action to ensure the fruition of national goals.
Addressing attendees, Kalu underscored the achievements of the federal government under President Tinubu, highlighting economic reforms and sectoral improvements designed to enhance living standards.
“President Tinubu’s administration has implemented bold economic reforms, including the unification of the FOREX market and increased investments in healthcare, education, and infrastructure,” Kalu remarked, citing these initiatives as pivotal in boosting investor confidence and positioning Nigeria as a global economic player.
“In addition to legislative support from the National Assembly, these reforms have stabilized the economy and strengthened national security,” Kalu added, referencing advancements in securing the nation and combating insurgency.
Read also: Buratai denounces calls for Nigeria’s division, advocates unity
The Deputy Speaker also stressed the importance of political consolidation in the South East, advocating for more states to come under APC leadership. He acknowledged the existing challenges and called for concerted efforts to expand the party’s influence in the region.
“While celebrating our achievements, we must acknowledge the need for broader political presence in the South East. With only two out of five states under APC governance, there is still much ground to cover,” Kalu urged, urging party members to intensify efforts to win over more states in upcoming elections.
Kalu further emphasized the unity within the APC, noting that collective strength and cohesion were vital to achieving the party’s objectives. He urged stakeholders to leverage their strengths and work collaboratively towards expanding APC’s footprint in the South East.
“Our journey is not one of individual ambition but of collective effort. We must unite and support each other to realize our shared vision for a prosperous Nigeria,” Kalu affirmed, calling for sustained commitment to national unity and progress.
The meeting, attended by APC members and dignitaries, served as a platform to strategize on enhancing the party’s presence in the South-East and consolidating support for President Tinubu’s administration’s initiatives. As discussions continue, Kalu’s call for unity and proactive engagement resonates as a guiding principle for the party’s future endeavors in the region.
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APC will take Abia, Anambra in 2027
The All Progressives Congress has vowed to take over Abia and Enugu States in the 2027 general elections.
The party said it has made a serious road in the zone and will take over the states in the next general elections.
The South-East Zone National Vice Chairman of APC, Ijeoma Arodiogu stated this in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital during the party’s South-East stakeholders meeting which was attended by many bigwigs of the party in the zone.
He said the party has concluded discussion with four Labour Party House of Representatives members in Enugu State for their defection to APC.
Arodiogu also that the party had received many opposition party leaders in Abia State including former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Chinedu Orji.
He disclosed that the party was targeting 90% of South East votes in the 2027 presidential election as according to him, the people have realized that the propaganda by one of their brothers, Nnamdi Kanu that APC was planning to Islamize the zone and the country were blatant lies.
“In Enugu State, we have concluded a discussion with four House of Reps members of the Labour Party.
“In Abia State, we have received lots of political party members including former Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Chinedum Orji and his group.
“So, we are strong in all the states and it is my utmost joy and all the joy of my executives that we will take all the states in South East and we are not looking for 25% in the forthcoming election in the 2027 presidential election. We are not looking for anything less than 80-90%.
“Our people have already realized the lies that were used to deceive us in the 2023 general election, the lies of Islamisation of the South East canvassed by our brother, the lies of the woes of the South East.
“So, next time anybody tells you APC is Fulani party, evil party, they are going to Islamize you, they are going to destroy the country, tell them no”, he stated.
In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu called on the people of South-East to keep faith with the APC administration.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu has done a lot for the zone through appointments and the provision of infrastructure in the zone.
He called for unity and hard work to make the party stronger for the 2027 general elections.
The National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, said the party must be cohesive and united to win Abia, Anambra and Enugu.
Minister welcomes freed journalists, commends security agencies
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has welcomed the release of two Kaduna-based journalists who were abducted from their homes on the outskirts of Kaduna last weekend.
According Online reports that two journalists, Abdulgafar Alabelewe from The Nation and AbdulRaheem Aodu from Blueprint newspaper, along with their wives and children, were released by bandits on Saturday night.
The bandits, in significant numbers, had invaded their Dahono Community in the Millennium City area of Chikun Local Government Area.
Alabelewe also serves as the current chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Kaduna State.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris praised security agencies for the swift recovery of the kidnapped victims while receiving them from the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Mohammed expressed sympathy to the two families and encouraged Nigerians to maintain trust in President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the security agencies.
The statement read, “We are most grateful for what you have done. We are aware that this is part of your ongoing effort to ensure that all kidnapped victims are rescued alive and reunited with their families.
“I want to urge Nigerians to keep faith with the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our security agencies. The security agencies under the coordination of the NSA are working tirelessly to ensure that all those who have been taken into unlawful custody are freed without paying any ransom.”
Earlier, the NSA stated in the release that the five victims were rescued due to a coordinated effort by security agencies, resulting in a swift search and rescue operation.
“Responding, one of the rescued victims, Alabelewe thanked the NSA and his team for the swift intervention.
“The rescue mission which brought us out of the bush yesterday gave us hope in our country and gave us confidence to believe that the government is serious about tackling this problem of kidnapping. I never thought that within a week of our kidnap, we could get out.
“We are grateful that the government swung into action and ensured that we were released,” the statement concluded.
Corps members find love, wed in Rivers
Two corps members serving in Rivers State have tied the nuptial knot in a moment of fulfilled dreams.
The corps members, Ekiomado Osato, RV/23B/2798, an indigene of Edo State exchanged marital vows with her prince charming, Oyeniyi Ifakunle, RV/23B/2893, an indigene of Oyo State.
A statement issued by NYSC spokesman, Christian Onuoha, in Port Harcourt on Sunday said the exchange of marital vows took place at the Woji Customary Court, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on July 2, 2014.
The statement added, “The story of love began for the couple at Community Secondary School, Bolo in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area when Osato who relocated to Rivers State was posted to Community Secondary School, Bolo, where Oyeniyi was already carrying out her primary assignment.
“Having carefully observed the sterling qualities in Osato and convinced that she will make a good wife and mother, Oyeniyi zeroed in on her and got acquainted with her, and the rest as they say, is history.”
In his goodwill message to the couple, an elated Rivers NYSC Coordinator, Mr. George Mfongang, represented by the Local Government Inspector Ogun/Bolo LGA, Mrs. Lekia Nnam-Jacob congratulated the couple and charged them to put God first in their union.
He also enjoined them to build their marriage in love, trust, tolerance, understanding, forgiveness of each other, and mutual respect.
Speaking further, he encouraged other corps members to emulate Oyeniyi and Osato by engaging in meaningful relationships that will lead to marriage, noting that the best way to promote national unity and integration which NYSC is noted for is through the instrument of marriage.
Kalu rallies support for Tinubu in South East
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has urged the people of the South East to support the President Bola Tinubu-led administration in its quest to deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
Kalu made the call while delivering his remarks at the All Progressives Congress South East Stakeholders’ meeting in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital on Sunday.
Highlighting the achievements of the Federal Government in various sectors of the economy, Kalu assured the people that Tububu is working hard to make life easier for them.
“Aside from our supportive legislative activities, President Tinubu has implemented bold reforms to stabilize the economy. The unification of the FOREX market and redirecting funds to critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure have boosted investor confidence, making the Nigerian Stock Exchange, one of the top-performing stock exchanges globally.
“In strengthening national security, significant investments have modernized and equipped our security forces. Over 4,600 hostages have been freed, more than 9,300 hostiles neutralized, and over 7,000 terrorists and bandits arrested.
“The National Assembly under the leadership of the All Progressives Congress will continue to leverage legislative interventions to reposition S/East and indeed the nation,” a statement issued by Kalu’s spokesperson, Levinus Nwabughiogu, quoted him as saying.
He called for collective effort support in the quest for the creation of another state in the region, adding that the call for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, “is resonating as one of the keys to resolving the security challenges in our zone”.
He urged the APC family to work harder toward taking over power in more states in the South East, saying, “While we celebrate these achievements, we must acknowledge that there is still much work to be done.
“The APC’s presence in the South East is not as robust as it should be. Out of five states, we have only two under our party’s leadership. This is not enough. We must push to bring the rest on board, either by converting those in opposition governorship seats or by winning the states outrightly.
“Our voyage is not the journey of one man. A one-man party never conquers. Strength is in unity. There is no strength in disunity and division. It boils down to how far we want to go. If we aim to go high and wide, we must hold each other’s hands while allowing stakeholders to hold their stakes firmly and efficiently in their various areas of strength.”
Naira instability threatens local drug production, PMG-MAN warns
The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has stated that the persistent depreciation of the naira against major foreign currencies must be addressed for President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order on pharmaceuticals to effectively boost local drug production.
Although PMG-MAN acknowledged the benefits of the order, the group emphasised that the most crucial factor for the success of the domestic pharmaceutical industry is a stable exchange rate.
The drug manufacturers maintained that unless the value of the naira was stabilised, achieving 70 per cent local drug manufacturing would be impossible regardless of the order.
The group noted that the Federal Government must begin the implementation of the order to avoid exacerbating the soaring hikes in drug prices.
Recall that in June, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, announced that Tinubu signed an executive order to increase local production of healthcare products such as pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, devices like needles and syringes, biologicals, and medical textiles, among others.
The order, which will be implemented by agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, would grant special waivers and exemptions for these products for two years.
Pate noted on his X account, formerly Twitter, “In a transformative move to revitalize the Nigerian health sector, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR @officialABAT, has signed an Executive Order aiming to increase local production of healthcare products (pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, devices such as needles and syringes, biologicals, medical textile, etc.).”
The immediate trigger of the current instability of the naira has been linked to the decision of the Tinubu administration to float the national currency through the elimination of the multiple exchange regimes, which left the naira at the mercy of market forces.
Speaking in Lagos recently ahead of the forthcoming 7th Edition of the Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers Expo, slated for September 4th to 5th, 2024, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Patrick Ajah, urged the Federal Government to provide a timeline for the implementation of the executive order.
Ajah said the government would need to take certain steps to achieve 70 per cent local drug production, lamenting that the recent fluctuations in the value of the naira have made it difficult for companies to plan and invest.
The pharmacist, Ajah, who is the Managing Director of May & Baker Nigeria Plc, noted that it was not enough to issue an executive order; there must also be a timeline for implementation.
He warned that delays in the implementation of the order by the Federal Government agencies involved could lead to the drug shortages the order seeks to address by boosting local manufacturing of medicines and reducing importation.
He also emphasised the need for the government to follow up and ensure the full implementation of the order.
Ajah said, “Nobody has engaged us in the process. Let me be honest, if the government does not ensure the implementation of this, it can turn around to be negative. Many companies are waiting for the implementation.
“If we keep delaying the things that companies should have placed orders for, there will be scarcity. And if the implementation doesn’t start immediately, we’ll have a situation where you do not know where we’re going.
“This is one major reason why multinational companies are leaving. It’s not the fear of subsidy removal. If we didn’t tamper with the currency, all the multinational companies would be here and they would still be making more investments.”
Expressing worry about the negative impact of foreign exchange scarcity on the industry, Ajah disclosed that many companies are waiting to see if the recently announced executive order will be implemented before placing import orders.
He called for increased government support for the local pharmaceutical industry, stressing that with the right backing, Nigeria can produce 70 per cent of the medicines it consumes.
Giving insight into the Expo, Executive Secretary of PMG-MAN, Frank Muonemeh, urged the government to provide support to the pharmaceutical sector similar to that which has been provided to other sectors, such as cement and petroleum.
Muonemeh expressed optimism that Nigeria could achieve the goal of producing 70 per cent of its medicines with the right government support, adding that increased exports from the domestic pharmaceutical industry would also help alleviate the country’s foreign exchange challenges.
On the 2024 Edition of NPME, with the theme “40 Years of Advocacy: Fostering Partnership and Innovation to Unlock the Pharma Manufacturing Value Chain in Nigeria, Central & West Africa,” Muonemeh said their ambitious goal seeks to reverse the country’s dependency on imported medicine from 70 per cent to 70 per cent locally produced.
He said the 7th NPME 2024 is the flagship expo and the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing exhibition in Central and West Africa, organized by PMG-MAN and partners, GPE India.
“Experts predict that the Nigerian pharma space would be the next frontier for smart investment and trade, with great but largely untapped potential to contribute to national and regional development.
“To unlock this potential, the group organizes a biennial Pharma Expo and Exhibition, focusing on the latest pharma technology, machinery, equipment, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, and showcasing locally manufactured medicines, diagnostics, and consumables,” he said.